A Message from Our Pastor

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

This weekend, our worship theme is very timely, as the Gospel lesson is Christ's discussion with the Pharisees about paying taxes to Caesar and giving to God what belongs to God. In uncertain times such as what we are experiencing, it is vital for us to remember that while presidents come and go, while the stock market rises and falls, it is God who has remained constant and faithful throughout time, and it is God's Church that is called to proclaim God's voice of hope and sensibility when humanity starts grasping at straws for answers. So, remember to cling to God, not Wall Street, for hope and security. And, help one another hold on by gathering together in worship this weekend, for we are here, not for ourselves, but to help one another!

 

On another practical level, if you think these times are difficult, I encourage you to seek out a family member or church friend who lived through the Great Depression – they are models of "God will see us through this"!

 

This Sunday, 5:00 p.m., the confirmation cluster will gather at Wittenberg University to study the second table of the Law (commandments 4-10) – how God wants us to relate to one another in community.

 

Monday, 10/20, 7:00 p.m., the congregation council gathers for its monthly meeting, in the parish house meeting room (aka, the blue room or the Penn State Room).

 

Tuesday, 10/21, 6:00 p.m., the Lutheran Course will begin at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Wayne Ave.) with dinner. Activities for children and youth, and the class for adults will commence at 6:45 p.m., and will conclude at 7:45 p.m. This 7-session (3^rd Tuesday each month) class is designed to help us connect with our Lutheran roots, and to help us claim our identity as God's people (Lutheran Christians) called to a life of service to others. I hope you can be a part of this monthly event.

 

Wednesday, 10/22, 11:00 a.m., we will gather in our sanctuary for a memorial service for Alan Crandall, with light refreshments afterwards. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, 10/21, 6-8 p.m. at Schlientz and Moore Funeral Home (Centerville).

 

A special word of thanks and recognition – this past Wednesday, I attended the official "seating" service at Trinity Seminary, Columbus, for the newly created Haman-Pfahler Chair in Christian Communications. The Rev. Henry Langknecht, Ph.D., is the newly-installed professor. Our own Bob and Carolyn (Pfahler) Haman were the people whose generosity established this chair. The Body of Christ, the Church, has been greatly enhanced by the Hamans' generosity and faithfulness to the Gospel, and it was an honor to attend this event with Bob and Carolyn!

 

May the Holy Spirit breathe excitement and new life into you this day!

 

In Christ's peace,

Gary