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The Pastors of Gethsemane Lutheran Church Following are the letters to the congregation from the pastors for the last annual meeting of the congregation.
“whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” ( Philippians 4: 8 & 9) One of the many privileges of being a Lutheran pastor is the opportunity to assist couples in their wedding preparations. I frequently encourage them to look at the scripture written above-to consider having these words of St. Paul read at their wedding celebration reflecting their hopes and dreams of living in a relationship filled with truth, honor, justice, purity, beauty, graciousness, and praise. Thinking and acting in such a manner brings loving commitment to their marriage and family relationships. St. Paul wanted such living for the people to whom he was writing. We also desire to live with those qualities being experienced in our lives. My friend, Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the South has written a book entitled: “The Calling: Live a Life of Significance”. To live such a life, Senske suggests in a devotional written for the Thrivent for Lutherans magazine, “God is to be at the center of our lives, we humbly recognize the gift of living in the moment, we focus on the needs of the world, we serve with intensity and integrity, we embrace suffering, hardship and disappointments as opportunities to discover new purpose for our lives, we journey not to a destination but daily follow Christ Jesus-seeking the will of God for each day of grace, we choose to be bold in our faith and actions.” These thoughts reflect the year 2010 for the ministries of Gethsemane Lutheran. We recognize that ministry is the calling of our baptism. God invites us daily to believe in the gift of grace present in our lives as we boldly share the Good News of unconditional love. Such living focuses on the words St. Paul wrote. The person of faith is transformed by the Holy Spirit to live, think, worship, pray and praise in every opportunity offered by God. Sharon & I look at the 46 years of married life God has given being blessed by children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, dasily “thinking” how each person has added significance to our lives. Many of you in the Gethsemane community have watched Kristen, David, Erik, Rhia, Joel grow into lives of blessing to themselves and those with whom they share the gift of life. Jiwoh, Malte, Umid-young men from others places in the world continue to be a blessing to our family and others. We thank God for them and their devotion to the God of life. We thank God for you and your devotion to the God of life. We gather today as a historic faith community in Austin , Texas giving praise to God for 2010. We commit ourselves to be people of ministry “thinking” in 2011 on that which is “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious”. Such living will bless all of us with lives of significance to the glory of God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace. (Romans 15:13) Respectfully submitted, Pastor Karl A. Gronberg
Since 2000, Gethsemane has allowed and encouraged us to offer a travel ministry as we have lead trips to Israel , Palestine , Egypt , Greece , Turkey , Italy , Denmark , Norway , Sweden , England , Ireland , Scotland , Germany , Russia , Australia , New Zealand , Austria , Switzerland , and Lichtenstein. We have been grateful to see the world and remind us of our opportunity and responsibility to beautiful connected planet. The Mission Partnership has continued to be strong and meaningful as we minister alongside San Lucas, Eagle Pass and Cristo Rey, Piedras Negras. Joan and I are blessed to serve in your midst. You joined us in warmly welcoming Dong Hoon Jung from South Korea , Johann Sebastian Wilhelm of Bavaria , Germany , and now Gael Garrite from Belgium . We are so blessed to bring them into the community. Blessings as we continue to learn and grow together in God's awesome gift of grace. It is a great joy to minister within the Gethsemane community. Thank you! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Kent L. Bohls
In our baptism we have been called together as a community of faith to share God's love and grace. Even as we are instruments of grace as we serve others, we are also recipients. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving of your time and your talents to serve God by serving others. I am grateful to you for your continued support of the ministry opportunities of our community. In addition, I would like to thank you personally for your support of my doctoral studies. In January 2010 I began work on a Doctor of Ministry degree at the Austin Presbyterian Seminary. I have completed three of the six required courses, and I expect to complete the final three courses by June of 2012. During this time I will be refining the focus of the doctoral project that I will study in our congregation. I look forward to working together with you in these studies. You have made a difference to many people through the ministries that we support at Gethsemane . As we look forward to our ministry together in 2011, my prayers for us is that we allow this amazing gift of grace to lead and guide our way, Let us continue the work of ministry together as we give thanks and praise to God. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Susan M. Schnelle
Updated
11/3/11
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