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From the Pastor
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” Psalm 84:1Pastor's Potpourri
A number of things are on my mind and heart, so I'll use this space to share them!
First - many thanks! I've noticed each Sunday morning that your/our attention to detail regarding “Worship Decorum” is very impressive and inspiring. I appreciate the efforts, and it is a pure joy to be in the Sanctuary with you each week. Your awareness of the desire for quiet solemnity is very helpful. Your care for the room - no food/drink, is greatly appreciated! [Remember that we know and support the exceptions to this rule: families with small children who bring appropriate snacks (dry food/drip-proof drink containers) for their children; as well as those with physical conditions and/or medications that make life miserable without immediate access to water, so they bring plastic/sport bottles of water - with secure caps/tops.]
Second - many thanks, again! To Angela Erickson! As you know, she stepped away from her Call as our Director of Christian Education (DCE) and accepted our Divine Call to serve as Teacher in Cross Lutheran School! I appreciated the four years of team ministry that we conducted together. She was our first DCE, and established a level of excellence in ministry that has laid very good groundwork for years and years to come, God willing. I thank you, Ang, for your heart, integrity, smile, joy, strength, humor, faith, and dedication to serving the Lord. God bless you as you continue to do so!
Third - attention, high school youth! On the fourth Sunday of September, the 26th, please join Sharon & me right after the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. As is our tradition, we'll go to CiCi's for pizza, then to our home for ice cream! We should finish up around 3:00 p.m., and I really hope you'll join us. This is no high-pressure for long-term commitment to being in the youth group (although I certainly hope you would consider being a regular part of the Sr. Youth!)…I just look forward to the once-a-year opportunity to welcome you into our home and get to know you just a little better!
Fourth - grab a baby bottle! That's right! During the month of September, you'll have the opportunity to take home a baby bottle. These bottles are on loan to us from Options for Women- the pregnancy resource and assistance ministry in our community. You fill it with your loose change all month long, returning it on Sunday, October 3. Last year, almost $1,500 was collected to support life in this very tangible way! Look for the bottles on the tables in the rear of the Sanctuary.
Fifth - a new record! I have served Cross Lutheran Church & School for twelve years… This is the longest I've ever lived anywhere in my life. What an incredible journey of joy, faith, and blessings! I thank God for you. I thank Him for the privilege of serving you in the name of Christ. May He continue to bless us, use us, and get all the glory! See you in church!
It is no accident that the word pastor has been used since the early days of the Christian Church. It means shepherd, and often the congregation is referred to as the “flock.” Pastor Fraker, our shepherd, cares for and about you-he prays for you, thinks about you, wants to know about your lives. He-like pastors before and after him-is an imperfect and sinful human being. He makes mistakes, he forgets. He needs forgiveness. He truly desires to be of service to the Cross Family in any and all ways that he can. He is committed to doing and being all that he can as pastor of Cross-night or day.
One thing that he does not possess, however, is a means to know things without being told. That should come as no surprise! He needs to be told! And, the very best procedure for that is this: If you have something you need Pastor Fraker to know-then you need to “take the first step” to notify him by calling the church office (625-3666,) or Pastor's home (620-4723.)
So, here's the question: “When do I call my pastor?” Some answers are:
+ When I need to hear God's Word of forgiveness. (Private Confession and Absolution is something of an untapped resource for many! It is a life-changing, life-empowering time-to meet with your pastor either in his study or in the Sanctuary-where you are able to hear and receive God's love for you in a very personal and powerful way. Your pastor will keep your confidence!)
+ When I'm going to the hospital.
+ When I want to talk to someone.
+ When I would like to have private Holy Communion. Maybe you are not a regular “shut-in,” but you've not been able to get to church. Please call! Maybe it is time for you to have Pastor Fraker put you on the list to receive Communion in your home once a month. Please call!
Yes, your pastor is very busy-busy being your pastor…which means he is never too busy for you! Please let him know how he can be of service to you. And please continue to pray for your pastor daily, as he does for you.
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