|
Pastor:
Ralph Baumgartner
rabaumgartner001@gmail.com
Pastor’s Message from
the February 2012 Voice of Galilee:
Recently I heard a feature on the radio about droughts. The commentator said that droughts are essentially in the eye of the beholder. If you are adversely affected by the lack of moisture, then you find yourself in a drought, even if your neighbor who does not have a garden and doesn’t care about his grass does not think so.
There are times when we are in a spiritual drought, and this is also a personal matter. A spiritual drought is marked by not feeling that God is present in your life. It is when your spiritual life seems empty or numb. If and when you pray, it may feel that your words go nowhere. At worship, it may feel like you are just going through the motions. God’s love doesn’t feel real or alive.
How do we respond to these dry periods? First, we shouldn’t be surprised if we find ourselves in one. They are a normal occurrence in human existence. Even great spiritual leaders like Martin Luther and Mother Teresa had them. Second, it is helpful to develop spiritual habits such as regular times for prayer, regularly receiving holy communion, daily Bible reading, etc. These practices help us get through the dry times.
And third, it is helpful to review the past. The people of Israel would recall how God freed them from bondage in Egypt and led them through the Red Sea to the Promise Land. Remembering how God has blessed us in the past can be an antidote to those dry spells we all go through from time to time.
Before we know it, we will be on the doorstep of the season of Lent. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year is on February 22nd. If you find yourself in a spiritual drought right now, your journey through the forty days of Lent is a great opportunity to refresh your soul with the water of life through Jesus Christ. Make this a special time for your own spiritual renewal.
See you in church.
Pastor Ralph |
Music & Choir Director:
Jo Ann French
jfrench.galilee@cpinternet.com
Office Administrator:
Maureen Connelly
galileelutheran@isd.net
President of the
Congregation:
Ron Peterson
ronaldpeterson1@comcast.net
2011 Galilee Church Council
Karen Groebner, Steve Groebner, Joan Jarombek, Abraham Watson, Mary Lanoux, Ron Peterson, Paula Brown, Pastor Ralph Baumgartner, Dan Simundson, Carl Nelson
Not Pictured: Lorrie Hayne, Elaine Mundt |
