Category Archives: Uncategorized

November 9, 2012 · 9:13 am

A sturdy shelter

Our church isn't this building (Messiah Lutheran, October 1991)

Our church isn’t this building
(Messiah Lutheran’s “new” sanctuary, October 1991)

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

Over the last several years, we have spent much time working on and worrying about our aging building (much of which dates to 1968). It sometimes seemed that once one problem was addressed, another would turn up. It is remarkable to see how much has been done to improve our grounds and facility, especially during such difficult economic times. Messiah has physically become a more safe, beautiful and welcoming place, and so I am thankful for the council, property team, and all those that help with painting, fixing, mowing and more. People have been very generous with their time, treasure, and talent; blessing both us and the greater community we serve.

Yet as vitally important as such work remains, I don’t lose sleep over the challenges we face. Our strong foundation and cornerstone has and will remain Christ. It is a joy to be among so many Christians who are willing to take time to participate in Christian formation classes so that they and others can grow. Dr. Paul Hinlicky recently shared at a Virginia Synod ACTS class, “The more educated the laity is, the more powerful the ministry is.” This has proven true as more and more members have discerned that they should participate in existing ministries at church and within our community, or have felt called to initiate new ones. It is also seen in the thoughtful and prayerful way our council approached the refinancing question or the welcome of All Souls Episcopal to share our building on Sundays and beyond. The conversations were thoughtful, biblical, challenging, and sometimes quite passionate, yet always, those involved went away secure in their love for one another and more committed to sharing in the mission placed before us by God. It is quite a testimony to the reality of the priesthood of all believers that James Anderson, Jake Addair, and Tripp Dillard conducted our congregational meetings about our financial challenges with such honesty, compassion, and vision. Few congregations exhibit such strong leadership across the board as I witness time and time again here at Messiah. It inspires me, and it builds up Christ’s church.

All this reminds me that it isn’t our building or the hierarchy of the ELCA that is ultimately the church. We are the church together in the way we love God, each other and our neighbors – not perfectly yet certainly well. “Your cooperation with the Richmond staff of Lutheran Family Services is a model for the entire state,” commented the CEO of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia on a visit a few weeks ago. As Thrivent Financial for Lutherans reviewed our church life, assets and vitality, the loan officer noted one of the greatest assets we have is one another. He said, “Amazing. I’ve looked at congregations ten times your size that don’t seem to have as much going on.” One recent visitor commented without any solicitation, “I felt the presence of God in your worship today.” A member of Messiah who travels many miles to worship with us told his surprised friends why he travels so far instead of finding an assembly closer by his home. He said, “I just can’t accept not seeing the people here at this church.”

We are a smaller congregation than many. We face many challenges – financial and otherwise. Yet Jesus is most certainly among us as our Lord and our friend. We are sincerely seeking to be faithful witnesses to him by living as loving friends to one another and our community, and your participation at any level has blessed many others whether you realize it or not. The ancient wisdom of Sirach proves true here:

“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:
whoever finds one has found a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price;
no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
and those who fear the Lord will find them.”

In you, I have found friends, and even more so, brothers and sisters in Christ, a true treasure. In this season of thanksgiving, I offer mine to you and my God. Kristine and I will continue to celebrate your love and faithfulness in our lives. We pray that you and your families be blessed not just this Thanksgiving but always.

Peace,
Pastor Lou

 Messiah began on November 3, 1968 (All Saints Sunday). To see pictures of our history together, visit the heritage page of our website’s gallery. (Complete photo gallery available through http://www.mlcas.org)

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (November 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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November 7, 2012 · 4:38 pm

Politics aside, all will be well

I woke up this morning to a brand new day, yet it was sadly much like yesterday: split executive and legislative branches, split senate and congress, split populace (almost a 50-50 vote), split country (the heartland states look like a bloody knife through the US, splitting the east and west coast blue states), split urban v. rural (in many cases, the majority of any state voted for Romney geographically but the few, heavily populated areas went for President Obama), split white male voters versus (seemingly) almost everyone else, and split young versus old. I hear cries of despair with some angry insults from “the losers.” I also have witnessed arrogant blustering over victory. Some wrongly make the President appear to be the answer to every ill known to humankind, yet he is human and not the Messiah. That isn’t fair to neither him nor the country, and to me, it seems to diminish God’s role in our public affairs. Despite a few boasts of a mandate, there is clearly a risk of a Divided States of America if we don’t watch ourselves, repent of our wrongs, and seek to love one another.

On both the Left and Right and among many inbetween, we need to change our ways. Policies shouldn’t be thrust down the throat of others, and any movement shouldn’t be log jammed mechanically. We should demand our leaders talk to one another rather than isolate themselves in their Congressional chamber or executive mansion. We all should practice some self-reflection and restraint. In addition, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way” (Luther’s Large Catechism, section on the 8th Commandment).

Pastors and people should remain cognizant that faithful Christians can and do disagree on serious topics regarding loving God and neighbor. The pulpit shouldn’t be a place of personal, one-sided political agendas passed off as being “prophetic,” but rather the ministry of Word and Sacrament should prove a source of healing, reconciliation, and new life. We should think and pray hard before speaking and seek to engage and comfort those who have perhaps been thought of as our political enemies.

As with many times before in our fallen world, the difficult work of reconciliation lies before us. If we are ever to move forward to discover beginning signs of a true new day, we must intentionally seek to embrace this call from Christ. In times like these, I remember the words of Br. Roger of Taizé: “Human beings are sometimes severe. God, for His part, comes to clothe us in compassion. He weaves our lives, like a beautiful garment, with the threads of His forgiveness. He buries our past in the heart of Christ and He had already taken care of our future.”

We need no longer react in fear or self-interest. Jesus has freed us to act in love. Still being true to our faith and ideals; still calling out what we think to be sin, political wrongs, or violations of law  (even if seemingly in our favor or fitting our world view); still demanding true transparency and not just promises of it – we can seek to be gentle with one another, as Christ is always and will forever be so gentle with us.  We can recall that at our best, we are sinner-saints, imperfect, and thus, we can humbly acknowledge that we might just be the ones in error in the end. First and foremost, we must remember we are called to be one in Christ, and we need to try to view others as Jesus does.

No matter what happens politically or economically, I remain confident – not in the powers of this world, or even in myself, but in Jesus Christ alone. God’s will will be done, and all will be well.

I invite you to reflect upon 2 Cor. 5, as I will be, over the days ahead. In addition, consider enacting a practice at your congregation started by our Mennonite brothers and sisters right here in Virginia – Election Day Communion. Learn more here:

http://electiondaycommunion.org/

Peace,
Pastor Lou

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All contents not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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November 3, 2012 · 12:55 pm

One fish. Two fish. Lutherans catch fish…and people too.

by Pastor Lou Florio with lots of help and inspiration from Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat and OldLutheran.com

Due to continued requests, I am sharing the following Seuss-like poem about the Reformation. Inspired by Old Lutheran’s 2012 Reformation Party Kit theme (Luther in the hat), our intern, Vicar Nathan Huffman, and I participated in a short skit and then recited this poem. It was all part of our children’s sermon at Messiah Lutheran (Mechanicsville, VA) on Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2012.

The sun did not shine.
It was too wet to play.
The church was adrift.
The pope lost his way.

Though many saw problems,
Others did not.
Forgiveness was sold.
Salvation bought.

So the people in their houses did nothing at all.
They assumed it was just life,
at least since the Fall.

“Oh, how could this be?”
The people did say.
“It seems oh so wrong…
But in the church we must stay.”

So all they could do was
Sit sit sit sit.
But God did not like it;
not one little bit.

And then something went bump.
How that bump made us jump.
We looked and we saw him
step on the church mat!
We looked and we saw him
– Luther in his old monkish hat!

Knock knock went his hammer
on that old church door
He posted 95 theses
and then wrote much more.
He wrote and he wrote.
Oh what was Luther to do?
The church was so sick. It had spiritual flu.

Luther sat there and pondered, “How can one be saved?
…oh how, how, how, how?”
He studied and read, then it came to his mind
“Grace alone, faith alone, word alone – That’s a new find!”

Well, not really new.
It was as old as the bible.
Jesus called us to be one
And not at all tribal.

We should love with our hearts
And serve with our hands
We should teach about Jesus
And catch fellow-man.

It’s never for credit.
It’s never for pay.
It’s just out of love.
That’s Jesus’ way.

Yes, a Reformation of sorts had truly begun.
Led by God’s Spirit, honoring God’s Son.
But the pope and his friends said,
“No, no, no, make that cat go away.
Tell that Luther in his hat you do not want to play.
He should not be here. He should not be about.
He should not be around while indulgences cast out.”

Yet, it was just far too late.
A new day begun.
The people excited.
To be Lutheran found fun.

Yes, long, long ago
In a place far away
The Reformation did come and decided to stay.

There is no need to bribe God.
No need to hide.
Christ’s cross is enough
and the bible our guide.

Some call us Lutheran, together we’re church,
Sinner-saints all, yet in baptism, given new birth.
“We study and learn, it’s most certainly true!
Together as Lutheran’s we have some fun too.”*

“It’s Fun to be Lutheran, this much we know now.
It’s fun to be Lutheran and I’ll show you how.
Follow me, follow me we’ll have all kinds of fun.
Sing songs and tell stories and dance in the sun.
Follow me, follow me said a cat from the steeple.
We’ll teach and we’ll preach”*
and catch lots of people.

“Look at us! Look at us! Look at us now!
It’s fun to be Lutheran
You just have to know how.” *

Grace, word and faith, we need nothing more.
It’s just such as these that sends us out the church doors.

“It’s fun to be Lutheran
so let others know.
Wear this red and white button
The message will show!”*
(Holding up the OldLutheran.com “Fun to be Lutheran” button. These were shared with those present.)

There is plenty of fun. We won’t use it up.
Love God,
love your neighbor,
and share in Christ’s cup.

Together, be Christ
Together, we’ll serve.
Stick to Christ in faith,
and try never to swerve.

The Reformation ain’t over.
The church…it is we.
This is most certainly true,
because Christ set us free.

* Indicates quotes from OldLutheran.com

To get your fix of Lutheran fun, be sure to visit http://www.oldlutheran.com  –  Its “the Center for Lutheran Pride (but not too proud).”

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All contents not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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September 25, 2012 · 1:44 pm

Sharing Faith

And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)

As September ended, Messiah Lutheran began a new adventure. We became a “teaching parish” for a Lutheran student currently attending Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Nathan Huffman is a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church (Richmond), but he comes to Messiah to be further nurtured in his faith and developed in his pastoral knowledge and skills. This is an unpaid internship where he will serve seven to ten hours per week during the fall and spring semesters of his first year at seminary. Primarily he will observe and try to learn about our life together, but he will also be asked to conduct a few classes, teach, and assist with some pastoral duties. Later in his seminary career, Vicar Nathan will be required to serve in a full-time internship with many more responsibilities prior to his being approved for ordination. His time with us is intended only to get his feet wet.

It is indeed an honor for Messiah Lutheran to be asked to serve in such a capacity. Certainly, the bishop’s staff and the seminary hope I will prove a worthy mentor appropriate for Vicar Nathan’s background and needs, but you also have been chosen. Our community is deemed a welcoming and healthy place with vital ministry, and you are being trusted to help shape Vicar Nathans theological and pastoral understandings, sense of call, and future ministry.

In many ways, we are simply being asked to share our lives and faith in a way that will help encourage Vicar Nathan and build him up. If problems or concerns are noted, we are asked to help him start to work through them. We all are to serve as his mentors, teachers, and guides – sharing our insights and understandings of God and church along with any of our own lingering questions – as best as we are able. We are to invite him to share in our tasks and help him discern his unique call from God.

In the early church, our scriptures make clear that people sensed an urgent but attainable call for them to actively share in the building up of Christ’s church, for faith in Christ is best shared through honest and loving relationships in the context of our ordinary lives. Each helped in the ministry as they were able in such a way that faith in Christ would be made known in temple, home and marketplace. All had something to offer.

Just as Vicar Nathan will share his faith, pastoral gifts and learning with us, we are asked only to share our lives and faith with him; such as they are. And when it comes time for Vicar Nathan to move on, we will remain in communion with one another – we part of his future ministry and he part of ours – teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah no matter what may come. Finding ourselves thoroughly wet and reminded once again of our shared baptismal mission, we will all walk on into the future better able to make Christ known.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

If you think you are perhaps being called to ordained ministry or another leadership roll within Christ’s church, I encourage you to speak to your pastor and explore the vocations links of the ELCA website: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation.aspx

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (October 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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September 13, 2012 · 9:05 pm

We are family!

I am the pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mechanicsville, VA. We are continually blessed by a creative and active relationship with the local Lutheran Family Services of Virginia staff. We have cooperated on many projects like the Change Who Waits Rally in Richmond (see my entry below).

This past spring, we hosted our second annual LFS Family Celebration Picnic at Messiah. Our special guests included LFS staff and their families, along with children, family and volunteers of their adoption/foster care programs and autism programs. Fun is always had by all – both Messiah members and our guests – as evidenced by this wonderful video shared with us on our recent Rally Day. (Many of the pictures are from this year’s picnic.)

Our theme for Rally Day 2012 was “We are family!” And thanks be to God, we can always strive to live like one. We are already looking forward to our next LFS picnic! You should come…

To learn more about Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, visit: http://www.lfsva.org

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September 8, 2012 · 6:03 pm

Help push this pastor Over the Edge for Special Olympics Virginia!

As many of you know, my aunt was born with an intellectual disability, and I have been assisting people with intellectual disabilities and causes that serve them since high school. As a former police officer, the Special Olympics is near and dear to my heart. So now, I’m hoping to rappel off a 25-story building in downtown Richmond in October 2012! In order to take on this challenge and join other fearless Special Olympics fans on the roof, I must first reach my fundraising goal.

With your help I’ll be dangling from 400 feet up in no time!

Donating through the secure site is the easiest and most efficient way to contribute to my fundraising efforts. (If you don’t like to donate over the internet,  contact me to work something out.) Your support is greatly appreciated—and don’t forget to forward this to anyone who you think might be interested in making a donation as well!

Please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/pastor-lou/2012richmond

Your donation will assist Special Olympics Virginia in reaching our total fundraising goal of $75,000. And with your help, I hope to surpass my own fundraising goal and rappel down one of the tallest buildings in Richmond. It’ll be an extreme adventure that we hope will generate extreme impact for Special Olympics Virginia.

www.OverTheEdgeVA.com

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August 23, 2012 · 4:13 pm

The ministry of hospitality

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)

Is hospitality limited to a heartfelt greeting on Sunday morning or in providing tasty food to share after the service? Certainly, that is all part of it, and I am especially thankful to our ushers, greeters and fellowship team members that intentionally try to make Messiah a joyful home for so many. Yet when I ask our newest families why they felt called to join Messiah, nearly all have the genuine, open hearted nature of our people at the top of their list. Members take the risk to introduce themselves to strangers. Members wanted to know about the visitor and seek to meet their needs, as much as welcome them into our facility and church family. They report that there was no pressure to join us as members, but instead, we met them as they were and desired only what was best for them in their search for God. Our mission has been to build up Christ’s church not just our congregation, and this has been appreciated. So I also thank those who reach out informally to others they meet at church, as well as those who invite others in person to visit or through working on our website, newsletter, or evangelizing team. These practices are among our greatest and easily recognized assets in our evangelizing efforts, as they help people feel at home with the Christ in their lives. Even many members of our guest congregation, All Souls Episcopal, openly marvel at the welcome they have received on Sundays and in the gracious sharing of our facility.

Still, I see our hospitality in many other things; things perhaps easily overlooked. I remember as a volunteer with the Taize’ Community in France that much of the hospitality work was behind the scenes and in anticipation of potential visitors. The prepping of food, the making of beds, even the cleaning of rooms and tents were important acts of welcome, not drudgery. If our guests were hungry or uncomfortable, certainly they would be distracted from their spiritual quest needlessly. Multiple programs and small groups were common along with casual fellowship opportunities. These all helped build honest relationships. Those who had come initially because of the thousands of young adults already present but hesitated to join us in worship or service were intentionally invited by a team of young people sent as “the welcome in the fields.” People were approached no matter what nationality, race, gender, economic status, faith (or lack of faith), or any other divisive descriptor. Folks with tattoos, nose rings, and bright pink hair, along with those with disabilities or other differences were as welcome as anyone else. Yet, our own dress or common practices might be adjusted when amidst those of a different, stricter faith or culture, not out of obligation or political correctness, but so as to make them feel comfortable in being with us. Everything done was focused on welcoming people in the name of Jesus Christ, and thousands – many of them unchurched – came each week. Of those, many discovered new friendships and a faith they never expected.

Among the many things I learned from Br. Roger, the founder of that community, is that simple things matter. The mowing and care of our landscaping, the recent painting and woodwork on our old but beloved building, our fellowship times and cleaning days, those who volunteer to serve in altar guild, our health ministries or other ministries and nonprofits out in our community, along with those who might not have time but have funds to support our ministry, or those who offer prayers, hopes, ideas for new programs or groups, questions or a simple hello – whatever is done in Christ’s name can prove to be faith-building miracles in the making. In France, I discovered even the “ministry of toilet cleaning” (what I called one of my commonly assigned tasks) can become a loving, sacred experience. I see similar sacredness growing in the life that surrounds us here in Mechanicsville.

Christ is encountered through those “small” acts of love done in his name. Friendships form, and faith is shared or deepened as the Gospel comes alive through our ordinary lives. We have already seen the truth of this at Messiah as we and our shared ministry has grown. I expect more blessings are yet to be discovered. Rather than worrying about what you cannot do, I invite you only to consider what you can do, no matter how small it seems or infrequently. How can you help in or add to our welcoming ways? For Jesus has welcomed all of us to be part of his life, his ways, and his church.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

 

 

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (September 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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August 9, 2012 · 12:35 pm

New Worship Times for Messiah Lutheran!

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

[Jesus said,] I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power ofyour name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:11)

Dear members and friends of Messiah Lutheran:

As announced in our newsletter and at worship, we have the great opportunity to concretely live out Paul’s hope for unity among believers and Christ’s prayer that we live as one. Our brothers and sisters of All Souls Episcopal (a mission congregation) will begin worshiping at 9:30 AM on most Sundays as our regular guest while they work toward establishing their own facility. This required we set new worship times of 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM starting this Sunday, August 12th.

Please join me in welcoming them, as I am confident they will welcome you, as one family in Christ. Along with our worship space, we will be sharing in some ministries to build up the body of Christ and share Christ’s love within our community. We hope this sets a firm foundation for when they have their own building; that this cooperative relationship continues to the glory of God.

The early Lutheran Reformers did not see themselves as fracturing the church, but rather hoped to repair divisions while living consistent with their individual understandings of scripture. Thus, the vast majority of Lutheran bodies throughout the world have been open to ecumenical efforts from the beginning. To learn more about the special cooperative relationship of the ELCA and Episcopal Church as well as with five other denominations in the United States, follow this link:

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Presiding-Bishop/Ecumenical-and-Inter-Religious-Relations/Full-Communion-Partners.aspx

A “full communion” relationship does not indicate a merging of these denominations with the ELCA, but it instead declares our intention to live as one as much as possible (repairing historic wounds while helping one another through the sharing of pastors, ministries and assets whenever deemed appropriate).

Thank you for your willingness to try to live out this unity in Christ. If you note any problems or concerns, or you have ideas of how to do something better while the All Souls community remains our guest, please be sure to speak with me or a council representative. See you Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Lou

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May 3, 2012 · 3:08 pm

Adopted to be Family

[I invite you to watch the very special video which immediately follows this post, or even better, share it with your friends.] 

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

Many who know me might also know that one of my sisters is adopted, but many more do not. You see, I don’t introduce her or refer to her as my adopted sister. She is just my sister. I always think of her and love her that way. The fact that she has different birth-parents or that one of them is of a different race doesn’t matter. The fact that she was part of other families until thirteen years old doesn’t matter. Even if we don’t always see eye to eye, she remains my sister. God called our family to embrace her as family, and she us, just as God embraced us all in love. We are called to be family, and that’s all we ultimately need to know and remember. So, that’s how we live.

Throughout the Easter season and beyond, our Sunday readings often remind us that we are adopted by God. We were spiritual orphans in need of God’s love and grace, so Jesus was sent to us. Through faith in his cross and resurrection, we become now (not just in the future) the children of God. Jesus freely names us his family, his children, even his brothers and sisters because he longs to be in such a loving relationship with each one of us individually and together in community. He does this as a free gift, not because we deserve it. He lives this way with us, because he wishes to bless us and others through relationship.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once rightly noted that Christ exists in community. If we daily seek to live out our call to be his family, we will most certainly get to know Jesus better, but also others will get to know Jesus through us. In embracing one another, we will be embraced by and embrace Jesus. We will celebrate together, mourn together, grow together, and others will join us. In this communion, we will come to experience firsthand the love which is God and be used to make it known in our world.

This isn’t naïve idealism or a dream. It is a promise from God the Father, the good pleasure of his will. It is a prophecy of which we play a small but important part. It is a reality we are empowered to seek out and live today. It is our sacred call and blessing. That’s all we ultimately need to know and remember. Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10), and this is how he has chosen to help us truly live.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

In May, Messiah along with the Richmond office of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia is supporting the Change Who Waits Rally on May 5th. Local congregations, nonprofits and state agencies hope to change who waits in the foster care system in Virginia. Please watch this video to learn more:

Visit http://www.changewhowaits.com/ to reserve your space at the rally.

To support or learn about the adoption, foster care and many other services of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, visit http://www.lfsva.org/

The above pastoral letter was adapted from Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (May 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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January 27, 2012 · 10:07 pm

Living is Believing

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? (James 2:14)

As you read this month’s newsletter for our congregation, you will see many opportunities. Most of us won’t be able to take advantage of them all, but I encourage all of us to participate as we are able and feel called. For by more intentionally living out our faith, we are more apt to notice Christ already present in our lives. We meet him in the people we serve. We find him on our way during worship and fellowship. We learn from him as we seek to follow more earnestly. Our work for daily bread can even become a sacred calling as God intends.

Yet, Lent is not a time for making extra credit toward heaven. We can never earn our salvation, for Christ’s life, death and resurrection have secured for those that believe that victory already. Still, Lent can be a time used by God to help our faith and love grow.

Jesus will use the people, places, and events encountered to help us experience new life in him. Through these experiences shared, our faith will move further from just being “head knowledge” toward a concrete, deeper trusting of the heart. Jesus will become more real to us. Our relationship with him and his church will become more intimate. Within this new reality, we will be empowered to more easily believe with our lives. As a result, others may come to believe as well.

I pray our Lent proves to be a path to such blessings.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (February 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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