MESSAGE FROM OUTGOING MLT CHAIRMAN

December 20, 2024

Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and a song of praise is fitting. (Psalm 147).

 

This past year has been saddled with many highs and lows within the Church, and through our personal lives.  The MLT and Hope Staff are moving into 2025 with the spirit of unity, by continuing the engagement of members to serve on teams, empowering others to volunteer, and remaining transparent in all things.

 

The MLT and Hope Staff have made changes over the past few months that have and will continue to improve church operations, member involvement, and staff support, while enhancing our presence in the community.  2025 will be a busy year with the full implementation of a new back-office operating system, new payroll system, third-party accounting, and bookkeeping, among personnel changes and aligning staff responsibilities.  These changes will bring efficiency and allow our called staff to interact more with others outside of the office.

 

Membership continues to rise, events are well attended, and Hope continues to provide community support far and wide.  Hope is a wonderful place, that has seen its challenges, but as God’s people and members of Hope Lutheran Church, we must continue to focus on the original Vision of the Church established by Pastor Emeritus Preston Wagner in 1996; while aligning with the updated Vision of the Church, affirmed by the congregation in 2012.

 

1996

Hope Lutheran Church will be…

A mission focused on outreach…

  • to the unchurched
  • to new and existing Lutherans living in the area
  • to disenfranchised and disenchanted formerly churched persons

 

A place where people are strengthened for ministry…

  • among family and friends
  • within their vocation and daily life
  • through service to the community and church

 

A congregation that is committed to excellence…

  • in building community and significant relationships
  • in worship, music, and proclamation of the Gospel
  • in well-maintained facilities and equipment

 

2012

This vision is articulated as…

  • VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC… Inspiring and energetic leaders, excellent preaching and teaching, small groups encouraging faith development, unified and infused by the Holy Spirit.
  • MISSION FOCUSED… Intentionally keeping our eyes always outward, looking for ways to further the Kingdom as individuals in our community.
  • DIRECTING ITS RESOURCES IN STRATEGIC WAYS… Making unified choices focused on developing people rather than simply providing programs
  • EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN PEOPLE’S LIVES… Intentional spiritual development, discipleship, mentoring and coaching
  • EXTEND THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN THE COMMUNITY… Directly support mission partnerships locally and internationally and through the District and Synod

 

The MLT and Hope Staff is committed to building on the vision and mission of the church, focusing on outreach through missions and extending the Lord’s word to others.  We are a vibrant and healthy church and God has blessed all our members with talents and energy to bring the Word of God to others.

 

On a personal note, it has been a pleasure serving the members of Hope for the past 5.5 years.  My term on the MLT was extended by many factors, but I recognize as with everything I do, that I am not in charge.  Our Lord God called me to serve at Hope Lutheran and I did so by his Grace and your acceptance. 

 

First, I want to apologize to the members of Hope for not always being transparent and for not recognizing the need for changes early on in my term on the MLT.  I don’t like to live in the past but wanted to recognize my failure.

 

Secondly, I want to thank everyone for your kind words, prayers, support and advice over the past 18 months.  It is because of you, my love of Hope, and my calling to lead that I take comfort that the Church is moving in the right direction, guided by Faith.

I would close with Romans 5:1-5, which I believe represents who I am and who we are as a Church, and what gives us strength to embody the spirit and to live out the word that God provides.

 

Peace with God Through Faith

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

 

Blessings and Peace be with all of you!

Rob Niesel, Outgoing Chairman of the MLT

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