It has been a joy to gather in person for worship in the backyard at the Lake and in the parking lot at the Hill. But unfortunately, Minnesota makes continuing those worship styles very uncomfortable.

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8

On Thursday mornings at 9 am, a group of Easter people join a Zoom call with the preaching pastor. We spend the hour checking in, praying, discussing the upcoming text, and being community together.

Reformation did not happen only 500 years ago in Northern Europe. The church continues to reform to this day. Because we trust that the Holy Spirit guides our work and calls us together in Jesus’ name, we know that the work of the church will constantly evolve and adapt to God’s call and the world’s need.

I know a retired pastor who frequently grins and declares: “I just love giving money away!” His witness to the joys of generosity stands among the many acts of faithful giving that inspire my understanding of stewardship. With every year, I continue to grow not only in my financial giving, but in how I see God’s generosity at work in the ways I give my time, energy, and money. I love talking about and living out gratitude through giving in my work as a pastor.

Did you hear the good news in worship on Sunday? Did you hear that last weekend we baptized nine little ones? Nine! It made for busy afternoons on Saturday and Sunday, but it was completely worth it. Together with Easter Kids Director Rachelle Gill and Communications Specialist Amy Peschong, I got to be right there as parents and sponsors promised to raise their beloved kiddos in faith. I got to see grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, and loved ones of all kinds cheer and pray for these little ones as they began their new lives in Christ. I got to speak words of promise and hope, welcoming these amazing young people into our faith community.

I’ve had the great privilege of receiving powerful intercessory prayer from some incredible women of faith throughout my life. Mary, Millie, Bev, Donna, Janet, Jackie, and Flora have all testified to their ongoing prayers for my family, ministry, and well-being. I value this discipline so much. I aspire to know their devotion and discipleship in my own prayer life.

When we started doing outdoor worship regularly, the pastors decided that only those with an active part in worship would be physically present. We want to make sure that at least one of us could stay out of quarantine we become exposed to coronavirus. A couple of weeks ago, I was the one who stayed home. However, because my family and I love the drive-in service, we decided not to worship from home, but instead, to come to the Hill parking lot for worship.

Yesterday, you heard a Biblical text with a lot of instructions that might not have made a lot of sense at first. When we read Exodus 12:1-13 and 13:3-8, we realize two things. First, that we’re not sure how we got here from last week. Second, that God seems really concerned with how people cook their food.