Pastor Rike’s Message – September 2018

September 13, 2018

Dear Friends,

Perhaps you have had the experience of being tired or weary and not being eager to jump-in to the tasks you know you must accomplish. My family and I experience similar moments, having moved three times in the past four months. Fortunately, we are beginning to get settled in a more permanent (we hope!) rental property on higher ground and across the street from one of our local schools. Yet, every time my excitement has lagged during these months I have been refreshed by encounters in our congregation.

In several of his letters, the Apostle Paul mentioned something similar. To the Corinthians, Paul wrote about the example of Stephanus and his household – how they refreshed Paul’s spirit (1 Corinthians 16:17). The household of Onesiphoris was of great help to Paul in Ephesus as well as when Paul was imprisoned in chains (2 Timothy 1:16-17). Paul wrote about how he hoped to have the same experience Philemon (verse 20) and at Rome (Romans 15:32).

The point in all of this concerns what God is doing through our congregation. He has given each person specific skills and abilities for equipping others and building up the Body of Christ until all reach the full stature intended for them in Jesus (Ephesians 4:11-13). I have witnessed you do this for each other and I, myself, have experienced it when my own spirit seemed to lag.

So, as we enter a very busy time of year – when you may prefer to rest instead of attending or doing one more thing at church – I encourage you to remain engaged, to participate and to attend some of the activities that have been planned. I suspect that, like the Apostle Paul, you will not leave feeling drained but more energized and refreshed in spirit.

Here is just a sampling of some of the things happening this month:

  • 9/4 Bible Study continues every Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.
  • 9/9 Rally Day kickoff to Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. with Shoe Box Service Project
  • New Sunday School class for High School Students taught by Drs. McIvor & Turner
  • A separate Sunday School class for Adults, focusing on basics of Christian faith
  • Catechism Class for students in grades 6-8
  • Separate Sunday School Classes for Preschool, Lower and Upper Elementary students
  • 9/9 Blessing of Students and Teachers at both 8am & 10:30am worship services
  • 9/11 another session of Bible Study begins, continuing every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.
  • 9/16 Bishop Kusserow preaches at both worship services & leads 9:15 a.m. Adult Forum
  • 9/23 at 9:15 a.m. a New Member Classes begin with reception of new members 10/14
  • 9/23 at 4:30 p.m. Service of Installation of a Pastor

With much gratitude to God for each of you,
Pastor Rike