May 2024 Dear friends in Christ, I hope this letter finds you well. As we move into May, the lectionary has us reflecting on the comforting image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This profound statement reveals the depth of Jesus' love and care for each one of us. The Good Shepherd teaches us valuable lessons about daily living. He demonstrates the importance of selflessness and sacrificial love. Just as a shepherd lays down his life for his sheep, Jesus sacrificed himself for our salvation. In our daily lives, this teaches us to prioritize the needs of others above our own, showing compassion, kindness, and love. This is a key to the good life. The Good Shepherd also teaches us about trust and guidance. Jesus knows his sheep, and his sheep know him. He leads them to safety and provides for their needs. Similarly, in our lives, we can trust Jesus to guide us along the right path, to protect us from harm, and to provide for all our needs. And what spoke loudest to me this time was how the Good Shepherd teaches us about unity and community. Jesus speaks of bringing together his sheep into one flock with one shepherd. In our daily lives, this reminds us of the importance of unity within our families, communities, and the larger creation. We are called to love one another, support one another, and live in harmony, just as the Good Shepherd desires. Let us strive to follow the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in our daily lives, showing selflessness, trust, and unity. May his love and guidance continue to inspire and sustain us. Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan ====================================================================== Hello my name is pastor Jonathan Dodson. I am child of God and a follower of Jesus. My home is in Plummer Minnesota with my family Kelly, Jack and Lyla. Kelly and I have been married since 2000 and people that know us both like her better. We have lived in Plummer since 2005 when we came straight from Luther Seminary. I realize that our 18 years up here really isn't long in the grand scheme of things but I do feel like we've started some roots. Everything I know about God I learned from the Bible, my family and the Good People of Northwestern Minnesota. We love it here; it is a good and proper home for the faithful.
I am happiest in the open air, learning something new, connected with people. My favorite scripture verse is whatever I'm reading that day. I believe that God's Word is a living and breathing one. If I was forced to chose, I would pick Romans 5:1-2 in an attempt to lift up God's Grace. That is the central theme of scripture and my personal experience. My favorite hymn is “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Though my favorite verse is found in “Amazing Grace” when we sing about being home with God for ten thousand years; it reminds me that I have lots of time to practice guitar. I am looking forward to our ministry together!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear friends in Christ,
Grace to you and peace. I hope this letter finds you well. As I write to you the newsletter deadline has long past and I find myself running to catch up. That pretty much sums up what the month of March has felt like for me. It has been exciting and Spirit led but I am a little out of breath each day. We are now three weeks into joining together Immanuel, Ebenezer and Bethany. On March 5, 2023 all three congregations voted to give it a try through October 2023. So far so good from what I can tell. I am confident that we will find a good rhythm. Your patience is much appreciated!
Normal service times are as follows:
1st Sunday Each month2nd Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Ebenezer with Communion 10:30am Bethany 7pm Bethany with Communion 7pm Immanuel
3rd Sunday4th Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany with Communion 10:30am Immanuel (Pastor Jonathan) 7pm Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany (SAM Allen)
5th Sunday Joint Worship in one location
April will be a bit different because of Easter Sunday. Please take a close look at the calendar and then phone a friend to double check worship times. Give me a call anytime as well. There is a good chance that I'll have needed to hear from you. April is shaping up to be packed with goodness. There will be lots of opportunities to gather to praise our Risen Lord! May God bless you and shine New Life now and always.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan shares his adventures while showing the three churches are within "walking distance" of each other.