Dear Friends and Family of First Lutheran,

It is right to give thanks and praise to those who give you so much! It’s been just over seven years now since God brought Shauna and me to this place, ordained me, and installed me as your pastor. Over the years we’ve experienced much together, and we thank you for the encouraging word and prayer; for your patience as I forget things or mix them up; for your generous grace that’s helped us grow into your lives here at First Lutheran. 

Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus to help them understand what God had done to help them grow into their new lives in Christ and His church. He did this because He chose them – and us – to be His children! Not because we deserve it, but because He loves us and desires to be with us. It’s a “grace thing” … an undeserved gift. 

And so, I thank God that through His church – including you all – He has kept bringing His word of truth to me and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabled me to believe it (Ephesians 1:13). Through His church, He has done the same thing for you and all who believe in Him. It is only in Christ’s church, not the building, but the people who believe and confess the gospel of Jesus Christ through words and deeds that I, and anyone else, can come to hear God’s word and ultimately believe in it. Since we believe, we live in His promise of “the guarantee of our inheritance (eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven) until we acquire the possession of it.” (Ephesians 1:14)

Paul continues Ephesians 1 saying, “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:16) to God our Father. In closing, I give Him thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I ask you to continue to remember Shauna and me in your prayers as we continue living together and serving God, each other, and His creation.

                                                                                    In Christ’s Love,

                                                                                    Pastor Jim