Sunday, October 29, 2017

Why We’re Staying

This the newsletter article for the November newsletter at Holy Cross
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
             Yes, you read that right! Today you will hear me announce that I have declined the call to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Dakota. I thought about writing 95 Theses that went into the call process that but that would have been a waste of everyone’s time. When it came down to it, there was one thing that remained far more important than anything we saw in South Dakota: Holy Cross needs its current pastor for more than five years. I happen to be that pastor, so I am staying here. 

             That being said, there are few things I would like to ask of you here at Holy Cross. First, please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ from these congregations in South Dakota. We met absolutely wonderful people on our visit. They care so much about their congregations and their mission in their communities and have a hunger for God’s Word. Both churches have overcome some big issues and have great opportunities to bring more people the Gospel. Pray that God would send them another faithful pastor and send him soon!

            Second, this has been an incredible chance for us to evaluate what’s happening here at Holy Cross. I know that for a few months now I’ve felt complacent. This call has been the swift kick in the pants I need to refocus. I fear the same may be happening to others as well. Could this be the thing that opens our eyes to what God wants us to do here?

             Our congregation is in a good place. The financial situation is better than it was at this time last year. We’ve proven we can work together and support each other. We have dedicated people of all ages and abilities. We are primed for great things here! God has been very good to us.

            Third, I have learned a lot about the more recent history of our congregation. A few weeks ago after I announced the call on October 8, many people said, “Pastor, you don’t know how much you’ve helped us heal.” This has always been hard for me to understand. Most of you saw how bad things were here at one time. I didn’t. I tell people that I just got up, smiled, and talked about Jesus. Had I been sent somewhere else, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Someone hit the nail on the head by responding, “Yes, but we weren’t getting that before.”

            The good news is this: the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues to be the thing that carries us through. Our complacency and every other sin is forgiven! The forgiveness Jesus won for us on the cross and through the empty tomb really does change lives! I am glad to know that it was not me, but Jesus and His Word that made the difference here at Holy Cross Emma. We say that God works through Word and Sacrament and confess this as an article of faith. Why are we so surprised when we see it happen in our own lives?

Folks, let’s get to work. God isn’t done with us here yet!

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Jacob T. Mueller 

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