| Numbers are Nice - article by Joel Hempel
But they are not the truth. They are only facts. Statistics tell a story, but not the whole story. For example, Michelle told me there are 326 people listed in the new directory, and all but 10 or so are members. In 2023 thus far, there was an average of 87 in-church worshipers (not counting Wednesday services). That’s roughly 27% of the membership. 7 members represent us on Church Council, 3 elders work with Pastor Scott overseeing the spiritual well-being of the congregation. We have 3 salaried employees plus Jerry Nicolaus, who earns all 100 pennies of his $1.00 annual salary. Those are the facts. Here is the truth. The truth is that the people who worship, work, and visit Glendale Lutheran Church are not statistics. They are – we are – people. Each person is not a number. Each person is a creation of God, someone loved and held dear by their Creator, forgiven by their Savior, strengthened and encouraged by their Comforter, Helper, and Truth-Teller. Numbers are neat! They are clean, easily put in order, and exact! But numbers only represent a greater truth. They point to individuals, places where people live and work, and the ONE TRUE GOD who is ever-present with each person in good times and bad. God is 1. God is 3. God is more expansive than anyone can imagine, yet small enough to fit in every heart. That’s some of the truth about God. What is the truth about you? Who are you? Young? Old? Retired? Working long hours? In the prime of your life? Who are you? Let Scripture answer that! You are one who is known by God and loved so much that God in Christ Jesus gave His life for you. You are singularly valued and united with all other Christians around the world. As Pastor Steve told the children on Sunday, you are one of God’s special people. Special? Really? Yes! It is true, you are one of many for whom Jesus died on the cross. But you are also the only one to whom God has given a unique set of gifts for the work He has prepared for you to do (see Eph. 2:10, 1 Cor. 12:7-11, Eph. 4:10-16). On this 13th day of the 7th month of the 2023rd year of our Lord, we celebrate you, thank God for you – an individual, a friend and fellow sojourner to whom much has been given, from whom much is needed, and with whom much can be accomplished. Numbers are indeed nice. But you are far more than a number. Then again, maybe you are a number. For you are one who is known and eternally loved by our heavenly Father. | 
