As I write this we are in the
throws of another winter weather event. It has certainly been a
winter to remember! And now, the tragic disaster in Haiti is on
the forefront of our minds, the national political scene is up
in the air, the economy is still stuck in neutral, and the
gubernatorial race in Iowa is gaining momentum. But for most of
us, life continues on. We have some members and attendees who
are out of work, families experiencing difficult times, and more
than our share of medical needs. But all in all, the Lord has
helped us weather another year of ministry at Westkirk. In
fact, from most any vantage point, it has been a banner year!
And for this we can give God all the praise and glory!
And so it begs
the question, ‘what are we going to do this year?’ There are many
things the Lord is doing for 2010, but I think the short answer to
the question is that we are going to do the work of the ministry.
We are going to continue TO KNOW CHRIST AND MAKE HIM KNOWN. While
the changes and new initiatives are exciting, our main focus for
2010 will be doing what God has called all churches to do:
worship him, encourage one another toward greater spiritual growth,
and reach out with spiritual and practical help to people in our
community and beyond. We are going to be the Church.
What might look
a little bit different is how we do that. At the approval of our
2010 budget, the Session will move forward on hiring a new part time
pastor who will focus his ministry on senior adults. This is a
perfect fit for Westkirk and the right time to get it done. Many of
our seniors founded this church. They have funded the ministry and
enabled us to make families and the future a top priority. Now we
can serve them better with some targeted ministry that will allows
us to make more calls, encourage outreach and provide opportunities
for spiritual growth among senior adults. Together, we will
experience the parable of the Prodigal Son in a whole new light when
we join together in Housekirks and on Sunday mornings. The Lenten
season will soon be upon us and our faith will be strengthened with
a wonderful Holy Week including a presentation on Maundy Thursday on
the Passover by Jews for Jesus. Throughout the year we will make
our way through the book of Galatians and be refreshed on the
Gospel. New classes are being offered on Wednesday evenings for all
ages, we are praying for family and friends to know Christ, and
youth and adults will be off on mission trips throughout the summer
while we finish up our study of Joseph in Genesis. Before you know
it, fall will be here, Reformation Sunday and as Christmas
approaches we will join an Advent Conspiracy. Don’t be left on the
sidelines as we do the work of the ministry together!
Pastor Michael
ESV Ephesians
4:11 And he gave
the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of
ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we
all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be
children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every
wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful
schemes.