Volume 54, No. 10

First Reminder

Mailed Sept 19, 2011

Dear Friends:

 

In the process of “visioning” for our congregation, Pr. Paul and I have often talked about ministry connections in three interrelated spheres: the local community, the Rocky Mountain Synod (our multi-state partnership with other ELCA congregations and ministries), and the wider world. It is not our desire to be a church that turns inward and focuses only on ourselves, but to be in partnership with other believers and people of good will locally, regionally, and around the globe.

 

On August 28, Rally Day, our worship theme lifted up “teaching, learning, and mentoring.” It was a wonderful day, as we hosted representatives of six or seven community organizations who do some or all of their educational work out of our First Lutheran facility. We heard heartfelt expressions of gratitude from community leaders who appreciate all that First Lutheran does to enhance their mission and effectiveness.

 

Another community-building venture that is just beginning is our mentoring program through Kids Hope USA. Anna MacBriar completed the director training in mid-September, and we hope to soon begin recruiting adults and older youth to do one-on-one work with students at Central Elementary School.

 

On October 1 we are hosting a workshop in conjunction with Rocky Mountain Synod. The intriguing title of this event is The Macedonia Project. (Check out 2 Corinthians 8:1ff. and that title may make more sense!) Stewardship and generosity are at the heart of our life together as church, so we look forward to continuing to grow Biblical stewardship in our households and throughout the congregation.

 

On October 9, at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship, and at the 9:45 education hour in the Big Room, we will welcome Pastor Gabi Aelabouni, a Christian who grew up in Palestine and is now a pastor the ELCA. Pastor Gabi is co-pastor with his wife at Trinity Lutheran, Ft. Collins. We look forward to learning more about his experiences and hopes for the lands where Jesus walked.

 

Local, synodical, worldwide . . . this is the scope of our ministry through First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

 

On a personal note, I wanted to share a couple of ways that I am engaged in seeking to learn and grow. In October I am planning to attend (for a second time) the Celebration of Biblical Preaching at Luther Seminary. The strong tradition of Scripture-centered preaching at First Lutheran is something on which we want to continue to build. Since last May (and at least through this coming April) I am also chairing the synod’s Bishop Election Team. We are charged with overseeing the process of preparation and discernment for the call of a new bishop in 2012.

 

Fall is here . . . I look forward to seeing you in worship, as together we are fed and nurtured through the Spirit and the Word.

 

In Christ,

 

Steve Berke, Pastor

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