"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints." (Colossians 1:3,4)
Why do we have our congregation? Why did we build this church? Why do we meet week after week in worship? Why do we give our offerings? Why do we reach out to those who are outside of our fellowship? The answer to all of these questions is that we may grow in faith and in love.
The reason why we are members of a Christian congregation is that we may grow in our faith in Jesus Christ. If we are left by ourselves, we are like a log that is separated from the fire. Its flame soon withers and dies. Without a Christian fellowship, our faith does the same thing. We are members of this congregation and attend worship services and Bible classes, because it is through God’s Word, His Sacraments of baptism and communion, and the encouragement of our Christian brothers and sisters that God keeps our faith burning brightly.
Our participation also encourages the faith of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We bring our children to the services of God’s house, even from a young age, so that they come to know Jesus as their Savior. Our presence in worship and Bible classes encourages those with whom we worship each week.
This place and this fellowship is about growing together in faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and it is about growing in love for each other. As Christians we care for each other. We pray for each other. We help each other through the Christian Concern Fund. We visit our shut-in members. We give tuition aid to families attending Lutheran grade schools and support the Lutheran High School Association. Through our parish nurse, we have been able to assist many people with health issues. We listen to each other, and support each other as best as we can. What a blessing it is, that God places us in a fellowship in which we are called to love each other as Christ has loved us.
This faith and love in Christ are not just confined to these walls. We share our faith with those around us, that they may receive the salvation that Christ won for them. There is no doubt that things have changed a lot around our congregation in the last 50 years, but God has opened up new opportunities. In the last couple of years, dozens of people have come to Benediction who know nothing of Jesus, the Bible or salvation in Christ’s name. What a blessing it is that God is giving us so many opportunities to share our faith in Christ.
God is also giving us opportunities to share His love. Our English as a Second Language Class has had over 30 students. The African Immigrant Food Pantry serves over 30 families a month. At Christmas time with the help of neighboring congregations we were able to give Christmas gifts to over 140 children. We also have a couple of members who volunteer their time at the Place of Refuge Resale Shop. Through Diana’s Angels we bring peace to grieving parents.
There are times when we as Christians get on each others nerves and get frustrated with each other. That usually happens when we lose our focus. But when we see this fellowship as a place to grow in faith in Christ and love for each other, and we look for ways that we can share our faith and love with those around us, God uses us to His glory that we become beacons of faith and love in Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Don Hougard