The months of January and February are filled with preparing and submitting various reports (for the annual congregational meeting, the synod's and the churchwide offices). Reports serve as external measure of effectiveness. In them, we list highlights, usually supported with numbers.

When I interviewed with Vashon Lutheran Church for the position of pastor, more than six years ago, I pointed out that it is not so much the numerical growth but the incarnational growth (which I seek to establish through meaningful worship and relevant teaching) that matters most to me. Incarnational growth happens within the worshiping community so that we can bring a glimpse of God's grace, love, and glory into our fallen world. 

It is a misconception to think that worship offers us a way to deal with our moments of glory only.  Rather, worship should help us address our very own problems through symbols and with words, which have a transcendent and transformative power. After all, in worship we encounter, as its center, a crucified Messiah, who has come to save us, to set us free, to take away from us what burdens us. In worship, we encounter the Word Incarnate, Jesus, who brings healing to us and who equips us to bring healing back into the world through our incarnational ministry. Through worship we are enabled to gain a fuller understanding of discipleship (what it means to follow Jesus in the Church and in the world) and of stewardship (what it means to serve in the name of Jesus in the Church and in the world).

We center our spiritual life around Jesus. We measure the time of our worship gatherings, the liturgical year, based on the life and ministry of Jesus. Called by Christ and equipped through the Holy Spirit, we do not only form a worshiping community, that gathers in fellowship, but also a community of faith that reaches out to those in need in our community. A visible marker of this ministry is our Food Bank Garden.
 
It is also a joy to notice that our singing has become stronger. Thanks to a grant, we were able to install Marita Ericksen as our choir director. Her talent will not only benefit our worship experience and congregational singing, but also enhance our ministry to the community at large and our ecumenical efforts.

I want to say “Thank You” to all ministers at Vashon Lutheran Church: to the officers on church council for their faithful service; to all ministers involved in teaching, singing, and praying without ceasing; to all those helping hands who assist with the care and maintenance of the building, the garden, and the premises; to all who carry their calling into the world. I give thanks to God, who enables you in your incarnational ministry in both the Church and the world.

But I also want to ask you to help me improve my own ministry: Call me up when you wish to meet with me (in my office, at your home, at a café), or let me know when you go to the hospital (the hospital won't call). Share your joys and concerns with me so that I can rejoice and cry with you, and lift you up in prayer.

Yours in Christ's service,
 
Bjoern E. Meinhardt, Pastor