Phase IV
Most of you know we have had WELS Parish Assistance here at Grace.
We are now in the implementation phase of our work with them, which means we implement, they ask us, "Are you implementing?" and we let them (actually, Pastor Elton Stroh, one man) know, "This is what we are implementing. This is what we haven't figured out yet about implementing."
It is a self-check for our leaders and we self-checked at our council meeting last night.
Let me tell you - It's a chance to see blessings. We use some of the Christian Worship Hymnal. We have pretty flowers planted in front. We have a newly repaired brick wall. We are friendly to visitors. We have valet parking. We eat cookies and stand around talking to each other after church. We have a hole in the ground where our new sign will soon be placed. Our church newsletter is beautiful. Three ladies are volunteer secretaries. Our Bible Class room is upgraded and organized. We have a church library almost ready to launch. By God's grace we have welcomed 8 communicants (6 adults, 2 teens) this year. I have baptized 5 babies and 1 youth.
Now, here's the clean, big secret (opposite of dirty little - that's lame) the message hasn't changed. The Word of God is true (no change) the Lord's Supper is shared (no change).
It is only by the grace of God that any of our plans succeed. And the preaching of law (You are a sinner against the commands of God) - which drives us to despair and contrition - and gospel (Your Savior has come. He died for you. He took your sins on himself. You will not be damned but will inherit the gift of eternal life!) -- that preaching hasn't changed.
God bless you and keep you in this faith. There - a loving sermon from your dad.
We are now in the implementation phase of our work with them, which means we implement, they ask us, "Are you implementing?" and we let them (actually, Pastor Elton Stroh, one man) know, "This is what we are implementing. This is what we haven't figured out yet about implementing."
It is a self-check for our leaders and we self-checked at our council meeting last night.
Let me tell you - It's a chance to see blessings. We use some of the Christian Worship Hymnal. We have pretty flowers planted in front. We have a newly repaired brick wall. We are friendly to visitors. We have valet parking. We eat cookies and stand around talking to each other after church. We have a hole in the ground where our new sign will soon be placed. Our church newsletter is beautiful. Three ladies are volunteer secretaries. Our Bible Class room is upgraded and organized. We have a church library almost ready to launch. By God's grace we have welcomed 8 communicants (6 adults, 2 teens) this year. I have baptized 5 babies and 1 youth.
Now, here's the clean, big secret (opposite of dirty little - that's lame) the message hasn't changed. The Word of God is true (no change) the Lord's Supper is shared (no change).
It is only by the grace of God that any of our plans succeed. And the preaching of law (You are a sinner against the commands of God) - which drives us to despair and contrition - and gospel (Your Savior has come. He died for you. He took your sins on himself. You will not be damned but will inherit the gift of eternal life!) -- that preaching hasn't changed.
God bless you and keep you in this faith. There - a loving sermon from your dad.