Season of Waiting

I wrote the simple poem below six years ago during my Chaplain Residency.  During pastoral visits, as I listened to people share their wants and needs, I often envisioned their desires against the fabric of God’s Hope.  While this was not always an easy thing to do, especially when a family’s faith seemed to be hidden in struggles or pain.  God’s presence would eventually be evidenced as a place of rest, calm, centering and over time... hope.

During this season of activities, gatherings, errands and yes, even worship, I wish you still, quiet moments of sensing God’s presence in your heart, as we wait with Mary and Joseph for Emmanuel, the infinite Gift of Love and Hope to be born in  a manger. 

That dusty red fire truck soon to be his

A wished for letter not yet here

Standing in line to buy bread and milk.

Waiting

Those critical test results still to come

The chance to be home on Christmas day

A new job to help them pay their rent.

Hoping

The son standing on guard too far from home

Time enough to be with her far away friend

The rosy cheeked doll she eyed in the window

Longing

Receiving a raise for reaching the goal

Hearing the first cry of their newborn son

Trusting Santa will come as they sleep through the night

Believing

So how did you wait while your baby grew inside

Did your hopes burn bright when you first heard the News

The days must have grown long as you awaited His birth

Yet the One you were waiting for

Came to give your Life

Grace

In this Season of Waiting, God’s Grace is already shining on you.  Can you sense this?

~ Susan Moss

Prayer will bring about greater things than just a building.

As we approach dedication Sunday we focus on prayer. There is a prayer vigil on Thursday evening and we have all been asked to pray about our giving and for English Lutheran Church. As I see my refrigerator magnet each day (many times), I am constantly reminded to pray and focus on what God wants us to do for English Lutheran. Pastor Mark keeps telling us that this is not just about a building, but about our faith and this process of bathing the Church in prayer will bring about greater things than just a building. I will say for our family, that is already happening.


I like this idea of a family gathering together and praying for big decisions in life. So, I decided to apply that to our own little family. We gathered together as a family and talked about all the things going on and what we want our lives to really look like. Now every day each of us prays for ELC and for our family's future and focus in life. We have been greatly enriched by bathing ELC in prayer and my hope is that you all have found that this process of community prayer has brought benefits beyond a decision as to how much to give to the Capital Campaign.


May your prayer life continue to grow and enrich all that you enjoy in life. Amen.


Eva Marie R.

A Dwelling Place for All

Is there a special place in your heart that your mind travels to when your soul needs a safe place to dwell?  When life has become too complicated and you long for a "simpler place in time?"  When I was younger, this special place was my grandparents' farm in Deforest, Wisconsin.  A quiet man of the earth, my grandfather raised pigs and grew field corn and tobacco.  My grandmother was gracious and always hospitable -  an amazing cook, a gifted quilter and seamstress, and an award-winning baker.  Their door was open to anyone in need of a meal or in need of good company.  The aroma of freshly baked bread and the warmth from the wood burning stove had a way of saying to every guest -  "Welcome,  take your coat off and stay a while."   As a teenager, and well into my adult years, a visit to my grandparents' was always a time of respite and renewal for me.

As the years moved on and my faith grew deeper, the Church became that special place in my heart.  The place I learned to turn to for security, friendship, and a sense of belonging.  The Church became that safe place for my soul to dwell.  In Psalm 23, David reflects on the wonderful assurances we have as God's people.  He ends the Psalm by proclaiming "I shall dwell in the House of the Lord my whole life long."  What a comfort. What a promise.  To dwell with God's people forever.  To be God's child forever.  To be redeemed.  To be assured of a place in God's House forever. What a treasure! The world may change.  Our lives may be uncertain at times, but we can be assured that we will always have the Church.  We will always have God's family to surround us. 

I cannot imagine my life without the Church and I give thanks to God that I don't have to.  The Church is my lifeline.  It's what sustains me.  It's where I get my strength and confidence to be a follower of Christ in the world.  As we prepare our hearts to make a commitment to our capital appeal, and prayerfully consider our gift, I invite you to reflect on how the Church has been a blessing on your life.  How the Church has changed your life.  And then, consider the generations to come who will need the Church.  And finally, consider this:  that well over half of our La Crosse community does not have a church home - a "dwelling place" where they can be surrounded by God's family.  What an opportunity for us to create a building that will warmly welcome the stranger.  And a building that will not only welcome the stranger, but a dwelling place that gently says "take your coat off and stay a while."

In Christ, Together We Grow.

In peace,

Cara H.

Money, money, money, money....MONEY

“Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y'all, do things, do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things, do things, good things with it”

As I’m writing this blog I’m listening to the O’Jays 1973 hit. As your read this blog, it may help to listen to it. {Turn it up!} Here’s a link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll3uipTO-4A

Money. We do things with it. We do things for it. The Mean Green. The Almighty Dollar.

My financial adviser likes to quote Kahlil Gibran “ Money is like love; it kills slowly and painfully the one who withholds it, and it enlivens the other who turns it on his fellow man.”

Money is a medium by which we tell the world what we value, by how we acquire it and how we spend it– or to put it more simply – Every dollar you spend is a statement of your values. I learned that lesson the hard way. I let money control me, define my relationships, impact my work, occupy my thoughts, keep me from sleeping – then I realized I could control it and make it do what I wanted it to.

This is nothing new.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Rick Warren wrote” If you show me how you spend your time and how you spend your money, I’ll show you what’s important in your life. No matter what you say is important—show me your schedule and your checkbook stubs and I’ll tell you what’s really important to you.”

James W Frick, the highly successful VP of Development for Notre Dame put it this way, “ Don’t tell me what your priorities are, show me how you spend your money and I’ll tell you what they are.”

Pointed, pithy comments.

Yes, we’re in a capital campaign to make some much-needed improvements to our congregational gathering place. That’s gonna take money. Everyone will make a decision about what they will contribute to the project. Does it align with your values? Is it important to you? Is it a priority? Wish you could give more? Then give more. I recently sold some old books I no longer had use for. Now I reclaimed some space, some other book collector is happy and I can make a donation to something I value. Win-Win.

“Don't let, don't let, don't let money rule you
For the love of money
Money can change people sometimes
Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you
Money can fool people sometimes
People! Don't let money, don't let money change you,
it will keep on changing, changing up your mind.”

“For the Love of Money” Lyrics by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff

Lutheran Fourth of July

I didn't grow up Lutheran, so when I first started attending Lutheran services in graduate school, I sometimes got confused by what seemed to be normal to everyone else. I always sat next to my friend, conveniently the daughter of a bishop, who patiently answered my questions. The first time I saw Reformation Sunday on a bulletin, I asked what it meant.

"Just think of it as Lutheran fourth of July. We're independent from the Catholics, so we'll celebrate with big music. And probably a long sermon."

Not Catholic, loud music, long sermon. Ok. Check.

But this still wasn't satisfying for my ever-hungry brain. I've since read about Reformation in the Anchor Bible Dictionary, took Pastor Mark's Lutheran 101 class, dug around on the internet. Oh, and prayed, and talked with pastors here and elsewhere about the meaning and importance of Reformation. 

My conclusion now after this "research" and four years of Lutheran churches and a lot of thinking and soul searching?

Reformation Sunday IS a day to celebrate, hopefully with great music, and possibly with a long sermon. An annual viewing of the Reformation Polka may not hurt either. 

But, all joking aside,  it's a chance to celebrate grace. THAT's what this is really about, beyond the historical, political, social, economic, and religious ramifications of nailing the 95 theses. We don't need to earn grace--it is freely given to us, which changes everything. Grace gives us a chance to live differently because we don't have to earn God's favor, pay for indulgences, or live up to impossible expectations of an ever demanding God. And through all this, we are so deeply loved.  What a great thing to celebrate!

So, as we continue praying and walking and celebrating and working and living through Christ Together we Grow, I leave you with some questions to ponder.  How does grace change the way you live? What is God calling you to do because of this freedom? How can you share this good news, or explain why we celebrate Lutheran fourth of July, to the people in your life?

I invite you to pray over these questions and, as you're comfortable, to share responses here.

Blessings,

Rachel 

Living in the Moment……As Missionaries

We thank God for all of you. We never forget you when we pray to God. Your work is produced by your faith. Your service is the result of your love. 1 Thessalonians 1:2,3

These past few days, I’ve been thinking about the words Be Here Now, a popular saying in the ‘60s.  These words were used as a book title, a way of being, an Eastern mantra. Be Here Now became a popular slogan and general sign of peace. As the saying grew in popularity, it became a cliche and I questioned its multiple meanings.

Still, as this weekend’s Mission Fest approached, I found myself reflecting on being present in the here and now, on being mindful in the moment, and what this means in relation to living as missionaries and stewards of our ‘time and talents.’

During this past week, I received some calls/emails from a few folks who wanted to display and share their passions at our Mission Fest. These requests came a few weeks after the mailing of 50 participant invites. As our list of displayers grew, I found myself in awe of the many ways we each live out our calling to be Disciples in Christ and Messengers of Hope.

In the midst of our busy lives, with all the joys and challenges each day brings, we can and do find many ways in the present; to offer a hand up, to listen to a new acquaintance, to teach a lesson or share our faith, and sometimes challenge our own selves. By being mindful of our surroundings and present opportunities in the here and now, together we plant and help grow the seeds for a promising future. 

‘Many Hands, One Spirit’...now here’s a cliché which offers hope in the present… and promise for tomorrow. I hope you have the opportunity to visit our Mission Fest this weekend. If not, can you hear God’s whisper calling you?  Come and live out your passion. You are a missionary, here and now, just as you are.

Shalom,

Susan Moss

Together We Grow

These are the words to the opening hymn we are singing during the "In Christ, Together We Grow" appeal.  The words "Deus ibi est" are Latin and mean "God is present."  This weekend, our second weekend into our special worship series for the appeal, is "Music Weekend."  We celebrate with Faithlift, our Senior Choir and the Pre-K Sunday School choir.

Let's take a Lectio Divina approach to this blog entry.  Read each verse, one by one, slowly and out loud.  Read it over and over again.  Even sing it if you remember the tune.  Now, what words or images speak to you?  Why?  Feel free (in fact, we encourage you!) to discuss your thoughts in the comments section below.

"Together We Grow"

by Paul Sannerud & Dr. Gary Walth

Rooted in your sustaining Word,

Nourished by disciples true,

Our faith grows in your sunshine fair,

Our fellowship in you.

By your water, wine and wheat

We are sacrament’ly fed

With always enough for us to share,

Your eternal abundant bread.

Refrain:

Together we grow in fellowship,

Together we grow in love,

Together we grow in God’s redeeming grace,

In Christ together we grow.

Thankful hearts are humbled now

By the many saints around

We welcome, worship, work as one

To make your name renowned.

By welcoming the stranger we see

The image of your face.

By opening wide our welcome doors

We’re your earthly hands of grace.  (Refrain)

Built on visions, dreams, and hopes

For what-e’er our future’s charge,

Unite us in our love for you,

Our humble gifts enlarge.

We pray that we will always serve all

Others as you did best,

Those touched by our church will all proclaim

Surely “Deus ibi est.”  (Refrain)

Living Legacy

"The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs through my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt
To imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band"  -- Dan Fogelberg

One year ago today, my father passed away. It is a day filled with sadness for  his passing, thanksgiving for his life and assurance of the promise of resurrection in Christ.

I often have songs running through my head as I go about my daily tasks. The song "Leader of the Band" by Dan Fogelberg has been my internal soundtrack for the past week. The chorus is copied above. If you would like to listen to the rest of the song, just click on this link: Leader of the Band.

My dad was a kind and gentle man. People were fond of him from the moment he met them. A small town grocery store owner who enjoyed the daily conversations across the meat counter with friends and other residents of the town. 

Dad was dedicated to family and to his church. In fact, he was a founding member of Faith Lutheran Church in Durand and literally helped build that church, working days at the grocery store and evenings pounding nails and helping to raise the walls of this new house of faith. Our family income didn't allow for a large financial commitment to the building project, so my parents did what they could - when they could. This commitment last well beyond the building project as they both served on the church council, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and served as the building custodians. 

My parents answered a call from God to help build a church - a house of worship and prayer. A place where faith would grow for generations to come. Their legacy is rooted in a love for God and family - a legacy that they have passed on to their children.

Before my dad died, I would joke with him about where the "Petersen Family Fortune" was buried. He told me that it was out in the yard somewhere and I should start digging - now! While there was no financial fortune to be found, my parents left me so much more than cash.

While Lori and I don't have a fortune to give to the building project at English, we will give what we can. Like my parents, we hear the call of God to build a home for faith that will serve many generations to come. 

I am so very grateful for all that my parents have passed on to me. 

I miss the "Leader of the Band" today and pray that the way I live my life is a worthy legacy to him.

Shalom,

Pastor Paul

In the Beginning

Those first famous words of the Bible epitomize amazing things yet to come. Each verse reveals more and more of our incredible beginnings. Our church begins a new chapter of our next beginning this week when our capital campaign kicks off. One thing is for sure -- we will not be same when this chapter ends. In the beginning we had a tired building needing repair. What is already written is the congregation sharing its vision for what it wants to be when the creating is over. It’s an amazing vision. The chapter continues with some people making advance pledges leading to the kickoff of the campaign this weekend. Then we have a celebration, thoughtful prayer, and at last pledging that will span three years. We will then gather again to celebrate the wonderful gifts our congregation has bestowed.

Take a deep breath, here we go – Together in Christ, we grow.

Peace,

Vicki Markussen

Vision Board President

http://www.englishlutheran.org/capitalappeal/

Thou Prepare a Table Before Me... Thou Anoint My Head With Oil

As I thought about writing this blog on the Book of Judges, these Psalmist lines came to mind.  Uncommon as it may seem at first, might there be a relationship between both?  Perhaps in some way the Psalmist speaks to God's longing for the once enslaved Israelites to draw near, as they lose sight of their foundation and their faith.....and so suffer the consequences of their choices, as told in the stories of Judges. Sound familiar? If these stories about the Isrealites' encounters with twelve Judges seem severe, I believe God's love for you and me runs deeper at least a thousandfold. Come look with me at the Psalmist's symbolic images of how our Creator and Shepherd longs to keep and care for us.

                                                         

In certain areas of the world, like the western part of this country and southern Europe, the high plateaus of sheep ranges are usually referred to as “mesas”, the Spanish word for “table.” This is also an African translation. These rocky ranges are often found in remote and hard to reach places, where shepherds will make several trips in order to survey the best travel routes and find the most useful and safest places for their sheep to graze. As the “table” is prepared, the shepherd must also clear out the drinking waterholes filled with leaves and debris. After all this, other dangers are still present.

Now Sheep are especially troubled by an insect called the nose fly. One nose fly settling on a sheep's head can easily nest and in a few days form small larvae which eventually worm their way into the sheep's intestines, causing aggravation and at times extreme pain. To forestall such crisis, shepherds must remain mindful of any nose fly threats. Imagine trying to catch a fly or mosquito with a fly swatter and multiply that hundredfold to capture protecting a flock of sheep.  It's almost useless and definitely unsettling for the flock. Yet as a shepherd remains alert to the climate, h/she can curtail these nose flies by applying an ointment of  linseed oil, sulfur and tar to each sheep's head, so they can graze in peace.

I recall several years ago a friend saying, “we have no idea how God's Spirit protects us each day.” I sometimes catch myself during an outdoor walk in awe of how the very nature of life integrally works together to continuously offer sustenance and beauty. Yet in the dailyness of my schedules, tasks and relationships, do I remain mindful and draw near to the One who created this life, with this same awe? 

I pray God be ever present at the table (mesas), and in the tapestry and pastures of my life...and yours.

Shalom,

Susan Moss

Resurrected in Christ - "I Then Shall Live As If...."

During this Easter Season as the spring buds of warmer days loom on the horizon, Christians around the world are worshiping and celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Messiah, Son of God, Holy Servant Leader. The 40 Lenten days of self-denial, personal, and communal reflections carried us into the Holiest days of the year. As we journey through these days and on through the year, I find myself reflecting on Pastor Melinda's Easter Day message, and on the One who created us in God's image.

In the midst of these thoughts, once again I hear the question.....What does it mean to live our lives as if Christ truly took on the sins of all humankind?.....as if God truly is merciful?....as if we are walking with God in the dailyness of our lives?....as if we have been Resurrected in Christ?

Some time ago I came across the following song which responds in kind to these thoughts. I am a music lover and believe music can reach across language barriers and into the human heart and spirit. I was moved by these words and hope in some way they will also touch you.

I Then Shall Live As One Who's Been Forgiven
(printed with permission by Gather Copyright Management. 2011)

I then shall live as one who's been forgiven.
I'll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my God;
I am God's child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I'll forgive my brother (and sister);
The law of love I gladly will obey.

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion.
I've been so loved, that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I'll dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

Amen.

In Easter's Blessings.....Shalom,
Susan Moss

See the choir of Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, TX sing it here:
http://youtu.be/7v5xGPbTCyA

Into Your Hands....

Good Friday services are the solemnest of the solemn, a veil of sadness behind which joy resides.

We are invited to put ourselves in Jesus' shoes and to walk the steps to the cross. Can we do what he did? Forgive those who know not what they do? Offer a word of comfort to someone who is in an extreme a situation as we may be?

In any comparison of "magnitude of suffering" we will come up short. We cannot fill Christ's shoes. We can only begin to imagine the suffering he underwent. So why then do we make the Lenten journey every year?

One of the reasons I do is so that can make another attempt to just put myself in the shoes of someone else. To try to live a life with more compassion for others than I did the year before. To give up a little more of the "Me" that gets in the way.

Whole sermons could be written about the meanings in Salvador Dali's painting Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), but one aspect of the painting that has always spoken to me is that Jesus is represented as the 3-Dimensional human facet of the 4th dimensional being God. That Jesus was the only way we, as humans, could begin to see and experience something as profound as the limitless and unknowable God.

On the hypercube cross, in the death of his 3-D human self, Jesus became 4-D life for others/everyone/me. So -- in my own limited way, can I give up a little more of my 3-D"me" to become a more dimensional spirit? To become hands, heart and mind through which God can continue to work in the world? Is that the solemn joy behind the veil?

Let it be so.

Amen.

Paul Sannerud

Being At The Last Supper.....The Passover Seder

"The streets are busy. Folks watching...waiting....scurrying around.....preparing for sundown as the eve of Passover approaches. A familiar event...yet tonight would be different. It is essential to ensure every person of Hebrew lineage have enough to eat and drink for this celebration, enough lamb, enough unleavened bread, enough wine...and someone to recount our story with. God had called upon us to make sure of this each year as we gather to remember our journey, giving thanks for our freedom and praising God for our blessings. Tonight we will be sharing this unleavened bread and wine with Jesus! Can you imagine? I still can not believe it!

We are in an Upper Room of a building off the street now, settling down..getting ready to recount our story and enjoy the Seder feast. But what is happening? I can not believe what I am seeing! Jesus, our Messiah, is kneeling....on his knees...with a towel and basin of water washing our feet...one by one! Now Peter then John and on. This evening will become even stranger as time passes on....nothing like that which I had expected. I thought we would just be discussing our journey from slavery and enjoying this time of celebration with our respected Messiah. And now I hear that one of us is going to betray our Leader, if he has not done so. Who would do this? Why?

Jesus is telling us to eat this broken unleavened bread...that this bread is his body....and now to drink from this cup in remembrance of him? He says he is going to God's kingdom. What does he mean? Why after we have followed him on this journey, won't he take us with him? He's saying Peter will deny him before the sun rises. Would I ever deny him? Has he received some news about plans being made to harm or even worse kill him? Why does this have to happen now after we are finally gaining some freedom? What more can happen?"

During the weeks past, we have learned so much from this Messiah...his teachings...his stories. I admit I don't always understand everything he says or does...yet for some unknown reason this man of God called upon us to follow him. He is always reminding us to be mindful and have faith....so how could I forget. Still with all the political rumblings and battles for power maybe it's easy to lose focus...I hope not. I hope when the sun rises tomorrow Jesus will still be with us. I hope we will remain free and remember our blessings. I hope when Jesus leaves, he will remember us. I hope God will shine mercy on us. I hope.

God be with Jesus tonight and in the days to come......be with us through all our days.....

Shalom,
(from the past and now)


Susan Moss

Will I Praise Jesus all Week Long?

I love Passion Sunday, commonly referred to as Palm Sunday.  There's a buzz in the air.  It's one of the few Sundays in the church year when Lutherans are encouraged to wave our hands as we praise God.  Children parade through the sanctuary singing "all glory, laud, and honor to you Redeemer King!"  This is worship!  You can almost feel a sense of relief that the contemplative season of Lent is drawing to a close and Easter is almost here.  As I leave worship, I am renewed, and I can barely wait to return to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord.

But wait.  There's more.  There is so much more  that will happen between Passion Sunday and Easter Sunday, and I need to be a part of it.  I need to praise Jesus all week long.  I need to be with Jesus all week long.  It's easy to praise Jesus when the crowd is praising Jesus.  The Jesus who healed the sick, fed the multitudes, calmed the sea, and raised Lazarus from the dead.  But I need to praise Jesus all week long.

But will I praise Jesus all week long?  Will I praise the Jesus who washed the Disciples' feet, modeling what it means to be a servant?  Will I praise the Jesus who kissed the very friend who would betray him?  Will I praise Jesus when he stands defenseless before Pilate, while he is sentenced to be crucified?  Will I still be praising Jesus when he prays "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do?"  Will I praise Jesus when he dies on the cross for my sins?

I need to praise Jesus all week long.  I need to take the journey all the way to the cross with Jesus.  But will I?  Will you take the journey with me?

Dear Lord God, help me to not be tempted to "fast forward" to Easter Sunday.  Give me the faith and courage to take the journey all the way to the cross with Jesus.  Grant me the humility to see my own sin as I take this journey.  God of Mercy, thank you for the gift of your Son.  May I praise him all week long.

In His name we pray,  Amen.

Cara Hartfield

Breathe in Life

“Thus says the Lord God to these dry bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live” (Ezekiel 37:5, NRSV)

Pastor Melinda’s sermon this week reminded us that God breathes life into us when we feel as dry and dead as the bones of Ezekiel’s vision. Just as he entered the stench and death of Lazarus’ tomb to restore life, God will renew us.

Throughout Ezekiel 37, the word for breath is ruwach, which can also be translated as wind, spirit or Holy Spirit, according to a trusty Hebrew lexicon. Ruwach appears in Genesis 1:2 in the creation of the world, with Moses when he divided the Red Sea in Exodus 14:21, and in Psalm 104 when He renews the Earth. God’s breath/spirit has been present since the beginning of creation and continues to create within us.

As we prepare for the holiest week of the year, I invite you to breathe in His renewing spirit. Perhaps you will incorporate breath prayers into your day, meditate on the words of the hymn “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”, or simply breathe and know that He is here.

~Rachel  

‘I am the resurrection'

A commentary on John 11:1-45


Jesus’ conversation with Martha in this passage includes one of the biggest “Good News” messages in the whole New Testament. When Jesus finally arrives he finds Martha distraught because Lazarus had died. But, Martha believes in Jesus, telling him that she knows if he had arrived earlier, Lazarus would have lived.
         Jesus flat out tells Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” Martha replies.

Oh, to have the faith that Marha had.

         
Let us pray: “Dear Jesus: We ask that we may have the understanding and faith that Martha had in you. Amen.”


-Brad Q

Step 1: I Admit That I Am Addicted… to Me.

The title of Karen Armstrong's new book Twelve Steps To A Compassionate Life brings to mind the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. First we must admit that we are addicted -- addicted to our ego -- "our pet hatreds and prejudices give us such a buzz of righteousness; like addicts we have come to depend on the instant rush of energy and delight we feel when we display our cleverness in an unkind remark..."

Blindness takes many forms. Color blindness, night blindness and macular degeneration are physiological.
Then there are the spiritual blindnesses: walking past a beggar without seeing him, the inability to see the hurt of an insensitive comment, the self blindness of criticizing another's faults but not seeing one's own.  Is it possible that we are all born blind in some way " so that God's works may be revealed in us" [John 9:3]?

When we give up something for Lent -- what fills in its place? Do we give that space to something else we indulge in? Or do we open up that created space and time to God so that he may be revealed in us? Can I give up the blindness of of ego to become more compassionate? Can I give up the blindness of being "right" in favor of just being kind?

Lord, help me to see the beauty in each person I encounter. may I give up to you space and time in my life so that your love will be revealed to others through me.

Amen. Amein. Ameen.

Paul Sannerud

Our Journey Through Lent, In Community

I've been thinking about my blogs on Exodus, the Sabbath and Ash Wednesday...and how in real life their essences intertwine...like flowing streams of water....in and around community.


Here goes.....

As I reflect on Psalm 51:10, the words seem to express well the heart of Ash Wednesday and Lent: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right spirit within me.” Up to a certain point, I believe it is safe to say you and I can assess the health of our spirit through Scripture, Prayer and our relationship with God. Yet to gain a true and fuller understanding of who we are in heart and spirit, we also rely on others to mirror our presence and our actions (whether or not we agree).

Those colorful Old Testament stories expound on the creation of community life...with all their struggles and joys. In Exodus, we read about the spiritual and practical plight of the Israelite community in the desert... during which time they received God's Ten Commandments. The first two spoke of loving God and of loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Then and now, amidst the complexities and richness of differing cultures across this globe, I believe in some way we are all meant to live in community.

The early celebrations of the Sabbath and Holy Days, wherever possible, took place in community, whether this meant family, the body of the Temple, or a village.

Today, whenever we gather for worship, as I take and receive communion, I am reminded of both: my communion with God in Christ and my communion with others by God's grace.

Reflecting upon Lent, I believe this time of reflection and cleansing is meant to be journeyed both individually and collectively. The Last Supper or Passover Feast was a communal event. This is where the gifts of communion began and where we are invited to lively fully, before, during and after Lent.

As I reflect upon my relationship with God, may my reflections also include my life in community.

“Like a roaming stream that knows no end, but for Your Grace I'd go my way.”

Shalom,

Susan Moss

The Man Born Blind John 9:1-41

The Man Born Blind John 9:1-41

Remember the saying “looking through rose colored glasses” or similar seeing two dimensional instead of three dimensional. We in our human minds think we see everything but we don’t. Through trusting and having faith in God we can see things and circumstances differently or more clearly. Believing in God we have the ability to see the world and our own lives differently which makes a difference in how we live our lives.

So then the more we have faith and trust in God does this shift our paradigm of our life?

Julie

Life Lived Between The Dust

I've been thinking this past week about the words spoken on Ash Wednesday, "From dust you come, to dust you shall return." We hear these words every year as a Cross of Ashes is placed on our foreheads. I wonder how often these words so familiar to my/our ears are reflected on afterward.

This past week marked the anniversary of my beloved friend's memorial. Susan lived a full and vibrant life of nearly 70 years. She was a wife, companion, mother, foster mother, grandparent, animal lover, therapist, writer, and during her off and on battle with cancer a champion to many near and far. She lived her life passionately, with love, compassion, tears and laughter. In the end, Susan was cremated and "returned to the earth as dust." Yet I believe her spirit lives on.

I can say assuredly, having known Susan for over 34 years, that during her lifetime between “coming from dust and returning to dust” Susan was a blessing to more people than she could have ever known. Susan was Jewish. She loved God and reflected on her life as a gift....before and during her illness.

During a recent group meet, we talked about the miracles found in 'ordinary days.' So what do I reflect on in all this.....how do I spend my time in the ordinary dailyness of “coming from and returning to dust?” Do I spend enough time 'just being' with God and sensing God's presence in my life in the midst of, and outside familiar daily happenings?

We each have a path to walk....it's my hope that I am ever mindful of walking this path, between and in the midst of dust, with God. What about you?

Shalom,
Susan Moss

Give It Up For.......Lent!

A friend of mine recently blogged about giving up using plastic bags and disposable coffee cups as part of his Lenten Journey. It helped him be more mindful about certain daily tasks and added to his understanding about how we are to care for the creation we have been given. Others have given up chocolate, soda and even Facebook!
Typically, people have given up things that are convenient or could be considered luxuries for Lent. That’s how the practice of fish (i.e. not “meat”) on Fridays may have originated.
What I really want to give up for Lent: the stubborn anger at someone who has hurt me, a shortness of temper, feelings of frustration at things I cannot control. These seem to be the right way to respond to events in my world but they are really just convenient and luxurious wallowing in ego. I cling to these feelings like a life preserver not seeing that they are the very things that pull me down.

The Pharisees in 9 John cling to their ”right way” of doing things that they cannot see the essential truth and beauty of what was before them. The formerly blind man believes, accepts and is thankful. The blind man sees, the sighted men are blind. Another joyful and solemn contradiction found on the Lenten journey!

Lord, help me to be like the blind man - believing, accepting and thankful. Let me see what I can give up, and let me glimpse the essential truth and beauty I will be able to see when I do.

Amen. Amein. Ameen.

Paul Sannerud

Come and See

I recall a few years ago visiting a man suffering with addictions and too many years of regrets. He had requested a pastoral visit. Yet in spite of my attempts to communicate or reach him, he sat still without speaking. I finally told him I'd be glad to come back and turned to leave. As I turned to exit, a voice quietly echoed... "Please stay."

In sharing his story, he said even his family had given up on him. He held a lot of anger inside and at this point didn't know if he could talk with God. Why would God want to listen to his anger, his regrets, so much wrong in his life. He had never learned how to talk to God...much less how to pray. I encouraged him to talk to God as he was doing with me... that God would love to hear his heart....that he was not alone.

Sometimes we journey through the days of Lent feeling inadequate to “the task” of preparing our hearts and spirits. Why? God doesn't change during this season. And even though we may uncover a renewed peace or some “aha” moment....we don't change either. The treasures we uncover may be that we are seeing or becoming more of who God is calling us to be. God is the same....and we are still God's sons and daughters.

If this sounds simple, so can our conversing with and praying to God. During this season of Lent, I would encourage you, wherever your life is now, to give yourself the peace of "just talking with God," and then listening to that still voice quietly tell you, "I am here."

By the way... I bet Jesus thought of You during His time in the desert.

Come just as you are......hear the spirit calling
Come just as you are....come and see......Come receive
Come and live forever...

Shalom,
Susan Moss

SABBATH and A VISION OF LENT

Memories from my childhood bring to mind visions of candles being lit for the Sabbath. The prayers spoken gave praise to God and thanks for this day. Our rituals for worship were set to the lunar calendar and so Sabbath began and ended at sundown...lasting a full 24 hours. Those who fully honored the Sabbath did not make use of any electrical components, including lights. And of course no work was performed. The day was meant to be spent with family and friends. Cooking was done the day before and meals were simple. All transportation was done on foot.

On the Seventh Day, God rested (from all work), marveling and praising the creation of this life. You and I are created in God's image, long ago and now. On this seventh or Sabbath day, I doubt that God awoke to a 5:00 a.m. alarm ring and pondered “What must I give up today?” (just a little humor)

Before the Passover Meal/Last Supper, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days to pray, to speak with God, to get away from all distractions (today this might relate to the busyness of our lives). I doubt then that Jesus pondered “What must I give up?” Jesus knew what he was about to give up. He also knew why, and what would be gained.....the Gift of Grace you and I were about to receive....eternally.

Lately I've been reflecting upon the Lent season in relationship to Sabbath. What if we were to turn around the question of 'what to give up for 40 days', and instead reflected on 'what we would like to envision during these 40 days'. To feel the breath of the Holy Spirit, to hear God whispering to you, to feel at peace?

As we make way for the One who gave his life for us, consider the idea of Sabbath moments during Lenten days......imagine yourself in the time of Jesus, take a walk, utter a prayer, and maybe even light a Sabbath Candle.....

Shalom,
Susan Moss

Welcome to Lent!: A Joyful, Solemn Contradiction

I plead guilty to being somewhat of a liturgical geek. I treasure the rhythms and patterns of the church seasons, knowing that there is always something to look forward to and that God brings newness to even the most familiar. I particularly look forward to Lent because it always spurs spiritual growth.

Despite this eager anticipation of my favorite season, Ash Wednesday service is always jarring in its contradictions. I'm excited for the growth ahead, yet anxious for what I know will not be an easy journey if I go with a receptive heart and open spirit. I look forward to learning about God in new ways and sensing His presence, but I dread the discomfort that will come with sincere examination of my life and the rigor of discipline. I feel alone when marked with the cross of ashes and oil, yet I can see and sense that I am surrounded by a community of believers. Most of all, I'm reminded how far short I fall of loving our Lord with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind and neighbor as self, yet simultaneously aware of His overwhelming grace and the wonder of our baptismal promises.

Lent is a stark reminder of the contradictions that are the essence of our Christian faith and life. Much of what we practice and believe is contradictory to contemporary, secular society. No one promised us that our life as a baptized people would be easy or without cost, yet we know that we find our life through losing it in Him.

As we journey together this Lent, I pray that we would find His promises and presence through embracing the contradictions and whatever is to come. May it be so.

Rachel S.

Some Final Thoughts on Exodus

I hope you enjoyed our series on Exodus as much as I did! It was wonderful to hear again these wonderful stories of God interacting with God's people.

Why did I enjoy it so much?! I have been mulling that question over for a few days now. These stories are vivid, exciting ones that are worthy of Hollywood movies. They follow people who move from slavery to freedom who show a combination of fear and trust as they follow God's leading.

Perhaps I have enjoyed this series because they are stories of us and me. No, I've never been in slavery to a cruel master, but we have heard in the past month from many who are. I have never truly gone hungry in my life, but I have met many people who have. While I have enjoyed my life's journey there have been days that I want to cry out like the Israelite people: " ..why have you brought me out to die in this desert?"

Following our life path isn't as easy as the financial company whose TV advertisements show a green path on the ground that promises good things if we just follow. My life's path has had many unexpected twists and turns that have brought great joy and great heartache, new challenges and ones that just won't go away easily. Through it all I have felt the presence and God rising to lead me forward one day at a time.

The Exodus story for me is about faith. Faith of people in a God who shows faith in them as well. In the end, that's exactly what I need to move me forward in my faith journey! I guess that is why I have enjoyed this series so much....

Shalom,

Paul Petersen
Campus Minister/ELC Intern/Faith Traveler

Upcoming Blog Topics

Last Sunday, English Lutheran Church completed our Exodus Series in the "Book of Faith" initiative. Our "Book of Faith" initiative will return this summer when we examine the formative early years in the Kingdom of Israel and the towering figures of Joshua, Samuel, David and Solomon. Thank you to our faithful readers from all over the world.

Our ELC Blog continues with the focus shifting to Lent. Ash Wednesday, March 9, marks the beginning of seven weeks of Lent. During Lent, our bloggers will continue to post their thoughts and reflections on a regular basis.

We encourage our readers to add their comments to any of our blogs. The Holy Spirit works through all of us and I am sure we will be enriched by your thoughts also.

Everybody's Got Something to Offer

Exodus 35-36

I love this passage even though it does get to be repetitive at times. Blue, Purple and Crimson yarns! [Each of those colors was extremely difficult to dye well and the materials for each were quite rare]. What grabs me is the desire of God to be honored in the work of our hands. Spinners, weavers, carpenters, metal workers, tanners, oil pressers, incense makers, rope makers, miners and jewelers. The Artisan's skill and understanding is yet another gift from God.

As an artisan of sorts (painter, rigger, writer, administrator [yes, skill and understanding come into play there too], designer, teacher, cook) I am always gratified when I can use the gifts I have for the church. Art is one way that God speaks through us. Everyone can think of music, poetry, paintings or other works of art that have given you a little frisson or a passing glimpse into the divine.

When we speak of stewardship we often think only of tithing our monetary income. How can we tithe back our talents as well? What are your talents? Think the church doesn't need them? Think again. If we do the work of God in the world, what gifts are not useful? Whatever gifts God has given we can and should use to His glory and to build his church. Imagine if we all tithed back our talents?
" So Moses gave command, and word was proclaimed throughout the camp: ‘No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.’ So the people were restrained from bringing; for what they had already brought was more than enough to do all the work."

Amen. Let it be so.

Paul Sannerud

An Intimate Longing and The Grace of Love

If you read through the Book of Exodus, assessing it as a string of stories about slavery, laws, trials and long ago divine experiences, I encourage you to read it again.  In the midst of these stories, are pictures of God's enduring love and desire to build, sustain and honor an intimate relationship with all God's people, then and now.

The Ten Commandments and statutes God proclaimed though Moses were meant to free a struggling people, to preserve and strengthen relationships within a homeless, wandering community, and to strengthen and value the relationship between these people and a faithful God who longed for them to draw near.

I find myself thinking about faith and character when I read these stories. Forty years in the desert is a long time for multi-generations to endure.  In my own life, it is not always easy for me to reconcile that God's timing and mine may differ. What I have learned though is faith does not exist in the outcome or when all is well, that at any time we see but a piece or pieces of the whole picture. And prayerfully. sometimes my character and relationship with God is deepened in the journey. Yet during those times when I falter. I can look to the Grace of God for restoration.

Exodus 16: 15,16 speaks to Moses relaying the message that God had given each and every person enough bread according to their needs, and that all person be given the means to partake. During the Last Supper, Christ commends the Disciples (today this would be us) to partake of this bread in remembrance of Christ, of God's great and enduring love for us.

I see the Book of Exodus as a story of God's intimate longing for us, and a reminder of the Grace we receive every day because of God's infinite love. What do you see?

Shalom,
Susan Moss

The Ten Commandments:

I had to keep in mind that this is Exodus - part of the LAW of God. Yes he wants us to envision the thunder and lightning, being fearful and taking these words to be serious and important. No symbolism and prober teaching, just ten clear cut rules for a blue print on living, for living a faithful life.

But because we are human, we can never keep all the commandments because of our sinful nature. That is why the GRACE of GOD is so important. If we believe in God, he will forgive all our sins.  This is the good message!

Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin.”

Julie

Get the message

Exodus 24:12

And the LORD said to Moses: “Come up to me on the mountain and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.”

            Reading this thousands of years later, it’s easy to think that Moses willingly followed God’s command. Would you today?

            And, how would God correspond with us today? Would he tweet the message, send us an e-mail, or give us a text? Would (or do) we get the message and act on it?

            To Moses, the messages written in stone were probably out of the ordinary. Yet, he trusted the LORD, did as the LORD commanded and then took the message to his people.

            Let us pray. Dear God, we ask that we be like Moses:  receptive of your message and willing to follow your command. Amen.

Brad Q