A Time of Pensive Reflection

Pastor's blog

Monday, September 11, is the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington, and the crash in Pennsylvania. As the towers fell in NY I sent out a dispatch to the wider church which became a regular series of updates, stories encouragement and hope for many around the world. The blog for today is a link to a Religious News Service article on those updates. They give a flavor for the life and mission of the church at Ground Zero. My life and ministry changed on that day, as did the world as we knew it. The week of September 11 is always a time of pensive reflection for me.

Spirit Matters

Announcements

October 16 at 7:00 p.m. Spirit Matters is a faith sharing group. Our topic for October is ‘Community and our Deep Connectedness.’ Meetings include reflecting on scripture and other readings. Come be with us for a time of spiritual rest and refreshment. Your spirit matters! All are welcome. 

It’s One of the 10 Commandments, for Pete’s Sake

Pastor's blog

Despite my retirement from professional chaplaincy, I remain on the email list for ELCA chaplains and persons serving in specialized ministry. In the most recent issue of the chaplains’ newsletter, the director for specialized ministry reflected on his week away at a friend’s lakeside home in upstate New York. Remembering the recently assigned Gospel texts in which Jesus is portrayed by Matthew as taking time away, the director encouraged his readers to consider the importance of self-care, days off, and scheduled vacations for being renewed and prepared to offer competent and effective pastoral care.
To make his point, he reminded us that the Creator took a day off and incorporated a weekly sabbath in the plan for creation, adding the striking observation, “It’s one of the 10 Commandments, for Pete’s sake.”

Adopt a Book Sale

Announcements

The Adopt-a-Book Sale on September 17 a d 24 in the Atrium. Come and browse the pre-selected items from our wishlist, and donate to your church library. You may also honor or memorialize a special person or event. Here’s how the Adopt-a-Book sale works:

Mystery of God’s Ways

Pastor's blog, Uncategorized

In the wake of the trial and sentencing of the person who killed many in a synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in the shadow of too many antisemitic acts of hate every day we need to remember these words from Paul: the Jews are given “the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship and the promises, the patriarchs and prophets” (Romans 9:4-5). And in our lesson for this coming Sunday Paul flatly states that the Jews are God’s people, the recipients of these inestimable gifts and working of God which “are irrevocable.”

Civic Engagement of Lutherans

Pastor's blog

I have been viewing the materials for the ELCA study on civic engagement with much excitement and anticipation. With the help of the Global Links Team we will be engaging in this study during the Adult Forum this Fall and sharing our insights with the ELCA as it completes a Social Statement on this topic and brings it to the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Watch for details and materials on this in the near future.

God’s Work Our Hands

Announcements

Celebrating 10 Years “God’s work. Our hands.” on September 10
Join with over 8,700 congregations engaging in “God’s work. Our hands.” day of service. Across the country, thousands of members will engage in service activities to make a positive change in our communities, build and deepen relationships, and share God’s love.

8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Worship
9:oo a.m. Education; Fellowship.
Following worship:
Tied Blanket Challenge & Kindness Kits.
Email the office for more information.

Consider Leviathan

Pastor's blog

This past Sunday we began a study of the book of Genesis in the Adult Forum. (Come, join us at 8:45!)
As we read the first of the creation stories (Genesis 1:1 – 2:3) we saw reference to the creation of the “great sea monsters” – Leviathan – on the fifth day. Leviathan is the beast which the Psalmist reports (Psalm 104:26) the Creator formed simply to enjoy as it sported in the seas.

The origin of the Leviathan stories in the ancient near east is anchored in the people’s experience of the crocodilians that inhabited their world. This past week I had opportunity to get up close and personal with a lot of crocodilians and through that experience, came to better understand a Creator who delights in them.