November '24
All Saints Day
November 1
“I am reminded of your sincere faith,
a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois
and your mother Eunice
and now, I am sure,
lives in you.”
II Timothy 1:5
A blessed All Saints Day to you!
I decided to look back at what I shared with you for Connections in the past four All Saints Days. I had forgotten that in 2020, we did not gather together for worship. I reflected on that for our devotions four years ago. I have come to value All Saints more and more through the years, and so not being able to be a part of a gathering of Saints was particularly striking.
Like many of you, I have more personal saints in my own life whom I have commended to God’s care, and this Holy Day has grown in meaning. This year I add my brother Marv to the list, and there are many thoughts and hopes and wishes that go with this, as well as prayers for healing.
Yet that is not all.
I have grown to understand, more and more, that our faith in God through Jesus Christ connects us to one another, which touches on most every aspect of our lives.
And so, this verse from II Timothy: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you” speaks a profound word of gratitude to all who have helped to shape my life of faith.
And that includes you.
May God bless you, in your sincere faith, and may All Saints be a time to to recall where this faith first resided, and may we ever give thanks for those who have made sure this faith lives in us!
Pastor Phil
November 2
All Saints Sunday worship is at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. I hope you can join us here for worship.
Please keep our 4th graders in your prayers, they will be receiving their first Communion tomorrow.
An All Saints Day prayer:
God of unfailing light,
in your realm of glory
the poor are blessed,
the hungry filled,
and every tear is wiped away.
Strengthened by this vision,
may we follow in the way of holiness
that your Son made known in life and death. Amen.
“Reprinted from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002 Consultation on Common Texts”
All Saints Sunday
November 3
I hope you can join us in All Saints Sunday worship today.
The service will be posted online
Here is the Prayer of the Day
Almighty God,
you have knit your people together in one communion
in the mystical body of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant us grace to follow your blessed saints
in lives of faith and commitment,
and to know the inexpressible joys
you have prepared for those who love you,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
November 4
Jesus said to them,
“Unbind him, and let him go.”
John 11:44
Teacher and Poet Joseph Fasano shared this poem on social media with the message: “I just hope this finds you if you need it, or if you know someone who does.”
It is a reflection on the Lazarus story, and I thought I would share it with you today.
Peace, Pastor Phil
The Good News
You don't have to know what your life is.
You don't have to wake today in the summer light
and dance your way into the kitchen.
Your tired heart doesn't have to make
a sound.
Listen. Just keep breathing
and the magic will happen.
When Lazarus felt a hand upon his shoulder,
he didn't ask
if he deserved that mercy.
He stood. He took
the new life.
Friend, don't lie down forever.
Couldn't you also
be chosen?
Hasn't anyone told you?
The amount of agony
you carry
is only the vastness of your
love
waiting in the darkness to be found.
- by Joseph Fasano
November 5
For just as the body is one and has many members,
and all the members of the body, though many, are one body,
so it is with Christ.
For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—
Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—
and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
I Corinthians 12:12-13
Today is election day, and we trust that our faith informs our voting. Interestingly, we who share the same faith find that we do not all vote the same. In fact we often come to quite different conclusions about our votes. Given that this is so, I believe we are called to clear thinking and compassion in order to avoid falling into categories of division and disregard for those who disagree with us.
Let us pray for unity with one another, as well as for honest and fair and safe elections in our country, and throughout the world. Let us also pray for leaders who serve God’s desires for us and our communities.
Peace to you today, Pastor Phil
Here is a prayer from our ELCA worship resources:
Everlasting God, source of all liberty,
before whom every earthly ruler must bow and bend the knee,
we lay our nation before you as we prepare for an election.
Breathe upon us your Spirit of wisdom and discernment.
Grant all who seek public office the mind of Christ,
who came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life for the freedom of the oppressed.
Hold before us those who face uncertain futures,
or who have no voice in our political process.
Uphold and safeguard poll workers and election officials in their work.
Spare us from the crushing weight of cynicism.
Give us grace to speak courageously, but with love,
without which our words are noise and we are nothing.
Gather us together under the cross,
where, in all of our difference, we can stand as one people,
redeemed in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
November 6
…so we, who are many,
are one body in Christ,
and individually we are members one of another.
Romans 12:5
There is a part of me that winces when I read that we are living in an age of polarization. That seems to me to claim that the divisions in our culture are greater than they actually are.
Polar. That suggests opposite ends of the globe.
I think often of a comment I heard from Dr. Willimon, suggesting that we are mistaken to think that Jesus cares about who gets elected President.
Jesus might care about elections. MIGHT.
Yet we can be certain that Jesus was present with us the last few weeks, intimately interested and caring about - on one Sunday - the Confirmation of our 9th graders - and on the next - First Communion for our 4th graders.
As people of God in Christ, we have a different perspective than that of our wider culture. That perspective means we are not so much polarized, as in need of redemption. That is, we are called to repent and be restored to relationship, with God and with one another. We are called to see that Jesus’ concerns are oriented around feeding the hungry, caring for the afflicted, and setting people free from the many things that oppress us.
Blessings to you today, and may God bless our country, and may we all respond faithfully to God’s call to us the repent and be restored. Pastor Phil
Here is a prayer from our hymnal:
Holy Trinity, one God,
you show us the splendor of diversity and the beauty of unity
in your own divine life.
Make us, who came from many nations with many languages,
a united people
that delights in our many different gifts.
Defend our liberties,
and give those whom we have entrusted with authority the spirit of wisdom,
that there might be justice and peace in our land.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ,
our sovereign and our Savior.
Amen.
(ELW, page 77)
November 7
“Next to the word of God, music deserves the highest praise.
The gift of language combined with the gift of song
was given to man that he should proclaim the word of God
through music.”
Martin Luther
This coming Sunday, we are going to mark as Musician Appreciation Sunday. We want to recognize and thank our musicians who serve Trinity so well, so beautifully, so faithfully.
There is a proverb that has been attributed to both Augustine and to Luther, that “Whoever sings, prays twice.” Neither said it, but it speaks to the fact that singing gives life to our praise, gives voice to our prayer.
Martin Luther truly did write the comment I have at the open of this devotion.
I think it is also true that, in addition to music, our musicians deserve “the highest praise.”
I am looking forward to Sunday, when we will thank our musicians, sing with BASICS and the Trinity Choir and be blessed by special music offerings from Nancy Hilstad as well.
It is also Martin Luther’s birthday, so there will be cake during coffee hour following the service.
I hope you can join us! Peace, Pastor Phil
Here is a nice prayer I saw while preparing the liturgy for Sunday:
God of majesty,
whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven:
Be with your servants who make art and music for your people,
that with joy we on earth may glimpse your beauty;
and bring us to the fulfillment of that hope of perfection
which will be ours as we stand before your unveiled glory.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
November 8
The aim and final end of all music
should be none other than the glory of God
and the refreshment of the soul.
— J.S. Bach
Sunday will be Music Sunday. I hope you can join us.
In looking through resources for worship this Sunday, I liked this suggested “Call to Worship.”
Since we’re not be using this for the service, I thought I would share it with you here as our devotion this Friday morning:
Blessing to you, especially anyone with a birthday today! Pastor Phil
This is originally a hymn from an anonymous author in the early life of the church. It has echoes of Psalm 148 and Psalm 150.
May none of God’s wonderful works keep silence,
night or morning.
Bright stars,
high mountains,
the depths of the seas,
sources of rushing rivers;
may all these break into song
as we sing to Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
May all the angels in the heavens reply
Amen! Amen! Amen!
Power, praise, honor, eternal glory to God,
the only giver of grace.
Amen! Amen! Amen!
~ anonymous Christian author, from sometime during the 3rd to 6th century.
November 9
I hope you can join us tomorrow for worship - we will mark tomorrow as Music Sunday.
A blessed Saturday to you.
I like this prayer…
God of music,
I can find you
in the song of a bird,
the harmonies of a band,
or the wails of a blues singer.
Let me never forget
that your grace can be found
in any sound that calms my weary heart.
In those notes, your love awaits.
Amen.
25th Sunday after Pentecost
Musician Appreciation Sunday
November 10
I hope you can join in worship today, as we give thanks for the ministry of our musicians. Worship is at 9:00, with coffee hour in honor of our musicians, and in celebration of Martin Luther’s birthday.
The service will be posted online.
O God of all,
composer of life’s unending melodies,
rich harmonies and compelling rhythms,
inspire our worship and open for us a vision of your glory.
Help us by your Spirit
to offer ourselves to you as living sacrifices,
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
November 11
For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Today is Veteran’s Day. A blessed day to all you who have served our country with love and devotion. Thank you!
This prayer is from The Prayer Book for the Armed Forces, published 10 years ago by the ELCA and our publishing house, Augsburg Fortress.
Almighty and ever-living God,
we give you thanks for the men and women
who have served and defended our country
and the values of freedom and justice we hold so dear.
Help us be mindful of the sacrifices they made
and the hardship endured by their families and friends,
so that we never take for granted
the privileges they have secured for us.
Hear us, we pray,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
(ELW The Prayer Book for the Armed Forces p. 66)
A few years ago I shared this nice Litany for Veterans, written by Pastor Tom Williams, of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Looking at it now I thought we might appreciate this prayer…
A Litany for Veterans
On this day, we remember those who have served in our armed forces
Pause for silent reflection
Prince of Peace, even as we pray for an end to war,
We give thanks for our soldiers’ courage, for their love of country, and for their work to bring peace to our world.
Healer of All, bind up the wounds of all who have served
Show us how to comfort those who are hurting.
Merciful God, all suffer the cost of war.
We remember widows and widowers, orphans, and all those separated from those they love.
We pray, Gracious God,
that swords will be turned into plowshares and that peace will reign.
We give thanks for all who have served. Shield from danger those who bravely protect us. With them, may we glory not in war, but in your love and righteousness. Strengthen us to be your peacemakers in the world. Amen.
November 12
And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”
Luke 2:13-14
I liked this “Sending” from a Music Sunday service that I saw last week, and want to share it with you today.
May the songs of the angels sustain you,
may the praises of the saints inspire you,
may the silent music of the Unseen Trinity be in your heart,
and the blessing of God almighty,
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
Amen.
From The Light of Life (© RSCM, 2002)
Peace friends, may you sing along with the angels today, Pastor Phil
November 13
“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you,
and that your joy may be complete.”
John 15:11
I shared this devotion with the Trinity Council last night. It is written by Rev. Mary Luti during the season of Easter a few years ago.
I like how this tells us nothing new, but in very artful preaching, she proclaims that the center of all that Jesus has done for you, is God’s desire for you to live in the joy of God’s love.
May you live in joy today, and always, Pastor Phil
Here is the reflection:
For Joy by Mary Luti
“I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11
So it was all about joy.
It was for joy he was born, for joy he befriended and healed, for joy he offended the powers, for joy he said love one another and love the world even though you don’t belong to it and it’s never going to love you back. It was for joy he endured the terrible shame, for joy he was raised, for joy he said peace be with you and pardoned us everything, for joy he ascended to God’s right hand, for joy he will return. So that his joy would be in us. So that our joy would be complete.
And all this time you thought it was about duty, so you’ve been doing it. You thought it was about making a Herculean effort, so you’ve been making one. You thought it was about becoming a better person and making the world a better place, so you’ve slogged away. You thought it was about the difference you should make, about getting the holy job done.
But it was always about joy. The joy of his company. The joy of his grace. The joy of his love for God. The joy of his justice. Even the hard joy of his suffering. It was about the joy of being branches of his vine, sheep of his flock, drinking from the living waters of his deep, deep well. And yes, it was about doing just and saving work, but with him, in him, and through him, not for him, like some boss, and not to merit a star, and not until you drop from exhaustion, or disappointment, or despair.
No, it was for the joy we know when we know him. It was always about joy. It still is.
Prayer
Jesus, resurrected joy of our desiring, be our joy forever.
November 14
Of course,
there is great gain in godliness
combined with contentment…
I Timothy 6:6
I liked this litany from every Moment Holy and thought I’d share it with you today. Blessings on this Thursday, Pastor Phil
Guard me against comparison and
its chief co-conspirator: discontent.
Help me keep watch for the evidences
of your grace extended to me, even in
this lonely place—gently reminding me
that any circumstance you ordain
will be for the eternal benefit of
my soul and of your kingdom.
For this I know to be true:
even when my path seems barren,
you, O Lord,
have not withheld your goodness from me.
From A Liturgy For One Whose Friends Have Moved on to a New Stage of Stage of Life, by Alicia J. Akins & Douglas McKelvey found in the book Every Moment Holy, Volume III
November 15
….Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Jesus privately,
“Tell us, when will this be,
and what will be the sign
that all these things
are about to be accomplished?”
Mark 13:3b-4
In these Sundays before Advent, we hear readings that speak of the end times. In fact, this theme continues into the first Sundays of Advent.
I think it can be helpful to consider that while these texts are often read as some sort of doomsday script for the future, they can also be read as words of promise, pointing out that the end towards which God is guiding history is the redemption of all creation.
In the cross, Jesus will be the one to suffer the violence of the world, and in the resurrection, Jesus will bear God’s promised salvation, so that - at the end - God’s desire for you will be fulfilled.
I think we can all rejoice in that ending!
Peace, Pastor Phil
November 16
A blessed Saturday to you!
As we come to the end of the season of Pentecost, we look ahead with hope and expectation to the ends that God has in store for all of creation. This prayer grounded in our Gospel reading asks for the gift of God’s love, which will prevail over all powers and principalities…
Pax, Pastor Phil
THE GOSPEL
Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.
Everything will go:
investments,
worries,
honors,
pains,
Nothing stays.
Let us listen to each other
and to the pain in all the world.
Please fill us with your Word,
which will never pass away
and let us take you
to everyone
till the end of time.
You
are love
and love remains.
Copyright © 2024, Anne M. Osdieck. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.
26th Sunday after Pentecost
November 17
I hope you can join us in All Saints Sunday worship today.
The service will be posted online.
We are approaching the end of the season of Pentecost. Christ the King Sunday is next week, and then Advent follows. Woo hoo!
Here is the Prayer of the Day
Almighty God,
your sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth.
Give us faith to be steadfast amid the tumults of this world,
trusting that your kingdom comes and your will is done
through your Son, Jesus Christ,
our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
November 18
“This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.”
Mark 13:8
A friend and colleague posted this on Facebook last week. I had failed to read Pastor Garnaas-Holmes daily devotion that day, and so I was glad he had shared it in this way. Now I’m sharing it with you.
I suspect that one key to understanding the end-times texts in the scriptures, is understanding the God who created and redeemed you.
Out of the darkness, God calls light…
I wish you a blessed day, Pastor Phil
Birthpangs
This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.
—Mark 13.8
I wonder if the darkness had to let go,
had to be overwhelmed,
for the secret hidden within to be let loose,
when God said, “Let there be light.”
I wonder what the tides felt,
being drawn taut,
shoved aside,
when God dilated the Red Sea.
I wonder how the burial bands strained,
tried to keep the body still and mute,
what contractions of gravity gripped the tomb,
when Jesus said, “Lazarus, come out!”
I wonder now beneath the wrenching darkness,
the seething tides of fear and hate,
the painful seizures of power,
what new life God is birthing.
The powers of evil always resist the Giver of Life;
but listen for angels already moving in the slave camps.
From this Golgotha, though sun be darkened, heavens rent,
I wonder what new life will issue forth.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes
November 19
You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy
Psalm 16:11
I have shared this line from the Westminster Catechism in a sermon before, I wonder if I’ve included it in Connections:
All I really know about the Westminster Catechism is the first question. Wikipedia can tell us that this catechism is from 1647 - so the language is a bit archaic - it is 107 questions and answers. It begins:
“What is the chief end of man?”
And the answer is:
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”
Isn’t that great?
I read about an Anglican bishop who was interviewed, I think by a t.v. reporter, and he was asked, what he could say to the audience about God.
He replied: “I enjoy him.”
May you enjoy God’s presence in your life today.
Peace, pastor Phil
November 20
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
I shared this devotion, by Marchaé Grair about four years ago. She writes for the UCC daily email, the Daily Devotional. She is a spiritual director.
I assume that Marchaé comes from the Black Church. It is interesting and inspiring to consider how her tradition might speak to Trinity Lutheran Church about stewardship, about community, as well as some of the other gifts they have to share with us.
I hope you find this as encouraging and thought provoking as I do.
Peace to you, Pastor Phil
We Belong to Each Other - by Marchaé Grair
How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! - Psalm 133:1
When I was in high school, I was selected to go on a leadership trip in Washington, D.C. My mom couldn’t afford to send me. She was a single parent, and it was too expensive for her to buy me a roundtrip plane ticket and pay a hefty tuition.
The Sunday after I received the invitation, our small but mighty church passed a collection plate and collected enough money to send me on the trip. This was not a group of wealthy people for whom a donation meant no sacrifice. But they saw a person they loved in need and knew that, collectively, they could do something about it.
They decided I belonged to them and they belonged to me. They decided that because they were my village, they would do what they could, and they had faith that it would be enough.
I have channeled the memory of that collection plate often, especially when I’m broke and feel as if my offering is too small. There have been times when a couple of dollars was all I could give, and I almost let the embarrassment about the amount of the gift stop me from giving at all.
And then I remember how that collection plate changed my life. And it wasn’t because of how much each person gave, it was because of the spirit with which they gave it.
Giving isn’t about who has the most money or who can give the biggest offering. We give so that people can feel a tangible impact of our love for God and for one another. Giving is a concrete declaration that we belong to each other.
And belonging to each other means that we give what we can, when we can, to support the collective good of the church.
Prayer
How good it is to belong, O God! How glad I am to offer my support and love so that others know they belong, too.
November 21
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 107:1
Last night in LOGOS, we talked about gratitude as we look ahead to Thanksgiving. What a privilege it was to hear our confirmation youth share with one another the things for which they are grateful.
We talked about those “little things” that we might take for granted, and we decided they weren’t so little. We also talked about the gifts from God for which we are most grateful.
What a wonderful time!
Among the many many sources of gratitude in my life, these Jr. High youth are a great gift to me, and to all of us!
As you look about you this Thanksgiving season, remember to give thanks for the children God has gifted to the Trinity community!
Blessings, Pastor Phil
November 22
“‘And when was it that we saw you a stranger
and welcomed you…?’”
Matthew 25:38
One of the many ministries of the Lutheran Church that I hold in high regard is Global Refuge. In the past year they have changed their name from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service - LIRS.
On their web site they have this nice line: “New name, same mission!”
Here is how they introduce themselves on the web site. Click here. https://www.globalrefuge.org/
Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. For 85 years, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis.
We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe.
Deacon Sarah Kretschmann serves Global Refuge in connecting with congregations, and I liked the prayer she shared in her email yesterday. I thought I would pass it on to you.
Peace to you this weekend, Pastor Phil
God of steadfast love,
You are our refuge in the storms of life.
Though the earth shall change,
though the mountains tremble,
though the waters rage,
you are always here with us.
In these times of uncertainty,
let us not be overcome by fear of what the future might hold,
but rather continue working
for a world of just and welcoming communities. Embolden us each day to be the refuge, the safe place to land, all our neighbors deserve.
Amen.
November 23
I hope you can join us for worship tomorrow as we wrap up the Church year with Christ the King Sunday. There is another of God’s beloved who is planning to come to worship sometime when all things work out. Jack is a service dog who serves in the Campbell County School District to help with the care of students there. Jack needs to develop his skills in being with other people, and so he may well be joining us soon. While we probably should not pet him, he would gain from our greeting him and taking note of his presence with us.
I look forward to meeting this dog who has such an important task in caring for children!
Here is a prayer for Christ the King Sunday:
Christ,
perfect ruler,
source of perfect peace and justice:
reign now and forever
over all creation,
all peoples, all
languages,
nations;
Over
our
hearts.
Copyright © 2024, Anne M. Osdieck. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to reproduce for personal or parish use.
Christ the King Sunday
November 24
I hope you can join us for worship today.
Remember, Noisy Offering for ELCA World Hunger!
The service will be posted online.
The Prayer of the Day:
Almighty and ever-living God,
you anointed your beloved Son to be priest and sovereign forever.
Grant that all the people of the earth,
now divided by the power of sin,
may be united by the glorious and gentle rule
of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.
November 25
“And the king will answer them,
‘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.’”
Matthew 25:40
A few weeks ago, Jamie Lennon, who serves Lutheran World Relief to connect LWR to congregations, stopped here to visit. He wanted to personally offer a word of thanks to Trinity, for our generosity in support of LWR. I wish he had come on a Thursday to see our quilters at work, I’m sure that would have added to his regard for you.
As it was, I think he was delighted to see our coffee cart, the LWR information we have posted, and he was able to meet a few other Trinity members as well.
All in all it was a great visit with Mr. Lennon. You might appreciate watching this video, which tells about distribution of quilts in North Carolina. youtu.be/sO4KTjBUY1U?si=IR3pGW6nWGH3SllZ
As we have marked the end of the Church year whit Christ the King Sunday, may we give thanks to those who serve to make real the promise of the Kingdom of God, where care is given to God’s children in need.
THANK YOU QUILTERS!
Blessings to you today, Pastor Phil
November 26
“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.”
Matthew 25:40
As we make our way through this Thanksgiving week, I will re-work (and re-send), some Connections from the past few years. Blessings to you, safe travels to those joining family elsewhere, may gratitude shape your life!
I think often of a comment Mother Theresa made in an interview I read a long time ago. The reporter asked her something like: “For what are are you most grateful?”
I thought perhaps she should say something about the Gospel, about God’s gift of sending Jesus to save us…
Her response was more like this. “I am most grateful for the poor. Because in caring for them, I may love my Lord.”
For what are you most grateful?
Family, friends, the great freedoms we enjoy and the many blessings that come our way. They all are part of the gifts for which we give thanks.
Let us join Mother Theresa, in gratitude for the great gift that God has given us. The gift of calling us to respond to the outpouring of God’s love in Jesus Christ, by pouring ourselves out in love for the world.
Peace to you, Pastor Phil
November 27
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;
…with gratitude in your hearts sing …hymns …to God.
And whatever you do, in word or deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3
This quote from Thomas Merton is great for Thanksgiving season.
Merton (wikipedia tells us) was an “American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist and scholar of comparative religion.”
That’s a lot, and he has a lot to offer…
“To be grateful
is to recognize the Love of God
in everything He has given us
- and He has given us everything.
Every breath we draw is a gift of His love,
every moment of existence is a grace,
for it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted,
is never unresponsive,
is constantly awakening to new wonder
and to praise of the goodness of God.
For the grateful person knows that God is good,
not by hearsay but by experience.
And that is what makes all the difference.”
Thomas Merton
May your gratitude flow from God’s great love for you and for all the world. Blessings, Pastor Phil
November 28th
Thanksgiving
And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
Happy Thanksgiving friends!
I love that short sentence from Colossians 3. "And be thankful."
What great instruction.
The Prayer of the Day for Thanksgiving:
Almighty God our Father,
your generous goodness comes to us new every day.
By the work of your Spirit lead us
to acknowledge your goodness,
give thanks for your benefits,
and serve you in willing obedience,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
Thanksgiving blessings to you and yours! Pastor Phil
November 29
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful
Colossians 3:15
My internship pastor liked Colossians 3 for wedding sermons.
“As God’s chosen ones, …clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. …forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… And be thankful…”
That’s just part of the passage, and it’s all good!
I like that list… compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness. All topped off with a call to gratitude.
The Thanksgiving holiday invites us to consider some of the many blessings in our lives, to take note, and to give thanks. I invite you to join me in gratitude for the community of Trinity Lutheran Church.
I am deeply grateful for your generosity, your faithfulness and the joy of being in this community together with you. Of course, community calls for compassion, kindness, forgiveness… the whole list is fitting - for a marriage, and for any community.
Blessings to you this season of gratitude and joy, and know that I am grateful for you.
Thank you. Pastor Phil
November 30
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful
Colossians 3:15
Tomorrow is the First Sunday of Advent, and we will begin a new Church year. I know we don’t wish one another “Happy New Year!” as Advent begins, which is fine. Yet we do embark on a new venture, with Luke being the primary Gospel for Sunday worship in the year to come.
Here is an Advent prayer grounded in tomorrow’s scripture readings:
Eternal God,
ever faithful to your promises,
hasten that long-awaited day
when you will establish justice in the land.
Lift from our hearts the weight of self-indulgence,
and strengthen us for holiness.
Amid chaos and confusion,
let your people stand secure.
Raise our heads to greet the redemption that is drawing near,
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ…
We ask this through Christ,
with whom you have raised us up in baptism,
the Lord 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 C, Peter J. Scagnelli, LTP, 1992.