FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

Blessed Epiphany! Are you remembering to tell somebody about how Jesus is the Light of the world? All it takes is remarking about how God has blessed you, or is healing you, or is helping you. 

There is a bulletin board right outside the pastor’s study where I have posted my most recent monthly pastor’s report, if that might be of interest to you.

Also, please know that I am willing and able to come to visit you at hospital or home, either with or without communion, for prayer, or just to get to know you better. Just call me at 859-230-9012. 

There were a few directions from which I thought I might write for this month’s article. I decided upon one which highlights the basics of my ordained ministry and how that relates to the congregation and you, the parishioner. 

Pastors in the ELCA are technically “Ministers of Word and Sacrament.” That is first and foremost where I am called in my ministry. While I am called to a ministry of in-reach (administration, fellowship, and pastoral visits and calls) and a ministry of out-reach (community presence, conference meetings, and synod events), the ministries of Word and Sacrament always gets my first focus. Ministries of Word and Sacrament are worship services, sermons, children’s sermons, choirs, Bible studies, catechetical instruction, holy communion in home and in the community, funerals, memorial services, baptisms, first communions, affirmations of baptism, weddings, and the commendation of the dying. 

Ministries of Word and Sacrament will get my best energy and attention. If you invite a child or two to the worship service and I see them out in the pew, most likely I will take a moment for a quick children’s sermon. If you would like me to lead or attend or start a Bible study, let me know and I will be there. If you know someone the age for catechism, please let me know and we can start classes. The same is true for someone who has not been baptized or hasn’t gone through affirmation of baptism. I am willing to adapt to your schedules in order for these ministries to be accomplished. I’m always here to preside funerals & memorial services, for members and even friends of the congregation. I am always on call to go to hospital or home to give the commendation over the dying and be with families. 

Again, my telephone number is listed above, or you can email me: revjerricar-lin@gmail.com. You are helping my ministry and all those of Gethsemane if you let me know of someone that might enjoy or need a visit from me or a friendly pastoral phone call. Together, you can help me fulfill my call to ministries of Word and Sacrament to our blessed congregation and community. 

Press on with me into the adventure of God’s amazing grace and love. 

With Hope & Confidence in Christ,

Rev. Jerri Morton Carlin, Interim Pastor