This week has been an experience in the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). On Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching and participating at an ordination at Christ Lutheran Church, Maple Plain, MN. Then, Margo and I came to SD, so that I could assist and sing at the the funeral service of a great aunt at Storla Lutheran Church. On Sunday, I was with our sisters and brothers at one of our sister congregations who share our faith and commitment to biblical and theological integrity within LCMC and Augustana District. On the way to the funeral, I stopped by an old country cemetery to pray with thanksgiving at the burial plots of my maternal great-grandparents. At the funeral, it was good to be with extended family who gathered to give thanks to God for the promise of the resurrection and the faithful witness of my great aunt. Many other people who gathered that day have been praying for my ministry from a very young age. In fact, some of my first memories of “church” are inside that little sanctuary. Dear Friends, we are never alone! We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, who are cheering us on as we continue our course on earth in faith and who we will join in the hope and joy of the resurrection.
As a member with you in the communion of saints,
Pastor Culynn
To prepare for worship on Sunday
(July 25), you are invited to read:
Ephesians 4:1-16