Pastor Greg Demuth and the Tourdepink

 

We’ve talked before about First Lutheran in Grand Rapids Minnesota and the different ways the church is intentionally reaching out with community involvement and acts of mercy.  Back on September 2 we wrote this –

Here is another of the ways that we connect. This from First………..

In response to our Synodical theme of “Witness, Mercy, Life Together” members of First Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids are supporting a breast cancer fundraising effort. Pastor Greg DeMuth will be peddling his bicycle 110 miles on Saturday, September 10 in support of the Young Survivors Coalition in Duluth Minnesota. The Tour de Pink is part of a national fundraising effort held in several cities across the United States. www.ysctourdepink.org The purpose for our involvement is to challenge the unfortunate stigma that Christians are not concerned about suffering in the world. Acts of Mercy are valid in their own right as we become the hands and feet of Christ moving among the poor in spirit. The double blessing comes when acts of mercy opens doors for witnessing to the true healing work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our Congregational leadership has determined that acts of service to the community are an important component in our outreach to the community. These acts are not the entirety of the Gospel, but a means through which we gain access to people’s lives to invite them to come and hear. What better place to begin a conversation of faith than the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ that sends us into the world as agents of mercy!

Now I finally had a chance to connect and find out how it all went and we have this from Pastor Demuth –

Dear friends…how can I thank you for all your support these past several weeks? For the cause of taking some love into the community, all of us share in the success. We raised nearly $1700 for young survivors of breast cancer. Each week I witnessed your generosity with true delight. We ended number 5 in fundraising out of 200.

My ride was a personal best: 111 miles and some change. Funny how miles 56-98 were a blur: I wasn’t conscious of the miles rolling on beneath me. I was in the zone. However, when I got to mile 98 the tiredness made itself known in the sum of all the little discomforts. With a disarming suddenness I remembered my mom’s lost battle with cancer…the wind dried the tears on my face as I rode.

Long time friend Judy Mueller was there at the finish to greet me along with Deb and Eleora who were true heroes of support and encouragement. Their hugs gave me a sense of having done something that mattered. I hope my journey will help you to do the same in the unique way that you can share some love and mercy with those who hunger for them.

Check out more at http://skinnysaddle.wordpress.com/