St John Lutheran Church

From Pastor Schulte’s Pen

November 2009

St. John Lutheran Church is a wonderful congregation! We have so many former non-Lutherans come and join our congregation, love it and celebrate the privilege of being a member of St. John Lutheran. We have received an average of 85 to 90 new members each year and most all have felt welcomed and have joined with us in worship, witness and service. God’s Spirit has brought us together with a sense of oneness and joy that has been noticeable to so many. That is a gift of God’s grace!

The decision of the ELCA to vote on and approve the same gender unions and ordination has brought a measure of disruption and pain that I could never have imagined. Wonderful, faithful members have left our congregation and more speak of their not being able to be part of a congregation that votes in a way that differs from their belief and desire. Others are uncomfortable with what they see as an over-reaction on the part of some to the ELCA’s vote. Faithful people who truly believe in God and God’s Word do interpret scripture differently and hold different beliefs.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters in Christ, by the mercy of God, that whatever your personal journey or theological position might be, keep in mind the importance of God’s mission for this congregation. We are called to be faithful in our carrying out God’s Mission through our ministry of Word and Sacrament. Since the ELCA decided to vote on this issue, we also have a right to vote, and the vote will determine how we want to be involved in ministry beyond the walls of St. John, and with whom we will join in ministry but the vote will have nothing to say about how we love one another, care for one another and welcome all from this community into this community of faith. Our behavior and actions will be casting that vote. We have a great history and we will have a great future, regardless of how the vote comes out. I beg you, keep your mind focused on Jesus Christ, his cross and resurrection and the mission that he entrusted to us as he said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another.”