Message from Pastor Tim

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Peace be with you!

This letter comes to you as we begin the month of November with all of its holy wonder.  Besides Thanksgiving Day (November 26) and the First Sunday in Advent (November 29), we will celebrate All Saints Day (November 1).  On this day, we will remember those who have died and are now members of the Church Triumphant.  We will recall their names and join with them in full communion as we gather around Our Feast of Bread and Wine, knowing full well that those who have gone before us are feasting on the Eternal Meal That Has No End. 

It is this mystical and holy phenomenon that calls together as the people of God and transcends our humanity.  It is this Holy Communion with saints of old and saints today that provides us with a sense of eternity and offers us hope of an eternal peace that knows no end.  As we remember those who have entered eternity may we also remember our baptism and our entry into the death and resurrection of Jesus which assures us of our future place at the heavenly table. 

On this day we will also lift up from our community three young people who have studied and prepared for their Affirmation of Baptism - - Confirmation.  Greta Erickson, Seth Littau, and Wade Rau will affirm, in the presence of this congregation, what was said for them at the font.  It is their opportunity to publically state their faith and trust in the God who created them, redeemed them and keeps them in the faith.  When a child is brought to the baptismal font, her parents and presenters take on a responsibility to teach their child the truths of the faith and to place in his hands the Bible, and teach her the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer.  They are to see to it that their child is brought to church and fed the Holy Sacrament.  It is an awesome responsibility, but one to which every parents agrees.  Eric and Jeni, Sam and Lisa, and Daryl and Karen have fulfilled just such responsibilities.  Now they will be witnesses to their children’s maturity of faith and with prayer and hope become equal partners with them in the matters of faith and church life.  It is a big day for parents and their children! 

BUT, it was not just the parents that made a pledge around the font.  The whole congregation also pledged that it would help the parents bring up their child in the faith by providing for them a place for Christian Education and regular services of the church where the newly baptized could grow and learn and be fed by Word and Sacrament.  St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church has also fulfilled this responsibility.  We must never waver from our commitment to see to it that our young have the opportunity to be fed and nurtured in the faith of the Church - - the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

I invite you therefore, to join Greta, Seth and Wade as they become with us fuller members of the Body of Christ.  I invite you to celebrate with them and for them offering them your congratulations and continued prayers as they grow even more in faith and look to us for feeding, healing, nurturing and a safe haven where Christ is preached and bread and wine are offered weekly. 

Come and celebrate this day. Remember the saints of old and the saints newly confirmed as together we remember our Baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son(+) and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 
 

I look forward to seeing you then and again and again.

I remain your shepherd, 

+ Pastor Tim