I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 2 Timothy 1:5
Dear Friends in Christ,
On this day in 1981, a group of Christians met in the home of The Rev. Louis Tonsmeire and celebrated Eucharist using the big television set as the altar (they were that big in those days!). Since then, the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul continued to grow into a thriving community, eventually building a place in which to worship, and welcoming more and more people into the body of Christ. While clergy have come and gone, many lay people have sustained the life of this Christian community, caring for each other, teaching and learning together, reaching out to the needs of others, raising voices in worship and praise of God. Some of those who gathered in Louis’ home still worship and pray and lead and help form and shape the next generation of Christians in this place. And some, like little Adara who was Baptized last Sunday, are just beginning that journey with us.
Anniversaries are times of celebration of times past and times to look forward to what God has in store for us next. What will the next forty-two years bring? What part do you play in God’s work with us? How has God blessed you through this community? How is God calling you to share these gifts with others?
I am grateful that so many people who love the Lord have shared their prayers, their joys, their time and skills, their resources and their love and care to help this parish thrive as a Christian Community. And I look forward to what more God will do with us in the days ahead. God bless you always!
Yours in Christ,
-Tom