Baaa
2 November 2022
How did trick or treating go at your house?
Despite how much candy you hand out, it’s always a blast to see kids transform themselves into different characters or creatures. On October 31, we Lutherans celebrate a different kind of Reformation movement. But we certainly also delight in the “reform-ing” children enjoy so much with imaginative clothes, make-up, masks, wigs, and accoutrements on Halloween.
This past Sunday, we celebrated a Reformation story. At a beachside breakfast, Jesus propelled Peter from his denial that he even knew Jesus (on the night of Jesus’ arrest) to his declaration that he loved Jesus tremendously. Jesus reformed Peter from someone stuck critiquing himself into a leader creatingopportunities for others. From grief to gumption. Jesus’ conversation with Peter ensures that his tombstone will never read “Peter the Denier” but “Peter the Distributer, Designer, and Declarer.”
Peter’s ontological reformation is inspired by Jesus’ key question: “Peter, do you love me?” Still today, Jesus shapes, forms, and reforms our futures with that very question.
In this season of harvest, with Christians world-wide COS disciples are asking similar questions:
- How does my giving level compare with other ways I use my money?
- How adequately does my giving reflect my eagerness to share from all the blessings I receive?
- Where would I be on the chart (see brochure) if I doubled my offering, or began to give?
- How much more could I give if I really wanted to?
Thank YOU for seriously and prayerfully asking how you might share your time, talent, and treasure in the COS “Feed My Sheep” Stewardship Series. “Feed My Sheep” is the commission that Jesus used to propel Peter on a life of purpose, adventure, and satisfaction. Still today, “Feed My Sheep” is the message Jesus offers us toward a life of meaning. What will you say?
After you’ve prayerfully contemplated how you feed Jesus’ sheep by stewarding your God-given financial resources, you’re invited to join the COS faith family by presenting your Faith Giving Intent Card (see mailer) on the altar during worship on November 13. You may also mail your intent card to the church office or fill it out online. Online Faith Giving Intent
“Feed my dogs.” “Feed my goldfish.” These would have been easier missions from our Lord. When Jesus chooses the sheep metaphor, he’s indicating that our stewardship assignments may not always be a bed of roses. But meaningful things never are. Sheep, like people, are tricky.
Is it true that a sheep stuck in a ditch could be rescued only to jump back into the same ditch four seconds later? Yes!!! We watched it with our own two eyes in worship on Sunday. Many of you have asked to see the clip again, so here it is:
As we pray about feeding Jesus’ sheep, let’s celebrate that Jesus chooses to call himself the Good Shepherd. What a commitment! To dedicate his life to these crazy creatures, like you and me . . . . crazy but treasured so much by our Lord.
Baaaaaa,
Pastor Fritz
