From Pastor'sDesk

My, my, my, how quickly time is flying by! 

This month begins the fourth quarter of the year, and I don't about you, but I am so very excited and amazed how ministry is coming together. 

There are several activities I am looking forward to during the month of October: our Pumpkin Patch fundraiser, beginning October 17th through the 31st. The Pumpkin Patch should draw some people from the community and provide opportunities to introduce ourselves to those who come to purchase pumpkins.

 

I am also excited as we approach Saturday, October 18th and my installation as the called Pastor.

We can also look to celebrating the Reformation in some form here at St. John as I hear the words of Luther's hymn " A Mighty Fortress is Our God" echoing in my head, as always, the first verse sends chills down my spine. Luther wrote.

"A mighty fortress is our God, A sword and shield victorious;

He breaks the cruel oppressors rod and wins salvation salvation glorious.

The old satanic foe has sworn to work us woe --

with craft and dreadful might, he arms himself to fight

on earth he has no equal 

 

I am thankful for the courage and certainty of faith by which, even in the throes of conflict and the threat of death, Martin Luther stood firm, and we can also. Like Luther, we can seek and put Jesus first and stand shoulder to shoulder with Luther just as he did at Diet of Worms saying, " Here I stand I can do no other!" 

 

God's entrusted people to my Pastoral Care, recognize with me how our faith grows daily as we trust in Him! Be excited with me as I begin my work among you as your Called servant and join me as we walk in faith together, trusting God. 

 

I close with the words of the hymn 

I am Trusting Thee Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee

Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and Free. 

 

I am trusting Thee to guide me, Thou alone shall lead,

Every day and hour supplying all my need.

 

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; Never let me fall.

I am trusting Thee forever and for all.

 

St. John, it's going to be an exciting, and busy Fall and we'll do just as the hymn says trust Jesus. He'll never let us Fall and with Him we cannot fail.

 

God bless you and keep you always in His mercy and grace.

 

Rev. Dr. Bertram Lewis, Pastor