From Interim Pastor Michael Meranda

Our English word “January” comes from the Latin word “Janus”.  Janus was one of many pagan Roman “gods”.  His profile is unique.  He is seen as having two side-by-side faces.  One face looks ahead; the other face looks behind; both at the same time.

That is what we do during the unique month of January.  We look back and we look ahead.  As you look back over the recent 12 months, how was your 2022?  Did it bring relief from a difficulty, or did you find yourself mired down more deeply?  Did you finally resolve a difficult relationship or did the problems persist?  Did your health take a turn for the better or did it worsen?

Your congregation at Living Lord looks back on 2022.  In May, Interim Pastor Klinker concluded his faithful 18 month tenure among you.  In June, you welcomed me as your current interim pastor.  In 2022 I’m sure the Property Committee resolved many issues around the building.  You maintained many of your programs, especially Outreach activities, with a lot of competency and joy.  You moved forward with the Synod in your long process of calling a new pastor.

We are on the cusp of a new year and so we look ahead.  What trips do you anticipate taking in 2023?  What hopes for health have you for 2023?  Who do you anticipate seeing for the first time in a long time in 2023?

What will 2023 bring Living Lord?  You will advance even further into the call process.  Who knows, your current plans to work with St. John may bring a candidate sooner than expected.  You will continue to rely on your Fuchs Fund to subsidize special mission-minded projects.  You will continue your good fellowship experiences.  You will continue to gather regularly to hear the Word and be fed with the Sacrament.

So, in early January, we look back and we look ahead.  We do so knowing a gracious God looks over us as we look to past and future.  Whatever sin we have fallen into in the past, God forgives.  Whatever need in order to remain a faithful follower of Christ, God will provide.  We can look both ways, past and future, with confidence.  God was there in our past, blessing us and transforming us thru events and experiences.  God will be there in the future, calling us to care for neighbor and creation.  Time belongs to God.  Because God is there for us – in past, in present, in future – we need not fear time but gladly embrace it.

 

Wednesday Bible Study…Pr. Meranda leads weekly bible study every Wednesday at 11:00 am in the Activity Room.

 

Interim Pastor Meranda’s Office Hours…Interim Pastor Michael Meranda will be in the office on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  If you need to reach him at times other than on Wednesdays, please call his home phone of 440-998-7321.