St. Paul Lutheran Church in East Lansing, Michigan. Member congregation of the ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

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October 2006

It has been a very gratifying year to be a part of our Stewardship Committee. (Pun intended) With the theme of "An Attitude of Gratitude" we have had the opportunity of looking at our lives with a focus on all that God has done for us. I'm looking forward to the Missions Fair Week of October 1st-8th. The Mission Meals and Bible Studies to be lead by members of our congregation on the 3rd, 4th, & 5th at 6:30pm will be capped off by the Mission Fair Celebration with snacks and an opportunity to take a trip to all the different Mission Outposts and Activities we do as a congregation. We can view and visit with those who participate in those mission activities and find out more about them. There will be a preview between services and then after second service. You won't believe how many people are involved and how many different mission activities there are here at St. Paul.

I need to share with you about a special gift for which I am grateful. We had funeral services here this last week of former members of the congregation. Former Pastor Paul Pretzlaff preached and officiated and I assisted by reading lessons. Even though I did not know these people before the services, by the close, I felt I had a small understanding of who they were and how they had been a part of our life as a congregation. I give thanks to God for the ministry in this place that has been ongoing before I arrived and will go on after I am no more. God has been faithful to us in our life of faith together. This is one place where I share an attitude of gratitude.

Where does this come from? Ultimately it comes from God. All we are and have been given is a gift. I so easily forget this and complain if everything doesn't go the way want it to go. But I do remember periodically the blessings bestowed on me and my loved ones. But the one I am most grateful for is the love and forgiveness that came with our Lord Jesus Christ. That is what our life here at St. Paul is really about. When Jesus took on human form, he subjected his divine nature to a limiting and humbling experience. He took on and transformed at the same time all human nature and experience.

The Orthodox Church says in his Baptism all the waters of the world were blessed. So we can also say when he became one of us, he transformed who we can be. He made it possible for us to see God and become more godlike. Others may find God for their lives in other ways, but my experience comes through the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. For without him I am still trapped in my sin, but because of him I can live in salvation forever. This message for each one of us brings a true "Attitude of Gratitude" to my heart. Thanks be to the God who is alive in the world and in our hearts.

During the service on October 8th we will have an opportunity to show our support for this mission here at St. Paul. Each person will be given a card on which they can make a personal financial commitment to our Lord and to his church. It is another way we can show our attitude of gratitude for all he has done for us. I hope you will look forward to the week of fellowship, Bible study and celebration too.

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