St. John Amelith Church

As I write this newsletter for September, I see stacked boxes, emptiness on walls, and

plenty of disarray. By the time you read these words, Amy and I will be in the process of moving

to join you at St. John. We have a delightful anticipation to be a part of the community at

Amelith. Above all, our delight will be to share with you in that faithful Lutheran confession of

Christ and His Gospel. While September will be filled with exciting moments like the installation

service on the 10th or the honor to deliver God’s Holy Word and Sacrament the following

Sunday. The month will not be so “nice and neat” and this directs us to a common theme in the

Psalms. For all the various feelings and issues expressed we hear, “Oh give thanks to the Lord,

for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalms 118:1.

The Lord is good even when we are on the move. Now parents especially know a thing or

two about what this means. Children are growing up and there is no holding back the growth. It is

best to cherish the moments God gives. Fall brings another school year that has movement and

with it change. Yet, time for adjustment will pass and the focus will turn to learning. Moving too

will pass for Amy and me, even if it seems like a long way off! Nevertheless, unpacking will

finally turn to learning and growing with you at St. John. This togetherness as pastor and people

is especially important to Christ. No wonder He has fixed this for us upon His Holy Word and

Sacraments. Our Good Shepherd is always on the move, able to deliver forgiveness, life, and

salvation even before every change set before our life.

In all that movement of having a school at St. John, you probably already know

relationships matter. Of course, the social aim to promote learning and growing is not the same

for why Lutheran schools matter. Everyone is caught up in the movement of life, but Jesus told

His disciples a great promise. He said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This has been with us the past

Sundays in the Gradual at church, “Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have

no lack! Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them

all” (Psalm 34:9, 19). What wonderful news for those on the move! Christ is our righteousness

and His grace received sets everything rightly in Him for church, school, and life together.

Why are the scriptures full of how the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever? There is

much movement and it begs us first to ask, “How can we figure it will be anything less for us?”

Of course, change for the sake of change is no good and plenty of change can drag us into the

darkness or domain of Satan. However, the movement going on in God’s Word is less dramatic

compared to how His love endures forever. This is what sets Scripture apart, for God’s plan and

aim has always been and remains in the Gospel. Christ comes before us in these days and the

glory of His cross is to stand out. Love to give in the movement of life, to face the fears of death,

and to be able to receive Him in joy when He comes in glory.

See you soon,

Pastor Gauthier