gloria-dei-lutheran-church

Glimpses of Grace

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:30:10 GMT

What a month March has been!

That blizzard was one for the record books. Many of us were stuck at home, digging out (and digging out again), checking on neighbors, and just trying to get through the day. It was exhausting - and at times, honestly, a little overwhelming. But even in the middle of it all, there were glimpses of grace: people showing up for each other and reminding one another, “You’re not alone.”

Now things are starting to shift. The snow piles are melting, the days are getting longer, and you can almost feel spring trying to break through. And right in the middle of this transition comes a powerful word from God:

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19)

That verse hits differently this time of year. After winter, it can be hard to imagine anything “springing up.” We get used to the cold, the gray, the heaviness. We start to expect more of the same. But God says: Look again. Pay attention. Something new is already beginning.

Not someday. Not far off. Now it springs up. Maybe that “new thing” looks like small signs of life returning outside your window. Maybe it’s a renewed sense of connection after helping each other through the storm. Maybe it’s a quiet stirring of hope you didn’t expect to feel yet. And maybe - just maybe - it’s God doing something new in you.

That’s what makes this so fitting as we head toward Easter on April 5th. Easter is the ultimate “new thing.”

When everything seemed lost, when hope looked buried for good, God was already at work. And on that morning, the world changed forever.

As Scripture tells us, “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Resurrection isn’t just something that happened once. It’s something God keeps doing—bringing life out of death, hope out of despair, and new beginnings out of the places we thought were finished.

So as we move into April, I want to invite you to hold onto that question from Isaiah: Do you not perceive it? … Where do you see signs of new life? Where might God be at work in ways you didn’t expect? What is beginning to “spring up” in your own life?

Let’s step into this season together with open eyes and open hearts. The snow is melting. New life is on the way. And Easter is coming.

Easter Eggs

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:28:04 GMT

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

It’s almost Easter!!! It’s time to buy malted milk eggs and Peeps! . . . But wait. . . Isn’t there more to Easter than great candy?

The resurrection of Jesus is really important.

It’s easy to say that “Jesus died for my sins through his death on the cross.” Thank God–that is true! But there is more!

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 makes it clear that what is of first importance is “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” Did you catch it? The whole Gospel has two main parts: Through the death of Christ, the price of our sins has been paid. And by His resurrection, we have been delivered out of our bondage to sin, the fear of death and the power of the devil. We have been transferred from darkness into God’s light. Jesus’ death and His resurrection is what saves us.

Think of Easter eggs. Eggs remind me of an oval. . . Okay, eggs aren’t ovals but humor me. In geometry, a circle has one focus point, and everything extends out from that. But an oval has two focus points.

This is the Good News of Easter! Like the shape of an egg – I mean an oval – drawn from two focus points: Jesus died AND was raised.

We have been crucified with Christ – our old life is gone and our sins are forgiven. AND, we have been raised up with Christ – Christ now lives in us, we have new life in him. This is Paul’s personal confession, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

That is to say that there’s a deeper significance of Easter eggs. . . When you do the geometry, you’re able to see two focus points: that Jesus’ death on the cross was for you AND so is His resurrection. His death put to death your old self AND His resurrection has raised you to new life and opened the door for you to share in His presence and walk in His power to enjoy His company, to share His love, to stand for truth and resist evil for the sake of saving the human race until He fully brings us into His kingdom.

Let’s live in the truth of Jesus crucified AND risen. Let us Keep and Live the Faith!

-Pr. David Dahl

God is deeply invested

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:45:38 GMT

This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17

We’re in the season of sore throats, coughs, colds and flu. Many of us are reminded of just how fragile our bodies are. It is amazing to me that a microscopic virus can silence our voice and sap our strength to the point we aren’t able to do anything.

One of the gifts Jesus brings is healing. One of the Christian martyrs commemorated in the month of February is a man God graced with healing, a man named Blasius or Blaise.

Blaise was an Armenian who lived back in the 4 ^th Century. He was born into a rich household to parents who followed Jesus – a rarity of that day. So, as you would expect, he received a first-rate education given by Christian teachers. His ambition was to become a physician. In this Roman territory – now present-day Turkey – Blaise began practicing medicine. He was good at it. Even more so, he became known as a Christian with healing hands.

As often happens in church families, Blaise was quickly promoted as a Christian teacher and healer. He was elevated to the office of bishop at a young age. I can’t imagine the responsibility – running a medical practice and being a chief shepherd of a number of churches – all of this in the community of Sebaste in Armenia which is modern-day Sivas, Turkey.

Here’s where the story gets interesting. . .

The Roman Empire was divided into smaller sections to ensure stability. It didn’t work so well. Valerius Licinius and Flavius Valerius Constantinus (Constantine) were co-emperors. Licinius ruled the eastern Roman Empire and Constantine ruled the west. A rivalry deepened between them causing civil war. Constantine was a Christian convert. Licinius was a loyal Roman pagan. Blaise – the doctor and bishop – lived in the territory ruled by Licinius.

Licinius began to view Christians as a threat to his authority. In order to consolidate his power and to punish his chief rival (Constantine was a Christian), he began a state-sponsored campaign to persecute Christians. He rewarded people to hunt them and bring them in to face torture and death if they refused to renounce Jesus and bow to the Roman gods.

During this time, Blaise left his comfortable home to live life as a hermit in a cave. He was eventually discovered by hunters and taken to the governor.

The governor was impressed with Blaise’s ability to heal and serve, unapologetically, in Jesus’ name. One story included a boy who was near death from choking on a fishbone lodged in his throat. Blaise prayed and went to work and saved his life. As impressed as the governor was, it didn’t stop him from insisting that the Blaise renounce his faith. When he wouldn’t, the governor had him beaten, tortured with an iron comb (a tool used for combing wool), and eventually beheaded. In the Roman Catholic world, Blaise became the Saint to those suffering from sore throats.

Why do such stories come to mind? Jesus is the true physician. Blaise was faithful to follow Jesus in that task. Blaise knew that God does not stand far off from our coughing, aching and fevered bodies. He comes close. He touches, and He speaks life. Blaise could not turn away from such a Savior.

So as you nurse a sore throat, or care for a sick child or spouse, do it unapologetically in Jesus’ name. Know that this is holy work, and God is deeply invested in your humanity.

Even more so, tell the stories of how God empowers our simple acts of love and service to bring life. Just as He did in the days of Blaise, so may we see Him meet us as our Great Physician who came to “take our illnesses and heal our diseases.” Keep and live the faith!

The Light of Epiphany

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:45:36 GMT

Shining all the way into Lent

By the time February rolls around, the days are getting a little longer…thankfully. The light lingers just a bit more in the evenings, and we begin to notice what winter has been quietly preparing beneath the surface. It’s a fitting time for us to still be living in the Season of Epiphany—a season all about light, revelation, and seeing Jesus more clearly.

The word Epiphany means “to reveal” or “to make known.” In this season, we have been hearing again and again how God’s light shows up in unexpected places: at the Jordan River during Jesus’ baptism, on a hillside as He teaches, in the calling of ordinary people to follow Him. As Isaiah proclaims, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1).

What’s important to remember is this: the light comes to us first. We do not create it. We do not earn it. We receive it. Jesus Himself says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Before we ever reflect God’s light, it is already shining on us—into our doubts, our weariness, and our everyday lives.

Only then, having been lit by Christ, do we hear His words to us: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Not because we are perfect or especially bright on our own, but because Christ’s light now lives in us. Like the moon reflecting the sun, we shine only because we are held in His grace.

February can feel like a long, gray month. But Epiphany reminds us that God is still at work, still revealing Himself, still shining light where we least expect it. As Paul writes, “For it is God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

So this month as we move from Epiphany to Lent, may you notice the light—both the lengthening daylight outside and the steady, faithful light of Christ within. And may that light gently spill over into the world through kindness, patience, and love.

Blessings to you in this month where the Light grows brighter with every day.

Anything but Convenient

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:12:10 GMT

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”

(Matthew 2:1)

It’s January. With the shortest day of the year behind us, some find this stretch of the calendar cold and dark. Yet Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God often does His boldest work in unlikely seasons and less-than-ideal circumstances.

This is the time of year when the Church remembers the Magi—wise men who followed a star to Bethlehem. Their journey was anything but convenient. It would have been costly, time-consuming, and dangerous. One can’t help but ask: what kind of people would leave comfort and security behind to chase a mysterious light across unfamiliar terrain?

Interestingly, no other historical records from the time of Jesus’ birth mention a star like the one Matthew describes. Astronomers (not astrologers) have suggested several possibilities near the time of Jesus’ birth: a supernova, Halley’s Comet, or a rare conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars that would have appeared as a single, brilliant light. Whether the star was one of these phenomena or a uniquely supernatural sign, we cannot say for certain. What we do know is this: God used it to draw the Magi to His Son.

Matthew does not describe these travelers as kings, but as magi—a Greek term referring to learned men or oriental scholars. Over time, the Church came to view them as kings, largely because of the gifts they brought: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts echo Psalm 72, a royal psalm that proclaims, “May the kings of Sheba and Saba bring gifts; may all kings pay him homage” (Psalm 72:10–11).

Their titles matter far less than their obedience. At great personal cost, the Magi followed the light they were given. And though their understanding may have been incomplete, their gifts demonstrated remarkable insight. Gold honored a king. Frankincense acknowledged divinity. Myrrh—used for burial—hinted at suffering and sacrifice. Somehow, they grasped that this child was more than a ruler; He was the Redeemer the world had long awaited.

Here’s the challenge of this story: How willing are we to follow the Son of God? Have we quietly set boundaries on how far we are willing to go, or what we are willing to risk, in response to His call?

New opportunities are before us. I invite—and challenge—you to join in. As we enter this new year, may God find us faithful to reflect His light here in Tomah.

Keep and Live the Faith

Pastor David Dahl

Resolutions in Christ

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:12:09 GMT

A blessed New Year to you! As the calendar flips and we all pretend we’re absolutely going to stick to our resolutions this time, I thought it might be good to talk about some Christian resolutions—those small, habits of faith that help us grow, even if we occasionally trip over our good intentions on the way to the refrigerator.

January always feels like a fresh sheet of paper. It’s a natural time to ask: What habits help me stay rooted in His grace? Not “What would make me a perfect Christian?”—That list would be unmanageably long, and Jesus has already taken care of perfection for us. I mean what are some simple practices that give God just a little more room to shape our days.

As Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A new year doesn’t magically make us new people—but Christ does. So…

1. Dust off your Bible—literally or figuratively.

Try reading a short daily passage, maybe from a Gospel. If the Bible feels intimidating, start small. God doesn’t hand out gold stars for reading Leviticus at 6 a.m. without coffee.

2. Pray for one thing each day.

Just one. That’s it. A person, a joy, a worry, your neighbor’s noisy dog—whatever’s on your heart. You might be surprised how that one moment of honesty with God steadies the rest of the day.

3. Come to worship even on the “I’d rather stay in my pajamas” Sundays.

Gathering as God’s people strengthens us in ways we rarely expect.

4. Practice small mercies.

Forgive quickly. Speak kindly. Hold a door. Send a note. Luther said our daily vocations are holy callings, even the ordinary ones. God does beautiful things with small acts of grace.

5. Remember the Gospel is not a self-improvement program.

Resolutions are good, but they don’t save us. Christ has already claimed us, loved us, forgiven us, and renewed us—long before our January motivation fades by February.

If you fail at your resolutions, welcome to the club. God’s mercies are new every morning, not just on January 1st. And if you do keep one or two habits that draw you closer to Christ and neighbor, thanks be to God for that, too.

May your new year be full of grace and a few holy habits that help you recognize God’s presence in the everyday.

Blessings on the new year.

Pastor Kay

His Kingdom is Here

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:07:22 GMT

Christ has Come.

On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food. . . (Isaiah 25:6a)

A meal shared together is an act of war.

It’s a declaration that Satan’s days are numbered.

This has become more real to me each passing day.

When I was little, family dinners were something I had to endure – putting up with a lot of people I didn’t cross paths with very often. But as I grew older, they became fun—good food with people I loved.

Somewhere in the course of the meal, one of the elders would get teary – and blurting out something to the effect of extolling God’s blessings of family. I admit, I really didn’t get it. It takes puppies 4 weeks to open their eyes and start seeing straight, and it probably took me 4 decades before I began to see that something far deeper than a mere meal was happening around our table.

Meals together are brief bursts of joy in the middle of the battlefield of life.

C. S. Lewis understood this. I’m a big Lewis fan—he died the year I was born. In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe he gives a powerful picture of why meals matter. Narnia is locked in an icy spell where it’s “always winter but never Christmas.” The White Witch, the usurper queen, stumbles upon a group of animals feasting in the woods—enjoying plum pudding and celebrating news brought by Father Christmas (Lewis’s John-the-Baptist figure) that Aslan, the lion (the Jesus figure) has arrived.

That little feast was an act of rebellion. It dared to celebrate that the Witch’s reign was ending, that endless winter was about to break. The Witch demanded the animals deny the news. When they refused, she turned them all into stone.

That meal was an act of war. And she wasn’t wrong.

When God’s people gather around a table—whether its Dad’s turkey or Grandma’s casserole – the one with the crunchy stuff on top and baked to perfection—we also make a declaration. No matter how dark the world becomes, we are the people of the Risen King. God’s goodness has triumphed. Our Savior’s tomb is empty. How could we not gather and celebrate?

But there’s more. We don’t just celebrate what God has done; we also celebrate what He will do. And that makes every family meal a rehearsal for eternity.

The prophet Isaiah gives us a glimpse of our future feast: “On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine… He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:6–8)

And John gives us another glimpse in Revelation 19: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb… These are the true words of God.”

Read the whole chapter in Revelation and you’ll notice something remarkable: the Marriage Supper of the Lamb is held in the midst of war. This banquet is spread for God’s redeemed children while the powers of darkness make their last stand against the Lamb. This Marriage Supper is a feast of victory. (You Sunday 8:00 a.m. people may hear echoes of one of our communion hymns: “This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia!”— Now you know where it comes from.)

It’s no wonder that during His earthly ministry Jesus came “eating and drinking” with sinners and Pharisees alike, and why He was accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Matthew 11:19). That accusation says something. In the middle of life’s battles, Jesus revealed that God is far more joy-filled than people expected Him to be.

So, as you gather around tables this Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day—invite someone to your table or accept someone’s invitation to theirs. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Christ has come because He loves you.

Take in every flavor. Let the joy around the table swallow up the heartaches and struggles that cling to your days. Listen closely, and you might faintly hear the hymn we sing at communion: “This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia!”

Remember that you are a child of the Risen King.

Remember that every meal is a small rehearsal for heaven.

Remember that Satan’s days—and your days of tears—are numbered.

Christ has come. His Kingdom is here.

Tis the Season

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 21:07:20 GMT

Tis the season...to be overwhelmed? Just looking at our Gloria Dei calendar shows many opportunities for service, learning, community, and growth. But I caution: Watch out for overload during the Christmas season.

Culturally, December is a smorgasbord of festivities: freshly-strung Christmas lights, holiday parties, trips to the tree farm, and more! Here at Gloria Dei, too, there is much to do, like our Advent Tea and Advent Fest, Blue Christmas, our children’s program, and Cantata event. Frankly, I love this season for all that is happening--and how fun much of it is!

But how do we keep from getting so depleted? The idea isn't to refrain from doing what you love; the aim is to invest your time and energy intentionally, into things that nourish and encourage you, so you wake up Christmas morning feeling renewed and fully present.

I'll share with you some of the goals I'm working toward this season:

Seek God in a new way. Ready to start a new morning quiet time with scripture by candlelight? Want to start an evening walk with God, savoring the changing sky overhead? Feeling the nudge to find a prayer partner for accountability? Try it!
When you say you don't have time to do something, pause and consider. Sometimes, when I think, "Oh, I don't have time for this," it means I have neither time nor interest. I'm not feeling within it an invitation from God. I pray we'll make time for what may be the powerful moments of connection and politely skip the others.
Choose a way to give back that feeds your soul. There are many, many causes in the community worthy of your investment of time or resources--places where God's love is being shared abundantly and tangibly. Ring bells for the Salvation Army, support Neighbor for Neighbor, volunteer to drive for Faith in Action, call someone who is alone.
In the midst of the busy-ness, hold fast to spiritual rhythms that keep you whole. These might include prayer, worship, and time in small groups. Do you really want to make Sunday worship? What does it look like for you? How can you safeguard it as things get busier?

I hope you give yourself permission to choose well how you spend yourself this season. Whatever you choose, may it give you life--and may you show up fully within it. These two things--life and presence--are vital pieces of "preparing the way" for love to be born, right here and now.

Psalm 5:11 ~ Oh Lord, let all of us who take refuge in you be glad, let us sing for joy, protect us that we may rejoice in You.

Have a very blessed Advent season and Merry Christmas!

What Next?

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:17:02 GMT

One beef I have with the Bible is that Jesus’ encounters with many of our favorite people were short. I’m left wondering, “What next?”

· How did the formerly demon-possessed man live after Jesus removed his demons and he moved out of the cemetery, and returned to his family and his town?

· How did Lazarus live once Jesus raised him to life?

· What was Zacchaeus’s life like after he became a follower of Jesus and, against the advice of his friends and started giving back money to those he'd robbed? What happened to his business?

· What happened after the woman at the well confessed Jesus as the Messiah? What did her live-in boyfriend think? What happened next?

We know that something happened next, because Jesus changes people. They become disciples.

Pr. Kay and I were privileged to attend the 25th Annual Gathering of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). We revisited the history of the past 25 years. We heard from some of the “founders” of LCMC. Many of you remember Pr. Mark Vander Tuig – a man to whom God gave a lot of personality. He shared the struggles of the struggles in defining the focus of what would become our shared vision to be “in Mission” for Jesus. LCMC holds true to its founding principles that the local congregation, not a central office, is the front line of mission. God’s purpose is to save the human race. And His strength accompanies all who embrace their part in His purpose.

· We were encouraged to “chase failure.” We accomplish more when we’re not afraid to fail – when we’re willing to break out of the way we’ve always done things to pursue a new approach.

· We were challenged in workshops on how to “neighbor”, as our culture tends to encourage rigorous independence which leads to isolation and often fosters loneliness.

· We were reminded that “busyness” in our culture is killing us, and that we need to take steps to reclaim the Third Commandment to keep the Sabbath. This keeps us in tune with God’s purposes at work especially when everything around us may seem dark and forbidding.

The mission focus of LCMC continues to captivate followers of Jesus around the world as LCMC surpasses the benchmark of 1,000 member congregations. What next? The mission focus of making disciples is alive and well.

That brings us to the “what next” of Gloria Dei. We’re celebrating our 80th year of God’s blessing. I invite you to take note of a particular feature to our building:

When you enter the church building, you’ll discover a tree. That tree is a joint work of several people. It demonstrates our longstanding rootedness in God’s Story and in the “what next” of God’s purpose. This tree is made up of a slab of redwood that is estimated to be 1,200 to 2,000 years old. The metalwork demonstrates a variety of textures and cloudlike shapes that illustrate the amazing variety of the branches of God’s people. If you look closely, you’ll find the face of Jesus embedded in the trunk (Yes, it’s really there! Look for it!) Beside it is a Bible passage from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians – which is also so appropriate to us.

The whole passage had to be shortened, so I’ve bolded the excerpt on our wall and have included the full context of what Paul wrote: “For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. 16 I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthen in your inner being with power through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. 18 I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:14b-19)

Note all the references to growth in his words: “Rooted and grounded”, “to comprehend”, “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”, “be filled with all the fullness of God.” These words describe the constant change that happens in those who follow Christ.

So, “What’s next?” It is rewarding to see so many of you digging into the Bible. It’s rewarding to see teachers involved in teaching our kids and adults mentoring our Confirmation students. This year, we sent more quilts, school kits, baby kits and personal care kits than ever! And we have room to develop more women’s circles and small groups.

This leads to an open invitation to the “what next” of our neighbor: We have so many opportunities to bring someone with us. When you come to worship, when you’re working, helping, teaching, quilting, cooking, praying, bring someone with you. You have no idea what doors a little connection might open. You and they will grow in ways not possible by any other activity. And you’ll have the amazing experience of seeing others grow as well.

Remember, God’s purpose is to save the human race. He’s given you a part in it. This church is rooted in it. So, “what next?” I can’t wait.

Keep and Live the Faith. -Pr. Dave Dahl

Give Thanks In All

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 21:22:14 GMT

Give Thanks IN ALL!

November is a month where people tend to list out the things we are thankful for. Some even will list something each and every day on Facebook -which is not something you will find me doing. Don’t get me wrong, it is good to be thankful, and I am thankful for many different things … I just struggle, because a lot of times the things listed after family and friends are so many material things which will eventually break and get replaced. Is that really what I’m thankful for?

I am NOT against Thanksgiving in any way; it is good to be thankful. The Bible even tells us that. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Wait a second! Look at the verse again! Did you notice what that verse says? “Give thanks in ALL circumstances.” So … does this mean I have to give thanks in those times when life isn’t going like I planned it or when something bad happens? Hate to be the bearer of bad news but … yup, that is exactly what it means.

We all know that bad things are going to happen. People will get sick, things will break or be taken away or used up, feelings will be hurt by those we call our friends, and relationships are going to go through tough times and may even lead to a break-up. It may be hard to see these as times to give thanks … but they are.

Take a breath…

Notice the word before that bold, italicized, and underlined ALL? What is it? It’s the word in. We are told to give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. The evil, the bad things of life do not come from God, those are a result of sin being in the world. This is why we are not thankful for all circumstances. We are thankful in all circumstances because no matter what we are facing in life … God is still in control, and God’s presence is still with you. This means that His love, His mercy, His compassion, and all the other wonderful things God is and does are still with you. They are with you because you are His dearly loved child. And to prove that, God sent Jesus, His only Son, so that anyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

So in this month of reflection on what it is we are thankful for … the thing I’m most thankful for is the precious blood shed by Jesus and His victorious resurrection! For it is through this that you are claimed as one of His dear children. I’m thankful that God continues to go with you wherever it is that you go. It is my constant prayer that no matter what you experience in your life, that you remember that He is there with you and that you can lean on Him all the time. Give thanks!

May you have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!

Not Just the Pastor's Job

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 16:18:06 GMT

October Newsletter Article

It’s not just the pastors’ job!

Matthew 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

As a member of the body of Christ, we have heard teachings about the above verse, which is believed to be our Great Commission and assignment. For the Great Commission to be achieved, the gospel message must be shared.

Preach the gospel? That is the pastor’s job, right? The Great Commission calls for all believers to reach the lost with the good news.

BUT as always, there are several reasons given for why people don't share the gospel or witness about Jesus Christ . There’s fear of rejection: when someone rejects the message we are sharing about Jesus, we feel like they are rejecting us personally. Some will claim they don’t know what to say. The excuse is often we do not feel equipped and are not clear on exactly what we should say to persuade people to believe in Jesus. And then there’s those who believe it's solely the pastor’s job. We might be comfortable inviting people to the church, but we believe it’s just the pastor’s job to share the gospel with them when they get there.

Have any of the above been the reason you haven't shared your faith with others? Again, the Great Commission Jesus gives in Matthew 28:18-20 is to all Christian believers. We are not called to simply invite people to church; we are called to be witnesses for Christ to lead others to Him. You do not have to make a special presentation or stand on the street corner with your Bible and horn. Pray and look for opportunities as you go through your normal day with people you may already know. Just make it a conversation. Pray to God and ask for His direction as you engage in every activity you do.

Your witness for Christ begins with your actions instead of your words. The spiritual truths that you have learned from the Bible are to be lived out in front of your neighbors, co-workers, family members, and others including strangers. Our faith walk with God ought to be reflective of His image and His personality. Show up with genuine love even for those who do not show love to you ( Luke 6:35 ). On your job, do your work the best you can as unto the Lord ( Colossians 3:23 ). In your relationships, treat people the way you want to be treated ( Luke 6:31 ).

Then tell them the difference Christ has made in your life, tell them what Jesus did to save each and every one of us, and THEN ask them to join you at church.

Reaching the lost for Christ is not only the pastor’s job, but it is every believer's job. Witnessing for Christ is part of what we signed up for, and we have what we need to complete the assignment. All believers have a responsibility to share their faith with the lost so they can find salvation in Jesus.

Blessings to you all AND to those you minister to!

Simplicity

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:24:48 GMT

17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to [Jesus]. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives

and recovering of sight to the blind,

to set at liberty those who are oppressed,

19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17-21)

What events in history were defining moments in your life? Some of you may still remember World War II, the Watts riots, and the assassinations that took place in the 1960’s. For me, a few of these events include the end of the Vietnam War, Watergate, the Promise Keepers movement, the “Why can’t we all just get along” Rodney King riots, 9/11/01 and the war that followed, COVID-19, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Regardless of what you think about Charlie Kirk, he was a cultural phenomenon. Yes, he was very combative as a debater when he was young, but my ear was turned as he got older. As he embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior and got married, he listened more to those who debated him and grew more patient and compassionate. He had a brilliant mind. Truth be told, I questioned some of his appropriation of what he was learning from Jesus. But he drew amazing crowds of college students – many of them looking for some kind of direction in life.

Here's the common ground for us to see: a major cultural movement was being led by a professing Christian. That cultural movement has gained ground because, as Brett McCracken of the Gospel Coalition stated, “Something is stirring among young people today who are deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. Social media is killing them, cancel culture terrifies them, ideological conformity on many college campuses is stifling, and shaping events like the COVID-19 pandemic now feel like one big deception that didn’t need to ruin their lives. Young people are hungry for a different, better way to live. For stable truth and time-tested tradition. They are primed for renewal.”1

Who they turned to was a man who listened to them. He answered their questions directly with facts that they could check, and he followed Jesus with joy and without apology. Thousands were awed by his example – and even more so now.

This generation is ready for renewal, and that makes this a special time in history. Jesus has shaped the way we live and has entrusted us with the answers this generation seeks. No, Jesus is not about “learning how to be a good person.” As the Gospel of Luke records, Jesus is about delivering Good News to a generation who knows they are poor and captive and blind. Jesus is about making the dead alive and giving sight to the blind and setting the prisoner free.

So now what?

Invite your kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends to church. It’s time to “Get to church” for everyone.

Encourage our kids to get into Confirmation, to the high school group and to the young adult group. Now is the time to ask hard questions and figure out what walking with Jesus is about.

See to your own enrichment. Do a Bible study. We have a number of opportunities. Pick one and go for it.

Pray for Pr. Kay, the Church Council and for myself, as we aim to follow the leading of God’s Spirit in this season in our culture.

Let us all Keep and Live the Faith.