Dear Friends and Members of Shepherd of the Hills,

It is the New Year and with this, a couple of thoughts from your pastor to add to all the other New Year’s advice you are being inundated with. 

First, celebrate the passage of time. Like we talked about with the in the New Year’s Eve sermon, it is in the passage of time that the Lord works.  Another year has passed with all its joys and tragedies and the Lord was present and at work the whole time.

Second, the Lord gives us the rhythm of days, weeks, months, seasons and years for a reason.  The start of this new rhythm of a year is a reminder that starting fresh is a gift we have because of Jesus’ redemptive work for us.  May you live in the rhythms the Lord has set for us and find satisfaction in work and rest.

Third, if you are going to add a new habit to the new year, may I encourage a regular reading of Luther’s catechism.  It is a wonderful summary of God’s Word.  It is the basic things we should know as Christians.  We are never to old to learn from the catechism.  

I look forward to this year of our Lord 2024 and walking with you all as a congregation.  Blessed New Year to you all. 

In His Love and Service,

Pastor Rust