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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.
On one level we can say today is not only a liturgical mountain top but also a practical reality for the life of this congregation. The reports for 2007 indicates such; we have much to celebrate as a congregation. We have been the recipients of a goodly heritage. We are fortunate to claim today the faithfulness of those before us and those today living their faith with commitment and responsibility. One of my “mentors” in the way of life is Dag Hammarskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations 1953-1961. He said: “For all that has been, Thanks. For all that will be, Yes!” We are, by the grace of God, a thankful people. This is why we celebrate and rejoice. God has worked in and through the life of Gethsemane congregation. We have a Lutheran-Reformation heritage and we are thankful; we live in a community named Austin where we share the Good News. We are thankful—this is the legacy of the past. Building upon that thankful legacy we say yes to the future. We know not what the year 2008 holds but this we know-God will be with us on the mountain top, on the plain and in the valley. Sharon, Umid, Malté-the residents at 4202 Lullwood Road, with our children/grandchildren Kristen & Mark, Heather & David, Kendra & Erik, Rhia, Joel, Manja & Jiwoh, Pete, Miriam, David, Jack, Yeani join me in thanking the God of life for the days we have been given with the Gethsemane baptized community and the Yes we say together as God invites us into a future filled with challenges and opportunities to minister sharing the liberating/reconciling Good News. Love, peace and blessings to each of you. Respectfully submitted, PASTOR
KENT L. BOHLS Last January we were with Pastor Hector Vasquez and the communities of San Lucas, Eagle Pass and Cristo Rey, Piedras Negras; Pastor Vasquez, at my inquiries spoke of the dreams and the needs of ministry there on both sides of the border. Joan and I saw the opportunity to serve in a special way in memory of Michelle. In May, 2007, land was purchased, literally as we were bringing aid to those who were hurt by the tornado. Construction began in June for a new worship-community center at Cristo Rey where Gethsemane helped construct the church eight years ago. With financial support of memorials, family, friends and the Gethsemane community over $54,000 has been invested in this project thus far. Groups from Iowa, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York have teamed with Gethsemane's leadership and workers, assisted by Hands and Feet Ministries of Georgia to move the project forward. The community there is being transformed and the vision and mission of Gethsemane lifted up. Thank you to Gethsemane for reaching far beyond 200 West Anderson Lane to make a difference in a very personal way. Lives are being touched and changed by God's grace through your work and gifts. Worshipping, studying God's words of promise, retreating, praying, fellowshipping together and Pilgrim journeys all enhance our faith walk and remind us of God's grace in the community of faith. There are signs of light and hope in the dark corners of our lives and the world, as we let our bits of light come together and shine for God's. It is a great joy to minister within the Gethsemane community. Thank you. Respectfully submitted, PASTOR
SUSAN M. SCHNELLE Trust in God's love and grace! Respectfully submitted, Updated
4/28/08
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God is faithful. In our baptism, you and I have been claimed as children of God, and we have been called to love God through service to others. Service is as the core of our faith life together. We have been called as a community to share the love that we have been given by God. Knowing that God has equipped us for the call we need only to trust God. When we look beyond ourselves and look for ways to serve others, our lives are blessed. We had a joyful year of ministry in 2007 here at Gethsemane. We reached out to others in many and various ministries with a local and global focus. God has blessed the ministry at Gethsemane in many ways, so that we may be a blessing to others. Thank you for our ministry together. May God continue to bless you, as you trust in God's faithfulness. As we look ahead to 2008, we can only imagine the many ways God will lead us. May the love of God fill our hearts as we joyfully serve and continue to place our trust in God.