What a Glorious Day! Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ:

On this Monday after an incredible day with so many of you, Mary and I are overwhelmed with a great sense of God’s blessings! As we count those blessings they all spell:

“LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
That’s what it’s ALL about
‘Cause God loves us we love each other”!

You have humbled me as you honored Mary and me. You chose very special, personal ways to do that. For these we will be eternally grateful!

♥ Naming the “Fetter Activity Center!
♥ The “Fishing Equipment & Silver Lure-Swivel Bracelet” as a reminder that Jesus has called and taught me to “fish for people”!
♥ Mary’s most beautiful silver and gold “Heart Necklace”!
♥ The establishment of a “Seminary Student Endowment for Future Church Leaders” in my name!
♥ The “Tapestry of Love Quilt” from our Women of the ELCA!
♥ A “Foundation of Faith Scholarship Fund with Cross Trails Ministries” for Camp Scholarships in my name by the Men of the ELCA!
♥ A “Scrapbook of Memories” from the Children’s Center!
♥ A “Helping Hands Tuition Assistance Fund” at the Children’s Center for families in need in Mary’s name!
♥ The “Name Plaque” under my portrait!

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow”!

† Thank you to all who planned and prepared for the Narthex table display, the morning worship services, the meal, the afternoon “Sending Celebration”, and reception!
† The special music by the Choir and Mixed Blessings!
† Our Church Staff support!
† Bishop Ray Tiemann, Pastor Elliott Pancoast, and Terry Carmichael!
† To many others for your presence, encouraging words, hugs, kisses, handshakes, gifts, and cards!
† To the Past President’s Committee, and Congregation Council!
† To the Parish Fellowship Board, the Church Properties Board, and the Senior High Youth Group!
† I’m sure that I have not mentioned everyone, but I thank you, too!

“Thank You ALL for Giving to the Lord” and, also, to me, Mary, and our family over these 30 plus years! God bless and keep you in His Abiding Love.

Remember always that Jesus loves you, and so do we!

—Pastor David & Mary

Words of Love and Encouragement

Dear Friends in Christ:

Writing this article is one thing that, as your Pastor, I have looked forward to, even when we had a newsletter every week!

Here are some of the reasons:

♥ Writing from my heart has given me a way to provide encouragement to you often by pointing you to God’s words of promise, hope, peace, joy, and love.

♥ Sometimes I have used this column to teach.

♥ I often included words to help you smile, or even laugh.

♥ I try regularly to show my appreciation for your participation in the mission and ministry of our congregation.

♥ Above all I have tried to celebrate with you the goodness of God who is at work in our lives to bless us, and to bless others through us.

The Letters in our Holy Bible express so much of how I feel as I write these “letters” to you. I leave you with just a few of my “favorites”:

† “I am convinced that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38-39

† “Love never ends.” — 1 Corinthians 13:8

† “By grace you have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8

† “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.” — Philippians 1:3-5

† “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say Rejoice.” — Philippians 4:4

† “I urge that prayers be made for everyone … This is right and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved.” — 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4

† “I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective when you perceive all the good that you may do for Christ.” — Philemon, verse 6

† “I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love.” — Philemon, verse 7

† “We have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them … We love because God first loved
us.” — 1 John 4:16, 19

THANKS FOR READING!

† Pastor David Fetter