Dear Lord,

We pray that during this election season, we will support and elect candidates that display basic CHRISTIAN values.

We pray we will support candidates that do not exclude people that may hold different beliefs than us.

We pray we will elect leaders that do not display ignorance and hatred but will welcome all people with love and kindness, as Jesus welcomes all sinners to him.

This we pray in Jesus name, Amen.

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“A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo

Week of September 30—, 2024: “What More is There to Say But ‘Amen’”

One of the towering figures in the history of our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod was Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann. From 1955-1988, “Ozzie”, as he was affectionately known, served as Speaker for the well-known radio broadcast, The Lutheran Hour. In 1996, he wrote an autobiography on his life’s work entitled, What More is There to Say But “Amen”. That last word, as Dr. Martin Luther notes in his Small Catechism, means, “Yes, yes, it shall be so.”

As I am now concluding my service to you as pastor, I echo the words of Dr. Hoffmann’s book title. It has been a fulfilling seven year run here at St. John. As so many of you know, I was about to be out of a job, due to congregational financial difficulties, for the second time in less than two years. The forming of the dual parish between St. John and Zion, Lorain was a Godsend to me. I hope and pray that I proved to be God sent to you.

Even as St. John has had the lower attendance numbers of recent years—especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic-- I find that, for me, there have been many blessings that have come my way here. I will always be thankful for having been here these past seven years. Sabra and I are also very thankful for the sendoff that you gave us, along with Jen Parker, Terri Pasek, and Pam Christian, back on September 14th. All of your thoughts, prayers, and gifts have been so greatly appreciated—there are all so many of you to thank.

As the Apostle Paul so often said in his letters, I too say that I will remember you always. I pray, as that other great Apostle, Peter, once said, that you would, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of Our Lord Jesus and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). And yes, as Peter puts in right at the end of his Second Letter, what more is there to say but … Amen!”

Amen and Amen: Yes, yes, it shall be so! May Christ’s guidance and piece be with you always.

Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths

The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)

The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)

The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)

The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)

The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)

The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)

The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)

The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)

The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)

The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)