It is hard to believe but the school year is upon us. Less than half a month lies between the writing of this letter and the final registration for Zion Lutheran School. When you have a wife and children that this affects clearly, it becomes a real deal!

The theme for this year is the Power of One. It comes from Galatians 4. St. Paul writes There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. These words speak of the unity. The unity that we have is one that is created by Christ. As a result of the action of Christ on the Cross we are one. As a result of our calling to faith in the waters of Holy Baptism we are one. Here at Zion, we are called to be one.

However, there are times when we don’t behave like we are one. So often we behave as a confederation of interest groups rather than One Body. Here at Zion we have those who are one with the ministry of the school, others are one with the ministry of the midweek confirmation or Sunday School, others that are one with the ministry of the Ladies Aid, or the Men’s Club, or the sports teams or the….We see ourselves only as one with that which really meets our needs.

But this theme that we have selected for this coming School Year is one that should call each one of us to repentance. It is impossible for us to think that we are not part of the whole community. God has not called us to be a divided body here in Staunton. God has called us to be One body and One Spirit. It is in this Holy Spirit inspired oneness that faithful ministry is done.

It is important that each of us get excited about the beginning of this new school year. It is critical that we get excited about all the improvements in the school building. It is critical that all our leaders and all our members get involved in the whole ministry of Zion Lutheran Church. This happens as each of us make a clear commitment to be in worship and Bible Study. A faithful ministry is one that is faithful to God’s Word. A faithful ministry is one where all of its people are kneeling at the communion rail receiving into their mouths the very body and blood of Christ. This is THE POWER OF ONE. That One Lord creates the oneness that His Church needs. We have the sure and certain hope that God’s promises are true.

Our Lord will create this unity among us. The only thing that will keep this unity from happening is our own sinfulness. It is here that I ask that you would join me in the fervent prayer that the Lord would use the Power of One to make us One in repentance and faith. May this Oneness overcome any factions and empower us to serve our One Lord as our God and Father is over all and through all and in all.