MUSIC

Music helps me to celebrate the season and I am inwardly transformed when I have a song in my heart! It’s not even December yet and already I’m hearing the melodies of the season!

So far, five different people have sent me the youtube video of the special Halleluiah Surprise concert in the mall! Can you just imagine, sitting in the mall food court, after a couple hours of holiday shopping that probably included a bit of gluttony and greed, and suddenly all around you people are standing and singing the Halleluiah Chorus? I wish I had been there! I would have stood and sung along! I was sitting at my desk and I got teary! To sing of the joy of Jesus is part of the history of his story.

Welcome to Our World! That is the name of the cantata and part of the words that the choir will sing on Dec. 12th, at the 11:00 AM service. Not only do we welcome Jesus in memory of that first Christmas, but we also invite him into our hearts – today – to stay.

This year we say welcome to our world, Lord Jesus! As the days and years of Christmas continue, we pray for peace, humble hearts and compassionate acts for the whole world. May your season be filled with more glad tidings than gluttony, more glory than greed. May you know Jesus as the heart of your faith and the center of your life.

Merry Christmas!

With abiding love,
Pastor Lynnae

Growing, Loving, Sharing, Serving and Celebrating!

Growing, Loving, Sharing, Serving and Celebrating!

These five words are Abiding Love!

In every Newsletter, every bulletin, on our web site and soon – on some of our walls, these five words will remind us of our Vision and Mission Statements. Everything that we do and say – should point to those special words. So often I find myself in a meeting or working on something and I wonder, “Where is God in this?” or “How does this further our mission?” We may decide to let some things go because they are merely not important to our vision and mission. We may decide to add some things because they will make our work for the vision and mission better! As I take on this new role as Senior Pastor, I find that I’m having to pay attention to some different things. For instance – Membership Roles.

I think ‘membership roles’ can be counter to our mission as we worry too much about how many members we ‘really’ have or how many contributed or communed. I don’t’ like counting and labeling! But then evaluating has to be a part of those five words. If we never evaluate how we are doing, then there is no accountability. We are going to begin working on those pesky ‘membership roles’ and we are going to take a real hard look at how we are doing – according to our own plan. Please, help us to ask the right questions and do the most work— for in that we will be ‘Growing, Loving, Sharing, Serving and Celebrating’!

Pastor Lynnae

Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share

I can usually talk about just about anything! I especially love talking about God. When I get to talk about how God made this earth complete with hummingbirds and mosquitoes, strawberries and zucchini, I can’t help but smile! When I get to bend my head in prayer with a member or a guest at our food pantry, I am in love with God.

This year our annual Stewardship Emphasis is all about talkin’ and givin’! Two of my favorite things! The themes for each of the four Sundays of the emphasis are: Graceful Living, Grateful Living, Giving to the Church and Cheerful Sacrifice.

I don’t usually like to talk about money, but Jesus sure did. Jesus talked about money more than anything else in all of scripture! – Well maybe except love. I guess it behooves us to take a few Sundays and examine God’s economy and how we might fit into God’s plan. Join us as we celebrate the stories and gifts of the members and church family of Abiding Love!

Pastor Lynnae

JUMP!

“When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with Boldness.” Acts 4:31 (about the first believers and the early church)

One of my most frightening childhood memories was my first jump off the diving board into the community swimming pool! I love to swim, but I really don’t like heights! The only way I was going to pass swimming lessons, was if I could jump off the board! I know it took me a very long time, but finally I jumped. I think I had my eyes closed and my mouth open, but I did it!

Sometimes when a great opportunity is presented – you just have to JUMP in! JUMP with both feet and your hands outstretched!

This fall we have so many wonderful opportunities at Abiding Love! We have Bible Studies, Sunday School, Youth Groups, Koinonia Groups, and so much more! Being a member is more than just going to worship. Yes, it starts there, but then as you make new friends, your relationship with God grows and you can be, like the members of the first church in the book of Acts, “shaken”!

I pray that you will feel the shake of the Holy Spirit and that you will, with boldness JUMP IN!

JUMP into boldness with our many ministries at Abiding Love!

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae

"Free Wheeling It!"

I remember learning how to ride a bike – without the training wheels. My Dad taught me and he started by running beside me, with his hand on the back of the seat. He kept panting out “I’ve got you, I’ve got you!” Even though I knew that I could trust my Dad, I was still scared. Eventually, he either got tired of running or he got frustrated with my slow progress and he just gave a big push – and watched me go!

Maybe, he really knew when I was ready, because he changed his mantra from “I’ve got you!” to “You’ve got it!”

It seems like we’ve taken the chance, here at Abiding Love, and we are taking off the training wheels. I guess at 30 years old, it’s time. With the retirement of the founding pastor and the planned changes in leadership we are ready to free wheel it! We’ve been good at rolling along with the way that things have been done for a long time, but now we are trying to do some things differently. Worship Unplugged, Godly Play, Interim Pastors-- there is a whole list of “new”-- but there are plenty of things that remain the same. You can rest assured that ministry will continue and that in this time of transition, we will still worship, still teach, still answer the Call to Word and Sacrament, hospital and home.

I remember getting so good at riding my bike that I could throw my hands in the air and cry out, “Hey, Dad, look at me!”

“On your Mark, Get Ready, Set – GO!”

We received news this month that our well was being dug and hewn for the village people of central Ethiopia! Water to Thrive workers wanted to know what to put on the sign! Can you believe that across the world, in the remote Oromiya Region of Ethiopia there will be a sign that reads - this well is a gift from “Abiding Love Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas, USA”!!

I read a story about a great Lutheran: “Matt Berg dreamed of bringing technology to Africa to help improve people's lives. Living that dream through the Millennium Villages Project and Child Count+ earned Berg, a Lutheran and the son of missionaries, a place this year among Time magazine's 100 people who most affect our world.

Berg, 32, has spent considerable time in Africa, particularly in the past three years, perfecting the use of simple mobile phone technology to create a system to monitor the health of children in Africa. That work got the attention of the people at Time.

In an interview with the ELCA News Service, Berg said he was "shocked and humbled" to learn that he had been named to the Time list. "The community that I work with was very happy," he said. "It's been really good for our work, a big validation that the work we're doing is really important."

A select group of people made the Time list, including such notables as Kathryn Bigelow, Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs, Conan O'Brien, Elizabeth Warren and Oprah Winfrey.

How awesome to be a part of a church that gets such recognition! We have missionaries that serve in 48 countries around the world! We participate in these mission ventures through our gifts, both monetary and in kind, and our prayers. With our name on a sign half way around the world, who knows what’s next! I can’t wait to find out! Let’s go!

"Serenity Prayer"

A long time ago, I became familiar with the “Serenity Prayer” written by Reinhold Niebuhr. Did you know that it is much longer than what you usually see on posters and plaques? It has been suggested that it not be called the ‘serenity’ prayer, but instead the ‘courage’ prayer or maybe the ‘wisdom’ prayer. It speaks to me in this time of transition and I ask you to join me in offering it in prayer. I’m going to keep a copy at my desk, in my purse and by my remote! I’m going to pull it out when I need to remember to look to God for all things. When it gets real hairy around the office, or when the calls are overwhelming – I’m going to read it again. When the empty office next door starts to look really big and really empty – I’m going to read it again. When I have had to say “I don’t know” too many times – I’m going to read it again.
So, let us pray:

“God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.”

Seasons of Life

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

The cycles of life swirl around us. In God’s infinite wisdom we pass through time. The time has come to celebrate the ministry and tenure of Pastor David Fetter. His leave taking will be full of tears and laughter, boxes and back slapping. Joyfully, we lift up the many years of leadership and pastoral care that David has given to the membership of Abiding Love and to the community of Austin, TX. A congregation has a life much like a person, with a time for every season. As Abiding Love looks to the future, we stand on a firm foundation that Pastor Fetter worked to form. It is with the Love of Christ that we send him into this new time of retirement.

In the Farewell and Godspeed service of our Lutheran Church, there is a prayer:
“Eternal God, we thank you for David Fetter and for our life together in this congregation and community. As he has been a blessing to us, so now send him forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Fun Things About Pastor Fetter...

It has now been a little over three years that I have been at Abiding Love and as we are anticipating the retirement of Pastor David Fetter, I have been thinking on the fun things about him!

1. He loves little hand written notes. On my desk, in my mailbox, in the Sacristy, you can find little notes from Pastor Fetter, “Ask Lynnae…”! On those notes, David always has a little, quickly drawn “†”. Even in his scribbles and little notes he has a cross.

2. Pastor Fetter loves the Armoire! He checks it constantly and then reminds people if they have little gifts or packages to pick up! David loves being in on the surprise!

And 3. Pastor Fetter has no use for the electric pencil sharpener! In fact, Cindy gave him an old fashioned sharpener that sits in our workroom right now!

Such are some of the fun things about Pastor Fetter that I will always remember! As this month goes by, let us be all about expressing our love and friendship to David and Mary as they celebrate their 30 years with Abiding Love. Let us lift up the many things about his ministry that have made him special and unforgettable! Let us give thanks to God!

The Mystery of the Faith

The Mystery of the Faith.

Maybe we have lost the art of mystery. Maybe, we as Christians have become way too “easy button” – “right click” – “instant access” believers. It’s not that we are conspiracy theorists nor Sally Suspects, but maybe we are too concrete, too linear, too ‘just the facts please’.

Truthfully, maybe we need a little mystery and a little mysticism in our day to day believing. It is a part of our faith. Mystery and mysticism is part of the resurrection story, the Holy Communion ritual and the eschatological (heaven stuff) future.

I don’t like to explain everything. I think you should have to work at it in order to really get it. I think Jesus, too, likes to make you think! To be Christian you have to think! You can’t just sit around and wait for someone to tell you what to believe and how to do it. You are to take responsibility for your own faith journey. It all begins with trust. Trust that you won’t know all the answers. Trust that a little mysticism will complete your belief. Trust that there is a little mystery in everything Godly.

Come.

Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

Our Lukan gospel has the two men in dazzling white ask the women this question. I believe we often try to hide among a great deal of dead stuff! When we need help, we turn to things instead of people. We probably do that out of fear of judgment or callousness. It’s just easier to avoid groups and stay home.

Jesus’ promise is that with him we are to be about the living. The ‘living’ are going through all sorts of pain, suffering and troubles. People are sick, families are splitting up and paychecks are short.

When troubles come, church is the place to be.

None of us are perfect. Instead, all of us are sinful and in need. This is where Jesus calls us to come and be strengthened. We don’t come to the altar with no need for forgiveness. We come – each of us – with a desperate need to know of the unconditional love and presence of Jesus. The worshipping community comes together, remembering that in Christ we are one.

When one suffers, we all suffer.

When one hurts, we all hurt.

We are the living body of Christ’s church. No matter what you are going through, you are invited and the mercy of Jesus comes to you through the membership of this community.

Don’t look for the living among the dead.

Abiding Love is alive and well.

Come.

Know the living Jesus Christ.

Some Good Old Movies

I love catching old movies and I especially love it at this time. This is when we have ‘Ben Hur’, ‘The Robe’ and even ‘The Ten Commandments’. There is one movie that I have only seen once and am on the lookout for. It is called ‘Barabbas’. Much of what we read in the gospels is related to the culture of the Roman Empire. Actually, these old movies give us a good insight into that time period. All the pomp and circumstance! The great and triumphant entries after battle! The power and control that the Romans had over their occupied territories!

When you try to understand the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, what we call Palm Sunday, in the light of the Roman Empire – it offers a very different attitude. We want to remember the event as something very holy and as a time when – maybe – the people actually recognized Jesus for what he was, but maybe not. The events unfold as a charade on the Romans. They often rode into a town with great parades and the Jews were forced to participate. The Romans rode in on great steeds, while Jesus chose a donkey.

I see this scene as a direct ‘in your face’ confrontation to the Romans! And so another nail goes in the cross. The Romans killed Jesus and the Temple scribes and priests co-opted their authorities to stay in their good graces.

I hope you will be able to watch some good old movies in the next few weeks. And, if anyone sees ‘Barabbas’ on the schedule – call me! Oh, my new Austin cell number is: 740-6480.

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae

Who killed Jesus? And, Why did he have to die?

We are getting ready to remember the passion of our Lord and I cannot help but ask the question, “Who killed Jesus?” and “Why did he have to die?”. Factually; it was a judicial sentence, so the Romans killed Jesus. Theologically; Jesus died to take away our sin. Historically, the gospel writers led us to an understanding of the cross as transformative. The theologian Anselm taught of Jesus’ death as a sacrifice of atonement, that meant ‘payment’ for sin, or making restitution for sin. I’m sure you’ve heard his words such as “Christ suffered as a substitute for all humanity”. I’ve always struggled with that, as it is hard for me to relate to a God that needs to be ‘paid off’. There is a sacrifice and it does become substitutionary, but it is not easily worked nor accepted. It seems that our modern understanding of sacrifice can lead us away from Jesus and the cross and into our own sort of self pity and wallowing. “Oh, it’s my fault Jesus had to die. I am guilty. If I just weren’t so sinful.” This ends up being a theology of glory, not a theology of the cross: It’s all about me – not Jesus.

Jesus followed the natural course of a rebel. He died at the hands of the Roman Empire and the Temple authorities who wanted to thwart his movement. He died on the cross as thousands of others did when they challenged the rulers. The difference is found in the resurrection.

I believe that Jesus died to end suffering. He died to show us that such injustice was against God. In this way I accept Jesus’ ‘atonement’ of our sin because for me it is a symbol of Redemptive Justice. We are redeemed by the symbol of the cross as a statement that such suffering and judicial acts are wrong and go against the loving God that sent us Jesus to show us a different way. As a follower of the cross, I work to end suffering and to bring about compassionate justice. So who killed Jesus? We all did. Why did he have to die? To show us how utterly wrong it is. To rise in order to change the way of the world.

As the Christian world sits in Lent, the Jewish world sits in fear. Fear because for centuries the death of Jesus has been thrown up in their faces as the ultimate act of evil. This year, let us set the record straight. The Jews did not kill Jesus. The Romans killed Jesus and the crowds were manipulated by the Temple authorities to support their rejection of his mission.

Theologically, we all killed Jesus because we accept violence and injustice. No one is left free of sin. So who killed Jesus? We all did. Why did he have to die? To show us how utterly wrong it is and to rise in order to change the way of the world.

This year, let us remember our role in the Divine Drama. Not so we will wallow in self pity or guilt, but clearly so that we can remove blame; and instead focus on Jesus the Christ who took the shame of the cross and used it for redemptive justice and transformation. For this, Jesus bought us eternal life.

In the Mountains

I remember the first time that I went to camp in the mountains. It wasn’t really the 35 pound backpack that affected me. It wasn’t that I was carrying my own sleeping bag and tent that impressed me. It wasn’t the dry food packs or the iodine tablets that I had to put in the water that overwhelmed me. No, it wasn’t the ‘digger’, the bear bag or the ‘no impact camping’ that I really remember even yet today. No, while all of these things were a part of the trip, what really changed my life was meeting God in the beauty of God’s creation. Somehow, I felt smaller and yet more important as I tread the mountain paths with the guides from the camp. Praying in the wild flower fields and singing from the top of the crag was some of the most powerful communication with God that I have ever known.

This summer seven of our youth and three of their sponsors will be going to Sky Ranch Lutheran Summer Camp in the mountains of Colorado. I am so excited for all of the Godly encounters that I know they will have. Please join me in prayer for them and if you would like to give a scholarship for any of them, let me know!

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae

LENT

Lent is about to be upon us. The time of Lent in our church calendar is a time to focus on the teachings of the church and on the life and death of Jesus. It is a time to stand at the cross and remember. It is not about ‘giving things up’ or ‘making resolutions’. It is about deepening your relationship with your Lord. It is not about sentimentalizing or romanticizing. It is about getting to know the one who gave up everything for you and for the whole world. Let this Lent be a time where you connect with those who tell the story of Jesus and with those who knew him. It is all about – relationship. Get to know the Lord.

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae

The Life of Faith

Continuing education is basic for pastors to stay in touch with the public and with their congregations as they go through their ministry. It is easy to get into a routine that can get stale for preaching and ministry if your pastor doesn’t continue to learn about faith, leadership, and ministry. Every year the Bishops of the three synods in Texas plan and participate in a Theological Conference for the continuing education of pastors and lay professionals in the church. I have been working hard as a part of the planning team for this years conference entitled: “La Vida de Fey (The Life of Faith) : A Tapestry of Hispanic Spirituality”. My responsibilities include: worship, logistics, and environment. While my Spanish is a whole lot rusty, I continue to struggle to learn of the ways of faith of the Hispanic people and especially Hispanic Lutherans.

Pastor Fetter and I will be gone for this event from Jan. 25-27th in San Antonio. Laurie Donovan and Philip Drake will be joining us to help with AV and music portions of the conference. Please pray for our continued education and that our ministries will benefit!

The Gospel of Luke

I love Luke Best!

The Gospel of Luke is a mastery of elegance and complexity. This church year, starting in Advent begins the study of the Gospel according to Luke. The richness of Luke’s presentation of the story of Jesus makes it one of Christianities treasures!

The church uses one of the Synoptic (same sight) Gospels each year as the focus for the Gospel readings. Year A, examines Matthew; Year B – Mark and Year C – Luke.

“Each Gospel contains a different structure, develops different themes, and portrays the person of Jesus in its own unique way. The Markan Jesus is an enigmatic and tragic figure, misunderstood and abandoned. Being a disciple of the Markan Jesus means taking up the cross and following him.

The Matthean Jesus is a new Moses who fulfills the Scripture and established the authority of his own words. Being a disciple of the Matthean Jesus, therefore, means keeping his teachings and making other disciples.

The Johannine Jesus is the Word incarnate, the heavenly revealer who is not of this world but who was sent to reveal the Father. Being a disciple of the Johannine Jesus means responding to the revelation with belief, being born from above, imbibing living water and eating the bread of life, and fulfilling one’s place and vocation in the community of the “children of God”.

The Lukan Jesus is compassionate, a friend to outcasts. Luke also relates Jesus to the history of Israel, the Scriptures, contemporary world history, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive purposes in human history. Jesus is the Savior sent to seek and to save the lost.” (The New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary)

I think I love Luke best – at least this year I do!

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae