God’s Love is Extravagant
It has been a long time since I have written to you in The Church Mouse. I’ve been thinking about this for a number of days. I should have something profound to share with you after the quiet times of these months of rehab. However, I find myself drawn back to the basics: God’s love for us and our love for each other.
There is a song by the contemporary Christian group Casting Crowns
that says:
Your love is extravagant.
Your friendship, it is intimate.
The prophet Jeremiah expresses these thoughts in this way:
But this I call to mind,
and therefore, I have hope:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21-23).
Even during some dark days, God’s steadfast, extravagant love and
your prayers and love have kept me going and given me hope.
Make time in your busy day to listen to the Savior’s voice whisper your
name, “child of God, you are mine.” In baptism God says, “child of
God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the
cross of Christ forever” (ELW).
Initially, I will be working 15 hours a week. After a month, I will be
consulting with the doctor regarding an increase back to my regular hours. I’ll be concentrating on visitation the first few weeks, transitioning to preaching and worship leadership being my primary responsibilities. You’ll be hearing from me. I deeply feel the need to reconnect with all of you after this period of physical absence. Please know however, that you have not been absent from my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for who you are and all that you do.
In Christ’s abundant love,
Pastor Ivy
Pastor's Message
October 2021
