October '24

October 1

One of the gifts of the Church is our excellent work in response to human need. If you would like to help those hurt by hurricane Helene, I encourage you to consider a gift to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response.

You can write a check to Trinity and write in the memo LDR.

I thought I would share this line by L.R. Knost, who I suspected was a theologian of some sort, and upon further review, I see that she mostly writes about parenting. One might suggest that would make her a theologian of the cross. Ha!

“Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world.

All things break.

And all things can be mended.

Not with time, as they say, but with intention.

So go.

Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally.

The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.”

Let your light shine!

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 2

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,

humility, meekness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

In our tradition, we tend not to observe very many of the feast days of the saints. There are lots of reasons for that, but there can be a gift in taking note of exemplary followers of Jesus.

The devotional podcast “Pray-As-You-Go” (I’ve mentioned it a few times) pointed out that October 1st is the feast day of St Therese of Lisieux.

She is known for her ‘Little Way’ a commitment to carry out little acts of charity, and to make continual little sacrifices to God.

The podcast asked (pretty much) this question: How might the spirituality of “little acts of kindness made with great love” impact your following of Jesus?

Interesting

The idea of little acts of kindness being a way of life sounds quite inviting. Often, that is the best we can do, isn’t it? Small acts. Little ways to show caring and consideration. Simple kindnesses extended to those around us.

It might be interesting to spend a week, dedicating oneself to the ‘Little Way.’

Whatever way you go, know that Christ goes with you, with love and grace.

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 3

Bear one another’s burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

I have shared before from Every Moment Holy liturgies/poetry for many different situations in life. In light of the fires, and a number of our Trinity friends finding themselves on high alert, I appreciated this liturgy. Here is a nice passage from:

A Liturgy for the who Suffer Loss from Fire, Flood or Storm

We thank you for the presence of friends

who would share this burden of grief

simply by showing up in the midst of it,

and grieving with us.

We thank you for small mercies

and kindnesses extended. For the

grace of thoughtfulness translated

into the tiny details of life.

by Douglas McKelvey, Every Moment Holy

May we all continue to pray for those who may be in harm’s way, for those who are fighting the fires, and for all concerned.

Prayerfully, Pastor Phil

October 4

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,

if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Here are another few line from the Every Moment Holy liturgy:

A Liturgy for the who Suffer Loss from Fire, Flood or Storm

O Christ in Whom

Our Treasures are Secure,

fix now our hope in you.

In light of all that was so suddenly lost,

O Lord, in light of all we had gathered

but could not keep, comfort us.

O Lord, let us not lose sight

in our grief, of all that is

yet bursting with beauty in this world…

Have mercy, Lord Christ.

by Douglas McKelvey, Every Moment Holy

As we pray for families who are being impacted by these fires, let us pray for firefighters, all the support staff and everyone involved.

Christ have mercy!

Pastor Phil

October 5

“Let the little children come to me…”

Mark 10:14

I’ve shared Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes poetry before.

I really liked this when I saw it on Monday, and set it aside for today:

Please join us in worship tomorrow!

I am presenting this in - roughly - the format he has for his daily reflection titled: Unfolding Light.

Dearly Beloved,

Grace and Peace to you.

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them;
for it is to such as these that the realm of God belongs.
Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the realm of God
as a little child will never enter it.”
—Mark 10.14-15

The Divine inhabits the place of vulnerability.
Grace arises only in a time of dependence.
How precious you are is obscured
by how important you think you are.

The oblivious, easily bought and sold,
cheer only for their triumphant heroes.
The truly noble welcome the small,
the dependent, the trusting, and join them.

God will not come to you in power and might,
will not come.
The Beloved will come in weakness and need,
and you will welcome them, or miss them altogether.

Life comes as a gift, a parent's love, unearned.
In control, your hands are too full; you lose it.
Faith is willingness to be carried,
a child, reaching for a mother's arms.

Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve

__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net

20th Sunday after Pentecost

October 6

I hope you can join us in worship today.

The service will be posted online.

Here is the Prayer of the Day

Sovereign God,

you have created us to live in loving community with one another.

Form us for life that is faithful and steadfast, and teach us to trust like little children,

that we may reflect the image of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

October 7

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46

Let us continue to pray for all those us who are impacted by the wildfires. Blessings to you today; Pastor Phil

Here is a litany and prayer adapted from an ELCA resource of times of wildfires…

Litany in Time of Wildfires

This litany may be used by those who are concerned by the destruction of wildfires.

Holy God, in the wake of fires that devour and consume,

Refresh us with the water of life.

In the barren places of ash and dust,

Restore us with the water of life.

When all we can see is devastation and despair,

Renew us with the water of life.

In Christ, we are washed clean.

We are refreshed.

In Christ, we drink from the wellspring of hope.

We are restored.

In Christ, we dance in the fountain of life.

We are renewed.

Thanks be to God.

Amen.

Prayer:

We pray to you almighty God, in this time of wildfires.

You are our refuge and our strength,

a very present help in time of trouble.

Uphold us with your love, and give us the strength we need.

Help us in our confusion, and guide our actions.

Heal the hurt, console the bereaved and afflicted,

protect the innocent and helpless,

and deliver any who are still in peril;

for the sake of your great mercy

in Jesus Christ

our Lord.

Amen

(ELW Pastoral Care, page 386-7)

October 8

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted,

and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

This prayer is from All Creation Sings, a supplemental hymnal published by Augsburg four years ago.

In Time of Wildfires:

Holy God, in you alone we find safety and shelter.

Be a sure refuge to all suffering from wildfires.

Grant courage, protection, and favorable weather

to firefighters and emergency responders;

embrace with supportive communities

all who are newly displaced or homeless;

comfort those grieving all that has been destroyed

and give patience to those who are anxious,

not knowing when relief will come.

Heal your whole creation,

that out of flame and ashes

new growth will spring forth.

We pray through Jesus Christ,

our life and our strength.

Amen.

As we pray for all who are impacted by these fires, let us also pray for those facing hurricanes, those impacted by war and violence, famine and fear and so many other challenges.

Know that the Lord is near!

Pastor Phil

October 9

“But many who are first will be last,

and the last will be first."

Mark 10:31

In our Gospel story on Sunday, we hear the story of the rich man who asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. After some conversation… well, here is Mark 10:21-22

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ”You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Now, many of you tease me because I quote Will Willimon so often. Yet, I do so because he’s a pretty wonderful preacher. In a sermon titled “The Peril (and the Promise) of Being Met by Jesus” preached 15 years ago, Willimon suggests that “after hearing how much it costs to be a disciple, the man slumps down and walks away sorrowfully.”

He goes on to say: ”This, as far as I know, is the only call story in all the gospels in which someone refuses to follow Jesus. A person like us is being invited to be a disciple of Jesus, and this person like us walks in the other direction--and let us relatively well-fixed North Americans take note--the reason was money. “

Interesting.

Challenging too…

Here is the story Willimon shares to conclude this sermon. (Part of his career he was a campus pastor and preaching professor at Duke University.)

One night, in a college dormitory Bible study I presented this same story of Jesus and the rich man, just as I've presented it to you. I then asked the gathered students, "What do you make of this story?"

"Had Jesus ever met this man before?" asked one of the students?

"Why do you ask?" I replied.

"Because Jesus seems to have lots of faith in him. He demands something risky, radical of him. I wonder if Jesus knew this man had a gift for risky, radical response. In my experience, a professor only demands the best from students that the professor thinks are the smartest, best students. I wonder what there was about this man that made Jesus have so much faith he could really be a disciple."

Wow. Didn't think about that.

Another student said thoughtfully, "I wish Jesus would ask something like this of me. My parents totally control my life just because they are paying all my bills. And I complain about them calling the shots, but I am so tied to all this stuff I don't think I could ever break free. But maybe Jesus thinks otherwise."

Well, I was astounded. What I had heard as severe, demanding BAD news, these students heard as gracious, GOOD news.

Jesus invites people to be his disciples: divest! Break free!

Let go of your stuff! Follow me!

I believe you can do it!

Such is the peril, and the promise of being met by Jesus!

In your encounters with Jesus, may you hear him call you to discipleship!

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 10

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said,

"You lack one thing; go, sell what you own,

and give the money to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven;

then come, follow me."

Mark 10:21

While we share deep concern for those impacted by the devastation caused by hurricane Milton, we continue prayers concerning the wildfire in our county. As we consider these situations, we find that we are powerless in the face of such great forces in our world.

Sunday we hear the story of a man who asked Jesus how he might inherit the kingdom of God.

Jesus shocks the rich man (and us!) with his reply:

"You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor , and you will have riches in heaven; and come, follow me.”

One commentator said “In the end, this story is untamable.”

So many forces are at work in our world, and our powerlessness in the face of the untamable threatens to overwhelm us.

There is more to the story.

The disciples, Mark tells us, were “greatly astounded” and they asked,

"Then who can be saved?"

Hear this word of promise:

Jesus looked at them and said,

"For mortals it is impossible, but not for God;

for God all things are possible.”

May the God, for whom all things are possible, hold you close today!

Blessings, Pastor Phil

October 11

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.

Colossians 3:5

I missed this a week ago. October 4th the Church recognizes Saint Francis of Assisi as a renewer of the Church. Francis of Assisi died 1226.

Here is a note from a Church calendar:

“Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people. He formed the Order of Friars Minor (called Franciscans), who took on poverty and the task of preaching "using words if necessary." Francis had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation.”

In his book “The Cross In Our Context” theologian Douglas John Hall suggests that St. Francis had concerns about the Church that were quite similar to those of Martin Luther. Luther, he contends, was more astute politically, and was thus more able to shape a reform of the Church. (That is probably a very mediocre summation, but my main point is that it is interesting that one can connect these two.)

Here is the Prayer of Saint Francis.

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much

seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying

that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

Blessings to you today, Pastor Phil

October 12

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,

to which indeed you were called in the one body.

And be thankful.

Colossians 3:5

A prayer for this weekend:

God of all who are cast down,

you call us to seek good

and to meet oppression with justice.

Teach us to find salvation

in the emptying of ourselves

for the sake of those in need,

so that goodness may prevail

and your kingdom come

in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Peace, Pastor Phil

21st Sunday after Pentecost

October 13

I hope you can join us for worship at 9:00 this morning.

The service will be posted online.

The Prayer of the Day

Almighty and ever-living God,

increase in us your gift of faith,

that,

forsaking what lies behind

and reaching out to what lies ahead,

we may follow the way of your commandments

and receive the crown of everlasting joy,

through Jesus Christ,

our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

October 14

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said,

"You lack one thing…”

Mark 10:

Yesterday we heard the story of the rich man whom Jesus told: “You lack one thing, go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Mark tells us what followed: “When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions…”

This is from my sermon three years ago on this text:

To the disciples question: "Then who can be saved?"

Jesus offers an amazing promise:

"For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible."

My friend Pastor Doug Vold offered an intriguing and inviting alternative ending to this story and I want to share it with you . . .

“This leads me to imagine a somewhat whimsical alternate ending to the story in our text.

The man went away grieving, for he had many possessions. But as he headed toward home he saw a Vietnam vet with a cardboard sign saying “anything will help.” He thought “oh what the heck” and he gave him some money. It seemed irresponsible and silly.

Later he made a donation to the scouts. He liked the look on the girl’s face when she got the check.

He began to wonder if Jesus was on to something.

But giving away his possessions was a long and involved process.

Liquidate some assets. Sell some stuff on eBay. Make a few trips to the Good Samaritan store. He connected with agencies, and argued with his accountant.

He signed over the title of his car to a woman who could now get to her job.

And on it went.

It wasn’t one big act at all. It was a thousand little ones.

And with each one the idea of following Jesus grew bigger and more real in his mind.

Then, finally, he finished giving away all that he could, and with great enthusiasm he went to find Jesus.

“Lord I am ready now to follow you,” he told him.

“You already have been,” said Jesus. “You already have been.””

May your following of Jesus be a gift to you, and to all whom you love.

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 15

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;

I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1

As the smoke continues to affect our days, as we continue to share concern for our neighbors, and for those who serve in our forests, and those who fight the fires, and all that goes with these efforts, I thought to share this 'Litany in Time of Wildfires' from among our ELCA worship resources.

May God protect all who serve us in so many ways each and every day, in our military, in our schools and medical community and more.

Let us take note of their efforts, and be filled with gratitude for abounding gifts of love and service!

Blessings, Pastor Phil

Litany in Time of Wildfires

O Lord, when fires rage and consume the land,

Stir up in us the fire of your love.

When homes are reduced to embers and ashes,

Stir up in us the fire of your love.

When families are displaced and tomorrow is uncertain.

Stir up in us the fire of your love.

Calm the anxiety that turns us in on ourselves.

For in you, O Lord, is new life.

Grant us faith to trust that even the dust will live by your breath.

For in you, O Lord, is new life.

Extend our lives in service that we might fan the flames of hope.

For in you, O Lord, is new life.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

October 16

When the day of Pentecost had come…

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit

and began to speak in other languages,

as the Spirit gave them ability.

Acts 2:1, 4

On Sunday we will have the privilege of hosting our bishop, the Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling. I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to meet her, and for her to meet you. She will take an opportunity to address us a bit during coffee hour, as well as lead the Sunday School class in the chapel. On Sunday afternoon the Trinity Council will meet with her to talk about Trinity's call and mission as God's people in Christ.

(A side note: we need ushers on Sunday, please let me know if you would care to fill that role for us!)

Three years ago, for the Season of Easter the Montana Synod Stewardship task force invited Synod leaders to share devotions on the theme “equipping God’s people for the work of ministry.”

Bishop Jungling wrote the last of these Equipping for the Work of Ministry devotions for the Day of Pentecost. She contends that each and every one of us has been equipped for Ministry, and each and every one of us is being sent out to serve!

Blessings to you today, Pastor Phil

The Day of Pentecost - When the day of Pentecost had come… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:1, 4

What if the people in the room that day had said no? What if they had resisted the Spirit’s power, pushing back with a “no, thank you.” “I’m too busy.” “I disagree with your mission.” “I have free will.” “I’m worried, anxious and scared.”

They didn’t resist, of course.

ALL of them were filled with the Spirit and followed the Spirit’s lead, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in other languages. Thank God they ALL followed, for ALL were needed to participate in the birth of Christ’s Church.

In Pentecost, we see, hear and feel the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power equipping us ALL for the ministry into which Jesus Christ has called us. We may try to say no or resist the Spirit’s call to ministry, but as many know firsthand, resistance is futile. And too often it leads to weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It is so much easier when we open our full selves to what the Spirit is doing in us. For it is the Spirit who calls, gathers, enlightens, equips and sanctifies us to be the followers of Christ. In Jesus’ Resurrection, we ALL are raised to new life (despite still being trapped in the old). And in the Spirit’s Pentecost, experienced in our baptisms, we ALL are empowered and equipped to proclaim and live the good news of God’s love for us in Christ!

Pastor Laurie Jungling, Bishop, Montana Synod

October 17

Indeed,

the word of God is living and active,

sharper than any two-edged sword

Hebrews 4:12a

About a year before she was elected to be our bishop, Pastor Jungling wrote an article for Gather magazine titled: “Reading the Bible for love.” This excerpt was published as a part the WELCA daily devotion. I have shared it with you before, and since she is preaching for us on Sunday, here it is once again.

Peace, Pastor Phil

Reading the Bible Is a Journey

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.

This message is an excerpt of “Reading the Bible for love” by Dr. Laurie A. Jungling in the April 2018 issue of Gather magazine.

October 18

“So the [women] went out and fled from the tomb,

for terror and amazement had seized them;

and they said nothing to anyone,

for they were afraid.”

Mark 16:8

On Wednesday our devotion was from Bishop Jungling’s offering for Pentecost Sunday 3 years ago. Here is the Easter devotion she wrote that began that 50 day daily devotional series on ‘Equipping God’s people for the work of ministry’:

The Day of the Resurrection

So ends the original ending of the gospel of Mark.

The women hear that Jesus has been raised from the dead, resurrected and alive just as he promised. And they flee and say nothing because they are afraid.

Why were they afraid? Well, maybe it was because in Jesus’ resurrection, everything changed! Everything was different and new! A capital “N” New!

But “in with the New” sounds to us like “out with the old.” Which means loss. Which frightens us. For those women and for us, Jesus’ New means death of the old, and perhaps rightly so, for clinging to the old too often destroys us.

This fear, though, is unnecessary. For like those women, we have been equipped for New Life. That’s what Jesus’ teachings and healings and signs were all about – he is preparing us for the New Life he is giving us. In fact, all of Jesus’ ministry was about equipping his followers for ministry, for following Christ and doing his working in the world, for dying and rising with him. And he isn’t finished equipping. The Spirit is coming on Pentecost to equip us even more.

And so we can proclaim “Christ is risen!” without fear this day. Because, with Christ, we are risen too! Risen and equipped to live a new way, a different way, Jesus’ way!

Pastor Laurie Jungling, Bishop, Montana Synod

I hope you can join us on Sunday to hear Bishop Laurie proclaim the Gospel for us, to meet her and to rejoice in God’s calling us all to new life.

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 19

On Sunday we will worship with our Bishop, Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling, the service is at 9:00 a.m.

Here is a prayer for tomorrow which can be found at the web site for the Vanderbilt University Library.

Most High,

your Anointed One offered himself freely as witness against our violence,

our acts of oppression, and our sin.

As you delighted to call him your Son,

give us the courage to bring you equal delight

by our willingness to drink the cup of sacrifice

on behalf or our sisters and brothers,

and, with them, offer you praise unceasing and lives transformed

as true heirs of your grace-filled realm. Amen.

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

October 20

I hope you can join us for worship at 9:00 this morning, that you will get to hear from our bishop, Pastor Laurie Jungling, and that our bishop will have the chance to meet you.

The service will be posted online.

The Prayer of the Day

Sovereign God,

you turn your greatness into goodness

for all the peoples on earth.

Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom,

and make us desire always and only your will,

through Jesus Christ,

our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

October 21

Because you have made the LORD your refuge,

and the Most High your habitation,

no evil will befall you,

nor shall affliction come near your dwelling.

Psalm 91:9

Yesterday, our bishop, the Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling joined us for worship and served as our preacher. Afterwards, the Trinity Council met with her for lunch and an excellent conversation as we spoke of our mission and the days ahead with hope and anticipation.

In her sermon, Bishop Jungling - looking ahead to this coming Sunday - Reformation Sunday - (as well as Confirmation for our 9th grade youth) - invited us to consider the question “During this fall season of Reformation - how will you prepare for this Re-Formation of your congregation?”

What a question to consider!

God is at work in our midst, calling us to bear the promise of the Gospel to every corner of our lives. As we remember the Reformation, as we rejoice with our youth being Confirmed, we can know that God has great things in store for Trinity, and for each one of us as well.

Bishop Laurie reminded us that washed in God’s promises, we can live in the assurance that “the new life that is given in Christ will be given to you…”

Blessings, Pastor Phil

October 22

The days are surely coming, says the LORD…

Jeremiah 31:31

Sunday is Reformation Sunday, and we have Confirmation for our 9th grade youth as well. Each year we turn to the same lessons this last Sunday of October.

I invite you to consider the words of Jeremiah 31:31–34 our first reading on Sunday. May God speak God’s loving promise to you today through the words of the prophet.

The days are surely coming, says the LORD,

when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors

when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt

— a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD.

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel

after those days, says the LORD:

I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts;

and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, "Know the LORD,"

for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,

says the LORD;

for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.

Jeremiah 31:31

October 23

For there is no distinction,

since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

they are now justified by his grace as a gift…

Romans 3:22b-24a

Each year the Epistle lesson for Reformation Sunday is this reading from Romans:

Now we know that whatever the law says,

it speaks to those who are under the law,

so that every mouth may be silenced,

and the whole world may be held accountable to God.

For "no human being will be justified in his sight"

by deeds prescribed by the law,

for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

But now, apart from law,

the righteousness of God has been disclosed,

and is attested by the law and the prophets,

the righteousness of God

through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.

For there is no distinction,

since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

they are now justified by his grace as a gift,

through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood,

effective through faith.

He did this to show his righteousness,

because in his divine forbearance

he had passed over the sins previously committed;

it was to prove at the present time

that he himself is righteous

and that he justifies the one who has faith in Jesus.

Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded.

By what law? By that of works?

No, but by the law of faith.

For we hold that a person is justified by faith

apart from works prescribed by the law.

Romans 3:19–28

As we rejoice with our Confirmands, as we remember the Reformation, we give thanks for God’s amazing grace which makes us one with Christ.

We will be looking at chapter 3 of Romans in our noon class today. Come and join us if you can!

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 24

“Be still, and know that I am God!

Pslam 46:10a

Our Psalm on Sunday inspired Luther to pen the words to A Mighty Fortress, Psalm 46.

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,

though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

though its waters roar and foam,

though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy habitation of the Most High.

God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;

God will help it when the morning dawns.

The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;

he utters his voice, the earth melts.

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

Come, behold the works of the LORD;

see what desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;

he burns the shields with fire.

“Be still, and know that I am God!

I am exalted among the nations,

I am exalted in the earth.”

The LORD of hosts is with us;

the God of Jacob is our refuge.

May God hold you close, and be a refuge and place of protection for you always. Pastor Phil

October 25

“… if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36

Our Gospel reading for Reformation Sunday is from the 8th chapter of John. While it is only a few verses, there is so much for us to consider:

John 8:31-36

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, 'You will be made free'?"

Jesus answered them, "Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

May you know the freedom of serving God with all your life!

Pastor Phil

October 26

On Reformation Sunday, we rejoice with our 9th graders who will make their Affirmation of Baptism.

Here is a Prayer of the Day for tomorrow:

God our Savior,

from the ends of the earth you gather the weak and the lowly.

You make them a great and glad multitude, refreshed and renewed at your hand.

Throwing off the burden of sin, they run to the Teacher for healing.

Let the faith Christ bestows restore to the church this vision of the gathering

that embraces the weary and wounded of this world.

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 forever and ever. Amen.

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

Reformation Sunday

October 27

A blessed Reformation Sunday to you, I hope you can join with us for the Confirmation service and Reformation worship at 9:00.

The service will be posted online.

The Prayer of the Day

Almighty God, gracious Lord,

we thank you that your Holy Spirit

renews the church in every age.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people.

Keep them steadfast in your word,

protect and comfort them in times of trial,

defend them against all enemies of the gospel,

and bestow on the church your saving peace,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

October 28

When I remember you in my prayers,

I always thank my God

because I hear of your love for all the saints

and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.

Philemon 1:4

Today is my younger brother’s birthday. He’s 63, but often, in my mind, he’s somewhere around 12 years old.

Interesting.

I will sometimes, when speaking about David, call him Tim, or when speaking about Tim, call him David. I don’t think I’ve ever done this to either of them in person, but in my mind, there are all sorts of connections.

Our Wednesday Noon class is going to meet this week and speak to the question; “Who is your favorite saint?”

When I first posed the question, I was thinking of folks like St. Francis and Martin Luther and other historical figures. Yet, immediately, I thought about some of the people who have influenced my faith in God; members of Trinity, members of my family and more.

As we head toward All Saints Day, I encourage you to consider those who have helped you in your walk with Christ, and maybe say a prayer of thanks.

By the way, I am thankful for you.

Peace, Pastor Phil

October 29

“Unto you is born this day

in the city of David

a Savior,

who is the Christ, the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

Our Wednesday Noon class this week is going to address the question; “Who is your favorite saint?”

Martin Luther’s birthday is November 10th (we’ll have to celebrate his 537th this year, since the 10th is a Sunday!) and he is one of the more influential Saints for each one of us.

A primary insight from Luther is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gift of God’s love, given to each and every single one who believes.

This quote is from the 'Church Postils' - writings Luther prepared to help preachers in their work with scripture texts.

From (I think) words prepared for preaching at Christmas…

The gospel does not merely teach about the history of Christ.

No, it enables all who believe it to receive it as their own,

which is the way the gospel operates.

Of what benefit would it be to me if Christ had been born a thousand times,

and it would daily be sung into my ears in a most lovely manner,

if I were never to hear that he was born for me and was to be my very own?

If the voice gives forth this pleasant sound, even if it be in homely phrase,

my heart listens with joy, for it is a lovely sound which penetrates the soul.

Martin Luther - Church Postils pg. 149

Indeed, he was born for you, and this makes Saints of us all.

Blessings abound! Pastor Phil

October 30

[Jesus] cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

John 11:43

I suspect that you know this, but it can be sort of easy to forget, Halloween is called what it is, because of the next day, which is All Saints Day.

Friday is All Saints Day, and the first Sunday of November we always celebrate as All Saints Sunday.

Our Gospel reading on Sunday is the story of the raising of Lazarus. (The other years, the All Saints Gospel is the beatitudes, from Luke or Matthew.)

What a story we have from the Gospel of John…

I want to share this reflection by an Orthodox Priest, Father Stephen Freeman. I know this is a bit long, but it is also quite compelling. (I’ve edited out a fair amount.)

Fr. Stephen writes about an Orthodox tradition of marking the Saturday before Palm Sunday as “Lazarus Saturday.”

Here is part of his meditation on Lazarus:

Lazarus is an important character in 19th century Russian literature. Raskolnikov, in Crime and Punishment, finds the beginning of his repentance of the crime of murder, by listening to a reading of the story of Lazarus. It is, for many, and properly so, a reminder of the universal resurrection. What Christ has done for Lazarus He will do for all.

For me, he is also a sign of the universal entombment: that even before we die, we have frequently begun to inhabit our tombs. We live our life with the doors closed (and we stink). Our hearts are often places of corruption and not the habitation of the good God. Or, at best, we ask Him to visit us as He visited Lazarus. That visit brought tears to the eyes of Christ. The state of our corruption makes Him weep. It is such a contradiction to the will of God. We were not created for the tomb.

I also note that in the story of Lazarus – even in his being raised from the dead – he rises in weakness. He remains bound by his graveclothes. Someone must “unbind” him. We ourselves, having been plunged into the waters of Baptism and robed with the righteousness of Christ, too often exchange those glorious robes for graveclothes. Christ has made us alive, be we remain bound like dead men.

I sat in the tomb of Lazarus because it seemed so familiar. But there is a voice that calls us all.

Father Stephen Freeman

There are wonderful insights here. 'What Christ has done for Lazarus, he will do for all.' Yes. Also, the observation that at times we are entombed in ways that are counter to God's desire for God's beloved children.

You are a Saint, you know, and may you hear the voice that calls you out of any tomb that holds you. Pastor Phil

October 31

Reformation Day

All Hallow’s Eve

I pray that everyone is safe this evening as people celebrate Halloween.

Of course, tomorrow is All Saints Day, and that is the reason for all this halloweeny nonsense and revelry.

Happy Halloween, Pastor Phil

Pastor Thomas Weitzel wrote this “Litany of Commitment to God's Word” for a Reformation Sunday liturgy. We have used it in a number of ways. On this Reformation Day, All Hallow’s Eve, I invite you to join me in this prayer…

LITANY OF COMMITMENT TO GOD'S WORD

Almighty God, by your holy word, all that we know has come into existence:

our universe, our world, our lives, our loved ones,

and all that we have and hold so dear. By your holy word,

you sent forth your Son to bring us salvation

through the cross of death and resurrection.

By your holy word, you have called us together

to be a Church of love and service in the world.

By your holy word, we know that we live in grace and hope.

Keep us ever close to your word, that it might be written upon our hearts.