Reformation Sunday and Affirmation of Baptism - Building a Better Future

You are invited to announce, “Here I stand.” Just as Martin Luther did, so many years ago. We do likewise every Sunday when we stand to say the Apostles’ Creed answering the questions…
 
Do you believe in God the Father?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
 
This Sunday at the 8:30 AM Worship, we will hear one of our students say the Apostles’ Creed. Yes, only one student, although there are three others in the same grade. In the past the Affirmation of Baptism, or better known as Confirmation was more based on grade instead of personal belief.
 
As a former youth minister, I was responsible for making sure students completed the “requirements” for confirmation. This included, regular worship, a number of service commitments, a year learning about the Bible study and a year learning about the Small Catechism, lots of students went through the motions without any intention of doing what they promised:
 
Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in Holy Baptism…
 
…to live among God’s faithful people? (Community)
…to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper? (Discipleship and Worship)
…to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed? (Evangelism)
…to serve all people, following the example of Jesus? (Service)
…to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? (Stewardship)
 
What students are asked to do is “Simply What Every Christian Should Do.”
 
That is why Reformation, Affirmations of Baptism, and Giving Sunday are celebrated together.
 
How will you live out the Core Values in the year ahead?
 
We have the opportunity to make the same promise this year with the 2025 Commitment Card. The response from many members is an appreciation for a holistic understanding of stewardship, inviting people to make a commitment to live out our Core Values, as found in the parenthesis above. It is only by each of us doing what we are able to fulfill our mission,
 
St. Luke’s is a welcoming and growing community of faith, busy making Christ known to the world.
 
Yes, this requires a financial commitment which is includes two areas:

1. Operating Fund – This is for the working of the church, supporting staff, ministries, and the building.

1. Mortgage Fund – This is the cost of our annual mortgage. This fund is used to make our monthly payments.

 
There is good news and bad news for the second one:
 
Good News – The Mortgage Fund has an end date in 2031. May of 2031 will be the last full payment and June of 2031 with have the last payment of $2,800.

Bad News – This commitment has no wiggle room. We pay almost $168,000 every year for our mortgage; thus, the only area we have any flexibility is in the Operating Budget.

I appreciated what Pastor Steve Olson said in his sermon on Sunday. This is a time when we listen to God when making our commitments. How will you live out your life of faith? May you honor God, not giving from your leftovers, but making a joyful dedication of what you have received, our time, talent, and treasure.
 
When you do so, you are trusting God’s promise as shared by the Prophet Jeremiah (29:11)
 
For surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. Plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

Here I stand!

Ongoing prayers and blessings,
Rob

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