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/