PASTOR HERR’S PERSPECTIVE
Grace and peace to you in the name of our crucified, risen, and ascended Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our congregation spoke and sang Psalm 118:24 when we gathered for worship on Easter Sunday. The passage inspires us in many ways. It reminds us that each day is a gift from God. It calls us to give thanks and find joy in the blessings and presence of God. It calls us to witness to God’s daily activity in the world and to be faithful disciples and stewards. Throughout the Easter season the passage draws us to consider the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Christ as the amazing work of God. What a wonderful gift from God! Christ’s death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension to the heavens bring forgiveness, the promise of new life now and forever, and hope for today and tomorrow.
This Easter season Christ Lutheran Gettysburg has much for which to be thankful. We continue to gather in-person and online for worship. Throughout the Easter season we have enjoyed opportunities for fellowship and fun together. During this Easter season we bid farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Jay Eckman, the first associate pastor in the history of Christ Lutheran. We give thanks for his ministry and service wishing him and Elizabeth God’s blessings as the Spirit guides him to a new chapter in his pastoral ministry.
During the Easter Season we welcomed nine new members who affirmed their baptism and were received into our fellowship of faith. In addition, three baptisms took place this Easter season and we welcome Theo Szpakowski, Jeff Baney and Emma Baney into the Body of Christ. We also look forward to Christian Heird’s baptism in June. For these new members and sojourners with us in the faith we give thanks to the Lord God. Please make sure to continue to introduce yourself to these new members and welcome them!
May is also a time to give thanks for the many graduates in our congregation. We have a number of members graduating from high school, college, and graduate schools! Congratulations to our all graduates and may you rejoice in your accomplishments, give thanks to God, and trust that God will continue to be with you as you move forward to new ventures.
As we move into the summer months, I encourage you to embrace each day with joy and gladness for it is a gift from God. I invite you to stay connected to our community of faith through your participation in worship (in-person or online). Jump in and get involved by serving as a worship leader. This summer I hope we can have a church picnic, a golf outing, and additional fellowship events. Get involved and let’s come together to have fun and build up our congregation! Your gifts of time, talent, and financial offerings remain critical to maintaining and growing our ministry and impact in the Gettysburg community and the world. As summer brings travel and recreation, consider setting up a regular, reoccurring online gift that continues to support Christ Lutheran Gettysburg even when you cannot be present. Thank you for all the ways you support the ministry and mission of Christ Lutheran Gettysburg! May you have a blessed and joy filled summer!
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Stephen Herr
