Grace, mercy, and peace are yours from God our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Last Wednesday (August 28th) we began chapel services for the Room to Grow (RTG) preschool children. On Wednesday afternoon another school year of Confirmation (Catechism class) began. Friday, August 30th, we started our Cross Explorers Club for school-age children of RTG. The first week in August we had a successful Vacation Bible School with a “high” day of 40 children from RTG. Next week, we should have our first children enrolled in RTG under childcare scholarships we offer parents who are enrolled in a degree program at Western Nevada College.
In July, we had a Missionary Sunday with Melissa Karges. On August 11th we had Rev. Geta Dirasse from Bethesda Ministries here for preaching and teaching. On November 3rd we will have the Rev. Dan and Patty Schmelzer from Capstone Ministries for another Missionary Sunday.
What do all these events and activities have to do with you? They tell you as members of St. John’s Lutheran Church that your congregation is alive and well. They tell you that St. John’s is doing what Christ would have His Church do – we are seeking and saving the lost.
Sometimes our mission can seem daunting. Sometimes our mission is frustrating. Sometimes our mission is very fulfilling. Naturally, I like the last part – being fulfilled. However, our work is not always going to be fulfilling and we shouldn’t expect it to be. We are engaged in ministry and sometimes ministry gets messy. Sometimes we step on one another’s toes, sometimes members will stop coming to St. John’s because they have a complaint against me or against you.
But, one thing to remember in all of this is that the Lord, Jesus Christ does not call us to be successful or to be fulfilled. No, not hardly, our Lord calls us to be faithful. He calls us to keep on pressing toward the goal of heaven and to tell others that they too can have the goal of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
So, let us do as the writer of the Book of Hebrews says, “… let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25-26).
In Christ’s precious name,
Pastor Alan R. Hilton