Hi Everyone -

I have some really, really good news.  Really .    I have already heard some great things about our new Synodical President, Rev. Matthew Harrison.  It sounds as if he is more than ready to hit the ground running.  His first official day in office is Wednesday, 01 September 2010, however, his Installation will not be until Saturday, 11 September 2010.   And I personally cannot wait!

You might recall that we - Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt, MO - were one of the congregations that nominated Rev. Harrison last October!   I was both excited and proud the day that I sent in the paperwork to the Synodical Headquarters, and here we are getting ready for an extremely qualified Called Servant of the Word to start leading our beloved Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod after nine rather "challenging" years under Gerald Kieschnick.   And I only used the world "challenging" because I am trying to be nice. Anywho....our Synod now has a much brighter future!

Now, to some thoughts.   There are a few anniversaries coming up.   Two that I am not looking forward to, but two that I am extremely excited about.....first, the not-so-positive anniversaries.    Sunday, 29 August 2010 marks the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.   Not something I am fond of remembering, especially since I am a bonafide survivor.   But, nonetheless, the 5th anniversary is among us, and with it comes many not-so-great memories and recollections.   However, surviving Katrina did have one wonderful benefit, and I will get to that in a moment.     The other not-so-wonderful anniversary coming up is on Tuesday, 31 August 2010, which is also the 3rd anniversary of yours truly surviving Hurricane Gustav.    One major hurricane was more than enough, but our gracious God decided to give me a second dose.    In some ways Hurricane Gustav had a much more negative impact on me than I care to admit....but that is a story for another day.

Now, for the positive anniversaries.  First, today, Thursday, 26 August 2010 marks the 9th anniversary of my Ordination into the Office of the Holy Ministry!  Where has the time gone?!?!?   Nine years and three congregations later I am still enjoying the vocation that our gracious God Called me into.   And, as I eluded to with my thoughts about Hurricane Katrina, there was one benefit to me surviving Katrina that I am extremely grateful for....and that is this: I am 100% convinced that had Hurricane Katrina  not  rolled through New Orleans & southern Louisiana, I would not be serving as your Pastor today.   Katrina set in motion certain things that allowed me to end up on you Call List.   And for that I am extrememly grateful.    Our 2nd anniversary is coming up in October, and I can hardly believe that it has been two years.   I am still both humbled to be serving as Trinity's 12th Pastor, but I am also proud to hold that position at the same time.

Well, before I ramble on.....and many of you know I do enough of that on Sundays .....I better sign off.

Take care and God's Blessings.

Your Humble Shepherd,

Pastor B