Each month in 2012, I am reflecting on some of the bedrock beliefs of our Christian faith. Coinciding with the Season of Epiphany and the Baptism of our Lord, I began our year-long journey with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Baptism is our entrance into the Church, the Redeemed Body of Christ. This month I am reflecting on a related topic, namely: “The Priesthood of All Believers” and the gift of “Vocation”. In baptism we are called to “let our lights shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven”. We are saved for a purpose! We are God’s calling cards. We are God’s portable temples of worship and praise in daily life. Once again hymnody leads the way: “We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly. We are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God”—ELW #720. “Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart”—ELW #574. “Jesus calls us; o’er the tumult of our life’s wild restless sea, day by day his clear voice sounding, saying ‘Christian, follow me.’”—ELW #696. (more…)

The Grand Sweep is coming to an end.  Our Year of the Bible has run its course.  The Sacred Text is mastering and having its way with us; serving as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for correction, for teaching, for reproof, and for training in righteousness, that the child of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”—II Timothy 3:16-17.  On January 8, we’ll have our final Grand Sweep conversation during the Adult Education Hour.  We’ll discuss “the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth”.  On Christmas Eve we begin the celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas.  On January 1 (10 a.m.) we will embrace the gift of a New Year with our traditional Bell Ringing Service.  On Sunday, January 22 we will officially be saying farewell to our Youth Director, Beth, and wishing her Godspeed as she departs for a new ministry opportunity in Australia.  As we say goodbye to 2011, may God grant each of us the wisdom and joy of a faith-filled 2012. (more…)

“Stir up your Spirit O Lord and come!” In the Season of Advent we await the coming of our newborn King and risen Lord and Savior, Jesus. We wait with expectation and joy-filled anticipation. We wait with the Spirit of thanksgiving in our open hearts and extended hands. “Amen. Come Lord Jesus!” The Son of Man comes as Judge of the living and the dead. The sheep and goats are separated on the basis of one criterion: “Faith active in love.” Jesus said, “As you did it to the least of these my brothers and sisters, so you did it to me”—Matthew 25:40.  Advent waiting is all about interim ethics.  Believers are entrusted with undesignated gifts and directed to use them to build up the body of Christ; to glorify God and serve the neighbor. 

As we prepare for Black Friday, holiday shopping, and the celebration of Christmas, I would like us to collectively give thought to the topic of “Designated Giving.” (more…)

Haste makes waste.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.  He who hesitates is lost.  So which is it?  Slow down and catch your breath; take time to smell the roses?  Or get with the program and stop procrastinating; don’t dilly-dally because time’s a wasting?  Yes!  For everything there is a season.  Sometimes we let life pass us by because (more…)

Stretching for Home!  The checkered flag awaits our arrival.  The finish line is within sight.  Home plate is within our reach.  A run is about to be scored.  The “team player” is rounding third base and heading for home.  The crowds are cheering; the fans are going crazy—Hebrews 12:1-2!

Stretching for Home!  It’s not about baseball; it’s about Bible Reading & the WORD of God (Jesus).  On September 24, we reached third base in our Year of the Bible.  We read Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament Canon.  On Sunday, September 25, with God’s blessing (more…)