Are we in trouble? The U.S. economy seems a little broken; budget deficits in federal, state, and local government as well as personal budgets are bigger than ever; and job layoffs are continually getting closer to home. If that is how we are going to measure our church and school, then we are in trouble.

God wants us to use a completely different measure on Concordia Lutheran Church and School. Our mission statement is based on Matthew 28:19-20.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

The goal? Make disciples. The actions? Go, baptize, and teach. Is that what we are doing? Are we making disciples?

Concordia is teaching God’s Word, baptizing new members, and going out into the community with our church, school, and preschool. We need to continually read God’s Word, worship regularly, partake in Holy Communion, and get the Good News of salvation out to our friends, family, and neighbors.

Money and budgets are important in a church and school because they are tools to get the job done. Let us never make money the most important deciding factor in our ministry or our personal lives. Christ has that place. Remember the old saying "you can’t take it with you", but Christ will take us with Him.

God bless you all this Lenten season.