Let it shine, Let it Shine, Let it Shine

Make a one-time gift, or reoccurring donation to St. Paul’s today. God’s grace and your generous gifts keep the light of God’s love shining in this neighborhood.

The light shines in the darkness

Dear Sisters and brothers in Christ,

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
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I am grateful to serve as a pastor of so diligent, loving and generous a congregation as St. Paul’s. Because of your presence, your work in and your commitment to this congregation the light of Christ overcomes the darkness that grips so many. Your financial commitment can literally and spiritually keep the light on ... and that makes all the difference. This is what I mean.​

On one of those dark, cold Tuesdays last March, when it felt that winter had stayed too long, a group of us were gathered together in a dark place. The lights were on in the lounge and the building and fellowship was warm, but as the people described the darkness of their grief and loss, we couldn’t help but feel together the pain that death brings to our lives. We were in a dark place, but the GriefShare group had gathered to be with each other in that darkness so that we could remind each other of the promise of Christ’s resurrection, life and light.

Even though it felt dark, the light of Christ was making hope out of despair. As the group was sharing, the door opened and young woman shyly entered out of the dark. She wondered if there was a group meeting tonight. “I saw the light on and came in.” This young woman was looking for the NA meeting that gathers in fellowship hall on Tuesday evening. We directed her down through the lounge, down the hall and into fellowship hall where that group was meeting. Just then it struck me. On two ends of this building, at the very same time, the light of Christ is overcoming the darkness in ways not readily apparent. At one end of the hall, people gather to support each other in the fight against the powers of addiction. At the other end of the building, people gather to journey through grief to the full realization that death is not the final word, but God’s amazing grace in Jesus Christ saves us from all powers. Through both ministries lives are changed and saved, and this congregation offers itself up to love and serve this neighborhood in Jesus’ name.

That’s just one of the amazing stories of God’s grace that happen at St. Paul’s every week! And, you know, your generous and ongoing financial support to St. Paul’s is one way you can be part of that story.

Sometimes we’re blind to see God at work around us. We might think of church expenses such as light, heat, water, snow removal and building maintenance as somehow separate from our mission, as necessary evils. Yet, we are reminded that God’s Holy Spirit works through means, instruments ... water, wine, bread, human speech, and even electricity and steam ... to communicate the Gospel. God’s grace can open our eyes to see how all these expenses support and are part of what God is doing in the world through us. The light people see when they drive by may be a light God uses to change and save transforms their life.

The truth is that God is at work in ways we may never know or realize, through means we have no power or control over. That’s what so amazing about God’s amazing grace! We give our gifts generously and in faith, and we pray and trust that God will use our gifts to drive away darkness, improve people’s lives and well being, and, at last, bring them to eternal life through Jesus Christ. That’s what amazing about the way God is at work and present through a congregation like St. Paul’s. Please, take a few minutes to make a generous gift to St. Paul’s current fund. If you wish, you can partner with us in keeping the light of God’s love and grace shining in this neighborhood and make this gift repeat each month. Simply checking the recurring gift button on the page.

Isn’t it great ... and humbling ... to have the privilege and joy of sharing in the ministry of the Gospel!

Thank you.

Your pastor and partner in God’s mission,

Rev. James Krombholz, D.Min.