Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you so much for the lovely farewell reception on Sunday for Terry and me! As always where Bethlehem is concerned, it was gracious and heartfelt and appropriate. What a God-blessed, Jesus-centered, Spirit-filled year we have had together!
Both Terry and I have submitted concluding thoughts for the June Newsletter, so be sure to read those. In the category of “leaving but not gone”, we are looking forward to welcoming you to our home for the first Summer Fellowship on June 10. Then, it seems I have committed to bringing Word and Sacrament to you on July 5, so plan on seeing me again.
While the summer months typically mean reduced church activities, I implore you to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10). The Lord is present and at work among the Bethlehem congregation—join Him in the beautiful ministry of the Gospel!
As I concluded in the Pentecost sermon, you are Spirit-minded, Spirit-directed, Spirit-led, and Spirit-filled. Let your light shine!
In Christ,
Pastor Heckmann
