"Bye Bye" Pujols, Part 2

Just thought you all should know, that not all the males in the Truwe household responded to the Pujols signing so well.  At lunch when I broke the news to (three-year-old) Micah, there were tears.  At dinner, however, he announced that his new favorite Cardinal would be Lance Berk-"man."

Pujols Goes "Bye-Bye"

Cards offered what they thought they could afford AP, who had the finest 10-year- start to a career in baseball history. I would have loved to watch AP play with the birds on the bat for another 10 years, but, I'll admit I was not comfortable with a 10-year contract at that rate. His numbers may or may not continue to decline in the next five years; he's never failed to astonish us. But, the ev...idence is overwhelmingly against AP being worth $25/year the last 5 years of a 10-year deal. He is the best baseball player I've ever watched, and Cards fans are furtunate to have had him for 10 years. I wish him well in Anaheim, and like most everyone else, am glad he won't be in the NL (Central).

But for those of you who say this decision was about greed, consider this. Money is a blessing; it is not sinful by itself. (It is the love of money that is sinful) When the Lord--who gives all good gifts--gives someone more $$, that person has an opportunity to use that $$ in service to his neighbor and to the glory of God. If you think AP made this decision based on greed alone, I would challenge you to do some reading about AP's foundation, his record of charity work, and his overall approach to serving whatever communities he has an opportunity to benefit. My guess is that he'll continue to serve his neighbor with the gifts of God, he'll just be doing it more regularly in a different community.

An Announcement from Pastor Truwe to the people of Mt. Calvary

The following is a copy of the letter I read at the conclusion of our Divine Services on Sunday, February 20th:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,


I wish to, first of all, thank all of you for your prayers on behalf me, my family, and both congregations involved in this deliberation. Additionally, those of you who have expressed words of support and encouragement through your emails, phone calls, and many other conversations, are greatly appreciated. I have taken your words to heart.

After prayerful consideration, I have decided to accept the Divine Call to serve Concordia Lutheran Church, Jackson, TN, as their pastor. I will work the next two weeks to ensure that any activities already on the calendar will be taken care of. My last Sunday will be March 6th.

It has been a tremendous honor and a privilege to serve as one of your pastors. I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your midst, and also for the love and support you have shown to me, and my family. I will always remember you in my prayers.

With love,

Pastor Gregory R. Truwe

An Announcement from Pastor Truwe

This is a copy of the announcement I made during yesterday's Divine Service:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


On Monday, January 24th, I learned that Concordia Lutheran Church, Jackson, TN, has issued to me a Divine Call to serve as their Pastor. The documents and accompanying material have now arrived, and I am in the process of reviewing them. Just as you were led by the Holy Spirit to call me to be one of your pastors, so now the people of Concordia Lutheran Church have been led by the same Holy Spirit to extend to me this call.

I ask that you join me and Jamie in praying for a decision that will be for the good of Christ's kingdom and for the benefit of both congregations involved. If you have any questions about the call process, or wish to offer any thoughts, one way or the other, please don’t hesitate to share them with me. I hope to announce my decision on Sunday, February, 20th.

I thank you for your prayers.

God bless,

Pastor Truwe