New Beginnings or Continued Action?

New Beginnings or Continued Action?

I always remember September as I was growing up to be the month that school started again. During my grade school years I have to admit I was not too excited about that! As I progressed into high school, I enjoyed school more. Sometimes it’s what you look forward to that makes the difference. That might be the case with our outlook on worship also. For some, getting up on Sunday morning is a task. Excuses allow us to skip church as we rationalize that we need more rest after a week of work or social activities that have worn us out. Or we feel we “don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.” This last statement is certainly true, but the fact is “We go to church because we are Christians.”

As we look at all of the above, perhaps we can say that we look forward to something depends on the attitude with which we approach our upcoming endeavors. Unfortunately, many have had the experience that going to church is something demanded by God (or perhaps parents as we grew up.) Maybe by looking at worship in a different way would be beneficial.

As Christians we have been redeemed by God’s grace through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is purely by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word and /sacraments, we are made members of His body-the Holy Christian Church. As His people we want to show our gratitude by worshiping Him as often as possible and being strengthened in our faith through hearing His Word and receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We do this with others to encourage one another in our work with our Lord.

Luther reminds us that each day we should begin the day with the sign of the cross to remind us of who we are. In His explanation to the Third Commandment, he reminds us: “”We should fear and love God that we should not despise preaching and His Word, but gladly hear and learn it.” We are not saved by keeping The Ten Commandments; we could never measure up! Rather, we grasp the “third use of the Law” as a guide to how we as His people respond to His love in Christ. Yet, even that response can only truly happen by the work of the Spirit – again through Word and Sacrament.

Just as we think of September as the start of a new school year for children, the getting back to routines for fall and winter or maybe being refreshed by cooler weather, let it be a time to begin or continue our efforts to make worship something to look forward to each week. Obviously, such things as work schedules or sickness can interfere at times. Guests and family simply offer us opportunity to witness our faith by inviting them to worship with us or by showing them how important worship is to our lives.

May the Lord, Who called you in Baptism and made you His own, strengthen you in your commitment to worship regularly. Please contact me or an elder if you have special needs that would warrant a personal call by the pastor.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Jim

P.S. Remember to come to the Ice Cream Social and Country Music Show on Saturday, September 7, 6-9 p.m. Invite a friend, relative or neighbor. Benefits to go to "Backstoppers.”

The BackStoppers, Inc. is a 501 3 non-profit organization founded in 1959. The organization provides needed financial assistance to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publi