Atom“Changing and Growing”
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.” Peter 4:10-11
Holly and I have a friend who, when we greet them with, “How are you?” invariably answers, “Changing and growing.” I kind of like that. For we are always changing…can’t help it as long as we live…and hopefully we are growing in faith and service as God’s people.
In my personal life there has been change and growth this year. The death of a parent changes ones life and the relationships we have with remaining family members. My life has been changed since my Mom’s death. Our oldest child, Kelsey, graduated from High School and is off to college. That is change as well. Our house is a little emptier now…until she returns on break with that nice young man from Anoka she met! (That is another change Dad is still getting used to!)
Many of you have had similar changes and we have been walking together in them. There has been the loss of many precious saints of First Lutheran who laid a foundation of faithfulness and service for us. There have been the sudden losses of loved ones who left us too soon and before their time. We have needed each others’ prayers and supporting arms to navigate the changes. Hopefully these have led over time to a growth in our own trust in God and a growth in our service. As some move on, others step forward to serve the congregation and the community in their place. One member has taken on a task that their mother always did before. Another has taken on a ministry that someone else did before their job moved them to another state. We are always changing! Hopefully we are growing at the same time!
A big change in our worship life has been the introduction of more video to the gathering. This has led to a variety of new images for telling the Good News and an opportunity to introduce other teachers like Max Lucado to our congregation by way of video. Some no longer bring their reading glasses to worship – not because their eyes are healed, but because the print on the screen means they don’t need them! Change in worship has led to changes in preparation as well. We have more people helping with projection as well as more people helping to set up and mix the sound of our new audio system. Pastor Dave and I have to go about sermon preparation in some new ways. There have been hitches and a learning curve to all this, but it would seem that our overall experience of sound and image in worship has grown. Keep feeding back your thoughts as we continue to learn as well as change.
Staff changes have also brought reflection and growth. Candie Johson, our financial secretary heard a new call, as did Angie Behr and Eric Schuld in our Youth Ministry. The Vision Council and Personnel committees have been busy considering the shape of our staff as related to our mission and ministry. It has been a sometimes slow, but careful process of discernment. Judy’s position changed to encompass all of the financial and building pieces and now we are filling the communication and clerical roles that had been a part of her and Candie’s positions. Applications for Youth Director are also coming in. We anticipate filling both positions soon.
The Vision Council has been faithfully watching over the resources of the congregation, trying to discern the direction of the Spirit while also not over-reaching the capacity of our treasury during the economic changes of our times. I am thankful to be partnered with such a faithful Council and Staff here at First Lutheran. Please remember to keep all in prayer! We are all seeking to serve here as Christ would have us serve.
So…it is easy to look back over 2008-09 and see significant changes and growth. The subtle growth of spirit and faith and care might not be so easy to put numbers to, but it has been evident in the lively worship life of the congregation, the vibrant faith conversations in study and small groups, and the visible service of youth and other groups and individuals in the community. Thank you for all you do – for paying attention to the needs of the body of Christ within and without and for sharing your gifts and service in Christ’s name. We are indeed “stewards of the manifold (great and generous) grace of God” and those who speak and serve as the voice and body of Christ.
Thanking God for you and your partnership,
Pastor Wade
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