Pastor's Pen

Peace be with you,

It is a great blessing to serve as your new pastor. I have enjoyed my first few weeks very much. I think that we are off to a great start together. Immanuel is blessed with an abundance of fine leaders who have, with the blessing of the Holy Spirit, laid a strong foundation for the congregation’s growth.

When I think in terms of growth, I think of when Jesus said that the kingdom of God is like things that grow; a mustard plant, leaven, or a farmer’s field. Jesus’ kingdom is growing, we are called to participate in that growth, and to be workers in the field that is ready for harvest. Jesus said that in order to participate in the kingdom of God, we must become like children. There is a lovely age when children love to be helpers; they want to share in doing whatever a parent or grandparent is doing. Wanting to help those whom we love is still a part of us, and it is a part of our relationship with Jesus; wanting to share in what he is doing in the world that is growing his kingdom. This fits well with our Vision Statement: “Immanuel will be an active, growing church which proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ through its people, pastors, and programs.”

In Matthew 6:33 Jesus teaches us that if we “strive first for the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, all these things (the things we worry about) will be given to you as well.” I am confident in the promise Jesus has given us, his church, that if we strive in partnership with him he will provide us with all things that we need.

In the next chapter of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus assures us that God will give good things to those who ask God. Please join me in praying that God will indeed bless us with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the courage of a strong faith, hope for that which we cannot yet see, the love of God poured into our hearts, and joy in the presence of the Lord and in fellowship with one another.

Your brother in Christ’s service,

Pastor Clay Bates