PASTOR
HENNIGConcordia Lutheran School
2300 Wilshire Road
Springfield, Illinois 62703
April 2008 Concordia Cares
PASTOR
HENNIG
Grace, Peace, and Mercy be to you, from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is often said that the only Lutheran who likes change is a baby with a messy diaper. There is some thing to be said for that but then again there are times when change is necessary. Many of you are aware that Pastor Koschmann has been with us since January on a part time basis. Perhaps we have not done as good a job at explaining all of the details of his service here at Concordia. Through the Board of Elders at both congregations and the voters assemblies Concordia has entered into a contract with Immanuel, Riverton for the services of Pastor Koschmann. His duties are to preach on a rotating basis with Pastor Hennig, to assist with the visits of the shut-ins and hospitalized, and he assists with the teaching of the seventh grade confirmation class and Wednesday morning Bible class. These duties are very close to the responsibilities that Pastor Cross held. This contract is for a six month period and is scheduled to be reviewed and perhaps renewed every six months, according to the review. Pastor Koschmann has a unique way with words and a wonderful sense of humor. It is truly a pleasure to hear from him as he speaks to us the Word of God. Please keep Immanuel, Riverton, Pastor Koschmann and Pastor Hennig in your prayers as we continue to share The Word of God and grow together as His people. This is a change that we can all see is a good change and we welcome Pastor Koschmann with open ears and open arms.
While change is the subject at hand there are some other things that need to be pointed out for us all as well.
As we look around our world there are many things that could use a bit of change.
The attitudes of society in general are not good. There are those who believe that the evolution of society is a good thing but when that evolution breaks down the family, and or the idea of respect for others and self that is not a good change. So how do we not only prevent these things from affecting us and the church? The only defense against the evils of the sinful world, are found in Scripture. As we look at the reported numbers for church and Sunday School/Bible class attendance we see there is a need for change. As Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness after His baptism, He refuted each temptation with Scripture. Do we know Scripture well enough to refute Satan himself? Do we know Scripture well enough to know when it is being misquoted and misused to destroy faith and twist The Word of God? The only way to fight and win this spiritual battle is to know Scripture better than the enemy, and how do we do this? It is time for a change in attitude regarding Sunday School and Bible class attendance. It is time for a change regarding Church attendance. We as the people of God need to be about His Word daily that we may withstand the temptations of the world, the devil, and our own sinful flesh. Prayerfully consider your response to God and His gracious invitation to hear His word regularly, to be built up as His child and to help strengthen the other members of the congregation as we gather together around Word and Sacrament. Only by these means, can the change of heart God intends, affect you personally and eternally.In His Name
Pastor Hennig