.JPG)
It was a Christmas card which simply read, “I hope your Holidays are joyous. Love always, Frederick”. As a pastor I
tend to over-think many things but I believe that in this simple act of
sending a Christmas card our identity as a congregation was captured well.
First, we are Lutheran Christians. As such, our confessions speak of God’s
commitment to a broken world through the free gift of Jesus Christ.
We are Incarnate Word. We are a congregation that not only speaks of God's commitment to the world, but lives it out as well through the “priesthood of all believers” as together our hands of outreach give flesh to God’s hands of love.
We are Incarnate Word. We are a congregation that not only speaks of God's commitment to the world, but lives it out as well through the “priesthood of all believers” as together our hands of outreach give flesh to God’s hands of love.
We are the ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. “Evangelical” comes from the
greek word, “euangellion” which translates literally as “bearer of good
news”. When I read of our denomination’s
efforts of attempting to wipe out Malaria in Africa by 2015, which by the way
is the second largest killer on that continent, I give thanks to God that my offering
can be added to those of 4.7 million others to make that happen. Our congregation does wonderful things. But we alone cannot address
this global killer on such a global scale.
Mustard Seed Kitchen.
This is where the Good News of Jesus Christ lived out in this
congregation has touched Frederick’s life.
For him, receiving a hot meal in an atmosphere of biblical hospitality
and dignity is church. In his own way,
by wishing us joyous holidays and love, Frederick is expressing his gratitude
for what God has given him here.
We could learn a lot from Frederick. What has God given you? How have you been blessed here in this
congregation in the past week, month, year, 10 years or more? And what will your response of thanks look
like? Frederick has caused me to
re-think and discern again my own responses of thanksgiving. On Commitment Sunday, April 6th, I invite you to do the
same as together in Christ we live and grow into our name: “The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word –
ELCA.”
Peace
and Love,Pastor Doug
