In his own life, Jesus clearly showed us the dignity of human work and how work becomes ministry when done for the purpose of joining a community of people with God and each other. His family and followers knew him as the carpenter’s son and he skillfully worked with the tools of his trade. By working with his own hands Jesus transformed work from an everyday burden into a source of abundant blessings when he called upon God in prayer. When we work together, in whatever it might be, to join people with God our work becomes ministry and joins us with God.
I want to thank Karen Thompson who planned and directed the Oktoberfest to make it a great success. I want to thank the members of the Oktoberfest Planning Committee who organized the events and saw them through with generous volunteers. I want to thank the members of the Rosary Society and the Men’s Club who served wherever needed. I want to thank all the men and women chefs who shared their culinary skills. I want to thank the parishioners, friends of the parish, and business owners who contributed to the Oktoberfest as volunteers, with donated items, and with financial contributions. I want to thank John Riehle and the staff members of the Church of St. Matthew for providing support. I want to thank all the festival participants who hopefully enjoyed themselves.
As the money raised by all of you is used to replace the windows and improve the facilities at the Church of St. Matthew, let us pray in thanksgiving for all the ministry you have done and what we need from God to be successful in all the ministry that is yet to be done. Let us continue renewed by the Spirit of God who puts determination in our minds and kindness for all in our hearts and in our hands.
Fr. Bob
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