A Note From the Pastor

9-24-06 Dear Saints, When Jim Petersen, the Nebraska Synod Evangelism leader, met with our Evangelism Committee, I was all fired up by his presentation. I think what encouraged me most is that he said, “have fun and don’t be afraid to try anything.” I feel like we are having fun and are learning to try more of anything. His presentation said congregations must have an outer focus toward its community. Our ice cream social was a big step at focusing on our community. The service projects in which you members are involved show a focus on our community; whether it’s Prison Ministry, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, the Food Pantry or any other local service, it is to our community. A major part of my encouragement is that we already have a big start in being an evangelistic congregation, and our base is in activities you have been doing all along. The part of evangelism that’s harder for us is to bring our non-church-attending neighbors to church with us; notice, I said “bring” and not invite. Jim stressed the importance of bringing our friends and introducing them to our friends at All Saints. He said each of us has 3 or 4 people we could bring to church(the presentation said 8). To me it goes back to when I hear your story and share my story and add His story there is a witness. The point is that we have much in common with our neighbors, and when we share how Jesus is our Savior for our life’s journey our neighbor can relate to how Christ makes our life complete. Most of us do not have to worry about being too pushy with our personal evangelism. I have a couple other items for you: 1. We are receiving an anonymous gift of the RENEWING WORSHIP HYMNALS for All Saints; what a wonderful gift!! We thank you very much for your gift! 2. The CROP WALK IS October 8 at American Lutheran. Please plan to walk and to donate. 3. If you want to get to know more people who have moved to Lincoln after Hurricane Katrina, you may attend a Pot luck Dinner, Friday, October l3, 6:30 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran. The Good News of Jesus, our Savior, blesses our lives and calls us to bless others. Yours in Christ, Pastor Dave Larson