Hello Gloria Dei,
As we live in this time after Easter, we are reminded that we are, above anything else, Easter People. As Easter People, we know of the resurrection of Jesus. We know that that power of sin does not define us. We know that in Christ we are forgiven and set free. We know that not even the final enemy, death itself, can hold us down. How do we know this? Because Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
Because of Easter, we now have the honor, privilege, and calling from Jesus himself to be Easter People to the world. How does this play out? In a thousand ways and more. For example, not seeking revenge but looking to forgiveness; loving and welcoming not just those we know well, but also the stranger; setting our minds on the things of God like love, not hate; working for peace in our world without resorting to violence; looking to find ways to make other people’s lives a little bit better; praying for one another; celebrating the joys of life with family and friends; sharing how our faith in Jesus has made a difference in our lives. And the list goes on.
For this week in worship, please read Acts 1:1-8. Jesus tells us that we will be witnesses of the risen Jesus and his ways of love to the world, starting right here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
REMINDER: This Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m. we have a Special Congregational Meeting. The meeting has only one agenda item: To vote whether to remove a bylaw within our constitution which requires all current Associate Pastors to resign their positions at Gloria Dei within six months of the calling of a new Senior Pastor. With my retirement pending, this is very relevant for Gloria Dei moving forward. The full bylaw will be handed out, presented, with a time of Q and A during the meeting. We will then proceed to a written vote. A quorum is necessary along with a 2/3 majority to pass.
Also, within worship we will lift up prayers of thanksgiving and celebration for Gloria Dei paying off its mortgage in full.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
