Reformation Lutheran Church

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

What a wonderful and unique time of the year is the Holiday Season. The happiness and joy that seems to abound; everywhere we look there are Christmas trees and other beautiful decorations; the music we hear all seems to be about being with old friends and loved ones and children with smiling faces. These are some of the many things that make it wonderful. But, it can also be an emotional time, bringing feelings of nostalgia and thoughts of friends and family that can’t be with us. For me, these feelings of being happy and sad all at the same time are what seem to make the season so unique.

Another unique part of the Holidays is that this is the time of year when we are encouraged to think of those less fortunate than ourselves and dig deeper into our hearts and wallets to give more of our treasure, time and talent. So, while we are hurrying around shopping for just the right gift for our loved ones, wrapping, baking, planning Christmas dinner, we see and hear advertisements about all of the giving opportunities out there for folks in need. So often, it makes me wish that I could do more and give more of myself to these organizations that do so much all year around.

In many of the past newsletter articles I have written, I have talked about the mission of Reformation. Pastor Barb has been leading us in a direction of staying focused on our mission statement and “what it means to BE church”. Church council has had many discussions about ways we can increase our congregations local community involvement and be more effective in our mission of the church. Recently, Reformation became a member of the Lake County Church Network. Being a part of this organization can be one more way that we as a congregation can connect to those in our community by sharing Christ’s love through our help and compassion. When other agencies are unable to help, member churches of the network are called upon to “pitch in” to give whatever help they can where it is needed. So far, in 2008, the LCCN has provided over $74,000.00 worth of assistance, financial and other. If you would like more information about the Lake County Church Network and our involvement, please contact Pastor Barb or any of the council members.

Our participation in the LCCN and our financial donations, when needed, will be funded by our Providence fund account. So PLEASE continue to save your “J” dollars!
You can also make a separate donation to the Providence fund by putting it in with your regular giving and making that notation on your envelope. I believe that working together with this larger network of churches, we can help to make a difference in the lives of many in our community and become more aware of our own mission to those beyond the doors of our building.

And now, as you prepare with anticipation, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, may you be celebrating with Joy and happiness. May the music of the season fill your hearts with love; and may the memories of past Christmases with loved ones bring a smile and fill you peace…….God is with us!

Pat DeVeny