Twenty-Five years ago, I wrote my first newsletter for the Voice of Faith.  It came out after my installation as Senior Pastor on May 20, 2001.  Here is that newsletter article:

SPRING FLOWERS

“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing Him.”   Luke 24:13-16

One of the last things that I needed to do before leaving Michigan to come to Florida was go through my
e-mail files.   I saved some and others got tossed. This one came to me back in February from my uncle who lives in Kansas City, MO.   I think the author is Max Lucado. I am sure I had read it before. I think you will enjoy it.  Consider this and the rest of the article as a bunch of spring flowers to you from God.

• If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it
• If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it
• He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning
• He could live anywhere in the universe, but He chose your heart
• And what about the Christmas gift He gave you in Bethlehem?
• Not to mention that Friday on Calvary
• And do not forget that Surprise He did for you on Easter Sunday morning
• All for You!

I would love to add to this list.  God takes such personal care and delight in each of us that He comes to us each Sunday through the Word that is read and preached and the Sacraments that are celebrated. He wants you to hear His voice and know His presence.  

So, when you look at the pictures of your friends and family, when you see the flowers that remind you of God’s love, never forget the love of God, the gift of God from Bethlehem through Easter. Experience it here at Faith Lutheran Church with your family and friends.

May the Lord watch over us and keep us always in His loving arms.  

This may be 25 years old, but it still expresses the joy of parish ministry that my family and I have experienced here at Faith Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida.   Lots of changes but still a God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Pastor Don Treglown