Brothers and Sisters...

     Jesus once said in a sermon, "You are the light of the world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 NRSV)

   How appropriate a text for the season of Epiphany; where ministry, mission, outreach and witness are at the heart of what it means to be a called and sent people of God!  Living as "the light of the world" (and the "salt of the earth") is the Messiah's way of saying "be what I have made you to be!"  And as salty, light-filled Christians, it is good for us to see the myriad ways that the Lord is using us to be just that! 

   We have had a tradition through the years of focusing on the ministry of others during our Saturday night worship services especially within the season of Epiphany.  Do you remember any of the following faithful witnesses?  

   + Bedside Harp - Former member and mid-wife Connie Sheie brought members of a troupe of musicians who visit hospitals and nursing homes and serenade patients with their voices and the sound of harp music

   + Pastor Tom Miller and the Praise Team from Indian Mills United Methodist Church - These local full-communion partners shared their musical gifts and original compositions with us during worship

   + Pastor Peter Hartney - New to Saint Paul LC in Beechwood, New Jersey, this former Roman Catholic priest and now Lutheran pastor who speaks Spanish shared with us the new vision for a ministry and outreach to the local latino community

   + Pastor Gary Stiegler - Former member and now pastor of Redeemer LC in Vineland, New Jersey shared his vision for the work that we might do together which informed and guided our effort during last summer's Senior High mission trip to the Delaware Bay to do Super Storm Sandy recovery work

   +The Gideons - On several occasions we have heard about the work of The Gideons who have placed millions of bibles in public places all around the world and right here in Burlington County

     Once again we have an opportunity to celebrate the mission of the church beyond Lord of Life when we welcome one of our members and a friend of our congregation to share their story with us.

   This Saturday, Feb 15 Penny Miller will "show and tell" the work she and others (including many members of LOL) have been given by God to do in Haiti.  You will be blessed as you hear and see the way in which the Holy Spirit is moving to create a "cottage industry and ministry" where Haitians can help themselves and others by learning the skill of sewing  and the manufacture of clothing.

  Then Saturday Mar 1, Pastor Carl Browne will be present to speak of his work as a Lutheran chaplain at he Federal Corrections facility at Fort Dix.  Carl has served as the Chairman of the Board of Christus Lutheran Academy in Camden (the only Lutheran High School in the Delaware Valley) and has served as pastor to several congregations in the New Jersey Synod over the years.  God only knows how we will be inspired to support Pastor Browne's ministry as he helps to be "the salt and light" in a challenging prison environment.  

     Please make every effort to join us for these special Epiphany services of worship and don't hesitate to invite your family, friends and neighbors to join you!  We will truly be blessed if you do!

                    Your Salty Light-filled Brother in CHRIST,

                            Pastor David