Bishop Susan Johnson writes, “We are called to follow Jesus’ example of serving those in need.” Serving others happens in many ways. As a congregation we reach out to others in need living out our Mission Statement - St. Paul’s Lutheran church is a body of Christian believers growing in active faith, striving to serve God and humankind through love, grace, and material sharing. With our young people I want to reinforce that as they help out at the Saturday Night Suppers and participate in the Rosa programme they are serving others. In Matthew 25: 34 – 46 we read, “Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Serving others is also reaching out to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. That is an important message for our confirmands and for all of us.

We are called to follow Jesus’ example of serving those in need.

-- Pastor Jeff