People of God,
Five young men were confirmed on Sunday. It is always one of my favorite services. Even though confirmation class looked a lot different than what you would normally see, we adapted to keep everyone involved. With a little arm twisting by parents, all of them completed every requirement they had during the school year. I am pretty happy with the way the year turned out. I would definitely make some changes for the next time confirmation is offered. It won’t be for another year or two. In this class, we had 1-eighth grader, 2-seventh graders, and 2-sixth graders. We are going to have to wait for those fourth and fifth graders to get a little older before the class is offered again.
I’m not sure if you heard it? It was hard not to. Approximately 15 – 20 minutes before service, the narthex was really loud. I have never heard it so loud. It was awesome. There was so much excitement within that area. Sure, there were a lot of new faces, family members greeting each other, but it was so nice to hear.
Do you see it? Did you see the huge group of people in the sanctuary during confirmation? That was also awesome. Confirmation was a big deal not only for our church but for the family of the confirmands. A number of them couldn’t reach their hand on the person being confirmed so they had to touch someone who could. One family had to touch someone, who was touching someone who had their hand on the confirmand. Wow!
And then the picture was taken. The picture of all the confirmands. They don’t know the significance of this picture yet. I guarantee, one day, they will. They are now part of the history of St. Johns. Something will draw them back to the church, maybe a wedding or a funeral or visiting their family with their own family. But it will happen. I have seen it so many times. They will wander back to all the pictures of confirmation and find theirs. Maybe they will show their spouse. Maybe even their own children. It will happen though. I have seen it many times. The joy of showing their picture to a loved one. The joy of being part of the history of the church. May God bless all those who have come beforehand and to all those who come after. I really do think it is something that this church can be very proud of.
But here is the looming problem. For some reason, they disappear after confirmation. Not sure why? Maybe they think they know it all. I don’t get it. I need your help. Whenever you see them in church, welcome them. Tell them how proud you are of them. Make sure you welcome them into the church family.
Wow, the end of another school year. Thank you to all you parents who brought your children for religious instruction. The whole congregation needs to thank all the teachers and helpers who gave up their time for the children of our church. Thelma Martin was the teacher for our youngest children. Then Bill Hammer taught the first and second graders. Betsy Ferguson had the third graders. Don Anderson taught the fourth and fifth grades Confirmation was taught by Jan Hauger, and pastor. The teaching assistants were Leah, Johnathon and Anna Ricci. A huge thank you to all.
In my last letter last week, I made the statement that I use my stopwatch on my phone to “time” my quiet time with God. The time where we just listen. This week, we are up to three minutes. Even to me, that sounds sort of bad to use my phone. It is not that I am giving God a “time limit to speak to me. The real reason is I have such a bad gauge of time. I am not afraid of giving God too much time. I am afraid of giving God too little time. I can’t even gauge a minute, how am I supposed to do three minutes? There is no way that I would be able to gauge ten minutes which we are working up to. I just don’t want to cut God short.
A little business to take care off. Since Sunday School is over we will be starting church services on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. We will also be having outdoor services the last Sunday of the month which happens to be next Sunday (weather permitting). We will be doing this for the months of May-August. We may do this for September also depending on weather and Council’s approval.
Memorial Day means many things. It is a time for reflection on those who gave their lives for our country. Jesus said that there is no greater love than this, to lay down your life for a friend. I would believe that country applies also. Some people rail against others who protest this or that. Some people give their voice and speak freely about some of the wrongs they see in our country. I am not sure how you feel about this? However, I remember a veteran saying something like this: “I fought for my country so they can speak freely.” I love that attitude. I am not saying we have to agree with everything people say. But maybe instead of yelling back and causing more division, we remain curious and maybe ask them why they feel this way? Ask questions instead of judgement. It might be a better way to go.
Church office is closed Monday, May 26.
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the 6 Weekend of Easter – May 24 & 25
Acts 16:9-15 Psalm 67 Revelation 21:10-22:5 John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9
Reading the Bible in a Year- Monday, May 19 to Sunday May 25
Day Isaiah Psalms Proverbs Galatians
Monday Ch 38-Ch 40 107:33-43 Ch 2:11-Ch 3:9
Tuesday Ch 41-Ch 42 22:28-23:9 Ch 3:10-25
Wednesday Ch 43-Ch 44:1-23 108:1-5 Ch 3:26-Ch 4:20
Thursday Ch 44:24-Ch 46 108:6:13 Ch 4:21-Ch 5:6
Friday Ch 47-Ch49:1-7 109:1-20 Ch 5:7-16
Saturday Ch 49:8–Ch 51:16 23:10-18 Ch 6
Ephesians
Sunday Ch 51:17-Ch 54 109:21-31 Ch 1