Friends at St. Luke's Zion Church
I considered it a privilege to serve you during the Advent Christmas Cycle. Since retiring I have had few opportunities to serve a congregation through a whole season. I have some very memorable moments to cherish from our time together. I liked the singing (and dancing) to "He Came Down That We Might Have Life" during Advent. I thoroughly enjoyed splashing the water and sprinkling the children at the font when we heard John the baptizer preaching about baptism and repentance. And I will always remember walking to Bethlehem with the children Christmas Eve to behold the Baby Jesus in the cradle. The mother-to-be from whom I lent the cradle gave birth to a little boy early Christmas morn. It was also a pleasure for me to work with Donna, my spouse, for these past six weeks as we've done for many years before. We have sometimes been called the "Don and Donna Show."
I hope and pray that Pastor Lynne had a restful and healing time away and returns with new energy and spirit. I hope and pray she had a wonderful time, first with her family, then with Austin for Christmas. I appreciate how faithful and supportive you were of each other during her leave.
We now look forward to Epiphany beginning with the Baptism of Jesus and continuing with the spread of the light of Jesus. St. Luke's Zion Church is a congregation with a lot of promise. We have a mission. We share the light and life of Jesus. We share and live the good news of great joy. We serve those in need and support ministries that proclaim good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, befriend the stranger and proclaim the favour of God. God bless you in your ministry and mission.
... and a Voice came from heaven,
"Thou art My Beloved Son." |
Pastor Don Engel
