Brothers and Sisters...

     In an upper room almost 2000 years ago, Jesus reminded his followers to observe a new commandment..."Love one another!"  What the Lord was telling his disciples then and us now, has much to do with "keeping in touch" in ways that express genuine care for each other.  When we keep connected with each other we keep connected with Christ!  

     In all my years of pastoral ministry both here at Lord of Life and elsewhere, I have believed that if Jesus said to make the effort "to love one another" he truly meant it.  One means by which I have taken that command to heart is by getting on the phone and making thousands of calls to parishioners and friends of our congregation.  I am still convinced that I am better able to express my concern and love for others and hear the real feelings of those I call when I use the phone.  And yes, I do use Email to communicate on a number of occasions but there are times when only a phone call will do!  

     Many of you have received a call on your birthday as we celebrate that milestone.  At times I have called to congratulate you on an accomplishment like an award received or a promotion or a graduation.  For those who have retired, it may be a call inviting you to breakfast to give thanks for what has been and also for what is yet to come.  I have called many of you prior to a surgery and prayed with you for strength and healing.  Numerous calls have been made to schedule visits when you are sick or shut-in providing us with the opportunity to share conversation, prayer and the Lord's Supper.  Calls have been made when you have lost a loved one and need to hear words of comfort and hope.  And on occasion, personal concerns have prompted me to call and just listen to what is going on in your world.

     But in all honesty, no pastor or pastors can provide the full care and concern for a congregation the size of Lord of Life. That is why I am so excited about a new ministry being provided by the Nurture Team of our congregation.  It is a team of over twenty "Caring Callers" from LOL who will be calling members several times a year.  These are men and women who have volunteered to help us "keep in touch" with one another by simply calling to see how you are and how well you think LOL is serving you, the congregation, and the community.  

 These callers may remind you of special events in our life together and warmly invite you and your friends to join us.  They will also be willing to receive prayer requests should you have them and pass on pastoral concerns to appropriate staff members.  Their task is to be helpful and not interfering.  Like me, they believe that if we are to be at our Godly best, then we need to better know and be known by each other so we can demonstrate a genuine love and concern for each other.

     So when one of our Caring Callers phones you (Yes, it is still one of the best means of communicating...thank you Alexander Graham Bell!) please be open to the conversation.  We believe it is much easier to "love one another" when we cultivate relationships that demonstrate commitment to each other and the call of Jesus to be the church.  We encourage your prayer for this new ministry and your faithful and honest response to the leading of the Holy Spirit in this upcoming program year.

    Continued Summer Blessings,  Your Brother in Christ

                                        - Pastor David Jones