Letter from the Pastors

Summer is here!  I wonder for you what that means – a time for renewal or a time for sacrifice?  Life runs on a cycle of sacrifice and renewal.  We work hard, give our all, expend our energy to create, produce, and achieve.  Then we need to rest, recover, and recuperate.  God set up this pattern in 6 days of creation followed by a day of rest.  As well, our northern climate is designed for warm, wet growing months followed by frozen, snow-covered hibernation months.  Which season are you in – sacrifice or renewal?

I hope this summer can be a season of renewal for our church.  My observation is that you all have been working together very hard these past few years to advance the church.  And…it took sacrifice.  You have given your time, energy, food, talent, ideas, money, care, voice, and more to sustain the church through this season of transition.  Thank you!  You have organized worship services Sunday after Sunday, with someone to preach, scripture readers, ushers, and fabulous musicians.  As if that was not enough…you also put on twice a month lunches following worship!  “Praise and Graze,” might be your signature phrase, but around those tables your bonds of connection have been forged and maintained.  

Sunday worship is the visible product, but working hard behind the scenes are all of the boards carrying out their responsibilities.  Building and Grounds Board, thank you for maintaining a beautiful, clean, and cared-for church.  This church is treated like it belongs to God, and everyone who comes through the doors can feel the quality of care given to God’s house.  Board of Trustees, thank you for keeping the church financially afloat.  Again, your stewardship of resources reflects a reverence for God and respect for what God has entrusted to you.  Spiritual Life Board, thank you for everything, anything, and the way too much that you have joyfully done these past couple of years.  You have fed everyone spiritually and nutritionally in so many ways that you have kept this church going!  Outreach Board, thank you!  We have not met with an official agenda and minutes, but I have been learning about the many ways our church is involved in the greater Rhinelander community.  As I meet people around town, I am glad to hear all of the positive comments about our church and people.  Finally, a transitional group that has held the church together through spiritual care, Lay Pastoral Care Team, thank you.  My observation is that each person has contributed to the vibrancy of this church.  I could go on and on with another list of all of the individuals who are giving their specific talent to make this church possible.  Thank you!  Church, you have done great work!

I hope following this past season of much sacrifice, each of you is experiencing a season of renewal.  I hope you can look back and feel a great sense of pride in what you have accomplished.  I hope God renews your strength with new hope and anticipation.  I hope you feel God’s care and provision for you.  
Tim & Susie Grade, your new co-pastors