From Pastor David Trexlor

Dear Friends Through Christ

Happy New Year! Do you know what New Year’s and the Holy Spirit have in common? They are both about change. At the time of Noah when the flood waters came and destroyed the earth, it was on New Year’s Day that the Holy Spirit recreated the world and God made a resolution never to destroy the earth again

At New Year’s we as humans also make resolutions, vowing to change certain things, and if one follows the work of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible, one will find whenever the Spirit is blowing it too is always changing things—in the case of the Spirit it is always for the better. So one might ask themselves, “Self, if there are no changes occurring in our lives and in the Church is the Spirit active?” Just a thought.

I bring this up because some of you may have notice a few changes, especially in the area of worship, and it has been brought to my attention that I should be more diligent in communicating these changes, and also my logic behind them. Some of the changes where made intentionally, others out of necessity—hopefully like the Spirit they are always for the better.

Let’s start with the bulletins. Hopefully one has noticed the entire worship service is self-contained. Everything you need to Praise and Worship God on Sunday, and hopefully any information needed during the week is right there in a small booklet. Yes, it takes some time, but when perfected I believe it is well worth the effort. You see, if we existed simply for the good ole Lutherans who know the Service and understand our Hymnal, there may be no need for other sources. However, if we desire to grow and gain members with little or no Lutheran background we must make worship understandable, and the bulletin affords us the opportunity to not only give them a tool in which one can easily follow a fairly complicated worship style, it also allows for a great deal of teaching moments throughout the bulletin. Plus it can hopefully serves as a form of spiritual devotion throughout the following week by studying the readings, prayers, and general information provided.

Another change has been the addition of readers for the weekly lessons. The word liturgy means the “Work of the People,” and the more willing people one can involve in the worship process can’t be a bad thing.

Yet another change has been in the Passing of the Peace. It sure is fun being a pastor! I am supposed to please all people in all situations, and for the most part I really do try. But here I must smile and simply do the best I can. The logic of the situation is Yes it is wonderful for us to share peace with our fellow members, but sometimes we may be a little too friendly and talkative, which isn’t a bad thing, unless others are trying to carry on with other parts of worship. I say it is fun, because I see both side of the story and both are valid. So in my infinite wisdom, or stupidity whatever the case may be, I’ve decided to see if we could have the best of both worlds and move the sharing of the peace to the end of worship. We still have the opportunity and really the obligation to share a sign of peace with our neighbor, but now we can take advantage of the privilege for as long as we desire.

The final change in the worship service comes both out of necessity and logic, and that is the filling out of communion cards. To be a member of Gloria Dei, according to the constitution, all one must do is contribute or commune at least once in a two year period. I would pray that all our members would contribute and commune at least 48 weeks out of the year, providing 3-4 weeks vacation and sick days, and then special dispensation for all of our snow birds, but right now we must abide by the constitution. The contribution part is rather simple, but the communing part can be some work. Here’s how it worked in the past. You filled out your communion card. (Currently less than 50% fill them out) The usher sort them. The counters sort them and place any with prayer request on my desk. The secretary then enters partial information into the computer. The cards are filed away never to be seen again, and reports forgotten.

We are now trying a system that worked effectively at other churches worshipping between 50-200 Saints and Sinners. All the names of those who currently worship somewhat regularly are listed on a form for each month. The names of those worshipping and communing are checked each week by members of congregation with a good knowledge of names and faces. Regular members who miss a few weeks in a row can be readily identified, contacted to make certain all is well, and visitors will not be forgotten. In regards to the prayer requests, these are the heart of our ministry. We must pray for those in need. However, it makes sense to make certain these important requests stand on there own, and can always be found readily in pews. I would like in near future to include these request in our weekly prayers.

So there you have an update on what I pray will be a few positive changes in enhance our worship experience. I will try and keep you informed on what takes place in this mind of mine that never ceases to spin. I pray that you will keep me inform with your thoughts and concerns for this wonderful Lampstand of God we call Gloria Dei.

Until the Spirit blows again, Peace be with you!


Pastor David Trexler