Rev Norman Wacker - Wyoming District Senior Pastoral Counselor
Email: wackerna@gmail.com
June 2024 Message
To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:1b–2)
We are quickly approaching the 2024 Wyoming District LWML Convention. During this biennial gathering old friendships are renewed, and new friendships made. It is a time when the mission of the LWML is reviewed. We rejoice at the mites in those tiny boxes scattered throughout the district and throughout the country that are compiled to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in need by the gifts that are given.
This is also a time when the business of the organization is discussed, and possible changes made. New district officers are elected, and outgoing officers are thanked for their faithful service. There are many other exciting things that will happen as well, but they are too numerous to mention in this short correspondence. It is an exciting time as so many gather in the name of the Lord and in His service.
As we look back to the bible verses above, we are reminded that all we do is because of the faith that “we have obtained” the faith that we have been given as a gift from the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament. We are likewise reminded that all we give to the Lord is but a pittance compared to the grace, mercy, that that He has given us. As the Lutheran Hymn puts it, “We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be; All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee. (LSB 781 vs.1)
It is through the grace of God; shown by the gifts we give out of love, that our strength of faith is multiplied in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ. The Lord uses the gifts that we give so that others may know the grace and peace of the Lord and be brought to saving faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.
This Summer, as so many once again travel to the district convention, we say a simple prayer for the safety of all.
Lord God our Father, You kept Abraham and Sarah in safety throughout the days of their pilgrimage, You led the children of Israel through the midst of the sea, and by a star You led the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Protect and guide us now in this time as we set out to travel. Make our ways safe and our homecomings joyful, and bring us at last to our heavenly home, where You dwell in glory with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (LSB prayer 427) Amen.
In Christ,
Senior Pastoral Counselor
Rev. Norman A Wacker.
