“And the Word became flesh and lived among us.” John 1:14

One of our newest members at Burke is little Danni Queiser. Danni is three years old. She and her family came to us from another Lutheran congregation. Her parents, Dave and Terri, assure me that they talk about God regularly at home and say prayers together. Yet recently, while Danni and her dad were attending Sunday School together, Danni suddenly piped up and in a loud voice said, “Who IS this God, anyway?!?” A very good question, Danni. We look forward to teaching you!

One of our older members at Burke is Cliff Syverud. Recently I was talking to Cliff and he asked me, “When are we gonna get that new church built?!?” I said, “I don’t know Cliff.” He said, “I hope it’s in my lifetime.” I said, “I hope so, too.” He said, “Well, if I die before it happens, when I get to Heaven I’m going to stop at an ATM, withdraw all the money you need, and send it to you!” We don’t want you to go, Cliff, but when you do, we’ll be looking for that heavenly gift!

One of our middle-aged members at Burke is Pam Miller. Pam serves on the Evangelism Board and is one of our dedicated quilters. Recently as Pam left worship she asked me, “Pastor Russ, do you believe in miracles?” And I told her that I do. “Well,” she said, “you know my nephew, the one we’ve been praying for who has leukemia and hasn’t been doing well? Well, this week he went to a doctor’s appointment and found out that the cancer is now in remission. It’s a miracle!” She and I both had a tear in our eye. That’s wonderful news, Pam! We join you and your family in giving thanks to God!

These are just a few stories of the things that are going on in our congregation ALL the time and they’re the kinds of things that make being a part of the church so meaningful. We get to share our laughter and tears, our questions and hopes, our joys and sorrows. It’s what makes God real to us. It’s the Word made flesh. Thank you for being a part of our Burke family. It’s a pleasure to be your pastor.

Peace,

Pastor Russ