Picture this...
A hushed hospital room, a dying patient who has struggled bravely
against cancer to gain more years of life. The cancer has not been
conquered and it will soon win the battle.
Standing around the hospital bed is the family, holding hands in a
circle that includes the patient and the chaplain. After all that they
have been through together, knowing that the end is near, these weary
and grieving people start to sing ever so softly.
“Away in the manger... the little Lord Jesus ...”
Is this appropriate? Is that only song they know?
Wait, “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay.”
It not only brought peace to their hearts but hope.
“Close by me forever and love me I pray.”
Those words hung on for a long time. And fit the time.
(I thank Andréa Nesdahl- Degroot for this story.)
As we gather for Advent Worship on Wednesdays November 28,
December 5, 12, and 19, we invite you to sing with us these familiar
and meaningful songs.
We worship at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
From the Pastor’s desk
It was a unique Sunday. Our first Faith In Action Sunday began with lots of people showing up to church in work clothes. They were met by seven young adults, proudly wearing their Faith In Action T-shirts. Very shortly after 9:00 AM, the narthex emptied.
What happened?
· 50 school kits were assembled; we also viewed a DVD on where the quilts and kits end up.
Timbuktu?
· 100 boxes of food were assembled and lots of shelves were stocked at the food pantry.
· 1 family in real need of home repairs was helped. Another family had lots of things
removed from their home and yard to help them get ready to sell the property.
· 10 of our homebound members received a visit.
· 6 of our members who live in a nursing home were entertained by our Sunday school
youth.
· 10 young adults saw their faith come alive.
· Our youth did some cleaning up and will do the Road Clean Up when it is sunny.
I think the best part was our worship time. The choir did a terrific job to set the theme with their song, “This is God’s Church”. The sermon was full of stories from people who went out and put their faith into action. Not only did those present feel proud to be a part of a church who puts feet to their faith but there was a spirit alive in the sanctuary that I would like to bottle up and open each Sunday.
Know that our Faith In action team is planning another Sunday.
What happened?
· 50 school kits were assembled; we also viewed a DVD on where the quilts and kits end up.
Timbuktu?
· 100 boxes of food were assembled and lots of shelves were stocked at the food pantry.
· 1 family in real need of home repairs was helped. Another family had lots of things
removed from their home and yard to help them get ready to sell the property.
· 10 of our homebound members received a visit.
· 6 of our members who live in a nursing home were entertained by our Sunday school
youth.
· 10 young adults saw their faith come alive.
· Our youth did some cleaning up and will do the Road Clean Up when it is sunny.
I think the best part was our worship time. The choir did a terrific job to set the theme with their song, “This is God’s Church”. The sermon was full of stories from people who went out and put their faith into action. Not only did those present feel proud to be a part of a church who puts feet to their faith but there was a spirit alive in the sanctuary that I would like to bottle up and open each Sunday.
Know that our Faith In action team is planning another Sunday.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
From the Pastor
“Where you are going is more important than where you have been.”
I just finished reading an article about churches. Most of us look back to other times when things were good and life was easier. But reality is we cannot go back, we can only go forward. With that in mind, I am asking all of us to make a bold step.
On Sunday, October 14, we as a congregation have an opportunity to reach into our community. For a long time we have said, “We are a caring community.” At times that has been with projects that have helped others. On Faith In Action Sunday, we can do it with a big splash. On that Sunday morning we will have Sunday School but instead of worshipping we will do caring projects.
Let me list a few:
· Put together school kits for Lutheran World Relief. This will be done in the fellowship hall.
· Minor repairs for seniors. We have collected some names of seniors who need some simple
repairs. Come to church and get your assignment.
· Help out at the North Boone Food pantry. We will meet here and carpool to Capron to
stock shelves.
· Road clean up. We will meet at church, pick up our gear and go out to our assigned area on
Genoa Road.
· Visit shut ins. Stop by church, get the information on one of our members who is home
bound and go visit them.
· Our Sunday School children will be visiting members of our congregation at Northwoods
and Maple Crest. They will need some help with transportation.
This all will begin at 9:00 AM.
Then we all will gather back at Zion at 11:00 AM (note change of time) for a celebration of putting our words into action, not just by going to church but by being the church.
Check out the sign up sheets in the narthex and reserve October 14 as Faith In Action Sunday.
I just finished reading an article about churches. Most of us look back to other times when things were good and life was easier. But reality is we cannot go back, we can only go forward. With that in mind, I am asking all of us to make a bold step.
On Sunday, October 14, we as a congregation have an opportunity to reach into our community. For a long time we have said, “We are a caring community.” At times that has been with projects that have helped others. On Faith In Action Sunday, we can do it with a big splash. On that Sunday morning we will have Sunday School but instead of worshipping we will do caring projects.
Let me list a few:
· Put together school kits for Lutheran World Relief. This will be done in the fellowship hall.
· Minor repairs for seniors. We have collected some names of seniors who need some simple
repairs. Come to church and get your assignment.
· Help out at the North Boone Food pantry. We will meet here and carpool to Capron to
stock shelves.
· Road clean up. We will meet at church, pick up our gear and go out to our assigned area on
Genoa Road.
· Visit shut ins. Stop by church, get the information on one of our members who is home
bound and go visit them.
· Our Sunday School children will be visiting members of our congregation at Northwoods
and Maple Crest. They will need some help with transportation.
This all will begin at 9:00 AM.
Then we all will gather back at Zion at 11:00 AM (note change of time) for a celebration of putting our words into action, not just by going to church but by being the church.
Check out the sign up sheets in the narthex and reserve October 14 as Faith In Action Sunday.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
From the Pastor
“Be content with what you have but not with who you are.” That statement has been on our lawn sign and every time I see it, it makes me think. The texts for the past few weeks really have revolved around that theme. In the gospel lesson, we have heard how to be rich in God but not in things. We truly are a blessed people and we do need to focus on what we need and not what we want.
Then as I read over the series of texts from Hebrews, I remember the heroes of faith where those who “pressed on.” Yes, we can learn from our past. Yes, there are things that need to be done now. But the writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep looking forward to the work God has called us to do.
So mark your calendars for some unique events:
On September 9, we will not only begin our schedule of two worship times and Sunday school but we are going to host a neighborhood party. We will feature the band Epiphany and have some special kid friendly activities. On Thursday, August 23, your church council will be walking through the neighborhood of our church buildings, inviting people to come.
What can you do? Invite a friend or relative to come with you to the music event at 3:00 pm. Then bring your lawn chairs and join us in the parking lot (in fellowship hall if it rains).
Watch for Faith In Action Sunday, October 14th!
See you in church,
Pastor Otto
Then as I read over the series of texts from Hebrews, I remember the heroes of faith where those who “pressed on.” Yes, we can learn from our past. Yes, there are things that need to be done now. But the writer of Hebrews encourages us to keep looking forward to the work God has called us to do.
So mark your calendars for some unique events:
On September 9, we will not only begin our schedule of two worship times and Sunday school but we are going to host a neighborhood party. We will feature the band Epiphany and have some special kid friendly activities. On Thursday, August 23, your church council will be walking through the neighborhood of our church buildings, inviting people to come.
What can you do? Invite a friend or relative to come with you to the music event at 3:00 pm. Then bring your lawn chairs and join us in the parking lot (in fellowship hall if it rains).
Watch for Faith In Action Sunday, October 14th!
See you in church,
Pastor Otto
Applying Bible Principles
God's Word has more to say about money and material possessions than about heaven and hell combined. Obviously, how we as His children handle what God has entrusted to us is a very important subject to Him.
Money is also the only subject about which God says, in essence, "Prove Me. Trust Me. Try Me." He does not issue that challenge concerning any other aspect of our Christian walk of faith. Not about prayer; not about sharing our faith with others; not even about salvation. Just money.
God said to Malachi, the prophet, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test . . . See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing."
Some promises in the Bible are unconditional in nature. They are going to be fulfilled, regardless of what we might or might not do. Others could be described as "if . . . then" promises. If we will do our part, then God will do His part. This passage from Malachi 3:10 is one of the latter. If we will bring our tithes to God's storehouse, then He will open for us the windows of heaven and pour out for us such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
The question is whether we really believe God when He makes a promise like this. If we do, we will take Him at His Word. We will accept His challenge and "test" Him by giving to Him as He directs. And if we do that by faith, then we can be confident that God will meet that "test" by providing all we need and more.
Money is also the only subject about which God says, in essence, "Prove Me. Trust Me. Try Me." He does not issue that challenge concerning any other aspect of our Christian walk of faith. Not about prayer; not about sharing our faith with others; not even about salvation. Just money.
God said to Malachi, the prophet, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test . . . See if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing."
Some promises in the Bible are unconditional in nature. They are going to be fulfilled, regardless of what we might or might not do. Others could be described as "if . . . then" promises. If we will do our part, then God will do His part. This passage from Malachi 3:10 is one of the latter. If we will bring our tithes to God's storehouse, then He will open for us the windows of heaven and pour out for us such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
The question is whether we really believe God when He makes a promise like this. If we do, we will take Him at His Word. We will accept His challenge and "test" Him by giving to Him as He directs. And if we do that by faith, then we can be confident that God will meet that "test" by providing all we need and more.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Applying Bible Principles
God uses money in a variety of ways in the lives of His children. One of the most important ways God uses money is to confirm direction. Simply stated, God uses the supply of money or the lack of it to confirm His direction for many of the decisions we must make in life.
If God gives us clear direction which is confirmed by His Word, then He will provide whatever is needed to carry out that direction. The only problem is that He expects us to step out in faith in obedience to His leading and His Word, usually without knowing in full the pathway that lies ahead.
Living that kind of life requires faith in God's person and His promises. It requires taking God at His Word and basing how we live on His Word. It requires trusting Him, even when circumstances appear to be contrary. It requires seeking first His kingdom, and then being confident that He will provide what we need. It requires as the writer of Hebrews observed, believing that God " . . . exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China who lived in the 19th century, summed it up beautifully this way: "God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply." This means that if we are not experiencing God's supply, either we are not doing God's work (that is, we are not seeking first His kingdom) or we are not doing God's work in His way.
Make no mistake about it: God is not a God of disorder. He will not provide specific direction which He confirms by his Word if He does not intend to provide what is necessary for us to obey Him fully. But He looks to us to be willing to trust Him by taking the first step, and then another, and yet another.
By the way, has God been speaking to you lately? Has He confirmed that direction through His Word? If so, remember this: You can be confident that as God works in your life, He will use money or the lack of it to confirm His direction.
If God gives us clear direction which is confirmed by His Word, then He will provide whatever is needed to carry out that direction. The only problem is that He expects us to step out in faith in obedience to His leading and His Word, usually without knowing in full the pathway that lies ahead.
Living that kind of life requires faith in God's person and His promises. It requires taking God at His Word and basing how we live on His Word. It requires trusting Him, even when circumstances appear to be contrary. It requires seeking first His kingdom, and then being confident that He will provide what we need. It requires as the writer of Hebrews observed, believing that God " . . . exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China who lived in the 19th century, summed it up beautifully this way: "God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply." This means that if we are not experiencing God's supply, either we are not doing God's work (that is, we are not seeking first His kingdom) or we are not doing God's work in His way.
Make no mistake about it: God is not a God of disorder. He will not provide specific direction which He confirms by his Word if He does not intend to provide what is necessary for us to obey Him fully. But He looks to us to be willing to trust Him by taking the first step, and then another, and yet another.
By the way, has God been speaking to you lately? Has He confirmed that direction through His Word? If so, remember this: You can be confident that as God works in your life, He will use money or the lack of it to confirm His direction.
From the Pastor
During the month of August, a small group of members are joining me in a book discussion. The book we are reading is called Giving to God by Mark Allan Powell. Dr. Powell asks an interesting set of questions about why we give to God.
Do you write a check to Zion Lutheran because you are worried about meeting the budget? Do you put money in the offering plate because it is a great way to empty your wallet?
I think not. We give because it is a way to offer our thanks to God for all that he has given us. The problem is that lots of us think giving $5 a week or less to God is an adequate way to say thanks.
Giving is an act of worship that is to take us beyond duty to delight. When we enjoy giving our money away, we may come close to an actual love offering. So when the plate comes by in worship remember, like the creed here is another way of saying “I love Jesus.”
My mother taught me a long time ago that the main reason for going to church is not getting my own needs met. The main reason, the most important reason for going to church, is to worship God.
See you at worship,
Pastor Otto
Do you write a check to Zion Lutheran because you are worried about meeting the budget? Do you put money in the offering plate because it is a great way to empty your wallet?
I think not. We give because it is a way to offer our thanks to God for all that he has given us. The problem is that lots of us think giving $5 a week or less to God is an adequate way to say thanks.
Giving is an act of worship that is to take us beyond duty to delight. When we enjoy giving our money away, we may come close to an actual love offering. So when the plate comes by in worship remember, like the creed here is another way of saying “I love Jesus.”
My mother taught me a long time ago that the main reason for going to church is not getting my own needs met. The main reason, the most important reason for going to church, is to worship God.
See you at worship,
Pastor Otto
Thursday, May 24, 2007
From the Pastor
I hope each one of you will take the time to thank Pastor Harder for his ministry with us. For the past five years, John has been an asset for us and we will miss him. John and Ruthe will still be in ministry helping at Messiah Lutheran in Elgin but as of June 9th, he will complete his work with us. One thing that immediately impacts on me is calling. I will need your help in calling on our sick and shut-ins. This is a great opportunity to expand our "Zion Care Givers" group. On my days off, I will be available for emergencies, but will need help with Pioneers and our worship ministry at Northwoods. Know that throughout the summer, I will be looking for a new pastor to assist me in visitation but it may take some time.
Walking the Neighborhoods
For the past seven years, I have really gotten to know the new neighborhoods of Belvidere by spending a few hours a week walking through them and sharing information about Zion to those who are interested. I invite you to join with me each Tuesday starting June 19. My purpose is to leave information about our congregation with these new residents and when possible, get to know them. I begin at 6:00 PM and end by 7:30 PM.
Mark your calendars for:
June 19 & June 26 at Landmark Crossings
July 10 & July 24 at Farmington Hills
July 31 at Riverbend
What a great opportunity to wear your "Z" shirt.
Pastor Otto
Walking the Neighborhoods
For the past seven years, I have really gotten to know the new neighborhoods of Belvidere by spending a few hours a week walking through them and sharing information about Zion to those who are interested. I invite you to join with me each Tuesday starting June 19. My purpose is to leave information about our congregation with these new residents and when possible, get to know them. I begin at 6:00 PM and end by 7:30 PM.
Mark your calendars for:
June 19 & June 26 at Landmark Crossings
July 10 & July 24 at Farmington Hills
July 31 at Riverbend
What a great opportunity to wear your "Z" shirt.
Pastor Otto
Thursday, May 10, 2007
From the Assistant pastor
TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST AT ZION
It was not an easy decision for me to decide to leave my position as Assistant Pastor here at Zion. Ruthe and I will miss all of you, but especially our Pioneer Club friends. I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship as well as friendships with Pastor Otto, Kathy Martin, Dan Druckrey and the Church Council. I will remember our five years together fondly. I ask you to remember Pastor Otto in your prayers as, for a time at least, his duties with shut-ins, hospital and nursing home calling will increase. Also, I ask the excellent potential leaders in the Pioneer Club to step up and begin planning for future events.
As I write this, Ruthe and I are packing and planning to leave for Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Bali, to tour that part of the world with our son, our daughter-in-law and granddaughters, where they are teaching for one term before returning to Valparaiso Lutheran University for the fall term. Ruthe and I will return about May 15th. I will then work here through Pastor Otto's vacation and complete my duties on Saturday, June 9th.
Our prayer is that God would continue to bless the excellent staff here at Zion and grant this congregation a long and blessed future in a growing community.
Sincerely in Christ's Service,
John S. Harder,
Assistant Pastor
Zion Lutheran Church
It was not an easy decision for me to decide to leave my position as Assistant Pastor here at Zion. Ruthe and I will miss all of you, but especially our Pioneer Club friends. I have enjoyed an excellent working relationship as well as friendships with Pastor Otto, Kathy Martin, Dan Druckrey and the Church Council. I will remember our five years together fondly. I ask you to remember Pastor Otto in your prayers as, for a time at least, his duties with shut-ins, hospital and nursing home calling will increase. Also, I ask the excellent potential leaders in the Pioneer Club to step up and begin planning for future events.
As I write this, Ruthe and I are packing and planning to leave for Singapore, Sumatra, Java and Bali, to tour that part of the world with our son, our daughter-in-law and granddaughters, where they are teaching for one term before returning to Valparaiso Lutheran University for the fall term. Ruthe and I will return about May 15th. I will then work here through Pastor Otto's vacation and complete my duties on Saturday, June 9th.
Our prayer is that God would continue to bless the excellent staff here at Zion and grant this congregation a long and blessed future in a growing community.
Sincerely in Christ's Service,
John S. Harder,
Assistant Pastor
Zion Lutheran Church
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
From the Pastor
In Mark Chapter 2, there is a story about some men who wanted to get their paralyzed friend to Jesus but encountered problems. The conventional way of getting someone in the house was through the door but that was blocked and so were the windows. So wanting to accomplish their mission, they “stepped out of the box” and raised their friend up on the roof, dug up the roof and got their mission done.
The longer I serve here, I see lots of people who do not worship God and yet live within easy driving distance to Zion. We have done marvelous things in making our building accessible and being a hospitable people but still have people driving past us. Maybe we are still trying to get in the door when we need to “unroof the roof!” The families we are trying to reach have needs but we are not touching them. As Jesus went out to the homes and marketplaces to meet the people, so must we.
Right now we are primed to meet the needs of those who grew up in the 20th century. But what about those who cannot remember TV’s without remotes or phones you had to dial? We need to go out and ask them what they need. Oh, I am sure they still need the Christian faith and may even like much of what we Lutherans are about, but we must market in ways they can understand.
Early in May, our Dream Team will ask you to express your opinion on where we should go as a congregation in the next five years. But maybe first go ask your unchurched neighbor what would bring them to enter our building. Then share those results with us. Join your church council in reaching out to our “twenty somethings” who grew up in Zion. In August, join your leadership team as we survey the neighborhood around our church buildings. Then let us build together a mission plan that will not only serve Christ and those who live in our mission field.
Pastor Otto
The longer I serve here, I see lots of people who do not worship God and yet live within easy driving distance to Zion. We have done marvelous things in making our building accessible and being a hospitable people but still have people driving past us. Maybe we are still trying to get in the door when we need to “unroof the roof!” The families we are trying to reach have needs but we are not touching them. As Jesus went out to the homes and marketplaces to meet the people, so must we.
Right now we are primed to meet the needs of those who grew up in the 20th century. But what about those who cannot remember TV’s without remotes or phones you had to dial? We need to go out and ask them what they need. Oh, I am sure they still need the Christian faith and may even like much of what we Lutherans are about, but we must market in ways they can understand.
Early in May, our Dream Team will ask you to express your opinion on where we should go as a congregation in the next five years. But maybe first go ask your unchurched neighbor what would bring them to enter our building. Then share those results with us. Join your church council in reaching out to our “twenty somethings” who grew up in Zion. In August, join your leadership team as we survey the neighborhood around our church buildings. Then let us build together a mission plan that will not only serve Christ and those who live in our mission field.
Pastor Otto
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Apply Bible Principles
What comes to mind when someone mentions "work" ?Is your initial tendency to moan and groan, wishing you could avoid work ?
It might surprise you to learn that God described His creative acts as "work" and that He brought "work" into being shortly after He created man. Adam worked in the Garden before and after his fall due to his sin. Cain worked by raising vegetables. Abel worked by tending sheep. Throughout Scripture, people worked. Even the Lord Jesus worked while He was on earth, and He described God the Father as having worked. Work has always been part of God's nature and eternal plan for mankind.
Wait a
minute ... If God created and owns everything, why should we, His children, have to work? Couldn't He just provide for us in some supernatural way that would enable us not to have to work? Surely, God could do that, but He doesn't do so. According to the admonition in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, one of the primary benefits from working and providing for our needs is to be able to lead lives marked by integrity and a healthy self respect. And God's plan is that we are best able to accomplish these worthy goals by working.God also knows that by utilizing our talents and abilities through work, He will be able to minister to others through us in an effective way. Work, then, is one of the primary avenues by which we can demonstrate our Christian faith, particularly as we do our tasks to God's glory. Work is also the primary way through which we obtain money to give to God.
What should be the Christian's response to work? First, thank God for work and for the ability to work. As Solomon observed, this is a "gift of God." Second, view your work as a means of bringing glory to God. Third, whatever you do, no matter what your vocation or occupation, do it "with all your might", as unto the Lord. And finally, remember that by providing work for us to do, God enables us to give to Him and to His ministry at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Pastor Otto
Friday, February 9, 2007
Peace is difference in unity
I recently read a statement prepared by the ELCA on working for peace in the world. It does not advocate that you and I attend a peace march. But it does advocate that we pray for peace and do some constructive actions that make for peace. Like the prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus, we are asked to take a stand even if it is a disturbing one. We dare not be silent and say the war is good. While we support our nation’s service men and women, we keep asking, “Isn’t there a better way?” We are also asked to be a community of moral deliberation, which means we are to discuss controversial topics like the war in Iraq and not avoid them. We are to listen to all sides. We are asked to even try to understand terrorism and listen to its voices.
One phrase jumped off the page. “Peace is difference in unity.” We are asked to respect the uniqueness of each person’s ideas and convictions. To me this kind of respectful open discussion is what freedom of speech is all about. It is also what it means to be a community of “moral deliberation.” Now we may not create one statement that fits all people but we can discuss issues in mutual respect and learn from each other.
So whether it is the war in Iraq or school funding or the values of marriage, we need to be discussing them openly and praying for God’s wisdom about them. I would be glad to share these two social statements with anyone. But even more, let’s be a community open to discussing issues, even our differences. I think when we do that, we witness to the world what unity in diversity is all about.
Pastor Otto
One phrase jumped off the page. “Peace is difference in unity.” We are asked to respect the uniqueness of each person’s ideas and convictions. To me this kind of respectful open discussion is what freedom of speech is all about. It is also what it means to be a community of “moral deliberation.” Now we may not create one statement that fits all people but we can discuss issues in mutual respect and learn from each other.
So whether it is the war in Iraq or school funding or the values of marriage, we need to be discussing them openly and praying for God’s wisdom about them. I would be glad to share these two social statements with anyone. But even more, let’s be a community open to discussing issues, even our differences. I think when we do that, we witness to the world what unity in diversity is all about.
Pastor Otto
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Who do you trust ?
For February I would like us all to think about Who do you trust?
Whether it is our local physician or government official, whom do you have confidence in?
Jeremiah 17 5:0 sets it right. People and systems will eventually disappoint you but not God!
In our culture that is enamored with technology and materialism this is a great message for all of us. Dare to dream of new vison even if the budget is tight. Why? In God to we trust.
Will some of our vision and or ministries fail. There is a strong probability since humans are in control. But that does not mean the Church has failed to be the witness of Christ's presence in the world. The church only fails to do that when it puts its faith and hope and trust in the policies of people instead of the power of God.
Whether it is our local physician or government official, whom do you have confidence in?
Jeremiah 17 5:0 sets it right. People and systems will eventually disappoint you but not God!
In our culture that is enamored with technology and materialism this is a great message for all of us. Dare to dream of new vison even if the budget is tight. Why? In God to we trust.
Will some of our vision and or ministries fail. There is a strong probability since humans are in control. But that does not mean the Church has failed to be the witness of Christ's presence in the world. The church only fails to do that when it puts its faith and hope and trust in the policies of people instead of the power of God.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Applying Bible Principles
We've all heard the expression, "Money talks." That's true. Money does talk. Oh, not in words or phrases that constitute a language, but money talks. Because it is valuable to us, how we use it communicates volumes to those about us. People tend to spend their money on things that are important to them. With the exception perhaps of taxes, all of us vote with the contents of our purses, wallets and checkbooks concerning what means the most to us.
In fact, we could even go so far as to say that a person who does not spend money on something which is supposedly very important in his or her life really does not place much value on that item or activity. Suppose for a moment that you think "little league" baseball for kids is very important. You talk about it wherever you go. You attend the games. You enroll your own children in the program. But when someone calls you to ask you to be a sponsor of a team, or when someone "passes the hat" at a game to pay for equipment, you refuse to participate.
Would you not agree that an impartial observer of such behavior would conclude correctly that little league baseball really does not mean much to you? Your lack of financial support would outweigh the other positive aspects of your attendance, enthusiasm and participation.
The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. It is one thing to talk about Christianity. It is yet another to demonstrate our faith by how we use the money which God has entrusted to us. And that is especially true in our support of the ministry of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. As someone said recently in one church just before the offering was received, "Lord, in spite of all we say and do, this is what we think of you."
Or as the Lord Jesus put it, "... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven". (Matthew 5;16)
In fact, we could even go so far as to say that a person who does not spend money on something which is supposedly very important in his or her life really does not place much value on that item or activity. Suppose for a moment that you think "little league" baseball for kids is very important. You talk about it wherever you go. You attend the games. You enroll your own children in the program. But when someone calls you to ask you to be a sponsor of a team, or when someone "passes the hat" at a game to pay for equipment, you refuse to participate.
Would you not agree that an impartial observer of such behavior would conclude correctly that little league baseball really does not mean much to you? Your lack of financial support would outweigh the other positive aspects of your attendance, enthusiasm and participation.
The same thing is true in the spiritual realm. It is one thing to talk about Christianity. It is yet another to demonstrate our faith by how we use the money which God has entrusted to us. And that is especially true in our support of the ministry of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. As someone said recently in one church just before the offering was received, "Lord, in spite of all we say and do, this is what we think of you."
Or as the Lord Jesus put it, "... let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven". (Matthew 5;16)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Re-Gifting
As I sit here during the first days of January, I proudly wear my new sweater and reflect on how happy I was that I did not have to take any gift back for a larger size. Then I remember an article I read this week a from Martin Marty about "re-gifting."
"Re-gifting" is to give a gift, something one previously received as a gift." In a Christian context, we read 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Jesus was willing to come to earth and be one of us so that we could be forgiven. He gave up the glories of heaven and endured the worst of earth so that we could be with Him in heaven.
The people Paul wrote about were very much like us; they were well off and had much to share. But why share? Paul gives us the reason: re-gifting! All of us know about church envelopes and also about giving to lots of charities. But why give? Paul makes it clear: if we are generous, loving and moved by the Christ mass spirit, we do not have to be this way, but we get to be. It is re-gifting to the max.
A real test to our gratefulness is to continue the Christ mass spirit into these months by continuing to look for ways to give our ourselves and our wealth in the name of the gift that keeps giving, Jesus the light of the world.
"Re-gifting" is to give a gift, something one previously received as a gift." In a Christian context, we read 2 Corinthians 8:9. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Jesus was willing to come to earth and be one of us so that we could be forgiven. He gave up the glories of heaven and endured the worst of earth so that we could be with Him in heaven.
The people Paul wrote about were very much like us; they were well off and had much to share. But why share? Paul gives us the reason: re-gifting! All of us know about church envelopes and also about giving to lots of charities. But why give? Paul makes it clear: if we are generous, loving and moved by the Christ mass spirit, we do not have to be this way, but we get to be. It is re-gifting to the max.
A real test to our gratefulness is to continue the Christ mass spirit into these months by continuing to look for ways to give our ourselves and our wealth in the name of the gift that keeps giving, Jesus the light of the world.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Moving off the map
When we take a trip I love to get maps of the area and scope out where we are headed. Over the years it has given me a sense of security that I am not lost. Once in a while we go into an area that I do not have a map for and that worries me. I am afraid that I will get lost. We never have but it is a worry. Peggy on the other hand sees these times as an adventure where we will learn new things. Which type are you?At times my role as spirtual leader for Zion invites me to "move off the map." There are events and needs that I am not prepared for. No matter how many books or classes I take, I am placed in unfamiliar territory. It is not enough to have a well maintained building or a neatly organized worship or well trained staff. For an example, many of our young people are concerned that if the school administration does cut sports and the fine arts, what will they do. In conversation with others we would like to offer more youth porgramming to fill those needs but we have never done that before. Several times we have been asked to host "English as second language" classes, but as soon as they grow beyond ten people they have outgrown our classrooms.
Again and again I am reminded that change is happening quicker than before and the church is challenged to present the gospel in new ways. So I am inviting you to join me and our "dream team to a visioning process. We call it "moving off the map." In the next few months we will invite you to be a part of different small group experiences where you can share some dreams you have fo this community of faith. I know you are very busy, so am I. But we need to sit down and pray over and talk about the future of our congregation.
So beginning in January, watch the newsletter and web site for dates and times. For now, ask yourself what is God calling me to do? What is God calling Zion to provide?
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