PASTOR'S PERSPECTIVE FOR JUNE 2019
HAPPY SUMMER PROCTOR LUTHERANS!
The theme of this year’s Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was “Just Peace. Accompaniment: Doing God’s Mission Together.” The assembly was as full as the title suggests. There was so much going on: worship and praise, singing and prayer, brief reports and lengthy reports, workshops and seminars, meals and beverages, quilts and marketplace items for sale, reunions with longtime friends and greetings from companions around the world. Every time I attend a synod assembly, I marvel at how many ways our greater church participates in God’s mission. And every year I tell the voting members from our congregation to not get overwhelmed. In Proctor, we participate in about 25% of all the activities, initiatives, and ongoing ministries in our synod. I remind those voting members that we cannot do it all, and that no single congregation can do it all either. Each of the 130+ congregations in our synod only does a fraction of the total ministry, but put together, what we do is amazing.
In Proctor, we do a wonderful job of remembering that God’s mission is a global mission. Not only do we support our congregation and the Proctor community, our generous support of the Lutheran World Hunger program is worth noting. The global barnyard ornaments that decorate our narthex tree each Advent are more than a feel-good gift. Those resources make a difference in the lives of so many people around the world. And our Friendship Congregation relationship with Cheboksary Russia keeps us mindful that although language and political boarders may separate us, our love of the Lord unites us.
Throughout history, national identity has trumped Christian witness. Today in our country, issues of border security and legal status are at the forefront of discussion. As Christians we must always remember that Jesus crossed borders, broke with social and political tradition, and served all in need. He did not do this because he believed that borders were bad. He did this because he is the Lord of all nations. As his followers, we must also be willing to love all people, regardless of whatever border separates us.
Our synod uses the accompaniment model when relating to the global church. It is the image of two travelers sharing the same road for a part of the journey. The travelers do not have to be exactly the same to head in the same direction. Each brings certain gifts and needs to the relationship. Each has something to offer and something to learn. What we celebrated this year at Synod Assembly, and what we do so well in Proctor, is that the global church strengthens the local congregation. May we continue to accompany, and be accompanied by, our friends around the world, especially in Cheboksary Russia.
Peace and blessings
+Pastor Kowitz
The theme of this year’s Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was “Just Peace. Accompaniment: Doing God’s Mission Together.” The assembly was as full as the title suggests. There was so much going on: worship and praise, singing and prayer, brief reports and lengthy reports, workshops and seminars, meals and beverages, quilts and marketplace items for sale, reunions with longtime friends and greetings from companions around the world. Every time I attend a synod assembly, I marvel at how many ways our greater church participates in God’s mission. And every year I tell the voting members from our congregation to not get overwhelmed. In Proctor, we participate in about 25% of all the activities, initiatives, and ongoing ministries in our synod. I remind those voting members that we cannot do it all, and that no single congregation can do it all either. Each of the 130+ congregations in our synod only does a fraction of the total ministry, but put together, what we do is amazing.
In Proctor, we do a wonderful job of remembering that God’s mission is a global mission. Not only do we support our congregation and the Proctor community, our generous support of the Lutheran World Hunger program is worth noting. The global barnyard ornaments that decorate our narthex tree each Advent are more than a feel-good gift. Those resources make a difference in the lives of so many people around the world. And our Friendship Congregation relationship with Cheboksary Russia keeps us mindful that although language and political boarders may separate us, our love of the Lord unites us.
Throughout history, national identity has trumped Christian witness. Today in our country, issues of border security and legal status are at the forefront of discussion. As Christians we must always remember that Jesus crossed borders, broke with social and political tradition, and served all in need. He did not do this because he believed that borders were bad. He did this because he is the Lord of all nations. As his followers, we must also be willing to love all people, regardless of whatever border separates us.
Our synod uses the accompaniment model when relating to the global church. It is the image of two travelers sharing the same road for a part of the journey. The travelers do not have to be exactly the same to head in the same direction. Each brings certain gifts and needs to the relationship. Each has something to offer and something to learn. What we celebrated this year at Synod Assembly, and what we do so well in Proctor, is that the global church strengthens the local congregation. May we continue to accompany, and be accompanied by, our friends around the world, especially in Cheboksary Russia.
Peace and blessings
+Pastor Kowitz
Latest Sermons
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Sunday: June 16, 2019
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Pentecost Sunday: June 9, 2019
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Sunday: June 2, 2019
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