Dearest Friends in Christ,
New Year’s greetings to each of you, in the name of our precious Savior Jesus! May the hopes of a new year be met in the promises of new life found in Him who was and is and is to come. A new year is a time when we traditionally reflect on the past and look to the future. As we do the same at Memorial, we see the goodness of God poured out on us over and over again. We are a blessed people, starting with the joy and privilege we have of knowing the good news of Jesus and the forgiveness and life we have with Him through His death and resurrection. But God’s goodness extends to us in so many other ways, both individually and together as His people.
In our worship last week, we celebrated that goodness. There was much to celebrate! Now, as we continue to consider how good God is to us, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48, “Everyone to whom much is given, much will be required.” In other words, our Lord has called us to steward—to care for and use well—all that He has given to us. Jesus has called us to steward His goodness to us so that His name is honored, His kingdom comes, and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
For God’s people, part of stewarding God’s goodness has always included giving Him of our first and finest fruits. Doing so here at Memorial means partnering with your brothers and sisters in Christ in the exciting Kingdom work that God is doing among us and through us, here in Katy and beyond. You can do that through your vocation, remembering that whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ, (Colossians 3:23-24). You can do that using your time and talents and giftedness in an area of ministry, mission, or service among us and with us in the congregation. It also means that whatever material blessings God in His goodness has given to you are also to be used in Godly ways for Godly purposes, remembering that God has called us to not live for ourselves, but for him who for our sake died and was raised again (2 Cor 5:15).
If you have not yet made your own personal commitment for 2026 in stewarding God’s goodness, and even if you have, prayerfully consider joining us in completing a pledge card specifying your first fruits commitment to the Lord through Memorial Lutheran Church. This card will be used confidentially by those who regularly receive our offerings, gifts, and contributions (our financial secretaries) as a way to encourage you and celebrate with you during the year in the fulfillment of your commitments.
We will be bringing these pledges to the altar on Sunday, January 25, together as a Community of Christ. If you are unable to make it up to the altar, we will have ushers who will be able to assist you. If you will be unable to worship at Memorial on that Sunday, please place your card in the offering plate the next time you worship with us. You may also mail your card to or drop it off at the church office. Pledge cards will be handed out at worship, as well as be available online at mlckaty.com/pledge.
May our God who is so good grant you a joyous new year as together we celebrate, steward and reflect His goodness to Extend the Community of Christ Wherever We Go!
With love and peace in Jesus,
Pastor John