Shepherd Notes March 2026
Ever so Thankful
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:3–6; ESV)
Dear Friends in Christ:
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the members and friends of our Lutheran Church, for all the many ways you help to support our congregation as well as me as your pastor. When it is quiet at church (which is less frequent than one might expect), I sometimes pause to consider, reflect upon, and give thanks to God for how much work is done here for the sake of the Gospel.
I do not want to list any specific names or tasks, for fear that I forget to mention someone. But I am pretty sure that they would not want the attention, anyway. Much of the work here is done behind-the-scenes. However, please know that I do notice it, and, more importantly, our Lord notices it. As Scripture says, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Thank you also for your generous and sacrificial financial support of our congregation. In addition to offerings, we received several anonymous gifts to pay for non-budgeted items to further enhance our church. As one whose salary and livelihood are dependent upon the sacrificial giving of God’s people, I am deeply grateful for your generosity, prayers, and encouragement. Scripture says, “The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14). It also says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves” (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). From the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing me such love, honor, and respect as your pastor.
St. Paul thanked the Philippians for their partnership with him in the Gospel, the good news of Jesus. Paul reminded them (and us) that all that we have and do comes from Jesus. Jesus sacrificed everything He had, even giving His life, so that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). Through the Word and Sacraments that are proclaimed and administered in this place, the Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in the ways of Jesus, loving and serving others, even as Jesus has loved and served us. We do the work the Lord has given us to do, not to earn our salvation, which we could never do, but because we already have it by faith in Jesus and His work of salvation for us. As God’s baptized and forgiven people, we labor instead for the sake of the Gospel, praying that the Lord would use our efforts (our time, talent, and treasure) to bring others into His kingdom so that one day, by His grace, we will join them in singing our eternal praises to Him:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (LSB 805)
Your Servant in Christ Pastor Brian