Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Do you see what I was talking about? Our Synodical Bishop, Stacie Fidlar, is a very special person. I hope you heard it in her opening remarks in Fellowship Hall. She knows the history of St. John’s. And not only does she know it, but she is so proud of our church and every one of you. I didn’t know David Msseemmaa as a young boy, but I have heard many stories about him growing up at our church. The Bishop said that one of his greatest achievements is marrying an intelligent woman. Then she shared the story about that young girl who was given away in marriage for a cow. She was brave enough to break that cycle because she learned her rights. And because our church supports David, our church had a part in her story, halfway around the world. That is very much something to be proud of.
It really was a great day to worship. The church was full. The children’s voices were lifted up. Thank you, Jan Hauger, Tina Schallhorn, and Donna Ristau, for all the work you put in for this service. Then we had Luke and Landon not only doing our readings, but also playing their instruments for the Hymn of the Day. The choir sounded great. Beckett sounded great. I hope you enjoyed the service as much as I did.
We only get to rest Sunday night. Tomorrow, Monday, we are hosting Culver’s Care night. I love all the creative ways we are supporting our church through our Capital Campaign Drive. The proceeds for this night go directly into that fund. So, not only can you have a meal, but you can also support the church. Can you help out? Can you volunteer part of the night and help us serve Culver’s customers? The church will be there from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. I hope to see you there.
I’m doing a lot of reflecting. I want to make sure you know ending my call was a very hard decision. It certainly was not spur-of-the-moment. Chances are, you may hear of me doing something else. That is definitely a possibility. If I am correct, the word retirement is not found in the Bible. The only provision dealt with the Israelites wandering the desert for 40 years. Most of the stuff, as they moved from one place to another, had to be carried. What wasn’t carried by animals had to be carried by the people. It seems when you get to a certain age, you don’t have to carry the full load. I just can’t carry the full load anymore.
Did you hear the closing of Bishop Fidlar’s message? “God will never let you go.” I think it is important to remember this phrase during your time of transition. She also said, more than ever, you need to love one another. Not only that, you need to love ON each other. It is all about words and actions. Help each other through this time. I’ll say it again, “You need to love your church more than your pastor.” It was St. John’s that saved that little girl. Who knows how many lives that little girl will save? And you, St. John’s, played a part in it. It makes me wonder, how many lives has St. John’s saved both physically and eternally? And how many more lives in the future?
We are living in the Easter Season and are always Easter people. Christ has Risen! He has risen indeed! Alleluia!
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the fifth Weekend of Easter, May 2 & 3
Acts 7:55-60 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 1 Peter 2:2-10 John 14:1-14