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It is always a job to visit our older members and hear all the stories of times past. As they share with me stories of challenge and faith, I marvel at their steadfastness. These pioneers of the faith enrich my life and contribute to my understanding of God's marvelous gift of love and courage that undergirded the building of St John into the faith community that exists today. Even though I may hear these stories over again, I never cease to be amazed at the intensity of love that is expressed in their telling each and every time. Thanks be to God for these wonderful saints that built St John upon the foundation of Jesus Christ and His marvelous love. Speaking of retelling stories, I want to do just that. If you have not been in church since our Fiesta luncheon to benefit the Juarez mission trip, then this may be your first hearing. But those who have will hear it again. We have always been blessed with giving to this mission but this year the turn out of food exceeded my own expectations. Customarily we have 2 - 8' tables for placing food items on. And usually there is room for any late comers to place their dish on the tables. There was such an outpouring of generosity not one square inch of the table could be seen. In fact I believe there was food lined on the counter tops. This continues to show the graciousness of the people of St John Lutheran Church and your willingness to continue the tradition of your forefathers and mothers. Because of you we were able to reach our financial goal of $8,000 and more. Again, thank you for your willingness to improve the quality of life for those we will build for in Anapra and for your continued prayers for our members that will participate in this mission trip. It is that faithfulness that I want to encourage as we enter into the summer months. As you will read, our worship service for the summer months will change from 10:30 AM to 9:00 AM. This means for some getting up a little earlier. The last 2 years it seems that most have been able to accomplish this task, as some refer to it, and our attendance and financial support has not suffered much. I pray that you will again overcome and be in worship attendance faithfully. Even in the summer we need that strengthening of God's grace in our fellowship, prayer and gathering at the Lord's Table. I informed the council that if a number of you just could not make the 9:00 AM worship service and you would tell me such, I would be glad to offer a 10:30 service. Of course you would just have to pay the organist for the extra - that should be motivation enough. My dear friends, I do want to wish each of you a wonderful and safe summer and know that I continue to pray for you and look forward to sharing in your lives as we come together to serve a gracious and loving God who gave us His all in Jesus our Lord. Blessings dear friends, | |
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