September 2012 - St. Paul Lutheran Church - Anamosa, Iowa

Page 2 St. Paul Lutheran Church │ 201 N. Ford St. Anamosa, IA 52205 │ (319) 462-4841 │ stpaulanamosa@gmail.com
Pastor’s Message
Pastor Katie Lowe Lancaster
Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This is the time of year when the ending days of summer intertwine with the beginning days of
fall. This year however the seasons appear to be confused as fields have turned brown long
before their time and the temperatures seem to dip down more than the typical expectations
of hot August nights. History will record the summer of 2012 as a summer of drought. As we
look back somehow all of us have been touched by the lack rain and the longing for the
renewal of the fields of grains and grasses. Interesting that only a few years ago our headline in
the news focused the floods and the abundance of the rains and the every lasting witness to
the power of racing water. I visited a member of our congregation in recent weeks and he
shared with me the challenges of farming in the 1930’s. The nation was in crisis and the fields
went dry. He said that they had planted seed in ground in April only to never see a drop of rain
until July 4. On that day the seed germinated and sprouted all in one big surge only it was too
late and the harvests were lost. I asked him how he survived those difficult times. He said ever
so calmly and with a smile, it’s all part of the journey and you don’t get to know how it all is
going to turn out until you have the chance to look back.
I am mindful that we have an opportunity to name the possible feelings of anxiety as we face a whole host of challenges that
are different for each family. Maybe it is the challenge of a new job or seeking to find employment, maybe it is a serious health
concern, maybe it is going back to school and wondering about classes, sports and friendships, maybe there is tension in your
home or work or maybe it is wondering about the unknown, and that wonder instead of exciting you, keeps you awake at
night.
I find great comfort in several passages that I want to share with you about surrendering our anxiety, surrendering our fear of
change as well as the unknown while embracing God’s profound love.
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your
consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to every person. The Lord is at hand. 6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
These passages were written to give peace to the listener in those days but just as importantly to give peace to the listeners
today; you and me.
It is a huge request to say, “Do not be anxious about anything…” but the statement does not stand alone it is attached to the
message of hope – “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”
and the then closes with the promise… “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
minds in Christ Jesus.”
The passage of hope was written by Paul who was in prison at the time…and he says there is peace that goes beyond our
understanding but we are confident that this profound peace comes from the love of God. Well PRAISE GOD – we are not
alone and the Lord God is with you and me all our days!
Each of us experience joy, encouragement, anxiety, change, fear, or challenges that seem overwhelming. But we believe that
God is good indeed! Together may we all take in a huge sigh and give our thanks to the One who created us, loves us and
forgives us all beyond our understanding!
Peace,
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 201 N. FORD ST. ANAMOSA, IA 52205 (319)462-4841
PASTOR BILL’S EMAIL: pastorbill.nielsen@gmail.com PASTOR KATIE’S EMAIL: k.lowelancaster@gmail.com