LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE & GOD BE YOUR GUIDE

I’ve been spending a lot of time in Duluth, MN as preparations are being made for Lutheran Hour Ministries International Convention.  The theme for the convention is “Let Your Light Shine”.  A fitting theme for an area rich in light.  I love walking along the lake, the excitement and anticipation as a big ship comes in, the lights surrounding the harbor at night, and the true and steady light of the lighthouse.  I can’t think of a better place to reflect on God’s love for us and letting our lights shine in Christ. 

It is my privilege to work with the children and youth that attend the convention.  During our short time together we will be touring the sights of Duluth and spending time in God’s Word and Christian fellowship.  What a joy it is to prepare devotions for the children each day using the sights and sounds they may witness on their stay. Creating picture that will always be a reminder to them of their Father’s love.  I thought I’d take this time to share one such sight with you.

The horn was sounding the arrival of another ship.  People were rushing to get a glimpse of the ship and it’s crew as it came into the harbor.  I was standing on the harbor side looking out.  It was dusk so the lights of the ship and the harbor around were just beginning to twinkle brightly.  As I watch two little tugboats were quickly approaching the ship.  For some reason I thought tugboats were a thing of the past what with the new technology in most vehicles these days.  At any rate I had never seen a tugboat in action.  So I watched with anticipation as they neared the ship.  They were so tiny compared to the “big boat”. But their job was important.  One tugboat positioned itself directly in front of the ship and waited for a rope or cable or something like that to be dropped down then they fastened that to their boat.  It looked as if the ship would run them over.  Then the second tugboat went behind the ship and very carefully pushed the ship while the other tugboat pulled the ship safely through the harbor.  What a beautiful picture.  Life is not easy to maneuver around in.  But our Lord guides us into the safe harbor of His love.  He guards and protects us. He also gives us the words and courage to guide others into His safe harbor just like a small tugboat. He reminds us with beautiful examples like tugboats or lighthouses to be a worker in His kingdom or a light shining before men.  “For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end.”  Psalm 48:14

In Christ,

Janna Kietzman

After extensive interviews and prayerful consideration it is with joy that the call committee of Immanuel Lutheran School recommends Heidi Jo Schneider for the position of Kindergarten-First grade Teacher to be voted on at the July 8^th voter’s meeting.

 HEIDI JO SCHNEIDER

 Heidi is a 2007 graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, Majoring in Elementary Education K-8 grades with a Minor in Confessional Lutheranism.

 Heidi student taught at Anchor Lutheran School, Anchorage, Alaska for 9 weeks in 1^st grade and 6 weeks in 5^th grade.  Heidi enjoys sports and outdoor activities.  She has coached youth soccer, girls cheerleading and organized after-school programs, including tutoring.  Heidi served on Concordia University’s Student Senate, the Union Board of Governors, and was a member of the Chamber Choir.  Heidi’s musical experience includes piano, vocals, and handbells.

 Currently Heidi resides with her parents and 1 brother in Merrill, WI. Heidi is excited to get in the classroom and start teaching.  She has this to say about her ministry; “There are many different ways in which each and every one of us can carry out Christ’s ministry.  I believe that I have been called to fulfill His ministry in the classroom.  The classroom will be a place where I can not only demonstrate the role of servant leadership, but also help children understand what it means to be a servant leader, and how each and every one of them also has a role in the ministry of Christ.”

*For more information please check the preceding Sunday bulletins for an insert or get a copy from the office.