Large Stones

In 2001 when I traveled to the temple ruins in Jerusalem (often known as the Wailing Wall, sometimes known as the Western Wall), I immediately noticed three things.

1.  The guns pointed at me.  Israeli soldiers take security very seriously.  You just keep moving through security lines and pray you don’t set off any alarms.  (Ironically, I prayed more there than I did at the wall itself.)   Not a suprise.

2.  The hustle and bustle.  I visited the site twice, on two different days.  Each time, there were hundreds of Jewish men cantoring, davening, random cloisters of men celebrating bar mitzvahs on-site, throwing candy.  There were tourists from all over the world, in all different types of clothing and tradition, tucking prayers written on paper into the wall spaces.  And quieter women, also praying, in their own separate section.  (Women and men are not allowed to pray together in mixed company, except in the Reform circles of Judaism.)  In fact, I remember thinking this scene looks exactly like a picture I would study in the encyclopedia, circa 1984.  Again, not a suprise. 

3.  The architecture itself.  This was a suprise.  How did the stones get placed there without modern-day equipment?  How were they cut so evenly?  What are the dimensions and how much do they weigh?  What kind of rock is this, and where did they even find it?  How long did it take to build?  Just how many slaves gave their lives for this temple, anyway?

Though the Temple I am referring to was not yet completed in Jesus’ time, the architecture was impressive enough for the disciples to comment, even to marvel, from the opposite vista on the Mount of Olives.  You will read all about that in our Gospel Lesson for Sunday, Nov 15, 2009 from Mark 13:1-8.

Architecture may impress.  But–marveling over things that you can see, and trusting in the One you cannot see–are two different things.

Lord of all times and places, we trust in your greatness alone.  Amen.

Bishop’s Bits: Since You Asked

Our Southeastern MN Synod Bishop Harold Usgaard has written a brief letter about his own convictions in light of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  You can read it here.

Life-Giving

A devotion based on 1 Kings 17:8-16 for Sunday, November 8, 2009 

by Spiritual Care Minister Barbara A. Peterson

“Would you bring me a little water … a piece of bread?”

The audacity of Elijah to ask a poor widow, destined to die of starvation, for a little water and a small cake of bread. Asking the poorest of poor for your means of survival doesn’t seem like the appropriate course of action, and it is certainly an unlikely source of help. Yet, these were desperate times. There was a severe drought and an accompanying famine that plagued the land. It was a matter of life or death; it was every man/woman for him/herself. The widow had only a handful of flour and a little oil to feed herself, her son, and now Elijah. If you know anything about being a baker or about flour; one handful will not feed or sustain three people. Elijah’s request must have seemed preposterous! Yet the widow was willing. Why?

It might have something to do with the culture of hospitality at that time, but it more so has to do with God’s words through the prophet Elijah that revealed the life-giving nature of God. Amidst the drought and famine, in this household, the flour will not come to an end and the oil will not be lacking. These are words of hope and words of life; God’s gracious provision will sustain all three people.

Also within the life-giving nature of God, this story shows how Elijah and the widow needed and helped one another. Elijah needed the widow with flour and oil, and the widow needed God’s gracious provision. God provided life and as God worked through each individual, they provided life for one another.

This is true for us today also. As we turn to God for help, he graciously provides for our need. And our gracious offerings to one another provide and sustain life here on earth. We too, in our times of drought or famine /trial or struggle, need one another. Our openness to allowing others, even those whom we least expect, to help us as well as our being willing to help them, has a reciprocal effect. It is mutual life-giving for both. Our very survival depends on this.

Figuratively speaking: What drought or famine are you experiencing in your life? What little bit of water or small piece of bread do you need, or, could you offer someone? Consider the life-giving nature of God both in his provision and his call for you to mutually help others.

Opposition

As I read headlines about our ELCA and some of the reactions to our churchwide assembly votes, it has caused me to reflect on who we are as communities of faith, and to what degree we need to be in agreement to move forward with the mission of Christ.  Also, I am looking to my bookshelf and find myself re-reading some of my favorite works.  These personal “classics” bring reassurance at times when I need guidance. 

Very few of my personal classics are spiritual giants or famous names (except for that one called the Bible), but this I am offering a piece of a little-known book of reflections on ministry called, “The Art of Pastoring:  Contemplative Reflections.”  Written by William C. Martin (1994:  CTS Press, Decatur, GA),  and now out of print–but worth tracking down.  In his little book, Martin gives several reflections for Christian ministry on a variety of topics.  Here is the one entitled,

Thought 69 – Opposition

If someone opposes your plans

do not think that you have an enemy.

You will have an enemy

only if you make him so in your heart.

Wait and see.

Perhaps your opponent is an angel

sent from God

to show you more subtle

and deeper aspects of the Word.

 

Let your so-called opponent

show his true intention.

If he is truly in opposition to you,

your waiting and patience

and lack of attack

will give you the victory

that redeems you both.

 

And then Martin’s observations:

My opponent is not my enemy.  S/he is a gift from God to help me refine my spirit.  What opposition are you facing right now?  Wonderful!

 

 

Confirmation Class of 2009

Mentoring 2009

On Sunday, October 25, 2009, 15 young men and women affirmed their baptismal vows.  Congratulations to–and heartfelt prayers for–each one.

Here are a couple of pictures of our Confirmation Class, with their Mentors.  Thanks for being such a great group!  Your lively spirits will be missed!

The Lighter Side of Mentoring 2009

Current & Proposed Ministry Policies Now Online

You can find the ELCA guidelines for Vision and Expectations for Rostered Leaders, as well as the WORKING DRAFT of PROPOSED CHANGES to them, here.  I encourage you to read the original documents as well as the proposed changes, which are at the bottom of the page link. 

NOTE:  You can view the documents easily by clicking the link, though you may need to download the free software Adobe in order to read the pdfs.

I will also put a link to this in the blogroll, with the title:  ”ELCA Proposed Policy Changes.”

Hey! We’ve Been Noticed!

In tracking back some of the hits we’ve received to our blog recently, I found out that we have been featured on a site called “Pretty Good Lutherans.”  [Aww, shucks.  Tiny curtsey.  And thanks for noticing our little corner of ministry in that big, big world of cyberspace.]

I am intrigued by this site.  The stated mission is, “An independent news site of veteran religion reporter Susan Hogan.”  From what I’ve seen, it’s living up to its name, with some pretty good stuff.  Check it out!

Are We Serious?

This devotion was written with the Gospel reading for this Sunday, October 18, 2009 in mind: Mark 10:35-45, which can be found here.

A couple of weeks ago a group of ELCA Lutherans met in Indiana to discuss their reactions to the church assembly decisions about rostered leaders in same-sex relationships. They call themselves the Lutheran CORE—and they have existed for the past few years, giving witness to their opposition to various issues within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

As a church, we are in a gray area right now—the voters have voted, but no policy changes have been enacted. And as the CORE discussed their fears and concerns, voiced their opinions and even cracked jokes at the expense of those who led the August assembly, these individuals—good and sincere people of faith–began to make plans that include, perhaps, leaving the fellowship of the ELCA. In this meeting, one person sat. The ELCA’s Director for Congregational Mission, former Bishop Steve Bouman. I’ve met Pastor Bouman, and in fact he will soon be speaking to our regional theological conference next month.

Pastor Bouman was not permitted to speak at the CORE meeting in Indiana, but he did write an open letter to the group of those contemplating leaving. And in the letter, he spoke of mission. Not just a mission to disagree, or a mission of righteous anger, not a mission to complain, or a mission to chide—but a mission beyond the disagreement. Are you serious about mission? he asked. If that is done separately or together in this church we call the ELCA—no one yet knows. But Bouman’s question struck me—are you serious about mission? For regardless of one’s opinions on the assembly decisions, are we serious about the mission Jesus calls us to—calls us ALL to—to be servants? Do we proclaim that the crucifixion of Jesus ransomed not just those of like mind, but the masses, who happen to be sinners, every one?

microscopic view-red blood cells

When someone takes issue with something in the church—and it can be anything or everything, for there are plenty of faults in any church, local and national. When someone takes issue with something in the church, watch what happens next. After the “But it is not so among you” (Mark 10:43), what is there? Is there a call to life, forgiveness, and humble service? For you can be certain that is where Jesus is. And our identity, which we labor so long to secure, which we may arrange and re-arrange in denominations and local congregations, our identity always centers in this truth: captive to sin, but now, redeemed. Ransomed. And set free by the blood of Jesus Christ.

On a mission to serve, not be served. To offer, not lord over. To love, not belittle. To be mature in faith, grounded in an identity that was not earned, but given in sacrificial blood. Thanks be to such a God!

Lord God, as we face questions of the day, give us confidence in your promises, and humility in our demeanor. Amen.

Meet Our New Senior Pastor & Family

An excerpt from our October 2009 Newsletter column, for all you readers in cyberspace who may not get the paper edition!

1.  Welcome, Pastor Charlie & Cindy.  Tell us a little bit about yourselves–where you grew up, your career paths, your family life.
Cindy grew up in a parsonage, born in Osceola, Nebraska and then moved with her family to Wakefield, Nebraska when she was two.  She went through high school there as a very active young person.  She went to Gustavus Adolphus College to become a Registered Nurse and continues a wonderful career as an RN. Cindy has worked in Lincoln, NE, Macomb, IL, Lexington NE, York, NE, Menomonie, WI, and Montevideo, MN.  She has experience in many areas of nursing ranging from surgical care to Director of Nursing positions. 

I (Charlie) grew on a farm outside Wakefield, NE and also was an active young person in school.  Cindy and I were good friends in high school but never dated until later.  I went to college at the University of Nebraska earning degrees in Education, Agriculture and business.  I have worked in the agricultural, finance, and food industries.  Some of my employers during my first 24 years of career life were White Motor Co., John Deere of York, Piper Jaffray & Hopwood.  I spent 13 years in my own business until near the end of my studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

Our families are very important to us.  Our two children, Karin and Christopher, live in the twin cities, we so enjoy spending time with them.  We have siblings living in Alexandria, MN, St. Peter, MN, Rochester, MN, Stanton, NE, Edwards, CO, Little Rock, AR, and Houston, TX.  Our mothers live in Alexandria, MN and Wayne, NE.  Travelling to see family is important for us.

2.  Tell us what you are most looking forward to as you begin your life in Blooming Prairie?

We are looking forward to getting to know the good people of First Lutheran Church and Blooming  Prairie.  I (Charlie) am very eager to get to know the staff of First Lutheran Church and begin our working relationship.  Together we have recognized the importance of the schools in Blooming Prairie and look forward to being with the youth and their families at school activities.  
3.  What excites you most about ministry and your work as a pastor in the ELCA?
What excites me most about ministry is how faith works in and through the Christian community, especially how it enables, empowers and brings courage to hurting and fearful people in need of peace and healing.  I am excited to be an ELCA pastor, maybe even especially in these times.  The ELCA has been very bold in its faith to lean forward into social issues (that are sometimes controversial) because of our charge to “love one another.”  The ELCA continually creates an environment for meaningful Christian education/dialog, evangelism, and mission to the world.   I love the ELCA’s recent adoption of the theme “God’s Work, Our Hands,” as we are the hands of feet of Christ until he comes again.
4.  What are your hopes and dreams for our congregational partnership together?
My hopes and dreams for our partnership with First Lutheran are that mutual respect and Christ’s love prevail as we work together to further God’s emerging kingdom.
5.  What do you like to do for fun?  Any hobbies or special interests?
We enjoy time spent with our children at home playing games, or going to activities with them.  We also love making our home wherever we live.  Landscaping, building, and plants are hobbies we both enjoy.  A good football or basketball game, a show, or play is great entertainment, sometimes traveling to see one in person.  We also have a family lake cabin that is a wonderful family gathering place in the summertime.

6.  Anything else you’d like to add?
We are eager to move in to our townhome in Blooming Prairie.

Bishop Usgaard’s Invitation to Conversation

For those of you interested in our local response to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly vote for changing some ministry policies to include those in same-sex relationships, please click the link below and follow the directions for viewing the video.

http://www.semnsynod.org/bishopsbits/CWA09video.html