Happy New Year

Happy New Year Faith Lutheran Church! Blessing and Peace and Health and Goodness to you in 2022. “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” Oh, I’ve needed this message this week and in this new year! This passage comes from our Hebrew Scripture reading this coming Sunday, Baptism of Our Lord Sunday. And one of the beautiful resonances is that our baptisms remind us that when God proclaims at Jesus’ baptism, “You are my beloved son,” Jesus turns right around in his divine life and self-giving and says to you and me: “I make you my beloved siblings.” So this passage from Isaiah becomes ours in Christ: formed, redeemed, called and beloved. I’ve needed that news this week amidst all the national/global news in January 2022. It all sounds sadly familiar to our past two years. Covid-19 cases are on a steep rise and schools and workplaces and sanctuaries are all conversing again: How can we meet safely and responsibly? How do we care for one another now? Oh, and, why are we still enduring all this??? As your pastor, having begun my call during this pandemic, I most definitely want to greet you in a new year and be focused with you on worship, service, encouragement, community the good things we can be called to as the body of Christ up on this hill! And so I am tired and burdened to return to what feels like a worn-out conversation about distance, patience and endurance. But then, you know what?—> When faithful folks were in that worn-out existence, that’s when the prophets were sent to speak to God’s people. How can we be patient, keep caring for one another, make the best choices and endure together? In part, because of God’s faith-creating Word: “But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” -Isaiah 43 From God, by the love of Christ, in the life of the Holy Spirit, we are formed, redeemed, called and beloved. This is the promise of baptism; this is the light of epiphany. Hear the sacred good news: God’s generative word find us this new year, in our high places and in our worn-out valleys. Even in our deserts is the surprising, new promise of refreshment and life and the companionship of God. And may God’s love animate our hearts and hands and feet to keep loving each other with divine endurance. However this word finds you, keep connected to us as we walk this road together. Holding onto promise, and with you, +Pastor Shaun