Pastor's Word for February 2012

Dear friends in Christ,

Last Saturday (Jan. 21), I think I experienced a "Lenten" moment -- well, actually several moments. Lent has something to do about seeds planted and waiting for germination -- preparing for new growth, right? Well, that's what happened in our upper parish hall in a significant and visible way. Representatives from four Lutheran churches in the Cedarburg, Grafton, and Lakefield areas met -- St. John's (Lakefield), Immanuel (Cedarburg), Faith (Cedarburg), and Trinity (our church). We met in part because all of us are actively and prayerfully seeking to build a bigger youth community amongst the four churches -- and beyond. We are taking an unprecedented step in calling a youth director to work with all of our youth. I don't think this has ever been done before in this area! Granted there are a lot of details to work through which will require all of us to practice a lot of patience, cooperation, prayer, etc. in order make this happen. We are stepping out in faith, trusting in God to see us through and to guide us in a new path of faithful ministry. I don't know about you, but I am really excited about this.

In this Lenten season we follow Jesus on his way to Jerusalem -- to the cross. As we do this we take the time to reflect on our own lives as we live out our baptisms on a daily basis. We celebrate the journey that is in front of us now and in the future.

Peace as always,

Pastor Brent