June 15, 2008

Jesus feeds us with himself. "I Bishop John Schleicher am a social introvert." Our Synod Mission Statement is "Marked with the Cross of Christ forever we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world." Marked with the Cross of Christ forever: I am baptized. We rejoice in our sufferings. We are not masochistic. The privilege to be in a broken world for Jesus. We we will be raised as Jesus was raised. We are claimed: I get to be in Christ and always--in Christ and with Christ. We are claimed; we are not our own. We have to ask ourselves, "What is for the good of The Church?" We are gathered: Everyday we are gathered we are not lonely or alone, this means even the introverted. We are gathered to encourage and challenge. We can lift up one another and grow. We are always a brother or sister in Christ and we are always with a brother or sister in Christ. We are sent, just as the disciples were sent two by two, in pairs, to cast out demons mend the brokenness. Harsh words won't break us and each of us ask for forgiveness when we are overly harsh. Demons cause lies and confusion. The Kingdom of God is nearer. Not a kingdom of destruction but one of deep care and sacrifice. Not about me, but about the world. Peace Lutheran where 95 worship, where 95 people all who are disciples should pray everyday. I will pray that the world may change the way things are done. Let God change me. We give sacrificially; give generously. We are here for others.