January February 2012

PASTOR’S CORNER

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I'm a little late in getting this article written so please don't tell Wanda. I am actually writing this the day after our youngest members blessed us with this year's Christmas Pageant. I am always astounded to see all those little infants, that I thought were baptized just yesterday, now dressed as angels, shepherds, kings and the Holy Family, singing and performing so beautifully. These little ones fill this church and our hearts with so much joy.

There were almost thirty children that participated this year and so much stood out to me, but mostly it was the love they shared with each other. I watched how our teenagers and older children watched out for the younger ones. They would speak so gently and kindly to those who were a bit apprehensive and brought calm to their racing hearts. At the pizza party on Saturday after the rehearsal, they all waited in line, helped the younger ones pour their juice and every one of them said thank you!

I have often preached how Jesus reveals Himself to me so often through the lives of our children. On Saturday, I had to perform a funeral for a thirty two year old. His six year old son sat in the front row as his grandmother read a letter he wrote to his father for Father's Day. It was the sweetest and most heartfelt letter I have ever heard. When I came to church after the service, I was greeted with countless hugs and many greetings of, "I love you". I was immediately transported from darkness into light.

When I first got ordained I helped a Lutheran pastor with their Vacation Bible School. The final night of the program the pastor stood before the parents of these children and said, "Make no mistake about it, there is a battle being waged for the souls of your children." I have never forgotten that and I believe he is right. After this weekend I know Jesus is winning the battle with the children of St. Mark's. I also know that when He looks upon them and hears the giggles and witnesses the love and care they share with each other. He rejoices in the Holy Spirit and says, 'I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."

May your New Year be filled with God’s blessings as He continually reveals Himself to us through the lives of our children.

In Jesus' love,

Fr. Jim +