January 2022

Dear Friends of First,

As the year 2021 comes to a close, it may be difficult to find the silver lining in what it’s brought. Due to the continued impact of the dreadful pandemic, the increase in gun violence, and the growing concern of climate-related conflict, this year’s events have created unexpected changes in everyone’s lives. The ending of a year would usually bring about joyous moments and an exciting list of New Year’s resolutions to accomplish, but instead, 2021 has left us desperately in need of hope, healing, and peace.

But, if we reflect back to Advent and Christmas, the gospel of Matthew tells us that a Savior is to be born, and his name is to be Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Therefore, as we enter a new year, we do not enter alone, God is with us. We place our need for hope, healing, and peace into the hands of Jesus, our King, Savior, Emmanuel, and Light of the World.

As we begin a new year, we continue to search for new opportunities to be together. Starting in January on the second Thursday of each month, we will start worshiping together at 1:00 pm. After the worship, the Retirees will gather and begin a new adult study called “We Must Plant the Church.” This study is about the story of Lutherans in North America “Working Together: Lutherans Uniting.” When Lutherans came to America, they brought with them Martin Luther’s belief that people of faith engage the big questions of the day. Throughout the summer, we’ll hear more about this story, characterized by the tension between honoring the European roots of the church and adapting to the new realities of American life. The Lutheran church, from its earliest days, faced religious pluralism, intolerance, racism, war, lack of state support, and diversity of languages and traditions. It wasn’t easy then, and it isn’t easy now. I am looking forward to working with the Retires as we journey through this study together.

As the new year begins, we look to the Savior for our hope, joy, and peace.

Pastor Jim