February-2010

Dear sisters and brothers of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church,

“You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family.”  -Ephesians 2:19

            There is a story about a man who sat in front of a fire talking with his minister. He said to him, “Parson, I don’t think I’ll come to church anymore. Religion is a very personal thing. I think I’ll just try to work it out myself.” The Parson said nothing, but took a pair of tongs and lifted a live coal out of the fire and laid it on the hearth. They both watched it slowly go out.” Then the man said, “I see what you mean. I’ll be back next Sunday.”
            We were created for community. We have instant membership in a family that declares every week that we are not perfect and that we have problems. This family suffers together and laughs together. We are in this family as those who trust in something outside ourselves. We find the courage to dream and work for the kingdom of God right now. We live and love in grace.
I grew up on a farm where each of us was expected to do our share so that all could thrive and rest. We felt valued as children and teenagers because we had purpose outside our own self gratification. What we did mattered and directly affected five other people. Each of us had some struggles when we left home because suddenly we felt like it was all about self for the first time in our 18 years. We felt like a lone ember until we found community in the places we attended college.
            We are fellow citizens and members of God’s family. My prayer is this coming year each one of us will know each day that we are called, gathered and enlightened through our family of St. Mark’s Lutheran.

                                    In Christ’s love and service,
                                    Pastor Lori L. Hope