Pastor’s Corner – May 2020

Dear Friends,

I write this as we are now several weeks into the Covid-19 pandemic. We have not met for several weeks now, and it looks like (for now) we won’t be meeting until the end of May.

If you are fortunate enough to still be working; blessings to you for your work since it is likely that you are an “essential worker,” in jobs that are necessary to support all of us. We thank you for your efforts and pray for your safety. If you are blessed enough that your employer lets you work from home, then you are able to be productive, bring home a much needed paycheck, and still practice safe anti-virus measures. For both of these groups, please pray for those who can’t work, bring home a paycheck, and are worrying about their financial future.

For the rest of us, who seem to have at least a little extra time these days, what do we do with our time?

In last Sundays worship, I mentioned how Jesus gives us a daily agenda as he walks with 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus. In his example:

*He walks with them…stressing the importance of a daily walk with Jesus.

*He talks with them…showing us how important and powerful prayer is.

*He opens the scriptures to them…C’mon people, those Bibles in your homes that didn’t end up at Love Packages need to be opened and used daily; especially now. God can and does speak to you in His Word.

*He breaks bread with them…underscoring the importance of the sacraments. Luther when stressed by temptation would often scream at Satan, “I am baptized. You can’t harm me.” Not only
should we daily remember our baptism, but allow Christ to be with your family as you break bread together. There is power there.

*Finally he sent them back to church…They couldn’t wait to see the other disciples and share the good news of the Risen Christ. And while we don’t currently have the same opportunity to be physically together we can still be the church together. We come together weekly online to hear the word and share in virtual communion, and community.

However, just as important are the efforts of many to “be” the church. To see needs in our community and do what we can to help.

+Some of our men faithfully ring the church bells, promptly at noon, as a reminder to all who hear it to pause for a moment of prayer.

+As a church, represented by our Brotherhood, we showed our appreciation to our health care workers, and those who work at IGA by providing lunch for them.

+Vicki Schumer, Susan Leinicke, and Abbi Esker made masks for the hospital workers. Susan L. and Susan and Abbi are now taking orders for the rest of us, which may be necessary as wearing masks in public will be mandated by the state as of May 1.

+Last Sunday, a food drive was conducted by our group, led by the Bobs (Taylor, Schmoll, and Barton), and the Brotherhood including Jeff Hicks and Judy. Also, thanks to Karen Schau and Karen Taylor for their help. We took donations of food and money (many of the donations came from people outside St Peter) and made the St John’s Lutheran food pantry very happy.

+Representing the Women’s Fellowship, Carol Harms also handed out Upper Room Devotionals to all who donated. As she puts it, “This is a great time to get in the habit of doing daily devotionals. Isn’t it always?” Amazing! From God—to Carol—to us!!! Amen???

If that wasn’t enough, I’ve talked with many who are looking out for their neighbors, making grocery runs and trips to the pharmacy for those who are the most vulnerable.

These are examples of being the church as God intends us to be. There are more opportunities out there, and we will discover  them, if we look at our neighbor through “God’s Eyes.” We can accomplish this through a daily walk with Jesus, praying daily, blowing the dust off our Bibles and delving into the Word, remembering our baptism and community, and working together as the church (even if we are separated) to do God’s work.

Call me if you have an idea, or see a need.

Pastor Cory