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It is my prayer for all of you that this May brings a new season of growth in your faith!
As Luther’s Small Catechism reminds us, the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the entire Christian church.
Before we even take action, God is already at work in our lives, and our role is to nurture and tend to the gifts He has given us. Spring serves as a perfect reminder that growth requires both a divine gift and attentive care. While we cannot force faith to grow like we can force a seed to sprout, we are called to be attentive, just as God planted the seeds. Sprouting is a miraculous process, but we are entrusted with the responsibility of tending to it.
How can we do this? By engaging with scripture, receiving the sacraments, and living in a Christian community. That’s why we gather weekly at our church to hear scripture, receive the sacraments, and strengthen our faith together. This is how we tend to the faith that God has entrusted to us. Don’t view this as an obligation; instead, see it as a way to nourish the sunlight in the rain of our lives in Christ.
However, unexpected circumstances - like routine shifts, travel, or long evenings can disrupt the quiet rhythm that sustains our faith. Therefore, my encouragement to each and every one of you is to remain rooted, even with small, consistent practices. These practices keep us connected to Christ, the true vine. Whether it’s the weather during Sunday morning worship, daily devotion, weekly Bible study, or any other activity that nourishes your faith, let the seed of your faith continue to grow strong.
Now, let’s consider some questions: Where might God be nurturing something within you that you can’t yet perceive? Perhaps it’s a desire for a deeper devotional life or a more consistent worship experience. Where do you see this potential, and how can you contribute to nurturing the seeds that have already been planted in your life through His word? In essence, what actions have been inspired in you after hearing God’s word? How can we support you in nurturing that seed and maintaining trust that God will bring the harvest? This is our Christian practice of Sabbath, where we tend to our responsibilities, but also learn to rest in the gift that is God’s love before we burn out. Ultimately, it’s God who provides the growth and will harvest the results.
How can we find solace in his grace, knowing that we’ve utilized our talents and abilities to nurture and attend to that seed that has blossomed within us all? Remember, faith doesn’t develop overnight, but it does grow. So, dear friends in Christ, don’t lose heart! May the season of Pentecost be a time of growth and renewal. The focus should be on your continued growth in your faith journey.
If there’s anything we, as a church community, can do to assist you in your walk of faith, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s through an email, a phone call, or a visit to our office, we’re here to support you. Feel free to stop by after Sunday morning’s worship service, whenever it’s most convenient for you, and let us know how we can work together to strengthen our community.
May you all have a blessed month of May!
Pastor Matt
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