Because I Belong...
Because I Belong… is the growing vision for Redeemer. We will be exploring it in a sermon series beginning this Sunday. We will be giving it form and focus through the Church Council and the Boards in the months to come. And we will be expanding it in the following three ways: Because I belong to God… Because I belong to you, and you to me… Because I belong and God calls me to bring others to belong…
The “belonging” is something that God brings about through the work of the Holy Spirit. But that “belonging” will encourage, entail, or necessitate things in my life. It will call forth obedience, discipleship, fellowship, and witness, among other things.
It’s the same with other relationships in my life. In yours, too.
Because I belong in Peoria, IL…I will pay taxes; I will take part in local activities (like Brat Fest, and Farmers’ Markets); I will root for Bradley; etc.
Because I belong to Jami Winter…I will honor her; I will strive to be a good steward of my health; I will strive to be a good steward of our relationship; etc.
Because I belong in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod…I will take part in the Peoria/Tazewell circuit activities; I will take part in the Central Illinois District activities; I will benefit from the synod’s products; etc.
Because I belong to the University of Nebraska Alumni Association…I will fly my Husker flags on game-day weekends; etc.
Belonging is first and foremost a blessing. And we are thankful for the brothers and sisters who belong with us in God’s family at Redeemer and in Christ in general. And we will keep in our prayers those who have yet to come to know Christ Jesus as Lord.
Fare well, and Godspeed...
My co-worker and a colleague, whose camaraderie I have appreciated and enjoyed, has announced that he has accepted a call to serve in another part of the vineyard (Matthew 20). Pastor Philip Doublestein, my brother, we are excited for the opportunities that lie before you. But, we are also saddened in our loss of your service, your energy, your learning, and your upbeat nature.
God bless you, Kate, and Wyatt, as you make your way to San Antonio, there to be a part of mission starts and all the services in which Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition (LINC) participates. You will be missed. And you will certainly be welcomed whenever you find yourself back in our neighborhood!
Fare well. And Godspeed on your journey.
Precious life
As I had mentioned in last week’s blog, Jami and I were headed out to Omaha, Nebraska, after worship on Sunday, July 28, to welcome a new life into the world. Hudson, (Frank Winter V) would arrive late that night, our first grandchild. Thanks be to God that mother, child, and father are doing just fine! We look forward to Hudson’s baptism on that first weekend in September.
The precious nature of this newborn life came into sharper contrast with this past week’s mass shootings in El Paso, TX, and Dayton, OH. I cannot imagine what would possess someone to think that the taking of one life (let alone, many) would be justified. It’s mind-boggling and infuriating. The finger-pointing that has taken place in the meanwhile only adds to the frustration.
The coarsening of our society can only find its healing in the message of Jesus Christ. The Word of our Lord calls upon us to care for one another, to bear one another’s burdens, and to restore the erring with gentleness. As St. Paul addresses the Corinthians – and what a miserable lot they could be! – he entreats them by the meekness and gentleness of Christ (2 Cor. 10:1).
God guard us and keep us. And God guide us to be steadfast against wrongdoing (as our Lord most certainly was), always with the goal of reconciliation. For the lives all around us are precious in the sight of God; so precious that Christ Jesus would be willing to suffer and die for their redemption, and ours.