“I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason, I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.” Ephesians 1: 15-16
Presbytery Friends, Every morning I wake up grateful for the love of Christ being expressed through faithful disciples in our Lake Erie Presbytery. Every day my prayers are full of joy for your commitment and service. In my role as General Presbyter, I am privileged to see a broad view of church life in this presbytery. I see ordinary acts of faith expressed consistently year after year. I also see extraordinary expressions of loving service. Both often go largely unnoticed as dedicated Christians quietly serve in Christ’s name without fanfare or applause. With this in mind,, I will highlight a mission or ministry of one of our churches that valiantly reflects the love of Christ. I hope that you will join me in giving thanks for these ministries.
This month, Anita Applauds: joyful, calm moments during the holidays. I love the moments when, just before bedtime, you have done what you could in a day, and the rest is left for the morning light. I revel in the Thanksgiving and Christmas meals when all the preparations have been completed and the family gathers around the table. It’s so great when the snow is falling in gentle beauty and you don’t have to go anywhere and the decorating is done, now only to be enjoyed. Yes, there are extra tasks during the holidays that add to our calendars. Preachers have extra sermons and worship services to prepare. We carry additional obligations to family, friends, and traditions. Yet, our labors can create a lovely calm and joy that hugs the holidays. When the candles are lit, the baking is done, the people have assembled, and the singing begins to rise, a glorious calm begins to descend. It feels like the reassuring presence of God cuddling us in a hopeful embrace. May you and yours know a bounty of calm this holiday season. May there be peace on earth!
Rev. Anita Bernhardt – General Presbyter / Presbytery of Lake Erie
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