Pastor Ritter ~ September
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
As we begin this new month of September, we do so having already moved into our new, yet temporary, home for worship. Each week as we gather in our Mission Center, we will also look over to see the progress being made on our permanent home for worship and ministry that is still under construction. We also have already begun our new school year with the 141st academic year which began August 28th. We are excited to welcome our staff, students and their families back for another great year of learning and growing together in Christ.
The theme for this year is Endure, and was chosen to coincide with the National Youth Gathering. The theme centers around Hebrews 12:1-3 and how fitting it is for us as a congregation as we too embark on some new beginnings that will undoubtedly come with some challenges. As Robyn and I were reflecting upon this verse recently, she shared with me that one of her favorite parts of this passage is how it begins. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… .”
What a great reminder. Immanuel as a congregation has been a part of this community since 1881. Our school has operated since 1884. This congregation has been though a whole lot together, but greater things are in store for us still. We give thanks to God for the many saints of our congregation that have gone before us who endured or persevered throughout the ages. They were able to do that because they possessed the same thing we possess. Hope!
The word endure has a bit of a different meaning for Christians. It’s not just getting through tough times. It is not just putting up with something until it goes away. That is how the world endures. We endure through tough times and challenges because we have hope not in this world, but in the world to come. And this great cloud of witnesses testifies to this as well.
The great cloud of witnesses point us to Jesus. So let us look to Him, Jesus Christ, who is the founder and perfecter of our faith. Let us lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race marked out for us. As we begin this new school year and this new chapter in Immanuel’s storied history, we do so carrying on the legacy of the faithful who did long before us. Our work in this community is not done. As we look to Jesus, let us also be pointing others to him as well, so that they may know the reason for the hope that is in us.
Amen.
Pastor Timothy Ritter