From the Pulpit: The ability to enCOURAGE is sacred.

The ability of a Christian to encourage those with whom they interact is not to be wasted. As much as encouragement is our ability it is also one of the great possibilities that we’ve been given. The world simply gets bigger and better when we remind others of goodness now and to come.

In St. Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, he praises their work in the faith. He writes that he wishes that he could be with them so that they could “mutually encourage” one another (Col. 1:12). The full letter is a treasure trove of encouragement combined with teaching.  

What St. Paul knew –that encouragement is a power followers of Jesus have – is something that Beaver Valley Lutheran members have deeply experienced these past 14 months. Having been forced out of our church home (a May 29, 2022 tornado), we have been a worshipping/serving congregation in various and kind places. At every turn, faithful people from far and wide have offered help.

Whatever the kindness has been, it has added up to the encouragement that has kept our congregation alive and hopeful. The fun part for us now will be to remember (and we do) what you have said to us and then turn to others who need a “lift” and do the same. We look forward to be able to share holy words: “You’re not forgotten;” “How can we help?”; “You’re going to be OK”; “We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.”

You see? We really can be in the business of keeping each other alive. Most certainly St. Paul would agree that to speak of “mutual encouragement” means that the encouragement we have received is the encouragement that we can become. That’s what Beaver Valley members know – because many of you reading this article have taught us.