Pastor Rhoads graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis with a
Master’s of Divinity degree in 2008. He has served as Associate Pastor at Christ Our Savior
since his graduation. Before entering the seminary, he served as a Director of
Christian Education at LCMS churches in Florida, Alabama, and Texas.
Pastor
Rhoads enjoys teaching the faith and providing opportunities for people to live
out their faith in daily life. “My greatest joy in ministry is helping people
grow in their knowledge and appreciation of the grace of God as revealed in the
Bible.” In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and hiking the
many trails in our area.
Pastor's Message
We Are August People
Congratulations! Of course, you might not welcome the title “August people.” I admit that my first thoughts of “August” were not too stellar either. “August” brought to mind the most difficult days of summer. By August, the heat and humidity have gotten the best of us and we spend more time inside than out. By August, we are exhausted from vacations and trips to visit family members. By August, we are ready to take a break from each other and actually look forward to the return of school.
However, despite my initial reaction, being august people is truly something to celebrate. According to Webster's dictionary, august means “marked by majestic dignity or grandeur.” That's us! We have been marked with the majestic dignity of the King of Kings. In Baptism, God made us princes and princesses, heirs to His kingdom. In Holy Communion, we receive the very body and blood of King Jesus into our body and bloodstream. We really are August people.
The epistle readings from Ephesians 4-5 this month celebrates this Biblical truth. On the first Sunday, August 4, we can see ourselves as royalty because we are members of the Body of Christ, the Church. On August 11, we are reminded that we are created after the likeness of God. This enables us to live as light in the Lord, according to the epistle for August 18. The month ends on August 25 with the source of our “august nature”, Jesus, having cleansed us by the washing of water with the Word.
Life is difficult. Satan, the world and our own sinful nature tend to drag us down and make us feel defeated. The message of the cross and the empty tomb assure us that we are more than victors- we are August people! I hope and pray you will join me in these celebrations of our gracious God as we live this month, and every month, as the August people He has made us to be.
Pastor Mark