 Ruminations of a Recovering Reverend, Part 2For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…. Romans 12:4-6a Last month I shared a few thoughts I had that arose out of the early period of my recuperation. The thought I share this month comes from a later period in the recuperation. I can’t remember exactly when it was but it was during a time after some healing had occurred and when I was in a little better frame of mind. Very simply that thought was “I am thankful for legs!” That may seem like a strange thought and I agree. Just writing it seems a bit strange. After all, how often have you stopped and said, “I am thankful for my legs!” Not very often, if at all, is my guess. The reality is that when things are happening as they are supposed to and all is “normal” we rarely stop to give thanks. We don’t think about the function of that part of the body because it is as it is supposed to be and we have other things to think about. I guess that is one of the “blessings” of a recuperation. That which was normal became a problem. The problem needed to be solved which may have required more pain. But it is not until the healing starts and the body part starts to recuperate and function as it should that we begin to reflect and give thanks. That thankfulness comes from an appreciation of what God has given to us. The body is an amazing gift that has many parts all of which have different functions and work together so that we can accomplish the purposes of our life. When one of them goes “down” not only does it not function but it affects and impedes the whole. A classic example was my knee replacement surgery. After the surgery my legs didn’t work to their full capacity. But it was not just my legs. My whole life came to a screeching halt! During those first weeks after surgery I couldn’t work, walk, get my meals, or even dress myself! I didn’t have brain surgery but I could not concentrate or think straight because of the pain (and yes, the medications messed with me too). The Apostle Paul really knew what he was talking about in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 when he taught about the interrelatedness of the various parts of the body and applied that to the church. “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor 12:26) So, having passed the pinnacle of pain and experiencing some of the hope of healing the thought popped into my head, “I am thankful for legs.” Legs that, while still hurting, were starting to carry me down to the end of the cul-de-sac and back, and up the stairs and back down, and into church once again! Legs that were starting to do their function so that I could think straight, or do some work, or not have to burden others with things I should be able to do for myself. Thank you, Lord, for legs that allow me to be able to serve others. I am also thankful for you! When this small part of the body went “down” so many of you were concerned and prayed. When this part of the body suffered you did too and you expressed it in your kind words and prayers. So yes, I am thankful for legs that teach me to be thankful for the whole body, the body of Christ, you! Easter blessings and joy to you.  We are now a little over five months away for the NJ March for Life. On September 26th those interested will gather at the State House in Trenton for a Life Rally and then conclude the event with a March for Life. The Rally starts at 11:00 am and the March at noon.
At his time, it would be helpful for me to know if you have a coordinator for your congregation. If so please pass that person’s name and contact information along to me. The District Office will be coordinating efforts for the District. Transportation and parking are the biggest issue to coordinate. Please publish this event in your congregational communications. Students are invited and encouraged to attend with adult chaperones. Visitation for Convention Resolution Evaluation Congregational Visitation for discussion about the Synodical Convention Resolutions has begun. Thank you to those congregations who have welcomed the visitor I have appointed to your congregation. Early reports are that there have been some very good discussions and new resources for ministry have been discovered. Visitors will share a list of the resolutions so leadership will have a chance to review them before the meeting. At the meeting the visitor and the leadership will have a chance to discuss the resolutions and how they may or may not fit into the ministry plan of the congregation. It is a given that each congregation cannot address all of the resolution but some will prove to be very helpful. The discussion is meant to reveal these helpful resolutions and the resources Synod has to offer congregations as they seek to do ministry. If you have not yet had your visit please look for a call from your visitor soon. Welcome him/her to a meeting of your leadership and expect to have a profitable discussion. Strategic Plan The last two month I shared with you the new Strategic Plan for the District. It has four major objectives
The initial members of the Task Forces have been recruited and these members will be asked to help recruit others who have a passion and the skills to be an asset to the work of the District. Once the Task Forces have been staffed there will be a meeting in June for all the Task Forces to orientate them to the work of the Task Forces and begin their work. While not replacing the District Councils, some of the Council work will overlap the work of the Task Forces. In such cases the Office of the President will coordinate the work or divide the tasks. It is readily evident that the Task Forces will not only aid in getting the work of the Councils done but also help us to focus and magnify some aspects of the Councils’ work that will help us to accomplish our Strategic Plan and mission. I an eagerly interested in working with these Task Forces to strengthen and expand the church of Jesus Christ here in NJ. Initiative for Ministry Development (IMD) Phase 3 of IMD, the Advanced Studies phase, is now in its third month! I hope that you are taking advantage of these helpful seminars and training as you develop your congregational ministries.
Growing Young One of the concerns that I hear over and over again from our churches is that their membership is growing older and that they have few children. It doesn’t take much thought to understand this is an unsustainable trend. But how does a congregation reverse this trend? “Growing Young” will be the topic for the May Spring Pastor’s Conference in which this very question will be addressed. We have very strong registration for the conference so most of our pastors will here about this approach and solution. Congregational Leaders, be sure to ask your pastor about what he learned and the possibilities for your congregation. Discuss it at your next Council Meeting. Our plan is for the presenter, Dr. Reuter, to return to NJ for another presentation, this time for pastors and a team of leaders from their congregations. After that presentation congregations will be invited to join a cohort to work with Dr. Reuter for the next couple of years implementing Growing Young. Please don’t miss this opportunity! It could be a game changer for many of our congregations. Congregations
District Short Clips National Youth Gathering. The next National Youth Gathering will take place July 19-23, 2025 in New Orleans under the theme Endure. Congregations are encouraged to send a group of their youth to this faith edifying event. If your congregation only has a few youth desiring to participate you may want to consider teaming with another church. Hope Dunbar is our NJ District NYG Coordinator (please see the separate article in this newsletter for her contact information). She is happy to help you with questions or information about the Gathering. In addition, if you are a congregational youth worker and have a group attending the Gathering please let Hope know. She will make sure your youth are included in any information dissemination or District events at the Gathering. Official Visits will resume in May as I am able. I have sent out invitations to another group of congregations to schedule a date for an Official Visit. Most of those congregations have already replied and have been scheduled. As always, I am eagerly anticipating these mutually edifying visits. Pastors Wives. The next NJD Pastors Wives retreat will be held on Friday-Saturday April 26-27th at the Crowne Plaza, Edison. The speaker will be Judy Benke, Pre-school Director, VP of Church and Community Relations for the Lutheran Care Network, and wife to Rev. Dr. Benke former President of the Atlantic District. Her topic will be Faith, Fellowship and Friendship. Congregations are strongly encouraged to pay for the expense for their pastor’s wife to attend. These are very special people in the life of a congregations who face unique challenges. They need the support and encouragement of this conference. Educators Conference. The NJD Educators Conference will be held on Friday April 12th at Somerset Hills Lutheran Church, Basking Ridge from 10:00am – 2:00 pm. All teachers and directors from our schools are encouraged to attend. Continuing educations credits will be awarded to participants. More details regarding speakers and times will be published in future Grapevines. Conclusion What a joy it is to be a part of the body of Christ, both in a congregational sense and a District sense. And what a privilege it is to be able to give and receive care within this body. As you see others struggle, struggle with them. Come along side of them for encouragement and support. And always, give thanks for the body and its individual members. The joy of Easter be with you, President/Bishop Gewecke |