This weekend I visited the members of Midland Lutheran. The last time I was there, they were preparing for the retirement of Pr. Bob Barndt and planning to establish a “nesting” relationship with Grace Presbyterian in Midland.
Now they have progressed to a shared ministry relationship with Grace. Under the guidance of Presbyterian Pastor Diane Baldwin, their new motto is “Together in Grace”. While there I also got to present Parish Lay Minister Gabriel Clagett with his long overdue PLMA collar.
Good things are happening out there in Midland. The two congregations have been blending well, with our Lutherans adding a shot of youth and diversity to the whole. They have 9 registered to attend the National Youth Gathering this summer.  They have lots of ideas and dreams. They are motivated and energized by this shared ministry. And they have found a happy new home for this next chapter of their ministry.