All evening, and already this morning, I was thinking about one of the most important aspects of any group activity: continuity.  In football, one of the most important challenges is to keep one’s offensive line intact.  When there are a lot of injuries and players are shuffled in and out of the line, the performance of the whole offensive team suffers.  When coaches in any sport last short periods of time, the whole team suffers.  If congregations have many pastors in a matter of a few years, the ministry suffers.  There is a catch, however, for us a s a congregation.  We, as Lutheran Christians, have a long history of the same grace filled theology.  We believe that God loves us no matter what and that Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save the world. (John 3:17)  We have a long history of the Priesthood of all Believers: each of us acts as minister to someone else in need, and have no need of a go between to connect with God.  We believe that God has endowed all of us with gifts to use for the good of the Kingdom of God.  This continuity of Faith and understanding and action keeps us strong.  Today, believe it:  Jesus loves you, gifts you, and empowers you to work on behalf of the Kingdom.  Let the Holy Spirit’s power wash over you and give you peace about today…. and tomorrow for the message of salvation in Jesus Christ is forever, for all.  Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Pastor Ed