From our Pastor . . .
Why do we do what we
do?
I’m sitting in my office wringing my hands. Newsletter deadline is here
again and I don’t know what to say. (Have any of you ever felt this
way?)
Then in walks one of our “soon to be” members who hands me the
newspaper. On the top of the front page is a huge article and picture
about our youth serving shut-ins meals on Martin Luther King, Jr.,
holiday. I did not have to wonder what to write very much longer. The
youth’s service that day is the perfect topic for a headline in a local
paper as well as in a newsletter. It is a wonderful reminder as to why
we do what we do.
Why do you serve meals to shut-ins on your day off?
Why do you help the sick as a nurse?
Why do you care for a baby as a homemaker?
Why do you risk your life as a firefighter?
Why do you do what you do?
The way you answer this question illuminates your purpose in life and
the root of your joy. Maybe the youth can help you answer based on their
answers in the paper. Brooks Y’s answer was, “It is good to know they
are getting a good meal.” Alexis L. answered, “We had a good time and it
gives us a good feeling to help others.”
The youth have something to teach us. So did a youth named Jesus Christ.
Why did he do what he did?
Our church, as the body of Christ, reaches out in service to those in
need. That could be as small as a smile and genuine, “How are you?” to
as large as a ton of food delivered to the food pantry (remember – we
actually did that last year). It could even be praying for an enemy and
forgiving him or her. Just ask Martin Luther King, Jr., what price that
may cost.
Or even better, ask Jesus. As we approach Lent, pray for God to remind
you of why He does what he does. The answer will be longer than this,
but here is a beginning: Why did Jesus do what he did? He did it for
you.
Pastor Stephen Haverlah
Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans will add $1 to every $2, up to a total Thrivent
Financial contribution of $1 million.
Donations will be
accepted through March 31, 2010. Thrivent Financial will add a maximum
of $250 per member donation.
Visit
www.Thrivent.com/helpinghaiti to learn more and make a donation.
For questions or to make
a donation over the phone call 800.236.3736 between 7am - 6pm. When
prompted, please say “directory” and enter ext. 83003.
Please make checks
payable to:
ELCA Disaster Response (in the memo line of your check put “Helping
Haiti”)
Please send your
check to:
Thrivent Financials for Lutherans
4321 North Ballard Road
Appleton, WI 54919
