Before my father passed away, I had spent some time talking
with him about what it means to be a pastor or minister. Something I took away
from our conversations, and conversations with other church leaders as well, is
that one of the most important things a minister must do is to love their
people. Well, as Martin Luther did, I believe in the priesthood of all
believers, that all Christians are called to care for and share the Good News
of Jesus Christ with all people. Each one of us is called to be a minister in
the world. This being said, I refer back to my father’s words and give thanks
for this congregation, Lord of Life Lutheran, and your love for one another and
for those to whom you serve in the world. The Spirit is so evident in the life
and ministry of this congregation. I give thanks for your partnership in the
Lord’s work and feel blessed to be a part of this community of faith.
I want to share with you words from Paul’s letter to the
people of Ephesus, Ephesians 3:14-21, a prayer that I pray for you, the people
of Lord of Life, fellow members in the Body of Christ, and all people
everywhere: “I bow in prayer before the Father from whom every family in heaven
and on earth gets its true name. I ask the Father in His great glory to give
you the power to be strong, inwardly through His Spirit. I pray that Christ
will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in Him. And I pray
that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the
greatness of Christ’s love–how wide and how long and how high and how deep that
love is. Chris’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you
will be able to know that love. Then, you can be filled with the fullness of
God. With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more that anything
we can ask or imagine. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for
all time, forever and ever. Amen.”
I am grateful to God for all of God’s blessings including
the opportunity to serve in ministry at Lord of Life. I live grateful to you
all as well, for your hospitality, care and for your ministry to me and my
family. I look forward to continuing to partner with you in the Gospel and journeying
together. I know God continues to have great things in store for Lord of Life
and indeed will continue to guide and bless us.
God’s Peace!
Pastor Percy
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