a chat with the pastor: ...Our Way of Life

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”

-- Ephesians 2:8-10

Dear members and friends of Atonement,

2016’s numerous blessings are spilling out into 2017. Our Capital campaign reached its goal of $300,000 last year, and now plans are proceeding for an expansion of our fellowship area and a new kitchen. Our food pantry went through some transitions this year, and are now serving over 900 local families. The Hispanic outreach got a boost through a grant from the Florida-Bahamas Synod, and has now become an official new ministry start with support from the ELCA. Esthel Kane, the lay developer for this growing outreach, will be off to Chicago next month to attend leadership training. Our Drive-through Prayer is becoming a weekly routine every Friday, and the Stephen’s Ministry visitation team will be up and running once leaders are trained this month.

So much going on, so many growing ministries, but best of all is what lies at the heart of everything we do. Ultimately, our greatest treasure is not our ministries – it’s our message. You see, God has given you an indescribable gift. No, not a new car, or even superbowl tickets… Even better! He has given you salvation…by grace, through faith, He has taken you into His family and made you His own. Not of your own doing or because of your own works, but purely out of the love God has for you -- His creation, His child. That amazing and priceless gift is yours.

But Ephesians 2 tells us more about that special gift. It goes on to say we were created to do good works – this is our purpose and our proper way of life. Receiving God’s love may be our greatest gift, but sharing God’s love is what we do, and what brings us the most joy. Atonement is here to help us with both. Yes, it is here we receive the promise and celebrate this good news gospel message in worship. But Atonement is also here to help us give – to care for the needy, to grow in generosity and love, to live the transformed life of a disciple, and ultimately to become the hands and feet of Christ.

This is a special outlook that we Lutherans have to share with our neighbors. Ours is a faith that combines the message of Christ’s grace with the mission to help others. Our faith brings basic Christian teachings and traditions into a world that is ever changing and always new. Like Abraham, who was “blessed to be a blessing” to all humanity, we have been blessed with this “amazing grace” faith. It’s something our friends, our community, and the whole world needs. God has placed this church here in this growing area as a lighthouse beacon shining out the light of God’s love! But thousands drive by day after day, zooming down State Rd. 54 with no idea what a Lutheran is or what goes on at that place called Atonement.

So 2017 is a year to get the word out! Waiting in line at a store this afternoon, I began a conversation with a snowbird couple and I ended by inviting them to church. I hope you are doing the same. This year we’ll observe the 500^th anniversary of the Lutheran Church, as well as the 30^th anniversary of Atonement. Let’s invite all we know to come join us and be blessed. So much to celebrate, so much to share with a world that is just waiting to hear God’s good news...

It’s truly a privilege worshiping and serving God alongside of you. I hope you feel as blessed as I do in knowing our Lord Jesus. And how exciting to be surrounded by talented, caring people who have a heart for serving God and helping those in need! All the success we have seen at Atonement this year – from the completion of our Capital campaign and the growth of our food pantry to the support we’ve gotten for our Hispanic & caring ministries – it all feels like a gift handed to us by the very hand of God. This is because God has had His hand on you, and your prayers and support and participation in God’s work here are helping to make it all possible. Thanks for the gifts that you bring and the gift that you are to Atonement.