Trinity 20

Say Hello

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

I want to share a story about one of my children.

Over the past six months, a member at Good Shepherd repeatedly told me that they

were going to say “hello” to one of my children, who can be shy at times, until this child

eventually responded and returned the greetings. I wished this member luck on this

endeavor and wasn’t sure how successful they’d be. But the truth is, the effort paid off,

and not only did my child say “hello” one day, but the Good Shepherd member also

received a hug. 

There’s no guarantee that it will be successful the next time, but it does show that

building relationships, especially between the various ages of God’s children, takes

persistence and work.

These relationships, no matter how small, are invaluable. As we learned last week, we

are all brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, members of His family. Each connection we

make, each person we befriend, is a precious addition to this family.

As we continue to grow as a congregation, I encourage you to reach beyond the

comfortable relationships you already have within Good Shepherd and strive to befriend

your neighbors, especially the families and youngest among us.

This allows us to support one another, whether it be on a Sunday morning when a family

is struggling just a little more as the children are a little more wiggly than usual or

throughout the week when one of us is in need of a neighborly hand, or most of all when

we are struggling and in need of prayers.

Because this is what families do for one another, they pray and support one another.

It all begins with a greeting, with all of us saying, “Hello.”

Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Rogness

“Love one another with brotherly affection.

Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)