 
We pray that the song and proclamation and promise of the Christmas Gospel continues to resonate into our New Year. And within the cycle of our days we enter Epiphany. We will encounter again the Magi, Jesus’ baptism, and early events in the Savior’s ministry during this season of God’s Light. Yes, this is privilege.
…Also want to note the seminarians from our congregation. Emily Klock is a second-year student at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago (LSTC). Harold Vanicek is in his final (fourth) year of seminary study at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque. We thank God for these bright and committed students of theology. They are and will be gifts to the Church. Part of our benevolences go toward their seminary tuition. Vital investment!
…Harold will be sharing his January term with us at Triumphant Love. He will serve in a variety of ways: visiting, teaching, preaching, reflecting, etc. He will be here for two and a half weeks (January 4-21). Carol Holck and husband Steve Harlow are graciously providing Harold a warm house during this time. His wife, Deborah, and children, Virginia and Henry, will be staying in Dubuque in the interim. We welcome Harold’s presence and ministry with us.
…Under the auspices of Adult Education, I want to note the Book of Faith Initiative of the ELCA. This is an emphasis on studying the Bible with focus on specific texts and some of the principles of interpreting the Bible. I will quote some of the descriptive sentences from the guide for this study…
The Bible as the Book of Faith “invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture…in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word.”
“The language of the Bible becomes our language. It shapes how we think and speak about God, about the world, and about ourselves…the Spirit works with the Scripture to help form our hearts, our minds, our community conversation, and our commitments.” Rich description!
I hope to facilitate a seven-week study of the Bible and textbook (the Book of Faith) in our Wednesday evening hour at 7:30 after worship. We begin Wednesday, January 7. Consider as we walk into the New Year!
…I want to highlight the Stephen Ministry Training Class that will begin January 25 (see page 8). This class, under the careful and care-filled leadership of Rich Klingner and Joan Stys, equips us well in the vital relationships of care-giving. Again, consider with prayer.
…Finally, we know that the economic difficulties of our nation and world can generate fear and uncertainty. And it raises concern as we share offerings in worship and in our giving to other needs in the community and world. May we be challenged by seeing this time not only as a problem but also as one of opportunity to take courage and trust in God. It is precisely in times like this that we can respond with hopefulness and generosity so that the mission of the ministry of Christ continues with commitment, with compassion, and with prayer.
God’s reliable grace be in you and around you in this New Year.
Pastor Norb Firnhaber |
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