Elim Lutheran Church
Office:  504 Baker Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-762-4081
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Devotion From Pastor Kathryn: January 14, 2021

1/14/2021

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​These are challenging times for us, to be sure. With the events at our capitol on Epiphany, the surge in COVID cases and deaths, and add to that – being a congregation in transition, these are challenging times.  In addition to all of that, of course, is the fact that we cannot gather in person.

I was speaking with a pastor the other day, and she said to me, “Kathryn, we’re grieving. We’re all grieving a lot of things right now.”

It can be so tempting to sink into pessimism, to allow the events of our world to zap us of JOY – or worse, HOPE. We can also find ourselves complaining about things we have no control over. It takes strength to be patient, to give people the benefit of the doubt, and to forgive when necessary.   

We are in need of a shot of courage. We are in need of being infused with hope, joy and faith. We are in need of witnessing a Holy Baptism!

And so, with great joy, I tell you that sweet, little Juni will splash through the waters of Holy Baptism this Sunday! We’ll see our own Paul and Lauren bringing their beautiful daughter to the font. We will celebrate with them, and be reminded that we, too, are beloved sons and daughters of God! As we view this Baptism, it will give us the shot of hope and joy that we are yearning for!!

In the service, we will say these words along with her parents and sponsor:
We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.
Juni will remind us WHOSE we are on Sunday morning. She’ll remind us of our mission together – giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.

ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! 
See you at the font,
Pastor Kathryn
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    Pastor Kathryn Gulbranson

    Interim Pastor

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