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May 2009


From the Pastor

 
Ascension and Pentecost
      The two great feasts of the Church, Ascension and Pentecost, are joined together in the promises of our Lord. “If I depart, I will send Him [the Holy Spirit] to you,” Jesus told His disciples in John 16:7, on the night when He was betrayed. In fact, for that reason He says that “it is to your advantage that I go away.” At His Ascension Jesus repeats this promise (Acts 1:8), “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
      The Ascension is a Feast that celebrates the great “advantage” that is ours in Christ. He has “gone away” by His death, resurrection and ascension. He has thereby atoned for our sins, won forgiveness and eternal salvation, and overcome death and hell and the power of the devil. By His institution of preaching, Baptism, Absolution, and Holy Communion during the days of His Passion and resurrection, He distributes this salvation to us, forgives us our sins, and opens the kingdom of heaven to us. But His “going away” does not mean that He is far from us, only that we cannot see Him now. His promise to be “with us always” (Matthew 28:20) still stands, even when we do not see Him. His presence, and the distribution of all His blessings, takes place in the saving gifts of the spoken and written Word, Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper.
      At Pentecost we celebrate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in these same gifts. The bestowal of the Holy Spirit upon the church is the culmination and fulfillment of all that Christ Jesus did for us in His passion and resurrection. The Spirit, by whom the worlds were made, now imparts life to us through the Gospel. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”

Adult Catechism Class
      I am starting a new Adult Catechism class on Sundays at 1:30 PM, starting May 3. Please consider attending and bringing a friend.

School Year Thanks
      As we enter the final month of the school year, I wish to thank the many people who have worked together to make this another excellent year. The Board of Education, PTO, volunteers, aides, and secretary have all done a wonderful job accomplishing so much. During my absence in both body and mind while working on my Thesis, the teachers have especially borne the brunt of extra responsibilities and cares, so I thank Heather, Darla, Betty, and Tarayca especially for their great patience and servant-attitude in keeping things going. How richly we have been blessed with all these people who have labored together to teach God’s Word to the children placed into our care!

Budget Planning
      You should be receiving information, both written and spoken, concerning the long-term planning for Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School. During a recent planning meeting of the Board of Elders, Board of Education, and Trustees, these leaders expressed their shared conviction that Mount Hope should continue forward in its ministry of God’s Word and sacraments in our congregation, that our school is an integral part of that ministry, as is Pastor Garwood our Associate Pastor. As of this writing, there is ongoing conversation concerning the planning for our budget needs. Please give your careful attention to the information that is shared and contribute your thoughts to the decision-making process. And I also urge you to share in the labors of this congregation by caring for each other and reaching out to others for the sake of God’s Word.
      The response of the congregation—your response!—to our needs in November and following was outstanding. Many different groups and individuals have stepped up to help meet our financial obligations, but the congregation as a whole has met the challenge our leaders put before us. Even while we encourage each other to continue to meet this challenge, the example you have already set is a great joy. Thank you. And thanks to God for moving His people to works and gifts for the service of His church.

Pastoral Care
      Finally, as I am slowly easing out from under the multiple extra responsibilities of masters studies, Holy Week, and District Convention, I would like to get back with a good number of you who have postponed contacting me with matters of pastoral care or advice. I plead with you to contact me and help me find a time to visit with you, particularly if something is troubling you, or if you have a joy to share with me. I am not aware of many of the needs that you face, so if I can help you, please contact me to set up an appointment. Thank you for your patience and help with me.

 
 

Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School