Advent Thoughts & Prayers To Help Prepare For Christmas…

Dear Friends in Christ:

I have been doing some devotional reading to help me be more open to God’s coming. Yes, this is the Season of Advent, and Advent means “Coming”.

This past Sunday we lit the first of four candles on our Advent Wreath— the candle of “HOPE”. The next three Sundays we will light the candles of “PEACE”, “JOY”, and “LOVE”. Pray with me for the coming (the “advent”) of God’s hope, peace, joy, and love into our hearts and minds.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we must remember that Jesus Christ often comes into our lives when we least expect him. Let us use this Season of Advent to keep our hearts and minds; our homes and families, open to his coming.

Please keep the following prayers close by, and use them often to help this occur for you, and your loved ones:
“Holy Child of Bethlehem, we humbly confess that as we prepare for your Advent our thoughts have been mainly on sending out holiday greetings and preparing our shopping lists. By the power of your Holy Spirit forgive our short-sightedness, and fix our attention on the earth-shaking and life-changing event we celebrate with your coming into the world. Amen.”

“Ever-present God, may this time of Advent be an occasion for us to open our hearts to you. While we wait for Christmas as an opportunity to celebrate your coming into the world in human form, make us aware that you are always ready to show yourself to us. Amen.”

“O God, we know that you will never take your steadfast love from us, and we give you thanks that your Son has come into the world to share our joys and sorrows. Through his life, death, and resurrection, we know that he will reign eternally in the hearts of his followers, and of his kingdom there will be no end. Amen.”

“Lord, like Mary, the mother of Jesus, we are often perplexed by your plans for us. We pray that like Mary, we may come to the realization that we can put our trust in you. Like Mary, may we be prepared to hear your call and respond. ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word.’ Amen.”

“O God, forgive us when we doubt your power. We confess that often we are tempted to handle life’s problems our own way. Forgive our weakness, and may the power of your Holy Spirit enable us to respond to your call as we put our faith and trust in you. Amen. “

“Come into my heart Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart Lord Jesus.”

— Pastor David Fetter
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"God's work. Our hands."

Dear Friends in Christ:

After our recent All Saints’ Eve Halloween Carnival, as we were taking things down and putting them away, I began thinking about the theme we planned to use for our 2008 Annual Report cover—"God’s work. Our hands.”

It has taken a lot of work over the past 28 years to bring us to the present in the life of Abiding Love Lutheran Church! We have joined our hands together with “God’s hands”, and great things have been done!

As we meet this Sunday, November 16th, at 1:30 p.m. for our Annual meeting of the Congregation, it will take PRAYING HANDS, and GIVING HANDS to meet the continued challenges of mission and ministry that makes Abiding Love the shining light it is!
I am using my hands right now to applaud each one of you for raising your hands to say, “Yes, I pledge my support to doing God’s work in 2009!”

When people brought their children to Jesus, “he placed his HANDS on them, and blessed them”. (Mark 10:16)

Jesus continues to bless all children of God, regardless of age, as our HANDS touch others with God’s abiding love.

It’s an awesome privilege to do GOD’S WORK with OUR HANDS!

— Pastor David Fetter

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Celebrating All Saints!

Dear Friends in Christ:

Our church-year calendar designates November 2nd as “All Saints’ Sunday”. (All Saints’ Day is always on November 1st.)

Although this day is filled with sorrow because we miss those loved ones who have gone before us, we bring to our worship songs and prayers of thanksgiving for those who have made an everlasting impact on our lives.

At our worship services this Sunday, candles will be lit and prayers will be offered for specific people in our lives who have nurtured our faith, stood by us, and helped us in our life-journey. Who are those “saints” in your life?

In our creeds, we confess belief in “the communion of saints”. We are united with all the faithful departed. This communion of saints includes both the living baptized people of God as well as those who have entered life everlasting. We are united in this eternal fellowship now and forever.

I often use a beautiful quote from the late Dr. Peter Marshall at funeral services: “Those we love are with the Lord, and the Lord has promised to be with us. So, if they are with the Lord, and the Lord is with us, they cannot be very far away.”

On this All Saints’ Day, as I remember and give thanks for the saints in my life, I will pray that just as they have inspired me, I ask the Holy Spirit to use me to bless and inspire others. We are the “living saints”. Saints are forgiven sinners. And we are called to “ignite the light” by these words of our risen Lord Jesus Christ: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Let us pray:
Almighty God, you have knit your people together in one communion in the mystical body of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints in lives of faith and commitment, and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

— Pastor David Fetter

“Lutheran Homecoming Sunday”-- YOU ARE INVITED! October 26, 2008

Dear Friends in Christ:

The Lutheran family has a great heritage to celebrate. On our church-year calendar, we designate the last Sunday in October as “Reformation Day”. October 31st, the eve before All Saints’ Day is the actual day when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the Castle Church Door at Wittenburg, Germany in 1517.

On this day we celebrate the heart of our faith: the gospel of Jesus Christ—the good news— that makes us free! Though we give thanks for the events of the sixteenth century Reformation that brought renewal to the church of that time, we pray that the Holy Spirit would continue to unite the church today in its proclamation and witness to the world. In the waters of baptism we are made one body; we pray for the day that all Christians will also be at the Lord’s table.

Our Lutheran heritage gives us a firm foundation on which to stand—SCRIPTURE alone + GRACE alone + FAITH alone! “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast”. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

If you are a Lutheran, either life-long or new, Sunday, October 26th is your day to COME HOME. For those of you who have not been coming regularly to worship for one reason or another, this is your day to COME HOME.

Sometimes people get out of the habit of regular attendance at worship. Sometimes people get distracted. Sometimes people get hurt. Whatever the reason for your absence, Reformation Sunday is the time to COME BACK. We’ve missed you, and we want you to COME HOME on Sunday, October 26th, 8:30 or 11:00 a.m., at YOUR CHURCH—Abiding Love Lutheran.

We hope to see you at HOMECOMING!

Let us gather and sing with Martin Luther: “God’s Word forever shall abide, no thanks to foes, who fear it; for God himself fights by our side with weapons of the Spirit. Were they to take our house, goods, honor, child, or spouse, though life be wrenched away, they cannot win the day. The kingdom’s ours forever!” (“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”)

— Pastor David Fetter

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What LOVE Means

Dear Friends in Christ:

As you have heard many times, I conclude my children’s messages on Sundays by telling the children: “Jesus loves you. I love you. We all love you, very much!”

What do our children think that word “love” means? Some professional educators recently posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds. Be blessed as you read some of their answers to the question “What does love mean to you?”

♥ “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis, too. That’s love.” — Rebecca - age 8

♥ “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” — Billy - age 4

♥ “Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.” — Chrissy - age 6

♥ “Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” — Danny - age 7

♥ “Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” — Bobby - age 7

♥ “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a frriend who you hate.” — Nikka - age 6

♥ “Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.” — Noelle - age 7

♥ “Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” — Tommy - age 6

♥ “I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.” — Lauren - age 4

♥ “You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” — Jessica - age 8

♥ Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four-year-old whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, “Nothing, I just helped him cry”.

“We love because God first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

Jesus said: “Abide in my love.” (John 15:9)

IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE!

— Pastor David Fetter

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Lutheran Hurricane Disaster Response!

Dear Friends in Christ:

Once again, the news report and pictures bring great sorrow to my spirit for those who are suffering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ike!

A message from Reverend Mark Hanson the Presiding Bishop of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America shares this concern:
“...Yet another hurricane… is only the latest of seemingly endless series of storms that have brought hardship, destruction, fear and even death to brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean… The relentless destruction reminds us that the rebuilding of lives continues in other areas that have been affected by floods, tornadoes, fires and other disasters.
I call you to respond in the midst of danger and loss… I ask you to respond with your prayers, your generous gifts… and your commitment to a sustaining presence for the long haul… These expressions of our faith remind us that we are… bound together… with those who suffer… God’s work! Our hands!”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

You may give through our congregation, send your check directly to ELCA Disaster Response, or give a credit card donation by phone or online. When designating your gift for a specific disaster, 100 percent of that gift is used for immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts following that disaster.

How to contribute to relief efforts related to 2008 Hurricane Season...

By mail: Make you check or money order out to:
ELCA Domestic Disaster Response
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, Illinois 60694-1764
To designate your giving to this disaster, write “2008 Hurricane Season” on your check’s memo line.
By phone (with a major credit card) 1-800-638-3522
To designate your giving to this disaster, mention “2008 Hurricane Season” when you call.
On the Web (with a major credit card over a secure connection):
www.ELCA.org/disaster
For more information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org,
www.elca.org/news or www.elca/org/new/blog

In Texas, Lutheran Social Services, with headquarters here in Austin, are also coordinating disaster response efforts. You may call for information at 965-6720 or 1-800-938-5777, and over the Internet at heather.gatlin@lsss.org Heather writes: “The recovery phase of disaster response is many times the most difficult… as emotions run high and change daily, sometimes hourly… May God calm our minds and our hearts so that we may be of service to those who are in need.”

“God has a Word for times like this: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and… they shall not overwhelm you… Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you…” (Isaiah 43:1-2, 4a)

God’s promises and our prayers will give strength to God’s people in every time of need! Your prayers are especially requested for Paul Schattenberg, a second year student at Texas A&M University in Galveston. He evacuated safely and is here in Austin.

This past Sunday, I offered the following prayer:
“O God, our refuge and strength in times of danger and trouble, comfort all those who are in distress following the disastrous fury of Hurricane Ike!
Give courage, strength, and hope to face the future to all who are affected. We thank you for all who are involved in the rescue and relief efforts. Give them your aid. Open our hearts so that your compassion for all who suffer might be made known. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.”

—Pastor David Fetter

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Bishop Ray Tiemann to Visit Abiding Love

Dear Friends in Christ:

This Sunday, September 7th, we will be honored to welcome Pastor Ray Tiemann, Southwestern Texas Synod Bishop to our congregation. He will preach the Sermons and preside at Holy Communion at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services. He will, also, lead an Open Forum for adults and older youth during the Sunday School hour in the Activity Center. Bishop Tiemann has set a personal goal to visit every congregation in our Synod during his two terms in office.

I share the following biographical data as a way of introducing Bishop Ray to you:

BISHOP RAY TIEMANN

The Rev. Dr. Ray Tiemann was elected in May 2000 to serve as the fourth bishop of the Southwestern Texas Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He began his first six-year term of office on September 1, 2000 and was re-elected in May, 2006 for a second six-year term.

Prior to his election as bishop, Tiemann served as co-pastor at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas, since 1985. He was pastor of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church of Cameron, Texas, from 1979 to 1985.

Bishop Tiemann previously served as chair of the synod's Commission for Professional Leadership, twice as Dean of the Hill Country Conference, and as chair of the planning committees for several synod assemblies and other synodical events.

Tiemann received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Lutheran College in 1975, a Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 1979, and a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching degree from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 1995. His thesis centered on the relationship between the children's sermon and the general sermon for the day as a way to reach a broader segment of the congregation with the message of the Gospel.

He and his wife, Debbie, reside in Fredericksburg. They have two children, Daniel and Rebecca.

Other Facts About Our Synod

Mission Statement: “Southwestern Texas Synod is United in Christ, Diverse in People, Called by the Spirit, Equipping the people of God to be instruments of God’s Love.”

Ministry Focus through 2012: “Forming Faithfulness— in Leaders, with Congregations, among Partners!”

Membership: 67,902 baptized members in 173 congregations, including 5 missions, and 2 Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities covering 61 Texas counties divided into the following Conferences: Austin, Coastal Bend, Hill Country, Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Victoria.

The Synod Office is located on the campus of Texas Lutheran University in Seguin.

It is my prayer that Bishop Tiemann’s pastoral presence will be a blessing to our church family as we gather for worship, education, and fellowship.

“It’s ALL about love!”

—Pastor David Fetter

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God Wants To Talk With You!

Dear Friends in Christ:

This Sunday, August 24th at 10:45 a.m. we will have an “Orientation/Registration & Meet Your Teachers Day” for our Sunday School Program! Then, on Sunday, August 31st, 9:45 a.m. we will begin our regular schedule of classes for all ages. We traditionally call this “Rally Day”. Our theme will be “Ignite the Light!”, based on Matthew 5:16.

I would like to challenge all of you to “RALLY” around a renewed commitment to study of the Church’s primary “Textbook”—The Holy Bible. Why? Because the Bible is God’s Living Word. God wants to speak to us because we need what God has to say! At Abiding Love, we have Bible Study classes for children, youth and adults on Sundays and during the week.

Recently, I received an email from one of our members that reminded me of how God speaks to us daily. It’s called “A Handy Little Chart”:

YOU SAY / GOD SAYS / BIBLE VERSES
You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)

You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

This is only a very small sampling of the power and promises of God from His “Textbook of Faith” — the Bible. May you be blessed in your faithful reading and study of it!

—Pastor David Fetter

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CELEBRATE YOUR BAPTISM!

+++ “Marked with the cross of Christ forever” +++

Dear Friends in Christ:

This Sunday, August 10, 9:30 a.m. , we will be having a “Baptismal Celebration”! You are asked to bring a memento from your Baptism—the certificate, a picture, clothing, the napkin, a candle, a gift, etc. Please, identify with your name and date of Baptism. A display table will be created in the Narthex/Lobby for these special remembrances.

This Celebration of Baptism, also, provides us an opportunity to review the meaning of this Sacrament of Holy Baptism:

+Our Evangelical Lutheran Worship book contains the following teaching:
“In holy baptism the triune God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives us new birth, adopts us as children, and makes us members of the body of Christ, the church.

The sacrament itself normally takes place in the midst of the worshiping assembly as a sign that in baptism we are made one with Christ and with the whole people of God. On behalf of the whole church, we promise support to new sisters and brothers, confess the faith with them, and welcome them into the body of Christ. Water connected to the Word—God’s saving promise in Jesus Christ—is at the center of the baptismal celebration.

Although a person is baptized once, the gift of baptism continues throughout a Christian’s life. The ongoing nurture of that faith is part of the congregation’s ministries of formation, education, service, and evangelical witness. The additional orders in this section of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism (written in 1531) contains the following explanation of Holy Baptism:

I
What is baptism?
Baptism is not simply plain water. Instead , it is water used according to God’s command and connected with God’s word.

What then is this word of God?
Where our Lord Christ says in Matthew 28, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

II
What gifts or benefits does baptism grant?
It brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the words and promise of God declare.

What are these words and promise of God?
Where our Lord Christ says in Mark 16, “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned.”

III
How can water do such great things?
Clearly the water does not do it, but the word of God, which is with and alongside the water, and faith, which trusts this word of God in the water. For without the word of God the water is plain water and not a baptism, but with the word of God it is a baptism, that is , a grace-filled water of life and a “bath of the new birth in the Holy Spirit,” as St. Paul says to Titus in chapter 3, “through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is sure.”

IV
What then is the significance of such a baptism with water?
It signifies that the old person in us with all sins and evil desires is to be drowned and die through daily sorrow for sin and through repentance, and on the other hand that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

Where is this written?
St. Paul says in Romans 6, “We have been buried with Christ by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

For this gift of God’s amazing grace, let us shout together: “THANKS BE TO GOD!”

—Pastor David Fetter

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL -- “Planting + Sprouting + Growing + Producing + Picking!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

This is what is going on this week at Abiding Love’s “SON HARVEST COUNTY FAIR”. That’s the theme for this year’s VBS, Sunday—Friday, July 20—25. Each day, the children attending are being challenged to:
GROW “LOVE”
SPROUT “JOY”
PLANT “PEACE”
PRODUCE “PATIENCE”
PICK “KINDNESS”
These are five of the “Fruits of the Spirit” that St. Paul mentions in Galatians 5:22. A wonderful group of youth and adult teachers, coordinators, and other leaders are serving! “Thanks be to God!”

I would like to challenge you all to join us in a “Summer Bible Study” by using the following outline:
Day 1 Theme: GROW LOVE
Jesus’ Life Shows Love… Matthew 4:23-25; 26:3-4; Luke 2:4-7, 52; 23:33-34; 24
Because Jesus showed God’s love to us, we can show His love to others.
“[Jesus said,] ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’” —John 15:12

Day 2 Theme: SPROUT JOY
Joyfully Found: One Sheep and a Coin… Luke 15:1-10
God’s gift of salvation brings great joy and causes us to be thankful.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” —Psalm 126:3

Day 3 Theme: PLANT PEACE
Don’t Worry—Have Peace… Matthew 4:23-25; 6:25-34; 7:28-29
When we depend on God’s care, His peace helps us not to worry.
“My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” —John 14:27

Day 4 Theme: PRODUCE PATIENCE
A Father’s Patience Pays Off… Luke 15:11-24
God is patient with us and he can help us be patient with others.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” —Ephesians 4:2

Day 5 Theme: PICK KINDNESS
An Unlikely Hero—The Kind Samaritan… Luke 10:25-37
We show our love for God by being kind and compassionate to others.
“Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” —1 Thessalonians 5:15

On behalf of the children, parents, and congregation, I want to thank everyone who is making this event possible! Our Christian Education Board, Tammy Santos, Director, is the sponsor. Melissa Kikta is the VBS Coordinator.

I, also, say “thank you” to our Christian Service Board, Tom Hokanson, Director, for sponsoring the “Community Service Week” emphasis providing children’s books, food, school supplies, clothing, and money in support of five special ministries. Thank you to everyone who has “given back the blessings”!

It’s ALL About Love! Thanks be to God!

—Pastor David Fetter

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A Mountaintop Experience!

Dear Friends in Christ:

It was good to be away, and it’s good to be back from my continuing education retreat in the mountains of Colorado. Mary and I had an inspiring, restful, joyful, and challenging experience from the lectures, the fellowship, the worship times, and the beautiful scenery, weather, and wildlife. The words of Jesus in this past Sunday’s Gospel reading (Matthew 11:28) are so true: “Come to me, all that are weary… and I will give you rest.”

Jesus himself identifies with us in this human need. Later in Matthew’s Gospel we read (14:23): “After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.” Thanks be to God for such special times!

While in Colorado, we were also able to spend some free time visiting some local artists and crafts persons. Mary and I have both some of the same as well as different interests. We try to respect that. So, one day I found myself in a “Quilting Store”. As I was trying my best to appreciate this place, I was surprised when I came across a table that contained a variety of Christian literature, etc.! One book immediately caught my eye. It was titled “Dear Jesus”, by Sarah Young. As I opened the book’s cover, I read these words: “Seeking His light in your life… From your heart’s deepest cry to life’s joyful praises, you can bring everything to Jesus! Come confidently into His presence and find out what He has to say about your intimate longings and struggles. Draw closer to the One who understands you perfectly and loves you eternally. He’s waiting to hear from you.”

The book contains a series of prayers followed by answers from Jesus, and accompanying quotations from the Bible that support the prayer concerns. I share one of these prayers and answers with the hope that it speaks to your need:

(Prayer…)
Dear Jesus,
I desperately need to learn how to live in the present moment. My mind so easily slips into the future, where worries abound. I also spend way too much time analyzing things in the past. Meanwhile, splendors of the present moment parade before me, and I’m too preoccupied to notice. Part of the problem is my tendency to strive for self-sufficiency. Help me learn to rest in Your sufficiency, depending on You more and more. Amen.

(Answer…)
Beloved, you need My grace in order to live in the present. Grace is all about My provision for you, and accepting that goes against the grain of your natural tendencies. Do you really believe My grace is sufficient for you? If so, then it makes sense to stop your anxious striving. My grace is indeed sufficient for every situation you will ever encounter. However, you must learn to receive My provisions by looking to Me continually. Each day you face a number of situations requiring My help. Moment by moment. I offer to you the needed assistance. Your part is to recognize your neediness and receive what I offer. My Presence is with you always, providing everything you need. Don’t worry about tomorrow’s needs. My sufficiency is for one day at a time—today!

“But Jesus said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

—Pastor David Fetter

"A Great Blessing"

Dear Friends in Christ:

As you read this, Mary and I will be attending the “Lutheran Academy of the Rockies” continuing education retreat for pastors and their families at Meeker Park Lodge, Allenspark, Colorado.

This time over the years has become a great blessing for us spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. We have been challenged by the teaching, inspired by the beauty of God’s creation, and enriched by meaningful relationships with new and old friends.

This academy began in 1937 at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. It was the first Lutheran continuing education event in the United States. The academy remained an annual event in Dubuque for the next 31 years, with a brief respite during World War II. In 1969 it was moved to Colorado with an expanded format to include pastors, spouses, and families.

This year’s theme is” “Religion In Today’s World”. The distinguished faculty members are :
* Dr. Monica Melanchton, professor of Old Testament studies and Head of the Department of Women’s Studies at Gurukul Lutheran Theological College in Chennai, India;
* Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Professor of Systematic Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa;
* Rev. Dr. Wayne Weissenbuehler, Bishop Emeritus of the Rocky Mountain Synod—ELCA, now part-time associate pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, St. Paul, Minnesota, with an emphasis on senior ministry and biblical teaching.

I am very thankful for your support and encouragement of my attending the academy.

You will be in our prayers as we ask that we be in yours. The peace of the Lord be with you always.

—Pastor David Fetter

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"Peace! Be Still!" (Mark 4:39)

Dear Friends in Christ:

Often we read or hear news reports of frightening events, and don’t give them much more thought. But, when the news involves a loved one or personal acquaintance, it affects us differently!

This occurred on Saturday, June 7th when I became aware that a nephew and cousin of church members was lost at sea after the sailboat he was on was found capsized in the Gulf of Mexico! Travis Wright, a nephew of Neil and Judy Haverlah, was missing after the boat he was on was found capsized. The crew of six was evidently not aboard. Desperate prayers were said throughout the day and night. Then, after 26 hours, at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, five of the crew members were located floating on four lifejackets. Later, the sixth crew member was tragically found dead inside the capsized, sunken boat.

It is at times like this that God’s Word becomes very personal as it speaks to our needs. Jesus Christ is “God with us” always — our Emmanuel!

As I was praying for these men lost at sea, I opened my Bible to the Gospel of Mark (4:37—41) and read:

“A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’”

The words of a great hymn of faith, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”, sometimes known as “The Navy Hymn”, came to my mind:

Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm has bound the restless wave,
who bade the mighty ocean deep,
its own appointed limits keep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

O Savior, whose almighty word
the winds and waves submissive heard,
who walked upon the foaming deep,
and calm amid the storm didst sleep:
oh, hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

In our Evangelical Lutheran Worship book, there are a variety of prayers for all needs. This one for “emergency workers” is so appropriate for times like these:

“God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

—Pastor David Fetter

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Summer Sunday Worship Celebrations!

Dear Friends in Christ:

Beginning this Sunday, June 1st, we will have one worship service at 9:30 a.m. This will continue through Sunday, August 24th.

Our two Adult Sunday School Classes will meet at 10:45-11:45 a.m. The “Bible Booster Class” meets in the first floor classroom in the Worship Center. Pastor Lynnae’s class meets in the Activity Center. The Sr. High and Middle School are planning combined classes.

Special Worship Themes are being planned based on the Sunday Gospel Readings. Here is a tentative outline. We, also, plan to have “guest speakers” at some of these services:

June 1 Congregational Leadership Celebration (Synod Assembly)
— Matthew 7:21-29
June 8 Healing Service (Jesus heals a woman and raises a girl)
— Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
June 15 Missionary Sunday (sending of the 12)
— Matthew 9:35—10:8 (9-32)
June 22 Discipleship Sunday (cost of discipleship)
— Matthew 10:24-39
June 29 Education Celebration (Do you love me? Feed my sheep)
— John 21:15-19
July 6 Peace Sunday (the yoke of discipleship)
— Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 13 Grow with Us - Evangelism Sunday (sower and the seed)
— Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 20 Camp Celebration Sunday (parable of the weeds)
— Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 27 VBS Celebration (parables about the kingdom of heaven)
— Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
August 3 Be ONE Lutheran Celebration/Feed the World (feeding of the 5000)
— Matthew 14:13-21
August 10 Baptismal Celebration (Jesus walking on the water)
— Matthew 14:22-33
August 17 Healing Celebration (Canaanite woman’s daughter healed)
— Matthew 15 (10-20) 21-28
August 24 Ecumenical Celebration (Profession of Peter’s faith)
— Matthew 16:13-20

It is Pastor Lynnae’s and my prayer that you will be faithful in your Sunday worship attendance. We pray that the one service will help to unite us as a church family.

(Note: If the parking lots fill, please be careful as you park on the grass shoulder along Brush Country Rd. Also, there is a small parking lot at the Children’s Center on Convict Hill Road.)

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love”!

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

“Thank you Josh! God bless you!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

This past Saturday, I had an experience that reminded me how amazing the grace of God is!
I was returning from Seguin after attending the funeral service for Dr. August Wenzel. Halfway between Seguin and San Marcos on Highway 123 my car began to shake and I smelled rubber burning! I steered off onto the grass and engaged my emergency flashers. I thought immediately to check my front tires and discovered that the right tire had completely disintegrated! Here I was, in my suit and tie. It was hot and humid. I needed to get back to our church where I was scheduled to give the invocation at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Jay Urban. I had never changed a tire on this vehicle. Besides, the car was on an angle in the grass bar ditch. I am a member of AAA, but I knew it would probably be an hour before they would arrive. But, just as I had reached AAA Road Assistance, a young man walked up to my window. I put the AAA person on hold, and talked to this gentleman. He introduced himself. He said that he saw the tread come off my tire and wondered if he could help. He said, “I do things like this”. I thanked the AAA man, and said that someone had stopped to help.

As things proceeded, Josh began to jack up my car. As we talked, I commented how hot and humid it was, as I was sweating just standing there! He said, “It’s not bad compared to the 130 degrees it would be in a month!” Yes, he was going to be deployed for a second tour of duty to Iraq with the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Hood. He asked me what I did. When I told him that I was a Christian minister he asked, What denomination?” He then said, “My father is a Baptist Pastor!” I told him the name of our church and said, “It’s all about love isn’t it—not just for Lutherans, but Baptists, too!” He then said, “That’s why I’m doing this. It’s just another opportunity to thank God for all that He has done for me! We love because God first loved us!”

After he was through, I tried to give him some money to show my appreciation. He would not take it. I insisted, but he said, “No, thank you.” Then he said, “But there is something you can do for me.” I asked, “What’s that?” Josh said, “Please, pray for me!”

I am, Josh. I am thanking God for you. As St. Paul wrote to the Philippians (1:3-4) “I thank my God every time I remember you ...praying with joy ...for you”!

I went on my way back to Austin to attend the Eagle Scout ceremony, remembering the Boy Scout Slogan: “Do a good turn daily”!

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

“It’s ALL About Love!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

You hear these words often at Abiding Love. You experience it in the relationships you have with the people here. Our community knows that our mission is to show and share the Abiding Love of God during the week in our Children’s Center and Food Pantry ministries.

Enclosed in the paper newsletter is an article from the Marbridge Messenger publication. (Online viewers may find the article at: www.marbridge.org/e-chronicle/Jonathan.htm ). It features one of the members of Abiding Love that we all know. His name is Jonathan “Jon” Mettke, the son of Amelia and Paul Mettke. Jon is a very special messenger of God’s love. There isn’t a Sunday when he is here with us that I don’t hear him tell me or someone else: “I LOVE YOU!”
Jon now is a resident of Marbridge, a 177-acre ranch, south of Austin in the community of Manchaca. Marbridge provides a safe, loving residence where adults with cognitive challenges can achieve their full potential.

For many years, I served as one of the “chaplains” at Marbridge, conducting Sunday afternoon worship services in their Chapel of Love. Many of you have attended their annual Christmas Program in that beautiful chapel.

If you look closely at Jon’s High School graduation picture, you will see a necklace that he is wearing. It is the symbol of our Lutheran Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville. It contains a butterfly, a symbol of the Resurrection, and the Chi Rho, the Greek letters for “Ch” and “R” in the name Christ. Jon will never forget the “new life” that he experienced when attending a week of camp as a teen.

Jesus loves you, Jon, and so do we— very much!

May each of us never underestimate the great blessing we give to one another when we say: “I love you!”

—Pastor David Fetter

Some Very Special Days!

Dear Friends in Christ:

This past week, I experienced four very special days filled with joy! What made these days so special? — People coming together for a special purpose to “give back God’s blessings”.

I am talking about Thursday, April 10th, and Friday through Sunday, April 11th—13th.

On Thursday afternoon, I attended our Children’s Center Benefit Golf Tournament, “Chip In For Children”. It was a beautiful day, and I’m not just talking about the weather. Even if you were not there, all members and friends of Abiding Love should be rejoicing! As John Austin welcomed everyone before tee-off, I introduced Donna Eastty, Director of our Children’s Center Ministry. She thanked everyone for their support. Then, I was able to speak and say that this day was ALL ABOUT LOVE—God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for others. I offered a children’s prayer: “God is great; God is good. Let us thank God for this day, and for the blessings it will bring.”

Thanks be to God from whom all blessings flow!

Then, on Friday, sixteen of us left for Lutheran Camp Chrysalis to attend our “10th Annual Workin’ With the Master Builder” work retreat. Our theme for this event was “A Decade of Discipleship—A Legacy of Love”. Christian discipleship involves following the
Master, Jesus Christ in doing works of love.

Even if you were not able to attend this retreat, all members and friends of Abiding Love should be rejoicing! God performed miracles of His amazing grace during that weekend. Wooden decks were constructed on the backs of three new beautiful cabins. The source of a mysterious water leak was discovered in one of the existing A-frame cabins. Also, some site, tractor excavation work was done. The Director of Camp Properties, David Blank, said that he didn’t think we would be able to accomplish these projects. But, once again, as during the past nine retreats, he was amazed and most grateful!

At this retreat, we also worshipped, had fellowship, and grew stronger in our love for one another. “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.”

Another very special day will be celebrated this Sunday, April 20th at both morning worship services. It will be the 28th “Birthday” of Abiding Love Lutheran Church. This is the actual day of our organization as a Christian ministry here in Southwest Austin. “Happy Birthday to us!”

The history of this congregation has been filled with many special days! The days I have just mentioned are examples of what God is doing in and through us because “God so loved the world that He gave (and continues to give) His love through His only Son, Jesus.” (John 3:16)

We love because God first loved us! (1 John 4:19)

—Pastor David Fetter

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Easter Is Not Over!

Dear Friends in Christ:

In the Church Year Calendar, the Easter Season comprises 50 days of rejoicing. For Christians, every day of our lives celebrates Easter because Jesus is alive and with us always as he promises to be (Matthew 28:20).

This truth is expressed in a blessing I often use, and our choir sometimes sings: “As you go on your way may Christ go with you. May he go before you to show you the way; behind you to encourage you; above you to watch over you; beneath you to support you and to pick you up should you stumble or fall (Note: This idea was given to me by one of our youth after a Sunday service when I used this benediction); and within you to give you peace.”

On Sunday, April 6th, the Gospel reading is from Luke 24:13-35. In this wonderful story of Jesus’ appearance to two of his disciples on that first Easter Day as they were walking to the city of Emmaus, we receive an answer to the question of how Jesus is recognized among us as his present-day disciples. As Jesus walked with them, he explained the Scriptures to them. Later he joined them for a meal.

Each Sunday, as the Scriptures are proclaimed and taught, and as the bread is broken and the wine poured, Jesus Christ appears to us! This story of the risen Lord’s appearance on that Road to Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s Day!

Don’t miss another “Easter experience” this Sunday, or every Sunday, as Jesus meets His people in their lives that are often filled with sadness, loss, disappointment, darkness, and despair. In these very real life experiences, Jesus wants to “warm our hearts” (Luke 24:32) with joy, peace, hope, faith, strength and love!

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

CHRIST Is Risen! WE Are Risen! Alleluia!

Dear Friends in Christ:
On Easter Day, we will gather to worship. If Jesus Christ were not risen, there would be no reason to come see and hear! There would be no Christian faith! There would be no Church!

We will come “since we believe that Jesus died and rose again” (1 Thessalonians 4:14)! “Jesus has been raised from the dead” (Matthew 28:7)! “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’” (John 20:18)!

Our celebration of Easter is rooted in the testimony of the New Testament’s Easter Event. Easter directs and controls our lives because it happens again and again. The Risen Lord Jesus is with us always!

• She died after a long illness, the loss deeply felt by all who knew her, none more than her children and grandchildren. But what happened then was that each member of her family who had been left behind sought and found a new direction.
• The dismissal from his job was unexpected, unannounced, swift, and cruel. One day he was on the way up, and the next he was out, his career over. He became an author, consultant, public figure and speaker. As he and his wife looked back, twenty years later, both agreed that these years had been the happiest of their life together.
• Before the invention of the new surgical procedure that removed all the cancer from his spinal cord, he was completely paralyzed. Now he was cured, but confined to a wheelchair. The next book he wrote bore the title, A Whole New Life, and proclaimed eloquently and completely that his new life was not only different but superior to the fifty years he had already lived.

The power of the risen Christ is present not just once upon a time, but constantly in new and exciting ways! Our future hope is because Easter happens again and again. Yes, death happens. But after death happens, new life begins!

CHRIST Is Risen! WE Are Risen! Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

—Pastor David Fetter

An Important Message from Our Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable ... do the work of an evangelist... " (2 Timothy 4:2a, 5b)

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

"Bishop Hanson, what is your number one priority for the ELCA?" The question was addressed to me recently with great clarity and a desire for specificity. My answer? That we be an evangelizing church. The questioner nodded with what I took to be a gesture of agreement and walked away.

I am curious how my questioner would have responded to his own question. And I am interested in your response. I wish we could have had further conversation, because the question is both important and urgent. The urgency was brought home again this week by the Chicago Tribune headline that read, "Many in U.S. leave their churches."

Research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life documents a decrease in U.S. adults who identify themselves as Catholic or Protestant and an increase -- doubling to 16 percent -- in those who are not affiliated with a religion. I have growing commitment to, and appreciation for, the fact that we boldly declare that we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. With that name it's tempting to distinguish ourselves from "those other evangelicals" but I prefer to make a consistently clear and constructive affirmation of what it does mean that we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

To be evangelical means that:

• We are a church body centered in the good news that we are saved by God's grace through faith for Jesus' sake.
• The Holy Spirit is at work through the proclamation of that evangel and lives are changed -- strangers are welcomed, sins are forgiven, doubt gives way to faith, despair turns to hope, the people living in poverty hear good news, the oppressed are set free.
• The church is "the assembly of all believers among whom the Gospel is proclaimed in its purity and the holy sacraments are dministered according to the gospel" (AC VII).
• In Christ we are set free and sent into the world to bear witness in word and deed to the evangel -- serving our neighbor, seeking the common good, striving for justice and peace in all the earth. Being evangelicals in a Lutheran key permeates the life and work of this church.
• We read and interpret the Bible evangelically -- listening for "what urges Christ" (was Christum treibt).
• We worship evangelically -- gathering around the means of grace.
• We live evangelically -- forgiving as we have been forgiven, inviting people to new life in Christ, walking together the way of the cross.
• We lead evangelically -- as servants of the Word, bearing Christ to our neighbor.

How are we doing as an evangelizing church? That is an important question to ponder as we seek to hold each other accountable. The challenges of this moment in history can be discouraging, especially if we succumb to the great pressures on us. Rostered leaders serving congregations are expected to attract and hold members in an increasingly competitive and consumer-oriented religious market place. Many of you are serving congregations that have experienced significant losses, which often can lead to a nostalgic longing for an idealized past that depletes energies for ministry today. You face the challenge of supporting mission beyond the congregation when resources are diminishing or inadequate. We can lose ourselves in discouragement when we view ministry as if it were all about us.

Rather than wondering anxiously "how are we doing?" by ourselves, I invite you, as a Lenten discipline, to take a fresh and confident look at where we are by asking the question out of your daily baptismal renewal: "What is God doing with and among us?" On the cross all of our self-absorbed attempts to "survive" or save ourselves were crucified. Through the gospel the Holy Spirit claims, gathers, and sends us into a new life as an evangelizing church for the sake of the world. The Holy Spirit is the source of our power, strength, and gifts as together we proclaim Christ and engage in God's mission for the life of the world. In this mission we follow the way of the cross, losing our lives for Christ's sake and for the sake of the gospel. A cruciform ministry with brokenness, vulnerability, and forgiveness at its center invites us together to seek to discern the mind of Christ and to live as an evangelizing people. As a result, an evangelizing church will be present where people are being persecuted for their faith, where the reality of poverty and violence diminishes abundant life, and where the creation groans in travail. An evangelizing church will be present, proclaiming Christ and bearing witness to all, including
those who claim "no religion."

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is and will be an evangelizing church. I invite you to join me in embracing and celebrating this call with new energy and passion.

In God's grace,
Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop

(I thank Bishop Hanson for his leadership and inspiration!
—Pastor David Fetter)

“The Body of Christ”

Dear Friends in Christ:

In First Corinthians 12:27 St. Paul writes: “You are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

This past Saturday morning, a good-sized group of Abiding Love members experienced the truth of these words as we gathered for inspiration, learning, planning, and communicating as representatives of the ten administrative boards that guide the mission and ministry of our congregation. The following prayer-card was shared at our worship services last Sunday: “A prayer of thanksgiving for the great meeting of the Abiding Love boards and for the many persons who share their time and talents to help provide so many services for our church, the community, and those around the world. Be with each one of our members as we all strive to do more for God and His Kingdom.”

How true, it is the calling of all the baptized to “let our light shine…” and, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.” We sang these two songs on Saturday: “This little Gospel Light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”, and “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.”

There are many opportunities for all of us to be Jesus Christ’s “light” and “love”. If any of the following areas of service interest you, please call the Board Director listed:

Children’s Outreach: Mary Fetter 892-3925
Christian Education: Tammy Santos 282-6372
Christian Service: Tom Hokanson 892-4139
Church Properties: Pat Dove 233-0230
Evangelism & Outreach: Steve Kikta 443-8947
Membership Care: Margaret Dove 233-0230
Parish Fellowship: Dolly Atkinson 301-5326
Stewardship & Finance: Erv Merz 282-6785
Worship Life & Related Ministries: J.D. Bostick 750-5442
Youth & Children’s Ministries: Marian Hollien 892-1475
President: Diane Albin 301-9059
Vice-President: Bob Thonhoff 288-4480
Secretary: Karan Heidemann 288-0736
Treasurer: Sheila Koehler 291-0654

St. Paul continues with these words: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

“One in the Spirit” with you,
Pastor David Fetter

The Forgiveness of Sins

Dear Friends in Christ:

The Season of Lent is a time for repentance as we take our sins to the Cross and pray: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!”

The following is a powerful true story from a Lenten booklet of meditations titled, “Different Shoes a Common Path”, published by Forward Movement, an agency of the Episcopal Church.

The Story…

Matthew B. Harper was arrested for murder, tried, and convicted in 1999. He is now serving two concurrent sentences, a thirty-five year sentence for murder and a twenty-year sentence for arson, at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. With good behavior, he will be eligible for parole in 2029. Of his crime,
Matthew writes:

I am in prison for murdering my older sister, Anne Elizabeth, and for the fire that followed the murder. At the time I was eighteen and she was twenty. The circumstances of the crime are complicated and ugly; they always are. We were very close—you can only truly fight and argue with those you love very deeply. Lent 2008 will mark my ninth year in prison. I was free for three years after Anne’s death before I was arrested. During those three years I returned to college and tried to return to the church (God and I had some serious issues). I also tried to hide from what I had done.

When I was arrested, I pleaded guilty. At the time I was a senior in college, engaged to an amazing woman, and we were expecting a child. All that is gone now, and I do not blame her for her decisions in the face of such a deep betrayal about who I was. The nine years since have marked for me a long passage and struggle of faith and selfdiscovery. There are many good priests, psychologists, and lay people who have helped me become the man I am today.

I grew up in the church and once was a good young man, on a good path, willing to be used by God. It took me many years to become something else and many more to recover from that. What I did nine years ago is a fundamental part of who I am today. Not a day passes that I do not think of Anne or my crime against her and all who loved her. I can only do good with what is left to me. I work for the chaplain here in prison and am a leader and director of the Kairos community here. I have completed my undergraduate work and am working on an M.A. in Christian Theology. This Lent I shall be thirty-one years old. I will be fifty-two when I am released, but God has not wasted the past nine years. I do not believe the next twenty-one will be wasted either.

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!”

—Pastor David Fetter

PREPARING FOR LENT

Dear Friends in Christ:

“Marked with the Cross of Christ!”

This past Sunday we celebrated a Baptism at our 8:30 a.m. Worship Service. We heard these words as the forehead of the child was marked with the anointing oil and the sign of the cross was made: “Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”

On Ash Wednesday, February 6th, at our 6:45 p.m. Worship Service, God’s children of all ages will be marked with the Cross of Christ in the imposition of ashes. The ash cross we will wear is a way of saying, “I am sorry for my sins, and I know I need to be forgiven.” When we look in the mirror, it is a reminder that sin does make a “dirty mark” in our lives and in this world. That’s why Jesus taught us to pray: “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.”

In the Cross of Christ we experience the power of God’s forgiveness. From that cross, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them!” The ashes also remind us that we are mortal. Death is an ever present reality. So, as you are marked with the ashes, you will hear these words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19)

Although Ash Wednesday seems like a somber, serious day, it is also a hopeful day, because the cross reminds us that God loves and forgives us. Each day is a chance to start over. Nothing, not even sin or death itself can ever separate us from God’s abiding love which is ours through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! “Thanks be to God!”

† † 6 Wednesdays in Lent
†
† Pastor Lynnae and I invite you to join us during the six
† Wednesday evenings in Lent, February 6th through March
† 12th, for a special time of food, fellowship, and worship: †
†
† 5:45 p.m. — A Meal in the Activity Center
† 6:45 p.m. — Worship in the Sancturary
† †


— Pastor David Fetter

Start the New Year with Hope!

Dear Friends in Christ:
As God’s people we can face another New Year with the hope that our faith in Jesus Christ gives us.

I share a real-life story with you:

Sarah blew out he candles on her cake—all 35 of them. Her coworkers had planned this surprise party for her. But as she blew the candles out, she thought to herself: “This is not how I envisioned my life at age 35.” She thought back to her college graduation, when she and Immanuel were still dating, when they were still talking about marriage and kids and a lifetime together. Now, it had been three years since they’d broken up, and she hadn’t even gone on a date since then.

Sarah had imagined that by age 35, she would have been married for at least 5 years, have 2 kids, and have started her career as a school administrator. But Sarah’s dreams hadn’t come to reality. And without a husband, Sarah envisioned a difficult road to travel. She had to re-consider her life plans and figure out how to find a different way to the goals and life experiences that she wanted. Would Sarah be a foster parent? Adopt? Mentor a young girl? Babysit? Whatever choices she made, Sarah had to travel another road.

What about you? Have there been times when you thought you had life all planned out, then suddenly a roadblock appeared? Have there been times when you thought you knew exactly what to do, but suddenly encountered a tree in the road? What do you do when your best-laid plans cannot come to pass and you must travel another road? In such circumstances, you could be paralyzed by fear and forced into inaction, or you can let that roadblock lead you to a new path, a different road, a fresh way.

In this New Year, write these words of truth, from God’s Word in your mind:

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5)

Let us pray:
“God, guide us in all of our ways. Especially when we face roadblocks or detours in life, show us the best path to take. Help us to see when it is time to change our plans, or to give up what we once hoped for. Help us to see how we can take another road. Amen.”

—Pastor David Fetter
† † †