Here the apostle Paul gives a powerful description of what Christian love looks like, including the words that follow, verses 9 – 21.  And we could spend hours looking at each of these verses (maybe a good idea for a Bible study here at Resurrection?!)
     And here’s another idea:  how about if we try to live these words of Romans 12:9 – 21.  Go ahead and read them a few times.  And take note of the repeated use of the word “live”.  So let us “live” these words….doing what is good, rejoicing, being patient, persevering in prayer, love one another…
     In the short time I’ve been with you at Resurrection, I’ve seen how you are striving for this love. 
​Your Mission, Vision and Values, says it well:
Why do we exist?  To celebrate God’s love, to grow our love for Jesus and share that love.
Becoming a community where God’s love and our lives connect.
We will:
   Embrace each being as they are
   Cultivate joyful culture
   Give voice to the voiceless
   Empower one another in our unique gifts
   Nurture Earth and human family.
  
   And I commend you for keeping this before you as a congregation.  Of course, there is much more to do.  That’s why we have a mission, vision and values, and goals and strategies.  Because there is always areas for improvement.
   I look forward to walking with you in the coming months, as we all seek to love God and one another.  And here is the Good News for each and every one of us:  We are NOT doing this to gain anything from God.  Rather, we live a life of love, BECAUSE God has first loved us.  Because we have all the grace and love of God in Jesus.   And may we all be confident that God and His love will always be with us!
 
In Jesus’ name,
Pastor Steve

​ “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.”  (1 John 3:1)
 
Dear fellow dearly loved Children of God!
 
   Yes, I can describe all of you with that opening greeting, even before having met most of you.
Why?  Because I know that ALL of you are dearly loved by God.  And so now we can love one another. As we read in the next chapter of 1 John, “We love, because He first loved us.” 
 (1 John 4:19)
 
   God indeed loves all of us!  The evidence of God’s love is in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ.  And this love brings us together here at Resurrection Lutheran Church.  For we know the love of God that can now be shared with one another, with our neighbors and with all the world.  And I have already heard and seen that love in your Council and those I have met so far.  
 
   I look forward to getting to know all of you, as we walk together through this time of change and transition.  We all have a lot of questions, and unknowns.  We will face them together.  And God will be with us!  And in all that is ahead of us, this we can know for sure:  God loves us.  And He gives us the grace and ability to love one another!
 
In the name of Jesus,
 
Pastor Steve