There was a time in my life when my goal was to retire at 50 so I could travel, fish, ski, and hike the world before physical limitations prohibited such activities. Four kids born to us in my 30’s and 40’s changed all that, or at least delayed it significantly! I have no regrets, however, and am very thankful for the gift and blessing of my family during these last 30+ years.

Today I’m in no hurry to “retire,” but confess I would enjoy a little more free time and less responsibility on occasion. I’ve learned slowly over the years that taking a couple of regular vacations each year does refresh one and puts a more upbeat, positive perspective on ones day-to-day work. Two reasons retirement seems still rather distant for me are that I continue to enjoy good health, and I enjoy my work. Sure, I don’t have all the energy I used to, and sometimes being a pastor involves frustrations and difficult moments, but in the main I still feel capable and enjoy the many special rewards of ministry.

Actually, the idea of retirement does not mesh well with my understanding of Christian ministry or discipleship. Ministry and discipleship are life-long pursuits – commitments we make for life, not just for 40 years or whatever. It’s sort of like a marriage contract – “’till death do us part.” Retirement is not a biblical concept either. Did Moses, or King David, or the disciples, or St. Paul, or even Jesus ever retire? Even though he died and earthly death, Jesus is still at work each day in the world!

Having said all the above, I nevertheless recognize there does come a time for each of us where the sensible, prudent thing to do is to step-down gracefully and thankfully – at least from the more ambitious and demanding aspects of our vocations. That doesn’t mean being put completely out to pasture, however! I’m convinced one of the secrets to a fulfilling, happy life is being productive and making a faithful contribution to the general good. There are so many ways to do this, even in retirement! While we are still able, living a productive life is really a great privilege in my opinion, plus it’s good for you! It can keep you out of many kinds of trouble, and help avoid sedentary laziness, boredom, and decadence.

So, do I plan to retire soon? Well, not too soon, but eventually no doubt. Perhaps some think I need to retire now, and perhaps I do, but I’m hoping for a few more fruitful years first before handing things over to a younger, stronger, and more able replacement. Time will tell, of course, and the decision is not just mine to make, but my prayer is the Lord can still use me and all of us, no matter what our age or condition, through this fellowship of believers we call Gloria Dei. And may all we do together be to the glory of God!

Serving Him and You,

Pastor Mark

Stewardship is the governing body of all that we do. Our church, most churches, have committees to handle different aspects of Stewardship: Building and Grounds, Church in Society, Education, Evangelism, Fellowship, Stewardship, Worship and Music, and our Financial/Treasurer. Bible study groups, Vision Team, and Quilters also do their part as part of stewardship. Many people do special work for the Lord outside of our church. Big or small or through an organization does not matter, for it is the
loving work itself, which matters to God. If our lives are what Our Heavenly Father calls us to do, and God does deserves all the effort we put into it, we can expect our . . . . Fabric of Life . . . . to be something like this.

“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me;
I may not choose the colors,
God knows what they should be;
For God can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While I can see it only
On this, the underside.
Sometimes God weaveth sorrow,
Which seemeth strange to me;
But I will trust God's judgment.
And work on faithfully;
"Tis God who fills the shuttle,
God knows just what is best

So I shall weave in earnest
And leave with God the rest.
At last, when life is ended,
With God I shall abide,
Then I may view the pattern
Upon the upper side;
Then I shall know the reason
Why pain with joy entwined,
Was woven in the fabric
Of life that God designed.”

F. Tabb (Stewardship Magazine 2008)

Judy Mandt
Evangelism Committee Chair

On Thursday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m. we will be celebrating Ascension Day with a Service of Worship at Mount Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church. We would like to invite your church choir, or any singers interested in joining us from your congregation, to meet at 6:00 p.m. and rehearse two numbers that will be used in the Service. The two pieces of music will be congregation-choir combined: "Lift High the Cross" and "Up Through Endless Ranks of Angels". I have the music ready to send out and if you express interest in joining us, we will send the music to you right away. Please e-mail us or call the Mount Cross Church Office at 253-380-3035. I really hope you can join us on this important festival day of the church. Though not celebrated on Sundays, the Ascension of our Lord still resonates in the hearts of Christians as an important holy day in the life of God's people. Blessings to you and yours as we walk through Lent with the promises of Easter before us!

In Christ's Service,
Rich Nace, Choral Director

ANNUAL CHURCH BAKE SALE -- SUNDAY, MAY 19TH:
Please bring Baked Goods for sale, nonperishable Food Items for donation, and your appetites and generous spirits to our coffee hour after church this Sunday. We will price the baked goods before church at 9:30 AM in the Social Hall. All money raised will go to the University Place Food Bank, for all people in need throughout Pierce County. We will also collect any non-perishable food items. We are especially interested in collecting nonperishable food that does not need to be cooked, as this is a weekly need at our church. Coffee Hour Fruit and drinks are free of charge. Thank you so much, in advance, Church in Society

Donation Collection

We will be taking your donations for the Christmas Store all year long. ~ And ~ We want your donations for the church rummage sale we will be having this summer. It takes a long time to gather enough merchandise for these events, and it is easier to do a little cleaning of closets, cupboards and garage,
than a major clean-up. Put the things in the upstairs yellow room, if you can or leave it downstairs in the narthex. We will sort everything out. Call church office or myself for more information.

Thank you for your past help and for your future help. The best ministry involves many people!