Greetings to Everyone,
When Debbie first suggested having our guest pastors write something for our newsletter, I thought it was a great idea. Pastor Klein and Pastor Buss wrote the first two articles. Then, for the next newsletter, Debbie asked me to write something, and suddenly it didn't seem like such a great idea! But here goes nothing.
During the COVID pandemic, we were extremely blessed to be able to livestream our Sunday services when we could not gather together in person. We continue to livestream our worship services every Sunday, and I hope that if you are unable to attend church on a given Sunday, you will join us online from home.
The challenge with watching from home is that it can be easy to get out of the habit of attending church regularly. Before long, it becomes easier to find reasons not to come. At one point in my life, I was what you might call a "twice-a-year" church attender—l went on Christmas and Easter. I had plenty of excuses for not going to church. At the same time, I had many questions about the Bible and my faith, but I wasn't finding answers because I wasn't regularly hearing God's Word.
When my dad passed away, I began taking my mom to church on Sundays. Instead of simply dropping her off, I started attending with her. It is amazing how many of my questions were answered just by listening to sermons and participating in Bible studies. Before long, my excuses disappeared, and regular church attendance became an important part of my life.
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:17, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. " As we gather for worship, we hear God's Word proclaimed, our faith is strengthened, and we are reminded of His promises to us.
By attending church regularly, you also have the opportunity to fellowship with other members of the congregation and discuss questions you may have about Scripture and our Lutheran faith. Most importantly, when we are absent from worship, we miss receiving the Lord's Supper. Many of our members have not received Holy Communion since the pandemic began six years ago.
Jesus gave us the Sacrament of the Altar as a blessing for His people, offering us His true body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and strengthening of our faith. Our congregation has been blessed over the years with faithful pastors who have shared God's Word and delivered meaningful sermons that continue to encourage and guide us.
I would like to encourage anyone who has not been to church in a while to come and worship with us. Join us in Christian fellowship, hear God's Word, and receive the blessings He freely gives through the Lord's Supper.
May God bless you all.
Bill Sommer
Chairman