March 2014 – Pr. Anthony Christoffels’ Letter

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

I would like to say thank you to all of you who helped make the last weekend of February happen! The filming was suc-cessful all because of those who helped welcome the ELCA film crew, who coordinated their visit, who hosted, who cooked meals, who made desserts, who were willing to be on camera, and who simply showed up for the joint Sunday School and Worship Service. Thank you!! We not only let the film crew and Bishop Eaton know who we are, but they are now going to turn around and tell our story to the entire ELCA!

It was such a blessing and an honor to have our parish chosen as one of three stories that the ELCA will be highlighting and sharing with others this year. Who would have thought that our three small congregations would get this kind of recognition? But you know, the recogni-tion is not why we are doing what we are doing. Our parish is where we are today because of Jesus. We keep Him at the center of our mission and remember that the only reason why we are here today is because of Jesus and the forgiveness that we have received through His sacrifice on the cross.

The season of Lent is upon us, and we will begin the season with Ash Wednesday when we will receive an ash cross on our foreheads as we hear those reminding words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” We are nothing without Christ and likewise, our parish is nothing without Christ. I know that Bishop Eaton as well as the entire film crew left Southern Minnesota knowing that Christ is our main focus at Circle of Faith. We had this special weekend because of what we are doing for Christ’s Church, so let’s continue doing what we have already been working on – seeking to be a beacon for God’s King-dom in Southern Minnesota.

Thanks again to all of you who helped in any capacity to welcome our guests and leave them with a good reminder of who our three little churches are. God’s blessings to all of you as we now transition to the season of Lent.

In Christ,

Pastor Anthony