MARCH 2006
other
trinity
grateful about it? You don't have to answer that! I believe a Christian understanding is helpful here because it
should be remembered that out actions ought to arise from what we believe, not from our need for approval or
thanks. We should not be helping others in order to win approval, either of our neighbors or of God. We would
to do it because it is our response to the grace and goodness of God toward us. We should see service to our
neighbors as a fundamental part of the Christian life, not for our glory, but to the glory of God.
It is also my belief that there is an obligation laid upon us by our faith to be engaged in helping our neighbors and
our community. The work we do in our community is no less important that our worship or our witness, but a
fundamental part of the Christian lifestyle and we should be confident about it.
Sometimes going about this duty quietly is part of that confidence. It means being aware of the needs of our
parish, of our family, friends and neighbors, and of our community. It mean expressing our faith in positive,
active ways. This is how lonely elders are visited and provided with devotional materials to boost their faith.
This is how patients are greeted by a friendly face as they are led through a huge hospital facility to get to an
important medical testing site on time. This is how we welcome strangers into our church home to warm their
body with hot soup on a cold winter day. This is how we react to "the other trinity," that of worship, witness,
and outreach.
Social ministry in the Lutheran Church has a long history. It is a history that is innovative and courageous. It is
solidly based in the Gospel, and it brings a distinctively Christian understanding to its work. It needs to be an
essential part of ministry at Rosemont Church as well.
That is why our Midweek Lenten series this year focuses on social ministry. "Doing God's Work Together in
Our Community" will feature a weekly guest presenter who will highlight some of our local ministries. The
schedule is outline on the cover of this issue of Sharing.
Join us Wednesdays, March 8th through April 5th, for Soup and Sandwiches in Laros Hall at 6:00 pm followed
by worship at 7:00 pm in the nave.
Pastor