Rite of Confirmation
This is a reprint from October 2019, updated for 2022. On June 5 we will celebrate the Rite of Confirmation for ten high school students, our first class since preCOVID times. This is one of the banner days in our church year, and a milestone for young people and...
Unity
The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. — John 17:22-23...
No Grown Ups
"We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.” - Paul to...
Manini
Growing up, Good Shepherd Lutheran was my second home, and its members were my extended family. Many have stayed tuned in with what is going on in my life even into my adult years. Some of my fondest memories include those aunties and uncles.I smile and laugh at the...
In God’s Hands
Forth he came at Easter like the risen grain, he that for three days in the grave had lain; raised from the dead, my living Lord is seen; love is come again like wheat arising green. - From “Now the Green Blade Rises” ELW 379 The lilacs and the ornamental cherry trees...
Cast the Net
Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish .—...
Easter Celebration
Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and...
For Everything, A Season
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. -Ecclesiastes 3:1 Our family is in the season of college visits and decisions with our daughter, Evelyn. I am continually shocked at how much more college costs today than it did when I went...
Peace
Growing up, one of the stressful parts of Sunday morning worship for me was the passing of the peace. That may surprise you, considering my extroverted tendencies. As a small child, I remember holding on to Mom's hand while burying my face in her sleeve for several...
Be The Bridge
“For [Christ] is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us. He has abolished the law with its commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new humanity in place...
Awe & Mystery
Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.—from Joel 2:13 I am often drawn to the awe and mystery of God. Awe and mystery are in many ways lost in a world where we believe that we have to or can prove...
Broken Bread
Many approaches to the season of Lent begin with our stomach. What appetites might we curb or ignore for forty days? What other comforts filling metaphorical bellies need chastening or redirection? Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness begins, too, with his bodily...