Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Newsletter
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Strengthen Faith, Build Hope, Share Love in Christ Our Savior
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Pastor Andy Writes...
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| Pastor Andy Keltner |
Momentary Affliction
My Grandfather told me that a wise person looks for opportunity in adversity. He told me that in the most difficult times those with wisdom and who show initiative will succeed. I learned a lot from my grandfather. I believe his advice is timely as we look to go forward as a congregation. There are some things we can improve on in the coming months and weeks. There are opportunities to do things better and reach out in new and unique ways.
The church is God's. God has provided His church. We are the redeemed and chosen children of God. The question we need to ask ourselves is how we are managing the gifts God gives. Where are we investing our time, talents, and resources?
During difficult times, we can go to Scripture for strength and support. For example: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV)
My Dad told me that everyone can find the problem but only the brightest and best can be part of the solution. Jesus is the solution to the world's damning problem which is sin. In the crucifixion of Christ, we find assurance that we are purchased and won from the power of sin, death, and the devil. We become part of the solution when we celebrate Christ. We are part of the solution when we do everything in word and deed to the glory of God. We are part of the solution when we share the reason for the hope we have in Christ.
We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. How can you serve the Lord with gladness? As we move forward there is an opportunity to refocus and seek first the kingdom of God. The light and momentary afflictions of this world are not worth comparing to the eternal glory which is ours in Christ.
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Drive In Communion
Sunday, May 3rd at 9:15 AM COS will host a drive in confession/absolution/communion service. As we can only hold 30 cars in our lot and still appropriately "distance," this service will require a RSVP. We can and will host multiple services if the demand is sufficient to warrant it. If you and your family are interested email Becca in the office to schedule your parking space. Becca will email out instructions and potentially time slots.
You must RSVP by Friday, April 30th at 10 AM to guarantee your spot.
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Worship Word--Janie Ott
Shine Your Light
On the LWML website, there's a section containing Spring Resources. One is a devotion, "Bloom and Grow!" Its uplifting message reminds us to be in the Word "so that the seeds of modeling God's love that you drop are pure, strong, and seen by others." (if you haven't read it, please check it out). Easter is a time of celebration and spring a time of renewal for all things. The sun and the rain are producing the most beautiful flowers, and all this is a reminder of God's hope and glory. It is a time of renewal!
We have seen
cancellation
of high school graduations, professional meetings, vacations and the list goes on. We are sad that these special events are cancelled or postponed. As Christians we must "be in the moment" and need to remember this is not a surprise to God. Everything we are experiencing is part of his plan for us. We need to embrace each day with hope, and doing such is how we can best help others. We need to be the light of the world, to show that no matter what happens, some things will never change. God's love and hope for us is the light.
This week businesses are starting to relaunch operations. The excitement is starting to build. It is important to continue social distancing. Reopening doesn't mean that things are back to the way they were. In many regards our world will be different. Worship will look different as well. We may have to be seated every other pew and only sit with our family. But being together again in worship will be a celebration!
Over the next few weeks, be a light to the world and shine so brightly that you spread God's hope to everyone. Matthew 5:16 says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." As children we learned the song "This little light of mine", these are God's teachings that in all circumstances we need to be a light to the world.
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Now What?
We're all making plans about what we are going to do once we're out. Health concerns continue to occupy our thoughts and prayers and v
ery soon we will be called upon to open the doors again. But before that happens, we need to know what that looks like in the wake of our "new normal".
The world has changed since we first closeted ourselves in our homes. Some changes are good and others... not so much. Does our ministry change in any way? Here are a few questions to reflect on in the coming days.
- What has this shutdown taught you about your mission, ministry, vision and purpose as a congregation?
- What have you missed the most?
- What did you not miss?
- What surprised you about your time apart?
- What were we least prepared for?
- What was lost/gained by this experience?
- What new things will we begin?
- What systems, programs and ministries need to be rehab-ed, reworked or expanded?
Now is the time to make our "new normal" what we want it to be. Be the change you want to see.
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Volunteers Needed!
Becca is struggling to fill slots in the monthly schedule. We are currently in need of sound/Power Point operators, ushers, keyboard operators and lectors. Every duty listed can be easily learned. (Except lector, stage fright is real and I can't fix that. Sorry.) If you are interested please contact Becca Burton and she will put you on the rotation.
Call: 913-837-4502
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