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

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