Dear Hudson...
Dear Hudson,
I’ve never written a letter like this before. You, as the first grandson on either side of your family, will break many trails in the years to come. And you will bring all of us along with you; sort of a cross between a cheering squad and a support team. You have been in our prayers all along your mother’s pregnancy and you will continue to be.
We are looking forward to being with you for your baptism next weekend – aunts and uncles, grandparents, and even great-grandparents, coming from as far as Texas, Illinois, and Colorado. I’m honored to get to be a part of it, to be sure. But we’re more excited for what it will mean for you.
God’s name will be splashed on your forehead, you who already have plenty of names to learn (Frank Emil Schardt Winter V, aka Hudson)! God’s promises will be extended to you in the water and His word. His grace will enfold you as the Holy Spirit enters, causing faith to be planted in your heart. That faith we will do our best to help nurture.
You are dearly loved by your mom and dad, but that pales in comparison to the love of our heavenly Father. He gave His Son, Christ Jesus, into death for your forgiveness. And He raised Jesus from the dead, so that you could know eternal life.
As I bring this to a close, know that your grandfather (Mike) and grandmother (Deb), your Nana (Jami) and I are eagerly looking forward to what the years will bring. We will rejoice in your growth and we will continue to pray for what God brings your way.
With much love,
Pops
Because I Belong...
Because I Belong… is the growing vision for Redeemer. We will be exploring it in a sermon series beginning this Sunday. We will be giving it form and focus through the Church Council and the Boards in the months to come. And we will be expanding it in the following three ways: Because I belong to God… Because I belong to you, and you to me… Because I belong and God calls me to bring others to belong…
The “belonging” is something that God brings about through the work of the Holy Spirit. But that “belonging” will encourage, entail, or necessitate things in my life. It will call forth obedience, discipleship, fellowship, and witness, among other things.
It’s the same with other relationships in my life. In yours, too.
Because I belong in Peoria, IL…I will pay taxes; I will take part in local activities (like Brat Fest, and Farmers’ Markets); I will root for Bradley; etc.
Because I belong to Jami Winter…I will honor her; I will strive to be a good steward of my health; I will strive to be a good steward of our relationship; etc.
Because I belong in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod…I will take part in the Peoria/Tazewell circuit activities; I will take part in the Central Illinois District activities; I will benefit from the synod’s products; etc.
Because I belong to the University of Nebraska Alumni Association…I will fly my Husker flags on game-day weekends; etc.
Belonging is first and foremost a blessing. And we are thankful for the brothers and sisters who belong with us in God’s family at Redeemer and in Christ in general. And we will keep in our prayers those who have yet to come to know Christ Jesus as Lord.
Fare well, and Godspeed...
My co-worker and a colleague, whose camaraderie I have appreciated and enjoyed, has announced that he has accepted a call to serve in another part of the vineyard (Matthew 20). Pastor Philip Doublestein, my brother, we are excited for the opportunities that lie before you. But, we are also saddened in our loss of your service, your energy, your learning, and your upbeat nature.
God bless you, Kate, and Wyatt, as you make your way to San Antonio, there to be a part of mission starts and all the services in which Lutheran Intercity Network Coalition (LINC) participates. You will be missed. And you will certainly be welcomed whenever you find yourself back in our neighborhood!
Fare well. And Godspeed on your journey.