Letter Written on the 25th Anniversary of My Ordination

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

     If you walk out into our Memorial Garden at All Saints Lutheran Church, you will see the placement of several Memorial Bricks placed in perpetual memory of Cherished Ones.  In many cases we suggest placing Memorial Brick Pavers in honor of our Beloved Ones who may have been buried or memorialized elsewhere.  Placing a Memorial Brick Paver in the All Saints Memorial Garden may also serve as a reminder of your unique touch and involvement in the life of our Faith Family. 

     Please consider doing such, and speak with either Dennis or Carol Strong in that regard.  Either will give you complete details with respect to memorializing the persons of your choice in this permanent way.  Come, “watch our garden grow!” 

     Over almost the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of watching our Memorial Garden bloom and change with the change of the seasons.  Members of our Memorial Garden Committee are continually endeavoring to insure our garden is a place of sanctity, peace, and beauty.  Watching the garden change with the move of the seasons is an ever-present reminder that our lives move ever forward, that time is precious and to be redeemed, even in those moments when it seems as though time is standing still.

     That reminds me to remind us each that summertime is a fleeting thing in Michigan.  “It’s been a scorcher,” as my maternal grandmother used to say, but don’t forget to read a new devotional, study some Scripture, get together with loved ones, and hug such.  Time with those whom we treasure is fleeting and precious.  At home, in our many communities, among those who worship the Triune God, may we remember to make the most of every moment. 

     Even as I write this on July 19, I recall my Ordination into Word and Sacrament Ministry exactly 25 years ago as I write.  I’m here to assure you time seems to accelerate the longer you live…  Tomorrow my mother will celebrate her 87^th birthday, and I hope to remind her in some way that her life has been one of great worth.  To build one another up is what Jesus would have us do.

     Included is a photo of a Brick Paver in Memory of my dad.  The Ones we Love are never really lost to us, for the Touch of their Love goes on… 

     Don‘t forget to participate and to “Come watch our Garden Grow!”

In Christ,

Pr. Drex

The community of Aurora, Colorado, the victims of the early morning horrific events at the theater, and the families and friends of each deserve our fervent prayers in this solemn hour.  The President of the United States reminded us this morning from Florida that in moments of tragedy and heartache we are one nation. He also reminded us in subdued tones that our lives are fragile, limited and that he would be able to hug his daughters a little more tightly this evening while others cannot. My youngest son, Joe, was at the very midnight screening at a theater in our own community. I intend to hug him a little more tightly, too.
Hug your loved ones; be kind to those whom you encounter. Permit compassion to overshadow hatred and things we do not understand.

What is it about American politics that makes it a "kill-sport?" Much like the coliseum in Ancient Rome, people are trotted out for what becomes the sport of vilification. We make heroes of our leadership, and when they exhibit human failings that are not uncommon to us all, we tune our ears and eyes toward their demise with a sense of self-satisfaction. Perhaps, when our leaders disappoint us, we feel a bit better about our own failures, most secretly tucked away. In the 1800's, Abraham Lincoln "failed his way" into service to our Country during a time of national trial and calamity. And we should be encouraged to fail and to continue to fail our way into self deprecating service.

In the current climate, when leaders are forced to raise money continually and run for office perpetually, who would wish to offer their names for service to Country or Community? When candidates vilify one another instead of speaking in positive tones about their own giftedness, they short change the whole enterprise, which should be a collaborative "moving forward" as we address ever-pressing issues.

On this evening, I feel led to thank Rep. Thaddeus McCotter for his service to the Eleventh Congressional District during times of great economic peril. We are weathering the worst recession since the economic collapse following 1929 and into the 1930's. Rep. McCotter is now clearly tired, battered, worn, discouraged. But he deserves our thanks for his service irrespective of his personal issues or our political leanings. He and his family deserve our encouragement, prayers, and best wishes. No doubt leaders will serve as his successors in years to come.

But we all, as constituents of this great Congressional District and State, will be well served if we recall the sacrifice out forbearers recognized when they called "Citizen Servants" from farms and villages to serve under perilous circumstances in the ongoing, ever-reforming experiment that is the United States of America.

I had the opportunity to honor a man who was received into eternal life and had served in Korea.  He was a gifted engineer and one who earned the Korean Service Medal with one bronze service star.  During this particular unfolding week, we remember those who've served the cause of liberty with little or no forethought of their own needs.  Remember the formulation:  All gave some, and some gave ALL.  We are a grateful nation...  +