Periodically, we need a reminder for a renewal. We receive them in the mail for our lapse magazine subscription. We receive an email about a renewal for our gym membership. We even get a call from a friend wanting to renew that relationship. Life can get busy. We are easily distracted. It’s nice to get a renewal notice.

We think it is time for a RENEWAL at Christ Lutheran!

Our Stewardship Theme this year is RENEWAL. It is a reminder of how important it is to carve out that intentional time for God. If you wait for “someday,” that day will never come. 

Joshua declared before all the tribes of Israel when they conquered the Promised Land, “Choose this day whom you will serve. . . but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” There is an urgency to his message. TODAY.

Jesus spoke to would-be disciples who made all sorts of lame excuses why TODAY was not a good day to follow him. Jesus cut through all of the procrastinations and lukewarm commitments with an urgent command. FOLLOW ME.

This fall, I’ve seen the RENEWAL in worship, in small groups, in the youth ministry and in the buzz as I walk down the halls. I have felt a RENEWAL in the excitement of the staff to reach even more people. RENEWAL is in the air.

Have we lost that sense of urgency? Perhaps.It wasn’t intentional. Life got in the way.  So here is the friendly reminder. It is time to be regular in worship. It is time to get your children grounded in the faith. It is time to crack open the Bible. It is time for RENEWAL.

Part of that RENEWAL is our financial gift for the ongoing ministries of the church. We are praying and asking that you complete an Intention Card and return it either in worship on Reformation Day, October 27 or email it confidentially to Gwen Zuendel at gzuendel@christelca.org or go directly to REALM

It’s nice to get a reminder for a RENEWAL. It is even better to experience RENEWAL together. The urgency of the Gospel demands it. The promise of the Gospel honors it. 

It is time for RENEWAL!

Pastor Scott