As Christians, we know who we are. "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people… Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2:9,11) We are people who have received the mercy of God in Jesus Christ. We are tied to one another, a special community of God's chosen ones.

But what do Christians do? That is a matter of some confusion in this new millennium. A person can be a member of Memorial Lutheran Church by attending one worship service a year and giving a penny to one of its ministries. Few of us would agree that this is a Living Faith.

Across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America this year, people like us are looking at the question, "What do Christians do?" The Bible suggests at least seven faith practices of Christian disciples.

Christians…

As your pastors, we would like to invite you to prayerfully evaluate your faith practices. In the quiet of your home, seek God's direction to you. Is yours a living faith that prays frequently but does not worship God regularly? Is yours a living faith that gives money generously but does not personally serve for the sake of others? Which of the seven faith practices is God calling you to grow in 2000-2001?

This invition to living faith can be used in a variety of ways. Primarily, we hope you will use it this way: when you have offered a prayer to God, "Lord, in 2000-2001 help me grow my practice of prayer or study or worship…" then click on the link to go to the web page of resources. Memorial Lutheran Church provides for this area of discipleship. Choose the opportunities or resources that will help you grow in your faith practice. (A discipleship "work page" is provided on page 8.) These web pages also provide dates and schedules important for this church family, and we hope you will use it to build your calendar. Finally, the information included is a "snapshot" of our congregation's life. Those who are looking for a community of Living Faith will learn a lot about us in these pages. Refer this web site to a friend or new neighbor!

May God bless you with Living Faith in 2001, the Year of Our Lord!

Myron D. Herzberg
David Burling

· pray frequently (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18)

· study the Bible diligently (Psalm 119:105)

· worship God regularly (Psalm 34:1-3)

· invite others often (Romans 10:14-15)

· encourage, pass on the faith (1 John 3:18)

· serve for the sake of others (Mark 10:45)

· give freely and tithe (Luke 6:38)