Hello Gloria Dei,
The South Dakota Synod put out a notice earlier this week that former Pastor and Professor, Fred Gaiser, had died. Fred served as Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Humboldt, SD, from 1969 to 1974. During those years he also taught some courses at Augustana.
I knew Fred as a Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary, a position he held for many years. He also was the editor of the theological journal, Word & World, for over thirty years. Fred Gaiser was a gifted teacher. I remember him bringing God’s word to life, using both humor and current events within his teaching of Old Testament texts.
Two weeks ago, my wife Lorrie and I, together with Pastor Chris and Katie Zuraff, were able to attend a Pastor and Spouse conference in Florida. The main presenter for the conference was a current professor at Luther Seminary, Karoline Lewis. Karoline did a masterful job walking us through much of the gospel of John. We all thoroughly enjoyed her teaching. But more than that, the Word of God came alive for us in some new and enlightening ways.
I tell you about these two teachers just to remind you that God’s Word continues from generation to generation. Whether it be through seminary professors or pastors’ sermons or Mom or Dad reading a Bible Story to their kids, God’s word is alive as it reaches its hearers and does its saving work among us.
Isaiah 55:11 gives us this promise: “So shall my word go out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Today we give thanks for the gift of teachers. We’ve come to the close of another church school year. I want to take this time to say a big Thank You to all the Gloria Dei Church School teachers, helpers, volunteers, and staff. You continue to make a big impact on the young people in our congregation. As you know, Gloria Dei runs three Church School sessions throughout the school year: Two on Sundays and one on Wednesdays. It takes a village. Thank you. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 11:15: “How Beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.”
And a big thank you, too, to all those who teach Adult Bible Studies or who serve as Confirmation small group leaders. You are a blessing. And thanks to all those who help lead our Wed and Sunday Food Ministry, and all those who assist in our Fellowship, Caring, Outreach, and Worship & Music Ministries too. In all you do, you embody the living word of God. Thank you, thank you, thank you to the volunteers, the staff, and the participants who help to make all of this happen.
Yes, God’s word is a gift to us. And it continues to foster faith, hope, and love in its hearers. As Psalm 100 says: “For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
This weekend in worship we conclude our series on Characters of the Old Testament. I’ll be preaching on the story of Noah. You can read the entire account in Genesis, chapters six through nine.
See you in worship,
Pastor Tim
