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November 23rd 2009

St. Paul Folk –

I am looking forward to being with you this Thanksgiving week.  It is a different feeling since our Hartner tradition has been to go to Kansas City every Thanksgiving.    This year, with Mom and Dad both with the saints triumphant, the extended family heads down here.    It will be fun!

So much for which to give thanks.  How about you?   The St. Paul helps us:  “Give thanks in all circumstances; for is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  (I Thess. 5:18)  One of the most vivid illustrations of that comes from the life of German pastor, Martin Rinkart.  In the midst of the Thirty Years War, in 1636, he was said to have buried 5,000 of his parishioners in one year.  His parish was ravaged by war, death and economic disaster.  In the heart of that darkness, he wrote this table grace for his children:
“Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices;
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom this world rejoices.
Who from our mother’s arms,
Hath blest us on our way
With countless gifts of love
And still is ours today.”

There is someone who knew “in all circumstances, give thanks.”  Let’s join him this Thursday… and everyday.

I look forward to seeing you Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve, 7:30 p.m. for worship.   Come you thankful people come!

Pastor Tim

November 6th 2009

You may or may not be aware we have a new President in our Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.   Rev. Greg Walton was elected this summer to succeed Rev. Gerhard Michael.  Greg is “one of the good guys” in the clergy ranks.   I think he will serve us well in his new calling.  Pray for him.
He recently sent a letter to all the congregations of our District regarding the present, pressing economic times that are effecting every congregation in our church.  Here is what he said, in part:  “We in the District office recognize the struggles congregations are going through, and in fact we are experiencing as well.  These can be discouraging times, or they can be times of opportunity.  God, who could take a little oil and flour and make it last, (this Sunday’s OT text from I Kings 17) who could take five small loaves and two fishes and feed 5000, who has done so many other things to prove His power, His compassion and care for us, will also certainly take care of His church.  But He asks us to be faithful so that He can display His power.”
God asks us to be faithful so He can display His power.   Let me invite you to heed that invitation to faithfulness with your financial support of your congregation.    That is such an important part of our life together…  for every one of us.    In the next couple months you will have opportunity to demonstrate that faithfulness.    Here is how…

It is a great time to be part of St. Paul Lutheran Church.   God asks us to be faithful so that He can display His power.  
Knowing He will do that through us, I remain,

Faithfully yours,   
Pastor Tim Hartner

October 15th 2009

This past Sunday, 26 young people received their First Communion.  That is always a great day in the life of a congregation.   Those youth always hear me say, “Remember, Sunday morning is simply not about going to church.  That is a very fine thing to do on a Sunday, but so much more is happening.  On Sunday morning, you are coming into the presence of your Living Lord Jesus who speaks to you in His Word and comes to you in Holy Communion.”   They get it and are thankful for it.

As we move into these fall days, filled with joys and activities that keep God’s goodness moving, be sure to include your time to be in the presence of your Living Lord.   This coming Sunday, Oct. 18th  is St. Luke, Physician, day.  We will be honoring all those in our congregation and community  who work in the medical arts and are part of God’s healing team.    Our lessons will be read by some physicians from Cleveland Clinic.  We will offer anointing of oil to all worshippers as well.  There is powerful blessing and healing in being anointed with Christ’s cross as we hear the words: “Receive this oil as a sign of forgiveness and healing in Jesus Christ.”

One of the 10 year old children last week came to First Communion Saturday and Sunday on her own initiative, without parents.   I told her she was one of my “heroes.”   She looked at me and said, “I would not miss it.  I love my church and love being in church.”  After my melted heart recovered, I understood why Jesus said, “To such as these belongs the kingdom of God.”    Let her be your hero/heroine too!

September 28th 2009

Friends –

Why not “make a day of it” this coming Sunday?  

Our morning worship will center on the Old Testament lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, God’s great design for marriage “from the beginning.”     Marriage touches the lives of all of us, whether we are married, one day hope to be married, look back on marriages that once were, are contentedly single… you name it.  Come be encouraged in your marriage or be strengthened to be an encourager to others in theirs. 

Adult Bible Class begins at 10 a.m.  (to give you time to enjoy St. Paul’s Coffee Grounds!)  Paul Schweinler and I begin our series: “Living with Courage in a Dis-couraged World.”   I know you will find it timely and helpful.

Finally, at 5 p.m. we carry on the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4 is “his day” on the Christian calendar)  Bring your pet for a Blessing of the Animals.   Fun… community… family pet picture… even a raffle for certificates to Pet Supply Plus!    

It will be a great day at St. Paul.   See you there. 

September 23rd 2009

Dear Friends – With October just around the corner (can you believe it?) do keep eyes and ears open for all that is happening at St. Paul.   And – keep thinking “fishnet” – inviting, encouraging, welcoming in the name of our welcoming Lord.

I wanted to do some inviting and encouraging you, especially those of you not used to attending a Sunday morning Bible study.  Beginning Sunday, Oct. 4, 9:45 a.m., Paul Schweinler and I will be leading a new class:  “Living with Courage in a Dis-Couraged World.”  Sound like something you and someone you know could use?   It does to me!

In that first class, Paul and I are going to give you a chance to let us know what is “dis-couraging” for you.  Based on your feedback, we will design the weekly class content.   The very things you are dealing with will be addressed week in, week out.   God speaks to us through His word in the community of believers.  There is our courage and hope!

Here is hoping we see you!

Pastor Tim

September 8th 2009

“Fishnet.”   There is a term you will be hearing with some regularity around St. Paul.   “Fishnet” refers to Jesus’ words that we are to be “fishers” of other people… searching, seeking, embracing, welcoming, including, gracing others with the same fervor as our Savior who has sought and welcomed us.   All we do at St.Paul is to have a “fishnet” element to it… reaching out for the sake of those who do not yet belong. As you hear about activities and ministries happening at your home church, be thinking how you can make them fishnet activities for the people you know, people for whom St. Paul might become their church home too!

One event that is around the corner is our Blessing of the Animals day.  Sunday, Oct. 4th, on the Christian calendar, is St. Francis day.   Francis, who lived almost 1000 years ago, was a great lover of animals.   At 5p.m. we will gather at church (outside in the grass) to bless your animals and pets.  There are a number of plans to make this event special and different from some of our animal blessings in the past.  You won’t want to miss it.  And you will want to invite your neighbors and friends to participate.   Make it a “fishnet” event for your neighborhood.

We are needing somepeople with a heart for this kind of event to step forward and participate in a task team to organize and finalize plans for the day.  How about you?   Let me know – soon! – if you can help.

Lastly, keep in your prayers our newly installed Governing Board.   Those people are Ottomar Krueger, Todd Bohrer, Colleen McDoom, Stan Roux, David Kuhlman and Beverly Walker.  They will be a vital part of helping all of us keep thinking “fishnet” as we strengthen and nurture the families of our diverse community through God’s love in Christ.

Keep fishing.  Joy and blessings,   Pastor Tim

August 20th 2009

St. Paul Family –

“For us to move forward, perhaps we need to go back.”I like that thought, especially this week before Rally Day – Sunday, August 23 - the beginning of a new year of Christian Education ministries.us to move forward, we need to go back – to St. Paul.Those words are filled with so much truth for you as an individual and your family. forward – becoming more Christ like in all we say and do – that is your calling and mine.I know there is plenty of room for that forward moving in my life.How about you?“Going back” is just what is needed for that forward push.Been away from God’s Word and Table for awhile?Did summer find you here and there and you have just not gotten back in the flow of Sunday gathering with God’s people?This is a perfect Sunday to “go back… come back… come home.”Remember: Our new Sunday School year kicks off during Christian Ed hour, 9:45-10:45 a.m. Also, during both services, 8:30 and 11, we will Bless the Backpacks.Kids: Bring your backpacks!You will be a special part of our Sunday service.Tell your neighbor friends and families to join you too!See you Sunday.

June 2nd 2009

Fellow Visioners,

This Saturday is it.  Our long anticipated Vision Day.  Again the details:  Saturday, June 6th.  8:30 a.m. Refreshments.   9-Noon, Vision process.  The facilitator for our event is David Weidner, Florida-Georgia District exec for Congregational Services.

Let me lift up these words as we prepare to gather:
“Surely you know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

I have had to catch myself lately.  I keep referring to this day as the time for us to sharpen our vision for St. Paul.   On one level, some of that will be going on.   But that is only secondary.   Vision Day is about God’s vision for St. Paul.    We are asking the primary question, “What is God’s preferred future for our congregation?”   That will take prayer, listening to God’s word and hearing His heart for unreached people.  It really is not about us.  Our mission is not about us, our expectations and our preferences.   God says through Jeremiah, “I have plans for you….”    Getting ourselves in line with His plans, expectations and preferences promises a future filled with hope and well being.

What a glorious promise for your congregation.   A future filled with hope.  I cannot think of anything that can make us more positive as we move into our next chapters together. 

There is room for you on Saturday.   See you here!

Pastor Tim

May 19th 2009

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE!

That is part of the reason your presence and participation on June 6th, Vision Day is so critical.   Have you marked your calendar yet?  8:30-noon!

That day will be led by David Weidner, Director of Congregational Services for the Florida-Georgia District of the LCMS.   David is a skilled facilitator.  We will come out of that morning with a sharpened focus on God’s preferred future for St. Paul.   There is so much we can celebrate about our congregation.  Yet what a perfect time to take the next steps and answer the question: What significant thing is God calling us to accomplish for Him?  And how can we best prioritize our ministry to reach out so others will be attracted as disciples of Jesus Christ? 

That is worth some hours of your time!

June 6 is about how we can accomplish all that with urgency, focus and intentionality.

This is your chance!

May 11th 2009

Oops!

Yes, we are learning as we go.  If you have not heard so by now, our scheduled, Saturday, the 16th  “head out to the highways and byways, parking lots and public spaces” has been somewhat “revised.”  Actually, we were meeting some resistance from store managers about people out in front, asking survey questions, as innocuous (to us) as those questions were.   We also realized, perhaps we should not be encouraging people to stop and talk to “strangers” in parking lots.  Anyway, here is Plan B.  

EVERYONE must ask five people our three survey questions.  They are : 

  1. Have you heard of St. Paul Lutheran Church?  If so, what three words would you use to describe the church?
  2. What needs in your community are not being met?
  3. If you were looking for a church home, what characteristics or qualities would you look for?

Ask the neighbors, work associates, folks gathered at the community pool or soccer field.  You name it.  All of this is data your Visioning Team will sift through and present on our Vision Day, Saturday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m. – Noon.  On that day, we will leave with a clear/clearer picture of God’s preferred future for St. Paul Lutheran Church. 

Five interviews by Saturday.   That is doable for each and every one of us!   Bring your filled out questionnaires on Sunday, May 17th.  (or send them in)   Saturday, June 6th, Vision Day. 

Thanks in advance for caring and participating. 

Pastor Tim. 

May 4th 2009

People often tell me, “Let me know what I can do to help.”  Here is an opportunity to help. 

On Saturday, May 16th, our vision process takes the intentional step of surveying our community.  We need bodies!  We need you!!  Fresh off my own experience of being accosted by Jehovah Witnesses this past Saturday, let me assure you what you are NOT being asked to do. 

You are not being asked to go door to door.    This is not witness weekend or inviting people to St. Paul.  This IS a time to listen to what others are thinking/saying about St. Paul, our community, needs of our community and what people might be looking for – if they were looking – in a church home.  It really is not all that daunting of a task.

However… want to know something?  This is hugely “out of my comfort zone.”  This is not the typical way I spend a Saturday morning, especially the day before Confirmation Sunday. Yikes!  But transforming anything requires doing some out of comfort zone things, doesn’t it?   Otherwise, everything is and stays “status quo.”  Status quo just won’t do it when our Good Shepherd Lord urges us onward and outward because “I have other sheep that are not of this fold.  I must bring them also and they will listen to my voice.”   (John 10:16)  That is our ultimate objective, and what happens on the 16th is one small step in that direction.

Want to know something else?   As you venture forth to a Publix parking lot or next door park, there will be people here at church praying for you and those you listen to.   I find that hugely comforting.   There is the comfort we need when venturing forth out of our comfort zone.

What can you do to help?  Hmmm, let me see.  How about signing up for Saturday, May 16th!

April 27th 2009

Last Thursday, April 23, I gathered with five other Lutheran pastors for our monthly clergy cluster.   These pastors all serve congregations that are part of the Transforming Congregations Network process.   They are:  Ed Nicklas, Our Savior; Darrell Stuehrenberg, Gloria Dei; Dan Czaplewski, Shepherd of the Coast; Tom Hackett, Trinity.  Rev. Scott Gress, Trinity, Delray, serves as our facilitator.

This group is meant to be a learning community for us pastors.  Since all of us are new to this process, we learn with and from one another.   A typical meeting includes some personal “check in” time... book review debriefing (we read a book in preparation for each meeting – this month’s was Visioneering by Rev. Andy Stanley)… case study presentation… a Scriptural learning activity… closing with praying for one another.  All TCN groups nationwide are using the same manual, so the “ripple effect” of this learning will be experienced throughout the church.

Part of our covenant with each other is to set this day aside, without interruption or other commitments.  It is a challenge to get a group of clergy to keep their cell phones off!  The book discussions are used to bring the same reading list back to our respective congregations to use with each Governing Board.  One of the chief duties of the soon to be formed Governing Board for St. Paul is to be a learning community in our midst… learning how to help us stay outward focused. 

Tomorrow, I head up for my first one on one coaching session with our congregational consultant, Rev. Rick Armstrong.  Since Rick lives in Orlando, we will rendezvous in Ft. Pierce.  I will share more with you next week on some outcomes from that session. 

Please keep me in your prayers, as you are in mine. 

Easter joy and blessings.

Pastor Tim

April 20th 2009

I forget where I first encountered this thought, but it has stuck with me ever since.  “Let us marinate all we do in prayer.”  To me that is about surrounding, immersing and insuring all we do – start to finish – grows from God’s people in prayer.   That is because prayer is not only about lifting to God our needs and petitions but prayer is also designed to get us “in the flow” of what God is already up to in the world.  God is in the world loving, gracing and forgiving it.   Prayer helps us become part of God’s mighty movement of spreading that love, grace and forgiveness in His one and only Son.

As our visioning process builds to Visioning Day, Saturday, June 6, please keep these petitions on heart and mind… and in your prayers.

There is no better “prayer invitation” in the Scripture than the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Let’s heed that invitation together.  Carve out some time for stillness… and prayer. 

Pastor Tim

April 14th 2009

Christ is risen.  He is risen, indeed.  Alleluia!

Those words were ringing out here at St. Paul this Easter weekend.   That Sunday is always so special.   I, for one, give thanks for those folks you tend not to see much the rest of the year.  Obviously, pastor’s hope their worship habits will change and become more regular!   Yet, they are here.  “Something” is still “there” responding to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to attend.  It is never the time for wise-cracking about the roof coming down.   For all of us more regular attendees, seeing some “Christmas and Easter folk” can be a time for welcoming family members back into the fold. 

I was heartened to see some people take it upon themselves to be out front welcoming people on Sunday – before the service.   Perhaps there is a reluctance to do that because you are sure you will introduce yourself to some charter member… be embarrassed… and swear you will never do that again!    Yet why not welcome and greet someone you do not know?  “Hello, my name is ______.  I do not think I know you.”   That can open a door for a first time guest or a life-long Lutheran.   Welcoming.   Warm.   Winsome.  Those are words that need to describe each and every one of us… not only Sunday morning, but throughout our lives.

But that is one of the things Easter means.   There is no more welcoming and winsome message than “Risen, indeed.”   The Easter light and life shines through you.    As our pre-schoolers sing, “Don’t you try to blow it out!”

As we more intentionally take that light out into the world and as the world arrives at our church doorstep, keep the Easter light shining.    Keep the Easter welcome going.

Blessings as you do that.  

Pastor Tim.

April 6th 2009

Last week I made reference to our Transforming Congregation Network “Vision Team.”  That group is already under way.  The people serving are Sam and Neysa Bays, Susie Obermeyer, Colleen McDoom, Stan Roux, Joe Crockett, Shawn Maas, Hutch Hutchinson, Susie Wright and myself.  Their main task is to prepare our congregation for the Visioning Event, Saturday, June 6 from 8:30a.m. – Noon.  David Weidner, Florida-Georgia District Exec for Congregational Services will be our facilitator for that day.

However, we have much to do before that!   The primary task is gathering data about how our community views St. Paul and the needs around us.  This happens primarily with interviews conducted… BY YOU!   There are interview question sheets available in the office and back of church.  This is the man/woman on the street questionnaire.  Basically you are asking people for one minute of their time to ask them three questions.  Have fun with it!
The second set of interviews will take place with area mayors, commissioners, school principals, etc.   These will also need volunteers like you to conduct them.  Be alert for more information and say “Yes” when people are needed to go forth.

All this data (and we hope there will be 100’s of these returned) will be sorted through by your Vision Team.  They will then draw some conclusions that will be shared on June 6th   Those conclusions will serve as discussion starters as we work through our Visioning Event.

We will also be forming some prayer teams to “marinate” this whole process in our intercessions for God’s help and guiding.  This will give new meaning to the Prayer of the Church, reminding us that is not simply something we do on Sunday morning after the Apostle’s Creed.  God’s people in prayer for their church… that in itself will be a great blessing for your congregation.

And… don’t forget… this is Holy Week.  “Were You There?” the old spiritual hymn asks.  Holy Week services allow you to answer, “Yes.”  See you at the Upper Room, the hill outside Jerusalem and the empty tomb. 

Pastor Tim

March 30th 2009

Dear St. Paul Family –

On Sunday, March 29, we approved our congregation’s involvement in the TCN (Transforming Congregations Network) process.  Please do this now… PRAY for your congregation and this process.  PRAY for your pastor and staff.   PRAY for your leaders, those serving and those who will emerge in future.  Anything that can help us, individually and collectively, reflect our Savior’s heart reaching out for the world is a good thing. 

Our vote (87 to 26) means we now begin implementing the five prescriptions from our consulting team.  All this has one goal:  To help us be more intentional and effective reaching out to make disciples for our Lord.  In order to keep you informed and aware of what this process means for us, I plan on communicating with you each week to share one aspect of  how TCN is unfolding in our midst. 

One question I hear most often is, “What now?”  Good question!  I can tell you we are hitting the ground running.  One of our prescriptions is to engage in a visioning process “in order to develop an outward focused vision statement.”  A team is being formed to lead us in that process.   This vision process is step one, and we will emerge from it with a clearer, sharper understanding of our unique mission in our unique setting.  We will need prayer teams.  We will need teams to interview key people in our community.   We will need people to participate in a visioning day early in June.  Much is going to be unfolding these next weeks.  Say YES.   Better yet, don’t wait to be asked.

TCN is no magic wand.   Any process is only as good and effective as the people involved.  That is you.  That is me.  Let’s make this be all it can – together.  It is a great time to be God’s people at St. Paul. 

Reaching out with you, 

Pastor Tim