A Message from Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin
Dear Friends in Christ,
 
"In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God" (Ephesians 2:21-22). 


The Porch Is Finished!
Many of you have asked about the status of the front porch project that I started back in June. With such nice weather these past few days, I was able to finish up a few small details. When the treated posts dry out this coming summer, I will paint them with a solid color stain to match the rest of the porch. Like many of you, I take great satisfaction in a task that is finished. Unfinished projects linger on my to-do list and in my mind.
 
In Ephesians chapter 2, Paul writes about the God given task (or opportunity) we all have to grow together spiritually.  That as a community of faith, we will be joined together and built together into a dwelling place for God.  You might recall that I had to replace my front porch because the foundation was cracked, which caused the roof to sag.
Too many of our parishes are struggling because there is not a firm foundation upon which to build. We know that the crucified and risen Jesus is the cornerstone upon whom God builds, and the teachings of the apostles and prophets are foundational (Ephesians 2:20).  What is missing in too many of our parishes are the other stones that help hold it all together: daily prayer, daily reflection on Scripture, Bible study, weekly worship, sacrificial giving, evangelical witness, and loving service. These practices are some of the living stones that help us to grow and bring the community of faith together.
 
So, how are you, and how is your parish building a dwelling place for God? 

A Few Comings and Goings

Yesterday, November 26, Rachel, Hannah, and I worshiped with Pastor Rob Spicer and God's people at St. Mark's in Bowling Green, Ohio.

On Tuesday, November 28, at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Tom Schaeffer will be installed as the pastor of Bethany and Reformation Lutheran Churches in Toledo. The Service of Installation will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church located at 3274 Upton Avenue in Toledo, Ohio 43613. Rostered ministers are invited to vest, the color of the day is blue  

On Saturday, December 2, Pastor Kent Wilson (Director of Leadership Development for Congregational Vitality) and I will be attending a LEAD introductory seminar at St. John Lutheran Church located at 23225 Gill Road Farmington Hills, Michigan 48335. The Southeastern Michigan Synod is investing in LEAD as a tool for training and empowering pastors and lay leaders for congregational renewal. Click on the link below for more information about LEAD.

2017: The Year of Grace Memory Verse
 
Ephesians 2:8 " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God"

Bless you, 

Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin
Christ the King Sunday