FromthePastor - First Lutheran Church

Evangelical Lutheran Church In America
God's work. Our hands.

From Pastor Miriam

The Mission of the Montana Synod, ELCA: “Marked by the cross of Christ forever, abundantly blessed, we faithfully serve God and neighbor.”

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Fall is here, and the rhythm of life is changing. While the days are getting noticeably shorter, here at First Lutheran, along with congregations around the country, many things are starting back up.

Worship is back to its 10:30 start time. Before worship at Adult Education, we learn more about our Book of Faith, our denomination, and our calling as Christians. On Wednesdays, besides weekly Bible Study and Prayer Meeting in the morning, children – from our congregation and community – gather in the afternoon for Wednesday School and Confirmation class. And not just the children. Snack providers, servers, and volunteer teachers come to nurture children in Christian faith.

LWSO (Lutheran Women Serving Others) has started its meetings up, on the second Wednesday of the month; and Jeremy and I have begun welcoming the High School Youth Group over to our house for a meal, fellowship and prayer, on the third Wednesday of the month.

Some members are meeting early on Thursday for prayer and a morning walk. In addition, we’re going to try a Tuesday lunch book discussion this month. And we’re looking ahead to some fun events that the Fellowship Ministry Team has planned for the remainder of 2009, including Oktoberfest. In the next couple of months, we’ll also be celebrating in worship, as some of our youth affirm their baptisms, and we’ll baptize (on one Sunday morning!) all four babies born in 2009 to congregational members.

Of course there’s much more going on in our lives: Beloved people in our families and community are dying. Others are preparing for surgery or chemotherapy. The prayer chain stays active in prayer, as new concerns are shared every week.

As I think about all that is going on, I want to share with you, who make up the congregation of First Lutheran, how much you inspire me with your devotion to one another and this community. It is moving for me to see your many hands volunteering to do God’s work – whether that work is vacuuming the sanctuary, baking cookies, sending cards to friends in the military, or making decisions at a council meeting.

Of course, there are always more opportunities. Perhaps you have ideas for our Stewardship Ministry Team, or thoughts you’d like to share at the next Worship Ministry Team Meeting. Perhaps you would be willing to learn how to lead the liturgy when the pastor is gone, or are interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister -- bringing Holy Communion to the sick and shut-in. Perhaps you know of some other mission opportunity that we at First Lutheran could become involved in. If so, let Pastor Miriam know! After all, we are the body of Christ, and there is so much of God’s work to be done here in Sanders County – God’s work, that requires our hands.

May God continue to bless you and your families, and bring you peace.

In Jesus' name,
Pastor Miriam Schmidt