Hello my Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
I hope that everyone had a great time at Cornfest last week. Celebrations are good for the body and the soul. I always feel very good during and after celebrations. In Luke, chapter 15, we read that all heaven celebrates when one sinner repents and comes to faith in Jesus as Savior. I believe that we don't celebrate enough for baptisms, confirmations, etc. As people come to faith in Jesus and mature we should be like heaven and celebrate. These celebrations are good for our bodies and our souls as well as our Body of Christ - Friends In Christ.
The children and Junior High youth are enjoying their learning on Sunday mornings. The children are learning through a process called, "Buzz" and the Junior High youth process is called, "Grapple". I thank all of the volunteers who are heading up these vital ministries for they are doing an excellent job.
Matt is leaving this week. I pray that he, Amanda and the kids are blessed beyond measure. Our Savior Lutheran will be blessed to have them all, just as we have been blessed these three years.
As for me I continue to rely on Jesus Christ for peace, strength and comfort. I thank all of you for your support through prayers and encouragement.
In Jesus Care,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
This past weekend was a sad weekend as we have sent Matt off with God's blessing. We are grateful for all of Matt's work among us pointing us toward the cross of Jesus Christ. The youth are very sad to see Matt move on to another place of ministry. God's divine providence again has moved and Matt will be continuing to teach the Gospel at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. Matt will be with us this weekend if you did not have a chance to say goobye and wish God's blessing on him and his family.
As we move ahead we need to wrap our hearts and minds around the mission of the Holy Trinity - to seek and save the lost. What does this mean for us individually in our daily lives? What does this mean for us collectively as Friends In Christ? What does this mean for our community as we do the mission among the people? These are all questions that we need to answer. Scripture tells us what we are to be doing. How we do it will look different as we use the gifts God has given each of us to do His mission. Each gift or grouping of gifts, along with our passion for people, will determine just how we accomplish the mission of seeking and saving the lost with the Gospel message of forgiveness and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pray! Pray! Pray! And God will lead.
In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
This past weekend was a sad weekend as we have sent Matt off with God's blessing. We are grateful for all of Matt's work among us pointing us toward the cross of Jesus Christ. The youth are very sad to see Matt move on to another place of ministry. God's divine providence again has moved and Matt will be continuing to teach the Gospel at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. Matt will be with us this weekend if you did not have a chance to say goobye and wish God's blessing on him and his family.
As we move ahead we need to wrap our hearts and minds around the mission of the Holy Trinity - to seek and save the lost. What does this mean for us individually in our daily lives? What does this mean for us collectively as Friends In Christ? What does this mean for our community as we do the mission among the people? These are all questions that we need to answer. Scripture tells us what we are to be doing. How we do it will look different as we use the gifts God has given each of us to do His mission. Each gift or grouping of gifts, along with our passion for people, will determine just how we accomplish the mission of seeking and saving the lost with the Gospel message of forgiveness and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pray! Pray! Pray! And God will lead.
In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
What a great start to our Children's Ministry weekend. It was great to see the children learning so much as they were having a lot of fun in the process. Our junior high students began this weekend, as well. Their DVD led Bible study speaks the language they speak, so that they will listen more carefully and thus learn and retain more. The Journey Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Luke continues on Sunday mornings, as well, as we meet at Turltle Tap restaurant at 9:45 am during the Children's learning time and the junior high also.
This week many opportunities will begin at Friends In Christ: On Tuesdays - WAU Proverbs at 9:00 am and WAU Revelation at 7:00 pm; Wednesdays - Confirmation at 5:00 pm, and various Friends Christ Care Small Groups (call me at 815-941-1255 for questions or to join a group). A Friends Christ Care Small Group is a wonderful way to grow in our relationship with Jesus and our relationships with each other.
I will see the pain specialist again this Friday and we will assess the present therapy that I am currently undertaking and we will see if it is working or we need to try something else. I will keep you posted. I hope that something works. It would be of great benefit to me. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I truly appreciate them.
In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
What a great start to our Children's Ministry weekend. It was great to see the children learning so much as they were having a lot of fun in the process. Our junior high students began this weekend, as well. Their DVD led Bible study speaks the language they speak, so that they will listen more carefully and thus learn and retain more. The Journey Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Luke continues on Sunday mornings, as well, as we meet at Turltle Tap restaurant at 9:45 am during the Children's learning time and the junior high also.
This week many opportunities will begin at Friends In Christ: On Tuesdays - WAU Proverbs at 9:00 am and WAU Revelation at 7:00 pm; Wednesdays - Confirmation at 5:00 pm, and various Friends Christ Care Small Groups (call me at 815-941-1255 for questions or to join a group). A Friends Christ Care Small Group is a wonderful way to grow in our relationship with Jesus and our relationships with each other.
I will see the pain specialist again this Friday and we will assess the present therapy that I am currently undertaking and we will see if it is working or we need to try something else. I will keep you posted. I hope that something works. It would be of great benefit to me. Thank you all so much for your prayers. I truly appreciate them.
In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Blessings to you my Brothers and Sisters from our Lord Jesus,
This past week I saw a pain specialist who is trying some treatments that he hopes will bring me relief from my pain. He told me that he has never seen anyone with the type of injuries that I have, so he is going to have to experiment. Every doctor that I have seen (and I have seen many) always say, "You are unique. I have never seen injuries like your before." So I have gotten used to it. God is gracious and he is carrying me along. He has more work for me to do for him that is why I am still alive.
I am thrilled that we are all communicating better with each other and we are trying to understand each other better. It is critical for us to get to know each other on a more personal level, including myself. As we begin gathering for our planning and implementation meetings as an entire congregation we will get to know each other better. I will be taking the opportunity to let you all know more about me, because it is very difficult to trust when you don't know a person.
We have such a large mission field in the Morris area that we just can't let this opportunity to reach the unchurched pass us by. I do have a big heart for the lost and for those growing in their faith relationship with Jesus. There is nothing that makes me happier than to see someone come to faith in Jesus Christ and someone having those "aha" moments as they grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. May God continually bless you as you grow in your relationship with Jesus and as you each out in love with the Gospel to the people around you who do not yet know Jesus.
Growing In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
This past week I saw a pain specialist who is trying some treatments that he hopes will bring me relief from my pain. He told me that he has never seen anyone with the type of injuries that I have, so he is going to have to experiment. Every doctor that I have seen (and I have seen many) always say, "You are unique. I have never seen injuries like your before." So I have gotten used to it. God is gracious and he is carrying me along. He has more work for me to do for him that is why I am still alive.
I am thrilled that we are all communicating better with each other and we are trying to understand each other better. It is critical for us to get to know each other on a more personal level, including myself. As we begin gathering for our planning and implementation meetings as an entire congregation we will get to know each other better. I will be taking the opportunity to let you all know more about me, because it is very difficult to trust when you don't know a person.
We have such a large mission field in the Morris area that we just can't let this opportunity to reach the unchurched pass us by. I do have a big heart for the lost and for those growing in their faith relationship with Jesus. There is nothing that makes me happier than to see someone come to faith in Jesus Christ and someone having those "aha" moments as they grow in their faith in Jesus Christ. May God continually bless you as you grow in your relationship with Jesus and as you each out in love with the Gospel to the people around you who do not yet know Jesus.
Growing In Jesus,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today I have the privilege of celebrating with the family and friends of Loretta Brisbin. Loretta received her crown of eternal life this past Thursday. We will all miss her very much. Her and I had many great conversations ove the pas few years. Her sense of humor and wit was a joy. We talked a lot about Jesus and eternal life in Him. She could never understand how people made it through life without Jesus. I can't either. Especially at times when we lose our loved ones to the consequence of sin - death.
I always tell everyone that I don't do funerals. I do resurrection celebrations. Death in Jesus Christ is only a door that we pass through to eternal life in the house of the Father. That is our comfort, that is our joy. We do miss our loved ones now, but when we go through the door of death we will be in the presence of Jesus with our loved ones who also believe in Jesus never to be separated again. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." (Luke 11:25-26) This is our hope and our peace.
I am going to see a pain specailist this Friday. The pain in my face has not subsided in any way, so my doctor told me to see this specialist. Pray that this doctor will be able to provide some kind of relief from my pain. Thank you all for your continued prayers. God is good all the time! All the time God is good!
In the loving arms of Jesus,
Pastor Randy
Today I have the privilege of celebrating with the family and friends of Loretta Brisbin. Loretta received her crown of eternal life this past Thursday. We will all miss her very much. Her and I had many great conversations ove the pas few years. Her sense of humor and wit was a joy. We talked a lot about Jesus and eternal life in Him. She could never understand how people made it through life without Jesus. I can't either. Especially at times when we lose our loved ones to the consequence of sin - death.
I always tell everyone that I don't do funerals. I do resurrection celebrations. Death in Jesus Christ is only a door that we pass through to eternal life in the house of the Father. That is our comfort, that is our joy. We do miss our loved ones now, but when we go through the door of death we will be in the presence of Jesus with our loved ones who also believe in Jesus never to be separated again. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." (Luke 11:25-26) This is our hope and our peace.
I am going to see a pain specailist this Friday. The pain in my face has not subsided in any way, so my doctor told me to see this specialist. Pray that this doctor will be able to provide some kind of relief from my pain. Thank you all for your continued prayers. God is good all the time! All the time God is good!
In the loving arms of Jesus,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Greetings in Jesus my Brothers and Sisters,
What a great Bible study Sunday as continue to journey through the Gospel of Luke. Our discovery that the Old Testament is so full of the Gospel turned on many lights in people. The subjects that Jesus taught about and commanded have been what God has spoken since the beginning. What wonderful growth we have in our relationship with Jesus as the Holy Spirit reveals to us more about the all encompassing grace and mercy of God. It strengthens our faith and gives us courage to live lives of love like Jesus. I invite you all to come and journey through the Gospel of Luke on Sundays at 9:45 am.
We learned in our message this weekend that God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is all about seeking the lost. What gratitude we have that someone in our lives cared enough to seek us out and bring us the Light of Christ so that we could be found and enter into the Father's house forever. Our joy over our salvation motivates us to seek out the lost and bring them the Light of Christ so that they too can live in the Father's house forever.
Summer is winding down and school is beginning soon. I have enjoyed the warm weather and will continue to until it turns cold. At that point I do not know how this winter will go, but God is always with us never leaving us nor forsaking us. May the comfort of our Savior, Jesus, be with you always as you seek those lost around you.
A seeker of the Lost,
Pastor Randy
What a great Bible study Sunday as continue to journey through the Gospel of Luke. Our discovery that the Old Testament is so full of the Gospel turned on many lights in people. The subjects that Jesus taught about and commanded have been what God has spoken since the beginning. What wonderful growth we have in our relationship with Jesus as the Holy Spirit reveals to us more about the all encompassing grace and mercy of God. It strengthens our faith and gives us courage to live lives of love like Jesus. I invite you all to come and journey through the Gospel of Luke on Sundays at 9:45 am.
We learned in our message this weekend that God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is all about seeking the lost. What gratitude we have that someone in our lives cared enough to seek us out and bring us the Light of Christ so that we could be found and enter into the Father's house forever. Our joy over our salvation motivates us to seek out the lost and bring them the Light of Christ so that they too can live in the Father's house forever.
Summer is winding down and school is beginning soon. I have enjoyed the warm weather and will continue to until it turns cold. At that point I do not know how this winter will go, but God is always with us never leaving us nor forsaking us. May the comfort of our Savior, Jesus, be with you always as you seek those lost around you.
A seeker of the Lost,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Hello my Sisters and Brothers,
I have had some great opportunities over the past several days. I spoke at length with a man on the street about Jesus and his need for a Savior. He had been through two tours of duty to Iraq - wounded, bombs dropped on him, etc. He wanted to know that there truly is a God and he struggled because the muslims tried to convert him back in Iraq. We looked together through the Bible and God reassured him through His Word that Jesus is true God. This man had been baptized as a baby, but he left the congregation he attended because he didn't see any of the people doing what Jesus was telling them to do - so he thought that Jesus was just a man-made religion like any other. I was so glad to see the Holy Spirit work in him as he was eager to know the truth. I don't know if I will ever see him again, but that is not for me to know, God knows all.
I have been given many blessings by the Lord for which I am eternally grateful. I thank Jesus that he has poured his love into me and has made me into someone who has a heart for those who are poor physically, financially, and spiritually. I pray that all who say they believe in Jesus truly do and have a great desire to be just like him. Being just like Jesus will move us to follow him whever he leads us and do his will (seeking and saving lost souls) instead of our own.
This past week has not been too bad for me pain-wise. I have been able to tolerate it pretty well. I pray that you are all doing well and are free of pain. Thank you for all your prayers. God bless you richly.
In the hands of Jesus,
Pastor Randy
I have had some great opportunities over the past several days. I spoke at length with a man on the street about Jesus and his need for a Savior. He had been through two tours of duty to Iraq - wounded, bombs dropped on him, etc. He wanted to know that there truly is a God and he struggled because the muslims tried to convert him back in Iraq. We looked together through the Bible and God reassured him through His Word that Jesus is true God. This man had been baptized as a baby, but he left the congregation he attended because he didn't see any of the people doing what Jesus was telling them to do - so he thought that Jesus was just a man-made religion like any other. I was so glad to see the Holy Spirit work in him as he was eager to know the truth. I don't know if I will ever see him again, but that is not for me to know, God knows all.
I have been given many blessings by the Lord for which I am eternally grateful. I thank Jesus that he has poured his love into me and has made me into someone who has a heart for those who are poor physically, financially, and spiritually. I pray that all who say they believe in Jesus truly do and have a great desire to be just like him. Being just like Jesus will move us to follow him whever he leads us and do his will (seeking and saving lost souls) instead of our own.
This past week has not been too bad for me pain-wise. I have been able to tolerate it pretty well. I pray that you are all doing well and are free of pain. Thank you for all your prayers. God bless you richly.
In the hands of Jesus,
Pastor Randy
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