April 30, 2010

Dear Messiah Congregation,
If you have been following the news, last weekend a tragic accident took the lives of several young people north of the Twin Cities. On Monday morning, the newspaper carried the headline “Why God, Why?” Although this was a quote that came from someone who knew one of the deceased, as I read the article, I hoped that somewhere the question would be answered. It was not. The next morning, the accident was still front page news, and this day the headline included the words, “no answers.” To my disappointment, the article that day also did not attempt to provide an answer. In the community where these young people lived, there may be persons who are providing hope. But for those who turn to the newspaper each morning, there was no hope. How would you respond? What answer would you offer to the question, “Why God, why?” What would you say to those who say there are no answers and there is no hope? News reporting has moved on to other stories. We cannot look to the newspaper or other media outlets for answers. But we are the church. We are the people of hope. We live on Easter time! How would you respond? (read below for my answer)

In this week’s email, I will cover the following:

1. This Sunday – a new series
2. A leadership discovery
3. Sermon planning – here’s how you can help
4. An answer

1. This Sunday – a new series
We begin a new series that focuses on three seasons of parenting: hatch, patch and dispatch. This Sunday we will turn to the Old Testament story of Jacob and his sons to hear a message about the starting point in our relationship with children. It is a message not only for parents but for all who have a heart for children.

We will also bless 26 young people who come to confirm their faith. They have stepped into the path of discipleship. Confirmation is not the end but a commitment to certain Christian essentials and a desire to grow in a relationship with God and with people who are also growing in their relationship with God – that’s us (the Church). Last Saturday night, I had an opportunity to meet with them and share my personal faith story. I hope you will reach out to them and come alongside them as we continue in our Christian journey. I’ve listed their first names at the end of this email. Would you pray for them before Sunday comes?

2. A leadership discovery
A week ago, I not only had an opportunity to spend four days with our daughter who now lives in California, I also attended a two day leadership conference. Here’s one of my discoveries from the leadership conference: I am not the Senior Pastor. Jesus Christ is the Senior Pastor of Messiah Church. That discovery has been very freeing for me. I am not in control. I am not needed to be in control. I need to listen and to follow the direction of the true Senior Pastor. I work for Jesus Christ. How would it change your role or the direction of your workplace, if those in leadership would acknowledge Jesus Christ to be the CEO? Just remembering that my commitment to Christ places me under the authority of Christ is a point of freedom – and an awesome responsibility.

3. Sermon Planning – and here’s how you can help
In mid-May, I will take my week, as I do each year, for prayer, study and planning around the sermon and worship themes for the coming year. Each year, I ask for your input which has helped to shape these themes. I will be on retreat the week of May 10. Here’s how you can help.

1) Offer a prayer inviting God to use you as you give suggestions for sermons.
2) Send me an email in response to the following questions.
• What sermon topics might the church address that would help you grow spiritually?
• As you live the Christian life, what struggles or challenges do you face that you would appreciate hearing a sermon about?
• What parts of the Bible would you like to hear more about? A book of the Bible, characters or themes?
• What issues in our world need to be addressed from a biblical perspective?

If you can reply by the end of next week, your emails can be compiled before I begin my retreat. I may not reply personally to your email, but I promise you that I will read and pray over each of your ideas, listening for God’s direction as I lay out the preaching plan for the fall of this year and the spring of 2011. Thank you for your input. It is invaluable!

4. An answer
In time, there may be answers that will point to the cause that led to these deaths. I also know that any of us who have driven any length of time have experienced close calls where it was a matter of seconds or inches that spared us from a tragic accident. If God was acting in such moments to save us, why did God not act last weekend to save those young people? Why does God not prevent all bad things from happening? For that question, I do not have an answer other than to know we live in a broken world in which we need more than what this world has to offer. I cannot place my ultimate trust in my own driving ability, the car that I drive and the ability and vehicles that others drive. So where do I place my hope? I turn to Romans 8:32. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” I know that my Redeemer lives. And my final word is not death but life. I know that the God in whom I place my trust will suffer with me through “the valley of the shadow of death” and will never let go of me - eternally.

Remember, we are living on Easter time. We live in the light of the resurrection. Just as it takes sunlight to bring forth the blossoms of nature in this season, it takes the light of the resurrection to grow disciples. Let’s help each other see and experience such light.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Steve
www.messiahchurchmn.org

Our 2010 Confirmation class:
Emily, Anna, Martin, Chris, Megan, Kylene, Mary, Lily, Eric, Mandy, Allysa, Emily, Eric, Ty, Jenni, Paige, Kiana, Danny, Jacob, Garrett, Randi, Carley, Alex, Nick, Abby, Emily.

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