“Me Lutheran Church?”

I recently saw this entrance at a Methodist church in Missouri. I am unsure why they only included ME on their sign, but it recalled for me how we can often see the church. The sign at our congregation may start with “Redeemer”, “Messiah”, “Zion”, “Trinity”, or the most common Lutheran name in Minnesota, “St. John”, yet, as we enter the church our focus can still be on “ME.” Even though I know better, I will still ask myself, “What will this church give me?” Will they give me the music I like, sugary treats after worship, friendly greetings from people I enjoy, a call or text from the pastor after worship, and future friends of the same age for my kids? Clearly if I was honest, my heart might be okay with the name, “Me Church.” 

In a sense, the Church is for ME. After all, the Christian Church is for sinners---which includes me. On account of Christ’s death and resurrection, the Church gives forgiveness, life, and salvation through His gifts. Christ is the host, and we are His guest. However, the Church is also for others. He builds us up as the body of Christ (Ephesians 2:22) to love Him and others (Mark 12:30-31). The Christian gathers with other Christians to receive Christ but also to seek the needs of others. 

When was the last time you entered your church with the prayer, “Lord, how can I not only be served by You, but also serve others before, during, and after the divine service? I remember the countless people who helped Amy, my bride, with the four kids during worship as I had to work. I’ve seen the saints actively listening to the struggles of the members of their church family and providing words of encouragement. We see our churches this time of year collect Christmas presents and food pantry items for the needy. All this flows from the mercy of God in Christ and we pray the LORD grant us the strength to care for the needs of others.

The Lord bless your Advent & Christmas season, that He would keep our eyes fixed on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In Christ (Isaiah 9:2,7)

Rev. Brady Finnern

Vicarage Applications

If your congregation is interested in hosting a vicarage in 2024-2025, your application must be submitted to the District Office by March 1, 2024.

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Calling Seminary Candidates

Congregations interested in calling a pastor from the Seminary should submit completed Call Documents by February 15, 2024. For more information and to request access to Call Documents, please contact Diana Ruopp: [email protected]

Lord of Glory in Elk River recently hosted its 5th Annual Breakfast in Bethlehem, welcoming over 170 guests, predominantly from the local community. Led by a dedicated committee the event unfolded seamlessly. The Nativity Gallery found a new home in the sanctuary, and the Bake Sale and Boutique successfully raised funds for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) and a forthcoming Mission Trip to Camp Penuel in Costa Rica. The Men's Group's delicious breakfast, coupled with the creation of 12 Tie Blankets for donation to "Homeless Helping Homeless" in St. Cloud, highlighted the congregation's spirit of generosity. The children engaged in festive crafting, and a new outdoor Nativity, along with a Live Nativity troupe sporting costumes crafted by our own Sewing Circle, added a visually captivating touch to the event. This collaborative effort reflects the true essence of Lord of Glory, providing a warm and festive space for the community to come together during this holiday season.

The Active Christian Youth of Zion and St. John's Lutheran Churches, Ada MN enacted a living nativity scene December 2, 2023 from 4-7pm. Cows, sheep, ducks, and chickens brought by one of our member families assisted the teens in enacting the biblical account as they periodically entered in coordination with the recorded Scripture readings and then remained in place for times of caroling. Ada had multiple events the same date and helped increase the number of spectators who visited. 

Minnesota’s 2024 Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy

Effective January 1, 2024, Minnesota’s earned sick and safe time law requires employers to provide paid leave to employees who work in the state. Minnesota’s current sick and safe leave law remains in effect until December 31, 2023, and will be replaced by the new earned sick and safe time law on January 1, 2024.

Under the new law, employees will earn one hour of sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked. They can earn a maximum of 48 hours each year unless the employer agrees to a higher amount. To be eligible for sick and safe time, employees must work at least 80 hours a year for an employer in Minnesota and not be an independent contractor.

Additional information can be found on the MN Department of Labor and Industry website.

Baldwin 626 Organ with Full Pedalboard, and Speaker System. Works well. Valued at $1,500-2,000. Free to church. Contact Zion in Little Falls, MN if interested (320) 632-5792 or [email protected]

Does your congregation have news to share? Send your photos and stories to our Lutheran Witness Editor, Rev. Travis Lauterbach at: [email protected]

Connecting the Dots Just Got Easier

MN North District | PO Box 604, Brainerd, MN 56401 | 218-829-1781 | [email protected] | www.mnnlcms.org