Grace Peace and Mercy be to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The joy and glow of Christmas is all too soon faded and packed away in a box for next year and the New Years resolutions are already in danger of being broken or forgotten altogether and this is just the January newsletter. What has happened in our world that we so quickly and easily set aside those things with real joy and meaning such as Christmas? Why is it that we ourselves don’t take our own word/promise/resolution seriously?

We as a congregation have made a commitment to God to support the ongoing work of His kingdom here at Concordia. That statement in itself means many things. As the church we are to be making disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching (Matt. 2: 18-20). We do this by supporting various mission opportunities locally, regionally, and worldwide through the congregation, district, and Synod. As a congregation we also carry out that commission and commitment through our preschool, school and high school association membership. We do this in calling and promising the support our faculty and staff – by funding the programs and supporting the physical plant that we maintain. As a congregation we also strengthen and spread the kingdom of God as we gather together regularly around Word and Sacrament. All of these things require a commitment of faith, a commitment of time, and a commitment of financial resources.

At this time here at Concordia we are failing in our commitments to God and His church. Are we consistently and regularly in church for our Lord’s Divine Service? Are we consistently and regularly using our time, talents and treasures for the furthering of God’s kingdom? One of the indicators of our spiritual health is the state of our budget. At the time of the writing of this letter we are very nearly $45,000.00 in debt to our dedicated funds account, building fund account and other accounts set aside for particular things. The stewardship and finance boards have requested the writing of this letter and the letter you received in late December.

We are asking that we each prayerfully consider the 10 for 10 for 10 program and ask that we help support each other in our ongoing commitment to the kingdom of God. We would encourage each other on the 6^th of January to begin our 10 for 10 for 10 commitment to our Lord and God. Ten weeks later we will be asking that each adult member commit to an additional $25.00 per month through the month of June above and beyond what we regularly give to God for the specific purpose of repaying the $45,000.00 debt to our dedicated funds.

When we were confirmed we promised and pledged our lives to God. When we called, ordained, and installed our pastor, faculty and staff we pledged and promised before God our help and support. As we gather together as a congregation we receive the blessings and gifts of God that we may be strengthened in our resolve and blessed that we may fulfill our commitment to God and His kingdom.

Only by His help and support can the concerns we face truly be dealt with and resolved. May God continue to bless and keep you in faith and life as you reach out in the love of Christ and spread His kingdom.

In His Name

Pastor Jim

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