Who Are You?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Who are you?  That may sound like a strange question.  You might answer and say, “Well, I’m . . . “, and insert your name.  But, really who are you?  What is it that makes you who you are?

 

Please note I am not asking, “What is it that you DO with your life?”  I’m not asking your job or your vocation, though that may define us in part.  I am not asking, “What do you do?”, but, “Who are you?”

 

About 20 years ago I sat down and intentionally thought about this question.  The answers I discerned have not only helped me to know myself better, but have also helped me make choices in what I do with my life.

 

And even today, my response to this question continues to have 3 main answers.  First, I am a child of God.  I am a human being created by my loving and wise Heavenly Father.  I am a sinner who is forgiven because of Jesus Christ.  I am called to faith as God the Holy Spirit lives in me.  More than anything else, I am a child of God. 

 

Secondly, I am a member of the Rockey family.  I am the husband of Kathy, the father of Josh, Andy, Mary, and Tim.  I am the son of Robert and Elizabeth.  I have 4 brothers and a sister, and 6 grandchildren, in addition to nephews and nieces and cousins.  I am a member of this family.  They help define who I am, and I help in determining who they are.

 

Finally, I see that who I am is a pastor.  I know that is what I do.  But, I also see this call from God to shepherd His people as part of who He has gifted me to be.  Pastoring the people of God at St. John is a privilege that shows God’s grace and purpose in my life.  I am a pastor.

 

The help that this insight gives me is that this allows me to prioritize my life.  If who I am first of all is a child of God, then it is important that I care for my relationship with God.  Therefore, I begin each day in Bible reading and prayer.  I worship and work with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Being a child of God even comes ahead of being a husband or father.  But, being a child of God, living in the love and following the direction of my Heavenly Father, also helps me to be the best husband, father, son, and brother I can be.

 

If I am secondly a member of the Rockey family, this means that family issues come before work responsibilities.  About 25 years ago our family started planning monthly “family days.”  We stayed away from big church events as we planned, but we put these family outings on our calendar.  And if a church function came up, I attended to our family days first.  I believe that God has created family, and this is my most important human relationship.  Knowing who I am helps me to prioritize and make choices.

 

And, since I am a pastor, someone called by God to care for the faith of others, that knowledge not only informs me about who I am, but also directs what I do.  Because I am a child of God, AND a pastor, my life activities and my words seek to be an example and help for others to learn about Jesus.  I know I am not perfect.  Maybe it helps others to know that pastors are sinners too.  But knowing that being a pastor is God’s call to me, this helps me make choice about what to do.

 

In 1 Peter 2, Peter tells the church to which He writes who they are, and therefore what they do.  “9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  (1 Peter 2:9-10)

 

Because these people “belonged to God,” because they lived in the mercy of Jesus, they “declared the praises of Him who called . . . out of darkness into His wonderful light.”  Who they were determined what they did.

 

I am a child of God.  Who are YOU?

 

A Child of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I have taken a number of people fishing, again.

            Here is a picture of Pastor Kalvin Waetzig and myself with 2 silvers caught.  https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipMhIjOkMnoV5J7W3_iHzJUeLm_z-K96RYO-sLX2

            Here is a picture of Pastor Kalvin and another member of his from Tracy California with silvers caught another day.  https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipOLk-oRdtoeJm-vRAXKlJesjFfh1xHlHjQ6CTWy

            Pastor Tony Schultz and Pastor Kalvin Waetzig, good friends.   https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipP5zvYY4BndwrtfJlJ-5GWqgPRYDArD5ZgEuM1t

 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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Thankful for God's Gift of My Wife

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

August 20 is the 39^th anniversary of the day that Kathy and I were married in Memphis, TN.  However, on that day 39 years ago the people of Memphis were somewhat distracted by another minor event.  Elvis Presley had died of a heart attack on Tuesday of that week.  Ask Kathy or ask me sometime about how Elvis’ death affected our wedding.  But, we can laugh about it today.

 

After 39 years of marriage I continue to learn.  For one thing I learn more about Kathy and about myself.  And as I learn I am amazed and thankful.  What a woman of faith, of grace, of wisdom, and of genuine personal caring God has used to bless her husband and family!  What a wonderful caring, dedicated mother my children have.  I continue to learn and to grow in being thankful for the blessing God has given me in my wife, Kathy.

 

After 39 years I also continue to learn more about the wisdom and love of God in creation.  When I have a tough day at work, Kathy is at home to listen.  That is part of the creation plan of God.  When I need a friend, Kathy, my best friend, is already at home.    That is the plan of God from the beginning.  When I have been ill, I have had a nurse at home to care for me, and sometimes to laugh at me.    That too is part of the plan of God for marriage.  When I seek to be father to my children using my values of discipline and responsibility, Kathy is the other side of God’s plan for parents that brings our children nurture and understanding.  That is the plan of God for parents and families.  Our God is truly wise, and marriage between a husband and wife is truly a gift from God. 

 

I also know that not all marriages are happy.  Not all wives or husbands know and follow God’s plan.  So, I have come to learn and understand the truth of Proverbs 31:29-31, 29 "’Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

 

But, I have also learned of another way that Kathy is a blessing to me, and to my calling as pastor.  Being a pastor has never been an easy job.  Pastors have eternal responsibilities to God and to His people.  And, as the values in our country change, there are more opportunities for difficulties and conflicts for pastors in congregations.  But, a pastor at least can do something about a concern which arises.  A pastor’s wife often sits at home and simply tries to quietly support her husband.  At least Kathy does.  It is not always easy to sit on the sidelines in prayer and watch someone you love go through difficulties.

 

And, how does a pastor’s wife participate in a congregation?  There are various theories that are all valid.  In some situations a pastor’s wife has been like another unpaid worker, leading many of the congregation’s programs.  However, sometimes people can complain that the wife of the pastor seems to be in charge of everything.  However, when Kathy and I were married the pastor who did our pre-marital counseling gave us a different model.   He said, “As a pastor’s wife do what you would normally do as a church member, or maybe a little less.  That allows others to grow by serving.  And, no one else can be husband to the pastor.”

 

With that advice I have watched my wonderful wife be a great pastor’s wife.  She is a servant who has helped on various boards and committees over the years (Fellowship Board, Youth Board, Adult Education Board, etc.) And she has volunteered in our congregation by cooking and sewing and teaching and being a mentor to younger women and wives.  What a blessing my wife is to St. John!  Imagine how much poorer our ministry would be if Kathy were not cooking, or sewing, or helping in other ways in our midst.

 

Along with Solomon, as our 39^th anniversary is observed, both for our family and for our congregation I again echo the words of God through Solomon, 29 "’Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

 

A Child of God, Thankful for the Gift of My Faithful Wife, Kathy,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Kathy and I celebrated our anniversary with a dinner out on August 12.  Here is a picture from that celebration.  https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOieNvSdu0BR0bQedSokbYj89hqVequ_wXbS85dcIaGvono00gSoUnXXWeV_2A5EQ?key=LVR5LTdPeHFaZXpHU09wSzJncnBDVXJNeVdvelR3

 

 

P.P.S.  I have taken a number of people fishing. 

Jenna Sutton caught her first salmon ever on August 9.  Here is a picture.  https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipNfw4rkx8_9p3J0q_1lCrTcDWR36sm3WX0lBCfd

            Jim Summers and I went fishing on August 12.  Here was our catch. https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipM5zKOBDHNh1YeaCD0UQbkPgI-tyiL-ExZBLpEU

            Dave Nufer, Kym Miller and I went fishing on Monday, August 15.  Here is a picture. 

https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipOs9p67bbeGVDhz8tQ9eVhrrzVw4VIdNDnVpm6L/photo/AF1QipMRY5e3BTROBRxfo73kcE8RfVXc5-glWRFhiKou

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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A Fleeting Life and an Eternal Promise

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

While Kathy and I were traveling in July we attended the 45^th reunion of my graduating class at Gainesville High School.  It was the first time I have been able to attend one of my class reunions because I have always lived out of town when past reunions were held. 

 

It was fun to reconnect with some old friends.  But, not everyone I hoped to see at the reunion was present.  Some former classmates sent notice that they were unable to attend.  But there were others who were missing for another reason.  Posted in the entry way to the room where we ate was a list entitled, “In Memoriam – Remembering and honoring our classmates who left us much too soon.” 

 

I attended a large high school, and my graduating class had over 960 students.  So, the list of people who are no longer with us was a long list.  In fact, I recently went back to look at the list and counted 88 people who were named.

 

As I read the list that night I was surprised and I was saddened.  A girl who had sat beside me in English class is no longer with us.  The former girlfriend of one of my best friends died of cancer.   A husband and wife couple from our class both passed away.  And one of my best friends was on the list.  This man had spent many hours in my home as a youth, and had visited me in St. Louis, in Florida, and even in Alaska.  I had actually learned in 2012 of the death of this friend, so his passing was not a surprise.  But seeing his name along with the 87 others brought me to a stop.

 

Seeing this list caused me to think of what Peter wrote, quoting Isaiah 40, “23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, ‘All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25 but the word of the Lord stands forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25)

 

The list at my reunion showed me the truth of God’s word, “All men are like grass.”  We can take the gift of life for granted.  Perhaps the fact that I expected to see some of those people on the list at the reunion shows that I have taken my life for granted.  But, as Peter points out life is fleeting.  None of us knows when death may come. 

 

The fleeting nature of life also shows us how much we need the mercy and the salvation which God gives through faith in Jesus.  Thankfully, Peter tells us that that where ‘All men are like grass’ and life is fragile, there is something that does last forever.  “The word of the Lord stands forever.’ And, where life might be fragile and fleeting, God gives new life when He creates faith through the power of his enduring word.  23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  Thank the Lord that in this life, where little is sure, God gives eternal life by the power of His word.

 

I don’t know about all my classmates, but I do know that the good friend on the list was a member of the church in which I grew up in Gainesville.  When he and I saw each other, among other areas where we caught up, we also talked about our faith in Jesus.  Even as His life was taken too quickly, he has life that does not end with Jesus in heaven. 

 

This life may be fleeting, but through His word which does not pass away, God gives life that is eternal.  After looking at that list and being reminded of our mortality, I am thankful that God gives this gift of new and eternal life.

 

A Child of God, Realizing Again my Need for God’s Gift of Eternal Life,

Pastor Jonathan

 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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"Where is Your Treasure?"

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

What is your deepest desire?  What is it that you will sacrifice everything else to keep, or to obtain? 

 

In some ways we don’t necessarily face those choices every day.  But perhaps we reveal our hearts by our actions and choices in life, without even realizing we are doing so.  One of the reasons I share this story is that the assigned Gospel reading for worship this Sunday is from Luke 12.  At the end of this reading, Jesus teaches His followers, “29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  So, where is YOUR treasure?

 

While on vacation with family in Florida I played a lot of golf.  Usually I played alone.  Once in a while I would join someone.  One day I was playing the third hole of the Meadowbrook Golf Course in Gainesville and, as I approached the green, two other players were looking for a lost ball beside the green.  Because they couldn’t find the ball they waved me through.  I hit to the green, putted, and finished the hole.

 

But, they were still looking for the ball.  So I asked them, “Do you need some golf balls?”  I had some extra old balls and left a few on the ground for them to use and then I moved on thinking nothing more about it.

 

However, the next day, as I approached the first tee these same two men were standing there waiting to hit.  One told me, “You can play through if you want.  One person is quicker than two.”  Then the other one recognized me.  “Didn’t you play through yesterday?  I recognize that hat.”  My reply was a question, “Were you the guys I left the golf balls for?”  That sparked recognition.  “Oh yeah!  I remember you.  I like you.  Go ahead and play through.”

 

I didn’t expect to see these golfers again, but as I got to the fifth hole they were in the fairway in front of me, looking for golf balls.  It seems that, after they played the first two holes, they skipped holes 3 and 4 and went right to hole 5.  Anyway, they saw me standing on the tee box and motioned for me to hit, which I did.  I drove up to them in my cart and one of them asked, “How far do you think it is to the green?”  My phone has a golf AP that uses the phone GPS to give distances, so I used that tool to help them.  Again, one of the men said to the other, “I like this guy.  You can play in with us if you want.”  But, then came the rest of the story.

 

I was told, “You can play in with us if you want.  That is, as long as you don’t mind that we’re smoking weed while we’re playing.”  In my mind I said to myself, “No wonder they’re losing so many golf balls.” 

 

But then, the man who invited me to play immediately followed that offer with a question.  “You’re not a cop, are you?”  I responded, “No, I’m a pastor.”  The golfer who had invited me said, “That’s even worse!”  But, the other one reacted, “Oh no, Jesus is standing right here with us, and we’re the devil.”  Then I noticed he also had a beer in his hand.  They hit their balls again, and the balls went into the woods, upon which I heard a number of four letter expletives. 

 

I hit onto the green and was about to play through when one of them tried to engage me in religious talk.  “You know, that ointment on Jesus’ feet was some powerful stuff,” indicating that he thought the ointment used by the woman to anoint Jesus was a drug.  I tried to witness a little.   “You know who Jesus spent time with?”  But, before I could speak I got an answer.  “The drug dealers.”  I finished my sharing.  “We are told that Jesus spent time with the tax collectors and prostitutes.  But, he called them to new life.  He told one woman, ‘Has no one condemned you?  . . . Then, neither do I condemn you.  Go now and leave your life of sin.’” (John 8:10-11) That didn’t get much of a reaction, so I left my interaction where it was and moved on to the next hole.

 

As I told that story to my wife and family they laughed.  But, maybe in their everyday actions these men were answering Jesus’ question about where their treasure and their heart were.  They really didn’t seem interested in golf, but were more seeking a place to partake.  They were even willing to twist words of scripture to justify their pursuit.

 

Jesus has eternal life in heaven waiting for His people who believe and follow Him.  Jesus promises that we will be where He is.  (John 14:3, Revelation 21:3)  In the trials of this life Jesus gives joy and peace through His forgiveness and His presence.  There is no treasure nor pleasure in this life that can surpass the love and gift that God has for us, in this life and in eternity.

 

In recent years. in the Middle East Christians have been asked to deny their faith or die, and many have died for Jesus.  For the most part we don’t face those ultimate, one time, decisions in America.  But, every day, by our actions, we are answering the question, “Where is my treasure?” 

 

How are you answering this question of Jesus?  Where is your treasure?  Are you seeking first Jesus and His kingdom in your daily lives?

 

A Child of God, Finding my Treasure in the Presence and Love of God,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  THANK YOU to all who filled in for my while I was in New Orleans at the Youth Gathering and while I was on vacation.  It is wonderful to have faithful church members who serve God’s people in this way.

 

P.P.S.  Next week I will share a more sober meditation from my 45^th High School Reunion.

 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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Servant Leadership

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

At the National Youth Gathering I went to the “Kindle” booth and talked to founder, Bill Karpenko.  Bill was a long time Director of Christian Education who served as the leader of the Church Relations office of Valparaiso University for many years.  “Kindle” is an organization Bill founded promoting and encouraging Christian Servant Leadership.  Bill helped to mentor my children Josh and Mary, so he gave me an armband and some literature to give to Josh and Mary as Christian servant leaders.

 

But, Bill and I got to talking about what Kathy was doing at the Gathering.  He was amazed and he gave me an armband and told me to commend Kathy for her servant leadership.

 

You see, Kathy ended up with an unexpected job at the Gathering.  She was assigned to help in the Gathering office, of which we were thankful.  Walking long distances quickly can be tough for Kathy’s hip and back.  So, as she greeted people coming to the Gathering Office there seemed to be a consistent problem.  The backpacks received by the 25,000 people who registered for the Gathering were coming apart at the seams, especially where the straps attached.

 

Kathy just happened to have her sewing machine.  I had actually questioned Kathy about bringing her sewing machine to the Gathering.  “When do you think you’ll find time to sew?” I asked. “We usually work as Community Life Builders from 6:30 a.m. till after midnight each day?  When will you sew?”  But, she had it with her, just in case.

 

“Just in case” meant that Kathy ended up bringing her sewing machine to the Gathering office on Sunday and sewed backpacks from 8:00 a.m. till about 5:30 p.m.  Then, on Monday she kept count.  Kathy repaired 230 backpacks in 8 hours.  If you figure that out, it means Kathy repaired about one backpack every two minutes!  No wonder her hands were cramping when she quit on Sunday evening!  In my mind, and I know I am biased on this matter, if anyone deserved, or deserves, commendation as a servant leader, Kathy does.  She especially did for the Gathering.

 

Jesus calls all Christians to lives of humble service, following His example.  You can read Matthew 20:25-28, but, please consider these words of God through Paul found in Philippians 2.  Philippians was the theme book for this year’s National Youth Gathering.  “5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!”  (Philippians 2:5-8)

 

Do you hear all the ways that Jesus humbled himself in order that He might serve us and save us?  Jesus is God with the Father, but He left heaven – for us.  Jesus is God with the Father, but he became human – for us.  Jesus is God who gave the law, but Jesus humbled Himself to obey the law He created – for us.  Jesus is the Creator and author of life, but Jesus died a torturous, shameful death – for us!

 

So, we are told, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” God calls us to servanthood as followers of Jesus.  But, one of the morning Bible studies talked about “the Me Monster” and pointed out how easy it is for us to indulge ourselves instead of serving God and others.  Servanthood and humility do not always come easily.

 

Yet, when a leader serves, others tend to follow.  I’ve talked to my wife.  (Imagine that!)  I know she believes in Jesus as her loving Savior and follows Jesus because of what He did for her.  So, as she follows Jesus, Kathy serves and leads others.  She witnesses to them about Jesus through her attitude and her actions of service, even when she doesn’t realize she is doing so.

 

When Kathy started sewing backpacks on Sunday morning she didn’t realize that in the next two days she would repair 400-500 backpacks.  But, she not only has the knowledge and skills to sew, she loves helping others, even if she doesn’t always realize at the moment she is doing so.  That’s how she also serves in our home, in our congregation, at work.  Kathy leads by serving, because Jesus loves and served her.

 

You know, I think Kathy does deserve a Kindle award!

 

A Child of God, In Awe of the Servant Leadership of my wife,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures of Kathy sewing backpacks at the National Youth Gathering.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/6309608721791966609

 

P.P.S.  Here are some more pictures from the National Youth Gathering.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/6309607896529591873

 

P.P.P.S.  Next week I may tell an “interesting” story from the golf course . . . or maybe not.  We’ll see.

 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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Thankful for Chrisitan Friends

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

The National Youth Gathering in New Orleans is over and our youth and adults have made it home.  It was a great trip!  The St. John group spent a week before the Gathering in Mississippi and Alabama at a servant event to help others in need, and then spent five days in Bible Studies, Mass Event worship services, and in other faith activities.  Following the Gathering our group took advantage of being outside of AK and visited Café Du Monde on Wednesday night.  We enjoyed more tourist activities on Thursday and Friday as we went on a “swamp tour”, ate at a local Cajun restaurant, visited the WWII Museum and did some shopping.  Most of the St. John group flew back on Friday night to share with others the love of Jesus they had experienced.

 

One of the side benefits of all these activities for me, and hopefully the others in our group, was the renewal and the strengthening of Christian friendships.  I saw pastors and fellow church members I have known for almost 40 years.  I saw church members from other places where I have pastored.  I renewed relationships with fellow Christians with whom I have worked in various tasks for the Lord.

 

I have to confess that I was somewhat surprised, again, at how easy it is to renew Christian relationships.  Even though in many cases it has been years since I have seen some of my friends, nevertheless it was easy to catch up on life happenings and then to pick up with our friendships and let the love of Christ grow.

 

That is also true for the adults and youth in our St. John group.  I believe I have confirmed all the youth, and baptized most of them.  But, I also got to spend time with DCE Jamie Walters, Dave and Marcy Sutton, Sara Guhl, Amber Ewart and Dorothy Jacobson.  Let me tell you we have some wonderful Christian servants in our congregation.  I also know and have worked with each of these adults in the past as well.  But, when you spend time together in work and worship, and when you see these adults willingly and lovingly serving our youth, it is easy for the love and friendship to grow.

 

But, with all these friendships, Jesus is still our greatest friend.  “Friend” is not the word we might expect to use to describe the Lord of the universe and the sacrificial Savior of the world.  Nevertheless, Jesus tells us He is our friend, and we are His friends.  Listen to John 15.  “13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command.15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.  16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

 

Jesus is our friend because he loves us and saved us.  Jesus calls us to love one another.  So, when we work and worship together, serving the Lord who gave His life for us, friendships naturally grow.

 

In a way it is a little sad and somewhat disappointing to say “good-bye” again to old friends.  But, one of the hopes and joys I have as I consider heaven is that we will be with our Christian friends and loved one eternally.  In heaven we can spend all the time we want, and still have eternity to grow in godly love. 

 

Thank you, Lord, for our Friend, Jesus.  Thank you for good Christian friends in this life and eternally.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Christian Friends,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures of friends from the National Youth Gathering.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/6310260268430678689#

 

P.P.S.  Here are some of my Gathering pictures.  https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/6310260268430678689

 

P.P.S.  If you go to the St. John Facebook page, Jamie is posting pictures.  Here is the link to our Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/stjohnpalmer/ 

 

P.P.P.S.  Next week I plan to share a story from this trip about servant leadership.  The following week a I will tell an “interesting” story from the golf course.

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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Encouraged and Encouraging

Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Kathy and Mary and I are in New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering of our denomination, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  We are working for the gathering to assist the 25,000 youth and adults who are gathered under the theme, “In Christ Alone . . . We Stand.” 

 

You might ask, “Really?  A Christian youth event in New Orleans?”  Believe it or not, there is a practical reason for this location.  Most people don’t choose to vacation in the heat of the deep south in July.  Vacationers often go north in the summer to escape the heat of summer.  So, hotel rooms can be booked in July in New Orleans for a group of 25,000 for lower than peak rates.  When churches send large groups of young people on a trip, finances are a consideration.

 

But, this Gathering has also been held in New Orleans 3 previous times because there are many opportunities for service and growth.  At this Gathering youth and adults will not only spend time in Bible Study, in classes, and in Mass Events of growth and worship.  There will also be servant events in the community to help in homeless centers, and to clean and do other community service.  Two Habitat for Humanity homes will be framed in the 5 days of the Gathering.  New Orleans provides many opportunities for service that can help grow faith in Jesus.

 

Yet, even though these are Christian youth gathered for growing in Jesus, when 25,000 people gather there are always issues.  Think about what happens in a town of 25,000 in a normal day.  In any normal town there are illnesses and accidents, and even deaths.  The same trials and losses that occur in our everyday lives also take place during the National Youth Gathering. So, those attending the gathering experience joys, but they also experience trials and challenges.

 

Our training to help at the gathering has therefore focused on Philippians and has called us to roles of encouragement.  In other words, Christians are called to be there for one another with words and actions of faith and love.  Consider the words of Philippians 1.  Do you hear Paul speaking words of encouragement at the beginning of the letter?  “2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  What can be more encouraging than a wish and prayer for God’s grace and peace for our lives?  Paul encourages the people of Philippi with this grace and peace which come from Jesus.  What a great example for Christians today.

 

Paul continues his encouragement of love and faith for the Philippians.  3 I thank my God every time I remember you.  4 In all my prayers for all of you,” I don’t know about you, but knowing that people pray for me through the joys and trials of life encourages me.  Paul is praying for the people of this church he helped start.  Think how encouraged the Philippians were when they read this.  Think of the blessings today when we pray for others.

 

But, this works both ways.  Paul mentions the Philippians encouragement for him, “I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,” The Philippians have partnered in ministry with Paul after he left them.  They sent a message and gift to Paul while he was in prison.  You see, there is a relationship between Christians that helps God’s people through life’s trials.  The Philippians faced persecution.  Paul was imprisoned because of his ministry.  Life had trials that would cause difficulties for anyone.  So, Paul encouraged the Philippians and they responded with messages and gifts of encouragement for Paul.

 

Ultimately this encouragement was not just because the Philippians and Paul were gifted people.  Encouragement comes from God’s love in Jesus.  Paul and the Philippians encourage each other . . .  6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  The real source of encouragement is found in God’s love for us in Jesus. 

 

It can be difficult to live lives of faith and love in today’s world.  Philippians 1 tells us that Jesus is the one who begins faith in our lives.  Jesus is ultimately the one who brings us through life and death into eternity by His death and resurrection.  Jesus is the ultimate encourager! 

 

So, it is God’s plan that we have other Christians who listen to us, who laugh and cry with us.  It is God’s plan that we have other Christians who walk beside us, who encourage us.  Yet, I have often heard people tell me they can follow Jesus while not being part of a church.  I wonder how any Christian can thrive in faith through the trials of life without the encouragement of others.  We need one another for the difficult times of life.  

 

So, who loves and encourages you with the love of Jesus?  Who do you love and encourage?  We need one another through the joys and challenges of life.  We need God’s Church!  Encourage one another in the grace and peace and love of Jesus.

 

A Child of God, Encouraged by my Fellow Believers in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  I will post some pictures next week from the National Youth Gathering.  But, if you go to the St. John Facebook page, Jamie is posting pictures.  Here is the link to our Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/stjohnpalmer/ 

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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