Redeemer
Lutheran Church,
Waverly, Iowa

Love Lines

By Pastor Jim

          “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen…and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

            The commitment is commendable.  The challenges are great.  While our children are in our home, great effort is given to providing for their needs.  Their schedule and their needs are given top priority.  Often, parents make tremendous sacrifices to ensure that each child is given every opportunity to succeed.  The schedules can be so hectic that family life has meaning only when the children are actively involved in a multitude of things.  It is not uncommon for Moms and Dads to have to redefine themselves after the children leave home.  So much energy is put into the children that life seems meaningless without them.

            It is difficult to keep in perspective that Redeemer Lutheran Church is only 42-43 years old, already older than many of the parents in the congregation.  Some of our children have grown up within the congregation.  The “house” has expanded two, and then three, times.  Commitment and dedication to the children has been a constant concern and inspiration for our mission and ministry.  The congregation is firmly established.  Many good things have been accomplished.  We could conclude that we have done all that we need to do.

            But our congregation is a living, growing and dynamic community of faith.  It is well to bear in mind the Apostle Paul’s words to the Philippians:  “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen…and the God of peace will be with you.”  We have been entrusted with a ministry and mission to nurture faith formation within the hearts and lives of our children.  Sacrifice, dedication and commitment are still needed.  Our mission continues to be to deepen the spiritual life of every member of God’s family while serving the community for Christ.  The mission is not age-specific.

            As we consider the needs of Redeemer Lutheran Church, it is still about the children, the next generation of those who will grow in faith and serve through our congregation.  During the month of May we will have opportunities to prayerfully consider how best to meet the needs of our children.  For those of us who are older, we have unique opportunities to evidence faith and commitment.  For those of us who are younger, we have wonderful opportunities to bring renewed energy and joy to the tasks before us.  Together, we can build up the Body of Christ.

            Much has been accomplished.  Much can be done.  “Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen…and the God of peace will be with you.”