My Christmas letter to the family of God at First Lutheran,

by Pastor Dave

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I thought this year, I would use my newsletter space to share some of the family happenings in my family as I’ve been asked by many what’s happening with my family members now that they have left the nest and are out on their own. In a sense, this could be seen as my “Christmas Letter” to you, brothers and sisters in Christ at First Lutheran.
Please know that I share these thoughts with gratitude in my heart for all those at First Lutheran who have helped in the raising of my (our) young adults. From Sunday School teachers to confirmation guides, to members of the Worship team, to people sending notes of appreciation and encouragement…so many have had a hand in shaping the hearts and minds of our children. Joy and I give thanks to each and to all.
Our oldest, Joshua, is now a “super” senior (5th year) at North Dakota State University in Fargo. He is closing in on his dreams of being a military musician (he’s a member of the ND Guard Band) having completed his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in the Army Guard this past summer. He also plays guitar in Avalanche, a local Country Rock Band based in Fargo. He’ll do his student teaching (as a music education major) next year when he’s a “super duper” senior (6th year of college)!! Joy and I get to hear many of his concerts and recitals throughout the year.
Dan, our second son, completed his 2-year law enforcement degree at Alexandria Technical College last May and then completed his Advanced Individual Training with the Army Guard in September. He’s now set to join the ROTC and spend the next three years of his life at North Dakota State University earning a Criminal justice degree as well as completing his Officer training for the Army National Guard. His part time employment is driving armored cars!! What a deal…he loves it!!
Angela, our oldest daughter, is home this week after completing her first semester at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She was thrilled to make the equestrian team as a freshman and has ridden in several of the NCAA horse competitions this fall; earning a first place in her very first competition. She had a great start on her way to fulfilling her dream of being entering Veterinarian School.
Melody, our youngest, continues to be nourished by you, our brothers and sisters in faith, at First Lutheran. She is in the middle of her junior year at DLHS; thoroughly enjoying her volleyball, band, choir, piano, work at Lucky Dog, and being the only child at home.
As for Joy and me…we give thanks daily for the opportunity to live within the community of faith at First Lutheran. We count it a privilege to do ministry together with you, our brothers and sisters in Christ. We continue to be amazed (and grateful) for all the ways you, God’s people, share your lives and serve others through the ministries we do together. Joy made the comment the other day of how overjoyed she was with the response of people making the Christmas store work again this year. It was wonderful!!
I look forward to what the new year will bring…what God will do with us, in us, and through us. In particular, I’m really looking forward to the formation of the Worship Task Force…as we seek to re-invigorate our worship of the Living God at First Lutheran.
THANK YOU for your partnership is raising our children (young adults)…and doing ministry together. May God richly bless our next year of ministry together!!

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