Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
There are certain times throughout the year when our church is packed to overflowing: Easter Sunrise service, Easter Festival service, Christmas Eve Candlelight service, weddings, funerals, anytime there is a potluck. And I've got to tell you that on those occasions, I just love to stand in the pulpit and look out over a full house and rejoice in the family reunion that
we enjoy each week in the Divine Service. But, believe it or not, as your pastor, there are things that bring me greater joy.
My greatest delight is when a visitor comes to church, introduces themselves, and says, "___________ invited me to St. John to hear about Jesus." That's what it's all about, isn't it? Jesus. We have so much to be proud of here at St. John: a great location, a beautiful building, a loving and caring congregation. But at the end of the day, it's all about connecting to the people around us and bringing them the love of Jesus.
Adult Bible class will resume on September 20, and each week we will discuss ways that we can talk to people in an honest, winsome way about Jesus. Connecting people to Jesus is a joyful experience, and I pray that you will join me in that work here at St. John. Pastors come and go, but YOU are the church.
You know, it's not impossible for us to have a full church each and every week. God is the one who gathers us together and He will continue to add to our congregation. But God works through His people. He uses us to connect with other people and share His love. Are you the one He's going to use? I think you are. See you in church.
God's richest blessings!
Pastor M. <t><