An Invitation to Christmas: Come Celebrate Jesus!

As a child one of my favorite ‘Advent Traditions’ was — getting to play with the figures of our family Nativity Scene. I loved walking the shepherds along, giving the camels the best view, and putting the baby Jesus in the center of it all. I am thankful that our scene wasn’t too glass, china-like, or fragile to keep my sister and I from handling. Or maybe it was, but my parents were wise enough to let us become a part of the story through our play.

This Advent season our theme is “Come Celebrate Jesus!” It is my hope that in the weeks leading to the birthday of Christ, you will prepare yourselves for Christmas by Celebrating Jesus. In worship we will hear of the historic and prophetic times of ancient Israel, desperate for a new king. In worship we will call out in prayer for the whole world to know of the salvation that the Christ Child promised. In worship we will harmonize as we lift our voices in praise and roclamation. IN WORSHIP. Come Celebrate Jesus.

See you in church.

Pastor Lynnae

1, 2, or 3?

Each Christmas my mom makes ‘Christmas Pudding’. It is made of cranberries and it is smothered with warm butter and spices (a little sugar in there too). I love it! It reminds me of yesteryear and it comforts my heart. I know that Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without it. The thing is, I seem to be the only one who feels this way. It is a great deal of work to make. The rest of my family can take it or leave it. So I’m afraid my mother is going to conveniently forget to make it again this year. My choice is 1) to get over it, 2) to whine and complain so she will make it , or 3) to learn how to make it myself!

The easiest thing to do is #2 – guilt my mother into it! Maybe the smartest thing to do is ‘to just get over it’, then it can be one of those memories that I dig out every once in a while and sigh over. OR - I could get the recipe and try my own hand at it!

If something is really important to you, in worship, fellowship, membership care, maybe we have to look at the options. 1-2-3. Please don’t wait to be asked. If it is important enough to us – then we will jump in and do the work to make it happen. I’m not sure if I’ll have Christmas Pudding this year or not. What I do know is that whatever happens – it is up to me. God help us.

Jesus Dwells with You!

At a meeting that I was in this past week I was told of an intern’s 'mess up' with some Spanish words in a worship service. It was at the beginning of the service in the Confession and Absolution. Instead of saying 'Jesus died for our sins' the intern mixed up a word. 'Morir' in Spanish means 'to die'. The soon to be pastor, instead of saying "morir" said "morar". Now, this may not seem to be a big change, but 'morar' means 'to dwell with'.

I spoke with a few of our food pantry guests about the two words. They seemed to think that it was just fine to say, "Jesus dwells with you in your sin". Even in our sin, we can find Jesus. He is just waiting around to help us, understanding our sorrow and our failures. The nuances of the slip up can remind us that we are both, Saint and Sinner, and that through it all, Jesus is with us. This All Saints Day may you remember that Jesus dwells with you in all circumstances.

Encouragement

“Now to God who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for-ever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The letter to the Ephesians was written at a time when the church needed encouragement! They were discouraged by politics, taxes, and the challenges of a struggling young church. The author, whom most scholars now believe was a disciple of Paul, wrote mostly to Gentiles offering them hope for a certain future! The author wants them to know that the church is fulfilling a purpose that Christ began! That purpose is greater than we can imagine or even ask for! The purpose is that Christ would dwell in your hearts through faith and that you would be rooted in love. What greater purpose could Abiding Love have?

As we begin this rally call to ‘Imagine Ministry Beyond Belief’, may you know of the purpose of Christ.

Passing the Plate

It seems that, what with all the new and improved ways of ‘giving’ we may not need to pass the plate anymore. In this age of modern technology, giving has come to new and easier methods. A person can set up auto pay through the Thrivent “Simply Giving” program, can create an online payment through their online banking, or a person can even use the old snail mail process of sending their offering to the church, so why not eliminate the offering? After all, it would take out about seven minutes of our service and that would leave more time for other important aspects of the worship time.

NEVER. The time of offering in the worship service is about much more than merely collecting money. The offering is one of the oldest of patterns of worship practiced by the ancients, including Abraham, David, and Paul. It is about the giving of ourselves, and of our need to pause, contemplate, and be a part of an offering to God. While it may seem that the plate passes to collect envelopes for the church, it actually is a time when each of us - as God’s creation - get to participate in the rite of giving in worship. To grab on to that plate and pray that God find our gifts acceptable will never be taken out of the service.

This next Sunday as the plate passes in your row, grab on to that shiny brass receptacle, pause and pray that God would accept your gifts as an honest expression of love and sacrifice. It’s offering time!

See you in church,
Pastor Lynnae

Imagine!

“Imagine” Generosity Beyond Belief! As 87 families were served at our Food Pantry this Monday, it was easy to “imagine”. This was our largest client family day ever, or at least that is what Hazeldean Dumler said. And she would know— she has been serving at the Food Pantry since the beginning! Abiding Love Lutheran Food Pantry is a true gift for all those involved. Today, we touched over 300 hungry souls. I saw our members helping carry loads of groceries. I saw our members chatting with women over cabbage recipes. I saw our members bent in prayer with the homeless and hurting. I imagine the clients feel like they received ‘generosity beyond belief’, but I believe that our members at Abiding Love got much more than they gave.

We receive God’s generosity, so we give generously. It is that simple. May you recognize the ways that God has given to you so that you may live a life of generosity beyond belief.

Praying for rain!

The other day a member said to me, “Don’t worry, Pastor, God will send the rains”. Funny, I pray for rain all the time, but you don’t see me carrying around an umbrella. I guess I believe that God is going to work on ‘weather channel’ timing. You know, God is going to stir up the clouds and make them move in, in a circular motion from the coast just so we can all watch them on the radar screen. I think it is easier to blame God for the drought than it is to believe that God is really taking care of us. I’m not sure why the cycle of seasons that God created is dried up right now, but I am sure that God is in charge. If I believe in God and God’s mercy, then I don’t need to worry about the weather. Instead, I celebrate God’s presence. I am thankful for the beauty of the seasons. I will keep praying, because I know that God hears my prayers. Maybe I should start carrying an umbrella.

** Please remember that we never, no matter what our age or status, stop learning about God. Join a Sunday School class, a Bible study, or a small group with inspirational devotions. Make the NEW season one that includes ‘study’.

JOY

“Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” Psalm 111

Can you imagine worshipping with 36,999 screaming, dancing, smiling youth and young adult sponsors? Can you imagine ten jumbo screens – a huge band under the leadership of Peter Mayer, lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffet – dancers – rappers – jugglers – explosions of color – fireworks and a Bishop in a bathtub?

You might think that it is awe inspiring, jaw dropping and loads of fun, and you’d be right. But, it is also very emotional – tearful even. To see so many of God’s youth filled with the joy of believing can really make me cry. I cannot tell you how much I love the 16 youth from Abiding Love that attended the National Youth Gathering. They were a powerful example of what we really are – a people alive with the spirit of Jesus, justice, and jazz! I thank them for the honor of worshipping God with them.

♥ ♥ ♥

Talk Out Loud About Faith

When I was in Ethiopia last summer, I saw a very old stone table that was once used for religious sacrifice. The picture that I took was not very dramatic. It just looks like a big block of rock. There are some designs etched into it – but none that I recognized as particularly Christian or Jewish. In my imagination it was an altar used for human sacrifice! (I sometimes have an over active imagination.) Actually, the rock was on an island that housed a monastery and it was a very old Christian stronghold.

Giving back to God never required human sacrifice. Yet, we like to use the ‘sacrificial’ language when we talk of stewardship. The mere word ‘sacrifice’ makes a person think of pain and when connecting it to stewardship smacks of the ‘give till it hurts’ mantra. God gives to us freely and joyfully. Why would God want us to hurt in giving back? Instead, I believe that God wants us to exercise our stewardship in order to grow closer and closer in our spiritual relationships. Giving is joyful. Stewardship is not only about money. It is about giving of our time, our specialties, and our love.

One of the clearest examples of this is with our Food Pantry volunteers. I have seen people blossom as they begin working at the Food Pantry. They actually talk out loud about faith and why they are helping people. That is the kind of stewardship that God requires of us – giving because we just can’t help it! It feels so good. This is about developing your relationship with God. Pray each day. Read your bible every day. Worship and give thanks at the stop light, in the line at the grocery store, when you drive by a bank – just about any time. Help others, and tell others about how much you love the Lord. Pray to come to know Jesus better and better, every day.

FAITH

“Now faith is the belief in that which you cannot see and the confidence in that which is yet to be.” —Hebrews 11:1

Faith is a gift. You cannot conjure it up – or create it yourself. We all have faith. Some have taken their gift of faith, unwrapped it, used it, cleaned it and then used it again. Others just put the pretty box on a shelf and dust it now and then. Some just can’t believe that the gift is really for them! And still others tossed the gift aside rejecting the gift all together, but it follows them.

You may not be able to see it, but faith is there. Thanks to Jesus who promises us the gift of eternal life – a gift of faith.

Use your faith!

Depression, Recession... What To do?

I remember as a college student doing a special report for my history class about the depression of the 30’s. I remember interviewing my grandfather and thinking that it was all so very unbelievable. I remember thinking, “Well, we’ve fixed all that and it will never happen again.”

Yesterday, we got the news that Texas would be among the states that would rebound faster – from this ‘recession’. Banks may fail. Car companies may declare bankruptcy. Vast numbers of people may be laid off. But, we will rebound.

My grandfather told me that in his day, as a young father and dried out farmer, all he could do to feed his family was to work for the government driving a wagon. He only got the job because he had a good stubborn mule. He worked hard, saved his dignity, and prayed. He stayed faithful to Turkey Valley Lutheran Church at his home in Irene, South Dakota.

I have looked to find information about what the churches did during the Great Depression. I really can’t find anything different. They seemed to keep on doing what they were doing. They preached the good news and they loved their neighbor. They helped each other. They fed the hungry. They worshiped, and taught their children. They baptized, and buried.

What kind of Stewardship message does the church in financial crises need to hear? I believe that we need to hear that God continues to call us to administer the sacraments, love our neighbor, and preach the good news. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Today, is no different.

ACTS

Acts. I have been studying the book of Acts with two different bible studies this past month. While it is labeled the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ it is said that it really should be called the ‘Acts of the Holy Spirit’. The book reads like a great mystery novel. Will the followers of the Way make it? Will they reach the ends of the earth? Will Gentiles be welcomed? Will Paul see Rome? Will Caesar be converted? It is a book of the early church. It is a study of the early believers striving to be faithful followers of the ways of Jesus. I think we could all use a reminder of the first church and of the things that we too should strive for; fellowship, table, baptism, study and prayer. It is not easy to be the church, but as those first believers discovered, we are not alone.

“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” —Acts 4:32-33

Pastor Lynnae

Summer Vacation

When did I start to not think of the entire summer as vacation?

I know as a child that was my joy. That the whole summer was vacation and that I was going to play every day! Suddenly, I’ve grown up. Summer now consists of regular work days with a planned vacation somewhere in the middle of it all. The days seem to be long and, of course, hot.

As the seasons turn, I don’t see summer in the same bright light that I used to. In an attempt to re-capture our child like understanding of summer – we at Abiding Love introduce the Summer Styles of Worship Celebrations! Each Sunday at the 11:00 service we will explore an emerging worship style. You won’t want to miss it! It will be designed to touch your heart and soul. As you see summer approaching, remember; God vacations with us!

See you in church!

Pastor Lynnae

Humility...

“If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:1-5

My grandmother used to say that she didn’t have wrinkles, she had laugh lines. In this world and time of ‘youthfulness’ and ‘Botox’, it is truly a counter cultural statement. No one wants wrinkles, but maybe we all need a few ‘laugh lines’. Humility is a quality that is often overlooked. Some think that humility is weak and powerless. Jesus showed us at the cross that what looks weak actually has the greatest power. Humility laughs in the face of pride and aggression. Humility probably gives a person many – lines.

Go ahead, laugh.

Jesus Justice Jazz

As the Senior High youth get ready to go to the ELCA National Gathering this July, they are studying the theme – “Jesus, Justice and Jazz”!! It’s easy to figure out how ‘Jazz’ fits the Gathering because it is being held in New Orleans! As the capital of jazz in the United States, New Orleans offers the variety and free spirit that are required by the unique style of jazz. Jazz also fits a spiritual mandate of community, cooperation and freedom. Did you know that in jazz music no one carries the melody line? Each instrument at one time or another plays a few notes of the melody, but the song only comes together when all the instruments play together. It is the same with the Christian Church and community. The Holy Spirit works in and around us to make beautiful music!

Justice is not a new theme for God’s faithful people. Justice is as old as Abraham and Sarah. “Compassionate justice” is a newer way of presenting the biblical theme of justice. In this day, too many people mix the judicial understanding of justice with the Godly understanding. To say ‘compassionate justice’ is to clarify that God’s justice is not always fair and that in God’s justice we find kindness and humility. As the Senior High youth prepare to go to New Orleans, we ask that you help us to learn of – ‘Jesus, Justice and Jazz’! Play on!

(Any who would like to donate monies to help a young person afford this spiritual journey, please let me know!)

In the Shadow of the Cross

Being plunged into darkness. That is what is happening. We are being plunged into darkness. We don’t generally go into darkness easily. It is natural to want to be in the light. Darkness is for sleeping. Darkness is for secrecy and underhandedness. As we prepare for Holy Week, we choose to step into darkness. At the shadow of the cross we stand.

Theologically, the last days of Jesus life on this earth were full of secrecy, underhandedness and shadows. To willingly go to that place in our own hearts where we confront the darkness of our own lives is to confront that which Jesus came to die for. It is for our sinful selves that Jesus took his place on the cross. We remember his life and death as we mark our own sin and confess our need for Jesus. The Gospel of Mark tells us that “darkness came over the whole land” at the death of Jesus. We know that darkness. We know that place where our sin and his grace meet – in the shadow of the cross.

Children are hope for the future!"

The children came to sing at our Games Day Fellowship today. There were about a dozen of them. They sang a song and then gave hand made pictures to all the ‘gamers’. Some were shy but others just ran right up to people and greeted them with such love!

Our Children’s Center is one of the lights of life at Abiding Love! Children jump in puddles, throw their hands in the air and scream when they go down the slide, and they dance when they think they are walking! Children are hope for the future! They are the ones to which we are passing on the lessons of love and faith.

The mission and ministry of a Children’s Center is truly one of those projects where we get back much more than we give. As these children grow and leave our little corner, they never forget the embedded faith that bible stories, chapel and music classes instill. They grow in trust and they will forever have the foundations of Christianity. Thank you for all of your support of our Children’s Center! May you find time to jump in puddles!

Confronting Death...

It has not been with great gusto that I have approached the theme for this Lenten series. Pastor Fetter attended a lecture with Pastor Walter Wangerin and came home with this CD series: “Confronting Death”, by Walter Wangerin.

Truthfully, it would be a whole lot easier to try to look at Jesus’ death and the days leading to his death from an impersonal and distant view. This series does not allow that. Instead, by looking at the possibilities of our own deaths, we may be able to dig down and find a very personal and faithful connection to the death of Christ. Our death is so very connected to his, because our resurrection is so connected. Death is something we face each day and yet try to dismiss. To confront death and then to be ready for the onslaught of emotions that come with the confrontation is like standing in the shadow of the cross. It is in those most vulnerable times that we can recognize the strength of our faith and the relationship that we have with our Lord. I invite you to come each Wednesday evening for the short service and video presentation to truly get in touch with Jesus as we Confront Death.

Lent

Ash Wednesday, February 25th, begins the season of Lent. Lent lasts for 40 days (not counting Sundays when we commemorate the Resurrection) and ends with Holy Week on Maundy Thursday. I can remember growing up being very excited about Lent. It was a time when our family truly revolved around the church. There was extra music so both the youth choir and the adult choir had very serious practices besides going to Lenten suppers and services. Sundays were connected to the season with more anticipation toward Easter and spring. As a child I remember feeling closer to Jesus in that time of Lent. It was a time when we really studied the person of Jesus. The music, the colors, the scriptures all called us to a closer relationship with the Lord.

This year, once again, we will gather around the themes of Lent. We will pray, and sing and study. Lent is a time to focus in on your relationship with Jesus. May you center on the church and may you approach with anticipation the devotion of the season of Lent.

Come to Jesus

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls” --Matthew 11:28-29

Stress and anxiety seem to be on the rise. It could be the times, with all the economic and housing crises. It could be that those events began the cycle of unemployment, high cost of living and salary freezes. It could also be that as we have become more and more busy, more and more focused on things instead of relationships, and more and more away from church, that the stress and anxiety have raised. I hate to sound legalistic, but that is what some are saying. They are saying that with the turn away from God and church, we were bound for this recession.

I don’t know. But this I do know – Jesus is the answer. You know what relieves stress? Jesus relieves stress, for in him you will find rest. You know what lowers anxiety? Jesus lowers anxiety because he is humble and gentle. It doesn’t always just happen, but how can it happen if you aren’t in relationship with him? This is the day to remove some things from your life in order to make room for the most important.

In this time of stress and anxiety, come, be with us at Abiding Love for worship and fellowship. Together we face the day. We laugh. We cry. We pray. We come to the table. Come.

Spiritual Tool -- Art

This will be last of my series on Spiritual Toolbox! Art.

For many people art is an excellent means of worshipping God. The Christian Church has gone through phases of creation, abuse and even destruction when it comes to ‘art’. There was a time called the ‘Iconoclast’ movement when misguided followers thought that others were worshipping the items of art as idols that were opposed to God, instead of using the item as a way to better connect to God. Today, I believe that we have a better understanding of icons, as means of support for our expressions of worship.

I would offer two ways of trying this ‘tool’. First, you can find a piece of art that you are interested in, maybe because of it’s beauty or maybe because it challenges you. As you study that piece of art, talk to God about how the art glorifies God. Maybe it is an ancient picture of Mary and the baby Jesus. It could be a weaving of multicolored threads. Or, maybe it is a piece of sand art. It can really be just about anything that helps you to talk with God.

The second possibility is to create your own piece of art, all the while praying and asking for God’s help in the creation. After hours of work on your own little masterpiece, knowing that you prayed all the while, you can feel a wonderful connection to God within your very own icon. Every time you see the piece, you reconnect to that feeling. It is not about how good it is or how creative. It is about how the art helps you to worship and glorify God.

Good luck with your toolbox of spiritual ways to add to your devotion. I pray that you keep your spiritual toolbox in good shape as you use these ideas regularly.

Spiritual Tool - Journal Writing

This month for our “Spiritual Tool Box” we take a look at journal writing. Keeping a written record of your spiritual thoughts can help you to enter into a more disciplined approach to your Bible study, prayer life and meditation. It doesn't really have to be like the old horror days of the teenage diaries! Instead, you can have a notebook where you write down what you are praying for, what you are reading and what stands out in that reading, or maybe what you are learning and giving thanks for. This can be a wonderful expression of your life that you can save and review for years to come.

Some people keep a "Go to Hell Journal" (I know pastors shouldn't say that!, but it is an honest feeling that real people have and despite what others say, Pastors are real people too!). This kind of journal can be used as a way of working on anger management and personal development. First you write down:
*What happened, then
*How you felt (physically and emotionally), and finally
*Evaluate who you were really mad at.

I've found that I'm usually really mad at myself. After a while you start to recognize the 'triggers' that can set you off and you can learn to stop the reaction.

This year, try keeping a spiritual journal. You don't have to commit to a year, maybe just a month and see how it goes.

Writing is healing!