TiM Capsule

All work and no play...

2011-11-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

We all know the saying: "All work and no play, makes Johnny a dull boy."

But, not to worry-- we definitely do not have that problem here at Trinity these days! There is lots of play mixed in to our work...

In particular, Pr Rick and I have become quite the partners in crime when it comes to play at work. We have taken to pulling pranks on some of our co-workers and each other. Good, clean fun-- don't worry!

And the thing is, we wouldn't be able to do this, if things at Trinity weren't

good. Solid. If the staff didn't like each other or get along. If there wasn't trust. But, with joy in the workplace comes room for laughter and play.

I think I'd characterize the environment around here lately as: playful, good-spirited, and fun!

In the midst of busy fall schedules, hectic personal lives, and staff transition as Senior Pastor Steve Wold retired, the staff has been able to really enjoy themselves. I have been able to really enjoy myself!

And for this, I am truly THANKFUL!

Luther's Catholic Feud

2011-10-25T11:44:00.001-07:00

How much do you know about Martin Luther?
How about Trinity Lutheran Church or small group ministry?

We created this game as part of the reformation party, and it now available to play with your friends and family. The top 25 small group leaders were surveyed. The top answers are on the board. Click the numbers to reveal the answers, or click the boxes to produce a "X"!

Let's play Luther's Catholic Feud!

www.trinitymhd.org/Fued

God, is that you?!

2011-08-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple weeks now that we've been reading "Surprise Me." And it has proven to be just as delightful as I'd expected. But, Terry Esau, after 2 weeks into his experiment described in the book the tough question he was dealing with... How do you know which events in your life are of God? Which surprises are God's?

He asked this because of his fear that readers would take his book and turn it into a Prayer of Jabez, prosperity-gospel. He worried that people would see a "trivial train of 'blessings'" and assume that each $5 bill found on the ground, close parking space at the store, and rebate on the big item purchase we were going to make is all a result of God's surprising favor for us.

Is God in the mundane, sure. But we can never be sure what exactly IS or ISN'T of God.

So, what do we do with that?! (It's not very helpful, Mr. Esau!)

He encourages us to trust. To trust that God is in our lives helping us to be the best we can be. Is God there to make our business or bank account flourish? No, but God promises to be there to help US flourish... Living with that kind of trust is hard, though. And it is usually only with hindsight that we truly see which actions and opportunities in our life (however mundane or monumental) were of God.

So, we were asked the question-- which seemingly insignificant moment or event at the time turned out to be life-changing? A part of God's big plan to make us flourish in life and love and joy... Well, as I think back, there are lots of those moments:

When I was in kindergarten, my parents wanted to sign me up for a summer school "camp;" my choices were like cheerleading or Spanish, and for whatever reason I chose Spanish... that seemingly random decision led to a love of the language which I later studied from 6th-12th grade, brought me to Spain in my senior year, allowed me to take on leadership roles in several mission events in Mexico during college, enabled me to study abroad in Spain and Mexico, minored in Spanish, and helped me use the language during internship where I even got to preach in Spanish. All because of a 6 year old's foray into Spanish one summer!
While on a youth trip in the mountains in Wyoming, I was partnered to be "tent buddies" with a girl from my grade. She and I weren't exactly friends. But, through the course of the trip, we ended up leaving as best friends and she is one of my closest friends to this day!
One evening during high school I was driving home with my youngest brother (who was in 8th grade at the time), and we were talking about school, friends, and life. When we got home, we stayed in the car to finish the conversation. We were discussing his plans for high school and future. We didn't know it at the time, but it ended up being a very important conversation-- not only in terms of high school selection, but also for our relationship.

See, God really does use small, singularly "insignificant" moments to do incredible things! Which shouldn't surprise us since God also seems to use seemingly insignificant people to do them! :)

Surprises

2011-08-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

During Lent, a group of ladies began meeting for a Small Group "Sampler." Short term commitment, long term impact.

Well, our one-off, short-term group, morphed into another "Summer Sampler." Seems there's something to this relationship, faith-building together thing! :)

We decided that we wanted to gather to talk about where we see God active in our lives. We all shared that life gets busy, and we are pulled in so many directions that it is sometimes difficult to see the surprises God sends our way. So, I offered a suggestion to journey through Terry Esau's Surprise Me, a 30 day faith experiment. In his book, he decided to begin every day for a month with the prayer: SURPRISE ME, GOD! And the book is his observations, ruminations, and reflections. We are going through this book, journaling on our own, and gathering weekly in Bible study and prayer around where we see God surprising us.

Now, I have to admit. I hadn't been as disciplined in the daily reading and journaling as I'd hoped to have been. I went for several days without reading at all. But I kept the words, "Surprise Me" as a refrain, humming along between my conscious and subconscious...

And this may come as no shock, but God was there. Beginning to look for God and paying attention to where God is prompting and guiding has been a blessing. And where have those surprises come? Terry Esau describes it plainly: "What I'm saying is, surprises seem to be largely a product of our contact with people and God." It comes as no real shock that this Incarnate God of ours chooses to surprise us with love, mercy, joyfulness, and hope in and through our relationships with others.

I can't wait to see what the next days will bring, for me and my fellow "Samplers"... how will God surprise us next?

Opportunities

2011-06-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

When I talk with my friends who are in their first calls, they are often startled to learn about the many "perks" my position has. The TiM program at Trinity allows me lots of additional continuing ed, learning, and support opportunities. Many of my friends barely get continuing ed, much less have a strong peer group and intentional monies and resources devoted to pastoral development and personal growth.

As a part of the TiM program we have been able to travel to the churches of our first-call colleagues in EaND synod, share meals together, attend convocations, and most recently travel to Holden Village. There at Holden we had the chance to worship, pray, sing, learn, eat, and play in community. The opportunity was once-in-a-lifetime.

Purple Mountain Majesty

2011-06-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

Holden. Heaven smiled upon this place.

Nestled here in the Cascade Mountains is a place so beautiful, not 1000 words nor even my picture can capture it. A place majestic, and yet humble at the same time.

Mountains towering above me. Soil and rock tinged with copper. Stately pines climbing a hundred feet in the air, reaching towards the bright blue sky. Happy, bubbling water rushing to find a home in the lake below.

I'm so glad we've made it!

A fawn has just approached from behind. Trepidation in its gentle footsteps. Nibbling on the tall grasses. She looks up and sees me perched at the waters edge. She looks me in the eye. I try to convey that I am here in peace. She isn't scared off and continues to graze. Such elegance.

I'm so glad we've made it!

Holden.
Heaven smiled upon this place.

Water, Water, Everywhere...

2011-06-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

I had never taken the train any long distance in my recorded memory. Making plans, I was excited about the adventure of a long train ride into the mountains. But, as our departure day neared, I became a little nervous. Because of flooding in western North Dakota, the train lines were shut down for the 3 weeks before our departure date. Will we be able to go? Will the trains be up and running by the time we need to leave?

Funny how I wasn't thinking too much about the people and towns actually being affected by the flooding. Nope, just about whether our travel plans would be secure...

Then we got the news that the tracks were open and that the trains were running again. We were on the first train heading west from Fargo. As the trip began, I was shocked by what I saw: water, water, everywhere... Church's Ferry, Devil's Lake... swallowed in water. And the farther west we went, the worse it got.

At times, all we could see in any direction was water. It was like the train was gliding on the water. In some places the tracks had been raised up from the water, and in others, dikes had been built up to protect the tracks. But there were moments when I looked down out the window, and I couldn't see anything but the water. The watery tracks plus the heavy train traffic (after it'd been shut down so long) caused us extensive delays. We lost a day because of it.

Days later, as we were readying ourselves to come back home, eastbound, we got the news that again the tracks were shut down. The levee in Minot was breached. Half the town was evacuated. Waters were over-taking much of the city and neighboring towns. Our first thoughts, though, were not: "Poor Minot; what will they do?" Instead they were, "How are we going to get home? What are we going to do?" The trains would only take us part-way through Montana, then what would we do?

Finally it hit me-- it really isn't that big of a mess. Not for us. Yes, an inconvenience. But, it could've been worse. Much worse. We could be in Minot. Our homes, schools, churches, parks, libraries, favorite restaurants... all in danger of being washed away in a tide of muddy waters.

Our drive home through eastern Montana and North Dakota was punctured by news stories from Minot and vistas of standing water all around. Water, water, everywhere...

I pray that in these devastating waters, peace can be found. That the waters of life and opportunity flow in and through these towns and peoples...

Fire, Smoke, and Celebration

2011-04-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up to the scent of woodfire smoke on my pillow. The lingering scent of the bonfire which began our Easter Vigil last night... And it struck me that that was the perfect way to wake up on Easter morning! There, with the scent of the fire still in my nostrils, on my hair, in my clothes, there to remind me of the celebration that had already begun.

Our Vigil worship began as most do, gathered around a fire as we christened a new Paschal Candle for the year whereon we processed into worship, following the light in the darkness, to hear stories of our faith, welcome the newly baptized while remembering our own baptisms, and celebrate a grace-filled meal around the altar. Rejoicing that the pain, darkness, chaos, bondage, and death we experience is defeated by the promise of healing, light, order, freedom and life of the resurrection!

HE IS RISEN!

HE IS RISEN, INDEED!!

ALLELUIA!!!

Your own child....

2011-04-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

Preaching on the Sunday that your own child is baptized creates an interesting dynamic. I didn't think it would affect me the way it did, I had seen baptisms, performed baptisms, but making promises for your own child is a new experience. I had many emotions going into the service, and felt the best way to offer the sermon was in the form of a letter.

To the child I love:

On an occasion like today, when we gather together with a loving community of faith, and family and friends, those who live close and those who traveled a great distance, there is no better way to tell you how I feel, than in a message from my heart to yours. I loved you before you were born and my heart swells with pride everyday that we spend together.

I must admit that I know you won’t remember this day as you continue to grow older. You won’t remember the people sitting next to you. You won’t remember the baptismal celebration. You definitely won’t remember the sermon. But that doesn’t make today any less special. It is special because at this moment, you are surrounded by the grace and love, hope and promise of God’s presence. The presence I pray you always turn to in times of joy and sorrow. It is that presence that never leaves you or me.

In looking at your baptism, I acknowledge it is a strange way to show the world that you are claimed and anointed by God and a member of God’s family. You are drowned in water, cleansed from sin, and given an invisible sign of the cross on your forehead. Promises are made for you to be raised in the faith and taught the traditions and confess the creeds. You are encouraged to worship regularly, because even though your baptism makes you a new creation, you are captive to sin and cannot free yourself, and need to be reminded regularly of God’s forgiveness and grace in your life. You will make mistakes, you will fall down, but God has given you people like me to always walk with you, and to pick you up, to love you, to support you, and to encourage you. Baptism is a strange way to be connected to this family, I apologize that it is hard to understand, but it is a precious gift that I hope you will cherish as you grow in faith.

As I experienced the healing of the man born blind in John’s gospel, I want to show and tell you how this story has a profound connection to your life and baptism story. The man, who spends his days sitting alongside the road begging, doesn’t even ask for healing. He doesn’t utter one word, but still God chooses him to receive the miracle gift of sight. With a little holy spit to make mud, a tender touch, and a washing in the Pool of Siloam, the blind man is no longer blind. His life is now changed from this day forth. He will not return to his life of blindness, and doesn’t want to anyway.

Your baptism, dear child, is not your choice. Sorry, you don’t have any say in it. It’s not your pastor’s choice. It’s not Mom’s choice. It’s not Dad’s choice. Even if you are old enough to speak, and say you want to be baptized, this decision is out of your hands. Baptism is a gift given to you by God. You are chosen by God for healing, forgiveness, and redemption, without having to ask. God takes the holy waters of creation and with the Word, makes a sacrament of celebration. And in the baptismal waters, you are changed, you are transformed, from this day forth. You cannot return to your life before baptism, and I promise, along with your family of faith, that we will uphold you in this new life.

Even though the blind man doesn’t ask, his sight is transformed. He can see! He can give witness to the living God who stands in front of him. He proclaims the good news that God has given him his sight. He could boast in himself, his parents, or even the religious leaders. But this man boasts in God, and gives God the glory and the credit for this miracle. His neighbors can’t believe this is the same man, showing surprise and skepticism. The Pharisees question the legitimacy of this healing and investigate to confirm his story. His parents mistakenly kept quiet about his transformation for fear of being thrown out of the community. Through all of his trials, he continues to understand more about who healed him, and proclaim God’s presence in his life.

Precious little one, because you are graciously chosen first by God in your baptism, you have the duty and the joy to respond to God’s gift with praise and thanksgiving. You now can boast in God, and not in yourself, because it is God who shows you daily that your life is because of him. You will learn to love and forgive, and you will be loved and forgiven. You will treat your neighbors the way that God expects, including your neighbors that you don’t really like. You will seek justice and peace in this world, even when the world is surprised and skeptical at your actions.

Living out your baptismal promise will cause some to question you and investigate if your story is true. You will face trials that pull you from God, disasters that cannot be explained. Sickness that takes the life of a family member. Bullies that crush your self-worth. Job loss. Floods that threatened to destroy your home. People who hate and despise you. Mom and Dad who will set strict boundaries, who will make tough decisions that you don’t like, who will make mistakes in parenting, and who need your patience.

Martin Luther once said that parents are more important than bishops and pastors, because they have the majority of the time each week to teach faith to children. That is pretty big responsibility that you can help Mom and Dad with.

But through all of the trials you will face, through all of the mistakes you will make, all of the time others are at fault, remember that God has never left you. God sticks with you, makes you holy, washes the mud from your eyes, so that you can see the world more clearly. Only two verses from John’s story are about healing…the rest is the man being sent to live out his healing - showing his friends, family, and fellow beggars God’s good news. Displaying God’s work in his life. Your baptism is only a tiny fraction of your life, a fleeting moment, but living out your baptismal call, who and whose you are as God’s child, is what you are sent to do. Showing others God’s good news in your life of faith. Return to the promises of your baptism whenever you need the mud washed away.

I probably need to end this letter, because I have a habit of talking a bit too much. But I want you to know how much joy you bring me. Hold me in your heart, as you are held in mine. Little child, I am the light in your life, the light of the world. Do you believe in the Son of Man? You have now seen him… in fact he is the one speaking with you.

Yours truly,

Jesus

No, really... I LOVE you!

2011-03-20T11:01:00.000-07:00

This is an excerpt from a sermon I gave this morning on John 3:16-17. It was inspired by watching the news and seeing so much hurt and pain in the world, and knowing that there are many out there who wonder just how much God loves them, and whether God's love extends beyond the boundaries we would set up for it.

So here we are. With a Bible verse, John 3:16, which we’ve known longer than probably any other Bible verse… “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.” I mean, really? The whole world? Even those who don’t believe? Does God really love the whole world? That’s really where John 3:16 takes us, isn’t it? Just who does God really love?

If you have wrestled with this one, little verse, then you are in good company with people from all over the world, throughout all of Christian history. And in trying to parse out the verse, it has been the root cause of much division, abuse and harm. First of all, John 3:16 has been used as a weapon, all for the sake of ‘bringing people to believe.’ Seeing threats to believing in Jesus and therefore to eternal life and salvation everywhere, Christians engaged in the crusades, the Inquisition and witch trials, colonization with missionary underpinnings, and the Holocaust. All in the name of saving souls. Does God really love the whole world?

Not just that, though, but pervasive use of John 3:16 in modern Christianity has led to individualism and lessening concern for the suffering of this world. Reading John 3:16 closely has led to an excessive focus on individual salvation— am I saved? Do I know Jesus as my Lord and Savior? The role and place of the community, the common good, is always secondary, even incidental to a focus on the individual. (Tim Johnson) And also, if the over riding goal is to keep people from perishing in the life to come, then the problem of their perishing in this life due to lack of food or health care or a deteriorating environment seems unimportant. (Tim Johnson) Does God really love the whole world?

And that’s when I hope we hear the Good News in this frequently quoted verse: “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son so that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.”… “God so loved the world…” Do you hear it? This isn’t a weapon, it’s a healing salve. It isn’t about individual salvation, it’s about the redemption of all of creation! We don’t ignore the suffering of this world to look only to the glory to come in the next, because God sent God’s only Son to THIS world, to save THIS world, because God loved THIS world. Here. Now. God SO loved the world! How much? So much? So much that God sent God’s Son to die. And, sent God’s Son to die for a world that didn’t know, understand, or even love Him. In fact, God sent his Son to die for a God-hating world, according to Professor David Lose.

We can’t always accept this truth. That God loves the world and everyone and everything in it. We need there to be conditions, because conditions give us the sense of control or order, even fairness. Does God really love the world ??

We bargain…
But, what about me, all the times I missed church, forgot to leave an offering, or ignored the homeless person on the street?
And God says, “No, really… I love you!”

But, what about your brother’s Jewish friend Joshua?
No, really… I love him.

But, what about Lindsay Lohan and Charlie Sheen, ever caught in self-destructive cycles of addiction?
No, really… I love her, and I love him.

But, what about Fred Phelps, the hate-mongering anti-gay pastor from Westboro Baptist who protests churches, plays, and military funerals?
“No, really… I even love him, too.” God says.

But, what about the peoples of Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, and Libya, and the oppressive governments they’re rebelling against?
No, really… I love them.

But, what about the director of FEMA after Katrina, or the CEO of BP after the Gulf Oil Spill, or the engineers at the nuclear power plant in Japan, the ruin of your beautiful earth?
No, really… I love them, too.

But, but… “No.” God stops us. “I really love you. All of you.”

Some days...

2011-03-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

... not every day, but some days I really LOVE my job!!

I had one of those days yesterday. In some ways, it was an ordinary Sunday. But maybe that's why it was so great.

The day began with a nice worship service. Transfiguration... usually it's not one of my favs, because let's be honest-- it's a little weird. Mountain top visions of dead guys, faces shining, mystery... But you know, Colin preached an excellent sermon. About looking for glimpses of God, about finding holy instants in the midst of our daily life. It was also First Communion Sunday for our 5th graders, and about 40 kids came up to the altar with handmade ceramic chalices to get a glimpse of God in a holy meal. Pretty cool.

Then, after worship I had a final planning meeting for a big Global Hunger Meal we're hosting on Ash Wednesday. It's a big undertaking, and there were moments when I was nervous about

everything coming together just right, but with everyone's great ideas coming together the last two weeks, I am confident it's going to be a terrific event. I am really looking forward to it.

After that, I headed over to the high school for the middle school production of "Once Upon a Mattress." One of our youth, an 8th grader, was telling me about the show a few weeks ago, and asked me to come. So of course I had to! In fact, there were about a dozen church youth in the show. And let me tell you-- it was AMAAAAZING! I've never seen such an incredible middle school production. I enjoyed watching our kids, and afterwards I gave lots of hugs and hi-fives to kids and parents. So cool. As I was leaving, I walked out with our Youth Ministry Director, and I said to her, "It's so awesome that this is our job!" Without missing a beat, she replied, "I know!"

Such a satisfying, lovely day at work. What a blessing...

The Hands of God

2010-12-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

In worship on Sunday, I felt the hands of God...

I did a double baptism, of a little boy and a little girl. As I held each of their heads over the font and used my hand to cup the water, I had this feeling that my hands weren't my own. The ELCA's missional slogan is "God's work, our hands." But, sometimes I think it's the other way around-- it's Our Work, God's Hands. That's what I felt on Sunday. I was doing the baptismal rite. I was pouring water over these children's heads, but the hands holding these children were not mine. God's hands were holding them, comforting them with the strength and gentleness of God's loving presence.

After the baptism, it is usual for us to walk the babies around the congregation, to introduce them to their new family in Christ. I took the little girl who was happy in my arms. And when I brought her back to hand off to her father, she clung to me with her tiny little fists. The hands of God, there, wrapped around my shoulder. Something about our time together around the font made her feel comfortable in my arms, such that she held me close with her hands. And I didn't want to let her go, to let go of that feeling.

God's hands, holding our own... What a gift!

The Longest Night

2010-12-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

On December 21st, the longest night of the year, about 60 people gathered to remember those for whom the holidays aren't happy times, those who truly experience long, painful nights during the winter. December 21st is Homeless Memorial Day, and the Fargo-Moorhead Coalition for Homeless Persons organized a candlelight vigil to remember those homeless persons who died in our community over the last year.

A pair of boots was laid in the snow for each person who'd died in the streets, each with a tag inscribed with a name and age placed inside. There were 37 pairs of boots laid out that night.

The vigil was attended by shelter workers, faith leaders, concerned people in the community, and homeless persons. One of our small groups, the Man Cave, was there for their volunteer service project. They tended to the fires spread out around the lawn between the Fargo Civic Center and Library. I was glad to be there with them, in the freezing cold, as we listened to friends of the deceased share memories and reflections, and as we were led in prayer by various faith leaders of many traditions.

Sometimes it's easy to forget that the Christmas season isn't a joyous one for everyone. That many people are grieving the loss of loved ones, worrying over lost jobs, experiencing abuse, and sleeping on the streets... And yet, these are those for whom Christmas matters most. Christ, Emmanuel, "God with us" comes to and for those who need God most. And in that, we can be thankful!

A Christmas Story...

2010-12-06T20:38:00.000-08:00

This morning our receptionist shared with me an encounter she'd had on Friday.

It was 5:15pm Friday when she saw her. Ambling down the hallway, the receptionist looked at the clock and thought, "Gee, I wonder how long this is going to take... I wanna get out of here!" As the middle-aged woman came in, she was running through the list of things the woman might be asking for.

But, then the woman began to speak. In fact, she didn't ask for anything at all.

She said she'd been reading lately that it's important to give back to God 10% of what you've been given.

And then the woman began to take out her pack of cigarettes. The receptionist thought to herself, "Oh, now what? Is she going to try to smoke in here? Give me a cigarette?" But instead, the woman pulled out a $100 bill.

This was the 10% she wanted to give to the church.

The receptionist asked if she were a member, and when the woman replied "no," the receptionist quick on the beat asked, "do you want to be?" They laughed.

The $100 was from her monthly social security check. And the woman wanted no recognition for it. No tax form. No name.

And then she left... Gone, but not forgotten... because this woman's simple and humble gift is what Christmas is all about.

Her story reminds me of the woman Jesus points out to the disciples in the Temple-- the widow who gives her only two coins...

Mark 12:41-44
41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites,[a] which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

To give so much when one has so little. And for no other reason than because she is thankful and because she knows it is the right thing to do. With no gain for herself, no reward... Selfless, joyful giving... that really is the true spirit of Christmas! And when I'm hassled trying to buy gifts for my friends and family, and when I wonder about whether or not I can afford to make end-0f-year gifts to the charities and organizations I support, I will remember this woman and her true Christmas spirit!

Feed My Sheep

2010-11-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have just come off of two very tiring, exciting, (somewhat traumatic), important, and "controversial" events... And neither was really what I expected...

November was Hunger Awareness Month for Social Concerns at the church. We had a handful of educational opportunities on Sunday mornings, but we also had two events. One was our 16th annual Thanksgiving Meal with our Catholic Church neighbor. The other event was a movie showing of a documentary on sustainable agriculture followed by community discussion.

I knew the movie would garner a lot of mixed feelings. "Fresh" is a film that looks at our food system, from seed to store. And it asks the question, is the current system working. Is it healthy? Good for the environment? Just? Though the film does look at buying options in grocery stores and the scarcity of fresh, healthy, affordable foods in inner city neighborhoods, it mostly examined industrial agriculture. Because this region is so heavily rooted in an agricultural economy, I knew that this would touch a lot of people. And, since there is a lot of conversation in the ELCA right now about whether or not farmers should use genetically modified seeds, I thought that conversation might overflow into our event.

I was nervous. I knew there would be people present who had very different views from me and from each other. Though I thought it might be a risky event to host, still I thought it was an important one to have. No matter how people feel about sustainable agriculture or industrial farms or genetically modified seeds-- the truth is that we have simultaneously a global food crisis AND an epidemic of obesity. We have more cheap food than ever before, but global health is declining. And environmentally we are losing potable water and arable land. Something has to be done about our food system. Someone needs to be talking about it... And we did talk about it. On a night when a severe winter storm threatened to cancel the entire event, 40 people showed up to talk about our food and farming system!

I thought the movie would be the only "controversial" hunger event, but as it turns out, our Thanksgiving Meal generated lots of tension as well. Our meal is advertised as a free meal for those who need one on the holiday. The goal of both churches upon starting the meal was to bring people together in fellowship, over a Thanksgiving feast, who would otherwise have no one to share the holiday with. It was never designed solely for "needy" (aka poor) people. But rather for those who need fellowship and the hospitality of a good, warm meal. This Thanksgiving we served 1100+ meals! About 500 of them were served in our sit-down dining area. The other 600 were delivered/ to-go meals.

The controversy came when many volunteers (and outside on-lookers from the church communities) began questioning whether meals were going to people who didn't really need them. They look so well-dressed-- why are they here? Or I saw their house, they could have had their own Thanksgiving meal. I found myself saying multiple times-- who are we to judge? We say we offer a free meal to those who need one on Thanksgiving, and that's what we're doing. Need comes in many shapes and sizes. Sure it'd be great to get more of those "to-go" meals to be eaten at the church with the others gathered there. Sure there are some who abuse the system. But, it is also true that we provide an extensive feeding and fellowship ministry on Thanksgiving. And that many people who would have otherwise been alone or gone without a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal had company and good food. And that's an incredible gift we can give to the community!

Both events showed me that the need to talk about hunger and food is great. And we in the church need to be having these conversations... We are a people who gather regularly at the Table to share a heavenly meal with one another. We are a people bidden by Jesus to "feed [his] sheep." We know that we do not do it alone, but we are called to be God's hands at work in the world. And it's a great thing to be a part of!

Storied Waters, Shared Community

2010-11-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful All Saints Day, where we celebrated not only the blessed saints who've lived and loved and touched our lives, saints both living and deceased. But, it was all the more incredible for me because I got to welcome two new saints into the church in baptism.

BAPTISM.

I was really excited to do these baptisms-- my first as a pastor. But though there were the excitements and anxieties of the momentousness of my performing this sacrament on these two children, I was more captivated by the opportunity to be a part of the faith story of these two little ones.

STORIED WATERS

That's what baptism is-- storied waters. Where we become a part of God's story, and God becomes a part of ours. Storied waters that shape us our whole life through, forming, guiding, and supporting us. And I get to be a part of that. What an incredible blessing! But that's not just it... I get to do it in the context of a community.

SHARED COMMUNITY

Leading up to the baptisms, I met with the families in their homes. We got to know each other. They shared with me the story of their families, of the births of these little ones, of their family baptismal traditions. We shared laughs and hopes and prayers. We were able to connect. To build a relationship together, and with the Church. And then at the worship service, I was (as I always am) touched by the significance of the congregation's role in the baptism. Promising to love and support the baptized, and to welcome them into the life of the church. As I walked around the congregation with one of the newly baptized, I said to him, "Meet your new brothers and sisters!"

I am so thankful that I get to tell the great, great story of God's love. That I get to be a part of these storied baptismal waters. And that I get to do so in shared community with other believers. What a gift!

~Pr Alexis

Luther or Not Luther

2010-11-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

For the Reformation Party, the small group ministry team at Trinity created a game called Luther or Not Luther. Let's see if you can guess the quotes and if Luther said it or not. How well do you know the great reformer? The answers may surprise you.

1. We choose life, not because we choose to be saved, but that we choose how to live into these promises God has made with us.

2. If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.

3. Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see.

4. The more you wash, the dirtier you get.

5. In essentials, unity; in differences, liberty; in all things, charity.

6. In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-theologians.

7. A simple layman armed with Scripture is to be believed above a pope or cardinal without it.

8. The devil should not be allowed to keep all the best tunes to himself!

9. Death solves all problems – no man, no problem.

10. Sinners are attractive because they are loved; they are not loved because they are attractive.

11. Dark and difficult times lie ahead. Soon we must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy.

12. Thanks for letting me visit. I had a wonderful time.

13. A penny saved is better than a penny earned.

14. The thing I want more than anything else? I want to have children. I used to feel for every child I had, I would adopt another.

15. There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.

16. Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.

17. The fewer the words, the better the prayer.

18. Go home and tell how much God has done for you.

19. And I really do believe that the most important thing is the way you live your life on earth. But I think it's enormously comforting to believe that you're going to see your loved ones.

20. If I am not allowed to laugh in heaven, I don't want to go there.

21. As we drank beer, God’s word reformed the church.

22. If I can change than anyone can change. I promise you that.

23. Clergy are the greatest hindrance to faith.

24. Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection in every newly tapped keg of beer.

25. Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.

26. Whatever gives your life purpose, goal, and direction is your god!

27. I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the heart of the youth.

28. God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.

29. One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.

30. You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.

Answers

Not Luther – Pastor Alexis Twito
Luther
Not Luther – MLK Jr.
Luther
Not Luther - Philip Melanchthon
Not Luther – Karl Barth
Luther
Luther
Not Luther - Joseph Stalin
Luther
Not Luther - Albus Dumbledore – Harry Potter
Not Luther – Pastor Lew Clefisch
Luther
Not Luther – Marilyn Monroe
Luther
Not Luther - Pope John XXIII
Luther
Not Luther –Jesus (Luke 8:39)
Not Luther - Barbara Walters
Luther
Luther
Not Luther – Brett Favre
Luther
Not Luther – Pastor John Hulden
Not Luther - Buddha
Not Luther - Phil Baker – Southern Seminary
Luther
Luther
Not Luther - Dietrich Bonheoffer
Luther

Baptismal Fear

2010-10-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

During our experience as TiM pastors, we will encounter many pastoral firsts. Yet, most of the "firsts" will be repeated on a regular basis, like worship leading, communion, pastoral visits. In fact, most of the regular ministry roles we have done through seminary and internship. But there are other firsts - weddings, funerals, baptisms - for which we are not prepared. Experiencing these firsts is an important part of this program, because we are able to converse with our colleagues, learn from each other, and develop confidence in these ministry roles with which we are not familiar. Learning in a classroom, from a pastor/professor, or out of textbook, just isn't the same as practical experience.

The baptism first came for me last Sunday. I was anxious, excited, and nervous. I thought I was prepared. I reviewed notes from senior worship practicum and looked through the ELW. I walked through the pre-baptism teaching with the family and talked through the rite. I held Carter in my arms. I even was able to practice a baptismal rite with a doll and Trinity 4th graders, as I taught them how to be "guardian angels." (Guardian angels pray for the baptized, watch over him/her, light the candle and read 'Let your light so shine...' at the service.) Yet the fear that came with presiding over a baptism encompassed me.

But why? I have seen many baptisms and assisted in a few. All the words are written down, all I have to do is read the print. But what happens if I drop the baby? Worse yet, what happens if I trip and fall down the chancel steps. (Insert DC Talk here - 'What if I stumble, what if I fall, what if I lose my step, and make fools of us all"). Yes, we proclaim forgiveness, and there is no bigger forgiveness stage than at baptism, but I am not sure forgiveness would be abundant if I rolled down the steps with a baby in my arms.

So during the service, my mind was in another place. I led worship (all but preaching), but kept thinking back to the baptism and visioned what would happen. In sports, we are taught to vision the positive outcome of the game, play, or shot, and it will happen. But I was also taught to vision all of the mistakes that could happen, because then they happen in my mind, and not on the playing field. I am not sure if visioning came from this learning, or if I just worry too much!

Yet, when it came time for the baptism, an amazing thing happened....God intervened. God took over the rite of baptism. My mind no longer thought of the past or future, but God allowed me to be fully present as an active participant in what God was doing. I didn't worry about tripping, or even think about it as I descended the steps. That doesn't mean everything was smooth - we are still sinners after all - but God's presence took center stage, instead of the worries and vanity of an idiosyncratic pastor.

As I reflect on the fear of presiding at baptism, I thought that fear may be appropriate. What God does through us as called children is powerful. Called to forgive and receive forgiveness and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Called to conduct baptisms, preside over communion, preach and teach, in the name of the triune God is scary. If it isn't, maybe we should reevaluate where God is in all this.

As times goes on, I am sure I will become more confident and less fearful in all ministerial roles. I won't have to worry about it being a "first" or count how many I have done, because it will be a normal practice. Yet, each time I stand to preach, give communion, baptize, and visit, my prayer is that God continues to remind me of the fear I felt, because it is a reminder of the awesome presence of God in our midst. It is God doing the work, and not me. May we never forget.

Pastor Rick

The Lingering Scent

2010-09-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today a woman came in to the church for some assistance. There wasn't anything particularly stand-out-ish about this woman-- she was like any woman you'd see on the street. To be honest, I've even forgotten her name. But something about her has stayed with me...

She came in asking for gas money to help with her son-- his name I remember. He's 16.

But I didn't have anything to give. I offered her a list of other resources to check out, but she already had that list. I felt a little helpless... and guilty. In the end, all I could was offer to pray for her and her son. And so I took her hands, and began to pray for her. For peace and patience, for strength, for her son, and for support and relief to come... And then the nameless woman left, a tear streaming down her face.

I was anxious to move on. To not have to think about NOT helping this woman with what she needed. And yet, I couldn't move on... because she lingered. Her scent, lingered on my hands. In that brief, yet intimate, moment where we held hands and prayed together she left her mark on me. And I could not forget her, nor her story.

It made me think of Mary pouring the extravagent oil over Jesus' head and feet... how the scent must have lingered! The scent of love, of death, of service, of suffering... a reminder of the suffering Jesus was going to experience, an example of simple and pure love of neighbor.

And so it was with the woman I met today. The scent from her suffering hands lingered on mine own long after she was gone. Perhaps so that I am careful not to so easily forget the pain, suffering, and grief of those whom I meet.

~Pastor Alexis

TiM pastors: free installation upon delivery...

2010-08-30T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this week the three of us TiMs were "put in our place" by Bishop Larry Wohlrabe of NW MN. That's how he described our installation-- a time when we are put in our place. And boy, oh, boy... do we need it! ;) I mean, seriously-- we must have needed some serious work, considering that they had to install us three times! Maybe they were worried it wouldn't stick. After three successful installations, under the hands of about a dozen members of the church who helped, I think we're pretty firmly planted in our place. So much so that two years from now, I bet they'll have a hard time uninstalling us!

But really, the installation service Sunday was an incredible day. Bishop Wohlrabe preached an excellent sermon about where to find our place in life... He advised me, Colin and Rick to "aim low." That is, to humble ourselves and to find our place among the least, the forgotten... to seat ourselves among those with whom Jesus would dine. And with whom would Jesus dine? With those who can't

make it on their own. With those who like to mooch off the Lord's Table. Yes, that means the poor, the outcast, the disabled, the sick, the troubled... but you know, it also means you and me. Because none of us can make it on our own-- we all need Jesus. And aren't we so lucky that we have a God who loves to let us mooch off God's own table of grace?!

Good advice for us new pastors as we begin these two years in this community at Trinity. Aim low, put ourselves where Christ would, remember that we're all in need of God's love and mercy, and to declare as often as possible that we're welcome to mooch at that Table of grace always. WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER! :)

The Changing of the Guard

2010-08-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to a new wave of TiMer experiences...

Before we begin to regale you with our tales of wonder, surprise, confusion, and satisfaction, I thought we'd better introduce ourselves. But since I wouldn't dare speak for my esteemed colleagues (yes I would-- that's why I'm writing now!) I will just introduce myself and my fellow TiMers as I have come to know them... hehe

Let me first introduce you to Colin. Colin is a MN native, having spent most of his time in the St.

Paul area. He went to high school in Ohio, in a small city that probably isn't on most of your maps. He went to St. Olaf College, but we don't hold that against him. After college he decided to explore the world a bit and moved to Edinburgh, Scotland where he worked in a men's addiction counseling center. While there he met the coolest Milwaukeean ever... me, Alexis! From there he went on to seminary at Luther, where he played a lot. Next he went on to Las Vegas for internship, had a wedding and began married life, and after graduation took a trip around East Africa and Jerusalem for a year. While at Trinity, Colin will be responsible for Young Adult Ministry and Evangelism. Colin loves MN politics, philosophy, reading the newspaper, and his sideburns. Oh, and his wife Jeni-- who is awesome!

Next, there's Rick. Rick is... kinda short. But, once you move beyond that, you come to find out that he's a pretty cool Wisconsinite from Rice Lake. Because he was too small to play football in college (I told you he was short), he decided to go to UW-LaCrosse to be a physical trainer.

Unfortunately for him (but lucky for us) that trainer thing didn't work out. Then, while working at Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek (not Danbury... this is important) he met some cool folks who told him he should be a pastor. One of those cool people was so persistent, that he decided to marry her... well done, Lindsay! Rick went to seminary at Southern Seminary in South Carolina (yes-- they do have Lutherans there!). He did his internship and field work there in Columbia, SC as well. Now that he's here at Trinity, Rick will be doing Small Group Ministry and Caring Ministry. Rick loves Walgreens, softball (though his shoulder doesn't), football (he played with his seminary against mine... they were better-- but don't tell him that!), kittens who like to play hide-and-seek, and his lovely pregnant wife.

And then, of course, there's me! I am from "Mil-u-wau-kay: the good land." I'm a city girl at heart. This is important: Milwaukee, not Wisconsin. I went to college in Minneapolis at Augsburg College. I figured out right away that I wanted to go to seminary, which freed me up from the typical college angst to do all the things I wanted to. It rocked! I studied in Spain for a semester and it was great. Then after graduation I decided I didn't want to be a grown-up just yet, so I went to Edinburgh, Scotland with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission program. There I worked with homeless adults and I met Colin. (No, he wasn't one of the homeless.) After Scotland I went back to Milwaukee to work as a bilingual teacher and as an HR person before I realized that I was finally ready to do the seminary thing. I moved out to Philly to go to seminary there. At seminary I got into my share of trouble, but had a blast. Now I'm here at Trinity (who'd have thought I'd end up here?), where I will be doing Social Concerns Ministry and Children's Ministry. I love all things green, laughing until I cry, So You Think You Can Dance, and tattoos.

Well, that's us. Soon you will read all about our crazy adventures, our steep learning curves in ministry, and how we understand this whole 'first-call pastor' thing.

Giddyup!

Pastor Alexis (on behalf of and unbeknownst to Rick and Colin)

Pastor Josh Farewell

2010-07-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

Transition into Ministry -

For the last two years with a Rev. in front of my name. On internship I was occasionally called Pastor Josh, but during this stay at Trinity that has been my name most of the time. What does that mean? Did I earn that title when I was ordained two years ago? Is it going to be a part of my name for the rest of my life? I don’t know for sure, but I think of it more as something I stepped into a little more each day and week I spent at Trinity. Or maybe this experience at Trinity just helped me understand what the title meant a little more.

We are all ministers. Martin Luther coined the phrase “the priesthood of all believers” about 500 years ago, but we often forget this central, or rather decentralizing, component of our faith. By understanding every vocation as equally pleasing in the eyes of God, Luther democratized a ministry that had separated people into categories and put distance between a priest and their flock. This distance often led to an understanding that clergy were holier and closer to God because of their special calling. But Luther changed that Catholic understanding by holding up pastoral ministry as set apart, but not better than any other calling within the body of Christ.

So what does it mean to be a pastor? What did my time at Trinity teach me about that? Was I transitioning into something that was radically different than my calling as a Christian, or was it an extension of that calling? For me, being a pastor has meant being in a great position to invite people into this powerful story of Jesus Christ and God’s love for us again and again. And I’d like to think I lived out that opportunity to preach the gospel here at Trinity in many ways…some obvious ways, like leading worship and preaching from behind a pulpit (a really big pulpit!), and some not so obvious ones. Those are the ones I will probably remember the most. I have a feeling those memories will come back to me the rest of my life, because they represent such intimate connections with the lives of people here in this community.

I will remember visiting people in the hospital, counseling families after a death or accident, and sharing tears. I will remember scrambling during the flood trying to figure out who to call and what to do, before accepting that some days as a pastor you fill sand bags. I will look back with a smile when I think of the parking lot campfire with college students from different camp staffs leading songs together and making smores. I’ll remember camping in the Boundary Waters with guys from the young adult group, the storms and the sunshine, and the nicknames we came up with for each other. I will remember seeing Stephanie and Nate, through the miracle of technology, looking down at church members, “live” on the big screen, answering questions and talking about their lives as missionaries in South Africa. I’ll remember the unexpected opportunity of making friends with Haitians, especially with school children as we built a kitchen at their school. I told myself that I would preach as if they were in the room as I continue in this calling, and I will remember their faces and names for a long time. I’ll remember the hope I felt when presenting the idea of a new faith community for young adults to an assembly of local retired pastors, seeing the older generation’s genuine care and support for reaching out to younger generations. I’ll be proud if I find out that some of the things I helped with here continue, like gatherings of young adults from different churches and campus ministries, the event for young rostered clergy here at Trinity, that Emmy and I helped plan, the use of the Fair Trade cabinets and photo frames that Trinity members built to give us visual reminders of God’s mission for the world…in all these things I am reminded that I have been invited by God and this community to be among you in this special role., a role that invited me into the many lives and stories of this very special church.

A speaker at one of our TiM events said that what makes being a pastor unique is that we are invited into other people lives in a way that no one else is. That is truly the privilege that rises to the top of all these experiences. I am a pastor because I was called to be a pastor by all of you at Trinity—to walk with you and be invited into your lives in a unique way. I want to thank you for that privilege and these two years as a part of your ministry in this unique place. As I continue to transition into new ministries I pray that each of you might find your role here as part of the priesthood of all believers in a new way, because that is also a unique and special call for each of you. It is those calls that make this church what it is and it is those calls that will take this church where God wants it to go next! Blessings on that continuing transition into new ministries and new callings that help us follow the one who has been so faithful to us through all our transitions!

Pastor Emmy Farewell

2010-07-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

When my time began here, many of you said two years would go by quickly. I didn’t believe you, but you were right. These past two years have been filled with learning and growing. You warmly welcomed me and encouraged me during my time in your midst. At a recent retreat, a presenter invited our group to think about experiences using our five senses. As I prepare to leave Trinity Lutheran Church, here are some of sights, sounds, smells, feels and tastes I will carry with me.

Trinity Lutheran Church…
• looks like sleepy 6th-8th graders tromping into the building on dark Wednesday mornings for release time, an overflowing sanctuary on Christmas Eve, hands creating quilts and small groups of people gathered together in a variety of places throughout the week.
• sounds like children in the daycare playing, the buzz of caring conversation, laughter, organ music, the Worship, Too! Band with saxophone riffs and two-hundred people praying the Lord’s Prayer in unison.
• smells like Easter Lilies, coffee brewing, 9th graders piled in a bus on the way to Camp Emmaus, fresh winter breezes and warm summer sunshine.
feels like solid handshakes, caring hugs, tears of compassion, soft prayer shawls and baptismal water droplets.
• tastes like Music on the Blacktop ice-cream with many toppings, open faced cheez-whiz sandwiches with a green olive in the middle, Wednesday night pizza with youth and Sunday morning bread & wine.

Through you, the people of Trinity Lutheran Church, I experienced Christian community in new ways. You make the good news of Jesus Christ come alive in vibrant, life giving ways. Words of thanksgiving fall short in expressing my gratitude for the time I have shared in this community. I can simply say - what a joy it’s been to share life with you! I wrap up my time as your pastor in the middle of July. Later this summer, I will begin sharing in ministry with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND as an associate pastor. In these bittersweet days, I give thanks for my time with you and look forward to engaging in mission with a new community, knowing that my experiences created a solid foundation for me as I continue in ministry.

Pastor Emmy

Pastor Marsha Farewell

2010-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Dear friends in Christ,

As you all know too well, two years go by quickly! I can hardly believe I am saying farewell to all of my dear friends and colleagues here at Trinity. As I think back on our time together, I think of so many ministries and so many good times we had together. I think of traveling to Haiti, building a Habitat house, selling fair trade coffee, hunger banquets, small groups, meals together, chatting in the hallways of Trinity, worshiping together, and being united with all of you around the communion table each week. With all of that and more running through my mind and heart, I am full of gratitude. Thank you for welcoming me into this community and for helping me figure out what it means to be a pastor. Thank you for your hospitality to me and for your continued hospitality to first-call pastors. Supporting first-call pastors is an important ministry for which Trinity is uniquely suited, and I hope you will continue to nurture young pastors for many years to come.

As for what is next for me, my last Sunday at Trinity will be June 13, and then I will return to Moorhead for the TiM farewell celebration on Sunday, July 11. And on a happier note, I will be married on June 19 to Brian Ballantine. We are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of our life together and to finally live in the same city! I will be moving to Berkeley, CA, where Brian is pursuing an MDiv at the Jesuit School of Theology, and I will serve as a hospital chaplain at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley for at least one year. After that, who knows!

Life is truly an adventure, and I am so glad I got to spend part of my adventure with all of you. Thank you for being a blessing to me and to many others. I carry you with me as I go – full of lessons-learned, joy and struggles shared, and full of the love of our Lord Jesus, which brings us together and then inevitably sends us out to live our faith boldly in new and exciting ways. I will miss you, but I know that whether we are in Minnesota or California, we are there with God who unites us in the body of Christ.

Grace and peace to you all,
Pastor Marsha

A Farewell

2010-07-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, July 11th Trinity hosted a Farewell Celebration for us. What a great way to end our two years in ministry here! Thanks to the congregation, quilters and knitters for the special gifts. Thanks to many of you for the many well wishes you shared with us that day. Finally, thanks to the Worship, Too! Band for the special song:

Marsha, Josh and Emmy came to us from the seminary. One from Wisconsin, a Minnesotan and one from somehwere out east.

Emmy's dog named Mable would come to church if she were able. Valley City's, really pretty but winter's still a beast!

Josh is a servant. He can build sandbag dams. He'll miss being (that's a one syllable word in this song) in his office hanging out with the YAMS!

Marsha you now carry a more diverse vocabulary. We must warn ya, in California uffda and yikes won't do. Out in Berkeley you won't need your snow boots!

Ah Ah Ah, etc. Hope you've had a good time here. We've enjoyed having you. And by gosh by golly, we're just so gosh darn melancholy. As you go, we hope you know that we're going to miss you so. But we send you God's blessings as you go.

Thanks for sharing life and ministry with us. Blessings to you.
Your "old" TiM Pastors - Josh, Marsha and Emmy

'Before the Flood'

2010-03-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

'Before the Flood' is a live album by Bob Dylan and my favorite band, aptly-named The Band. And I can't help but think of this album's title while we are all waiting for the Red River to crest in the next couple of days.

Many of us have events in our lives that are so significant that we can't help but think of life in two sections: before that event and after that event. Before that death, and after it...before that big move, and after...or maybe, for you, it's before the flood and after it.

I've been reflecting on my own big events during the last few days, and I'd welcome you all to join me in that reflection, if it's helpful for you. What are the big events in your life that marked a signficant change or milestone...before and after?

If last year's flood was one of those events for you, you are being held in prayer by many people in this community, and by our community at Trinity, as we wait to see what this year's flood will bring.

posted by Marsha.

"Chasing the Divine"

2010-02-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Last week, I was out in Berkeley, CA, and I attended a lecture series on the topic, "Spiritual but not Religious: Chasing the Divine." The very first speaker talked a little bit about that tagline "Chasing the Divine." And I couldn't help but think, 'Why the chase? God is here already.'

We talk about following Jesus...and I suppose a chase is a frantic sort of following....trying really hard to be a good disciple.

But what if we just stop.

Take a breath.

There - right there - God in our midst.

We are with God; God is with us.

Yes, we follow, and maybe sometimes it feels a little frantic. But it seems to me that the key is to slow down - to not run so fast - to recognize that God is already with us.

So let's stop the chase and just breathe. And there God is, waiting for us.

posted by Marsha.

Ways to help Haiti

2010-01-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

We are in mourning for the people of Haiti - holding them in prayer, as they face this new chapter. And our prayers are also with the service group from Trinity that is trying to get home, and with the medical team from Fargo/Moorhead that is still working in Pignon.

If you are able to help financially, here are some options:

The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.

•Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

•Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

•Ben Stiller's Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.

•Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us." Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

•Direct Relief is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. Their partners in Haiti include Partners in Health, St. Damien Children's Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.

•Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.

•International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate online.

The Pilgrim's Coat

2009-12-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

Today I was interviewed by a man from the church I went to as a little girl - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Raleigh, NC. Just like Trinity in Moorhead, they've had lots of folks from their congregation enter ordained and rostered ministries. They're doing a research project in order to learn about what aspects of their congregational life have influenced people in their sense of call to ministry. So, I was asked lots of questions about what I remember being key experiences in my life of faith while I was growing up at Holy Trinity.

It was great fun to relive these childhood moments - everything from live Nativity scenes to a confirmation retreat to a very profound moment when I watched my pastor help a homeless man get something to eat for lunch. I was reminded by this interview how much little moments make a big difference, and how important it is, from time-to-time, to reflect on what moments have made us the people we are today.

And then, I happened upon this blog post about Pilgrim's Coats: http://theadventdoor.com/2008/12/05/the-pilgrims-coat/

Here's a quote from that blog: "Painted with Buddhist mantras in flowing Japanese calligraphy, a simple coat such as this would have been worn by a person as they traveled from temple to temple on their spiritual journey. Each temple had its own stamp, and a typical pilgrim’s coat is laden with vivid cinnabar imprints gathered from the temples. The coat of a pilgrim who had been traveling for some time would have looked something like a cross between a passport and prayerbook, with the cinnabar stamps and calligraphic mantras mingling together to enfold the wearer."

We are stamped, marked, formed into who we are by things we experience along our way.

And, so, during this season of Advent reflection, I invite you to think about the experiences, people, places, and moments that have made an imprint on your life.

What's on your "pilgrim's coat"? And where might you look for your next stamp?

posted by Marsha.

An unpreached sermon

2009-09-24T07:58:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a preacher carefully prepared a sermon. When it came time to preach the sermon, she went to print it off and realized that she wasn't able to open the document. That night, she preached what she could. Here is what she intended to share...

Scripture passages: Psalm 139:1-18//Jeremiah 1:4-10//John 8:21-38

Tonight. In this space. I invite you to take a deep breath. Breath in. And breath out. Let the tension from the day subside.

Tonight. In this space. As we breath in. And breath out. We step out of the hustle and bustle of life. We step out of the fear and anxiety of life. We step in to a time of prayer and a time of reflection.

Tonight. In this space. As we breath in. And breath out. God meets us. God fills us.

As we breath in. And breath out. We think of the One who first breathed life into out being--the One who formed our inward parts, who knit us together in the comfort of our mother’s womb. We think of this One who is with us.

This One who searches us. Who Knows us. Who knows when we sit, when we rise up...

This One who goes with us, to the highest heights and the deepest depths. In the light and in the the darkness...

As we breath in. And breath out. We recall that this One who is with us, knows us. In the deepest way.

This One knows...

how we try to flee from our past,

how we try to flee from being that which we were created to be,

how we try to flee from doing that which we were created to do,

how we try to flee like the prophet Jeremiah, saying we unable, unequipped

And this One, God, knows that when we try to flee, we are really bound, we are really slaves to sin...we cannot really flee on our own. God knows. God cares.

And so God the Father, sent the Son into the world. Because of Jesus Christ, we are not dead in our sins. We are not bound by our sins. We no longer need to try to flee on our own.

Rather, we are freed. Freed to be who God created us to be. To do what God created us to do. So that when we, like Jeremiah, hear God telling us to go, we can go. Knowing that the one who formed us, who knit us together is the one who goes with us. Knowing that the one who formed us, who knit us together, enables and equips us.

Tonight. In this space. Let us take a few moments, in silence, to breath in and to breath out. To dwell in the presence of God. To let the Spirit of God fill us. So that we may go...freed to be who God created us to be and to do what God created us to do.

posted by Pastor Emmy

Sign Language

2009-08-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

As many of you heard, a tornado touched down at the Churchwide Assembly last week. After the storm passed and everyone took a deep breath and realized no one was hurt & the damage minimal, there was a LOT of joking about the tornado being a sign from God.

Contextually important is that the storm hit in the midst of the Assembly's discussion and vote on the new social statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust," which passed by the skin of its teeth.

With their tongues in their cheeks, those opposed to the social statement asserted that the tornado must have been a portentious omen from a distressed and angry God. Meanwhile, those in favor of the statement noted that the tornado hit during the discussion, but that as soon as the vote was taken, the sun came out and the wind ceased.

In fact, in almost every conversation I've had about the social statement, the tornado comes up in one way or another. We seem to jump to this conversation (however glib we might be) about SIGNS.

I like the idea of signs from God, despite my typical skepticism about such things.

Just yesterday, I was on an airplane, and I looked out of the window to see a lit-up cross shining up at me from the ground. (It was a small town at night.) It reminded me of Jesus, and that's a good thing.

And, a few months ago, as I was being pulled over for speeding on 8th St (yes, it's true), I could see the Trinity window in my rear-view mirror, and it gave me a little bit of peace in the midst of a stressful situation. A sign? Who knows, but again, it reminded me of Jesus, and that's a good thing.

Years ago, I had a more profound experience with what I considered to be a sign from God. The year after college, I'd been experiencing a period of extreme doubt in the existence of God. It was a real struggle for me to pray, to go to church...to let myself believe. And so, one night, I opened my Bible, and asked God for a concrete sign that God was real...something I could hold onto. And, on the first page I opened to, the word "believe" was highlighted 7 or 8 times. A sign? Who knows...but it kept me going for a while. I don't think it was magic, and I don't know if it was a sign...but it showed me that some other person in this world felt the need to highlight that word over and over again. I saw that 'sign', and I didn't feel so alone in my struggle.

Not all signs are helpful. I'm from the south, where there are lots of billboards shouting at people to 'REPENT!' or to 'READ YOUR BIBLE!'. These aren't so helpful, I don't think. They mostly just make me roll my eyes & get a little angry.

Signs can point us in the wrong direction, if we aren't careful, because we can read them any way we want to. Like the tornado at Churchwide Assembly, the same sign can be read in opposite ways.

So if signs are dangerous, where do we go for direction, when we need help along the way?

We don't get a clear, Charlton Heston-God-voice out of the clouds.

We don't get Bible passages that say: "Marsha, here's your task for today"

Discernment is messier than that. Our recent debates on sexuality have shown us that, if we didn't know it already.

Well, I don't have all the answers (shocker!), but...we Lutherans do believe that the sure sign we do have is the CROSS. We have a clear revelation of who God is and what God wants of us in Jesus Christ - in the way he lived and the way he died...and the way he lived again. When we're unsure about life, we can look to Jesus' life. When we're unsure about our next steps, we can read about the steps Jesus took all over Galilee and Samaria and Jerusalem. When we need a sign, we have the cross.

Apart from the cross, things get murky.

But it's not the most ideal sign. It points us to conflict and sacrifice and death. But, it also points to new life after every suffering we face. It points to nonviolence, saving grace, and the biggest love there is. It points us to God...a God not of glory, but of LOVE. A God that doesn't send little magic signs like tornados and billboards, but a God that does much better - our God comes to us in Jesus...Godself in front of us, God present with us, 2000 years ago, and NOW. God is here. And we don't need tornados to tell us that.

Ok, I'm done preaching for now.

For more info on the Churchwide Assembly, check out www.elca.org/assembly.

posted by Marsha.

Tour de WAKE UP!

2009-07-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I was given a bit of a wake up call.

This past weekend, the Tour de Revs were in the F-M area. This group of three pastors is traveling the country to raise awareness and funds for the ministry of the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. It was a joy for Trinity Lutheran Church to be a host to the group and have Pastor Fred preach on Sunday. As I listened to the men present on Saturday night, I was reminded of how feeding the hungry is a very real way that we can do God’s work in this world. The hope of eradicating world hunger may be lofty, but small practices in my life can make a big difference in the life of others. Could I eat out a little less often and give money to the Hunger Appeal a little more often? Could I pass on the four dollar cup of coffee and put it in the offering plate instead? The Tour de Rev’s got me thinking…and hopefully realigning my priorities a bit.

Check out their webpage to learn more! http://www.tourderevs.org/

This past weekend, I also got a note from a friend who will be riding in the Tour de Pink, a 200+ mile ride to raise awareness and funds for the Young Survival Coalition – a group that provides support for young women with breast cancer. As I read through the information, I was reminded of the very real struggles that people who have cancer experience. It’s a struggle that is in some part their own, but it is also a struggle that they don’t need to go through alone. Part of what we, as followers of Christ, can do is to walk with them, letting them know they are loved and supported. This event is just one way to do that. To learn more this group, check out the webpage: http://www.youngsurvival.org/

And, (a shameless plug) my friend would certainly appreciate support you can give him in reaching his fundraising goal. Donate here. http://www.active.com/donate/tourdepink/MBeers2

So that’s what’s on my mind today: Sometimes I’ve wondered about the value of these sorts of fundraisers, but these two events have been a bit of a wake up call for me. Pulling me out of my own life and reminding me of some of the bigger issues we face together in this world. Thanks for reading. Time to keep plugging along!

posted by Emmy

St. Urho

2009-06-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Part of my time here in the upper midwest has been about exploring my Scandinavian heritage. Growing up in North Carolina, there weren't many folks with Finnish & Swedish roots, like me.

And so, when we TiM pastors were in Menahga for a retreat, I just HAD ot stop by the larger-than-life statue of Finland's St. Urho.

After reading his story (check out the plaque), and calling my Finnish gramma to get her take on this grasshopper-killing hero, I started thinking...what is the deal with this guy?

Why do we need these larger-than-life heroes? What is so magnificent about a eprson that you'd want to make a 12-foot tall concrete 'replica' of him in all his glory?

I think part of it is that we like to think we're part of something epic & nobel - part of something bigger than our little lives.

But the thing is - we already are. We don't need giant St. Urho, as awesome as he is, to bring us into something bigger. We are already part of something epic & nobel - part of something bigger - because God has invited us in. In our baptisms, our little lives are added to the long list of stories in the Bible - it's Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Jonah, Jesus, St. Urho, and you & me!

& it's not because we're strong or descended from giant men who drove pests out of Finland with a pitchfork. We're part of something epic & noble that uses the weak, lowly, & humble to create a new world. We are saved, not by power and strength and giant pitchforks - we're saved, not by violence - but by the ultimate act of weakness, the ultimate act of nonviolence - the cross.

I still love St. Urho, cause he's kitchy and fun & part of my history, sort of. And really, look at him! How can you not think that big lovable Finn is just the greatest?!

But it's not the big things like St Urho, but the little things, that bring us into something great. It's the little candle I got at my baptism that reminds me that I am part of something bigger. Or it's turning to a hymn in the ELW and knowing that Lutherans all around the world are turning to that page and singing that song too.

We are a part of something epic & noble - part of something bigger - because God has invited us in - putting all of our little lives together to create a new world.

Posted by Marsha.

'Mobilizing' in DC

2009-05-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

The centerpiece of the new mission statement that the Social Concerns Ministry Team is working on is our baptismal promise 'to strive for justice and peace in all the earth'. We hear that promise again at confirmation (which, at Trinity, was today), affirming that this is something we are committed to.

But it's tricky to figure out just how to go about actually doing this. How the heck are we supposed to strive for anything 'in all the earth'? The earth is a big place! We can get overwhelmed - and yet, this is a huge part of what Jesus was all about. So, where do we start?

I look for help. And one of the places I've found guidance is an organization called Sojourners (aka 'Sojo'). Since the '70s, they've hoped 'to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.' They do this in lots of ways - a magazine, a website, and a strong presence in DC. I've interacted with them mostly thru their daily emails and blog entries. (www.sojo.net) They are aware of justice issues which we Christians might care about, and they let us know how we can help - whether that means emailing our representatives, preaching on or praying about a particular issue, or even going to Washington.

That's what I did last week as a part of my trip to the east coast. I attended Sojo's 'Mobilization to End Poverty' conference. The first day was full of fantastic speakers: Jim Wallis, dir of Sojo; David Lane, head of the ONE campaign; Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of CT; several members of Obama's administration, and more. President Obama even sent us a video message!

The 2nd day of the Mobilization was our lobby day. I went with the MN delegation to Capitol Hill and met with staffers in Senator Klobuchar and Rep Peterson's offices. We talked about legislation that would commit to cutting the poverty rate in half by 2020. We also talked about the importance of foreign aid, even in the recession, as part of our commitment to love our neighbor and care for 'the least of these.' We also talked about the importance of health care reform this year, as health care is one of the leading causes of poverty in our country. It was a great experience to visit these offices and to see, first hand, that we Christians DO have important things to say to our government!

It was awesome to go to DC and do this, but you don't have to fly across country to make your voice heard. Emails and calls are surprisingly effective, and pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. The ELCA makes it even easier, w/ their great advocacy resources. Visit www.elca.org/advocacy to sign up for email alerts. They don't flood your inbox, but they'll let you know when there's an issues of 'justice & peace' that needs our attention. They'll let you know who to contact, and often provide a draft email.

We have important things to say as Christians - and DC will listen if we put ourselves out there!

posted by Marsha

pastor with a pedicure

2009-04-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

I got a pedicure today. This is not something I typically do, but I’d been hoping to get one today. On this Maundy Thursday, this day when the Church remembers Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, I wanted to get my feet washed. I recognize that my actions are a bit ironic. Traditionally, the Church has recognized this as a day when Jesus gives us the command to "love one another" as he has loved us. (John 13:34). "Maundy", after all, comes from a Latin word meaning mandate or command. Traditionally, this has been a day when we in the church think about self-sacrifice and service. Followers of Jesus Christ are invited to consider how loving others is a central task of our lives. We receive a command to care for others and to love as Jesus loved. We are called to action for the sake of one another.

Yet, I also think Maundy Thursday is about experiencing God’s love for us. This is where my pedicure comes in. Jesus’ actions showed extravagant love towards his disciples. He became a like servant to them, caring for them in big ways. He graciously loved them. As I got my feet rubbed and scrubbed, I was reminded that God loves me very much. During my seminary training I was constantly reminded that in order to care for others, I first need to care for myself. The same goes for all of us. It’s okay to take time to love and care for ourselves. True, Jesus probably didn’t file down calluses or paint the disciples’ toes a pretty shade of pink, but he did love extravagantly. So today, even as I hear a command to love and care for others, I am also reminded of God’s love and care for me. I’m reminded that it’s okay for me (and all of us) to take time to love and care for ourselves. In the coming weeks, I’ll think of this every time I look down at my pretty pink toenails!

posted by Emmy

falling down and getting back up

2009-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

Starting out on a walk at a park the other day, I noticed a child cross-country skiing up a small hill. Looking over a second later, I saw skis flailing in the air. I heard him calmly call, “Dad, Dad…Mom, Mom.” Making my way around the hill, I saw two adults some distance off. I figured the child must be okay. Going further, I saw him lying on the ground. His head faced down hill. He lay seemingly helpless like a turtle on its back. The boy’s skis continued to flail around, moving back and forth the in the air. “Dad, Dad…Mom, Mom” he called again. I chuckled at the sight before me.

And then, I started thinking. This is me: How often in my life do I cry out to God, “Dad, Dad…Mom, Mom…Help me. I’m stuck. I don’t know how to get up and get out of this situation.” Sometimes, I struggle with how to approach a ministry task in the church. Other times, I struggle with my own prayer and devotional life. The easy answer seems to be to sit and call to God, “Dad…Mom…Help me. I’m stuck.” I might even sit and mope for a while. Often in those moments, as I call out I feel like God isn’t responding. I feel that that boy lying seemingly helpless in a pile of snow.

Yet, in my better moments, I know that God is with me. The parents of that boy knew that he was fine, that he could probably get up on his own. With a little effort, with a little creative thinking, he would be able to get on his feet again. More often than not, I am able to deal with the struggles in my own life. With a little effort, with a little creative thinking, I will be able to get back on my feet again. God is with me, even if God doesn’t always intercede in the ways that I think God ought to. Sometimes, I just need to make an effort, to trust that God has gifted me and to get back up on my feet again.

How about you?

posted by Emmy

Sharing 'Doubt'

2009-03-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I finally got around to seeing the movie 'Doubt' (it's at the cheap theater now - this is good). I was drawn to this film for obvious reasons - it's about a church, is critically acclaimed, and features fantastic actors: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, & Amy Adams.

I recommend it. If you are at all interested in religion or stories that deal with moral ambiguity, then it will give you a lot to think about.

In the film there are several short clips of sermons given by Father Flynn (Hoffman). In the first, he talks about the way that hardship and shared experiences of fear and doubt bring people together. At the time of the film, the people had recently experienced the death of JFK, and he cites that as an example of the way that being unsettled together can form bonds that are hard to break.

Then, throughout the film, you watch doubt and fear tear a church community apart.

This begs the question: do our doubt and fear bring us together? or do they drive us apart?

I think it's both - either one - depending on how we use these things.

When we share our suffering, listen deeply to each other, and create safe space where we can share our feelings honestly, even about unsettling things like doubt and fear - then these troubling things can bring us together and make us stronger.

Instead, too often, we take our doubt and fear and hide them. We pretend to be sure of ourselves and certain of all kinds of things that we cannot ever truly know. And it can drive us apart.

My hope for the church - for Trinity and the church at large - is that it will be a place where we can share our doubt and fear with each other. I hope that we will ask each other how we're doing and take the time to listen, even when the answer is disturbing. And I challenge myself to be more open with my own doubts and fears.

Before I go, a disclaimer: I'm hesitant to recommend movies that criticize the church w/o acknowledging what a wonderful, world-changing place it can be. & I'm hesitant to recommend movies that criticize the Catholic church among Lutherans who can be a little too critical of Catholics in the first place So take the film with a grain of salt...

Enjoy the show! And let me know what your reactions are - I'd love to chat about it.

posted by Marsha.

Josh's Report from the Front

2009-03-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

So my Spring break was in Mordor this year...which was pretty cool...I guess...

This is actually at Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan. Chicago is in the background.

Hey people,

It's pastor Josh here. If you couldn't tell from the picture above. I just got back from a little vacation time in Indiana. It was cool. A little too cool for a spring break destination maybe but it was an adventure nevertheless.

It all started when...

I parked my car in a place where I hoped it wouldn't get towed, tried to finish up a bunch of work that would allow me this Lenten escape and took the 3AM Amtrack train down to Chicago last Thursday. As I walked down Jackson during rush hour, looking up at the Sears Tower, sucking down a Jamba Juice, with my oversized duffle helping me to stand out in the stylish big city crowd, I thought about how cool I was and how jealous all the people back in Moorhead and Fargo would be about my big city living...and then I promptly, and like a confused country kid, got on the wrong transit train. Thankfully, somebody helped me out of the train and someone else helped me on one that would actually get me to Indiana, instead of whereever I was heading!

My brother met me at the stop in Indiana and whisked me off to the last evening of academia at Valparaiso before Spring break. Sam is a first year professor in Christ's College, Valpo's honors program. He is a part of a program for professors transitioning into their first professorships the same way I am a part of the TiM program at Trinity, transitioning into ministry. Both are two year programs and both are funded by the Lilly Foundation. (Somebody ought to write a story about us, don't you think? Or make a Disney movie...naw I guess that probably's asking for a little too much) Anyway, my brother took me to a lecture about Wendell Berry, led by a prof. from Hope College (where Christian musician Sufjan Stevens went). It was pretty good. But I was glad I wasn't in college or seminary anymore and could listen on my own time and not be thinking about what would be on the quiz.

Anyway, I had a great week down in Indiana. My parents and their dogs/my dogs were at my brother's too for the first few days I was there, and it was really good for us as a family to share some time together. We went to the Edvard Munch exhibit at the Chicago Institute of Art (one of my favorite places). I logged about three miles walking in the museum that day (I know because I have a pedometer as part of our church's "walking fast" this lent). Munch's amazing. He painted realities of relationships, city life, even death in some really surreal but powerful ways. And he was Norwegian so there's some cultural pride involved in my admiration for him. I'd like to blog more about his paintings and that exhibit if I get a chance.

And I'd like to blog about going to the chapel of the Resurrection and meeting my friend Darlene and how I found out she had been called to be the first female ELCA campus pastor at Valpo (a Missouri Synod school)... ahh the controversy. Sounds like she's doing great!

And then I'd like to blog more about my trip in my brother's new car (first new car ever for anyone in our family) and how we went to visit my friends who are pastors in Ohio and who now have a kid named Karl (Carl?) who is quite the one year old evangelist...

...And how we got in a big rig and hit the road as a traveling evangelical team.

But that didn't happen even though the pictures might make it seem possible...

And then I'd like to blog some more about going to ELCA headquarters on Thursday and seeing all the bishops there for their big conference and presenting some of my crazy innovative ideas for the ELCA to the Director of the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission, and getting a tour of the facility.

That's me representing on Higgins Road. The Conference of Bishops was meeting in the room behind me.

And then I'd like to blog about blogging and how I wish I had more time to blog about all this stuff. But I'll get to it eventually. Right? We'll see, guys. This will do for the Cliff Notes version. Thanks for reading! Talk to you soon!--Josh

a holy experience

2009-03-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday Morning: The Word of God was proclaimed. Babies were baptized. Communion was shared. I believe God was present at worship Sunday morning, it just didn’t feel like it to me. Most Sundays, even in the midst of leading worship, I’m able to worship at least in some way. I am able to feel God’s presence in some way. Sunday morning was not one of those days. Rather, I found myself distracted and worried about what was going on around me. Is the sermon going too long? Will the children knock over the Paschal candle during the Baptism? Am I going to run out of bread at Communion? These questions and other concerns ran through my head, keeping me from experiencing God in worship—keeping me from having an experience of the holy.

But, thankfully, I believe God isn’t confined to the walls of the church building.

Sunday Afternoon: God met me in a gymnasium (albeit converted into a recital hall) as I listened to seventy singers clothed in blue. The music I experienced during a choir concert washed over me and filled my soul, as only a Holy Spirit thing can do. Some of the music was familiar—old hymns in classic, rich arrangements. Other pieces were new to me. They made my foot tap in joy. I felt a smile come to my face as a deep male voice broke through the melody, as a high soprano voice sailed above the choir and as a brief sacred silence filled the air at the end of each piece. To try to describe my experience beyond this almost seems futile. After all, it was I believe an experience of God—an experience of the holy.

Thankfully, God meets us in all sorts of ways and in all sorts of places.

posted by Emmy.

flirting with change

2009-02-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Lent is a season for embracing change in our lives - whether it's giving up sugary foods or finding more time for prayer. For 40 days each year, we reconsider our habits and how they impact our relationship with God.

I recently embraced change in my own life by becoming a vegetarian. I've been meat-free for over a year now, and it feels fantastic. But this change was a long time coming.

For me, becoming a vegetarian was like slowly getting into a romantic relationship, and, over time, deciding to commit.

But it didn't happen all at once. At first came the crush.

In seminary, I became curious about vegetarians. I was intrigued. I tentatively imagined myself with plates of veggies and tofu, and I thought it might be fun. I'd heard good things about the social impact of vegetarianism, and I had never been crazy about meat anyway. The idea of making that change was attractive.

And so I flirted - trying vegetarian meals in the cafeteria, googling vegetarian recipes after class, finding soy and tofu and tempeh at the grocery store. And vegetarianism flirted back. The soy burgers were delicious. The tofu wasn't as bad as everyone said. And the "Gimme Lean" really was a lot like "Jimmy Dean"! I was head over heels before I knew it, and I wanted more.

And so, I sought out vegetarians friends and asked them if it really was as good as it looked, and they confirmed my hopes. I read articles on the benefits of vegetarianism, and I like what I learned. I could live a less violent lifestyle while doing healthy things for my body. I could prevent world hunger and reduce my carbon footprint while eating delicious food in the comfort of my own home. The more I got to know vegetarianism, the more I loved it. I weighed the pros and cons, and finally, taking a deep breath, I asked it to go steady.

I didn't want to see anyone else. Meat was nothing to me. I only had eyes for veggies and textured vegetable protein. There was no going back, and yet, I was not quite ready to commit. I needed to be sure. I didn't admit to being a vegetarian in public. When my friends asked if I had quit eating meat, I'd say, "I'm just trying this out for a while - it's nothing serious." I squirmed at the thought of never eating another slice of pepperoni pizza, of never satisfying my hunger for crispy, mouth-watering bacon, of never loading up a plate with the pulled-pork barbeque that my southern roots taught me to love. I was scared of commitment.

But, before I knew it, a month passed, then two. And I didn't miss the pepperoni, the bacon, the barbeque. I knew it was delicious, but I didn't need it anymore. I was a vegetarian, and I declared it to the world, or to my roommates, anyway. We were committed, and I knew we would last. We were a match made in heaven.

A year and four months in, things are going well. Vegetarianism feels so natural, it's like we've been together forever. We're a good fit. And while the change was slow-going, the time I took with it has helped it last.

Not all change is this simple, and not every issue fits this well. I've tried to change in other ways and called it quits much sooner. I renounced Diet Coke for a while, but I was guzzling soda again, three weeks in. And I try, occasionally, to do most of my shopping through fair trade companies. But then, I find myself, once again, in the express lane at a big-box store. I've had weeks when I've tried to greet everyone I see with a friendly smile, and two days in, I find my head down, focused on my next task and latest stressors. I'd like to be more generous, I'd like to tithe, and I'd like to give my possessions to the poor, but I'm just not ready to commit.

But I've found something I can commit to, something that fits, something that reminds me that change is possible. And for today, that's change enough.

posted by Marsha.

showers and baptism

2009-02-12T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last night at Confirmation class, we talked about remembering our baptism during everyday activities, like when we wash the dishes, brush our teeth and take a shower. This crossed my mind in the shower this morning. You see, my shower was miserable. A little bit of warm water, spirts of cold water, a little bit of warm water, spirts of cold water. Aweful! Got me thinking: Baptism is like this. Most days my shower is great, refreshing me and cleansing me. Most days, remembering my baptism is a great thing, reminding me that I am a loved and forgiven child of God. But, some days-like my shower today-things are different. Some days the waters of baptism aren't so comfortable. In the baptism service in our worship book, we promise to "proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace." When it comes right down to it, these things can be pretty uncomfortable things. For instance, talking about my faith in certain contexts, really caring for some people, and making choices that allow the best and most fair use of the resources can leave me in despair. Some days, the waters of baptism challenge me. In fact, some days it's kind of miserable, like trying to take a shower in cold water. But, as always I am reminded once again of the good news of those baptism waters--that I am loved and forgiven, no matter what!
posted by Emmy

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2009-02-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hey, we're currently giving each other high fives. We'll get back to this when we are finished. Check back!