Mount Cross has a Laser focus on our youth!  This means that we have a variety of programs and services for youth from birth through High School.

Check out all the different links to learn about options for your youth.  Be sure to check out both the youth and education links for more information about the different opportunities there are!

In Christ,

Jamie Lindberg

Interim Youth Coordinator

]]> http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/mount-cross-youth/feed/ 0 http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/weekly-emails/ http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/weekly-emails/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:16 +0000 Jamie http://mountcrosslutheran.org/?p=815 Be sure to check our youth page each week for weekly updates! We will be posting information about youth group times, retreats, and other fun activities that you can be a part of! Don’t miss out!

We are in need of a parent to come as a second adult each week, see Jamie to sign up!

Upcoming 6th-8th Grade Youth Dates and Activities:

February 19th, 26th, March 4th – Youth Group 6:30pm-8:00pm

Friday, March 9th-Sunday, March 11th – SW-WA A.L.Y.V.E. Retreat @ Black Lake Bible Camp

March 11th, March 18th, March 25th – Youth Group 6:30pm-8:00pm

Friday, March 30th-Saturday, March 31st – UPYN Be SENT Event

]]> http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/weekly-programming/feed/ 0 http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/k-5th/k-5th-youth-activities/ http://mountcrosslutheran.org/youth/k-5th/k-5th-youth-activities/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:00:13 +0000 Jamie http://mountcrosslutheran.org/?p=947 Elementary Retreat!

Do you want to know what it’s like to be at camp? Here’s your chance!

Mount Cross is looking to get a group of youth in the 1st-5th grades to go to the Elementary Retreat at Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center in Bellingham, WA.

When: Friday, March 23rd-Saturday, March 24th

Cost: $35 per participant

This camp opportunity fills up fast! Contact Nancy Morrow or Jamie Lindberg for more information.

Lutherwood Retreat Registration

Who’s calling? God is the author of our calling. Whose calling? The call belongs to the priesthood of all believers. Scripture recites numerous call narratives. In the Creation Story, God calls Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, to till the earth and keep the Garden. God calls Cain to be Brother Abel’s keeper. God calls Abraham to be a seed of blessing for all nations. When God calls Jeremiah, the prophet complains that he’s too young and inexperienced. When God calls Isaiah, the prophet says, “Here Am I LORD. Send Me!” It took three tries for Eli to recognize a call from God and on the fourth try Samuel said, “Speak LORD for your servant is listening.” God called a reluctant and run-away Jonah to speak words of repentance to sinful Nineveh. People usually catch fish, but God uses a big fish to catch Jonah, and forgiveness to catch sinners. God is a persistent caller, refusing to take “No” for an answer. The call creates the response and guarantees the catch. God goes fishing and never gets skunked. “Rabbi, where are you abiding?” Jesus says, “Come and you will see.” Jesus guarantees Epiphany! Walking along the Sea of Galilee, Jesus commands four fishermen: “Follow Me and I WILL MAKE YOU fish for people.”

I Peter is a baptismal homily. St. Peter reminds us of our priestly calling: “We are scattered seeds and living stones. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own people.” We are consecrated for a purpose: “To proclaim the mighty acts of Him who called us out darkness into His marvelous light.” In baptism we receive a new birth and an imperishable inheritance; the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. In Baptism we receive a “Great Commission” Calling/Vocation. Baptism, prefigured in the waters of the Flood, now saves us (I Peter 3:21). Baptism is our ordination rite (I Peter 2:5).

Martin Luther writes, “All Christians have the same status. Citing I Peter 2:9 (‘You are a royal priesthood and a priestly realm’) and Rev. 5:9-10 (‘Thou has made us to be priests and kings by thy blood’), Luther describes that status as ‘priest’ and ascribes it to every Christian, ‘As far as that goes, we are all consecrated priests through baptism.’ So what differentiates Christians is simply the work that God has given them to do: There is no true, basic difference between laymen and priests, princes and bishops, between religious and secular, except for the sake of office and work, but not for the sake of status. They are all of the spiritual estate….But they do not all have the same work to do. For whoever comes out of the water of baptism can boast that he is already a consecrated priest, bishop, and pope.”—WA 6:407.22-23 and WA 6:408.11-12, 26-30. Our stations in life differ, but our calling is the same: “Having put on Christ in the waters of regeneration, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. We are all one in Christ Jesus”—Galatians 3:27-28. We have different roles to play, but equal value to share!

So what’s your calling, and how are you living it out your priestly vocation publicly in daily life? The Latin word for calling is “vocation”. Lutherans use the word “vocation” to refer to our common calling as sons and daughters of God living out our lives in the world. “Vocation” is not merely a reference to clergy who are paid professionals living out their baptismal calling in the station of Church. Each of us is called to glorify God and serve our neighbor in our various stations of daily life; as spouse, parent, child, citizen, student, employee, boss, etc. “Vocation” includes one’s occupation or job, but is not limited to what one does for a living. Our baptismal calling demands that we build an altar in the workplace, home-place, and play-place. Christians are on call 24-7. In truth, there is no distinction between secular and sacred work. All work is sacred service, because our justified-by-faith-alone-bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Vocation is God’s work; a mask of God. God is hidden in vocation; Christ is hidden in our neighbors. Our stations and callings in life are all opportunities, as well as duties, for faith to be lived out fruitfully, publicly, for the sake of the neighbor and the glory of God. Worship is what we do 24-7, not just for an hour on Sunday mornings. They may, or may not, know we are Christians by our love; “vocation” allows us to show and tell!

Vocation doesn’t mean that daily life is all fun and games. We may not always enjoy our jobs or the tedious elements of our daily stations. Our callings are not intended to simply increase self-esteem or bring us personal fulfillment. The Rev. Dr. Marc Kolden, in his book Called by the Gospel, writes, “The creative purpose of vocation is to help us to serve God and keep his world going; but the redemptive purpose of our vocation is to discipline us.” “Without vocation, the gospel would be cheap grace—resurrection without crucifixion.” “Vocation is the way of life with a cross at its center.” “In the demands and sufferings of our callings we are crucified with Christ.”—Pages 57-58. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book The Cost of Discipleship writes, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Martin Luther reminds us that “Christians preoccupied with their families, struggling to make ends meet, living their mundane lives are all in a state of holiness, living holy lives before God.” The doctrine of vocation is the theology of the Christian life.

St. Paul writes, “Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned you, to which God called you”—I Corinthians 7:17. As members of the “priesthood of all believers” we are called to practice our vocations in daily life, for the love of Jesus, the glory of God, and the good of the neighbor. We priests and priestesses present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). Baptism gives us our calling. God lives and breathes in our portable temples at home, at work, and at play. Build an altar and enjoy your callings!

Vocationally Challenged,
Pastor Dave

During 2012, I will be selecting one of our Bedrock Beliefs each month and offering reflections for your consideration in our monthly newsletters.  It is my conviction that bedrock beliefs are the non-negotiable essentials of our Christian Faith.  Grace may be free for all, but grace, costly grace, is not a “free-for-all” where the redeemed do and believe as they please.  The twelve month journey that awaits us will be a kind of an adult catechesis; a review of what we learned in Confirmation.  This month, as we prepare to celebrate the Baptism of our Lord on January 8, I thought I would begin by addressing the topic of Holy Baptism, our entrance rite into the life of the church.  What is it that we believe about the Sacrament of Holy Baptism?  The hymns of our church provide confessional fodder for our theology of Baptism.  “All who believe and are baptized shall see the Lord’s salvation (Mark 16:16).  Baptized into the death of Christ, they are a new creation (Romans 6:4 & II Cor. 5:17).  Through Christ’s redemption they shall stand, among the glorious heavenly band of every tribe and nation (Revelation 7:9-17)”—LBW #194. 

We baptize infants and adults, because we have a Great Commission with a great promise!  Our resurrected Lord, who has all authority, commands his church to make disciples of all nations everywhere, in God’s name (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).  We are commanded to make disciples and to teach obedience to the commandments of Jesus; lo, Jesus is with us always!  In Baptism we become the bride of Jesus.  In Baptism we are born again (John 3); birthed from above.  Our first birth (biologically born into sin) requires a second birth (heavenly conception), which guarantees a third birth (resurrection unto eternal life).  What about eternal security; once saved, always saved?  Can one fall out of grace?  Can the promises of Baptism become null and void?  Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is always a spiritual danger.  Baptism isn’t hocus-pocus, medicinal inoculation, or a human insurance policy.  Read Hebrews 10:26-31, I Corinthians 10:1-13, John 10:27-30 & Romans 8:28-39.  Scripture doesn’t flip-flop.  God doesn’t speak out of both sides of His mouth.  In Jesus, God’s Word for us is always “Yes!”  Personally, I don’t understand how a person could fall out of grace, unless it wasn’t costly grace to begin with.  God, who began a good work in us, guarantees its completion at the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In the meantime, let baptism have its full effect!  In the Small Catechism, Martin Luther writes: “What does baptism mean for daily living?”  “It means that my sinful self with all of its evil deeds and desires should be drowned though daily repentance, and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.”  Recently in the Grand Sweep, we read Romans, Galatians, Colossians, Titus, and I Peter.  Each Epistle makes reference to Baptism.  The Letter of Romans reminds us that it is impossible for a baptized child of God to sin all the more that grace may abound. Why?  Because we have been buried and raised with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:1-14); game on and game over.  Galatians and Colossians remind us that we are “clothed so to speak” (Gal. 3:27-29 & Col. 3:1-17) in the righteousness of Jesus in Holy Baptism.  Baptism is the great equalizer; making human distinctions no longer important.  Baptism is the rite whereby the Gentiles are made sons and daughters of Abraham and Sarah; heirs according to promise.  Titus reminds us that we are saved not because of deeds done on our part, but solely on the basis of God’s goodness, mercy and loving kindness.  How are we saved?  Through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.  Justified by grace, we become heirs in the hope of eternal life.  The saying is sure (Titus 3:4-8a)!  The baptized devote themselves to good works.  Martin Luther writes: “You are saved by faith alone, but if faith is alone, it is not faith.” 

The letter of I Peter is a baptismal homily, reminding persecuted Christians that they have been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus and set apart for godly living as members of a royal priesthood.  Sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever, we should not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that comes our way.  Suffering, for Christians, is for just a little while, but the living hope and heavenly inheritance is forever.   Baptism, which is prefigured in the Flood Story, now saves us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Peter 3:21).  Baptism is our ordination into the priesthood of believers.  We are servants of a new and better Covenant. 

Having read and preached on the Book of Hebrews recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about the word BETTER.  Some scholars refer to Hebrews as the “Better” Book of the New Testament because the word “better” is used 13 times.  Jesus is the better priest, sacrifice, mediator, hope and way.  Why would anyone settle for an inferior when they’ve already got the Superior?   Reflecting on “better ways” and the “priesthood of believers” I got to thinking about church life efficiency at Mount Cross.  Currently, a church staff member makes dozens of phone calls every month soliciting worship helpers.  What if we found a better way?  Instead of one paid staff person making 50+ calls trying to solicit people for service, wouldn’t it be better to have the priesthood of believers call the church office and volunteer their time and talents?  Imagine how much easier it would be if each member of Mount Cross called and said for example, “This is baptized Billy.  I’ve got the spiritual gift of Scripture reading.  I checked my calendar and here are the Sundays I have free for the next two months.  When would you like me to use my gifts and read Scripture?”  Instead of an office staff member trying to fill worship helper slots for the monthly calendar, members would be calling to offer themselves for service.  I realize it’s just an idea, but for those who embrace a “better way” (Jesus), it might reduce the stress and workload of the office staff.  Martin Luther writes: “There is enough in Baptism to study and practice our whole life.”  From womb to empty tomb we are christened.  Let the redeemed say, “I am baptized”.

Walking Wet,

Pastor Dave

WorshipHelpers January 2012

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.”  “For God so loved the world that God gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Jesus, may not perish, but have eternal life”—John 3:16. God directs the offering of His Son to the world and designates the Gift for believers. God proves His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for the ungodly. God designated Jesus for a cross, for the sake of our salvation. We may question the wisdom of God’s designated giving, but it is the Owner’s prerogative to give as He chooses. Who are we to judge God’s choice of designated giving? The cross is always foolishness to those who are perishing!

In the Season of Giving, we remember that each of us has been entrusted with time, talents and treasures. Who we are and what we have are “the belongings” of God. We are divine property. How do we decide individually and communally where to direct and designate our spiritual gifts; what to support and what not to support with our time, talents and treasures? Each of us is always directing our gifts toward, or away from, one cause or another. Each of us is being solicited via phone or mail for support of various causes. According to ELCA statistics, the average ELCA member gives 1.7% of their income to the church. Assuming as Jesus does (Matthew 23:23), that we tithe ten percent, then the average Mount Cross member is designating 1.7% of their gross income to Mount Cross and 8.3% toward something else; benevolence or otherwise. God gives us the freedom to designate and direct our time, talents and treasures. With the privilege of choice comes responsibility and accountability; the blessing is also a burden of sorts. Each of us seeks the Master’s commendation: “Well done good and faithful servant.” Are we giving as God, the Holy Spirit, directs us? 

We’ve just finished reading Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. Paul writes: “When one member of the body suffers all suffer together. When one member of the body is honored, all rejoice together. God has given the greater honor to the weaker member of the body.” Spiritual gifts are intended to build up the body of Christ, not divide, dismantle and destroy it. If you have been designating your giving in the past, and intend to continue on the same path, the Body of Christ at Mount Cross will not judge or shame you. Whether you pledge or not, will be your decision. How you direct your gifts will be your prerogative. I hope that Mount Cross will continue to give 10%, or more, of its budget to benevolences. I also hope that members of Mount Cross who support this level of benevolence giving will also practice the same behavior in their personal giving to Mount Cross. But, my feelings and wishes are not a shepherd’s mandate placed upon the sheep within his care. When it comes to the distribution of our spiritual gifts, we dare not shame our brothers and sisters by finger pointing, accusations of bad faith and punishment giving, or bullying tactics. To applaud or “noise abroad” such behavior is to bring injury to the Body of Christ, of which we are all members. In other words, to injure another is to injure Jesus and oneself.

By way of illustration consider this: Mount Cross has placed the YWCA on our benevolence front burner. No one would question the importance of providing safe places for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. But how do we decide what to give our collective dollars and time to and what not to support (hunger, disaster relief, March of Dimes, cancer, heart disease, poverty, homelessness)? We are always allocating our resources. I called the YWCA recently, because a member of Mount Cross informed me that the YWCA removed Christian from its mission statement. The response I received on the phone, when I asked what the four letters—YWCA— stood for, was interesting: “they don’t stand for anything; they are just four letters.” The Quilters delivered several quilts to the YWCA recently. All the Quilts were blessed on All Saints Sunday. Should the quilters have distributed their quilts to a Christian organization like Lutheran World Relief or the Tacoma Rescue Mission? Each year the Quilters support the Noah’s Ark Preschool with monies made from the Holiday Boutique. They have also generously purchased chairs and tables for Mount Cross. Do we question the direction of their giving? Do we judge the choice of their designated giving? We have a member of our congregation who is retired and chooses to donate three days each week serving at the Families Unlimited Network Food Bank. Is this a good use of his time, talents and treasures? Who is to judge the appropriate allocation and distribution of spiritual gifts? Only the Author and Giver of our spiritual gifts! Remember the words of Jesus, “Remove the log out of your eye before you attempt to remove the splinter from the eye of another. Whoever is without sin may cast the first stone.” Love is something to practice, not just applaud.

Our Advent and Christmas theme this year, in conjunction with the Grand Sweep Year of the Bible, is “Word Made Flesh”. Jesus is God’s designated gift for our salvation. In our life together at Mount Cross, may God grant each of us the faith and grace to honor one another in the name of Jesus, as we direct and designate what God has first given us! I close with this offering from St. Paul, a token of my own affections as well: “Finally, brothers and sisters, fare-well (rejoice). Put things in order, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the koinonia of the Holy Spirit be with you all!”—II Corinthians 13:11-14. Merry Christmas in the name of Jesus, God’s Word made flesh!

Designated by God,

Pastor Dave