We all need some Good News now and then to keep us focused on what’s important. Today’s Good News is that Christ Lutheran Church, Coolidge, Arizona, the small congregation I’ve helped serve the past two winters, will get a new pastor. And he will be their first full-time pastor in Christ’s 68 year history.
From its founding in 1959, Christ Lutheran has been served as part of a dual parish or by part-time retired workers. Some 25 years ago, its dual parish agreement with a larger congregation in Casa Grande was terminated, so retired pastors began serving as they could be scheduled. Laymen also led services when pastors could not be located. Although its local membership is small, area retired winter residents have given Christ a positive vitality that rubs off on all who attend.
Five years ago the congregation decided it was time to call their first full-time pastor. Their efforts culminated yesterday in a phone call to the congregation broadcast over its PA system at their 9 AM service. Amid cheers and singing the Doxology, the 130 people in attendance heard their new pastor accept their call and felt God’s blessing in a very special way.
Thus, in a month or two, little Christ Lutheran will have its very first full-time pastor who will bless current and future members and guests with the Gospel. It will also connect better with the local people, since it is the only Lutheran congregation in the Coolidge - Florence area of 40,000 residents. Like the many farms around the town, its fields are ready to harvest.
Good News is what the Christian Church is all about, “Gospel” coming from Old English words that mean “Good News.” The Gospel of Jesus as the Savior of the world is the church’s central message. Jesus of Nazareth as the true Son of God come into the world to save sinners is Good News for all of us.
If you can’t find much that is positive in the news today, give God thanks for faithful pastors, congregations and leaders willing to share the Gospel, the Good News of eternal life in our Savior Jesus.
Please keep Christ Lutheran and its new pastor in your prayers.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
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