Pastor Fetter's Corner

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

2010-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

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

"The Kingdom of Heaven Is Like a Fine Pearl" - A 30-Year Legacy of Love

2010-04-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Our 30th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, April 18th was a most memorable and joyful event in our Congregation’s history!

I am so very thankful to everyone who planned, prepared and served for the Sunday School hour, the Worship Service, and the Meal!

It was wonderful to be reunited with some former members and friends.

Personally, I was deeply touched by your gifts of love honoring me for my 30 years as your Pastor. Ask me to see the James Avery etched cross silver ring with the inside engraving, and the incredibly beautiful, engraved, silver pocket watch with the inlaid mother of pearl on the outside cover and inner face. This watch will forever be a reminder of “Things Remembered” from our relationships in the mission and ministry of life together as Pastor and people. Also, the engraved wood shell/pearl plaque witnesses to the water of my Baptism which united me forever with the abiding love of Jesus Christ who is the most valuable Pearl of all. For this, I give thanks and praise to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

“Almighty God, we give you thanks for the work you have done in this place. We give you thanks for your love and faithfulness. When we called on your name, you made your presence known to us. When we prayed, you heard us. When we preached your Word and administered your Sacraments, you were in our midst. You have accepted our humble sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. You have listened to our confessions and forgiven our sins. And you have sent your Holy Spirit to heal and comfort us in our hurts, our sorrows, and our losses.

Continue to empower us with your Spirit, O Lord, that we might proclaim your gospel to all people.

Help us to witness to the good news of Jesus Christ in all that we do and say.

Show us how we might give care and support, love and mercy to those in need.

Grant that we may continuously grow in the Spirit and in the ministry that is ours as members of the priesthood of all believers, so that we may carry out our mission of service and love.

Bring us at last to the joy of your eternal kingdom, so that in communion with all your saints we may forever praise your name. Amen.”

† Pastor David Fetter

Our 30-Year Legacy of Love

2010-04-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

I am filled with much joy and thanksgiving as we are preparing to celebrate our 30th “Pearl” Anniversary as a Congregation.

Someone recently told me, “You should write a book about Abiding Love.” If I ever do, it wouldn’t be very hard to come up with titles for the chapters. What might they be? Those of you who were here in the beginning will recall themes that have inspired and unified us. And, those of you who have joined our mission and ministry throughout the years will recognize other themes.

To quote the theme song of a great American, Bob Hope, whose picture is on a recent postage stamp which Mary and I have been using: “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.” Join me now in remembering and giving thanks to our good and gracious God for the past and continuing legacy of Abiding Love:

♥ “Blest Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts in Christian Love”!

♥ “Something’s Always Happening at Abiding Love”!

♥ “Faith Growing… Love Increasing”!

♥ “Forward in Faith”!

♥ “Growing in Grace”!

♥ “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow”!

♥ “Give Back The Blessings”!

♥ “It’s ALL About Love”!

♥ “God’s Work. Our Hands”!

♥ “Imagine: Generosity Beyond Belief”!

♥ “Imagine: Ministry Beyond Belief”!

♥ “Imagine: Community Outreach Beyond Belief”!

♥ “THANKS BE TO GOD”!

These chapters of Abiding Love’s legacy would be filled with many and varied “pearls of great value”. Each of you, and all those who have gone before us, are “beautiful pearls” that make up the Kingdom of God, now and forever!

As I write this, the words of a song written by Jay Beach are running through my mind: “I am the Church. Your are the Church. We are the Church together. All of God’s people, all around the world, we are the Church together.”

♥ “Jesus loves you, and so do I”!

† Pastor David Fetter

♥ ♥ ♥

“I BELIEVE” The Good News of Easter! (John 20:1-23)

2010-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Is there anything greater for us to say on Easter Day as a confession of our faith than this: “I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who… on the third day rose from the dead”?

I came across a beautiful story about a woman named Rosemary Kadrmas who works in the Alzheimer’s unit of a nursing home. Rosemary and a colleague named Arlene brought the residents together on a Good Friday afternoon to view Franco Zeffirelli’s acclaimed movie Jesus of Nazareth. They wondered whether these elderly Alzheimer’s patients would even know what was going on, but they thought it might be worth the effort.

When they finally succeeded in getting everyone into position, they started the video. Rosemary was pleasantly surprised at the quiet attention being paid to the screen.

At last came the scene where Mary comes upon the empty tomb and sees that Jesus’ body is not there. An unknown man, in reality the risen Christ, asks Mary why she is looking for the living among the dead. Mary runs as fast as she can back to the disciples and tells Peter and the rest with breathless excitement, “He’s alive! I saw Him, I tell you! He’s alive!” The doubt in their eyes causes Mary to pull back and say, “You don’t believe me… You don’t believe me!”

From somewhere in the crowd of Alzheimer’s patients came the clear, resolute voice of Esther, one of the patients, who said, “We believe you… We believe you!”

Esther, I believe it too. My life makes no sense without it! Jesus Christ rose from the dead! He is alive and available to all people in our world today!

May this Good News of our faith make this Easter a most joyful celebration for you!

I thank God for these words of Bill and Gloria Gaither in their Easter hymn, “Because He Lives”:

“Because He lives I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future. And life is worth the living just because He lives”!

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

The Cross of Jesus and the Reality of Death

2010-03-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

We began our 40-day Lenten journey this year on Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes making the sign of the Cross on our foreheads. These words from Genesis 3:19 were spoken to Adam: “Remember you are dust, and to dust you will return.” They remind us of our common mortality. We all will die. But, through the victory won by Jesus Christ on the Cross, death has been defeated, and we are given a resurrected life with God forever!

Last year, during our Wednesday evening Lenten worship services, we used a DVD series titled, “Confronting Death - A Christian Approach to the End of Life” with Lutheran Pastor Walter Wangerin, Jr. He spoke from his own experiences of living with life-threatening cancer.

In the March issue of The Lutheran magazine, Pastor Wangerin wrote an article titled, “Letters from the Land of Cancer”. In it he has some important things to share that certainly spoke to me. Here is a sampling:

“I have lately become intimate with death, with my death. It waits in the tumors in my chest… these malignancies are quiet now, but will one day move again and consume me… The doctor said, ‘This kind of cancer does not go away. It will kill you.’ I was truly grateful for his forthrightness… To know what’s coming gives me the independence and dignity to confront it directly and to prepare. So the doctor has given me an edge. I mean: to experience death, the real thing, convinced it is close and coming, has set me at the edge of existence. I have found the wall of Time, which embraces creation and all humanity.”

“The edge: cancer grants my spirit a high place from which to view the fullness of Time, from it’s First down even to its Now. I have lived! I have dwelt in the house of Time. I am one of its inhabitants. Its people have been my community. And I am dearly grateful to have found a home among them… Oh, how rich and how varied is my family! ...I have children who call me ‘Papa’ ...And you, kind readers of my writing, you are my friends. Time embraces the generations… (before and since) My parents, Walter and Virginia. Time doesn’t divide us after all. I grin and thank God with all my heart that I am in such a company.”

“I do not exaggerate. Truly, to have cancer is to experience divine benefits, which are only intensified the closer death comes to me and for me.”

“I have written a small book titled Letters from the Land of Cancer (Zondervan, 2010). It offers you a running account of my experience with the disease, the pain and the benefits.” Come, join me there… Let’s discuss together bodily things and spiritual things, both.”

“IN LIFE, IN DEATH, O LORD, ABIDE WITH ME.” (Hymn #629, Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

— Pastor David Fetter

The CROSS of Jesus—Obstacle or Opportunity?

2010-03-04T10:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

During this Season of Lent, we are focusing on Jesus’ suffering and death. This past Sunday, our Gospel Reading (Luke 13:31-35) attested to the opposition that Jesus faced in his commitment to do the will of God in his life:
“… King Herod wants to kill you!”
“… Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!”

But, Jesus gives us a model to follow in our lives. The world’s obstacles may become God’s opportunities. Is this not what Jesus believed when he said in the face of great obstacles!
“… today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way… and on the third day I finish my work!”

Jesus knew that he would face the obstacle of the Cross on Friday, but he also knew that he would experience the opportunity of a New Life on Sunday!

What are the obstacles that you have faced or are facing now in your life?

You and I encounter many roadblocks in our daily lives. Some of them are just small irritants, but some of them can be quite large. Economists point to improvements in our economy over the past year, but still many people have a diploma in their hands but have had difficulty finding a job in their field of interest. Many small businesses have failed. We’re told that inflation is not yet a problem; still, living day to day seems to be increasingly expensive. War still claims young lives and separates families.

If you and I were to constantly fixate on the obstacles surrounding us we would want to grab “a security blanket” like Linus in the Peanuts cartoons, go sit in a corner with our thumb in our mouth, and not move!

The creator of Peanuts, Charles Schulz, was a follower of Jesus. Some years ago, Robert Short wrote a book titled, The Gospel According to Peanuts. In a very subtle way, Charles Schulz proclaimed his faith that Jesus Christ gives us the way, the truth, and the life to deal with obstacles as opportunities.
Linus and Charlie Brown are walking in the woods. Linus poses this question to Charlie: “If you have some problem in your life, do you believe you should try to solve it right away or think about it for awhile?”
As they sit down by a log, Charlie Brown responds, “Oh, think about it. By all means, I believe you should think about it for awhile.”
When they start walking again, the puzzled Linus asks: “To give yourself time to do the right thing about the problem?”
Charlie Brown explains, “No. To give it time to go away.”

That’s one way to deal with life. Wait for things to change on their own. Wait and hope our problems go away. But what if they don’t go away? You and I could be sitting there with “our blanket” for a long, long time.

Could it be that some of the things we are counting as obstacles could really be opportunities in disguise?

There was a hilarious report from the Philippines in a publication called the News of the Weird:
“Officials in Manila decided they were going to reduce the number of disease carrying insects in the city. They offered a bounty of 1.5 pesos (about 6 cents in U.S. dollars) for every 10 cockroaches turned in. This gave rise to a booming industry in the Philippines: roach farming. Enterprising people started raising roaches in order to turn them in for cash!”

That’s a little extreme, but it does teach a helpful lesson: What we don’t want to do when we are confronted with an obstacle is to give up.

COUNT YOUR OPPORTUNITIES, NOT YOUR OBSTACLES!

— Pastor David Fetter

"The Forgiveness of Sins"

2010-02-17T12:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Ash Wednesday begins for us a 40-day Lenten period that takes us to Good Friday’s cross. The cross is the landmark which tells us whether we are on-course in our life-journey or not, and if we need a new direction in our lives.

The assigned Bible reading for Ash Wednesday is from the Old Testament prophet Joel (2:12-13):
“Yet even now, says the Lord,
return to me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing.”

The text is a call for us all to repent of our sin, and return to the Lord for forgiveness of our sin. Before we can fully enjoy Easter’s resurrection, we must mourn and weep over our sins!
The prophet Joel says that God is ”abounding in steadfast love” It is true that we all deserve to die for our sins, there is now doubt about that. But even when we are unlovable, God loves us anyway. God always has enough love, mercy, and grace to forgive us!

This wonderful story illustrates the overwhelming amazement of God’s GRACE:
A gentle Christian lady of the Society of Friends (Quakers) lived alone. One night as she entered her bedroom, she found a burglar rifling through her bureau drawers. When she turned on the light, he pointed a gun at her heart. She gently said to him: “Put that thing away. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s guns. Besides, if your need is so great you have to steal, then you must need my things more than I do.” She not only gave him what he was stealing, but shoved money it into his hand, all the while expressing concern for the circumstances he must be in. The next morning she found all her possessions on her front porch, along with a note which read; “Lady, I can face anger and danger and death itself, but I was powerless before your kindness.”

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

The 6 Weeks of LENT

2010-02-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday, February 17th—Good Friday, April 2nd

Dear Friends in Christ:

As we move through our church year calendar, we are nearing a season that is like no other. The 40 days of LENT are an invitation for us to once again embark on a spirtual journey with Jesus, and those who were with him during that first Holy Week before he died.

Here at Abiding Love we will again provide additional worship experiences on 6 Wednesdays, at 6:45 p.m. These services will be preceded by a meal in our Activity Center at 5:45 p.m.

The theme for these Wednesday evenings will be “Jerusalem Speaks: Voices in The Shadow of the Cross”. Each week you will hear from two biblical characters who played significant roles in the final days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life. We will be using members of our congregation to present these dramatic messages:

Week #1 — “A servant girl’s narration of Peter’s denial will introduce Peter’s own confession of turning his back on Jesus the night before his crucifixion.”

Week #2 — “Caiaphas the High Priest confesses his intentions to eliminate Jesus while Judas’ narration gives details of his betrayal orchestrated through the religious leaders.”

Week #3 — “Herod Antipas’ narration details the five individual Herods who are spoken of in Scripture and how each affected Jesus Christ. Mary Magdalene shares her account of walking
beside Jesus Christ during his earthly life as well as being present to witness his death and resurrection.”

Week #4 — “Pontius Pilate shares the anguish of his political manipulation in sentencing Jesus Christ to death. Barabbas’ narration includes details of his release and his confusion over watching Jesus die in his stead.”

Week #5 — “A Roman soldier, present at the Crucifixion, shares his acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God following the events of Good Friday. Malchus, the high priest’s servant, who had his ear cut off by Peter the night of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden, ponders the happenings in Gethsemane.”

Week #6 — “John recalls the prophecies of the Old Testament Scriptures, as well as the words of Jesus preparing his disciples for the coming crucifixion and resurrection, and pieces together the meaning of it all. Mary’s heartache and hope are intertwined in the story she shares of her Son — from his birth to his death to his eternal life.”

I hope that you will make this time a priority for you, your family, and friends as we take a deeper, inner look into our relationship with the One who alone has touched our lives forever with God’s grace, mercy, peace, hope, and love— Jesus the Christ, our Lord and Savior!

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response

2010-01-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Once again, the front page of our newspaper stated: “Amid tension, Haitians pray, cry for help in the ruins”!

It is hard for any of us to comprehend the immensity of this disaster. Fox News Service reported that the United Nations has called this “the worst disaster it has ever seen”!

What do God’s people do at times like this? Our church has in place the”Evangelical Lutheran Church in America International Disaster Response”. It is working through long-standing partnerships on the ground to provide emergency food, water, shelter and medical supplies. Pastor Daniel Rift, Director of the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal writes: “Financial gifts are urgently needed. Your gifts will be used entirely (100 percent) for immediate relief and ongoing recovery in Haiti. Your prayers and generous gifts will make a life-saving difference. Thank you for your partnership.”

You may give online at www.e.ca.ort/haitiearthquake, or over the phone by calling toll free 800-638-3522. Or you may give through our congregation’s Sunday offering, or mail making checks payable to “Abiding Love Lutheran Chruch”, designated for “Haiti Earthquake Relief”.

Also, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is launching a national $3 million “Helping Haiti” effort at thrivent.com/helpinghaiti. They will contribute $1, up to $I million, for every $2 in donations that Thrivent members make by March 31 to the ELCA Disaster Response. You may give by going online, or by calling 800-236-3736 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.n., Monday—Friday. When prompted, say “directory” and enter ext. 83003.

For your information, there are 12 congregations of the Lutheran Church in Haiti. The Rev. Joseph Livenson Lauvanus is the President. He has written: “We are a young and growing church. Everyone knows that Haiti is a poor country in the Western Hemisphere. We are thankful to have the goodwill of a church like the ELCA that understands the whole matter of togetherness, reinforcing what we call ‘the Communion of Saints’”.

This past Sunday I offered the following prayer:
“O God, you are our help in every time of need. You know the pain and suffering of the people in Haiti, and your love for them is very close through all those responding to bring help and hope.
May your spirit speak to our hearts to share our blessings with the least of these. May there be an outpouring of generosity, and ministry beyond belief as this world community responds to this disaster.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.”

— Pastor David Fetter

The Key to Unlock Each New Day in the New Year

2010-01-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

I’m sure that you recognize the name of Bill Cosby, comedian, teacher, author, and actor. I recently came across this story from his early life. He is talking about his days of playing football in Philadelphia:

Bill says that his favorite coach was not much of a coach, but he sure did get us excited. Cosby tells of one time when the coach came into the locker room, called the players around him and said: “I have just been to the other locker room, and over there they think you are a bunch of wimps. They think that they are going to run all over you. In fact, they are going to run up into the stands and beat up on your parents and grandmother.”

“Now are you going to let them do that? Are you?” Cosby said — we shouted “NO.” Let me hear you say “fight.” We shouted “FIGHT.” In our excitement, we started running around the locker room! Slamming doors! Upsetting benches! Beating each other over the head! Screaming — “Let us out of here! We wanna go! We wanna go!”

Cosby says we raced out of the locker room. Up the dark tunnel to the football field. But the door was locked! We could not get out onto the field. We stood there, probably for ten long minutes, in a dark, cold tunnel waiting for someone to get a key and unlock the door. Finally, we walked out onto the field to play the game. And we were beaten 77 — 0!

Cosby ends his story by saying — “Pep talks can get us excited. But it takes more than excitement to win a football game.”

I’d like to propose that for us, as followers of Jesus Christ, more than “excitement” we need “enlightenment”.

For the next 5 Sundays, Pastor Lynnae and I will be giving a series of sermons on how the Bible ENLIGHTENS our lives as God’s people. And, with that ”enlightenment”, we will become more excited to continue regular visits to God’s word, worship, Bible study, and service to others!

I believe that this is the key to unlock each new day in the New Year. GOD’S BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR!

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

Our Christmas Card to You...

2009-12-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ,

It continues to be a privilege and a joy to serve with you in the mission and ministry of Abiding Love. We thank you for your support, and encouragement. The partnership that we share in doing God’s work is a blessing that gives purpose to our lives.

We know that all things are made possible through the power of God’s Spirit of love made known to us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ..

May the miracle of Christmas which is the gift of Jesus bring you hope, joy, peace, and love today and in the New Year.

JESUS, God with us!
God is with us… we need not fear.
God is with us… we have everything we need.
God is with us… we are never alone.
“They shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” —Matthew 1:23

Pastor David Fetter

Pastor Lynnae Sorensen

Cindy Kunz

Karron G. Lewis

Joan Hokanson

Dona Brooks

Laurie Donovan

Sherry Petriella

Donna Eassty

Come Celebrate Jesus!

2009-12-02T14:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Our choir is preparing a musical cantata for Sunday, December 20, 11:00 a.m. It is titled, “COME CELEBRATE JESUS”. I hope that many of you will be able to attend worship that day.
As I have been rehearsing for this, the thought came to me that this is exactly what we do whenever we gather to worship, year-around. Why do we come to church? We come to celebrate Jesus!

In my daily meditations last week, I read the following article. As you read it, my prayer is that you will celebrate the love of Jesus who always meets you here in your church home:

Some of you know the story of writer Anne Lamott. When she was twenty-five, her father died after a long struggle with brain cancer. Over the next few years Anne herself began to suffer from an overwhelming sense of desperation and fear which she tried to suppress with alcohol and pills. Although she was managing to write and publish successful novels at the time, it was clear that her life was spinning out of control. In her memoir, Traveling Mercies, she writes about this dark period of her life. And most importantly she tells how a community of Christian faith, a neighborhood church called St. Andrew, came to her rescue.
In her book, she tells the time-honored story of a little girl who was lost. This girl ran up and down the streets of the big town where her family lived, but she couldn’t find a single landmark. She was frightened. Finally, a policeman stopped to help her. He put her in the passenger seat of his car, and they drove around until she finally saw her church. She pointed it out to the policeman, and then she told him firmly, “You can let me out now. This is my church, and I can always find my way home from here.”
Anne Lamott writes, “And that is why I have stayed so close to mine—because no matter how bad I am feeling, how lost or lonely or frightened, when I see the faces of the people at my church, when I hear their voices, I can always find my way home!”

--Pastor David Fetter

† † †

Imagine: Ministry & Generosity Beyond Belierf!

2009-11-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Every Sunday is important for us as God’s people, but the NEXT 3 SUNDAYS have special importance for our congregation at this time in our life together:

† This Sunday, Nov. 15th, we will celebrate our unity with one worship service at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Jana Swenson with Kairos and Associates, our Christian Consulting Resource Partner, will be the guest preacher.
I am praying that as many as possible of you will be present to hear an “Invitation to Respond” that can have a major impact on your spiritual growth in faith and commitment to Christ’s Church!
Following the worship service at 11:15 a.m., a potluck smorgasbord will be served. You are asked to please bring a side dish or dessert with an “international flavor”. Meat will be provided.
(Note: There will be no Sunday School.)

† November 22nd will be “Response Sunday” when you bring your giving plan to place on the altar in support of the 2010 Mission and Ministry of Abiding Love, as well as our 3-year Capital Appeal.
These loving commitments are to be your celebration in praise of Christ the King on this Festival Sunday that concludes the Church Year!

† November 29th will be “Thanksgiving Sunday — the First Sunday in Advent”. This will be a day to give thanks for your generosity in support of our “ministry beyond belief!”
This day will also be an “Invitation to Christmas: Come Celebrate Jesus!”

What do I IMAGINE will happen during these next three Sundays? I imagine that God will bless us so that we might prove to be faithful in our continued vision of a ministry and mission that is growing in God’s abiding love, serving God by sharing God’s love with our community, and celebrating the love Jesus Christ has for all people, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit!

Believing that with God all things are possible,
Pastor David Fetter

† † †

All Saints Day - "Faith of our Fathers & Mothers Living Still!"

2009-10-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

This Sunday, as we gather for worship, we will remember those saints of God who have died over the past 30 years of our congregation’s history. Our theme for this day is “Looking Backward”. It is important to celebrate the blessings these members of our church family have left us. And, in giving thanks for their lives of faith, we are inspired to continue this legacy in letting our light shine through generous giving and faithful living!

This past Sunday, we celebrated the Confirmation of Faith by ten of our 9th grade youth. These young saints of God reaffirmed their Baptisms by sharing with us their personal statements of faith. This certainly shows that Abiding Love Lutheran Church is making a difference in people’s lives. Our present “Imagine: Ministry Beyond Belief” emphasis is calling us to LOOK FORWARD in belief that even as we LOOK BACKWARD who could have fully imagined all that God has accomplished?

May we be blessed by these words of those ten young disciples who said “I Believe” last Sunday:
† “Faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit means hope, and knowing that God is always there for you.”
† “The Church is a place where I always feel I belong.”
† “We come to church to study God’s Word together, and to grow in our understanding of God and others.”
† “What the Church means to me can be summed up in one word— LOVE.”
† I will show my love for God through my actions.”
† “We are to live by Christ’s example. We are called to be servants of God.”
† I would never hesitate if ever tested or asked about my faith!”

† † †

A Bible Truth:
“Since you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, live in union with him. Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become ever stronger in your fiath, as you were taught. And be filled with Thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7)

— Pastor David Fetter

Imagine: Ministry and Generosity Beyond Belief

2009-10-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

The past six weeks have been a very special opportunity for us as a congregation to intentionally lift up the subject of CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP. We have used a book titled, Giving to GOD - The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life, by Lutheran Pastor Mark Allan Powell, as a resource to guide us.

I hope the Sunday Sermon Series, take-home meditation cards, and Bible Study classes have been a blessing in your spiritual growth. I thank our Stewardship Ministry Team for coordinating this emphasis of “Imagine Generosity Beyond Belief.”

On Sunday, October 18, at both worship serivces, we will begin another 6-week emphasis of “Imagine Ministry Beyond Belief”. By now you should have received a special letter from Diane Albin, Congregation Presisdent, that explains this. What follows is a brief outline of our themes for these six special Sundays of celebration from October 18th through November 22nd:

† Sunday, October 18th — “Looking Inward” — A day to celebrate the faith-stories of Our Congregation’s Members!

† Sunday, October 25th — “Looking Forward” — A day to celebrate the hope and joy we have at Abiding Love because of the growing faith in our Children and Youth!
(Note: A “Ceremony of Confirmation” will be celebrated for ten of our 9th grade youth at the 11:00 a.m. service.)

† All Saints’ Sunday, November 1st — “Looking Backward” — A day to celebrate all those Saints who have gone before us, leaving a Legacy of Faith for us, the living saints, during the past 30 years of Abiding Love’s Mission and Ministry. Come, and remember our blessings!

† Sunday, November 8th — “Looking Outward” — A day to celebrate the Community Outreach Ministries of Abiding Love, even to “the ends of the earth”!

† Sunday, November 15th — “Looking Upward” — ONE WORSHIP SERVICE at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate the promise we have that “For God all things are possible”! (Mark 10:27) Come, celebrate our unity in Christ as we “Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow”!
(Note: An “All-Congregation Meal” will follow worship.)

† “Response” Sunday, November 22nd — We bring our “Covenants of Support” for the 2010 mission and ministry of Abiding Love, as well as our 3-year “Capital Appeal Commitments”! “We love because God first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

I thank God for all who are involved in planning and presenting these special worship celebrations.

I believe we can IMAGINE that God’s promise to “bless us and keep us” as a church family is true. “Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20,21)

— Pastor David Fetter

Stewardship

2009-09-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

I have subscribed to a very helpful publication for many years. It’s called The Clergy Journal. It was edited for a long time by the late Lutheran Pastor Manfred Holck, a resident of Austin.
Is it just a coincidence that the most recent issue is titled “STEWARDSHIP” as we are in the midst of our “Imagine Generosity and Ministry Beyond Belief” emphasis?

In the lead article by Richard Klopp and William Enright, they write:
“American congregations are being stretched in new ways by an economic recession, the depth and length of which is impossible to predict. Clergy are being called upon to think out loud and reflect theologically on issues of money and financial security as they help congregants grapple with the relationship between faith and finances in a world numbed by institutionalized consumerism.

As difficult as these times can be, there is an opportunity here for those who would seize it — the opportunity to make conversation, preaching, and teaching about the faithful use of money and possessions a hallmark of their ministries. Congregations can benefit greatly from ascertaining where they stand, learning all they can about what others are experiencing, developing congregational coping mechanisms, and continuing to reach out to those in need. They can do all this while inviting members to ‘live the vision’ that binds them together as God’s people. Clergy can and should courageously face these issues with their members.”

God’s Word, the Bible, is filled with encouragement for us all as God’s people. Today, I am reading from St. Paul’s first letter to Timothy (6:18-19): “Do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for yourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that you may take hold of the life that really is life.”

MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAITHFUL EFFORTS!

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

The JOY of Giving

2009-09-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Since Pastor Lynnae and I have begun a six-week special sermon series on Giving to God—The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life; it is apparent that we believe Christian stewardship is a serious matter.

I believe, however, that giving to God should also be a JOYFUL matter. God’s Word, the Holy Bible, states: “God loves a cheerful giver… Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Each month at our Men’s Breakfast Group, Erv Merz shares from a publication titled “Medicine for the Soul” by Dr. Jeremiah. One of these brought joy to my heart as I give to God— AS AN ACT OF WORSHIP and AS AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH.

Cheerful givers, lift up your hearts with me as you read the following vignettes from “Dr. Jeremiah”:

☺ #1 A mother wanted to teach her daughter a stewardship lesson. She gave the little girl a quarter and a dollar for church. “Put whichever one you want in the collection plate and keep the other for yourself,” she told the girl. When they were coming out of church, the mother asked her daughter which amount she had given. “Well,” said the little girl, “I was going to give the dollar, but just before the collection the man in the pulpit said that we should all be cheerful givers. I knew I’d be a lot more cheerful if I gave the quarter, so I did.”

☺ #2 A church was starting a campaign to refurbish their building. The building was in very bad repair. And so they brought the congregation together. It wasn’t a large church, so they were going to have a pledge program to fix the building.
The wealthiest man in the congregation stood up in the meeting and said he would like to pledge five dollars to the program. And just as he said it, a loose piece of plaster in the ceiling fell and hit the man on the head. He said, “I’d like to up that to fifty dollars.”
A little old lady in the back said, “Hit him again, God, hit him again!”

☺ #3 A little girl was restless at the preacher’s sermon as it went on and on. Finally, she leaned over to her mother, and she whispered, “Mommy, if we give him the money now, would he let us go?”

“Rejoice in the Lord always!” (Philippians 4:4)

— Pastor David Fetter

† † †

Giving to God-- The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life!

2009-08-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

I am very excited about a special Sunday sermon series that Pastor Lynnae and I will be giving September 6th — October 10th! It will be based on a wonderful new book by Lutheran Pastor Mark Allan Powell, a Texan by birth. Dr. Powell is a Bible scholar and theologian widely recognized for his work in Spiritual formation and congregational ministries. He is a Professor of New Testament Studies at our Trinity Lutheran Seminary (my alma mater) in Columbus, Ohio.

What can you expect from this sermon series?

We all know that everything we have is a gift from God. But sometimes it’s hard to know just how to give back to God. How much is enough? What does the Bible really say? What should giving look like in our everyday lives? Filled with good news for followers of Jesus, Mark Allan Powell’s Giving to God shows Christians the way to a better life and a better relationship with their money — and with God.

Powell presents stewardship as an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a discipline for spiritual growth. Faithful use of our time, talents, and money starts with a deep, satisfying relationship with the God to whom we belong. “We can then learn,” says Powell, “to give gladly and generously out of our heartfelt connection with God.” Giving to God gives us resources for best using the treasures, material and otherwise, that God has given us. **

Let’s make a covenant together to make this opportunity a priority!

— Pastor David Fetter

** Information taken from Giving to God book cover.

♥ ♥ ♥

From This Pastor's Heart

2009-08-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Thank you for blessing me with the surprise “65th Happy Birthday” recognition this past Sunday—the kind words, the cakes, balloon, cards, and other loving decorations and refreshments! I don’t have to look very far to count my blessings in being a member with you in this church family, our church home! It’s ALL about love—God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for others.

—Pastor David Fetter

♥ ♥ ♥

Our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will meet in church-wide Assembly August 17-23, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. May we be united in prayer:

“O God, direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the light of your Spirit, as this church prepares to gather in assembly, that we might have a right judgement in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace.

Inspire the celebration of your varied works throughout the church. Instill your peace in the midst of anxious deliberations. Shape the work of this church according to your will so that we might use our hands to do your work in the world.

God of mercy, hear our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
From the ELCA NEWS SERVICE: “As many as 2,000 people -- 1,045 voting members elected by ELCA synods, plus staff and visitors -- will participate in the ELCA's 11th biennial assembly.
The assembly theme is "God's work. Our hands." Bible study and prayer are planned, as is daily worship, which will take place at the convention center and nearby Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis.
Bible studies will be based on the Book of Faith Initiative, endorsed by the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. The initiative is intended to help ELCA members increase their biblical literacy.
The church-wide assembly is the ELCA's highest legislative authority and represents the 4.7 million members of the ELCA across the United States and Caribbean. The ELCA, the nation's largest Lutheran denomination, is organized into 65 synods, each headed by a bishop.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, in his eighth year as ELCA presiding bishop, will chair the assembly. Hanson is also president of the 68.5-million member Lutheran World Federation (LWF), based in Geneva, Switzerland. Assisting Hanson during plenary will be David D. Swartling, ELCA secretary, and Carlos Peña, ELCA vice president, Galveston, Texas. The assembly will elect a vice president to a six-year term, and Peña previously announced he will be available for re-election.
Each of the ELCA's 10,448 congregations may send one representative to the assembly as an official "congregational observer."
In addition to the election for vice president, the assembly will act on:
+ a proposal for full communion between the ELCA and the United Methodist Church, adopted by the UMC General Conference in 2008
+ a proposed social statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," requested by the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
+ a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" requested by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
+ a fundraising proposal for a churchwide HIV and AIDS strategy
+ a proposal for further development of a "Lutheran Malaria Initiative" (LMI) with Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and the United Nations Foundation (UNF).
Peter Mayer, an ELCA member and lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffet's Coral Reefer Band, will play a benefit concert for the HIV and AIDS strategy, and the LMI.
The assembly will elect members to various committees, boards and the ELCA Church Council, the church's board of directors and interim legislative authority between assemblies. Voting members will act on budget proposals for 2010 and 2011, memorials from synods, resolutions from voting members, and constitutional and bylaw changes. Churchwide officers and staff will report to the assembly. Representatives of ecumenical partner organizations will address the voting members.
Significant funding for the assembly is provided by the churchwide organization with some financial support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society based in Minneapolis.
Preceding the assembly is a three-day conference, "Book of Faith Jubilee," based on the Book of Faith Initiative. Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., one of eight ELCA seminaries, will host the event.
The ELCA Conference of Bishops and Church Council will meet separately and together Aug. 16-17.
During the assembly, gatherings are planned for youth, young adult voting members and for young professional church leaders. There will also be a young adult networking event.
---
Information and the proposed schedule for the 2009 ELCA Church-wide Assembly and proposals to be considered are at http://www.ELCA.org/assembly on the ELCA Web site. For more information contact:
news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/assembly/multimedia, and
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog”

The Great "I AM"

2009-07-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Today, in my daily Bible readings, I was in in the Book of Exodus and came to this familiar passage where Moses asks God to tell him God’s name:

But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you’, and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” He said further, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’:
This is my name forever,
And this is my title for all generations.” (Exodus 3:13-15)

The new Lutheran Study Bible gives this commentary: “In Hebrew thought, names embody the essential character of a person or god. The Hebrew root of God’s personal name is YHWH (Yahweh), which means ‘to be’ or, more accurately, ‘to be present’. The promise ‘I will be with you’ provides one interpretation of God’s name.”

An anonymous poet, reflecting on this name that God used when speaking to Moses, has written:
“My name is I AM. If you live in the past, it will be very hard, for I am not there. My name is not I WAS.
And if you live in the future, it will be very hard, for my name is not I WILL BE.
But if you live in the present, it is not hard, for my name is I AM.”

The great “I AM” is with us right now, every moment, of every day! God is always there. God is always available in whatever present situation you are facing.

I am thankful that God’s word reminded me of this promise and truth today, so I wanted to share it with you. It is Good News!

Is this why Jesus said: “And remember, I AM with you always to the very end of the age”?! (Matthew 28:20)

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

"Another Mountaintop Experience"

2009-07-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there… so Moses went up into the mountain of God… and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of Lord settled on Mount Sinai… and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses out of the cloud… and Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.” (Exodus 24:12-13, 15-16, 18)

For ten days, Mary and I were privileged to be in the beautiful mountains and clouds of the Rocky Mountains (elevation 8,400 feet) where we attended the “Luther Academy of the Rockies” continuing education retreat. We wish we could have brought back so me of the cool, refreshing air for you to enjoy. But, we did bring back another blessing. God once again “spoke” to us in our “mountaintop experience” through the three spiritually gifted teachers:

Dr. David Lull, Professor of New Testament at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Our Lutheran School in Dubuque, Iowa;

Dr. John Rottman, Professor of Preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan (associated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America): and,

Dr. Kristine Stache, Professor of Youth and Young Adults Ministries at Wartburg Seminary.

What follows are some highlights from thirty-six pages of my written notes, and numerous hand-outs from the lecturers. Each of these statements need further comment, but I believe that each one has a profound inherent truth:

** The Bible is full of stories about what God is doing in the world, and in the lives of people. God is really active!
** The Church today has a great challenge to tell stories of what God is still doing in the world, and in people’s lives.
** Are we being faithful in showing what God is doing with the resources that has been given us to do God’s work?
** The “gods” of our culture are certainly active and visible. Does the God we know in Jesus have a message that fills needs that the culture does not?
** “Christian Practices” are acts of grace, and love that Christian people do together to address human needs in response to God’s active presence of peace, hope, justice, and mercy in the life of the world.
** In our Congregation it is vital that relationships among all people are nurtured across the generations, and that intentional listening and discussion is practiced in order to determine what we believe God wants to do in and through our community of faith (not just among leaders).
** Our task as a congregation is to help children, youth, and adults be Christian together. This is what defines a “missional church”.
** We are all created for relationships with others, and to crave a relationship with a Transcendent Being (God).
** Entering into the Divine Life is impossible unless we enter into the life of love with others.
** This is God’s Mission for the church where all are welceome, and all voices are heard.
** The grace and power of God are distributed to all in the church, where every member is becoming Jesus Christ for the other.
** God created every person, and God has a purpose for every person. This is what FAITH is.
** Our youth (younger persons) need 4 things:
#1 - A Creed to believe in.
#2 - A Call to live into (something to live for).
#3 - A Community to belong to.
#4 - A Hope to hold onto.
(Note: We all need these things, too!)
** Youth Ministry is about the whole church.
** God is so great! Who can ever capture all that God is doing, and how God does it?
** Whenever we are in despair and wonder “Where is God?”, prayer is our expression of faith in God. God answers us: “Trust me now. I will not let you down!”
** The future of the church doesn’t depend on us. It depends on Jesus Christ!

—Pastor David Fetter

Luther Academy of the Rockies

2009-06-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

As you are reading this, Mary and I are attending the ten-day “Luther Academy of the Rockies” continuing education retreat at Meeker Lodge in Allenspark, Colorado. I thank you for helping to support my attendance at this wonderful event that provides ministry growth, spiritual renewal, rest, recreation, worship, and fellowship with colleagues. The Academy is sponsored by our Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.

This year’s faculty and lecture topics include the following:

Dr. David J. Lull, Professor of New Testament at Wartburg Seminary, will explore St. Paul’s “place” as a Jew in his predominantly Gentile culture then. He will also reflect on Paul’s “place” in our world today, with its many “-isms”, “idolatries”, and “American empire”.

Dr. Kristine Stache, Assistant Professor of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Wartburg. She will present “Participating in God’s life in the world: Implications for Congregational Ministry.” She will explore how congregations as a community make a difference in the lives of people of all ages, as well as what youth ministry has to do with other generations.

Dr. John Rottman, Associate Professor at Calvin Theological Seminary (associated with the Christian Reformed Church in America), will present a series of lectures on “Fine-Tuning Grace in Your Sermons”. He will use biblical parable texts in order to discover ways of applying grace to the lives of congregational hearers of these sermons.

Our prayers will be with you all. May you find ways to continue to grow in your life of faith as you love and serve God, and others.

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

"Give Back the Blessings"

2009-06-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Last night (Sunday, June 7th) we began our week of Vacation Bible School with the theme, “The Friendship Train”. It was a wonderful evening of celebrating God’s gift of friendship! We learned a special word— “CARE”. Friends care about each other. We are God’s friends as Jesus said: “I have called you friends… And I appointed you to go and bear fruit… so that you may love one another.” (John 15:15-17)

During this week we are teaching our children that God’s friends also include people we may not know, but we can care about them. So, we are filling our “Friendship Train Cargo Bins” with food; clothing for adults, children and infants; money; children’s books; toys; and games. We are calling this our “Community Service/Caring Week”!

On Sunday as we were closing up the building, my granddaughter, Viviana came up to me and said: “Pa Pa, we’re going home to get some clothes so we can bring them tomorrow to help other people. And Pa Pa, do you have any money?” She opened the “Treasure Chest Box” for me to make a donation! Not only are we teaching the children, but they are inspiring us to remember to “Give Back the Blessings”. Abiding Love Lutheran Church exists to do that in many ways. Let’s not count what we do not have, but what we do have as blessings from God. And, let us generously “bear fruit” as we give, share, and care with our friends at Abiding Love, in our community, and even beyond. “It’s ALL about love!”

On Sunday morning, one of our members shared a copy of a newsletter from the church where she grew up in San Antonio. In the Pastor’s message, he wrote about “STEWARDSHIP”, and said: “This month let’s look at stewardship as cash, commitment, and challenge. Last month we examined the sacrificial nature of stewardship, through the example of Jesus Christ himself. We saw that sacrificial levels of giving takes people who are spiritually prepared, and who are prepared to form a joint partnership in venturing into new ministries and deepening their understanding of the Body of Christ.”

These are good words that fit very well with the present “KAIROS Stewardship Ministry and Bold Steps Emphasis” in our congregation.

Another thing that this Pastor stressed is that a biblical foundation is absolutely critical to giving spiritual direction in our stewardship. As your Pastor, I am committed to that truth. I hope that you already know that. So, I leave you with these blessings of promise from God’s Holy Word, the Bible:

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

“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

“God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

“You will glorify God by your obedience.” (2 Corinthians 9:13)

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

"United In Love"

2009-05-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Included in this newsletter is an abbreviated summary of the recent Assembly of our Southwestern Texas Synod held May 16-17 in McAllen. (Note: A more complete report will be in the June Vista publication. This issue will be available online only, as a cost-saving measure at: www.swtsynod.org/the_vista_issues ) Representing our congregation as elected lay delegates were Philip Drake, Laurie Donovan, and Joel Lehman. Pastor Lynnae and I were clergy delegates.

The theme for this Assembly was “United in Ministry— God’s Work. Our hands.” In our Synod, we have 178 congregations. We are all members of the greater Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with 10,448 congregations, representing 4,709,956 baptized members.

I am thankful to be a part of a church that certainly has a diversity of people, but expresses a unity of purpose in our mission and ministry. We may not always agree on everything, but we do agree on one thing that is certainly the most important thing which is: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, Jesus” (John 3:16) so that everyone might know the saving grace of a loving God.

As I sat in our church this past Sunday worshipping with you, the Word of God spoke so strongly to me as part of the prayer of Jesus in Saint John’s Gospel, Chapter 17, was read. After church, I went to my office and read the whole prayer and these words particularly touched my heart: “May they be one as we are one … as you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us … so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (John 17:11, 21 & 26)

At the Assembly we were able to save on hotel costs by staying two nights at a nearby Roman Catholic Campus Ministry Student Center adjacent to Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas. Wasn’t this an expression of the love of God that unites us even with our “differences” as Christians?

If we are to be true to the mission that Jesus has given us, we will not only be unified in the church, but we will be a unifying force in the world. As Jesus prayed: … “I have sent them into the world … so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:18 & 21)
A bishop of the United Methodist Church, Minerva Carcano, tells about being raised on a small farm outside the South Texas town of Edinburg. It was there that she learned that God’s love knows no barriers. Mr. Johnson, a black man, bought the field adjacent to their farm. He had plans to put his cattle there and raise his family there. This man spoke no Spanish.

Minerva’s father spoke no English. The black man belonged to an independent African-American Baptist Church. Minerva’s father was a Hispanic Roman Catholic turned Methodist. They became very close friends in spite of their differences! Ten years later, Mr. Johnson died. Minerva Carcano’s family attended the funeral. The Baptist Church was filled with Blacks, Hispanics, and Anglos. The entire town was represented. Mr. Carcano’s and Mr. Johnson’s love for each other had touched that little part of the world in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Bishop Carcano says: “Being ‘one’, as Jesus and God are ‘one’ is not so much about who we are, the language we speak, the color of our skin, or any other difference and barrier. Being ‘one’ in the unity of God and Christ is about the kind of love that Jesus teaches and models for us.”

Jesus Christ is still praying for us that we will be united in love for God, in love for one another, and in love for the whole world! The “Day of Pentecost” which we observe this Sunday celebrates the unifying power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-21).

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

A Sometimes Overlooked Church-Year Holiday (Holy Day)

2009-05-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

On our Church-Year Calendar, Thursday, May 21st, is “The Ascension of Our Lord”.

Since it doesn’t fall on a Sunday, it can very easily be overlooked. I am thankful for the following article that has helped me in my continued appreciation for this event in the life of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. I hope that it will do the same for you, and that you attach it to your weekly calendar and pause on May 21st to celebrate The Ascension:

“Then Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him…” (Luke 24:50-52)

“The ascension of Jesus is hardly regarded by most American Christians as a primary religious holiday. We generally find little meaning in it because we find little personal application in it.
Our first error, of course, is to place so much importance on ourselves. An event does not have to involve us in order to be important to be celebrated. The fact is that Christ’s ascension is one part of the larger truth of his exaltation, and his exaltation is a prominent theme in the New Testament.
The exaltation of Jesus completes his victory. It is also understood as a symbol of his vindication. It relocates him in his rightful place—the side of the Father, from which he had come in order to save us. We love to recall his birth in a manger, but that is not where he belongs. We give thanks for his death on the cross, but that, too, is not where he belongs. Our greatest celebration should be of his ascension: for it represents his return to the place where he really belongs.
In the meantime, there is an element of personal application in this holiday, as well. The ascension marks the end of his ministry, and the beginning of ours!” And we have his promise, “I am with you always!” (Matthew 28:20)

Prayer: “Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things. Mercifully give us faith to trust that, as he promised, he abides with us on earth to the end of time, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.”

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS

2009-04-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

In our Confirmation Class of 7th & 8th grade youth on Sunday afternoon, I asked the question: “What is repentance?”

One of the youth quickly answered: “It’s turning away from our sin.”

I then asked her: “If we turn away from sin, what do we turn to?”

She thought for awhile and answered: “We turn to God for forgiveness!”

Paul said it so well: “While we were still in our sins, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) You need only repent, turn away from yourself and your ways, and believe that Jesus Christ died for you, for your sin, for your guilt.

This we can be sure of: when we do in fact turn away from our sins in repentance, there is something to turn to. God welcomes us and God will not turn us down.

Here’s a wonderful story I read this week:
A small boy had been naughty, and his mother punished him and put him to bed. In bed he said, “Now you go away Mommy, I want to talk to God.” She asked, “Is there something you want to say to God that you don’t want me to hear? ”He said, “No, Mommy, it isn’t that exactly; it’s just that if I pray to God and ask his forgiveness, he will forgive me and forget it. But if you stay and listen, you will keep remembering and reminding me of it.”

God is even better than a Mommy on this score. God is so marvelous and great. We don’t deserve it, and God knows it, but God will give us forgiveness anyway. There is a beautiful new life waiting for you just around the corner of repentance, and you are invited to turn that corner.

God says: “You want it? You’ve got it! You’re forgiven!”

Thanks be to God!

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

“Easter Hope is Real for You and for Me!”

2009-04-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Yesterday was Easter Sunday. It was a wonderful day of celebration for our Congregation! “Christ is Risen. He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!”

Today is Monday and the joy, hope, and peace of Easter is still very real for me as I write this article. It is my prayer that this is true for each one of you.

On the church-year calendar, the Easter Season is 50 days of rejoicing. And, all year long every Sunday is “a little Easter”, as Martin Luther once said. As God’s people who are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our lifetime is sustained by the daily Good News of those first witnesses of the Resurrection:

“They put Jesus to death by hanging him on a cross; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear.” (Acts 10:39-40)

“Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures… was buried… and was raised on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.’” (Luke 24:1-5)

How is this message real for our daily lives? Three stories I read in my meditations today spoke to my heart and mind. I hope they will give you the VERY REAL HOPE of EASTER:

Clarence Jordan wrote The Cotton Patch Gospel, a version of the New Testament in the dialect of the rural South. He may be best known for that scripture paraphrase, but in the 1960s Jordan, a white pastor, founded an interracial community in Georgia called Koinonia Farms. The bigoted culture all around him shunned Jordan. Threats were made to his life, but he persevered.

In 1969, Clarence Jordan died of a heart attack. None of the local funeral directors was willing to help with his funeral — out of either prejudice or fear of violence — so he ended up being buried in a plain cedar box on a hillside near his farm.

Jordan’s friend, Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity, officiated at the funeral. When the serivce was ended, it was time to lower to casket into the ground. Just as this was happening, Fuller’s two-year-old daughter stepped up to the grave and began to sing the only song she knew: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Clarence, happy birthday to you.”

As Fuller later told the tale, it seemed to all who were present that the Lord was somehow behind that innocent, childlike song. For what they had all been celebrating that day, on a Georgia hillside, was not a death after all: but a wonderful, glorious rebirth.

† † †

Brad was still pouting and crying in his beer at the local bar one year later, after he lost his job at the factory. His job went overseas and Brad blamed the US president, NAFTA, the congress, and everybody who ran the country. One day, a former shop worker, who also lost his factory job, came into the bar for a burger and a drink. He told Brad that there are plenty of jobs selling insurance. The company would train him. But Brad would have to believe that there is new life after the factory. Could this factory worker adapt to a white-collar sales job?

† † †

For 2,000 years there have been inquiries concerning proof of the resurrection, and questions are still being asked today. In this post-modern era we want empirical proof. To the question posed we hear over and over, “I know what I know.” That answer does not provide what people are looking for. Like “looking for love in all the wrong places”, they may be looking for Christ in all the wrong ways. The greatest testimony to a risen and living Christ is the lives that he has transformed. Look around you and observe the witness of those you know who have experienced the risen, living Christ. Their lives have been transformed by a Christ encounter, and there is no other explanation for the changes in their lifestyles and their passion to spread the good news.

When the living Christ touches your life, you know it, and you know that you are now a different person. Your joy and that peace that surpasses all understanding are the hallmarks of a new life in Christ. They are your gift by the grace of God.

† † †

—Pastor David Fetter

A Holy Week of Prayer

2009-04-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

For the Christian Church, there is no more holy week in our church year calendar than the eight days from Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion to Easter.

For each one of us who are called “Christians”, this week is the reason for our faith. So, I am inviting you to join me in a daily discipline of praying beginning this Sunday, April 5th through Easter Day, April 12th. Let us pray that we might focus on Jesus as “the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

† Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion—April 5th
Prayer of the Day:
“Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection.”

† Monday in Holy Week—April 6th:
Prayer of the Day:
“O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory.”

† Tuesday in Holy Week—April 7th:
Prayer of the Day:
“Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial.”

† Wednesday in Holy Week—April 8th
Prayer of the Day:
“Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at human hands and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace.”

† Maundy Thursday—April 9th
Prayers of the Day:
“Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all.”
“Eternal God, in the sharing of a meal your Son established a new covenant for all people, and in the washing of feet he showed us the dignity of service. Grant that by the power of your Holy Spirit these signs of our life in faith may speak again to our hearts, feed our spirits, and refresh our bodies.”

† Good Friday—April 10th
Prayer of the Day:
“Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross.”

† Saturday Vigil of Easter—April 11th
Prayer of the Day:
“O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, throught Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.”

† Resurrection of Our Lord/Easter Day—April 12th
Prayers of the Day:
“O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection.”
“God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.”

Christ Is Risen! He Is Risen, Indeed!

—Pastor David Fetter

“Now is the Time—KAIROS Report”!

2009-03-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

We continue to move forward in a very special process at this time in the history of our congregation’s life, mission, and ministry. The Greek word “Kairos” is used in the New Testament to speak of God’s appointed time to act. It announces joyful and hopeful times of Good News.

On Thursday, March 12th, thirty-three members of our Congregation Council, Stewardship and Finance Board, and others met with Lutheran Pastor Jeff Kjellberg, one of the two principal owners of Kairos and Associates of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a nationally recognized Christian Consulting Firm which we have chosen to help us prepare a long-term strategy that builds on our past and present strengths as a congregation, and looks to God’s plan for a hopeful, effective, and blessed future for us, our children, and our children’s children. As the prophet of old spoke: “For surely I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

The next step in this process of assessment is to hold “listening sessions” for individual interviews, or 60-minute group discussions with a cross-section of church members. Pastor Jeff Kjellberg, and Pastor Jana Swenson will facilitiate these meetings.

On Friday, an email was sent to all members who are posted on this list. It asked that if you would like to be included in these “listening times”, that you phone or email the church office at 892-4040 or abidinglove@austin.rr.com; or, contact our Council Coordinator, Steve Kikta at 443-8947 or sekikta@aol.com . These meetings will take place during the mornings, afternoons, and evenings— Tuesday, March 24; Wednesday, March 25; and Thursday, March 26.

The leaders of our congregation believe that it is crucial to get a better understanding of how our members relate to this congregation, and what their experiences of giving have meant
to them.

There may still be time to hopefully include you. Please respond as soon as possible. And, of course, everyone can be in prayer during these three days for our consultants, Jeff and Jana, and all those who participate.

At our meeting last Thursday with Pastor Jeff, I quoted something he has posted on the Kairos website: “I am passionate about the church and its call to faithfully share the transforming love of Jesus Christ to all people. It is my desire to use my gifts in helping the church become as effective and far reaching in this mission as possible.” May all of God’s people at Abiding Love say “Amen” to that!

I conclude with a favorite Bible verse that Jeff shared with us: “Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine be glory in the church of Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

—Pastor David Fetter

Giving UP Something for Lent, or Giving TO Something for Lent?

2009-03-04T13:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

It has become a common tradition for many Christians to practice the discipline during the 40-day Season of Lent to give up something. This is a form of “fasting” remembering that Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness where he fasted. Matthew’s Gospel says, “he was famished” (4:2). Luke’s Gospel states, “He ate nothing at all during those days” (4:2).

This can be a deeply spiritual experience for us. This year I have been led to another Lenten discipline. It was inspired by a reading in the Upper Room daily devotional guide that I use. The following thoughts were written by Pam Pointer of Wiltshire, England. It is titled, “Count your blessings and give accordingly."

Each day during Lent I put aside coins in a jar as a reminder of God’s blessings. A Christian charity made suggestions for each day: “Give a coin for every pair of shoes that you own.” I counted eight pairs, and then I thought about the many children who have to go barefoot. Another day I gave some money for each meal I’d eaten that day, as a reminder that many go hungry and die of starvation. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head (see Matt. 8:20), so another day I counted the number of beds in my home and gave an amount for each one. I have so much to be thankful for: clean water, food, clothes, shelter, work, electricity, gas, peace, freedom.

Jesus identified with those who had little. After all, as a toddler he was a refugee. As an adult he had no home of his own; he was rejected in his hometown and eventually died on the city’s rubbish dump. He ministered to all sorts of people, but he had a particular concern for people who were poor.

How much am I willing to give? At the end of Lent I’ll add up all the money I’ve collected and send it to the charity. But it will be a tiny sum compared to all that God has given me.

Bible Reading:
“All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.” —Deuteronomy 16:17

Prayer:
Generous God, may we never take for granted all that you give us — most of all the gift of your son, Christ Jesus. Help us to respond with joyful gratitude. Amen.

—Pastor David Fetter
† † †

“KAIROS” — Now Is the Time!

2009-02-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

On Sunday, February 15th, at 12:15 p.m., we held a special meeting of he Congregation to employ KAIROS Christian Resource Development Consultants of Minneapolis, Minnesota to help us in:
Strategic Future Planning for our mission and ministry;
Stewardship Education and Development;
Leadership Development; and,
A Capital Fund Appeal to reduce debt, improve our building’s infrastructures, and stabilize our present financial situation.

I am thankful for the positive participation of the 91 persons present, and for the very open and honest discussion. We voted to approve entering into a contract with KAIROS, a Lutheran-based company that we used in 1997 for our “Forward in Faith” Appeal that resulted in the building of our Worship/Administrative and Education Center.

I am very confident that we have made a good decision that will help this Abiding Love Church address our present challenges, and prepare us for our future by cultivating a VISION to inspire us toward one common purpose, FAITH that embraces the truth that the good work God has begun will be completed, and COURAGE to focus on God’s dream for our ministry that has touched us, and will touch the hearts of others yet to join in the “Abiding Love Story”!

This weekend, leaders of our Congregation will be meeting with Rev. Jana Swenson, Kairos Consultant, on Saturday, Feb. 21st, 8:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m. for a “Visioning for the Future Together” Retreat. On Sunday, Feb. 22nd, Jana will be with us all day visiting our worship services, educational activities, youth programs, etc. To help introduce Jana to you, please read the following:

Jana Swenson
Consulting Associate

Rev. Jana Swenson comes to Kairos after 14 years of effective and innovative ministry in a variety of congregational settings, providing leadership in rural, urban, and suburban churches with worship attendance ranging from 300 to 3000. She is a perceptive and visionary leader with a pioneering spirit and a heart for people. She is passionate about the transforming power of the gospel in individuals and organizations. From her vast experience she understands that each congregation has its own unique footprint.

Skilled at helping congregations articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future, Jana is an expert in forming a plan to get there and a strategy to develop the physical and financial resources needed to make it happen. Her approach to resource development is prayerful, strategic, and inventive, with an understanding that there is both challenge and exhilaration that comes in leading a congregation through this process.

Jana's commitment is to invite people into community, bring them deeper into their relationship with God, and with one-another, cast vision for the life-changing difference they can make, and then stand back and watch as God brings them to deeper levels of faith, commitment, and generosity. She is inspired by the joy and fulfillment that accompany a life-style of generosity.

Jana has also served as a consultant and speaker to churches of various sizes, settings and denominations. She has written training materials for small group leaders and ministry directors, and has assisted numerous churches in establishing, expanding, and rejuvenating their ministries. Jana grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. She graduated from Gustavus Adolophus College and has her Masters of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. She is married to Reverend Jonathan Swenson, a Worship Pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. They reside in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with their two beautiful and active teenage daughters.

I encourage you to visit the Kairos web page at:
www.kairosandassociates.com for more information.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

—Pastor David Fetter

Note: A 12-hour “Prayer Vigil” was held at our church on Tuesday, Feb. 17th, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for this important step in our congregation’s journey. Thank you to all who participated.

"This Good Earth" (Think Green!)

2009-02-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

On January 26-28, Pastor Lynnae and I attended our annual Tri-Synodical Theological Leadership Conference in Arlington. Pastors and other church leaders from Texas, and Louisiana met to consider the theme, “This Good Earth”.

As I led you in our worship services this past Sunday, three things took on even more meaning for me after attending this conference:

* The first was in the Prayer of Confession: “We confess that we have sinned against you and one another. We have wounded the whole creation by the things we have done and the things we have failed to do.”

* The second was in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”

* The third was in the Prayers of the Church: “Almighty God, by your word creation came into being. Speak to us by your spirit when creation is groaning for rescue and relief, that we may commit ourselves to thoughtful care of all you have made.”

At this conference, we heard from four persons who are very significantly involved in raising the awareness globally that we are facing a crisis of climate change on this planet! Being followers of Jesus Christ, they take very seriously the meaning of John 3:16-- “For God so loved THE WORLD (meaning ‘the whole creation’, or ‘the cosmos’ in the original Greek) that he gave his only Son… “ We are created “in God’s image”, and “God is love”. So, as the people of God we have the responsibility to “love this world” by responding to the crises we face. Yes, we must confess that waste and over-use of resources is creating economic, social and environmental problems that cannot wait to be addressed! As God’s children, the church of Jesus Christ has the unique opportunity in our worship, our service, and in our personal lives to witness to our faith in the God who sustains us and all living things. God has commanded us to “have dominion” over the creation which means to be “caretaker”, or “good stewards” of this good earth in the original Hebrew.

Robert Corin Morris raises some very thought-provoking questions in an article titled, “An Altar of Earth—the Bible as Earth-Book”: “What kind of world will our children and grandchildren inherit? Will it be the bleak world envisioned by some, where we will live not only in the ruins of nature, but in the ruins of the civilization that ruined it? What will be the shape of this world to come? What kind of people will it take to shape it in this direction? And why should this matter to those who call Jesus Lord?”

The teaching and preaching of Jesus proclaims that heaven and earth are joined in eternal life. The incarnation of Jesus, “God’s Word made flesh who dwells with us” teaches us to pray for this good earth: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”!

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

"Miracle on the Hudson"

2009-01-21T13:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

Thursday, January 15th found many of us glued to our televisions as we watched the compelling images of US Airways Flight 1549 resting in the Hudson River with its passengers standing on its wings. The flight out of New York’s La Guardia Airport was heading for Charlotte, North Carolina, when apparently some birds were sucked into the engines and caused their failure. The pilot made the incredible decision to land on the Hudson River. All 155 passengers and flight crew survived, and the potential for additional loss of life, created by an emergency in a crowded city, was avoided.

The plane floated; the passengers were able to get out and were quickly rescued. The good news was and is that lives were saved. Emergency personnel responded quickly and effectively. All those passengers made it safely home one way or another.

Some have called this “A MIRACLE!” Was it?

A miracle is defined as “a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency or a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development or accomplishment that brings very welcome consequences.”

Regardless, this is good news. It is something that inspires us to say, “Thanks be to God!”

I am writing this article on the eve of the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. He is being sworn into his office at a time in our history when we are facing a depressive economy, high jobless index, and unrest in the Middle East. Do we need more “miracles”? Mr. Obama has said, “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability… I’m asking you to believe in yours.”

I am praying that we as Americans join hands and hearts to seek a better way. This is the time for all of us to stand up and be counted. As we do, I believe good things will happen!

Am I mixing politics and religion? I believe that we are God’s stewards in all things. As followers of Jesus Christ who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” we should always choose to be involved, active, counted, and committed to ”the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness for all.”

Let us celebrate “the miracle” of each day even as we live through our own daily struggles!

Peace, hope, and love to you in this New Year,

—Pastor David Fetter

Note: Infomation taken from Texas Interagency Interfaith Disaster Response newsletter.

A New Year’s Resolution

2009-01-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ,

On New Year’s Day I was reading in my Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide. The meditation was titled “Finding Time” and was written by Jennifer Bruner, an elementary school special education teacher in Michigan:

“One day while sitting in my dentist’s waiting room, I looked around for something to read to pass the time. As I started to grab a magazine, I noticed a Bible sitting next to the stack. I picked it up and opened to the Book of James. I immediately felt the stress and tensions of my day lift as I read:

‘My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.’

It is a daily challenge to find time to read the Bible and pray. Yet I spend much leisure time reading books or magazines that promise to help me find happiness and improve my life. From this waiting-room experience, I realized that maybe it does not have to be so hard to find time to read the Bible. If I spend less time on other reading material, I find plenty of time in the day for God’s word. The Bible is filled with all the information I need for improving my life and finding not temporary but eternal happiness. Living by its guidance will improve my earthly life and prepare me for eternal life in heaven. My goal is to read the Bible and seek God with all of my heart and with as much passion as I pursue other things in my life.”

In 2007 the churchwide assembly of our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to embrace an initiative called Book of Faith. The bold vision of this five-year initiative is: “That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as people renewed, enlivened, empowered, and sent by the Word.”

I propose that you and I make this vision a “New Year’s Resolution for 2009”. Pastor Lynnae has been leading a Sunday School Class (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in the Activity Center based on the book, Opening the Book of Faith. There are other opportunities at Abiding Love for you to join with others in conversation as you open the Scriptures together.

The Bible is the written and living Word of God that speaks to us. It creates and nurtures faith through the work of the Holy Spirit and points us to Jesus, the center of our faith. The Bible invites us into a relationship with God, making demands on our lives and promising us new life in Christ. As the Bible tells the stories of people living their faith over the centuries, this forms us as God’s people of faith. As we live out our calling as the people of God, we are renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit!

No other book can do what the Bible does for our lives. It is a powerful book. As Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

May you have a “Bible-Blessed Happy New Year”!

—Pastor David Fetter

Advent Thoughts & Prayers To Help Prepare For Christmas…

2008-12-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

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
† † †

"God's work. Our hands."

2008-11-13T10:09:00.000-08:00

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

† † †

Celebrating All Saints!

2008-10-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

♥ ♥ ♥

Lutheran Hurricane Disaster Response!

2008-09-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-06T15:11:00.000-07:00

+++ “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!”

2008-07-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

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

♥ ♥ ♥

A Mountaintop Experience!

2008-07-09T14:38:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-06-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-06-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-05-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

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

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“Thank you Josh! God bless you!”

2008-05-15T12:23:00.000-07:00

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!”

2008-05-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-04-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

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

† † †

Easter Is Not Over!

2008-04-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

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”

2008-02-21T17:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-01-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

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
† † †

“A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM!”

2007-12-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

This past Sunday at the Children’s Message time, I sensed a joy, anticipation, and excitement in the children that I’ve seen in thepast at this time of year. But, this year these children affected meas never before! Those words from the prophet Isaiah in our first Bible reading on Sunday contain a profound truth: “...a little childshall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6).

Is this not a reminder to us all that this holy season of Advent and Christmas requires a “childlike” joy, anticipation, excitement, and faith that the coming of God’s love in Jesus brings to us every day? I’ll never think or say again that Christmas is really more for the kids!

This Sunday, December 16th will provide a very special opportunity for all God’s children to celebrate the real reason for this season. At both morning worship services, our Choir and Instrumental Ensemble (composed primarily of young people) will present a musical message titled “Season of Wonders”.

Then, at 4:00 p.m., the children of our Sunday School will lead us in the Christmas Play in our Worship Center. A time of food and fellowship will follow in the Activity Center. (Note: Please bring you favorite finger food. Drinks will be provided.)

For Your “Home Worship”…Also, if you haven’t picked up a special devotional booklet, “In the Presence of the Lord”, for your home use, they are available in the church Narthex. The daily meditations, and suggested activities capture the child-like spirit of faith, hope, love, and joy. I am receiving a great blessing in reading this. So, it’s not just for kids, but the author Caroline Pignat has done a wonderful job inwriting with a conversational tone, child-friendly concepts, and a commitment to encourage children to read and lead family prayer. May God bless you with the “wonder of a child” in believing that “unto us a Child is born!”

—Pastor David Fetter

† † †

“Happy New Year!”

2007-11-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:
No, I did not make a mistake. The Season of Advent marks the beginning of “a new year” on the Christian Church-Year Calendar.

We will be celebrating this Advent Season during our Sunday Worship Services using the overall theme of “PREPARE”! The color for these four Sundays of Advent is blue, symbolizing “HOPE”. I hope that you will use this time to prepare your hearts and homes for a meaningful celebration of our Savior’s Birthday!

As you enter our Worship Center each Sunday, you will see something new to help you focus on this “Season of Preparation”. Each week as we light the 4 candles of our Advent Wreath, you will be asked to:

Week 1—”Prepare for the PROMISE!”

Bible Reading: “...stay awake! For you do not know which day your Lord will come.” (Matthew 24:42)
Prayer: Come, Lord, into the Advent of our lives. Come,
open our eyes to see your hand in all things.
Come, illuminate the paths we walk as we
journey to your promised dwelling place. Amen

Week 2—”Prepare for the PEACE!”

Bible Reading: “In those days John the Baptist appeared
in the wilderness of Judea proclaiming, ‘Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This
is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke of
when he said, ‘The voice of one crying out in the
wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make
his paths straight.’” (Matthew 3:1-3)
Prayer: Come, Lord Jesus, restore our land and re-create
our hearts. May we speak your word to those
whose hearts have been hardened by despair
and disappointment; may we create for you a
highway of peace and reconciliation that passes
through every heart and home. Amen.

Week 3—”Prepare for the PURPOSE!”

Bible Reading: “Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers
are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to
them.” (Matthew 11:4-5)
Prayer: O God, Giver of all good things, give us the
purpose to be grace-filled givers this Christmas.
Open our hearts to give to others the compassion
and peace of Christ that transforms emptiness to
wholeness, sadness to joy, death to life. Amen.

Week 4—”Prepare for the PRESENCE!”

Bible Reading: “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in
a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not
be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For this is through the Holy Spirit that this child
has been conceived in her.’” (Matthew 1:20)
Prayer: Come, Emmanuel, and make your dwelling place
among us. May we welcome you into our midst
even when your presence is most demanding,
inconvenient, and threatening. May we give birth
to you despite our doubts and fears, our timidity
and weakness. Amen

Please, save these meditations and use them in your home each week. Give thanks for God’s PROMISE, PEACE, PURPOSE, and PRESENCE in your life as you PREPARE!

— Pastor David Fetter †

Family Relationships

2007-11-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends in Christ:
This past weekend, Mary and I spent some quality time with our family celebrating the second birthday of our granddaughter, Katherine Rose Leoni. It was a blessed experience!

I am now reflecting on the importance of our family relationships. Some of my thoughts are not all positive. Don’t we all have some “family sins” to confess? For example ——

♦ Methodist minister Rev. Grace Imathiu writes: “There is an African proverb that says when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. I often think of this proverb when parents fight because often it is the kids that get caught in the middle”!
♦ Judith Martin, better known as “Miss Manners”, noted that contemporary houses contain a room with a large table that is usually set with a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle or is used as a desk. The space, which once was called the family dining room, is now often used for other purposes. This suggests that modern society has deemphasized
the importance of the traditional practice of the family meal. Many would acknowledge that the family meal has been helpful in keeping households together. It is a time when relationships are built, especially as news of each member’s day is exchanged, manners are taught, and social skills are developed. Miss Manners
laments that family members often eat by themselves, and then they wonder why they feel alone.
♦ The late Dr. Robert McCracken said in a sermon titled “The Church in the Home once said: “Parenthood is a ministry to which men and women are called by God.” Being away on Sunday, I also reflected on the blessing of the church as “a FAMILY”. I have been reading in The Clergy Journal, a publication I subscribe to. Dan Glover and Claudia Lay travel the United States helping churches develop more effective discipleship. In an article titled “Deepening Your Effectiveness, Restructuring the Church for Life Transformation”, they write:

Four Components of an Effective Church:
1. A common vision of God’s plan for your church, and a commitment to fulfill that vision—When the entire congregation has a clear understanding of the vision and mission drawn from the heart of and articulated by the pastors, they move together as a unified force to accomplish the mission.
2. Effective organizational, ministry, and administrative structures—Organizational and ministry structures, as well as administrative processes and procedures, will either help or hinder effective ministry and the ability of leaders to effectively lead.
3. Emotional health—Lack of emotional health will prevent even the best-organized churches from moving forward in the accomplishment of its mission. Micromanagement, gossip, and lack of personal boundaries are all warning signs that the church needs to take intentional steps to create a more emotionally healthy environment.
4. An effective discipleship pathway—Put in place a carefully developed intentional plan of action to progressively
guide people toward spiritual maturity.

—Pastor David Fetter
† † †

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

“THANKS BE TO GOD FOR DADS!”

Dear Friends in Christ:
The month of June brings the annual celebration of Father’s Day on The third Sunday, June 17th! Over the years, i’ve read and heard many wonderful tributes to fathers. This week I came across the following article in which a son tells about his father who retired at the age of sixty-four. The son wanted to buy his Dad something to thank him for all his hard work and sacrifice. As he shopped, however, he realized there was nothing he could buy that could thank him enough. His father had taught him through his own hard work and faith in God that the greatest gifts come from the heart and not the store. So, that night, he sat down and wrote a list of “Thank You’s” to his father for all he had done for him. He left it on the kitchen table for his Dad to read before he went to work on Friday before Father’s Day. This is what it said:

“THANK YOU, DAD!”

For waking up every morning when it was still dark outside and going to work, while we slept in our warm beds.
For wearing that ugly paper tie I made you in first grade.
For teaching me how to pray.
For coming to all my Little League games and for keeping quiet when others wouldn’t.
For loving my mother with all your heart.
For teaching me I can never say “please” and “thank you” too often.
For taking me out for ice cream the night I struck out with the tying run on third.
For giving me a hug when I badly needed one.
For building that voice inside me that said “no” when I was tempted to get in a car after I had been drinking.
For helping me buy my first car.
For being a wonderful grandfather.
For telling me it’s okay to cry.
For being my hero, for being my friend.
Being a loving father does not come naturally. It is hard work. It means ignoring your own needs at times so that you can focus your attention on the needs of others.

Someone once said that it is a parent’s calling to reflect ”Christ-like love” to their children. This love says: “I love you for being you—not for your achievements; not for being an honor student; not for being outstanding in sports. I love you without reservation simply and solely because you are my child!” This is the love that we all receive from God through Jesus Christ, and this is the love that we are asked by God to give to not only our children, but to everyone. As a father, and now a grandfather, these words of St. Paul have always been instructive to my relationship with our daughters and grandchildren:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8a… “love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant. It does not insist on it’s own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

Galatians 5:22-23 “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

For this Father’s Day, our new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book contains a very appropriate prayer:

“Gracious God, whose will it is that humans live in community, bless family life everywhere and fill all homes with respect, joy, laughter, and prayer. Strengthen the commitment of husbands and wives to one another, that they may mirror your covenant faithfulness; pour out your Spirit on parents, that through them their children may taste your unconditional love; and empower all family members to live in your grace and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen”

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

—Pastor David Fetter