Praying for The Lord to Send Out Laborers Into His Harvest!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

I am currently finishing up my service as part-time assistant to the pastor at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, Florida.  This is not only the congregation where I grew up, where I was nurtured in faith in Junior High and High School and beyond.  This is not only the group of believers who encouraged me and sent me away to study for the pastoral ministry.  This is also the congregation where, in September of 2023, I began serving as Vacancy Pastor after Pastor John Glover had taken a call to a different position.  When Pastor Chris Kollmann was installed in February of 2025, First Lutheran asked me to continue serving ¼ time when Kathy and I are in town.  This service at First Lutheran has been a joy and a privilege for me.

 

However, as Kathy and I were preparing to return to Gainesville in May of 2025, on April 15 I received text asking me to help out at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak, as their pastor was leaving.  Then again, on April 16, 2026, I received another phone call asking me to help out at Anchorage Lutheran Church, which is currently without a permanent full-time pastor.

 

While it is an honor to be asked to serve as part-time pastor in all these areas, even when retired, these requests reveal an underlying reality, a problem even.  THERE IS A SHORTAGE OF CHURCH WORKERS, a growing shortage.

 

I recently read an article about Roman Catholic congregations in America.  The churches are growing again after COVID, but there are fewer and fewer priests.  “When asked about the priest shortage, Dan Monastra, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said, ‘One reason is the overall lack of desire in our culture to commit oneself to something permanent, especially among younger generations. We see this not only with the priesthood but with marriage as well. Another reason is that the priesthood is antithetical to what modern culture offers; namely, comfort.’This is the paradox of the present moment: a renewed interest in Catholicism colliding with a severe priest shortage and the business of staffing, financing, and sustaining parish life. The Catholic population is growing with fewer priests to guide it.”  (Fox News, April 4, 2026)

 

I believe discussion on this church worker shortage is healthy.  First, the Christian Church is not a human idea for organization, but part of the plan of Jesus to reach the world.  Jesus tells Peter, “. . . I will build MY church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)  Different congregations may function differently, but the Christian Church is JESUS’ plan!

 

Secondly, in the Old Testament and in the New Testament the Lord has provided for workers, workers who will faithfully lead the people of God in worshiping and serving Him.  God inspired St. Paul to write in Ephesians, “11 It was he [Jesus] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-13)  Church workers of various types are not only God’s plan, but His gift to His people.

 

Finally, Jesus cares enough about people that He came to this world.  He cares enough that He suffered and died, and rose again, in order to save His children through faith in Himself.  Wanting people to receive the results of His saving work, and knowing the need for workers, Jesus encouraged His disciples to “PRAY!”  “³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; ³⁸ therefore PRAY earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’"  (Matthew 9:36-38) 

 

There are obviously other issues in today’s world affecting the shortage of church workers in all churches.  When asked about the shortage of priests, Dan Monastra cited a “lack of commitment” in people today, and a “desire for comfort.”  In addition, churches and church workers also fail.  The church is composed of sinners who need a savior.  Such failures can hurt the people who are the Lambs of God.  Nevertheless, the Lord will guide, and heal, and save. 

 

So are you doing what Jesus called for?  “ . . . PRAY earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."  In addition, I might add, we not only need to pray to our Lord for more workers and pastors. We also need prayers for those who are currently serving.  Being a shepherd, a spiritual leader, in a secular age with conflicting ideas about organizational structure is a difficult task.  Just look at Moses, or Elijah, or Peter, or Paul, or others in Scripture.

 

I ask the question again, are you doing what Jesus called for?  “ . . . pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."  Jesus desires for all to know and to receive His saving work.  His plan is for workers to share His Word and to disciple people in faith in Jesus!   Please pray for workers in the Christian Church!

 

A Child of God, Praying for The Lord to Send Out Laborers Into His Harvest!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  Here is a link to the article on Roman Catholic priests from Fox News. 

https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/revival-pews-crisis-altar-why-churches-closing-amid-catholic-comeback

 

P.P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, finishing my service this year as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church, the congregation where I spent my teenage years.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       On Sunday, May 3, Kathy and I were invited and attended the graduation of First Lutheran member and college student YuSheng He from the University of Florida.  Here are some pictures from the graduation. https://photos.app.goo.gl/rQsGr7Vf6P19KQN5A

 

·       ADULT SUNDAY BIBLE CLASSES - Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

 

o   On Sunday, March 22, Pastor Kollmann began teaching an Adult Member Class in the library.  This will finish soon.

 

o   On April 26, I began teaching a Lutheran Hour Ministries study of Christian citizenship, “We the People.”  COME AND JOIN US! We finish this Sunday.

 

·       Funeral Service for Julie Schilling – Long-time First Lutheran Member passed away from prolonged illness on Tuesday, March 31.  Julie is known for many things.  She blessed others with her beautiful voice.  Julie loved her family and helped her friends and neighbors.  She knew and loved her Lord, Jesus.  Julie also helped make the “Card Ministry” of First Lutheran a special blessing to many.  Julie’s service will be held at First Lutheran on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m.  This is the link to a web page sharing about Julie and her upcoming service.  BatBarn.com

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they are Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  Susan Lucas is also training to serve as a Stephen Leader for FLC. 

We have 7 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training was completed on Thursday, April 30.  We will commission new Stephen Minissters in worship on Sunday, May 10.  They include Julie Dicks, Tina Gorske, Patty Holloway, Susan Lucas, Linda Pierson, Kathy Rockey, and Jon Visscher.

Please pray for our Lord to use these Stephen Ministers to serve His people.  

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC –First Lutheran families and youth had 3 activities in February, March, and April.  Pastor Kollmann and Lena Rabe are discussing a possible Youth/family activity for First Lutheran this summer.

 

·       Sunday School concludes on Mothers’ Day, May 10 for the summer.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two-year journey with my Lord.  On Tuesday, May 5, I read Deuteronomy 34, concerning the death of Moses.  Feel free to join me in reading God’s Word again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!  

·       Last week I wrote about our “fish fry.”  Since that time Christine Dietrich also sent me some pictures from the event.  Here is our whole group of pictures from the fish fry on April 25, including those from Christine. https://photos.app.goo.gl/n8vkyxPFQkT9Uz3n7

 

·       On Saturday, May 2, some other men from First Lutheran Church joined me in a benefit golf tournament.  Here is a pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/oReoWhAEqhJ1gVXp6

 

·       Guess what I did Saturday afternoon, after the golf tournament?  I . . . went fishing at Rodman Reservoir.  Here are pictures of the fish I caught, and also pictures of some manatees which swam around me.   I released the fish. https://photos.app.goo.gl/bCTMTZHLNxMXxGoM9

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I currently serve as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

Partying and Praising God with His People on Earth and in Heaven!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, Kathy and I held a party.  It was a pretty good party, if I do say so myself.  Even though we could not find a day which worked for everyone we invited, I still count that at least 62 people joined us at our home for a fish fry from fish which I have caught in the last few months.  We had family and neighbors, golf friends and church friends, and others who gathered for the event.  Kathy and I provided fish, and drinks, and slaw, and watermelon.  BUT, everyone else brought a side dish or a dessert. There may have been as much food left at the end of our party as the food which people had eaten during the event!

 

However, the best part of the gathering was the visiting, and sharing, and catching up, and the encouragement, and even the prayers we shared with one another. I’m not sure I saw anyone on their phones, or their computers, or watching the TV.  Those present simple talked and paid attention to one another.  Simply spending time together seems to be rare in today’s world. But Saturday was a joyful experience.

 

Later, on Monday, April 27, I did look at my Facebook post about the party, and I saw a comment from a friend.  Betsy Besalski Alexander wrote, “Daddy used to LOVE your fish fry! I’m sure he was there in spirit!!”  Bob Besaski became my pastor in July of 1965 when our family moved to Florida.  I considered him my pastor until he died in November of 2023.  As I read Betsy’s comment to Kathy, she replied, “I’m sure he knows.”

 

I am treading on dangerous ground as I write these words.  When I write and share, I only want to write what God Himself says in Scripture. I do not want to offer what are simply guesses or opinions by myself or others.  For example, do you know anyone who has lived in heaven and returned to tell us what it is like?  I do not.  Yet Betsy wrote, “I’m sure he was there in spirit!!” Kathy responded, “I’m sure he knows.” The Bible does give much information on this topic, while also leaving many questions.  I pray that I do not add to nor take away from what God says in His Word.  (See also Deuteronomy 4:2 and Revelation 22:18-19.) 

 

Nevertheless, if you worship in a liturgical congregation, you likely confess your faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit weekly in either the Apostles’ or the Nicene Creed.  Consider what we say we believe at the end of the Apostles Creed.  “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”  Christians believe God has won eternal life by the holy life, by the sacrificial suffering and death, and by the victorious resurrection of Jesus.  According to Scripture, we believe the Holy Spirit works faith in Jesus within the hearts of people.  These people are then part of “the Holy Christian Church,” or part of “the communion (fellowship) of saints” (believers).  I was taught that all who have believed in God’s saving actions through the promised Messiah and Savior, through Jesus, have eternal life.  I was also taught that, while there is a visible church on earth today as we live in this world, nonetheless, believers in Jesus from all time form “The Holy Christian Church.”  That is a big idea to grasp!

 

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John wrote a number of times sharing pictures of heaven he received from God.  In Revelation 7 he wrote, “⁹ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" ¹¹ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." ¹³ Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?" ¹⁴ I said to him, "Sir, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.  (Revelation 7:9-14)  Those who are ‘washed in the blood of the Lamb” are in heaven, praising God. 

 

In our communion liturgy we also praise God with the “Proper Preface:” ‘It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore, with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You . . .’  We believe there is a multitude before God’s throne praising Him, according to Revelation 7.  On Sundays we believe that we join ‘with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven.”  Hmmm.

 

So, maybe our party was even bigger than the 62 people I counted.  Maybe others were there ‘in spirit’ as well.  I know I am treading on dangerous ground.  Nevertheless, I am thankful to be part of “The Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints.” 

 

Does your membership in “The Holy Christian Church” overwhelm, or comfort you?

 

A Child of God, Partying and Praising God with His People on Earth and in Heaven!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church, the congregation where I spent my teenage years.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       SUNDAY BIBLE CLASSES - Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

 

o   On Sunday, March 22, Pastor Kollmann began teaching an Adult Member Class in the library. 

 

o   On April 26, I began teaching a Lutheran Hour Ministries study of Christian citizenship, “We the People.”  COME AND JOIN US!

 

·       Funeral Service for Julie Schilling – Long-time First Lutheran Member passed away from prolonged illness on Tuesday, March 31.  Julie is known for many things.  She blessed others with her beautiful voice.  Julie loved her family and helped her friends and neighbors.  She knew and loved her Lord, Jesus.  Julie also helped make the “Card Ministry” of First Lutheran a special blessing to many.  Julie’s service will be held at First Lutheran on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m.  This is the link to a web page sharing about Julie and her upcoming service.  BatBarn.com

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they are Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  Susan Lucas will also soon begin training to serve as a Stephen Leader for FLC. 

We have 7 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and now also on Tuesdays as well.  However, initial training will be completed on Thursday, April 30.

Please pray for our Lord to use these Stephen Ministers to serve His people. Here is a picture of almost everyone in class from April 23.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/9hbsvaVP82mxfmMY6

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC –First Lutheran families and youth had 3 activities in February, March, and April.  Pastor Kollmann and Lena Rabe are discussing a possible Youth/family activity for First Lutheran this summer.

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two-year journey with my Lord.  On Tuesday, April 28, I read Deuteronomy 28, where Moses shares God’s call to faithfully follow His law.  Feel free to join me again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!  

·       On Friday, April 24, friend, Pastor Rick Armstrong, came golfing with me at Hawkstone Golf and Country Club in Gainesville.  Here are two pictures of Rick hitting the ball. https://photos.app.goo.gl/72H4Hi3M1hRHfNsi6

 

·       The big event of our week was the (now) annual Rockey Fish Fry on Saturday, April 25. Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vhYZK2cEiQEQQ2xE6

 

·       Guess what I did Sunday afternoon, after Bible Class, and Worship, and Preaching?  I . . . went fishing at Rodman Reservoir.  I no longer needed to catch fish for the fish fry.  Rodman has been one of my favorite fishing spots, but Florida Fish and Wildlife Services conducted a regularly schedule “drawdown” beginning in October 2025 until March 1, 2026.  They lowered the dam and the reservoir drained, except for the Ocklawaha River bed.  However, the dam is raised again, and the reservoir is full.  It was a relaxing day after a busy weekend.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/poB7V3UVAPXA8TC96

 

*******

 

ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I currently serve as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)

 

 

Grieving the Tragedy of Another Mass Shooting, Finding Hope Only in JESUS!

 

Dear Fellow Children of God, 

 

The horrible, senseless, tragedy happened again!  ANOTHER mass shooting!!  This time, from what I read, a man in Shreveport, LA, whose marriage was falling apart, shot and killed 8 children and shot 2 women on Sunday, April 19.  Seven of the children were his own. One of the women was his estranged wife. This is different from other shootings whether Columbine, Bethel, Sandy Hook, Orlando, Las Vegas, or the too many other incidents where hurt people, hurt people.  They are all unique.  WHAT do we do in the face of such needless violence and loss of life?  How does a Christian, a child of God respond?

 

This Tuesday morning, April 21, I sat in a meeting of Lutheran pastors, and we closed our gathering with some verses which touched my heart.  Maybe you know 2 Corinthians 4:7-16.

            “⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; ¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. ¹² So death is at work in us, but life in you. ¹³ Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, "I believed, and so I spoke," we also believe, and so we also speak, ¹⁴ knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. ¹⁵ For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. ¹⁶ So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  Three truths from these verses speak to me. 

 

First, this world is falling apart.  Modern culture is falling apart in more ways than just mass shootings.  But, life in this world has always been this way, whether today, or in Paul’s time, or in the time of Jesus, or the time of the prophets, or the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or in the time of Adam.  We live in a world of sin, and rebellion against our Lord and our Creator has consequences.  So Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:9, “⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”  The world is full of sin, and this sin creates chaos in the lives of followers of Jesus, and chaos in the whole world.  Just look at Shreveport!

 

Secondly, there is an answer to this falling apart, this chaos.  Our Heavenly Father sent His Son, our Savior Jesus.  In LOVE, the Son of God took on the sin and violence and chaos of this world to pay for our sin, to redeem the world, and to bring God’s love.  Consider Jesus’ cross!  So Paul writes in verses 10-11, “¹⁰ always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. ¹¹ For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”  (Also verse 15.)  In His death Jesus paid the debt which we and the world owe for sin, a price we can never pay.  In His resurrection, Jesus overcame sin, and gives us life, even new life here.

 

Finally, this sin and chaos and falling apart is not the plan nor the work of God.  Nevertheless, in His power and wisdom, and in His LOVE, God can use this chaos for His purpose.  “¹⁷ For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  God uses the afflictions of life to prepare us to desire His Eternal glory.  That glory gives hope and purpose to disciples of Jesus, even when the world is falling apart, even today.

 

I grieve in my heart for people in Shreveport whom I do not even know.  I ache because the chaos of sin has devastated more people.  In the midst of my shock and my grief, I am thankful for Jesus, who has overcome the world.  As Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

 

A Child of God, Grieving the Tragedy of Another Mass Shooting, Finding Hope Only in JESUS!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.  I am now in Gainesville, FL, serving as assistant to Pastor Chris Kollmann at First Lutheran Church, the congregation where I spent my teenage years.

 

First Lutheran Activities

 

·       SUNDAY BIBLE CLASSES - Pastor Kollman and I are teaching separate Sunday Bible classes on Sundays at 8:45 a.m.

 

o   On Sunday, March 22, Pastor Kollmann began teaching an Adult Member Class in the library. 

 

o   I began teaching a separate class in the Besalski Fellowship Hall.

§  We studied Galatians from March 22 through April 19.

 

§  Beginning THIS SUNDAY, April 26, we begin a Lutheran Hour Ministries study of Christian citizenship, “We the People.”  COME AND JOIN US!

 

·       Funeral Service for Julie Schilling – Long-time First Lutheran Member passed away from prolonged illness on Tuesday, March 31.  Julie is known for many things.  She blessed others with her beautiful voice.  Julie loved her family and helped her friends and neighbors.  She knew and loved her Lord, Jesus.  Julie also helped make the “Card Ministry” of First Lutheran a special blessing to many.  Julie’s service will be held at First Lutheran on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00 p.m.  This is the link to a web page sharing about Julie and her upcoming service.  BatBarn.com

 

·       STEPHEN MINISTRY - We started Stephen Ministry classes at First Lutheran on Thursday, February 12.  Stephen Ministers are trained Christian care-givers.  A Stephen Minister is not a pastor, and not a counselor.  But they are Christians who are trained to bring Jesus and His love to another Christian person facing a difficult time. 

Open Arms Director, Angie Burr, is a trained Stephen Leader.  Susan Lucas will also soon begin training to serve as a Stephen Leader for FLC. 

We have 7 people who have committed to train and serve as Stephen Ministers, as Christian care-givers.  Training happens on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., and now also on Tuesdays as well.  However, initial training will be completed on Thursday, April 30.

Please pray for our Lord to use these Stephen Ministers to serve His people.

 

·       Young People Activities at FLC

 

o   Our first youth activity was held at the Kollmann residence on Sunday afternoon, February 22. 

 

o   On SUNDAY, March 29, we took a trip to Devil’s Millhopper state Geological site.  Here are some pictures.   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PLfYALXRCwjuTcSo7

 

o   On April 11, a small group attended the Orange and Blue Game.  😊  

 

o   If your children are going into 3^rd grade, or older, please consider participating in these fun activities of growth. 

 

o   PLEASE PRAY for the children and youth of First Lutheran Church!

 

Other Activities of Faith:

·       I have again started my two-year journey with my Lord.  On Tuesday, April 21, I read Deuteronomy 18 and 19, where Moses shares God’s teaching about true prophets – pointing to THE prophet, Jesus!  Feel free to join me again if you wish.  You may also contact me at 907-841-4066 if you have any questions about these readings.  Or send an e-mail question to jonrock53@mtaonline.net  I have received questions and comments about the readings.  It is always good to consider our Lord’s love and guidance. I will TRY to answer, but some things only God knows!

 

P.P.S. Family Fun and Fishing!   - It was another FULL WEEK for the Rockey family!

 

·       On Thursday, April 16, I had my fourth (and hopefully final) skin cancer surgery in Florida.  My doctor here said I had “gotten behind, but he would catch me up.”  😊  I have pictures, but I won’t share them here.  However, some were asking about my “yamaka” (or yarmulke ) (my head bandages) on Sunday.  The bandages are covering what Kathy counted as 18 stitches.

 

·       On Friday, April 17, I went fishing at a local lake and caught some fish for our April 25 fish fry.  Here are some pictures. https://photos.app.goo.gl/HCjmKFqN5hJJB6cb9

 

·       On Saturday, April 18, I went fishing on the Suwannee River again.  I saw lots of gators, a manatee, and caught a few fish for our upcoming fish fry.  Here are some pictures.  https://photos.app.goo.gl/8HSV1emmRacHDv4JA   

 

·       On Sunday, April 19, I went golfing at Hawkstone golf course, preparing for a “Gator Seniors” golf tournament on Monday, April 20.  I hit the ball poorly but putted well on Sunday afternoon.  Then on Monday, I hit the ball well, even from longer tees, but putted poorly.  O well – That’s golf! No pictures.

 

·       Our daughter, Mary, and Brandon Holmes are getting married on Saturday, June 13.  Brandon, like myself, is a AVID fisherperson!  Here are the socks he plans to wear (maybe me too) for their wedding!  https://photos.app.goo.gl/Nuig8u329eqexciU6  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

 

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ABOUT THIS DEVOTION - I retired at the end of August 2019 from serving as full-time senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer, AK.  I was writing a weekly devotion previously entitled, "Thoughts from the Pastor."  When I retired many asked me to continue writing these devotions.  So I have continued writing.  However, with life's changes I now call this weekly devotion "Journeys Through Life as a Child of God."  Since I am no longer senior pastor at St. John, I felt it right to only send this message to those who asked to receive it.  (However, I currently serve as Assistant to the Pastor for First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL.)

So, if you stopped receiving these devotions and wondered why, now you understand.  And, if you are now receiving these devotions and do not wish to receive them, please let me know, and I’ll gladly remove your name from my distribution list.  My e-mail address is jonrock53@mtaonline.net.

My prayer is that these devotions help each of you in your daily walk with our Lord, Jesus.

 

                                                                        *******

Jonathan Rockey

Child of God

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Assistant to the Pastor , First Lutheran Church, Gainesville, FL

Pastor Emeritus, St. John Lutheran Church, Palmer, AK

 

 

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 a)