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

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

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A Mountaintop Experience!

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

"A Great Blessing"

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

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

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

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Summer Sunday Worship Celebrations!

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

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“Thank you Josh! God bless you!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter

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“It’s ALL About Love!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Pastor David Fetter