God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3) Our Refuge and Strength This will be my final newsletter article to you. Over the years, I have written many things. This is my venue to not only teach theology but also to share my opinions about things. The sermon is no place for that. In sermons, you should hear only that which can be substantiated from Holy Scripture, but in the newsletter, the pastor is allowed to opine. I have chosen Psalm 46 as my final Scripture on which to base this article. It is, of course, Martin Luther’s “Mighty Fortress” psalm on which he based his amazing Reformation Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” I think Psalm 46 is one of the most helpful psalms when facing a difficult time, which you are. It is not easy being without a pastor, and unless the Lord chooses to bless you inordinately, you will be without a pastor for some time. The average length of vacancy in the LCMS right now is 18 months – 2 years. Vacancies are not bad. Remember that the Lord works through all things for your good (see Romans 8). Vacancies are like cleansing the palate at a fancy meal. During a multi-course meal, the host will offer something like sorbet to cleanse the palate between courses. You don’t want the taste of something heavy and greasy in your mouth when you’re about to eat something light and airy. A palate cleanser neutralizes your mouth so that you can better taste and appreciate the next course. Every pastor, given enough time, leaves his mark on a congregation. The congregation begins to take on his attributes. They begin doing things his way, often without questioning why they are doing something a certain way. It’s just the way Pastor does it. When he leaves to follow God’s calling, that congregation needs to cleanse the palate. You will need to listen to your vacancy pastor or interim pastor if he questions the way things are done and ask yourself, “why do we do it that way?” The answer may be something you want to keep, but it might be just the way I did it, and there might be better ways of doing it. Be careful over the next months to ask “why” a great deal. This process will be painful. It is much easier to just keep doing what you have always done. No one likes to change. But, in the midst of the discomfort, remember that Trinity is God’s Church, not yours. You are the stewards not the owners. Your calling is to do everything you do to the glory of God and for the good of His Church. That is when to recall Psalm 46. Our God is our help in the midst of danger, trial, and all manner of trouble. He has never abandoned us and He never will. Over the next months, if you pay attention and stay close to His Word, He will show you the path that He has already prepared for you. I think Trinity is on the cusp of being reborn again! We just brought in over 25 new members. Our Sunday School is growing with vibrant leaders who have a heart for our community. Our retirees are young at heart and eager to serve God. Our youth group is building again from the bottom but we see our seniors taking leadership roles as lay ministers and ushers. Our music ministry is fantastic, including everyone who has a gift to share from handbells, the conga, piano, trumpet, viola and more. And our building is kept pristine by our property board and our cleaning staff and volunteers. Trinity is riding high. Satan will use this vacancy to try to slow you down. He doesn’t like the Church of God reaching the community the way you do. He will stir up strife among you. He will use jealousy and contentiousness. He will use me as a dividing wall – Pastor Rogers never did it that way! Pastor Rogers thought we should do this or that! Who cares what Pastor Rogers thought? He has been called to another sheep pen. Now you ask yourself, how can we best serve the Lord here and now? Don’t let Satan in. He will try to undo in a few months everything we have accomplished together over the last 21 years. Remember Psalm 46. God is your refuge and strength! This is God’s Church and you are His stewards. I will be praying for you and I look forward to the amazing things you will go on to accomplish for the glory of God! Pastor Rogers | 
