NOVEMBER, 2008
All Saints’/
Thanksgiving
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I write you this letter, we are coming to a close of another year - church year that is. We will have celebrated another Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday. I and we look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving. I always like to reflect on some words of scripture.
“The Truth will make your free.” and Blessed are you.”
On Reformation Sunday, Jesus encourages his followers (you and me included) who believe in Him, to “Continue in his world.” The result we all know the truth and the truth will make us free. So, I would also encourage all of us to continue in the world of Jesus - listening to it every Lord’s day, pray for it every day and living it all of our days. Remember that Jesus literally is God’s word to all of us in a BIG, I love you! A I have though in my letter with you. Jesus’ word to us is in His final commandment - “Love one another as I have loved you.” He has loved us so much so he has given his life for us on the cross.
So then, let us give our lives for one another - in lives of faith and commitment. The truth then shall set us free is that God is love and he shows it to us in the life, death, teachings and resurrection of our Lord; the truth sets us free to live life with out fear. His way become our way.
This I would say is especially important. In these days of hard economic times knowing that no matter what, we belong to God through our baptisms in Christ Jesus. It is done. We are made right with God through Christ. All Saints’ Sunday calls on us to be what He has made us namely, His Saints - remember we confess it every Sunday, “We believe in the Communion of Saints” and that’s just what we are- washed clean in the blood of Jesus continuously communing at His Holy table. Fed and nourished to become what we eat - namely, the body of Christ in the world today. So be a blessing in your lives to the one another, and the whole world let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to your father in heaven.
Finally brothers and sister in Christ, give thanks to the Lord for He is good and His love lasts forever. We as a congregation are and have been blessed. We give thanks for the musical leadership of Don Lefante for the past 8 years. Now he moves on. Please greet him and thank him for his devoted service. Don has been great with all our choirs and especially with the kids. He has been great as a staff member and he will be messed. Now let me reassure all that we are covered in our ministry of music. We have just haired a new Director of Music, Mr. William Schmitt, a Lutheran from birth, a great organist and choir director. The Lutheran liturgy is in his heart and we are blessed to find a Director of Music so quickly. Believe me, they are few and far between. Please welcome Bill Schmitt on Advent I - November 30th.
Now I must ask fo your help. At present our giving is 15% below last year. Probably as expected due to these difficult economic times. I also need to let you know we watched our spending - it is down. If you have simply not put your offerings in, please do so. We need to keep our shared ministry up and running - moving forward. If there is any time to share good news, it is now. Please prayerfully consider making a pledge of your time, talents and possessions. November 2nd will be commitment Sunday, but your pledge cards and time and talent sheets are always accepted. Seven New Members and families will be received on November 9th. We are growing! Please support our ministry!
“Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good and the
steadfast love of the Lord endures forever.”
I look forward to greeting you each and every Lord’s Day at His holy table.
In Christ,
The Rev. Ronald M. Klose, Pastor
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