July 2024
Dear Friends of First,
Do you remember the first time you visited First Lutheran? Did you walk in not knowing anybody? Did you encounter unfamiliar faces, music, and habits? What made you feel welcomed? What brought you back?
Each of you at one time was a “visitor.” Since you received this newsletter, you most likely worshipped with us; probably more than once. Some of you are longtime members and some of you have recently started to worship and serve with us. Others are in the process of checking things out.
We are a congregation that strives to have an honest relationship with God and each other. We are a people who are sinners saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God takes delight in us when we seek to extend that grace towards others. Each person participates and contributes as they are able. People are involved rather than spectators – a family rather than an audience. The concerns and joys of each person are shared by the others. Our greatest ambition as a church body is to live out the Great Commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37–39). These are marks of the body of Christ.
Let us continue to dedicate ourselves to reaching out to those God brings in our doors. Here are a few ways you can help.
When you see someone you don’t know, take a moment and introduce yourself. If you have forgotten their name, ask.
Wear a nametag to help other people. You can request a new one or replacement.
Try sitting in different places so you can meet different people.
Invite a visitor or someone you do not know to sit with you.
Don’t ask, “Is this your first time?” Instead, just introduce yourself and say that you are glad that they are here.
Say hello to a few people you don’t know before spending time with your good friends.
If someone wants to help – let them! If you can’t think of anything for them to do then invite them to do what you were doing.
Churches don’t grow by accident and neither do relationships. I pray that we will continue to demonstrate this spirit-led affection to others.
May I extend a warm welcome to all the people who have recently joined First Lutheran, may you continue to find First Lutheran a place you can call home.
Peace, Pastor Jim