Dear Friends,
    Greetings in the name of the Christ!
    I have had the delight in recent days of having my grand-daughter visit our home.  That and  so many other experiences in the past weeks, have reminded me of the importance of basic things - like food & sleep, health, friends, parents & children, smiles, voice, dependence on another for help, etc.  These are "give us this day our daily bread" kinds of things.  And, wonderfully, it is all gift and it is the essentials!
   First, let me join the huge chorus of folks who daily give thanks to God for his gifts.  Thank you, God!
   Secondly, there is a striking comparison to our spiritual lives here (though spiritual life is, indeed, also an essential element of life).  What are the spiritual essentials? 
    I suggest that spiritual essentials include these: God has acted in humanity's behalf in Jesus' death and resurrection, faith in Jesus Christ who reconciles us to God the Father, acknowledgement of our dependence on God, church which is the family that feeds and supports us in faith, Word and Sacraments which are the "food groups" of life with God, prayer - the daily coversation between God and his people which is honest and from the heart, which includes listening and talking. 
    One additional essential is that the people give freely - to oneanother, to the proclamation of Christ, to the needs of those in need near and far, that we reflect the giving heart of Christ, and lest we stagnate like the Dead Sea which has no outlet.
    Such spiritual gifts are pure gift from God and are essential.  Keep life simple, keep first things first, God's things, and he will add to you everything else that you need.  Sounds a lot like, "Seek first the kingdom of God, and . . . .", and that is because it is.
    Let us be simple people, or perhaps, it may be said, "Let us be fools for Christ."
    A Blessed April to you and you loved ones.
                                        Peace and Joy,   

                                        Pastor John

The SD Synod Mission of the Month in April is the Lutheran Youth Organization which does the synod youth gathering, and other synod-wide ministries.  Donations can be sent through our congregation to the SD synod for LYO.
Excerpts from our Bishop's letter...