"in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

​    It may not be a surprise that these words from our 2nd Scripture reading for this upcoming Sunday caught my attention!   Gratitude to God!  Even though we are past Thanksgiving, and Advent is all about the Coming of Christ and our preparations for Him, yet right now I just want to pause on being thankful to God for:
- giving me almost 68  years of life!
- giving me faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
- being married to my beautiful wife for 40+ years
- being a Dad of three wonderful children, and Grandpa of 2 precious grandchildren
- being able to be a pastor for 40+ years
- being with these people of Resurrection Lutheran Church for the past year and a half
- being able to work with Tom and the Council of RLC, and with their staff, Larry, and Julie
- being able to continue as an interim pastor,
- the health I have to be able to continue in all of the above!

   Yes, as I bring in everything my prayer and supplication to God, I certainly can do so with thanksgiving!   And you, the people of RLC, have been a big part of my thankful heart right now.  For you have welcomed me, and shown me such love!  I will never forget your example and ways of showing love to all people, including me.

    One of the advantages of being an interim pastor is that I am able to see how various congregations do their ministry.  And RLC will stand out as a powerful example of how God's love in Christ can shine forth to one another, your community, and to the world.  

    Now I pray that you will continue in God's love, sharing this with Pastor Matt.  And I pray that you will partner with him in the ministry that God has in store for you!  And I pray that God gives me opportunity to continue to serve, and maybe even another congregation as wonderful as you!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve