Gently Sharing God's Love in Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,.

 

When was the last time people came knocking on your door from a local church?  In the 1960’s and 1970’s this was a somewhat new way of reaching out to others and actually somewhat effective.  I remember going door to door for a week as a 14 year old in the summer of 1968 participating in a church youth program in Jacksonville, Florida,  After some hesitancy our group actually had some meaningful conversations with people about God’s love in Jesus.  But, today such sharing is considered pushy, and is often ineffective.  Many of those who come to our doors today are often part groups that have significantly different teachings about Jesus.

 

But, God tells us in Scripture that the only way to heaven is faith in Jesus.  Jesus says of Himself "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   So, how can Christians effectively share the good news that God loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to die and rise to forgive our sin and bring us eternal life?  Actually, while God’s children are called to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), and to “be witnesses” for Jesus (Acts 1:8), God does not call us to be rude or pushy.  In 1 Peter, we are actually instructed o be “gentle and respectful” in sharing the Good News of God’s love.

 

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

 

How can we share our Savior while being gentle and respectful?  I have some suggestions.  This next couple of weeks St. John is offering a number of opportunities to gently and respectfully share the eternal truth that God works to save us by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. 

 

·       First, members of St. John will be marching in the Colony Days parade on Saturday, June 10.  The theme of our entry reflects our new mission statement, “PRAY, SERVE, ENCOURAGE – In Christ’s Love,”  Our entry will share this theme while the parade celebrates the history of the Matanuska Colony.  As we walk in the parade we will hand out leaflets inviting people to a Community Picnic and to the hospitality of St. John on our property.

 

·       Secondly, we are offering a “Community Picnic” at St. John immediately following the parade.  We will be serving hamburgers and hot dogs, side dishes and ice cream.  When people take some food, they will have an opportunity to pick up a leaflet that invites them to join us in receiving God’s blessings through worship. So, through this picnic, we will share God’s love while eating with those attending.

 

·       Finally, St. John Family Camp will replace traditional VBS at St. John this year.  On Friday through Sunday, June 16-18, families will camp at Eklutna Lake, attend Bible time, participate in fun outdoor activities, and grow in love as Christian families.  This family camp gives us an opportunity to share Jesus in a deeper way with members of our families, and with our friends.

 

It is very important that we share Jesus with other people.  HE is The Way to eternal life in heaven with our Heavenly Father.  But, God does not call us to be obnoxious or rude in the way that we share His eternal blessing.  I invite you to come and participate with others as we share, Jesus, the reason for the hope that you have.”

 

A Child of God, Seeking to Gently Share God’s love in Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan

 

P.S.  Pastor Ted Werfelman, his daughter Andrea, son Jonathan, and their friend Ann, stayed with the Rockeys, attended worship on May 28, and helped lead the Alaska Church Workers’ Conference in Homer, May 30 – June 1.  Here are some pictures of their visit.  https://goo.gl/photos/uamyzWd57Ro8X35u6

 

P.P.S.  Before the conference started there was a halibut fishing trip.  We caught small fish, 16 people caught a limit.  Here are some pictures of one boat.  https://goo.gl/photos/PDSdHqNa8xDjwrzF7

 

 

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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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He Restores My Soul

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,.

 

How did you spend your Monday?  Mondays are my day off and last Monday, May 22, I let the Lord “restore my soul.”  I went fishing!  Now those who know me are not surprised about this trip.  In fact, some may have been surprised if I had not gone fishing on a Monday.  But, I put my boat in the water for the first time in 2017 at the Little Susitna River and was blessed by the day.

 

Actually, this was more of a “get ready for the fishing season trip” than primarily a fishing trip.  On May 15 I prepared my boat for the season with an oil change, greasing the motor, and cleaning the boat inside and out.  So, on May 22, after a long weekend, I didn’t rush to the river.  First I spent time eating breakfast and reading my devotions, arriving at the river at a leisurely 7:30 a.m.  At the welcome booth I negotiated and paid for a pass for the coming year.  This full year pass will pay benefits this summer.  Then it took me a while to get my poles put together, with lures and set-ups the way I wanted, and to comply with this year’s fishing regulations.  After launching the boat I went upstream to my first regular fishing hole.  The idea was that, since I was upstream, if I had boat issues I could still float downstream to the landing.

 

The boat worked well and I anchored above the fishing hole.  However, then I worked some more on my various poles.  I would fish one pole with a certain kind of set up until the lure was working.  Then I tried another, and another.  I took time to adjust the drag on the reels and position my rod holders. I worked with the anchor line.  All this may seem to some more like puttering around than actually fishing.  But, having this equipment working will allow me to take others out later this year and not require spending fishing time on preparations when my guests want to be fishing.  And, there is a kind of peace that comes from being able to do things right without being rushed.

 

As I sat in the boat fishing the first hole, I watched an eagle fly overhead.  A sandhill crane also bleated out as it passed above.  Even the sound of the water gently gurgling as it passed under my boat was calming and peaceful.

 

After about an hour of preparation in this first spot, and a little fishing, I then motored downstream and did some real fishing in four different holes.  I didn’t actually see any fish or get any bites.  But, even though I’ve had bites on a charter fishing trip at this time of year, I’ve never caught a king salmon this early.  I did, however, see two guides fishing with clients.  I consider it a privilege to know local fishing guide, Andy Couch, and I was able to talk with him a couple of times as he was guiding some clients.

 

I went down to the last hole I fished, a place I had actually caught fish before, and fished for about 45 minutes.  There were no bites, but the sound of the water was calming.  At this hole a pair of eagles circled my boat.  I saw another sandhill fly above me, stretching its neck toward its destination.  And, I relaxed. 

 

Both Saturday and Sunday I had been at church activities beginning at 7:30 a.m. lasting long into the day and night.  These long days followed a full week of work.  But, while fishing there was little to distract my attention.  Perhaps it was also good there was no cell phone reception.  I had time to unwind.  A few concerns came to mind about church members, which allowed me to pray for them, unhurried.  I even listened to some soft music for a while.

 

After feeling I had given my fishing a good effort, I motored back upriver, talking again with Andy.  The trip was peaceful, and I made it home in time to help my wife with some tasks and to see some friends.  Some may think a fishing trip where no fish are caught is a waste of time or a disappointment.  But, I believe the words of Psalm 23.

 

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,  3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  (Psalm 23:1-2)

 

I know that in Psalm 23 the “quiet waters” do not just speak of a gurgling brook.  Such “quiet waters” actually allow the sheep of a shepherd to drink.  But, as a sheep of my Lord, I was on the river, besides the still waters, enjoying the Creation blessings of the one who is my Good Shepherd, Jesus.  And God spoke to me in the peace and calm, restoring my soul, so that I can praise my God and serve His people.

 

We all need some quiet time with our Lord.  Where do you go to be alone with Jesus?

 

A Child of God, Thankful for Quiet Time Beside Still Waters, Restoring my Soul!

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.    Henry David Thomas was baptized in late worship on Sunday, May 21.  Here are some pictures.

            https://goo.gl/photos/gz7HfyJUaP6LLWfK8

            https://goo.gl/photos/2bWudNuWnVcdi1cu8

 

P.P.S.  Here is a picture as I was launching my boat on the first salmon fishing trip of the year.  https://goo.gl/photos/T5U4BkZTeFPLaJpW7

 

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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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Hallowed be Thy Name

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

This Sunday in late worship Henry David Thomas will be baptized.  As this young infant is baptized I will place my hand on his head and, as a congregation, we will pray the Lord’s Prayer.  You know that the first petition, or request of God, in the Lord’s Prayer is “Hallowed be Thy name.” (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2)  Jesus taught His church to keep God’s name holy.  On Sunday we not only pray that prayer for all of God’s people, and for ourselves, but we also bring this prayer to our Lord for Henry.  We pray that God’s name may be holy, set apart, and honored in Henry’s life.

 

But, what a prayer in today’s world!  We are praying that Henry not only knows his heavenly Father, but that Henry loves God and honors God with all his heart and soul and strength and mind.  Yet, perhaps more than at any time in our life’s memory, Christians are being assaulted with temptations to indulge ourselves, and to put our own desires ahead of God.  Perhaps more than any time in the memory of our lives, people in our world are offended when Christians speak the name of Jesus.  With growing resistance and even opposition to the Christian faith, praying those words of the Lord’s Prayer, and meaning them in our hearts, can be troublesome, even dangerous.  So, consider now that we pray this prayer not just for ourselves, but for young Henry!

 

The last 3 evenings, as the day wore down, I sat in my office at home with my computer in my lap trying to catch up after being gone.  While catching up I watched the movie triology, “The Lord of the Rings.”  Some have asked JRR Tolkien if this story is a Christian parable.  (Tolkien was one of the translators mentioned in the Jerusalem Bible I have on my shelf.)  Tolkien replied that, “No, this saga is not intended as a Christian parable.”  Yet, all who read or watch this unfolding drama have to be impressed with the ongoing battle in the story between the forces of good and evil.  Time and again in The Lord of the Rings it seems that the forces of evil are so great that it is futile for those on the side of good to fight, or even to stand.  Yet, time and again in this story, when all hope seems lost, those on the side of good continue to stand for what is right and true.  They continue to fight.  Finally, in the end the forces of good are victorious, in part, because they continued to fight when all seemed hopeless.

 

In some ways this story teaches me about our Christian lives.  The forces of evil are indeed stronger than we are.  In the famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress,” Martin Luther wrote of our eternal spiritual battle:

“The old satanic foe has sworn to work us woe.
  With craft and dreadful might, He arms himself to fight.
  On earth he has no equal.”

So, if our enemy is so strong, how can we stand up to hallow the name of God in our lives?  How can Henry live in a way that shows that God and His name are holy to him?

 

Christians have a good answer to that question.  The enemy may be stronger than we are, but our Savior is stronger than our enemy.  We are not strong enough to win the battle, but Jesus has won the battle for us.  The struggle may be difficult, but our enemy is already defeated.  Jesus lived a perfect life of obedience and love.  As a sinless man, Jesus died, not for His sin, but for ours.  Jesus rose and won victory over our powerful enemy.  Today we can stand to hallow the name of God in this world opposed to him because Jesus has risen and defeated our enemies.

 

In Romans 6 God tells us through Paul how we are joined to this victory of Jesus in our baptism.  “3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”  (Romans 6:3-4)  In other words, the battle to hallow the name of God may be difficult and dangerous.  But, Jesus has won that fight.  And in our baptisms we are raised with Jesus in His victory.  In baptism God raises us to “live a new life,” to honor the name of God.

 

Congratulations, Henry, on your baptism!  May the love, the forgiveness, and the victory of Jesus strengthen you so that your life declares the holy name of God, in your heart, your soul, your strength, and your mind.

 

A Child of God, Praying for God’s Name to be Holy in My Life,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.    I have been catching up and have no fishing pictures to share this week.  However, here is a link from Mothers’ Day.  https://goo.gl/photos/ddLxEYzo8ymPi18T6

 

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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 my Mom who Believed in Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

Kathy and I have just returned from vacation in Florida.  My family has lived in or near the Gainesville area since 1965.  So while in Florida we got to spend time with and enjoy many activities with family members.  Almost daily we spent time with my dad.  I saw all 3 brothers and my sister and their families.  We were present for a graduation and in times of medical treatment.  We saw nieces and nephews.  Kathy and I returned home feeling blessed and thankful for our family.

 

On Saturday, May 6, we were at a larger family gathering where 16 people shared a picnic meal and just enjoyed time together.  I heard my sister or one of my sisters-in-law say, “Mom would be happy.  She liked it when family got together.”  My mom has been in heaven since January of 2011, but we still remember her love for her family, and we still remember her in times like this.  You should have seen my mom’s face light up when everyone was at their home for Christmas, or other big events.

 

I would go a step further to share about another mom I know quite well, my wife, Kathy.  Kathy also really enjoys it when family is together.  But I think that, even more than enjoying time together in our home, Kathy especially cherishes times when all of her children and grandchildren are together with her in worship.  I can see the beaming smile on her face, and sometimes catch a tear of joy in her eyes.  My wife loves her children and grandchildren, and prays God’s blessings for them regularly.  To share that love of God with family is a real treat.

 

This Sunday is Mothers’ Day.  We will talk in worship about Timothy’s mom and grandmother, Eunice and Lois.  As we read Paul’s second letter to young Pastor Timothy, we hear this word of encouragement from Paul to Timothy.  “5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  (2 Timothy 1:5-6)  Notice that Timothy’s faith in Jesus first lived in Lois and Eunice and was passed down to him from his grandmother and his mother.  There is no greater love mothers share than when they share God’s eternal love in Jesus. 

 

Later in this same book Paul further encourages Timothy, “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,  15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

 

Paul is not only here encouraging Timothy to continue in faith, but also encouraging him to remember his grandmother and his mother who taught him about Jesus.  Their purpose, and Paul’s goal, is that Timothy was saved for eternal life in heaven through faith in God’s Son, our Savior, Jesus.

 

Christian faith is precious because God uses faith to give us the eternal blessings He won for us in Jesus’ dying and rising.  But, trusting in God’s love in a world of hate and selfishness and violence is difficult.  We need help to believe.  That is why God gives us His Word (read further in 2 Timothy 3), the Sacraments, and His Church.  Trusting in God’s love is difficult.  We need help to believe.  So God gives mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, committed Christians and friends who share how God has been with them through difficult times so that we can also trust God when trusting is tough.

 

Do you have a mother who shared Jesus with you?  Thank God for this wonderful gift, and let your mom know how much you appreciate her if she is still alive. 

 

Are you a mom or a grandmother?  Take time to share God’s amazing love with your children and grandchildren as you are able.

 

Last Sunday Kathy and I were in worship with my dad at First Lutheran Church where I had grown up.  He sits in the back of the church because he says, “Sometimes other family comes to worship.  So if I sit here they can sit with me.”  We were in line for communion when we had a pleasant surprise.  My dad’s granddaughter, and our niece, Sarah, whom we had not yet seen, stepped out of the cry room into line with us so we could take the Lord’s Supper together.  She had her son Nathan and daughter Abigail with her.  I confess that my eyes got misty as together we shared together in receiving God’s love and forgiveness.  I think I can speak to Sarah and repeat Paul’s words to Timothy, only with other names.  “5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother [Betty] and in your mother [Jan] and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you . . .”

 

May God bless those in your family with saving faith in Jesus.  And. may you be reminded of mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers, and other faithful Christians who have shared Jesus with you.

 

A Child of God, Thankful for a Mom Who Believed in Jesus,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.    Here are some more pictures from our time with family in Florida.  https://goo.gl/photos/sY1HDrb1d1jS79G87

 

P.P.S.  While “Thoughts from the Pastor” is primarily intended for the members and friends of St. John, it has also been printed weekly in our local newspaper, The Frontiersman, for almost 6 years.  The Frontiersman has recently had changes.  In order for this week’s devotion to get in this week’s paper, I am attempting to get these devotions out at the beginning of each week to make a new Wednesday deadline.  So, you are receiving this message a little earlier this week, and hopefully in the future.

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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 Family

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

While on vacation in Florida, I received an e-mail from a member of St. John, informing me about her dad’s health.  Her dad had been in the hospital unexpectedly, suffering serious complications from blood clots.  Because this health scare had come on so quickly, even though her dad was now doing better, the young lady wrote me these insightfully true words, “Definitely puts in perspective what’s important in life.  Time with family is precious!”

 

Kathy and I scheduled our vacation around a reunion of the first college at which I prepared to serve God and His people as pastor.  Nevertheless, a side-benefit of the timing of this reunion is that we were also able to be in Florida for two family occasions.  First, my brother James’ daughter, Elizabeth, graduated on Sunday afternoon, April 30, from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in special education.  We were privileged to be part of the 12,000+ people gathered for this event.  “Time with family is precious.”

 

In addition, on Tuesday, May 2, James’ wife, Martha, underwent surgery for a glioma, a brain cancer.  Together with others, our whole family attended a party at James’ home on Sunday evening.  All my brothers and sister and their spouses, along with my dad, were gathered together.  The desire for this time was to focus on the blessings of Elizabeth’s graduation rather than on Martha’s coming surgery.  However, we were also all thinking about the upcoming surgery, and we each shared wishes with Martha for God’s blessings through the coming trial.  Kathy was even able to give Martha some “Tigger” pajamas and a blanket she had sewn so that after the surgery Martha can “bounce back!”  Yes, “time with family is precious!”

 

Another blessing of this time is that Kathy and I have been blessed to spend time with my dad.  Living in Alaska, we don’t see him as much as my other siblings do.  But, while in Florida we got to spend some time with my dad most every day.  Dad will be 90 on September 22, but he attended worship on Sunday, April 30, as he usually does, only this time we joined him.  Then he walked the steps to the second level of the O’Connell Dome for Elizabeth’s graduation.  Later that afternoon and evening Dad was present for the celebration at James’ home and spent time with each of his five children.  Yes, “time with family is precious!”

 

There are many verses in Scripture teaching us that family is the plan of God for His people.  At the beginning, as God created, He said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Genesis 2:18) In the Psalms we are told, “God sets the lonely in families” (Psalm 68:6).  Even as Jesus was dying on the cross, He cared for His mother by giving the disciple, John, responsibility to watch over her.  “26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Dear woman, here is your son,’ 27 and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27) God also instructed the early church through Paul about family relationships and responsibilities.  Among other things, Paul wrote, “1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"-- which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)

 

Families have their difficult times as well as their times of blessing and support.  But, the plan of our Lord and Creator is that families are to be a gift to us from God to help in our journey through this life.

 

All of this points us to our larger family.  There are also many verses in Scripture which describe our relationship with God and with His children as a relationship of family.  (E.g., Galatians 4:4-7, Hebrews 2:10-11)  But, perhaps no words are more descriptive than the opening words of the prayer which Jesus taught us, “OUR FATHER.”  Because God is Father, we are His children!  Because God is OUR Father, we have brothers and sisters, including Jesus.  Even those with no living human relatives, as created and redeemed children of God do have a family in God’s church.  And, “time with family is precious!”

 

Among those in God’s family who have been especially on my heart is David Grosz, whose recent discovery and bout with lymphoma has shocked us all.  Yet, we have a heavenly Father, caring for us.  Along with our Savior and brother, Jesus, the members of God’s church are seeking to support and care for David and family.  Even while I am on vacation, David is daily in my prayers.  And, in the last couple of weeks two of David’s children have traveled to Palmer to spend time with their dad.  You see, families are not an invention of human society.  Families are God’s plan!  Our earthly family, and our heavenly family.   And, “time with family is precious!”

 

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s Gift of Family,

Pastor Rockey

 

P.S.    Here are some pictures from time with family in Florida.  https://goo.gl/photos/sY1HDrb1d1jS79G87

 

P.P.S.  While “Thoughts from the Pastor” is primarily intended for the members and friends of St. John, it has also been printed weekly in our local newspaper, The Frontiersman, for almost 6 years.  The Frontiersman has recently had changes.  In order for this week’s devotion to get in this week’s paper, I am attempting to get these devotions out at the beginning of each week to make a new Wednesday deadline.  So, you are receiving this message a little earlier this week, and hopefully in the future.

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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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