Symposium 2019

Last week I was absent from writing the blog due to preparing to attend the 30th annual Symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. As a member of the 1988 class, which graduated a year before the inception of the symposia, it’s been suggested that the faculty took one look at us, going out the door, and thought “these guys are going to need some continuing education!”

            This year’s theme, of “(re)Forming the Devotional Life,” was very helpful. It began with the following definition, provided by Dr. David Schmitt: 

Devotion is…

·      A deep reverence for a particular teaching of the faith

·      That manifests itself in contemplative and active practices in the world.

In the face of the distractions of daily life, disenchantment with the world, and disillusionment with the church, devotion helps us to focus, to develop a scriptural imaginary, and rely more readily on God’s revelation to us in His Word. Thank you, Redeemer, for the opportunity to once again attend. I’m looking forward to sharing more of this in the days to come.

Surveys

During two of the last three weekends we have conducted surveys at our worship services. The same surveys are available online for those who weren’t in attendance but would like to put in their two cents.

            One survey was on communication at Redeemer. We have altered a few of the usual lines of communication and added a couple, as well. Communication is always in need of attention and we want to be as good and as clear at it as possible. We appreciate the input we’ve received. The results are still being tabulated and we will communicate them when finished.

            The second survey, over this past weekend, was on safety. That’s admittedly a broad category. Under that heading we want to develop plans regarding how we can best respond to fire alarms, tornado sirens, medical needs, active shooters, and other emergencies. Again, thank you for your participation. Once this survey has been tabulated, we will solicit people who would be interested in being part of our safety teams and we will begin training. And after that, we would have some congregational training for responding to the incidents mentioned, above. 

            Thank you for your interest and involvement. And let us hasten to add that if you have something else you feel ought to be addressed, please simply let us know.

Dear Hudson...

Dear Hudson,

            I’ve never written a letter like this before. You, as the first grandson on either side of your family, will break many trails in the years to come. And you will bring all of us along with you; sort of a cross between a cheering squad and a support team. You have been in our prayers all along your mother’s pregnancy and you will continue to be. 

            We are looking forward to being with you for your baptism next weekend – aunts and uncles, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, coming from as far as Texas, Illinois, and Colorado. I’m honored to get to be a part of it, to be sure. But we’re more excited for what it will mean for you. 

God’s name will be splashed on your forehead, you who already have plenty of names to learn (Frank Emil Schardt Winter V, aka Hudson)! God’s promises will be extended to you in the water and His word. His grace will enfold you as the Holy Spirit enters, causing faith to be planted in your heart. That faith we will do our best to help nurture. 

You are dearly loved by your mom and dad, but that pales in comparison to the love of our heavenly Father. He gave His Son, Christ Jesus, into death for your forgiveness. And He raised Jesus from the dead, so that you could know eternal life. 

As I bring this to a close, know that your grandfather (Mike) and grandmother (Deb), your Nana (Jami) and I are eagerly looking forward to what the years will bring. We will rejoice in your growth and we will continue to pray for what God brings your way. 

With much love,

Pops