“I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 

This verse from Joshua was the verse that the Delaware-Maryland Bishop who ordained me (the late Rev. Gerry Knoche) chose to speak over me as hands were laid upon me and I was ordained and blessed. That was twenty years ago now but little did the Bishop know how prophetic those words would become in my life and in my ministry.

 

I have served congregations on both sides of the United States and moved and traveled with family and at times alone everywhere in between. My husband, Bill, and I have lived here in Maryland for many years and then back to California for the birth of a Granddaughter and now back to Maryland in our older years. All along the way, God was with me keeping the promise made to Joshua all those years ago: “…the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

Born myself in Pennsylvania, this area (Mid-Maryland) feels like home to me so I was excited when I heard that St. Peter’s, along with St. Abraham’s, was looking for an Interim Pastor. So, I said “Yes.” I am so very glad that I did and that your Council met with me and said, “Yes” to my being here, as well. As I get to know you all, I am blessed. You are a good group of people. Faithful to the Lord and to St. Abraham’s congregation.

 

I know that we are just beginning to come out of COVID 19 restrictions but I would like to invite you, if and when you feel comfortable, to come and meet me at worship (I will also be available for personal visits, either at home or at church, for any who are comfortable with and desire that). We have begun inside services with all the recommended precautions being taken while slowly moving back into a comfortable worship arrangement. I know personally how important it can be to come together to worship the Lord and receive encouragement and support in these rather trying times that we live in right now. The Lord is our only way to hope in our daily journeys and peace in the end.

 

May His blessings be upon you,

 

Pastor Dot Lundgren