We are in between sermon series. This past Sunday and the next, we’re back to Series A of the 3-year Lectionary, which mostly walks us through the Gospel of Matthew during the summer and fall. If you missed the sermon or would like to share it, you can read it here or listen to it here.
You may have noticed that Vicar Matthew was not present at the Sunday worship services. Normally, he assists the pastors in worship; however, this past Sunday he preached at St. John’s in Wilcox. Like many congregations in our synod, Wilcox has had a pastoral vacancy for a few years. As they search for their next pastor, Pastor Kenton Birtell of Mount Calvary in Holdredge has been serving as their vacancy pastor. This role is not for the faint of heart! Pastor Birtell leads the early service at Holdredge, then drives to Wilcox to preach, and then returns to Holdredge for the late service.
As a congregation, we want to look out beyond our church to see the needs of other congregations. One of the ways we plan to do this is by having Vicar Matthew preach in Wilcox every fourth Sunday. This will give Pastor Birtell a much-needed break from going back and forth on Sundays. It will also give Vicar Matthew experience in a rural congregation, thus giving him a variety of experiences in a vicarage.
So, if you ever wonder, “Where’s the Vicar?” it’s likely he’s preaching in Wilcox. And don’t worry, he’ll be preaching here at Holy Cross. His first sermon will be this coming Sunday, Sept. 6. He is also scheduled to preach at Holy Cross on the first Sunday of each month.
I share these details with you not only so you know where our vicar is on the fourth Sunday of each month, but, most importantly, so that you’re prayerfully aware of the need that vacant congregations have for pastors. We continue to pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more workers into his harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). We continue to support and encourage seminary education. One of my hopes for the future is that Holy Cross will continue to be a place where the Lord raises up and shapes future workers in his church. Would you join me in praying for this?
Almighty and gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You have commanded us to pray that You would send forth laborers into Your harvest. Of Your infinite mercy, give us true teachers and ministers of Your Word who truly fulfill Your command and preach nothing contrary to Your holy Word. Grant that we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened by Your holy Word, may do those things which are well pleasing to You and profitable for our salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
