“If I knew the world would end
tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.”
-- Martin Luther
What a
wonderful weekend we just celebrated with the Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartans, the 95
Theses for Today, and the excellent drama on Martin Luther written by Pastor
Kristy Ray. Thanks to the scores of
members and friends who served to make it possible for well over 500 people
from church and community to be inspired from “Light from the Past” that gives
hope for tomorrow.
Christians
are a people of endless hope rather than a people of a hopeless end. Martin Luther lived in a time of plague,
persecution, political change, intellectual discovery, and spiritual
turmoil. The people of his day literally
thought the world was about to end.
Nevertheless, they lived by faith in God, assurance of the grace of
Jesus Christ and confident in the power of the Holy Spirit. God accomplished mighty things through them!
We face
many challenges in the world and in the church today, just like in the Reformation. Faced with the challenges of his time, Martin
Luther affirmed his faith saying, “If I
knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree.” Good
thing… as the trees Luther planted 500 years ago are still bearing fruit. May we, like Martin Luther, be hopeful and
courageous in our service to God!
Next weekend, November 11-12, you
and I will consecrate our Estimates of Giving for 2018 to the Lord in the
context of worship. This we do in hope, faith, and generosity
knowing that God does great and enduring things through faithful people. This will be our time of planting, of
investing in God’s work as you and I consecrate our money, time and talents for
the ministry and mission of the kingdom. You will receive a brochure and an Estimate
of Giving Card in the mail in the next few days. The emphasis will be to “Step Up” as able in
the spiritual discipline of tithing.
As giving to God is both a
discipline and joy, Eastminster will have an all-church Celebration Luncheon at
11 a.m. on Sunday November 12. This is a time to celebrate in
Thanksgiving for all that God has provided and to enjoy being together in
fellowship. A “Home Cooked Sunday
Dinner” will be served around tables as we celebrate God’s goodness, grace and
love. All are encouraged to attend. No reservations are necessary. What a joy it is to be in a congregation that
has a sweet spirit and enjoys fellowship together!
It is
said that humans can count the seeds in an apple, but only God knows how many
trees those seeds will bear. I am
grateful for those in the past who planted so that we might enjoy fruit today,
and humbled at what God will do as we “plant trees” today through obeying God’s
commands and enjoying the “fruit” of generosity.
See you
in Church,
Pastor Tim
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