The Communion of Saints

This week finds several families of Resurrection grieving over the death of their loved ones.  Whether death comes after a long illness or suddenly, as it did to a 25-year-old man in a car accident, family and friends of each one who died still experience a personal loss.  Sorrow grips their hearts!  Even though Christians do not grieve as those who have no hope, as St. Paul tells us (1 Thess. 4:13), we do still grieve, and we do need comfort!

One of the petitions in the service for the Burial of the Dead pleads for the gift of increased faith in the midst of overwhelming circumstances: Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. The promise that Jesus died and rose again to win our salvation and that he will return one day to raise us from the dead is the core of our faith. However, when our hearts are heavy with grief, our faith may become clouded over, and therefore we pray for help to trust.

In addition, this prayer asks for help to believe in the communion of saints, which is the gathering of believers in Jesus Christ united in faith. Yes, it is none other than the Church! When we are bent over with the weight of sorrow we need help to believe that we are not alone, and assured that fellow believers are praying for us and supporting us. It is equally important that the rest of us are willing to BE the church, the communion of saints, joining hands with those in need, becoming an answer to their prayer.

The 1981 Special Olympics state finals were held in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Nearly 3,000 special athletes competed in summer games, in which caring was more important than winning. According to Bob Becker of The Grand Rapids Press, the events were run like those in any other track meet, with one exception. Each finish line was manned by what the special Olympians dubbed as "huggers." Their job, in addition to calling out the winners, was to encourage each one at the finish line with a hug and a pat on the back. Becker said that love was the key to the event's success.

In a similar way, you and I both know the key to the success of our life together in the Church is love, encouraging others in all circumstances of their lives.  Let the “huggers” step forward in times of joy as well as in times of sorrow. Let the confirmands, the graduates, the worship team, the ushers, the education leaders, the staff—receive your affirmation; at the end of any race we run in life, no matter how well we have run, we need a “hug!” May the Holy Spirit help us to trust and believe and then encourage us to BE the Church!

 Written by: Rev. Ron Freimark

Our Congregation's DNA

Generosity is a deep part of our congregational life. Giving seems to be a part of our mission. There are many factors that have contributed to the spirit of generosity.

First is God's generosity towards us. "For God so loved the world that God GAVE us God's son." John 3:16. Without the gift of God's grace we would be lost. 

Our congregation’s history also reveals that we are the recipients of generosity. The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) saw the need for a new Lutheran congregation in the southeast corner of Woodbury and called Pastor Ted Vanderpan to be the mission developer for Resurrection. He and his wife Sara gave generous of their time and energy to start the Vibrant Life of Resurrection.  

Inez and Glenn Oehlke had the option to sell the land our church occupies for a significant profit, but chose instead to sell it at below market-value to both St. Ambrose and to Resurrection. Later Inez donated the farm house and surrounding buildings to the congregation. Generosity is part of our congregation’s DNA.

Generosity continues to strengthen our mission. In March we donated more than a $1,000 in a special offering to CURE Ministry and Beacon of Hope church. We are blessed to be a blessing to others.

There can sometimes be a snag in our giving to God’s Kingdom. In our busy, active lives we sometimes forget to write the check for the Sunday offering or we leave our cash at home. This is where Simply Giving helps.
 

There is no "mystery" to Simply Giving. 

 
Simply Giving is an easy way to have your donation to Resurrection deducted electronically from your bank account. It can be done once a month or twice a month as you choose. You set the amount to be deducted. It provides three benefits to your giving:

 

• Convenience: No check writing or forgetting.  
• Comfort: You know your Estimate of Giving will be met.
• Consistency: Your offering makes it to Resurrection even in your absence.

Currently Resurrection has about 75 families using Simply Giving. We have a goal to increase that to 100 families before summer comes. Will you be one of those households?  To begin using this convenient option of giving, please complete the Simply Giving Form available here and return it to the attention of Jay Hickey in the church office. Simply Giving Forms are also available in the office and on our website, under Stewardship 2015. 

“For your heart will always be where your riches are.” 

 Matthew 6:21 (GNT)

Pastor John Keller