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Our Middle Name is “Evangelical”
Copyright © 2005 Howard Young
Growing up as a child, I was embarrassed of my middle name
“Ole.” My parents proudly named me “Howard” after their good
friend Howard Hodnet, and “Ole,” after my dear Grandpa Ole
Remmen. Whenever someone used my middle name, I knew I was in
trouble if it came from my Mother or was being poked fun at by
some child.
Despite my embarrassment, I survived the childhood teasing of my
middle name. Now after 40 plus years of growing up, I recognize
my parent’s wisdom in their choice of my name: good friendship
and love and honor for my Grandfather.
Holy Trinity Evangelical
Lutheran Church also has a middle name:
“Evangelical.” I often wonder why we use shorten forms our
Church’s name such as “Holy Trinity” or “Holy Trinity Lutheran”
and leave out “Evangelical.” Perhaps the shorter versions are
more convenient to use? I know that it is difficult to squeeze
“Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church” onto our offering
checks we write each week.
Holy Trinity’s “parents” also chose a wise name for our Church:
for the love of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit,
three-in-one; and, Evangelical – to share the good news that
there is salvation through Christ.
In 2 Timothy 4:2, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy: “Preach
the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,
rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful
instruction.” In this season of Lent, Easter and soon to follow
Pentecost, are we prepared to live up to our middle name and
share the good news?
Like Paul, I encourage you to share with your family, friends
and neighbors the good news of Christ. Invite them to Holy
Trinity “Evangelical” Lutheran Church to hear the Word of God
that through Christ there is salvation.
Howard “Ole” Young
***************************************** Author: Howard Young
About: Howard Young is the site administrator for Holy Trinity
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Thousand Oaks, CA Website:
http://www.htlcto.org
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