“Our Church is Alive!”
Pastor Paul Lantz – Missionary Pastor
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior” – Titus 3:4-6
There’s nothing quite like holding a baby to be reminded of the magnificent gift of new life. I was holding the Wessler’s baby boy, trying to give mom a little break, while dad was playing the keyboard leading the crowd from the FLC family that filled the courtyard Sunday afternoon with joyous songs celebrating Christ’s birth. What a scene! Little ones with bells and toy cymbals, teenagers and adults with song sheets in hand, visitors walking on Berkeley Street receiving a friendly greeting, and cars stopping for a cup of hot chocolate. In the midst of all the activity someone comments, “Our church is alive!”
Those are precious words! “Our church is alive!” Those are powerful words! Those are words that should give everyone from First Lutheran of Boston good reason to have hope. And we certainly need hope! We all are confronted daily with our culture that has strayed far from God and His ways for living. Where is the hope for this generation of children? We are foolish if we think it will ultimately come from any one of the political parties. Real hope only appears when the Body of Christ – the Church – fulfills it’s rightful role in society by sharing the saving love of Jesus in various practical and powerful ways.
During 2012, God has provided for our greatest needs through worship, Bible Study and prayers. We have received forgiveness, solid direction for making God pleasing decisions and strength to overcome evil. Have we lived perfectly? Have we reached out to all who are in need? Of course not, but as this year comes to a close I can honestly say as one of your pastors… “Our church is alive!”
There is no other Lutheran church of our denomination in the country that provides a Portuguese worship service. Brazilians who have left their loved ones thousands of miles away have found another loving family in the Back Bay.
A group of Brazilians and Portuguese speakers gather for a retreat in Hanover, MA
Students and young professionals gather for dinner and devotions. Recent topics of study have included family life, leadership and the Gospel of John.
College students surrounded by atheist professors, an immoral campus life, and stress filled studies find an oasis in the heart of Boston. They are strengthened in their faith, make meaningful friends with other Christians, and many find significant ways to serve at FLC.
God has placed our congregation in a tremendous position of influence. He also has brought together a strong core of faithful Christians with a steady stream of passionate new believers. I thank God for the LIFE He has given our church in 2012! And may our heartfelt prayer for 2013 be to provide even more activities like Caroling in the Courtyard that bring the message and example of Jesus Christ to greater Boston and beyond!
