“To all in (Holy Cross Lutheran) who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the Gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times…” – Romans 1:7-10a
It was amazing!
My first experience with you was amazing! Your faith and love are obvious. You are a Gospel people. And I am excited to be with you in these next few months as your beloved Pastor Culynn and family are on sabbatical. I speak from personal experience, you have given your pastor a precious gift, a sabbatical.
So, yes, I look forward to our time together. Yes, it will be different. I do not sing as well as Pastor Culynn. The Words of Institution will be spoken. Children’s time will be different. “Mo” will be in charge and share the stories of God’s people. I’m sure my preaching style is different. But, finally, none of these differences matter so long as the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed in our time together. That is what matters! Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior! Our God is good and gracious, merciful and forgiving. That is what matters.
So, we will make this summer journey together in the name of Jesus Christ. Having served as an ordained pastor for 50 years, I am with you now to do what I have been called to do – share the Lord, the One who loves you and calls all of you into faith and service in HIS kingdom.
And all the while, we will pray for your pastor. We will pray for his family. His stole draped over the pulpit will remind us to keep him and his family close to our hearts, awaiting his return among us. Thank you for your love of your Pastor and his family. And thank you for the privilege and opportunity to spend these days with you.
God bless you.
Pastor John