Everyday Lutherans

A cold winter night in December, it was about -5 that night.  I got done with confirmation and then had a council meeting of the Parish leaders.  Following that meeting, at about 10pm, I walked outside where one of the leaders had the hood of his truck up.  At first I thought that he was having engine trouble and that he would need a jump or something.  I walked over and asked if I could help in anyway.  He said, he noticed some paw prints in the snow and they ended at his truck. So he pounded on the hood and heard a small "meow".  He opened the hood and there was a small kitten that had entered into the engine in hopes to find a warm place. So I helped him coax out the kitten and since it was so late and he had dogs at home, I took home the cat.  She was cold, hungry thirsty and a little scared.  I placed her in my spare bathroom, gave her some water but I had no food, no litter, and did not know if she was healthy.  I let my parents know an...

A great article that gives insight into the lives of young people between 18-33.  Although a little scary too to think that God has everything laid out and we are simply going through the motions.  http://www.livinglutheran.com/blog/2013/04/gods-plans-and-gps.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP5MiAEDysg Alright so if you know the tune for Gangnam Style, this is a parody.  However, I am not gonna use words with this.  I just wanted to give you a visual. I thought about using  this dance for the children's sermon for two reasons.  At one church we are talking about Palm Sunday and the other both David entering Jerusalem and Palm Sunday.  Both celebrations. I will explain each of the moves to the youth and congregation. Ride the pony - riding the horse of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem. Lasso - Cheering and trying to get Jesus to notice you Sasshay - Someone stands in front of you but you can't stop dancing cause you are so excited. I would only do this for a minute.  I thought it would be fun but also would be something modern in the church.  I think that the people would enjoy it.  But what do you think?

How true this is.  I mean we should be ready to go out into the world and spread the good news of Jesus Christ into the world.  However, one thing that did strike me about this is we are already IN the world.  We are already in the world and have relationships with people so instead of getting ready, how about we actually do.  I realize just being in church does not make a good Christian, I have heard that excuse a number of times.  However, dwelling in the very Word of God is something that nourishes your soul and fills that whole that you have been trying to fill within your heart.  Walking with one another in a community is important, it is for you and for the other person.  And yes even that person who is walking with you in faith, well they are not "ready". For they are a sinner just as much as anyone else is, which is why we need God's grace and mercy. Anyone who thinks that they are "ready" or think that they have generally scares me and I think...

My first Christmas as a Pastor just took place this last week and it was quite different.  It will definitely take some getting use to.  While I did not have Sunday worship to plan and lead, I did have two jammed packed Christmas Eve services.  Both were fantastic. I did not do anything out of the ordinary for a sermon but the Christmas sermon and how we gather to be like the shepherds, to hear and see the good news of the angels.  Following the services, I attended a wonderful meal with a family from the congregation.  It was great to get to know them and their family a little bit better. Then when I got home, I went straight to bed because I was exhausted from all the festivities.  On Christmas day, I got up and started getting ready for the day.  Then my phone went off and it was my mom, we were going to open presents via google chat.  It was fantastic.  I was able to see the presents that they had received and the ones that were given to ...