I completed a two-year term as Council president in October and when I think of the many individuals who’ve served and worked at Grace Lutheran Church for more than 60 years, I’m humbled and honored to have served both God and each of you. Reflecting, we always feel that we could and should have done more, but there is always more to be completed, for the work of God’s kingdom is never complete.

Leaving the position of Council president I inherit the leadership post of the budget task force. Enclosed is a budget that Council has approved for 2008. I encourage each of you to take time to evaluate and consider the significance of this budget. The members and leaders of Grace Lutheran Church have always used the financial resources of the Church wisely and with full accountability. Council has approved a budget that makes reductions and cuts some areas. It also adds a faith line for additional monies to meet the needs of our facility and staff. We are a generous Church as we support many ministries not listed in our budget, but to meet our needs requires growth in the numbers of worshippers and individual giving.

We’ve completed the first full year of with our new staff. I’m tempted to say it’s been a year of transition, but everything is always in transition. Change, is the very nature of life. The only thing that remains unchanged is God’s love for us. God changed the world through Jesus Christ; we have been changed, no longer captives of sin and death. We need not fear change, we should be excited about change and not limit ourselves to times, places, and thoughts that do not embrace change.

Do you love Grace Lutheran Church? Seriously, do you love this church? What is it that you love most about Grace Lutheran Church? If you love this Church, then get excited about this church. If you love this Church, then serve this Church. It is through service that we model Jesus. Have you even been passionate about something? In whatever area you serve, bring a passion to your service and you will be enthusiastic about serving God. If we’re enthusiastic about serving God, then we are evangelizing, and evangelism is the work of the Church.

The work of Grace Lutheran Church will never be complete, God has lead each of us to this time and place and it our task to carry on the mission and ministries of Grace Lutheran Church. Pray, pray often, and listen to that inner voice, the Holy Spirit that lives in each of us and don’t be afraid to follow that voice. We can and must trust God, for He has given us all that we need. His love and mercy endures forever.

Peace be with you,

Merle