The View from the Pulpit:

 

Dear Members of the Body of Christ called Resurrection Lutheran,

 

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

 

During the last few months, I have been teaching a Sunday Morning Bible Class on 1 Corinthians that meets in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am (and YOU are always invited to attend, or to attend the course being offered in the Fellowship Hall, led by Nigel Brown!).  As part of that study, the class has been looking at 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, beginning at verse 12 to the end of the chapter.  You are all part of the Body of Christ, Paul proclaims.  That is how St. Paul describes the church in 1 Corinthians 12 as he compares how the church is both united and diverse (and I hope you will take time to read these verses today!).  But what IS a body?  And what IS a healthy body?

 

The human body is made up of many systems, each working together for the good of the whole.  So is the Church!  The church has nine distinct systems, based on the various systems of the human body:

 

  • Circulatory System: where each person, like each cell in the body, receives ministry.

 

  • Skeletal System: built in the Scriptures, our Confessional Writings and our Heritage, our skeletal system provides the foundational structure for our church

 

  • Muscular System: the STRENGTH of the church and each congregation, where each member grows the body by using his or her spiritual gifts in ministry

 

  • Digestive System: nourishing each part of the body of Christ with the Word of God and the Sacraments in worship, Bible classes and small groups

 

  • Respiratory System: where new life comes into the church through the “fresh air” of the Holy Spirit

 

  • Nervous System: senses issues to which the church responds, both positively and against the attacks of Satan

 

  • Excretory System: we examine ourselves corporately and individually and release programs, ministries, and behaviors that are ungodly and/or unproductive

 

  • Reproductive System: we purposely engage in activities that lead to growth (reproduction!). A healthy body grows!

 

At Resurrection, each ONE of us is a part of the body of Christ.  God desires you to be a healthy part of a healthy body, nourished, growing and serving His kingdom!

 

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

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My Office Hours are as follows:

Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm  —  Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

I try to keep an “open office” policy, but there may be times I will have someone in my office, or I am deeply involved in sermon preparation, or I am out making calls.  It is always best to make an appointment or to call first to see if I am available: 757.596.5808!

 

Time Off: Sunday afternoons & Mondays (don’t be surprised if I don’t answer the phone on these “Sabbaths” –  I rarely check my cell phone for messages or texts on my days off)

 

The grace and peace of the Risen Lord Jesus be with you all …

 

Your Fellow Servant in Christ our Lord,

Pastor Hank Hollar

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