"Hallelujah!
    I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
      in the assembly of the upright, in the congregation."
   Psalm 111:1

Again, over the weekend, I had the privilege of presiding in our congregation's worship services. Serving as presiding minister on occasion is a delight. I'm glad to lead the assembly in Word and Sacrament because it allows our pastor to do other things - in this case, to celebrate the marriage of our beloved Vicar Mary in South Carolina. Also, serving occasionally saves me from becoming 'rusty,' now that I no longer preside weekly. So, with joy and thanksgiving, I sing, "Hallelujah!"

But, whether I'm at the altar or in the 'pew,' "I give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart." I'm grateful at the core of my being, because you enfold my wife Barbara and me in your arms of hospitality, acceptance, care and love; and, thereby, you enhance meaningful community in Christ. You grant us a place of gathering, of singing praise and saying prayers together, of hearing God's Word, of communing at the Lord's table, and of going forth to serve the Lord. We are grateful.

This gift of a wholesome, healthy spiritual home in no small thing. When a parish pastor retires, you see, he or she suddenly faces an issue of belongingness. During years of service, a pastor and his/her family belong to the congregation served; membership is taken for granted. But, pastoral ethics suggest that a retiring pastor departs from the congregation served. Consequently, a question arises: What now?

A couple years ago, we faced this issue. Thanks be to God, it was resolved when we found Abiding Presence Lutheran Church and became part of it. Thanks be to you, God's people, for allowing us to live in community with Christian brothers and sisters.

Echoing the ancient psalmist, Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way in Life Together:
   Let him who has had the privilege of living a common Christian life
   with other Christians praise God's grace from the bottom of his heart.
   Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but
   grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.
      Amen. Hallelujah!

Lord God almighty, enable me to celebrate always your gracious gift of community in Christ. Help me rejoice as a thankful recipient of your grace, now and forever. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Contributed by Pastor Richard
Published Sunday October 10, 2004
Week 46 of Liturgical Year C