Your church staff just finished a staff retreat this past Tuesday. It was a time for us to discuss building up toward God and out toward the world. It was time for writing our staff covenant, and it was also a time of reflection, learning about each other and our calling to this congregation. I have worked in various congregations and on two college faculties, but I have never worked with a staff that cares for its people the way your shepherds care for each other and the people of this congregation. That is not to say my other calls and positions were not special, affirming and Gospel-led. Faith just does it better!
As a young girl growing up in my home congregation, the Rev. Joe Hulterstrum, the pastor who confirmed me, delivered a sermon that I still remember to this day. In his message he talked of The Old Pulley System. In this system, he described how a pulley moves up and down according to the weight on either side. He went on to state that when we criticize each other not out of Christian love and forgiveness, but in order to elevate our own importance and status, we are using that old pulley to make ourselves feel better at the expense of another’s feelings. It happens to all of us. I believe we can all recall a time when we have been on either side of that old pulley system.
Is this Faith family perfect? No. Will we disappoint each other on our faith journey? You bet! Will the choir or music director sing wrong notes on an upcoming Sunday morning? You can count on it! Will the organist, bell ringers, or brass quintet play a few wrong notes this month? You bet! Will the office misspell words occasionally? You bet!
Will the worship service run over the allotted 60 minutes of scheduled time next month? You bet!
Perfection is not the goal here. The proclamation of the Gospel alone is what moves us forward on this journey together. I use the word together strongly to describe this wonderful family of Faith. You are a blessed people.
The last weekend in November brings us to the season of Advent, a time of preparation as we await the birth of our Savior Jesus. One of the church’s most beloved hymns is Joy to the World. If you notice it is categorized in the ELW as an Advent hymn, not a Christmas hymn. The first verse of Joy to the World declares “Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.” As we prepare our hearts and minds for this holiday season, may we ever be thankful for each other and our gifts. May we continue to affirm each other’s special talents. In closing, ponder this hymn and your special place here at Faith Lutheran Church among God’s people.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room and heaven and nature sing.
Joy to the earth, the savior reigns! Let all their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground.
He comes to make his blessings flow, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world in truth and grace and makes the nations prove,
The glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love.
