Pastor's Page

Dear Friends in Christ,

There are a couple different items I’d like to share with you this month.  At first, they may not seem related but they actually are.  They concern our conduct and interaction as Christians within the body of Christ.  First, it’s funny in a sad sort of way that I should have to repeat this but maybe not everyone read what I wrote years ago on the subject of sending anonymous letters to the church or to me.  I have a policy that if you are not mature enough to sign your name then the letter goes directly into the shredder without consideration.  The United States Postal Service is the only one who benefits from that letter because they got paid to deliver it.  Oh yeah, the paper manufacturer also benefited.  But the person who sent it wasted their time and money. This is how I advise all the young Pastors I know to handle these “drive by letters.”  It’s not just Zion or me that receives them.  Eventually, every Pastor and church that’s doing their job will be the recipient.  I realize I’m probably preaching to the choir here with just the people who read the newsletter hearing this.  But feel free to spread the word.  We simply need to follow the pattern that Jesus lays out in Matthew 18:15-20.  The key factor there is interpersonal contact, not anonymous messages.

Secondly, it’s no secret that there has been some heated debate at recent church meetings.  Debate and disagreement are okay.  But we have to keep our emotions and tongues in check both in the meeting and outside of it.  Remember the meaning to the 8th Commandment?  “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.  What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.”  That last phrase is important to consider: “Explain everything in the kindest way.”  In other words, give the other person the benefit of the doubt rather than assuming the worst about them.  And here’s a novel idea:  If you’re not sure, go ask them rather than guessing what their motives or thoughts are. Here again, the passage from Matthew 18 comes into play.

So, whether we’re talking to or about a person we disagree with, please remember Ephesians 4:29–32.  “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  Let these verses and all the rest of God’s Word direct your thoughts, words, and actions especially as we interact with one another within the body of Christ Jesus.

                                                                                                                                                                                In Christ, Pastor Don Meyer    

Front row (l-r): Rev David Doellinger, Rev Don Meyer, Rev Ray Ohlendorf

Back row (l-r): Rev Brett Witmer, Rev Paul Mundinger, Rev Don Erickson, Rev Jeremy Richert

We had a GREAT day at Zion Lutheran, Paullina on September 13, 2020.  I was installed as the new Pastor back in March, but due to Covid we only had a few Elders present for that.  Well, we were finally able to celebrate that event with the whole congregation and some additional friends.  Special thanks to my Seminary classmate, Pastor Paul Mundinger, who delivered an awesome sermon.  Also, some of our family was able to attend as well as one of my former police partners (Dave Richardson).  Praise the Lord for His goodness to us all!