'In Christ all things hold together.' Colossians 1.17
In this magnificent section of his letter to the Colossians, St Paul puts it front and center: everything in this universe, in our world, in our lives, is held together by Jesus Christ. That's an incredible claim, and absolutely true. We may sense this truth now and then in our lives, but we often must simply say it out loud and believe it, even though appearances often challenge this certainty in a severe way. Jesus, the Son of God, is the heart of creation...and the heart of who we are as his people. Without Christ, there is no center, only chaos, disarray, and death.
IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT OUR 2ND FLOOR NEGOTIATIONS: Yesterday, Al Binder and I met with Ed Cote and Ron Camp of Lutheran Community Services Northwest. Ed and Ron drove down to see for themselves the space we have on the 2nd floor. In the course of our 2 hour discussion over lunch, Ed and Ron told us that the CEO of LCSNW is very enthusiastic about establishing an LCS presence here in NE Salem in partnership with Redeemer. There is a possibility that some LCS Foundation money may be available for start-up costs, and we were told that there is plenty of grant money available for services to senior citizens and also to ethnic minorities. All in all, it was a very encouraging discussion, and it's my joy to tell you that, with God's blessing, we are on our way towards establishing a fruitful partnership with LCSNW. Continue to pray for guidance and creativity as we meet the challenges ahead.
SUMMERFEST: August 12 is right around the corner. On that Sunday, we will gather under the large trees for worship, and follow that with an afternoon full of music, food, activities, and most of all welcoming our neighborhood onto our campus. Continue to pray for God's blessing on this major outreach event, and don't forget to think about whom you will be inviting to attend with you.
LCMS CONVENTION: The triennial convention continues this week in Houston, ending on July 19. Paul Schutz is our Circuit lay delegate.
CANADA MISSION TRIP: On Sunday, July 29, at worship our Canada Team will inspire us with their stories of how God blessed their trip to share the love of Jesus with people in remote areas of northern British Columbia. Be sure to come and support our youth and adults.
A PERSONAL NOTE: So many of you have kindly asked about my mother, and I thought it would be good to update you on her condition. She is simply too frail to get out much any more. Because of the failure of her epiglottis (a muscle that controls the separation of the esophagus from the trachea) to function, it is difficult for her to get nourishment into her body, which means that she is failing to thrive. This condition will inevitably lead to her death, but she is happy and content, and is not suffering pain. My father is her primary caregiver, and I would ask that you keep both of them in your prayers. We are grateful for your concern and prayers.
+ + +
