The Pastor’s Pen
On Easter Sunday we heard the amazing news that the story of Jesus isn’t over. When the women went to the tomb early on the first day of the week, they discovered that the tomb was empty and that Jesus was alive. Their relationship with Jesus would continue!
Almost two thousand years later, you and I continue to celebrate that wonderful good news. Because of the resurrection, the story of Jesus goes on. We have been called to follow Jesus on an adventure that will never end!
Here at St. Andrew our relationship with Jesus includes the various ministries and activities of our congregation. Through our life together as a congregation we participate in Jesus’ on-going story. When we gather for worship or Bible study, when we help out with Kids for Christ or Vacation Bible School, when we share in a potluck dinner or support the summer Work Camp trip, we are participating in the on-going story of Jesus. Our active involvement in the life of the church is one of the ways in which our adventure with Jesus continues.
During the month of May we have the opportunity to celebrate two of our congregational ministries in a special way. First, on Sunday, May 6, nine of our young people will affirm their baptism in the rite of Confirmation. At the 8:30 service that morning, our confirmands will publicly declare their faith in the Triune God and will promise to follow Jesus in lives of witness and service. We will ask the Holy Spirit to empower them as they take on greater responsibilities in the life of the church. Please pray for our confirmands as they prepare for this significant milestone in their journey of faith.
A second ministry celebration takes place on Sunday, May 13, as we observe Quilt Sunday. The quilts that have been lovingly sewn together during the past twelve months will be on display in the sanctuary. Later that week they will be boxed up to be shipped overseas to be used by Lutheran World Relief to provide comfort and warmth to people in need. Our quilting ministry represents a tangible way of sharing God’s love. It’s a reminder to all of us of the command we have received from Jesus to love our neighbor.
Confirmation and quilting are just two of the ways in which we at St. Andrew participate in the on-going story of Jesus. I encourage you to be an active participant in the life of our church. Your active involvement is one of the most important ways there is in which you can celebrate and proclaim the good news that Jesus is alive.
Blessings as you continue to follow Jesus!
Pastor Selbo
