Renovation Church is on the move. Literally the church is in transition in worship spaces and in spiritual leadership. Celebrating their 9th year, mid -Covid 19 Renovation has called Pastor Frank Feltis to spiritual leadership, as we change and grow towards the future. We are so honored to introduce him to our members, as well as to the Garretson community.
Pastor Frank, as he is often called, has a long background in ministry and service: as a retired firefighter, full time pastor in Michigan and Indiana and dabbling heavily in prison and motorcycle ministry along the way. He’s been known to preach on his many travels in his RV with his wife Sue. Better known however, is his ability to story tell and connect with people along the way. In his own words, he tends to, write and preach “to the heart and not the head”.
Pastor Frank comes to us via Sioux Falls Seminary, a shared alma mater with former Pastor Tyler Ramsby. The search committee was delighted to get a call back in June from the head of their pulpit supply team. When they described Pastor Franks graduate work in expository preaching - an invitation was sent - the past two months have been a delight to get to know Frank and his wife Sue. His guidance has been an asset, his calling an answer to prayer.
Frank and Sue hale from Bruce, SD where they recently settled near family. Pastor Frank, at home with small town living and rural churches has been serving First Reformed Church in Volga. As a husband, father and grandfather he brings a bit of wisdom, a sense of humor and a love of the Psalms that he intends to share with us as we journey through scripture, faith and service together, “to love God and love people”. Franks love of writing may find a column or two appearing locally so – be on the lookout!
His first sermon will be this Sunday at the Garretson City Park Shelter. A welcome after the service will include rolls and coffee. All are invited to join us as we embark on this new adventure.
-Leslie Black , Renovation Church Outreach
DON’T I KNOW YOU?
A pastor and an elderly lady arrived at the gate of heaven. Someone was there to greet them and ask, “Why should I allow you to enter heaven?”
The pastor responded first, “Well, I was in ministry for many years; I planted churches and wrote a number of books and pamphlets about religion.”
The person at the gate asked, “But, do you know Jesus?”
Somewhat irritated, the pastor answered, “Would I have done all those things if I had not known him?”
He was asked again, “Why should I allow you to enter heaven?”
The man sighed, “Listen to me! Through my ministry, I believe hundreds were converted. I helped the poor and treated the sick. The whole town knew about my ministry.”
“But do you know Jesus?” asked the gatekeeper once again.
“Could anyone have achieved all of this without knowing him?” the man replied adamantly.
Finally, the same question was posed to the lady, “Why should I allow you to enter heaven?”
Her achievements were not nearly as impressive. She went to church, read her Bible, prayed, and helped in her own little way wherever she could.
“Do you know Jesus?” the gatekeeper asked.
Suddenly a radiant smile flashed across her face. “Yes, of course, Lord! I recognized you right away! And, thank you so much for saving me!”
I think you know the question I’m going to ask, don’t you? Are you the man who knows all about Jesus, or are you the lady who knows him? There certainly is a difference. Even Satan and his crowd of low-lives know all about Jesus, but I don’t anticipate seeing them hang out with Jesus in heaven. They don’t really know and love him, do they?
Like the pastor in the illustration, we can easily become busy church people, can’t we? We can do this ministry; we can go to that church meeting; we can serve on this committee; we can go on that mission trip; and we can give money to our church. But, do we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Do you spend time with him every single day? That is the only way you will know him! As in every loving relationship, we must want to be with that person. And, our relationship with Jesus is no different. Do you love Jesus enough to want to know him—to have an intimate relationship with him?
In the first three chapters of Revelation, Jesus told the Apostle John to write to the seven churches in the province of Asia. The church of Ephesus was the 1st church that John was to write to. Here is what Jesus said: “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance…you have persevered and have endured hardships for my name…yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love” (Revelation 2:2-4).
When we become Christians, Christ becomes our first love. We need to seek him out; spend time with him; get to know him; love him with all our heart and soul!
If you do, I guarantee you will recognize him when you see him at the gate of heaven!
-Pastor Frank
Renovation Church
