Pastor’s Message September 2024
September is the beginning of a new program year. The leaders of both our two churches recognize investing in our partnership  is the way to move forward in a healthy and  fruitful way.

      We gather together to worship God.

       “Worship the Lord with gladness and joyful song.” — Psalm 100:2

      We grow in faith together through Bible study, prayer and fellowship.

      “They devoted themselves to the apostles’  teaching and to fellowship, to the              

                                breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42

    We give out of gratitude to God’s generosity. Engaged congregational leaders and members from BOTH churches who give of their time, talents and yes financial treasures —is what keeps our ministry alive.

                   “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35b

         We go.  Jesus sent the disciple to go and serve in his name. Every month we have a mission focus which helps us serve in Christ’s name.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matt  25: 40

It’s a helpful to note these central steps of faith.  I could have used other words- worship, Christian education, prayer, mission, evangelism and stewardship. But gather, grow, give and go are simple actions. (And who doesn’t like alliteration?)

These are actions our small but mighty churches can and do embrace. Cultivating these core aspects in our partnership will help our churches thrive. As we mark a ‘kick-off’ in September,  renew your personal commitment to being a disciple of Christ and gather, grow, give and go in God’s name—together with  your friends and neighbors

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Stefanie Muntzel
(aka Pastor Stefanie)