Dear brothers and sisters in Christ –
It is the time of year for graduations. Keynote speakers are lining up at college graduations, while preschoolers are practicing lining up for their graduations. Valedictorians are practicing their words of wit, while seminary students are thrilled to hear the words, “You graduated,” or even better yet, “You have been called to serve…”
It will not be until 2019 that I will graduate. Many of you know I began working on my Doctorate of Ministry in 2013. I have completed 30 credit hours to date, and I have 15 more to complete prior to graduation, plus this little thing called a dissertation. So yes, I have more work ahead of me.
But that is the point. I am still studying the Bible.
I am still preparing for a life living as a Christian, for a life living as your shepherd.
I will be taking a course this summer and another in the fall.
This summer, I have been invited to take a class in Israel. It will be a study of the geography, history, and culture of the lands and peoples describes in the Scriptures, for the purpose of developing insights and effective teaching models. We will spend two days in St. Louis, then two weeks in Israel. I will be gone from August 8-25. Through special donations and scholarships, the travel expenses have been completely covered for this trip. Praise be to the Lord. I never would have dreamed I would be making such a trip this year. During the Fall, several of the Sunday morning Bible studies will be based upon this journey.
This fall, I will take an independent study course looking at Biblical hospitality and applying hospitality techniques and practices from Walt Disney World. In the course, I will develop a presentation that will be given at the Fall LWML Zone Rally and other pastoral conferences.
Both of these classes are unique opportunities.
Are you taking advantage of the unique opportunities you have to learn about scripture?
Are you involved in a small group study?
Are you attending either the men’s or women’s Bible studies?
Are you digging deeper with Theology 101?
Yes, it is summertime, and all of our routines take a temporary hiatus. Do not let your worship life take a hiatus, and prepare to get involved with one new learning opportunity this fall.
In Christ,
Pastor Hartwig