A Special Letter of Support from a Friend of St. Peter's To President Holder

Through the summer and fall of 2002, visitors from all over the country have arrived in the Cypress Hills section of Brooklyn to worship the Lord and show support for God's people at St. Peter's and for its pastor, David Benke. In the sharing of comfort and hope, bonds of love have been formed and strengthened.

The importance of that love shared cannot be overemphasized, because the attacks have also been fierce. Not only the Pastor has been attacked, over and over again. The lay leadership of the congregation has also been dealt with rudely and sarcastically. The President of St. Peter's, Sonia Holder, has been told off many times in print. The rudeness has extended to calling Ms. Holder "Mr. Holder." In addition, telephone callers, from the same Missouri Synod denomination, have told lay leaders at St. Peter's that their pastor is a tool of Satan.

Thus the support and encouragement of so many has been most appreciated. What follows is a heartfelt letter from one of our visitors. As you can see, she currently serves as the President of her congregation in California. Her words are truly an Advent blessing from God to all the people of St. Peter's. We publish them as a blessing for all of our readers!

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December 11, 2002

Dear Sonia,
Last October, while in New York City, my husband and I worshipped at St. Peter's. What an excellent opportunity it was for us to meet and greet so many wonderful folks! How good it was to see the work and ministry of your congregation.

And how good it was to see men and women of many ethnic groups worshipping together. How good it is to know that women and men of varying ages and groups have an opportunity to use their gifts in ministry. There is much work to be done for our Jesus and you and the others of St. Peter's are to be commended.

You and the others in leadership positions in the congregation are doing so much for so many. We want you to know that your work is appreciated. I'm reminded of St. Paul's words in Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Surely the people of St. Peter's illustrate that all of us, together, are Christ's and that through him we are able to accomplish much.

It is my hope that all people of our church would treat one another with the love and respect so apparent in your congregation. Sarcasm and rudeness just do not belong when we are directed in so many places in Scripture to love one another. So let's put all that aside and use our energies to make a difference - you and St. Peter's congregation on the east coast and myself and the rest of Bethany congregation here in the west.

May you and yours find renewed peace and joy during this festive and hopeful time of year.

Gloria Edwards
President
Bethany Lutheran Church
Menlo Park CA

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