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From the Pastor |
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First English Lutheran Church |
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The mission of First English Lutheran Church is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to love one another as He has loved us. |
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I am amazed how quickly the summer has passed us by. I know that summer lasts until October, but it seems that once school starts our summer, as we know it, is over. We are gearing up for a busy fall season with lots of activities upcoming. An apple seed is planted. Soon a seedling is seen coming up through the surface of the soil. The rain and sun nourish it, and, as it grows, branches start spreading out from a sturdy trunk. The tiny apple seed grows and develops into a mature tree and it is a beautiful thing to behold. However, it is not just about being a tree, there is more expected. Apples! An apple tree isn't what it was meant to be until it produces fruit. We, as Christians, are like that apple tree. As God chose apple trees to bear apples, so He has chosen us to bear spiritual fruit. Fruit is what is expected of all Christians. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit...fruit that will last." (John 15:16) This fruit will be evident in the lives of Christians as a natural outcome of Christ living in us. Our connection is through worship, through reading the Scriptures, through our prayers, and through Bible study. On our own, we are unable to bear fruit. But Jesus told us how we can bear fruit. He stated "I am the Vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Jesus is the vine who bears the weight of the branches, who provides needed support, who give life-giving nourishment and energy to us, His branches. Connected to Christ, the Vine, we branches do what comes naturally to any healthy fruit tree; we bear fruit. Jesus calls each of us to remain or abide in Him. Only as Christ lives in us are we enabled to bear the fruit of His character. It is by the Holy Spirit working through God's Holy Word and Sacraments that abide in Jesus and bear fruit that brings glory to the Father. God has blessed us with gifts of time, talents, and money. With these gifts we choose to make fruitful use of your time, fruitful use of your talents, and fruitful use of your monies. The decision is ours whether or not we will use those gifts for the work of the Lord. God has created and blessed us so that we may make a difference in our churches, communities, and the world. God will always equip us for the tasks He gives us to do. With His help we will each hear God's words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21) God bless you as we continue the journey together.
Pastor Deb |
