I enjoyed Halloween this year. I started the evening with a large supply of candy, and ended it with an empty bowl. I ran out of candy just before the trick-or-treaters stopped coming, and had to pass out small bags of chips to the last few children. It was actually exciting to run out of candy. That hasn’t happened to me in years.The kids and their parents showed a lot of creativity in creating costumes and I complimented a number of the older…
I read an article online that encouraged congregations to not let the current moment pass by before taking some time to reflect on what we have learned during the last year (or two). Here’s a share-out from meetings/gatherings during January, 2022 at Trinity Lutheran, Nampa:Worship Altar Guild and MusicWe’ve become adaptableThings can be simplerCommunion adaptations have gone wellWe are now ready to bring back some thingsGospel and GrowthWe need repeated, frequent contact with God and our church family; that contact was maintained through…
Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”(John 8:31-32)This coming Sunday, October 31, is Reformation Day. This is the day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany, the event that gave rise to the Protestant Reformation.It is a dilemma for us Lutherans as to whether we want…
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5…
Foot washing is one of the go to images of diaconal ministry, the image of being servant. Following Jesus example from his last supper with the disciples, kneeling to take the humble position of service. Foot washing is something we are not always the most comfortable with. Bearing our feet for washing is a vulnerable act. In a normal year not everyone likes to show off their feet, let alone have them touched and washed by another person. This past year where we…
Before I was old enough to attend kindergarten, I remember listening and watching the Mr. Rogers show on television. I was not allowed to watch Saturday cartoons or much else, but I did get to see Mr. Rogers regularly. Is the theme song still in your head as it is in mine?You can listen to it here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0UT8yhW5p4These are some of the words,“I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you, I’ve always wanted to live in the neighborhood with you! So,…
We are quickly closing in on a year since the world as we knew it changed out from under us due to a global pandemic. Throughout this year we have ridden the ups and downs of ever changing recommendations and restrictions to how we live our daily lives and how we interact with others. We have lived the ups and downs of mental and emotional exhaustion brought by living through a pandemic. Finding many moments when we feel like we have nothing left…
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:“Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?Gird up your loins like a man,I will question you, and you shall declare to me.“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?Tell me, if you have understanding.Who determined its measurements—surely you know!Or who stretched the line upon it?On what were its bases sunk,or who laid its cornerstonewhen the morning stars sang togetherand all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?“Or who shut in…
So (Mary Magdalene and the other Mary) left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Matthew 28:8I am writing this on Easter Monday. We are now on the “joyous” side of Lent/Easter 2020 as we celebrate the life-changing Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection. We proclaim this event offers all who believe it life forever in God’s community of love.Yet, as I listen to news reports and read the reflections of persons who are trying to make…
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