Generation to Generation

In his second letter to Timothy, St. Paul writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” The faith that we, the Church, confess today is the same faith that dwelt in Timothy. This faith is not something we produce ourselves, but a gift that is given to us. It is preached to us “by the will of God according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” That promise of life is the forgiveness of our sin for Christ’s sake. And, as St. Paul observed, it is preached from generation to generation.

Our congregation, St. Paul Lutheran, celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. We thank our Lord that Christ has been preached here through these generations. Several events this month are intended to remind us of this heritage of faith, including our new pictorial directory, which is in the final stages of production. Our anniversary celebration will culminate on Reformation Sunday, October 29 with a special service of worship at 10:45 am, followed by a potluck meal. Our worship and music committee has commissioned a new banner and it will be on display. Additionally, that evening at 6:00 we will host a Reformation Day festival, including a hot dog roast, games, and hayrack rides. I hope that you are able to join us for these events.

Christ has given His promise to us in our Baptism. He continues to give us His promise in the Sacraments, in preaching, and in our conversations with our fellow Christians. St. Paul wrote to Timothy, praying that he would continue to preach Christ’s words. I pray that Christ’s words continue to be preached here at St. Paul Lutheran, and that “by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us” we “guard the good deposit entrusted” to us.

Grace, mercy, and peace to you,

Pastor Raleigh