Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Are you like me, who finds it so hard not to share a good story? I remember when my wife told me that she was pregnant. I was bursting, ready to tell anyone who would listen. Then the worst news came when she told me it was still early, and let’s not tell anyone until 3 months. To tell you the truth, I don’t think I made it. I was bursting to tell someone, and I am pretty sure I did. Good news does that to you. It is really hard to keep it in.
I think we all have a good story. I read somewhere that it is fairly easy to begin a conversation. Most people like to share good things happening in their lives.
Shouldn’t we do this with Jesus Christ? Can we have a better story than that? I wonder how hard it was when Jesus told the disciples to “Go!” They go from hiding in a locked room to a woman saying something crazy: that a tomb was empty. Then later, still in the locked room, Jesus appears. Not a ghost, but in the flesh. At the end, he tells them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit and then “Go and share the Good News.”
I have to admit, I am not a big fan of the quote that was given to St. Francis Assisi. It says something like this, “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” Not sure if St. Francis ever said this, but I think he was very well aware that sometimes, we have to use our words.
We all have this good story. We all have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. Why is it so hard to share God’s love for us through Jesus Christ with others? Notice that Jesus said “Go” not to biblical scholars or pastors. He said, “Go” to plain ordinary people. Bishop Fidlar said in her message that it not only applies to the disciples, but to us. Each one of us.
So, what do we say? Do we need to quote Scripture or memorize the Bible? Maybe. It is certainly a good idea, but I think it is something we all have right now – a good story. A good place is to share what Jesus has done for you. The most important thing is to be you, to be authentic. Be willing to share what Jesus has done in your life. But don’t wait, “Go!”
I wanted to say a prayer after the assistant said the prayers of intercession. I didn’t because my thoughts were all jumbled. How do you describe a follower of Jesus Christ? There is so much to remember. We are forgiven people. We continue to have mercy and grace showered upon us. We are Easter people. We are known and loved by God (Tauren Wells). So much to remember. But what resonates with you? Why not share that? Doing good works is so important, but they don’t explain the love of Jesus for you and them. They might just say, “What a nice person.” Sometime, somewhere, each one of us has to be ready to share our words. Just be yourself.
I sort of messed up with the baptism. It wasn’t during the service last Sunday; Alayna Jade Meisel’s baptism followed after the service. I was trying to honor their wishes. Even though most of our congregation didn’t witness it, it shouldn’t stop us from praying for her.
Instead of video, on Sunday, April 26, our Synodical Bishop Stacie Fidlar will be worshipping with us. There will be no Saturday service on Saturday, August 25th. It is one of the things our Bishop does. She tries to go around the Synod, worshipping in the churches she serves. It is one of the many things that make our Bishop special. Please plan on staying after the service. She is very willing to answer any questions you may have.
We will also have our Children’s Musical that day. We get to show off our children and their voices. I always look forward to those special days.
Monday, April 27, we will be having Culver’s night. Please mark the date. It will be one more way to help our church and probably have a great time of fellowship with others.
We are Easter people. Christ has Risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the third Weekend of Easter, April 18 & 19
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35