January 2025
~ GOD CALLING STILL ~
This was the theme of my home church upon the celebration of 125 years of worshiping God together as a congregation. I have been contemplating that theme over these last few weeks. It brings up feelings of nostalgia and pride in a church that really was a community of believers — following God’s call for them to spread his word and do his good will. Sadly, that will, most likely, have been the last of their major milestone celebrations, as, like so many congregations around and among us, they struggle with vastly deteriorating attendance, few (if any) presence of youth, and an uncertainty of the future. “What is our present day purpose,” they ask. IS God Calling Still? As we here at First Lutheran address many of these same issues and concerns, I encourage us all to go boldly forth, not just with a sense of what was…, but with a renewed commitment to listen to what the Holy Spirit is calling us to do moving forward. Looking back on this past year, there have be several musical highlights for me: I’d like to say thank you to members of First Lutheran who so willingly gave of their time and talents:
•The Second Sunday Singers: We had a fun year learning some new pieces as well as reviving old favorites. ** I am so grateful for the commitment and dedication of those currently singing. We ALWAYS welcome and need more singers.
•Kris Swartchick, who not only blesses us with her masterful art of playing the flute, but with an occasional vocal offering.
•Pastor Dan - who, on Epiphany Sunday sang the powerful solo “Rise Up, Shepherds” to beautiful effect.
•Lisa Funk, who brings that extra excitement every time she blesses us with her immense and God given musical talents.
•I would also like to thank my singers from outside the church who regularly and willingly come to First Lutheran to offer their musical abilities.
If I have left anyone out, I assure you it was not deliberate, and I apologize.
Let us pray: Dear God, help us to celebrate what was, what is, and listen to the Spirit’s call for what is to come. AMEN.
Blessings, Ben 🎵