What a privilege and joy it is to be called here to serve as your pastor. My family and I have appreciated your warm welcome and support during our transition. We look forward to getting to know you and walking with you in the Lord.

In my short time here, I've been impressed by so many things at Saint John's! Stewardship, managing God's gifts of time, talent and treasure, has been one of those positive first impressions. Many of you are actively involved here at Saint John's, giving your time and using your God-given gifts. Our 2014 financial offerings have remained steady thanks to your faithful contributions. These are things which we should thank the Lord!

In our Sunday morning Bible class, we have been studying what it means to be Church, the body of Christ. A few Sundays ago we read from Acts chapters one and two. There we get a picture of the first gathering of Christians, the first Christian Church. Luke records:

And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers … and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.Acts 2:42, 45

Even at the onset of the first Christian Church, generosity and giving were at forefront of what it means to be Church. This was not just the faithful response of a few, but the faithful response of the whole community.

As we have come to the halfway point of our calendar year, we have a current deficit of $16,378. Most of this deficit is due to call-related expenses. In thanksgiving to the Lord for His faithful guiding of Saint John's during the call process and providing a new pastor, I would ask you to pray about and consider giving an extra thank offering for this calendar year. As we respond together as the community of Christ here at Saint John's we will close the gap of this deficit, if not erase it all together!

The Lord of the Church has wonderful and exciting things in store for us here at Saint John's! He has been, is, and will be faithful!

Rev. Shawn Nettleton is Senior Pastor at Saint John’s Lutheran Church. You can reach him in the church office, by email at nettleton@StJohnsFC.org or at 970-305-2420.