September 2015 – Pastor Anthony’s Letter

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The nights are getting longer. School supplies are on sale again. The fair is over. And it won’t be long before the crops begin turning colors. All of this can only mean one thing, the summer is quickly coming to a close, whether we are ready for it or not.

Looking back on our third summer together as Circle of Faith Parish, what a fantastic summer it has been. We consistently had 50-55 people (even other community members) turn out for our summer series “Mission on the Prairie.” Thank you to everyone who helped prepare/serve meals! We hope that this series was enjoyable for you, but that it also got you thinking. Thinking about your church, this parish, and the mission that God has for us in our little corner of Minnesota.

As we move into the new programmatic year, we will be focus on the Great Commission.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~Matthew 28:19-20

In just those two verses Jesus says a lot, and luckily there is not enough room in this newsletter to talk about all of it in this article. But for what we will be focusing on this coming year, there are three main things that Jesus tells us our purpose as Christians and as the Body of Christ (the church) is to be.

“Go…and make disciples”

The Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, is intended for everyone. Jesus wants us to not rest until everyone has been told that He went to the cross to forgive their sins all so that they may have life in his name.

“Teaching them”

But don’t forget about these new disciples that you have made. Now teach them. Help them grow in their relationship with God, strengthening their faith; so that they will put their trust in God alone rather than in the temporal things of this world.

“Obey everything I commanded you”

And what did Jesus command his disciples to do? “Love the Lord your God, and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37, 39) Worship God, and serve your neighbor. That is what Jesus commanded his disciples to do.

So over the course of the next 9 to 10 months, we will be challenged to “go…and make disciples.” We also will be focusing on growing in our faith. And we will be working on worshiping God and serving our neighbors.

Blessings to you as you enjoy these last days of summer, and as you prepare for the upcoming school year, harvest, and autumn season.

In Christ,

Pastor Anthony