PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE FOR APRIL 2018

Happy Spring my United friends!

I write this newsletter article with cautious hope. I am hoping that something I have been planning for a while actually happens this month, but I quite easily could be disappointed. As you know, our congregation has become friends with the Lutheran congregation in Cheboksary, Russia. Like us, their pastor is the dean of his conference. Like us, they are making plans for a new building that will house their ministries and be a gathering place for the community. Their pastor, The Rev. Konstantin Subbotin, along with another pastor from Russia, have been invited to be guests at our Synod Assembly and spend a few weeks in Northern Minnesota. Like other international visitors to our area, they would share a broader perspective on what it means to be the people of God in a diverse world.

My great hope and plan is that Pastor Konstantin will be at United on Sunday April 29th to preach during worship, lead an all-congregation Sunday School lesson, and be the guest of honor at a luncheon that day. But I am cautiously concerned because, as I write this article, both Russian pastors are having difficulties obtaining Visas to enter the United States. Political relations between our countries are deteriorating day by day. It is during these trying times that we must remember that our Christian fellowship is not defined by political policies or geographic borders. We are brothers and sisters in the faith because God is the Father of all creation and Jesus Christ is the Savior of all believers.

I ask you to be cautiously hopeful along with me regarding this visit. During the month of April we will learn more about our friendship congregation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia. Our 2018 budget includes a goal of $1000 in support of the Cheboksary congregation. I would be overjoyed if we were able to personally hand over that gift of support to Pr. Konstantin when he is with us. We will prepare to welcome Pr. Konstantin to United and enjoy a meal on Sunday the 29th. If our Russian friends are not able to travel to us, we will continue to support them and make plans for another visit.

So much of our faith has to do with hope. Easter reminds us of new life after death, but we who still live can only hope for this to be true. Spring promises warmer weather and growing gardens, but we have not seen this come to pass yet. We hope. Our Christian fellowship may be marred by politics, geography, or ignorance, but we hope for that day when we all will stand together around the throne of God, united in praise. May you be filled with hope this season!

Peace+ Pastor Kowitz

---