Whatever you do, whether in word or deed do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus

giving thanks to God the Father through him.                    Colossians 3:17

Times have been both exciting and challenging lately. 

·        We have been learning healthy conversation as we discuss use of the ELW in the next year

·        Joyful Giving is kicking off as we learn the rewards of giving to the community.

·         We have also begun using a new bulletin format that has been well received. 

·        The Sanctuary Worship Team has added Delphine at the keyboard and Kim to lead singing - and the team has reached new levels of worship excitement. 

·        There is a new appreciation for the work leaders are doing at all levels.

·        The feedback from the congregation has affirmed our direction and we are building on our strengths.

·        Fall is being planned and budgeting is in progress.

·        The Task Force continues to do wonderful work on the building and looking at future options

Certainly our biggest challenge is addressed in the report from Brad about our financial giving. 

Along with all the worship and serving we do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are being challenged to GIVE financially in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Certainly there will be talk and study and classes that talk about giving and stewardship.  But the heart of giving comes from within.  People that are in bible study and prayer develop hearts of thanksgiving that have to give in response to what God has done for us.  We need to feed spiritual hunger.

We need hearts of thanksgiving now.  Please be part of the Joyful Giving and remember the feeling of really impacting the lives of others.  Be part of upcoming studies and programs as we hold our lives and hearts before God.

The financial problems did not develop overnight.  They will not go away overnight.  Solutions will come when each person looks to their heart and their response.  It is time to be creative in finding solutions. 

Even creativity is a response. Singer Michael Card expresses it this way: It does not originate with me. God speaks.  He moves.  He is beautiful.  We respond.  We create.  We worship.

My vacation will include a retreat for prayer and scripture.  You are in my prayers.  First Lutheran is in my prayers.  These are prayers for my leadership,, prayers of thanksgiving for the faithful disciples of this church and prayers of thanksgiving to the God that put us together.

Have a blessed summer!

            Your servant in Christ,