Message - Galilee Lutheran Church

SUMMER 2010

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
DEAR FELLOW-GALILEANS,
Sometimes we think too small. We set limits on our goals and ambitions. We tend to think more of what we can't do than of what we can. Even God's work is often held back because we fail to see the possibilities and the power that are available at our fingertips, if only we ask. And yet God continues to promise to his people the church that-he is able--AND WILL!-do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
"In order to take God up on his promise, and to utilize the power that he makes available to us, I propose that we set two major goals for the next twelve months or so. Let's call them: GAIN and RETAIN.
Surely we are all aware that it is getting harder and harder for "the faithful few" to keep doing the work our Lord has given us: to participate in regular worship opportunities; to grow in our faith and knowledge through Bible study: to support, encourage, and build up one another (and our families) in our daily lives; and to be positive, dynamic witnesses of Jesus' presence in our community and our world. At the same time, there are many others (and perhaps you know some of them: relatives, neighbors, friends, etc.) who do not have access to any of those vitally important resources to nurture and strengthen their faith.
That's where GAIN comes in. What a great opportunity we have to share the blessings that we have received from God and his Word with those who do not know it or have it. If it's really that important (and we truly believe it IS!), then we’ll want to make sure they hear about it. Please take advantage of every chance you get to tell them, to invite them, and to encourage them to know what we know. God's amazing love for us (and them) through his Son Jesus. I'll be leading a Membership Class on Saturday, June 12, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for just that purpose. If you know someone who might be interested in attending, please let them (and me) know. And then pray that the Holy Spirit will lead them to accept the invitation to grow in their faith (and perhaps become members of our church).
But we can't stop there. We also need to care about the members of Galilee who, for whatever reason, are not doing those things that we all know are so beneficial and helpful. That's the RETAIN of our two-pronged emphasis for the coming year.So if you know some who have become inactive (I certainly do, and I'll bet you do, too), give them a call. Or write them a note. Or maybe stop by for a visit. Let them know that we miss them-and what they are missing. Show them how important it is. Tell them that they are welcome to return.
God has promised to do "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine." I think it's about time we take him up on his Word. As always, be assured of my thoughts and prayers for each of you and your families, and for all of us at Galilee (as I am sure my family and I are in yours). May his Holy Spirit continue to bless us, guide us, and use us in his service.
Pastor Chuck
"A Healthy, Caring Community in Christ, Reaching Out with the Gospel to Those Around Us."

MAY 2010

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not
recorded in this book But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

DEAR FELLOW-GALILEANS,

One of the challenges we at Galilee accepted during the recent Season of Lent was to read at least one chapter of the Bible each week. Every Sunday's Bulletin had a list of questions for that week's assigned reading (and answers for the previous week). Our goal was to keep each of us "in the word" by giving us the opportunity to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God's message for us.

I would like to keep that challenge going. During Lent we concentrated on the Passion Story of Jesus based on the Gospel of Mark. Now that we are in the Easter Season, we're reading the accounts from the four Gospels of Jesus' resurrection appearances After that, we'll pick up the story as it continues in the Book of Acts (I'll gladly entertain suggestions as to where we should go from there).

I imagine that somewhere along the line (Confirmation Class?) we've already read a good portion of these Scripture sections, and probably know many of the stories. The reason for doing it again is so we can see "the bigger picture" and learn the context in which these events happened. In so doing--and especially by doing it together--we're gaining a clearer understanding and a deeper faith.

And that, after all, is one of the goals and purposes of the Church. Yes, we are all very different. Our lives and backgrounds; where we came from and where we are now; our jobs, our homes, our families; our likes and dislikes; even the level of our faith--all these are very individual and unique. And yet we also have something very important in common, too: our love for our Lord and his word. And when we find that love expressed through what we say and do, we find our love for each other confirmed and strengthened.

That's why we do what we do: the work our Lord has given us to do. I commend you for the support which you have given to our church (and for the encouragement which you have offered to me as your Pastor). I am confident that our work together will continue to be blessed and guided by our great God, and trust that what he has in store for us is even greater than what we have already accomplished in the past.

As always, be assured of my thoughts and prayers for each of you and your families (as I am sure I and my family are in yours). May the Lord continue to bless you--and us!

Pastor Chuck

"A Healthy, Caring Community in Christ, Reaching Out with the Gospel to Those Around Us."