Yet another year has passed, and we have experienced the love of the Living God for us day-by-day. I am always fascinated by the constant, never-failing graciousness of our God. Granted, there have been wars, rumors of wars, pain and anxiety. Nevertheless, God's infinite patience with us and compassion for us continues to make life not only worth living but also a joy to live.

Much has transpired this year for which we can be thankful and in which we can rejoice. We have experienced the miracle of healing in the life of Karen Shaffer. We have bonded together to work for her continued health through prayer, support and the giving of gifts.

We have grown in our ministry of worship and music by learning new ways to celebrate our God. Our Choir, our music director, Nancy, our Choir leader and Chimes director, Brenda, have enriched our worship life with rich new music for the faith. Our hymn picker, Brenda, has given us an opportunity to grow and be enriched by new and renewed hymnody. Our assisting ministers have added richness to our worship, not only by their participation but also in their leadership of worship throughout the year.

Because of the tireless work of a committee and dedicated teachers and helpers, we now have a new Sunday Church School Program that excites our young people. Thanks to the hard work of our youth advisors, we have two very active youth groups, and we are in the process of forming yet a third group. Katey, our DYD student, is working diligently at the DYD program and has taken leadership in our congregation through various ministries in worship, education, evangelism and WELCA. Dave, our Catechist, continues to teach with dedication and expertise. And who can forget our youth? They have taken on many ministries in our congregation and community. They are a rich resource that is just beginning to be tapped.

The lists could go on and on, but I think you can get the point. We have an incredibly exciting congregation that can only get richer in the Spirit over the years. My fervent prayer is: Though this year is passing away quickly, we will still take the time to give thanks for who, what and whose we are. I hope we will also pray that God will grant us the courage to continue to grow in and through the Holy Spirit so that 2004 may be a year dedicated to serving the Living God "faithfully" at Faith Lutheran Church.

In renewed hope,

Pastor Ken