An amazing day in Geneva and across NT-NL. Rally Day celebrations in many congregations and new beginnings in two congregations welcoming first call candidates. The Rev. Kate Knutson preached her first sermon at Preston Meadow, Plano this morning. She will be installed in a few weeks but from what I read of PMLC’s plans, she is off and running!
In Fort Worth, the Rev. Matthew Schroeder was installed by my Associate, the Rev. Kris Totzke, at Trinity, Fort Worth. In addition to the installation, Trinity had a great deal of Rally Day festivities, including the construction of a LEGO Luther Rose. If you are interested in this creative project, I am sure the folks at Trinity would be happy to assist.
Additionally, congregations across our synod participated in “God’s work. Our hands.” events. It was a great, great day for the Lutheran confessional movement in NT-NL.
I celebrated this Rally Day in a very different setting at the commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation service in Geneva, Switzerland. The entire Lutheran church of Switzerland came together for this festive day. Worship was held in 7 languages, and I was honored to share a pew with episcopal colleagues from the United States, as well as Papua New Guinea, Swaziland, and Indonesia.
In the worship service, the LWF Gen. Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, reminded us of the promise of the reformation. That the reformation is in fact a “global citizen,” a movement beyond borders and committed to the ideal that human life, human beings, and salvation are all “Not For Sale.”
After worship, we had a wonderful opportunity to tour Geneva and many of the historical sites. Geneva is the town of John Calvin, and as such, their reformation memorials emphasize the Reformed tradition. Having been installed at a Presbyterian church in Fort Worth, I have great gratitude for that reformed tradition and their commitment to living the Christian faith.
It is a blessing and an honor to represent the people of NT-NL at these global events. May God bless your communities as you begin the program year, participate in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. Most of all, know that God is with you always. That your salvation is not for sale, and as such, you are challenged to move forward in faith on behalf of your neighbor.
#GodsWorkOurHands #NTNL #LWF #InMissionTogether #RallyDay