June 2022
June is here and it’s the start of summer, vacations, and the day when we celebrate our fathers. As much as we love our fathers, their special day isn’t quite as exciting as Mother’s Day was. Do they get flowers and breakfast in bed? Not usually. If school is still in session, they might get handmade cards and gifts. And we might enlist them to grill burgers and brats instead of taking them out for dinner. After all, it is summer, too!
Fathers still appreciate the love and attention they get on Father’s Day. They are thankful for their new ties, sports jerseys and –if the budget allows–shiny, new power tools. Giving our fathers gifts shows them that we remember that they are a gift to us from God, our heavenly Father.
Christian fathers know that the Lord has given them privilege and responsibility to care for their families. They know that they should love and guide their children following God’s Word. The letter to the Hebrews gives this example. “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them for it” (Hebrews 12:7-9). And St. Paul admonishes the Ephesian men: “Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). By daily searching the Scriptures and praying for guidance, fathers can faithfully carry out their duties to their children.
But what about the children? God has advice for them, too. Indeed, it is a command and the first one with a promise. Moses recorded it in his second book:
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” ( Exodus 20:12). The book of Proverbs reminds children to listen to their fathers (23:22) and thereby bring them joy (10:1). Our Heavenly Father is also pleased when we honor and obey our fathers. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord“ (Colossians 3:20). May we also read our Bibles and ask the Lord to help us honor our fathers and mothers.
Thank the Lord for the gift of faithful earthly fathers. Ask the Lord to bless and keep us in his family. Finally, praise the Lord for being our gracious Heavenly Father.
Our Father, by whose name all fatherhood is known,
In love divine you claim each family as your own.
Bless mothers, fathers, guarding well, with constant love as sentinel,
The homes in which your people dwell.CW 501
London Missionaries
We thank God that a seminary graduate, Conifer Berg, has been assigned as the second missionary to London. Pastor Hartmann plans to move with his family on July 15. Pastor Berg and his wife should arrive shortly after the Hartmanns.
Hartwig furlough
Pastor and Mrs. Hartwig will be in the States during July and August. Pastor Robert Weiss will fill in and conduct services on the Continent as usual during those months.
Our Offerings in May
€180.00, £125.00, $30.00, and CHF250.00 were received in basket offerings. €1,857.20 were received as direct deposits.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:7,8
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