Pastor's Weekly Blog

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,

As we go throughout life it is my experience that we have to adjust what normal is for us. Our experiences - illnesses, accidents, relationships (long-standing or broken), growth in Jesus, etc. - all contribute to bring change into our lives. The pains that we suffer and the joys that we celebrate all make us what we are and adjust what normal is for our lives. I am doing fine according to the latest adjustment for what normal is in my life. I thank God that I am constantly reminded that I need Him in my life. I pray that you are thankful for what normal is in your life, as well.

When Jesus appeared on the scene all of the religious leaders of his time thought they were normal, but Jesus came to show them a new normal - that it is by faith in the Messiah, not sacrifice, that we are saved. They struggled with this concept in a pre-Christian age. Well, guess what? We are in a new age in the Christian Church. It has been labled by many theologians as The New Pre-Christian Age. The post-Christian age was from 1970-2000 AD. where many people who were unchurched at least had attended a church or Sunday school when they we children. Now we have the second generation of people who have never set foot in a Christian church. Parents and children alike do not know who Jesus Christ even is.

This is the new normal. We have to adjust where we are to this new normal. This is very important! It will be a struggle for all of us. It will test our openness to be led by God's Holy Spirit to walk behind Jesus wherever it takes us. Rev. Michael Mast and Rev. Keith Haney from the Northern Illinois District - LCMS are going to help us as we take this journey. We need everyone to come on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 7:00 pm to meet with them as we begin this journey, together. We are also kicking off the evening with a potluck dinner at 6:00 pm, please bring a dish to share. I am praying for all of you as you have been for me. Thanks.

With Jesus as Guide,
Pastor Randy