Summer 2017, part 2

Sisters and brothers in Christ,

​Captured by grace! That’s why I became a Lutheran! Many years ago, after moving to a new city, I went “church shopping.” Raised in a non-Lutheran denomination, I visited two of those churches but at each church, neither the pastor nor anyone in the congregation said a word to me after worship! Then, one day while driving through Xenia, Ohio, I saw a nicely kept church that seemed inviting. It was named “First Lutheran.” After several visits, I was both intrigued and excited! Here’s what happened…

First, I was welcomed! Before church, someone greeted me as if they wanted me to be there. After church, someone escorted me to coffee hour and introduced me to some of the members. Second, I loved the worship that emphasized Word and Sacrament! Third, through an adult Bible class, I became aware of GRACE - God’s unconditional, unearned and forever love for each of us. I started to ask questions in class and of myself, pondering… What would my life be like if I truly believed in God’s grace for me? Little did I know that those experiences were the beginning of a wonderful spiritual journey!

Since then, and especially after attending seminary, I have come to appreciate Lutheranism even more – for a variety of reasons (but only two are identified here)! For one, I have a deep respect for Martin Luther, a man who was willing to risk his life for radical grace-centered theology. For another, Lutherans are bridge builders between denominations because we facilitate ecumenical dialogue. So, the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation is both a reason to celebrate the gift of God’s grace and to grow in our faith!

This summer I have the honor and privilege of serving as your interim while Pastor Dawn is on sabbatical. It gives me great pleasure to know that she is having an opportunity to celebrate the Reformation in Germany with an ecumenical gathering of people from all over the world. Additionally, she, Eric DeBode, Patricia and Charles Hoelzel, and Ps. Julia McKeon will share the reformation story at “Abundant Grace” by describing its ministries including the dreams and hopes of those who are guiding it.

Those of us who have stayed home can celebrate the Reformation too! In June, a number of people watched Rick Steves’ DVD called Luther and the Reformation. Others of us are reading the Living Lutheran. On page 36 of the June 2017 issue, there is an interesting article “50 Things you may not know about Luther”! And, if there is a desire to learn more, we could gather after worship for a discussion group that could include such topics as Luther’s Two Kingdom doctrine; the Small Catechism; the influence of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach who was a Lutheran, and more. Let me know if you are interested...

In addition, while I am serving as sabbatical interim, I am available to talk with anyone who is encountering problems, issues, or even unexpected joys. I think the angels smile when we ask the question: How is the Holy Spirit calling or guiding me right now?

God’s blessings to all, 
​
Pastor Mary Ann