Tag Archives: messiah lutheran

November 25, 2012 · 11:29 am

Doom but not gloom

Christ the King

Today, too many fear the promised return of our Lord Jesus. In movies and other works of fiction, many can only imagine a terrible time of horror, suffering and judgment. Indeed, we are told in scripture that the end of time promises some form of Judgment Day will occur, but all is not a future full of darkness alone. With the symbolic language and prophetic texts used to speak of such a time, people tend to actively speculate about what such a time could be like. Many let their imaginations run wild for profit, the intimidation of others, or perhaps just out of ignorance. Yet in truth, to try to discern the mechanisms and mechanics of Judgment Day puts us at risk of being unbiblical. Such an exercise always proves futile for we lack God’s vision and understanding.

Instead of speculating about suffering or damnation, perhaps we should hold fast to Christ’s promise that he returns out of love for us. For rather than inspiring fear or proving a map to a terror-filled future, texts such as Revelation were written as much for (if not more for) Christians suffering in the present time to find hope and encouragement amidst persecution. In it, we are assured Jesus will most certainly come to complete what his life, death, and resurrection started. Jesus will come for us and our sake, to set the world right and bring new life. Thus rather than fearing the End of Time, the earliest Christians prayed that Jesus would come soon. The Second Coming is Christ’s answer to all that terrorizes our present lives, and we modern folk should rightfully celebrate along with those Christians who came before us.

Much after the first Christians, during a time when nationalism and secularism was taking a toll on the world through wars, greed, and political dysfunction, the feast of Christ the King was first introduced by Pope Pius XI in 1926. By 1969, the date was changed from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar year. Today, it is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church along with many Anglicans, Lutherans, other Mainline Protestants, as well as parts of the of the Orthodox Church.

This ecumenical feast day is a celebration of hope while the universal church awaits Christ’s return. It serves to remind us that we should seek to live as one under our one Lord, Jesus Christ, loving God and our neighbor as ourself. Like the Christians before us, we remember and trust that Christ will come again – praying with hope that he comes soon. For only then will we experience the fullness of our promised life with him where “he will wipe every tear from their eyes. death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

In the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sweden, this feast day has been referred to as the Sunday of Doom. This name is somewhat ironic. There is doom in a sense, but we should never be overcome with doubts and sorrow as Christians. There is much more in store. The old world will pass away, and a new heaven and earth will be shared with us. Those who believe will be fully saved  and judged as if righteous; not based upon what they have done, but solely by grace through faith – trusting in what Jesus has already done for us through the power of his cross and resurrection. This Christ proclaimed, and it will be fulfilled.

Our true King will indeed return, but whatever trouble must come in the meantime, we should worship him, rejoice and be glad while we wait. We should set our hands and hearts to the work of making ourselves and our world ready for his return. For as much as we expect Christ, he asks and expects this of his faithful church.

Yes, the best is yet to come, and as Christians, we are promised that End of Time will mean a new beginning with our loving Savior and King. Our future (in the end) is nothing but bright.

Happy Christ the King Sunday!

 

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 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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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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March 28, 2012 · 7:00 pm

Growing as God’s Children

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)

Something has been growing in our county. Sure the annual Tomato Festival is right around the corner, but something much more important is at work. Christ’s church has been growing in grace. I see signs of this all around us, and I am not alone.

The FCA coordinator at our county high schools recently noted, “What does Heaven on earth look like? Churches from various denominations coming together to make God known.” He was excited by so many of our congregations coming together after recent shootings involving local students. Despite any historic or current differences, we have come together as one to try to better meet the needs of our youth and nurture their growth. As a result, a new ecumenical youth program will be starting this fall on our high school campuses. It will be providing much needed mentors to our students and volunteers for our school staff. This effort will help facilitate students being the body of Christ in our schools; seeking to bring the miracle of God’s mercy and justice into daily life through ordinary lives in relationship. Now, I doubt paradise will be fully restored, but imagine the lives that will be touched and hope shared. It will surely provide our youth a glimpse of heaven.

Our own congregation is used to working with others. For over 35 years, the local food bank we helped start with two Episcopal and Roman Catholic congregations has grown and thrived. Today, many of our neighbors are provided with much needed food, but also assistance with clothing and other practical needs such as their utilities. This year, our frequent partner in ministry, All Souls Episcopal Church, has invited Messiah members to start a new community garden initiative on their property. The hope is to provide fresh vegetables to area food banks like our own which often have only canned goods. We long for this garden to become a truly community initiative – joining members of the food bank’s (now thirty-seven and growing) congregations and recipient volunteers hand in hand in the field as we harvest the crop together.

Closer to home, Messiah announced on the Feast of Joseph, Guardian of Jesus that we are a partnering church with the Change Who Waits program in Richmond. Remembering that we are adopted by God, we will study and talk about the adoption and foster care system in Virginia. Along with a growing number of local congregations, we will be invited to gather on May 5th to reflect upon the biblical mandate to care for orphans in our midst. Joining together in partnership the Virginia Department of Social Services (who are the legal guardians of the children in Virginia), foster care agencies (such as Lutheran Family Services, who recruit and train potential adopting and foster parents) and participating churches, we hope to help find many children new forever homes.

Yes, spring has sprung all around us as evidenced by the flowering trees on our church property and in our neighborhoods, but so has the Spirit…and it seems the Spirit is doing something spectacularly beautiful. I hope you will come and see for yourself!

Peace,

Pastor Lou

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

To learn about , visit:

To support or participate in the Change Who Waits Rally in Richmond, VA, visit: http://www.changewhowaits.com/

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

MCEF’s website is http://www.mcefva.org. They support our neighbors with food, clothing and in some cases shelter.

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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November 30, 2011 · 8:10 pm

Highly Favored

“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” These words spoken by the angel Gabriel to Mary so long ago have echoed throughout the centuries. They now speak to us.

For her part, Mary was called to give birth to and raise a son, and her life and the life of others would change in unimaginable ways for eternity. One might rightly wonder what she did to deserve such an honor – to play such an important part in this divine plan. Although Christians often debate this question, scripture doesn’t explicitly say that she in any way earned anything. Perhaps it isn’t worth arguing about. Mary was ultimately “favored”, chosen by God despite any real or imagined weaknesses. Like us, she was created and called. In response, she answered despite any initial fear, doubt or darkness within herself, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” She trusted that, indeed, nothing is impossible where God is concerned. In faith, protected and empowered by God’s Spirit, and in humble thanksgiving, Mary would seek to live out her vocation as best she could.

Our Orthodox brothers and sisters call Mary, Theotokos. This title is commonly translated from the Greek as “the one who gives birth to God” or more simply “God-bearer.” As we selected music for our Advent and Christmas services, I meditated upon an old, favorite carol of mine, The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (ELW #265). It struck me once again how Gabriel’s greeting is in a way spoken to each of us who believe, for we are most favored as well. By grace through faith, the Lord is truly with us, and we have been chosen to bear Christ into the world as part of God’s plan.

Like Mary in scripture, we might at times prove afraid. We might sell ourselves and our God-given abilities short. We might even misunderstand Jesus’ roll and his plans. Yet despite any sin or failures on our part, or any challenges we face, Jesus promises the Spirit will dwell within us, protecting and empowering us to share in a miracle of new life. We are only asked to trust and respond – through loving God and others – as best we can. God will see to the miracles that will surely flow from there.

May the blessings of Christmas be with you now and always,
Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (December 2011-January 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.

© 2011 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 5, 2011 · 9:41 pm

Living Our Thanksgiving

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Each year as Thanksgiving approaches, I tend to recall the period of my “conversion.” It isn’t that I didn’t understand Christ came as our Savior, nor that my baptism mattered. Intellectually, I had made that connection. Yet as a younger man, I just didn’t trust that Christ’s mission could possibly, truly include me – no matter what anyone said. Troubles within my family of origin, heartbreaks that too often come with life, and what I saw and experienced as a police officer had hardened my heart. Some inroads had been made into my life where seeds were planted for future spiritual growth, but in both word and deed, I fought the Spirit the entire way. As often happens in such a life, I became more isolated and felt empty. Many of the choices I made only served to hurt myself and others.

Fortunately, Christ reaches out to us even when we can’t see him; or even when we turn from him in our lives. When it seemed my life was crashing down around me, I discovered signs of his love and faithfulness, not only through the promises of my own baptism, but through those faithful and baptized Christians he had already sent into my life. Their example, guidance, prayers, and support showed me a new way to live. I became ready to trust in their testimony about Christ’s grace at work in their own lives, and as I delved into God’s word, I heard a message of love I hadn’t previously been ready to fully grasp. In forgiveness, I found joy, and my life began to reflect it.

One day when I had a flat, I was forced to change the tire in a heavy, nearly freezing rain. My fingers got stiff, and as I fumbled, began to bleed. Still, I caught myself singing a song of praise based upon Habakkuk’s own trust and joy. This surprised me for, only a few month’s earlier, other words would have certainly flowed from my mouth but no longer. My heart knew that my difficulties were a passing thing, and God’s love endures forever. Even in that moment, my heart found cause to trust Christ, remember the signs of his love active in my life, and give thanks for his protection and care.

Just as the great Psalm of praise, Psalm 113, is book-ended by the words “Praise the Lord”, I came to understand that so my life should be. For Christ is with us always, and in every moment (not just November or when times are good), he is worthy of our trust, praise and thanks.

Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (November 2011 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.

© 2011 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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October 1, 2011 · 4:29 pm

Hope in God

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

I admit it. I have had a pretty difficult couple of months: often too much work, and too little time; my uncle’s death, and the death of my wife’s grandfather; as well as the ordinary challenges and frustrations of everyday existence. I have found myself deeply challenged. During such periods (periods that happen to every human at some time or other), it is easy to feel burned out and empty. I find myself singing with the Psalmist, “Like a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Yet at such times, I have learned to strive to find God in the “little things” all around me. Such sightings bring joy to my heart and help sustain me: our family and friends as they came together during loss; the expectant joy of youthful friends as they began their college adventures; as well as the many moments of beauty and times of silence found in our Virginia fall. These are only a few signs of God’s love at work in my life.

Still, sometimes God is hard to see when life gets hard, no matter how hard we try. Sometimes the little things just don’t seem enough when our souls are so tired. Yet through the difficulties of my past, God has given me wisdom. I have discovered trusting my senses is never enough. I find ultimate strength and renewal outside of myself and the powers of our world. Time and again in scripture, we hear that despite our sin, God loves us. Despite our doubts, God loves us. Despite our struggles, God loves us. Through faith, new life is always within reach, for God is always at work for our welfare and reaching out to us. Trusting in Christ and his promises is all that is ultimately required of us. Our periods of difficulty might pass only to come again. That’s life in a fallen world. Yet on our journey, step by step and one day at a time, Jesus will never pass us by or leave us on our own. In our heart of hearts where Christ is everything, and within our loving, supportive relationships with one another as church, we will surely find the oasis we need to make it through all our days and into eternity. We will find reasons to praise our God without end.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (October 2011 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.

© 2011 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 27, 2011 · 12:01 pm

Living God. Living Water. Living Faith.

…but I am speaking about genuine faith, which after it has justified, will not go to sleep but is active through love. – Martin Luther

This summer has proven to be another hot and dry one in our region, but one wouldn’t know it by looking at our busy shared life and ministry. The refreshing fruit of our faith was tasted throughout the summer as we gathered for fellowship and worship, continued to serve others in our community, and shared the good news and joy of God’s love with all those we met (both near and far from home). This reflects our life in Christ. We are often told that what makes us Christians is our trust in Jesus as the Son of the Living God. That was Peter’s confession, the confession of the early church, and it is now our inheritance and gift. We did not invent this heartfelt belief. God used ordinary people, places, and events to break our hearts open and invite us into this sacred life-giving relationship through the Spirit. It is a faith that calls us into new life together. Through our faith and baptism, we are made new. We discover who we truly are and whose we really are. Each and every day, new life is possible – the chance to forgive, the opportunity to reconcile, the blessing to be of service. We come to understand that our faith just isn’t meant as a gift for us. We have been given as a gift to a dry and weary world in desperate need of Christ’s love. Attempting to live our faith, we will be renewed and strengthened. Seeking to love our neighbor, new life will spring forth. Our ordinary and sometimes difficult lives will prove to be just as Jesus taught (John 7:38), “As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” We and our world will be made new.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (September 2011 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.

Photo used by permission © Marcuso/FreeDigitalPhotos.net: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1913

© 2011 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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