Beloved of God,

These weeks in October are plum full of significant events in our life together.  A rich harvest of opportunities awaits us, and I’d like to draw attention to several of them in particular. 

The first is our celebration of St. Francis’ Feast Day on Sunday, October 5th.   Born Giovanni (John) Bernadone in Assisi, Italy in 1182, his name became “Francesco” (Frenchie) soon after birth because of his father’s love of all things French.  His early ambition was to become a knight, but his capture and imprisonment during a border dispute between Assisi and Perugia led to suffering and introspection that changed the trajectory of his life.  He ceased the former lifestyle of carousing with his peers, renounced his wealth and inheritance, and became “wedded to Lady Poverty.”  Francis has become known around the world for his humility in relying on the power of God, and for his spirit of gladness and gratitude for all of God’s creation.  In honor of St. Francis our liturgy on October 5th will end with a procession to the Westside patio, where our last act of worship will be blessing of pets/animals.

October 19th is Offering of Letters Sunday once again, when we take up our role as advocates by putting pen to paper on behalf of those whose voices are often unheard or ignored.   The call we received at baptism to “strive for justice and peace throughout the world” is broken down into manageable form on this Sunday, and the multigenerational experience teacher our younger members an important aspect of incarnating Christ’s presence in a “spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.”

Finally, October ends, as always with Reformation Sunday, October 26.  Northwest Washington Synod Bishop Kirby Unti will join us that day as preacher, and we’ll have an opportunity to meet him during the Education Hour prior to worship (9:15-10:15). It’s an opportunity you won’t want to miss, a chance to learn more deeply how our congregational mission is wedded to the mission of other ministries in our synod, and to learn what initiatives are simmering as we Lutherans seek to be Christ in this corner of the country at this time in history. 

At the time Paul wrote to Timothy (see quote above), his young protégé had grown timid and perhaps uncertain about his calling.  Paul urged him to “rekindle the gift of God” that had been passed down to him through his grandmother Lois, his mother Eunice, and through Paul himself.  As his mentor, Paul reminds Timothy, and us, that the spirit we receive when we engage in God’s ministry is not one of cowardice but of power and of love and of self-discipline.  “Don’t rely on yourself,” Paul admonishes, “instead rely on the power of God you have come to know in Jesus.”  Paul’s words to Timothy strike home for me—how about you?  When I find myself in the trap of thinking that ministry “depends on me” then I inevitably find myself second-guessing, and slowly sinking into a fearful funk.  Then the road ahead seems poorly lit and my skills and confidence sorely lacking.  But by remembering where the source of my power truly lies I am awakened to a fresh start.  God has called each one of us according to God’s own purpose and grace.  As we awaken to that purpose in our lives each day, and offer ourselves as God’s instruments, we become bold and shameless witnesses to the power of God at work in us.

As the new month unfolds, I pray that God will “rekindle the gift of God that is within you” and will make you a bold witness in sharing that giftedness within and beyond Peace.

Go with joy,

Pastor Erik