Connections - April

Thursday, April 30

[The baptized] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,

to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Acts 2:42

The first lesson for the 4th Sunday of Easter is in the second chapter of Acts. This verse is a guide for our LOGOS youth ministry. Our Wednesday evening gatherings are shared around teaching, fellowship, a good meal and prayer.

As we spend time apart in order to care for one another, many have come up with various ways to span the distance and stay connected. I wonder if one of the things we are learning in this chapter of our lives, is the importance of our social connections.

In Bible study yesterday, one participant made the observation: “I miss worship, and I also miss the social time after worship.” Yes, we know our relationships matter, but I think we are gaining a deeper measure of understanding about the depths of the importance of our connections.

Give someone a call. Tell them you are thinking of them. Remember to pray for your family, your congregation, your friends, and this world God so loves.

I am praying for you.

Peace to you, Pastor Phil

Wednesday, April 29

I hereby command you: “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

The other night, we were walking one of our dogs, and we saw a sign in the window of a house. A child’s handwriting, in crayon, said: “Stay Strong”, “Joshua 1:9”

When you have a Bible app on your phone, and you see a sign like that, you have to find that reference, don’t you?

I read the verse to Laura as we walked along, and we smiled at the encouragement we received from our neighbor.

An admonition from a child.

Be strong.

Be courageous.

Do not be frightened.

Do not be dismayed.

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

I have to admit that I often don’t feel strong. Nor courageous. Yet I know that the promise, that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go, is a key to our journey in this time.

It was a little surprising how heartwarming it was to consider those words from the book of Joshua. I think of this line from the story of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus. Jesus called for Bartimaeus and the people said to him, “Take heart… he is calling you.”

Take heart. Be strong. The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

That is a pretty nice message to share with your neighbors.

Tuesday, April 28

John 10:10

“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

This coming Sunday - “Good Shepherd Sunday” - we hear those words from Jesus. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

What a rich promise! Is Jesus, in his life, death and resurrection; living out for us what the abundant life looks like? If so, I would suggest that abundant life looks like self-giving love. It looks like abiding forgiveness. It promises hope and salvation.

As we practice social distancing, it might be easy to miss the fact that this self-denial - for the sake of our neighbor - is what abundant life looks like right now.

A prayer:

O God, whose goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, you have made Jesus, whom you raised from the dead, the gate through which we, the sheep of your flock, may enter the sheepfold of abundant life. Pour forth upon us the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that amidst the corruption of this age and over the voices of those intent on leading us astray, we may learn to recognize the voice of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who came that we may have life, life in all its fullness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

From Prayers for Sunday and Seasons, Year A, Peter J. Scagnelli, LTP, 1992

Monday, April 27

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil; for you are with me;

your rod and your staff - they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

This coming Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we hear from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, and we read Psalm 23. This is known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”

I suspect each and every one of us can use the simple reminder, that these words of the Psalmist, are yours as well: “the Lord is my shepherd.”

We turn to Psalm 23 at many times during the year, and most especially, we read this Psalm at funerals. In the face of loss, we turn to the promise of God’s presence with us “in the valley of the shadow.”

These past few days, I have invited prayers for Genella Haugen. She died last evening. Her family had been able to visit her a bit yesterday to be with her. We now join her family in giving thanks for the gift of knowing and loving Genella, and commending her to God’s eternal care.

For Genella, for you, and for us all, may the Shepherd’s care be a gift that knows no end.

Peace to you.

Saturday, April 25

In this week in which we marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, it crosses my mind the our attention to and care for the creation is an attention to and care for our neighbor. The quote below is from a daily devotional by Pastor Al Rogness.

“In a profound sense we can never be alone, not even with God. When we pray to him and invite him to come to us, we discover that we have no private party with him. He brings with him all who are his. He also brings with him all who are in need and says: “Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me.” So, as we go to our private rooms or sit alone with God, we sense the vast company to which we belong in him, and we cannot escape those whom the Lord asks us to help and to love.”

In a pastoral letter on re-entry, our Bishop, Pastor Laurie Jungling refers to Matthew 25:40. We hear Jesus say:‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Like our good stewardship of creation, all our our social distancing is an effort to fulfill this calling.

An Earth Day prayer:

“Stewardship: Stewardship of natural resources” ELW page 80

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us coworkers in your creation. Give us wisdom and reverence to use the resources of nature so that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday, April 24

There is a facebook page called Beauty of the Big Horns. Folks will share wonderful pictures from this area which often serve as a reminder of just what a gorgeous corner of God’s creation we live in here.

There is a wonderful question and answer that begins the Westminster Catechism - (written in the 1647) - “What is the chief purpose of man?” it asks. The answer: “To love God and enjoy him forever.”

When taking note of the grandeur of God’s creation, we might gain a glimpse of the greatness of God. In light of the Gospel, we might also glimpse the wonder that this great God has created us as well, and seeks to redeem us, and to set us free to love the world, so that all may enter into the love and enjoyment of God and God’s creation.

Earth Day was Wednesday. Here is another nice quote from Luther

The power of God is present at all places, even in the tiniest tree leaf.

Do you think God is sleeping on a pillow in heaven?

…God is wholly present in all of creation, in every corner, behind you and before you.

Martin Luther LW 37, pg. 57

I have seen this next line is included in the quote, but I am not certain that Luther said it. It is still true, but might be a more contemporary sort of thing to say:

“If you truly understood a grain of wheat, you would die of wonder.”

An Earth Day prayer:

“Creation: Agriculture prayer” ELW page 81

Abundant God, we give you thanks for the fruitful earth, which produces what is needed for life. Bless those who work in the fields; grant favorable weather to all engaged in agriculture; and help us to ensure that all people share the fruits of the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Psalm 50:

The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and does not keep silence… He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people: “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. “Hear, O my people, and I will speak… I am God, your God… For every wild animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the air, and all that moves in the field is mine. Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving… Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”

Thursday, April 23

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” - 1st Peter 1:3

I have been captured by the insight from German theologian Jurgen Moltmann (born 1926, a prisoner of war in WWII, he is known as a Theologian of Hope). Moltmann teaches that hope is quite different than optimism. Optimism is the sense that things are getting better and better. It is grounded in extrapolation. Taking the present, and envisioning a better future. Hope is grounded in expectation. The expectation that God is at work, fulfilling God’s promises.

Here is my Easter quote for today.

“The immortality of the soul is an opinion –

the resurrection of the dead is a hope.

The first is a trust in something immortal in the human being,

the second is a trust in

the God who calls into being the things that are not,

and makes the dead live.”

Blessings to you.

A Prayer from the service Comforting the Bereaved - ELW - Pastoral Care page 230

Merciful God, in the stillness of our souls we listen for your voice to know again that you are God. Quiet our restless hearts with the knowledge that you stand with us in the shadows, keeping watch over your own. Rekindle our faith and light the lamp of hope within our hearts. Then deal with us as seems best to you, for where you lead we can confidently go with Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Wednesday, April 22

A Blessed Earth Day to you!

With the beautiful weather today, and a nod toward this being Earth Day, let’s turn to this line by Martin Luther.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.

Martin Luther

In a humorous piece that would be called a “rant” by many, Pastor Lillian Daniel criticized those who say they are “spiritual but not religious” as if that were some sort of original and radical insight. One point she made was that to nature and see God at work is nothing new. The Psalmist beat them to it by millennia. Well, no need to criticize any more than that, on this Earth Day, let us simply rejoice in God’s creation. Yes, it is true, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”

A few verses from the Psalms

Psalm 121 “I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Psalm 19 “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. …and their words to the end of the world.”

Psalm 24 "The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.”

Psalm 96 “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.”

Tuesday, April 21

I have wanted to share short, thought provoking quotes about Easter and the Resurrection these past several days.

For today, I turn to Douglas John Hall, Canadian theologian and writer. Dr. Hall invites us to see that the suffering of the cross is not left behind in the resurrection, rather, through the suffering of the cross, the resurrection of Jesus reaches into the broken places of our world with God’s life and hope and love.

“The basic distinction between religion and [Christian] faith

is the propensity of religion

to avoid, precisely, suffering:

to have light without darkness,

vision without trust and risk,

hope without an ongoing dialog with despair –

in short, Easter without Good Friday.”

A prayer from ELW for “Health Care Providers”

Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick; give them courage and confidence in all they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying. May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - ELW pg 85

Monday, April 20

Do not abandon yourselves to despair.

We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.

Pope John Paul II

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

prayer from ELW - pg 304

Thursday, April 16

We are trying to put together a very brief Newsletter. Please share with me if you have graduates in your family for us to celebrate this spring. Our family has two!

I shared this with some colleagues last week, one said he referred to it in his Easter preaching. I think it is wonderfully thought provoking…

Seeing things as they actually are usually takes time.

How else are we to explain the fact that no one — no one! —

noticed the resurrected Jesus at first sight?

Seeing the resurrection requires a second look, another glance.

It takes a while for our eyes to adjust to the light of the resurrection,

and then all of life looks radically different…

Seeing God’s “new thing” is about seeing an old thing in a new way through a new lens.

Such is the miracle of Gospel sight —

to see what has always been there in such a radically new way that it becomes a new thing.

This is always a work of grace,

and we can only handle so much of it at once. -

We have received an invitation from our ELCA to support the- COVID-19 Response Fund

Here is a link to the web site where you can give directly...

Wednesday, April 15

For childdren, here is a nice resource our publishing house, Augsburg Fortress has provided.

Sunday School lessons for the next 8 Sundays at:

For the next few days, I’d like to share a quote about Easter and the resurrection. Invite you to reflect on that, and join together in prayer for Trinity, for our families, for the Church throughout the world, and for all in need. Peace to you.

Barbara Brown Taylor begins an Easter sermon with this wonderful opening.

Happy Resurrection Day!

May the news of Christ's risenness touch the dead spots in your heart and bring them back to life, so that you become part of the good news that flows forth from this place today.

May you be springs of living water in all the dry places on this sweet, parched earth.

May the fresh life that God has given you spill over to freshen all the lives that touch yours in your homes, in your work, in your schools and neighborhoods.

May you be Easter people, this day and forever.

To that I say, “Amen”!

Blessings to you, Pastor Phil

Tuesday, April 14

Bishop Michael Curry became widely known when he preached for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. I met the bishop shortly before he was elected bishop of the Episcopal Church in 2015. (He’s tall like me.) This sermon excerpt was in the Washington Post on Sunday, and I thought I would share it with you.

It feels like winter — but Easter is happening anyway

By Rev. Michael Curry presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. Washington Post - April 10, 2020

I’m 67 years old. I’ve been in church somewhere on every Easter Sunday since birth. But this Easter doesn’t look or feel like Easter. No crosses adorned with flowers by children from Sunday School. No children dressed in new clothes for Easter Day. No crying babies packed next to their grandparents in the pews. Outside, it may look like spring, but inside the church, it looks like bleak winter.

On a Sunday a couple thousand years ago, it didn’t look like Easter, either. The stench of death was in the air. No lilies, no bunnies, no new clothes — just a brutal execution by the Empire of Rome of One who taught and lived love.

It was Mary Magdalene and some of the other female disciples of Jesus who got up early that Sunday. They went to the tomb where Jesus had been buried just a few days before. You can’t change the fact of death. But you can love through it. So they went to do what love does.

They went to give Jesus a proper burial, to anoint his body with fragrant oils and make sure he was in a clean linen burial shroud. But when they arrived, nothing was as it was supposed to be. The large stone that had been placed over the entrance to the rock-hewn tomb had been moved. The body of Jesus was gone.

“They have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have laid him,” blurted out Mary Magdalene. She was the first witness to Easter, but she didn’t know it was Easter. Only later would she discover that the empty tomb was a sign of hope. Jesus was alive.

Today, it doesn’t look or feel like Easter for us, either. But maybe our empty churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other places of worship — and even stadiums and stores and coffee shops — are actually signs of hope. Maybe love is winning again. Love for neighbor that is strong enough to sacrifice our important gatherings. Love that gives up our cherished celebrations to save lives — the lives of other children of God whom we don’t even know.

Maybe these empty places are, in fact, a reminder — a reminder that, though it doesn’t look like it, it is Easter anyway.

Prayer of the Day for Easter Vigil, fitting for today:

O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.

Easter Monday, April 13

Monday, April 13

A Prayer for Easter Monday

Almighty God, you give us the joy of celebrating our Lord's resurrection. Give us also the joys of life in your service, and bring us at last to the full joy of life eternal, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Gospel lesson for Easter Evening is Luke 24:13-49

As they came near [Emmaus], he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us…” So he went in… When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. …Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (Luke 24:28-31, 35 NRSV).

Often I share that, in the Orthodox tradition, Easter Monday, is a day for laughter and telling jokes and funny stories. As one source says: “This was a time of celebrating the big joke that God pulled on Satan. It is known as Bright Monday, or Emmaus Day... in various countries. Wherever it is celebrated, by whatever name; it is characterized by joking around, singing, dancing, and merry-making.”

The Emmaus story is one of my favorites, as Cleopas and his companion come to the realization that the impossible dream of the resurrection is not only possible, but “breaking bread” with them. Jesus’ resurrection means that all of life is imbued with God’s grace and with new possibilities. And so, in light of “Emmaus Monday”, let me suggest that you look to the story of Easter, and take note of the joy and laughter of new life and resurrection.

Here’s a link to a funny, sort of goofy thing, might make you smile. Peeps Dioaramas…

"Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia!”

This Tanzanian Hymn is a wonderful Easter song…

1 Christ has arisen, alleluia!

Rejoice and praise him, alleluia!

For our Redeemer burst from the tomb,

even from death, dispelling its gloom.

Refrain

Let us sing praise to him with endless joy;

death’s fearful sting he has come to destroy.

Our sin forgiving, alleluia!

Jesus is living, alleluia!

2 For three long days the grave did its worst

until its strength by God was dispersed.

He who gives life did death undergo,

and in its conquest his might did show.

3 The angel said to them, “Do not fear.

You look for Jesus, who is not here.

See for yourselves the tomb is all bare—

only the grave-clothes are lying there.”

4 “Go spread the news:

he’s not in the grave;

he has arisen this world to save.

Jesus’ redeeming labors are done.

Even the battle with sin is won.”

5 Christ has arisen to set us free.

Alleluia, to him praises be!

Jesus is living! Let us all sing;

he reigns triumphant, heavenly King.

Easter Sunday

April 12

EASTER SUNDAY

Prayer of the Day: God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Saturday April 11

John 20:1–18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. John 20:1

Easter Saturday. Life right now is a lot like that first Holy Saturday. We are waiting, unmoored, fearful, unsure of what is coming next.

Here we are, between the cross and the resurrection. Between sorrow and joy. Not sure what to do.

Do you know the word “liminal”? It comes from the word for the threshold of a door. It means “between or belonging to two different places, states, etc.”

Interesting, belonging in each of two places.

There is an Easter hymn written by Martin Luther that begins: “Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands…”

We sometimes skip over the reality of Christ’s death, and rush to the empty tomb. This makes sense. Jesus’ death on the cross is so stark and sad and cold.

I wonder if the Saturday between the Cross and the Resurrection might be likened to the experience of grief that many of us face. We look ahead to the promise of resurrection, but the emptiness of loss is all too present.

Christ lay there, in the grip of death, all day that Saturday. His followers marking time, afraid and unsure of what was next. Mary Magdalene, resolving to go early the next day to pay her respects.

In this liminal time, when we may well have our feet in a number of places at once. In loss, and hope, in waiting and wondering, in grief and joy, in great faith and poverty of spirit, we wait.

It is a liminal time, and while much of the world lays in the grip of death, and each of us knows death's sting, we also know, there is more to the story…

Prayer of the Day

O God, you are the creator of the world, the liberator of your people, and the wisdom of the earth. By the resurrection of your Son free us from our fears, restore us in your image, and ignite us with your light, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Here is the link to the service for tomorrow. Thanks to Pastor Jim Barth for helping me with this. The sermon can be viewed beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow at - www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/easter-festival-worship

I saw a nice idea - that you might have an Easter Sunrise Service at home. Or, an Easter Sunrise Breakfast. I will post some adaptations of those at: www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/easter-sunrise

I have also adapted an Easter Vigil Service for the home at - www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/easter-vigil-service-for-home

I shared this on Monday - it is fitting today as well, a wonderful recording of the St. Olaf Choir singing American folk hymn: “What Wondrous Love” -

Friday April 10

Good Friday

John 18:1—19:42

(The Passion Story from the Gospel of John)

When Jesus had received the wine, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30

Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and forever. Amen

For our Community Good Friday service, (you can listen anytime after noon today at https://www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/good-friday) we will reflect on these words;

“It is finished.”

Throughout the history of the Church, we have sought to make sense of the cross. Many theories have been proposed to explain how God has used the cross to make us God’s own. Theories may help give some measure of understanding, but generally, they leave one cold.

It is God’s love for you - a love that will venture into the very depths of suffering and loss - that restores you to relationship with the God who created you, loves you and redeems you.

No theory will do.

And so, listen to the story. Or maybe we should capitalize it: “The Story.”

The Story of God entering our humanity in the person of Jesus.

The Story of Jesus, entering fully into our world and our lives.

The Story of Jesus venturing into death itself - in order to conquer death, in order to give birth to a new humanity, in order to set you free to live out God’s reign of love and forgiveness on earth.

No theory can touch that.

Only Jesus will do.

“It is finished.”

Death once again, has done it worst. . .

We know the rest of The Story, though, and this finish will give birth to resurrection life!

A nice recording of “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzc3v19_UBA

Thursday, April 9

Maundy Thursday

Prayer of the Day

Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The assigned text for today is John’s telling of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. John 13:1–17, 31b–35. The term Maundy Thursday comes from the word “mandate” speaking of the new commandment Jesus gives, that we love one another. . .

I have prepared a Maundy Thursday service for you to observe during dinner this evening. I can email a copy to you today...

I wrote the following reflection for Maundy Thursday devotions several years ago, and I share it again, edited a bit, because it fits for us today…

It is such a simple thing - this meal of bread and wine. And when we celebrate communion at Church, it is quite something less than a whole meal, isn’t it?

I wonder if it would be good for us - every once in a while at least - to have a celebration of Holy Communion within the context of a whole meal. A big feast. It would probably be good to be reminded that this gift of himself that Jesus gives - is a gift that we experience and know - not just up at the communion rail - but at home, at the restaurant, at school lunch and in the car while eating that - not quite good for you - fast food whatever. . .

In the Small Catechism, Luther asks,

“What benefits do we receive from this sacrament?”

and then he gives this answer

“The benefits of this sacrament are pointed out by the words, given and shed for you for the remission of sins. These words assure us that in the sacrament we receive forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. For where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation.”

The gift of Jesus truly is what gives us life.

Life for we who live in this world which God so loves.

Life for serving those whom God has placed in our lives so that we might join God in love for the world.

Maundy Thursday.

A new command. A command to love.

A new hope. Hope for ALL our lives.

Gifts beyond measure!

A very simple presentation of Go To Dark Gethsemane

Wednesday, April 8

Wednesday in Holy Week

Prayer of the Day

Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

John 12:20–36

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." John 12:20-21

While looking for recordings of hymns last week, I saw a video from a church where the sanctuary’s main focal point up front was not a cross. It was these words in large letters "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

I suspect that we should all see this as our central calling, showing Jesus’ love to others.

Many pulpits have this verse printed on them, as a reminder to the one proclaiming, that this is what people of every time and place desire, and what they need. They wish to see Jesus.

In the days that follow, we will see again, that the love of God is hidden in quite unexpected places. The love of God will go to the place of prayer, struggle, betrayal, suffering and the cross.

May your Holy Week be a time to see Jesus, and to see in him, God’s great gift of love and grace, forgiveness and resurrection life. Seeing Jesus, may you also see the many ways Jesus will invite you to bear God’s love to his world in need.

A nice recording of: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”

Tuesday, April 7

Tuesday in Holy Week

Prayer of the Day

Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

John 12:20–36

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." John 12:20-21

While looking for recordings of hymns last week, I saw a video from a church where the sanctuary’s main focal point up front was not a cross. It was these words in large letters "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

I suspect that we should all see this as our central calling, showing Jesus’ love to others.

Many pulpits have this verse printed on them, as a reminder to the one proclaiming, that this is what people of every time and place desire, and what they need. They wish to see Jesus.

In the days that follow, we will see again, that the love of God is hidden in quite unexpected places. The love of God will go to the place of prayer, struggle, betrayal, suffering and the cross.

May your Holy Week be a time to see Jesus, and to see in him, God’s great gift of love and grace, forgiveness and resurrection life. Seeing Jesus, may you also see the many ways Jesus will invite you to bear God’s love to his world in need.

A nice recording of: “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlhJ3GS5GzY

Monday, April 6

Monday in Holy Week

For Trinity Connections during Holy Week, I will turn to a reading assigned for this day, along with the Prayer of the Day…

Monday in Holy Week, April 6th - John 12:1-11

Prayer of the Day

O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, now and forever. Amen

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot … said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” …Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial…” John 12:3, 4, 5, 7

When Mary anoints Jesus’ feet - (perhaps in gratitude for Jesus raising her brother Lazarus) - we hear that she has done more than she knew. Jesus, defending her from criticism, says she did this “for the day of my burial.”

I think of this line thing I saw a few years ago. Dr. Lee Snook, a theology professor of mine, said: “God does not will all things, but in all things, God wills something.”

In the midst of this pandemic, some are suggesting that God has visited this disease on the world because of our sinfulness.

In various ways, Martin Luther criticized those who thought they understood things about God that we cannot really understand. "Looking on the invisible things of God as though they were clearly perceptible." (Heidelberg Disputation Theses #20)

I understand the desire to see God’s hand at work in the world. I like Dr. Snook’s suggestion, that not everything that happens is God’s will, but nothing happens in the world without God present, seeking to work resurrection and life.

Mary took a pound of costly perfume, to show her great love for him. She was also preparing her Lord for burial. God was working salvation for the world, while Mary was tending to her friend...

We do not know what this day means, for certain, but we can know with the certainty of faith, that God wills to work love and life, hope and healing. May we give thanks that God has enlisted us to be a part God’s healing work in the world.

Here is a wonderful recording of the St. Olaf Choir singing “What Wondrous Love” This American folk hymn is a fitting song to begin our Holy Week.

Saturday, April 4

Nancy Deines passed on to me a request from the VA for cards and letters be sent to the residents in the long term care unit. The address to send them: Dr. Jennifer Glass 116B, For MVLC Vets, 1898 Fort Road, Sheridan, WY 82801. We can’t give residents’ names out, so they would have to be rather generic. However, any sort of communication of love and care would be a gift!

Zechariah 9:9-10 proclaims these words of promise and restoration:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey… He will cut off the chariot… and the war horse… the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea . . . to the ends of the earth.

As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, he was making clear to those who could see, that he was God’s Messiah, sent to bring God’s peace and healing to the world.

I am struck by a wonderful line just a few verses later:

“Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore… you…”

At times, our need to shelter in place may make us feel a bit like prisoners. Something that has come upon us, and shaped how we must act. The hope that rides with Jesus on that donkey also comes upon us and shapes our entire lives.

As Prisoners of Hope, we are a people who have been united to this one who gives himself for the life of the world. Every breath we take, all we do and all we are, is shaped by this present reality - prisoners and bearers of hope, living in grace, sharing love.

May this coming Holy Week, a Holy Week like none other, be a time to once again dive deep in the waters of hope that have washed over us and made us God’s own children.

Here is a church choir singing “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”

Friday, April 3

…as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.

I have said, “You are my God.

Psalm 31:13, 14

I just ran across this quote from an article by our Bishop, Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling. (I’ve shared this in our Trinity newsletter before.)

This was in the WELCA daily devotion, Daily Grace:

“Reading the Bible is a journey we take together with God and our neighbors. It involves ongoing conversation as we travel, for as finite creatures we can never know the full and final meaning of God’s revealed Word. Ultimately, reading the Bible is an act of love—an act of deep devotion to God and love for the neighbor. In our Bible reading, we are called to receive the Spirit’s love given through God’s Word and to be transformed into Bible-readers who love all through our devoted act of reading.” From “Reading the Bible for love” by Laurie A. Jungling in the April 2018 issue of Gather magazine.

I really like the suggestion that Bible reading takes us on a journey together with God AND one another.

In the week to come, we will be reading together - less together than we’d like of course - the world altering story of Holy Week. I pray that you will once again find the heart of the Gospel in this amazing story. God has sent Jesus for you, and for all the world, whom God loves so much. (John 3:16) God has done this, in order for us, knowing God’s great love, to bear this resurrection life to all.

Our Father, by Whose Name - #640 in ELW, speaks of God makes us all one family, and how God’s grace calls us to bear love to others.

Our Father, by Whose Name - by F. Bland Tucker

1 Our Father, by whose name

all parenthood is known,

in love divine you claim

each family as your own.

Bless mothers, fathers, guarding well,

with constant love as sentinel,

the homes in which your people dwell.

2 O Christ, yourself a child

within an earthly home,

with heart still undefiled

to full adulthood come:

our children bless in every place

that they may all behold your face

and, knowing you, may grow in grace.

3 O Holy Spirit, bind

our hearts in unity

and teach us how to find

the love from self set free;

in all our hearts such love increase

that every home, by this release,

may be the dwelling place of peace

Thursday, April 2

The Psalm for Sunday is Psalm 31:9-16. The devotion from Bread for the Day (devotional we offer each Church year) reflects on the Psalm today, and offers this prayer:

"God of comfort, you shine your face upon those who love you and are near to us in our distress. In times of vulnerability, may we put our trust in your boundless mercy and steadfast care. Amen"

To that, I add my own, amen.

Below are select verses from Psalm 31. The Psalmist offers words of great distress, along with proclamation of the promise of God’s great love and care. Words fitting for Palm Sunday, and words that offer comfort for today as well.

At the end, a link to a comforting song by Luther College Nordic Choir.

Psalm 31

In you, O Lord, I seek refuge;

do not let me ever be put to shame;

in your righteousness deliver me.

Incline your ear to me;

rescue me speedily.

Be a rock of refuge for me,

a strong fortress to save me.

You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

take me out of the net that is hidden for me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hand I commit my spirit;

you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

…I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love,

because you have seen my affliction;

you have taken heed of my adversities,

…Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;

my eye wastes away from grief,

my soul and body also.

For my life is spent with sorrow,

and my years with sighing;

my strength fails because of my misery,

and my bones waste away.

…I have passed out of mind like one who is dead;

I have become like a broken vessel.

For I have heard the whispering of the crowd; fear is all around…

But as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.

I have said, “You are my God.”

My times are in your hand;

deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your steadfast love.

Do not let me be put to shame, O Lord,

for I call on you…

Blessed be the Lord,

for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me

when I was beset as a city under siege.

I had said in my alarm,

“I am driven far from your sight.”

But you heard my supplications

when I cried out to you for help.

Love the Lord, all you his saints.

The Lord preserves the faithful…

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,

all you who wait for the Lord.

Psalm 31

Grace Before Sleep - poem by Sara Teasdale (1884-1933)

How can our minds and bodies be

Grateful enough that we have spent

Here in this generous room,

This evening of content?

Each one of us has walked through storm

And fled the wolves along the road;

But here the hearth is wide and warm,

And for this shelter and this light

Accept, O Lord, our thanks to-night.

Wednesday, April 1

…as for me, I have trusted in you, O Lord.

I have said, “You are my God.

Psalm 31:13, 14

I have searched for hymns to share with you, and want to share a wonderful hymn that is new to me. When Morning Stars Together, published in 1969.

The recording I will share is from a concert at St. Olaf College. This song has wonderful lyrics for the beginning of a concert. “Lord, we bring our gift of music; touch our lips and fire our hearts, teach our minds and train our senses, fit us for this sacred art.”

This song seems to me to reflect the truth that our lives are lived in response to God’s great gifts to us. As the weather outside is a bit less than glorious right now, perhaps it can be a gift to remember to give thanks for our glorious creator.

Rev. Bayly’s poetry helps me to remember that in the face of all our struggles, God has accompanied us through every trial, and God has enriched every gift. I hope you can listen to this performance, and will be a gift to you as well.

When the Morning Stars Together

Author: Albert F. Bayly

When the morning stars together

their creator's glory sang,

and the angel host all shouted

till with joy the heavens rang,

then your wisdom and your greatness

their exultant music told,

all the beauty and the splendor

which your mighty works unfold.

When in synagogue and temple

voices raised the psalmists' songs,

offering the adoration

which alone to you belongs,

when the singers and the cymbals

with the trumpet made accord,

glory filled the house of worship,

and all knew your presence, Lord.

Voice and instrument, in union

through the ages, spoke thy praise.

Plainsong, tuneful hymns, and anthems

told your faithful, gracious ways.

Choir and orchestra and organ

each a sacred offering brought,

while, inspired by your own Spirit,

poet and composer wrought.

Lord, we bring our gift of music;

touch our lips and fire our hearts,

teach our minds and train our senses,

fit us for this sacred art.

Then with skill and consecration

we would serve you, Lord, and give

all our powers to glorify you,

and in serving fully live.