New and Old Horizons…
Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:8)
On the threshold of another turn of seasons, as autumn comes rolling in, God invites us to reflect on the past spring and summer we’ve enjoyed together as a church community.
It has been rewarding to see end-of-the-month potlucks return after Divine Service at Mount Calvary. One, that is, two of our new faces in the pew have joined us; along with Mr. Matthew Honey from Lutheran Foundation Canada. Dcn. Samantha Neeb, another guest from Winnipeg, MB, joined us for worship at Swift Current and Ponteix for Divine Service to introduce her new position as LCC’s Associate Director – Family Ministries. Her visit with myself, the congregation, and our Chairman was a refreshing time to introduce our local community, its needs, and how this little parish can continue offering discipleship through Word and Sacrament ministry to our neighbors. One pursuit I as pastor have found rewarding was preaching a series of Sunday on the Chief Parts of the Catechism. We as a spiritual community have heard about each of the Ten Commandments and delved into the Articles of the Apostles’ Creed so far, which project dovetailed neatly with welcoming an adult confirmand in June after twelve weeks of home instruction. The family in Waldeck has been a particular blessing to my wife and myself.
This year, LCC had its second quadrennial Synodical Convention under the new structure. I attended with our delegate on behalf of the Cypress Lutheran Parish, hopeful to remind our national church body of the importance of what has been happening in our remote dual parish. The saints at Mount Calvary – I was eager to let Synod know as they discussed plans to study the Augsburg Confession in anticipation of its 500th anniversary in 2030 – made an early, concentrated effort to learn about the Lutheran Confessions in the eventful year of 2020. I’ll not go too deep into detail; but, vis-à-vis other Lutheran parishes, that is an achievement. Visitors to our parish made it into outgoing Central Regional Pastor Rev. David Haberstock’s report on regional affairs for the convention. As a final consideration, I’m looking forward to taking more initiative with the Southland Circuit. (The nearby circuit pastors have already graciously welcomed me into
their circle through worship and pastoral support, inviting me to participate in an Ascension service at Grace Lutheran Church, Regina, SK.)
Congregational growth and involvement, again, is evident in the ongoing monthly potlucks. A devoted team of volunteers catered to the community at Mrs. Edna King’s funeral this May. Her passing; along with that of Mrs. Jean Satter as well as Betty; and Bryon Collinson; greatly impacted my monthly visiting schedule. They are a great personal loss to me and those who knew them – though, as noted by outgoing LCC President Rev. Dr. Timothy Teuscher, they remain with us in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper “with angels and archangels and the whole company of heaven”. Offering Communion every Divine Service is an immeasurable service to our congregation, not to mention makes a powerful impression on visitors to our parish. Through adult catechesis (mostly informal) and casual attendance, a few Lutheran curious belonging to my generation (Y) have found a spiritually nourishing community. God knows how many more people will find the exalted Christ in our humble fellowship.
Moving forward, then, it is imperative first of all that we remain focused on what and Who has made this year’s growth possible. Whoever’s attention we may garner, Christ’s stamp of approval on our teaching, preaching, and administration of the Sacraments is indispensable. In a boat with His disciples, He sternly warned them to steer clear of false and erring doctrines; flashy programs and unnecessary changes to our worship that distract from why we gather in Divine Service; and, most keenly, temptations to despair or other compromise and vice. Christ as Lord and Savior is sufficient. Appearances may be deceiving. God remains faithful and will bless His Word. Once more, I as pastor look forward to another season and (as God may allow) another year and blessed future serving God’s people in Swift Current and Ponteix.
Soli Deo Gloria.
Pastor Heide
