Help in times of trouble.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) As we look toward the coming Back To Church Sunday, this year’s theme is “Life is Better Together.” The image of the vine with its branches comes to mind. And with that, we consider what it means in our lives … When Jesus explained that He is the vine, he let us know that we should always stay connected to Him. The reason? That’s where we receive all that we need for true life. And the next part is also true – something we tend to ignore – our task as branches. First, we are connected to Christ. Then we are connected to each other. Next, we are to be reaching out – connecting – with those around us. In this way, we can draw others into a relationship with Jesus, grafting them into the vine. Is there someone you have met that could use a little more Jesus in their lives? Then invite them – and more than that – welcome them to join in a Life Group. Or simply develop the relationship over a meal. Do not be afraid to share Jesus! However you begin, be “Connected and Connecting” as you go through this season. And remember… Life is Better Together! May you continue in making disciples in Christ, Pastor Jim Rev. James Kirschenmann, MDiv MBA Zion Lutheran Church - Vassar

Pastor Jim Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

Disciples, great commission, story, preaching

Planted in God

After reading the title above for the MAY newsletter, some of you are probably thinking that Pastor is more than one egg short of a complete basket! After all, Easter was in April, right?! Then again, some of you (who were at the Easter Sunday service) are beginning to realize that Easter is continuing and is certainly MORE than just one day of the year. And that is really the point of this month’s newsletter – EASTER is, indeed, still part of our daily lives. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ that we celebrate is more than can be contained in a single morning – it is all year long, every year. We can see it if we look for it. And we can embody it if we truly believe it. Among the congregational activities this month, you will have many opportunities to fulfill your own expression of your resurrected life in Christ, and you are encouraged to share that with others. Are you allowing your life to interrupted by God? Remember that we heard Dietrich Bonhoeffer write, “God will be constantly crossing our paths and canceling our plans by sending us people with claims and petitions.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together [San Francisco: Harper, 1954], 99). St. Peter says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). So, are you giving everyone a reason to ask? Consider how you might go about doing that in your daily life, and then share the things that have worked for you with your fellow members, so we can all learn new ways to continue to show that Easter [still] Matters in our daily lives. Blessings in the Risen Christ, Pastor Jim Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

The coming of Spring brings a sense of "newness" and this is evident in our Faith lives, as well... AS we travel our Lenten Journey toward the cross and then Easter, we are called to repent and receive a New Life - in Christ Jesus.

As we embark on this year’s Lenten Season, it is time, once again, to hear and obey the call that God places on our hearts... While February seems to be all about Love, Lent is a time to reflect on how we are acting in response to God’s love. On Ash Wednesday we will here God speak through the prophet Joel: “ … and rend your hearts … Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love…” Joel 2:13 (ESV) So, what does it mean to “rend” our hearts? Those experiencing a heavy loss or extreme grief in the Old Testament would “rend” their garments – tear them apart, usually at the center of the chest – revealing their heart. To “rend” your heart, then, is to expose the inner most part of your being – to open up – and thus allow God to do His work in your life. This is how we are to RETURN to the LORD – with a heart open to receive his steadfast love. Psalm 51:7 (ESV ) states it this way… “ The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” During this period of Lent in March, bring your broken and contrite heart. RETURN to the LORD, and receive the blessings of His grace and mercy, share in His abounding and steadfast love, those gifts given in the sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ, to atone for your sins. Let the Cross of Christ “mend the rend” of your heart! And be blessed to share such blessings with others. Pastor Jim Pastor Jim Kirschenmann

February, with Valentine’s Day, brings to mind the concept of “Love.” What do you love?