Carry On Devo | April 21, 2023
#2 Through Faith, for Faith
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures,
3 the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Pause and read the verses above. What words stand out? What do you notice?
This week at Easter, we begin a new worship series on the book of Romans called Through Faith, For Faith. It is our hope and prayer that you experience these words of Paul as challenging and life giving. Both can be true at the same time.
Also, Paul rarely takes a breath and so it can feel like you’re reading one long sentence. Zero in on the word gospel. That’s a Greek and churchy word meaning, “good news.” Your grocer having your favorite coffee creamer in stock is good news. So, what makes Jesus good news in your life?
Let’s pray: Jesus, thank you for being good news in my life. Thank you for your presence even when I am not looking for it or noticing it. Amen.
Carry On Devo | April 19, 2023
Through Faith, for Faith
Romans 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures
Pause and read the verse above. What words stand out? What do you notice?
This week at Easter, we begin a new worship series on the book of Romans called Through Faith, For Faith. It is our hope and prayer that you experience these words of Paul as challenging and life giving. Both can be true at the same time.
Also, Paul rarely takes a breath and so it can feel like you’re reading one long sentence. Zero in on the word apostle. That’s a Greek and churchy word meaning, “the ones sent out.” What was the most recent thing you have been sent out to do? How does that differ if you knew God sent you to do something?
Let’s pray: Gracious God, send us with holy intention today to share the good news of Easter into the world you love. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Carry On Devotions | Philippians 2:8
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Stop
Take a deep breath, say He is Risen, then a deep breath out and say He is risen indeed.
Read
Philippians 2:8…. he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross.
Reflect
Jesus chose to put us first. When you follow Jesus, you can put His love into action. You can treat everyone around you like Jesus treated people in His life.
Because Jesus listened when people were hurting, you should listen well.
Because Jesus showed compassion to the people around him, you should show compassion.
Because Jesus taught others about God, you should tell others about Him.
Because Jesus consistently gave up what he wanted to put others first, you should put others first too.
Think of someone who you can put first. On a piece of paper, write one way you could put that person first sometime this week. Be specific.
Pray
Dear God, help us follow through on our thoughts and put others first just like Jesus put us first. Keep us strong as we carry out your work. Amen
Carry On
Ask God to help you follow through on what you’ve written so you can put others first just as Jesus put you first.
Carry On Devotions | Philippians 2:7
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Stop
Take a deep breath, say He is Risen, then a deep breath out and say He is risen indeed.
Read Philippians 2:7 …but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness, and being found in human form,
Reflect
Paul talks about how Jesus chose to come to earth and live a poor life instead of entering the world as a rightful king or powerful ruler. Jesus came to serve, to love others, to help, and most importantly to SAVE. Because of His obedience to live this way and to die on the cross for us, we can have a relationship with God forever. Jesus gives us the ultimate example of humility by choosing to put us first.
Take out a piece of paper and write the word “JESUS” in large block letters in the center of the page. All around the page, write out words that describe how you could become more like Jesus. Here are a few examples to get you started: loving, listening, serving, helping.
Pray
Loving God, give us humility by putting others first. Help us to serve, love and help others every day of our lives. Amen
Carry On
Ask God to help you follow him by putting others first this week.
Carry On Devotions | John 20:18
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Stop
Take a deep breath, say He is Risen, then a deep breath out and say He is risen indeed.
Read John 20:18
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples,”I have seen the Lord” and she told them that he had said these things to her.
Reflect
On the Sunday morning after Jesus died, Mary went to the tomb. We can imagine that she felt sad and hopeless. Jesus, her teacher and friend, had died. And when she saw that empty tomb, she must have been so confused. Where had they taken Jesus’ body? But then Jesus appeared to her – ALIVE! His death wasn’t the end. Her sadness was replaced with joy.
We celebrate Easter because Jesus rose again! Did you catch the very last part of today’s verse? Mary told the disciples what she had seen and heard.
Pray
He is Risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! God, help us tell others about Jesus. He is alive and he is alive in us. We feel the joy of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Carry On
Celebrate by telling others about what Jesus has done for you!
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 7
Theme: Carry on the work of Jesus Christ
Getting Started:
From here, we move into Holy Week. We now hear the story of everything Jesus has done for us, including face betrayal, abuse, and death. We remember our mission here: to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ. We know that this work calls us to connect, give, care, learn, and worship. During Holy Week, we remember that it also means being truly changed. Because of Jesus’ life and death for us, we live as a distinct community of faith. We hear about Jesus and his path to the cross, knowing that we must now carry on his work on earth to share the story of God’s love and love all people in Christ’s name.
Verse:
Psalm 106: 47-48
Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. And let all the people say, ‘Amen.’ Praise the Lord!
Learn More:
Look back at all the Bible verses we’ve covered in this study. Pick out the ones that felt the most meaningful to you. Commit to learning more about that book of the Bible. You might need a good study Bible; commit to investing in that resource. Use it to follow along with the stories of Holy Week on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Let them challenge you to continue to serve Jesus.
Reflect:
Look up the worship schedule for Holy Week and Easter. Put those times into your calendar. Make the commitment now to be in worship and hear these stories.
Through Lent, students going on mission trips have welcomed your sponsorships to support their service work this summer. Have you given a gift to them yet? Make sure you pick up a sponsorship form and give generously.
With the many services during Holy Week, there is always a need for ushers, greeters, and communion servers. This is a great opportunity for you to serve God and neighbor in hospitality. Go to https://www.easter.org/worship to sign up for a spot.
Have you ever read the whole story of Holy Week? We’re reading it out of the gospel of Matthew this year. Try reading Matthew chapters 26, 27, and 28. What feels new to you? What don’t you remember of the story? How do you feel more connected to the good news?
Respond:
When we carry on the work of Jesus Christ, it isn’t for one season or a few days. It’s a life’s work. Keep practicing. Don’t give up. When you feel like you haven’t been as engaged or active as you could be, grant yourself grace and try again. Ask for support from other trusted believers. It is hard work, but it is worth it.
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 6
Theme: Worship
Getting Started:
Take some time to think about the role of worship in your life. What did the worship spaces look like? What style was worship? How did worship make you feel when you were little? As you got older? Three years ago? Last year? Try to find themes of how you experience God’s presence in worship and what it has meant for your faith life.
Verse:
Psalm 63:1-4 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
Learn More:
The psalms are songs and prayers meant for personal devotion or public worship. They give voice to a full range of emotions: despair, peace, patience, hope, anger, and compassion. The psalms are often grouped into psalms of praise or lament. However, even lament songs end with statements of resolute faith. They remind us that no matter what we feel – happy or sad, confused or confident, exhausted or energized – we can come into God’s presence with our full, honest selves. When we worship God, we always return to a place of joy, knowing that our God has chosen to be with us no matter what.
Reflect:
Pay really, really close attention to worship this week. Why do you think we do things the way we do? What’s one question you have about worship at Easter? How can you find an answer?
Try a different worship style! If you usually worship at the Hill, go to the Lake, or vice versa. If you’ve never tried a Wednesday 5:45 service, come check it out – and then check it out again after Lent. What does it teach you about the fullness of worship?
Talk to a friend or family member who worships in another way because they go to a different church or belong to a different tradition. Compare your church services. What do you like about them? What would you change? What does it tell you about another faith community?
While we know we can always worship God in church, there are other places or times for worship. Can you think of other times in your life that were truly worship? Maybe at Bible camp, or at the bedside of a sick loved one, or at your kitchen table. How did you know it was worship?
Respond:
Be honest with yourself: how’s your worship life? This isn’t about guilt or obligation. It’s about letting yourself fully engage with the entire community of faith and the true presence of God. What steps could you take to be in worship more? Or, what could you do to more fully engage with worship? Find someone you trust and respect to help you talk about it and help you make a plan.
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 5
Theme: Learn
Getting Started:
Sometimes, people get nervous to be involved in learning more about faith, Bible, or Christian life. They stay away from learning opportunities so they don’t feel embarrassed. But then they never get to learn and get over feeling like they don’t know anything! That there’s always more to learn and no one is any better or more worthy because of what they know. Committing to lifelong learning helps us continue to not only grow in faith, as our mission states, but carry on the work of Jesus Christ as we learn and grow as he called his disciples to do.
Verse:
Colossians 3:14-17
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Learn More:
While much of the book of Colossians focuses on the mystery of Christ and a moral life of faith, it reminds the reader that some of our greatest work is to “let the word of Christ dwell in your richly” through worship, relationship, learning, and even healthy conflict (that’s what it means to “admonish one another in all wisdom” – disagree thoughtfully and respectfully). Even our disagreements and debates are to be done in Jesus’ name and in the praise of God. Learning is an essential part of our spiritual formation.
Reflect:
What’s one question of faith you feel like you can’t answer? How might you start figuring the answer out?
What’s the last thing you learned about the Bible, Jesus, or our faith traditions that really made you stop and think? How did you learn it? Who can you talk about it with so you can keep learning?
Learning doesn’t just happen in classes. What can you learn from serving at The Open Door, Treehouse, Homework Help, or Lutheran Social Service? Connect to those programs and start learning!
Think of a friend, family member, church connection, or coworker who seems to know way more about faith then you. Take a deep breath… and then ask them how they learned what they know. Do they have suggestions for books or activities? Make sure to thank them for their input and support.
Respond:
Find a new learning opportunity and go for it! Maybe it’s something at Easter, something through our partnership with The Vine, a book you’ve been meaning to read, or even just re-investing in something you’re already doing (maybe JAM, confirmation, OWLs, or your Life Group). Set goals for yourself to stay on track and keep yourself accountable. Take notes on some of the most exciting things you’ve learned. Dare to share those things with someone!
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 4
Theme: Care
Getting Started:
But do you really care about me? It’s a huge question of our worth as humans. We all want to know that we matter, that we’re loved, and that we’re part of something larger than ourselves. Church communities have an incredible opportunity to live out life-changing care in service, prayer, visitation, small groups, and so much more. When we truly care for and about each other, we live out the gospel.
Verse:
Philippians 2:1-4
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.
Learn More:
When Paul writes this letter to the church at Philippi, he is in prison and faces an uncertain future. He knows the Philippians also face persecution and suffering. He reminds them of the joy of living as a faithful, loving community centered in Christ. Even when we struggle, we find hope in God’s love for us and our love for each other. We live out the gospel when we care for each other.
Reflect:
Watch the announcement slides that happen before and after worship or in the lobby area. Look at all the things happening at Easter. How does each one have to do with care? In what ways do these opportunities help us care for ourselves, each other, or our community?
One part of Easter’s guiding vision is that “God is calling Easter to be a Holy Place for the broken”. How does the way we care for each other make that true?
Listen carefully to the prayers we share in worship. Reflect on the names, situations, groups, and countries. Prayer is one way we care for each other. Try really engaging with the prayers this week.
In Paul’s letter, he encourages the Philippians to “look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others”. Visit https://www.elca.org/40days or get one of the ELCA World Hunger Lenten devotions. How can this motivate you to care for others, especially those you may not see every day?
Respond:
We’re all called to care for others in whatever way we can. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to try? Is it serving at Loaves & Fishes, going on a mission trip, being a part of the prayer team, or helping with JAM? Talk to someone who’s involved in the area of interest to you and ask them what it means to their life. What would need to change in your life, even if just for a day, to make that caring work happen? Give it a try! Tell someone else what you learned and what it means to you.
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 3
*printed copies available
Getting Started:
We all know someone who’s generous with their time, or someone who listens generously, or abundantly shares their money with worthy causes, or who uses their abilities generously for the good of others. What do you think of those people? How do they help you think about being generous in a new way? How can you choose to live like them?
Verse:
2 Corinthians 8:9-12
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. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have.
Learn More:
In this, Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he continues to encourage them and help guide them as a faith community. He also wants to help them connect to the wider work of the church and community of faith. Knowing that many Corinthians are very wealthy, he invites them to take a collection that will be shared with the church in Jerusalem, which is in great need. He reminds them that this generosity is a part of our faith and work to carry on the work of Jesus Christ.
Reflect:
Last week, we talked about connecting with each other. How does generosity connect us? How do the gifts we share unite us?
Easter is generous in so many ways, whether with money, time, gifts, or abilities. Think of a time someone at Easter was generous to you. How did that feel?
Generosity will look different for everyone. It’s part of the joy of giving! What’s one way you can share that’s unique to who you are and how God made you?
One part of Easter’s guiding vision is “to be a beacon of hope to a new generation”. What can you share to make that happen? How can we work together to keep making that true?
Respond:
Every week, Easter shares opportunities to be generous. Sometimes that looks like sharing money to support our mission or respond to an urgent community need. Sometimes it’s volunteering to serve in worship or with confirmation. Sometimes it’s bringing cookies and bars for a funeral lunch. Easter people are constantly sharing in God’s goodness. Check out the Leaflet, website, and Facebook page for Easter. Pick one new thing that you can do to give to God’s mission at Easter. Tell someone you’re going to do it – have them hold you accountable!
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 2
*printed copies available
Getting Started:
What do you think it means to connect with other people? What does that look like for you in school, at work, in your community, at home, or with your friends? When is it easiest to connect with someone? When is it hard?
Verse:
1 Corinthians 12: 25-27
There may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Learn More:
The letter to the community at Corinth is meant to help them get through some really complicated times. The people of that church represent a variety of backgrounds and traditions, and it’s getting harder and harder to live and worship together. Paul’s letter is meant to remind them that they’re one community in Jesus Christ. He encourages them to work together, to understand each other, and to live out their faith in caring relationship. He knows that their connections with each other will hold them in faith and love.
Reflect:
Easter has often used the phrase “better together” when thinking about how we do life and ministry together. How do you see us connecting with each other? How does it make us stronger as people and a congregation?
Easter people talk about “blurring the lines between church and community” in the ways we live and serve. What does that mean to you? Where do you see that happening most? Where could it happen more?
Connection isn’t just about friendships or social relationships, although that’s a big part of it. How do you think we’re called to connect with each other as children of God?
How does the call to connect fit in with the mission of carrying on the work of Jesus Christ?
Respond:
Humans are wired for connection. We need to connect with each other. Find one way this week that you can connect with someone. Maybe you want to call up a friend for a coffee date. Maybe you will write a card to five people who you know could use encouragement. Maybe you could strike up a conversation with someone new after church. Take a minute to think of what you want to do, commit to it, make a plan for how it will happen, and follow through. And best of all: share what you did with someone else and challenge them to do the same!
Carry On | Lent Devotion Week 1
*printed copies available
Getting Started:
Easter uses the phrase “carry on” a lot – like in the name of our podcast or blog. It continues to point us to our mission statement and remind us that we truly do want to “carry on the work of Jesus Christ” in our congregation and community. If someone asked you what it meant to carry on the work of Jesus, what would you say? How do you think of that work? Do you believe everyone thinks about the work of Jesus in the same way? Why or why not?
Verse: Romans 10:13-15
For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Learn More:
In the book of Romans, Paul writes to the community in Rome to encourage them and promise to visit them soon. In the meantime, he gives them a lot to think about – and do! In particular, he wants them to be sure to proclaim the gospel in every possible way. After all, no one can hear the good news unless someone talks about the good news. He wants them to carry on the good work that God has started in them by living faithfully, supporting each other, and bearing witness to Jesus.
Reflect:
What does “carry on the work of Jesus Christ” mean to you?
How do you bear witness to your faith in words and actions?
How do you see other people sharing Jesus? How does that feel? What have you learned from them?
Many people give something up for Lent, but you can also start something new. What would it look like to take up the work of proclaiming Jesus?
How is carrying on the work of Jesus related to talking about Jesus?
Respond:
Ash Wednesday, we recognize the beginning of the Lenten season. It’s a time full of reflection, service, and getting ready to hear about Jesus’ death and resurrection. Write yourself a note about how you want to make sure you practice carrying on the work of Jesus Christ this season. How will you do that? How will you be the one who bears good news today, through Lent, and for the rest of your life? How can you hold yourself accountable to this work?
Carry On | Lent Devotion Intro
Introduction:
Easter’s mission is “to grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ”. Easter people live this out in dynamic, powerful ways that cross ministry areas, age groups, worship styles, buildings, and even nations. We continue to celebrate God’s mission at Easter and that we get to be a part of it.
What does it really mean to “carry on the work of Jesus Christ”? In this Lenten season, we get an opportunity to truly focus on what Jesus has taught us and how we live it out. In particular, we will look at five vital parts of life at Easter and how we carry on the work of our Savior through them. Easter people carry on the work of Jesus when we connect, give, care, learn, and worship. These are all key components of Christian life that happen in many ways at Easter.
This Lent, let’s reflect together on the exciting and dynamic ways that Easter carries on this holy work. You can use this devotion in many ways: for your personal reflection, for conversations at the dinner table, in your Life Group, as a Bible study, or in any way that is meaningful for you. Join us at worship on Sunday mornings and Wednesdays at 5:45 pm on the Hill during Lent. In these services, we will continue the conversation, hear more about the fullness of life at Easter, and stay focused on the work God has for us in Lent, at Easter, and beyond.
Romans 15:5-7
Stop.
What does welcome feel like to you? Can you think of a time you felt welcome? Reflect on that feeling, and ask God to help you be a welcoming presence.
Listen.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:5-7
Reflect.
On Easter’s doors are signs that say all are welcome. I have heard so many people at Easter express that very desire. We love our church and we want to share it with everyone. We know that this is a place where we know God’s love, which we want others to feel, too. We want to look around and know we see the fullness of our neighborhood and the kingdom of God.
As we prepare to welcome new pastors into our congregation, it’s a great opportunity to revisit that desire. Are we truly being a welcoming presence? Are we showing interest in new faces? Are we engaging those we might not know? Are we moving beyond our own comfort to ensure there are no limits to our hospitality? Are welcoming others just as Christ has welcomed us, for the glory of God, like Romans says?
We remember that our welcome isn’t just about being nice or feeling liked. It’s about including all people in the fullness of Christian community. It’s about sharing God’s love with joy. It’s about letting the gospel be fully real in the lives of all people, now and always. That’s something worth paying attention to.
Pray.
God, make me a gracious, welcoming presence to all people, whether inside or outside church walls. Help me to share your love with kindness and authenticity. Let me speak your Son’s love to everyone. Amen.
Carry On.
Find someone in worship tomorrow who you don’t know, introduce yourself, learn (and remember!) their name, and find something you have in common. Make sure to greet them by name again next week!
Galatians 6:6, 10
Stop.
What is it you most love about your church? What does it mean for your life? Take some time to reflect on these things and gift thanks to God for them.
Listen.
Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. – Galatians 6:6, 10
Reflect.
In about a month, one of our first new pastors will officially join us in ministry. Pastor Erik Sevig, our incoming Community Care Pastor, will being his ministry with Easter in early March. Our Faith Formation Pastor, Pastor Kevin Bergeson, will join us about a month after that. Both of them will have a lot to learn about life at Easter – not to mention a lot of names to learn.
For a congregation welcoming a new pastor (or pastors!), it is the culmination of months of preparation, conversation, discernment, and interviewing. We have a list of projects, ministries, and events that need tending, beginning, or building. We’re ready to start. But for a pastor coming to a new congregation, it’s all pretty overwhelming. Saying goodbye to a previous church involves grief and loss. Transitioning to a new place can be disorienting. Jumping right into a list of things to be done before you’ve even got your head in the game can be demoralizing.
And so, as we prepare for new pastors, we remember a few things. First, that our pastors will need time, space, and grace to learn about us and this congregation. Second, that we get to set a positive tone in the beginning, demonstrating patience and compassion for our new pastors. Third, that we have a lot to offer our church and its leaders with our wisdom, talents, and hospitality.
By God’s grace, we will continue to build a community of faithfulness and joy, one day at a time.
Pray.
God, grant me patience. I’m so ready for all the good things you’ll do through our new pastors, but I know it will take time and space. Help me to offer those gifts graciously, as well as anything else I can bring to ease the transition. Let me be part of the new thing you’re doing at Easter. Amen.
Carry On.
What’s one thing you hope one of the new pastors will pay attention to in their ministries? How can you share this hope with them while still giving them space to get settled when they arrive?
Isaiah 43:18-19
Stop.
Take a moment to reflect on the ministry of everyone who has positively influenced your faith life. Consider the lessons they taught you. Thank God for their love and care in your life.
Listen.
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:18-19
Reflect.
Just a week ago, our congregation experienced incredible joy when we voted to call two new pastors to serve our congregation. Erik Sevig will serve as Community Care Pastor and Kevin Bergeson will serve as Faith Formation Pastor. I am so thrilled to welcome Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin into our congregation and its ministry.
As exciting as it is, and as fantastic as these two pastors are, it can be hard to receive new pastors. Inevitably, we compare them to previous pastors. This one was a better preacher, that one a more dynamic teacher, another was so kind, the other had the best sense of humor. That’s natural. When you think about the fullness of your faith life, you’ve likely had many kinds of pastors – and for that matter, other leaders in faith – who have come and gone, and not one has been exactly like another.
I encourage you to consider not comparing them, however. Instead, consider the new thing that each pastor or leader has brought into your life. Sure, the one wasn’t as funny as the other, but still brought beautiful new faith insights to you. Maybe you felt a more personal connection with the one, but the other has helped develop meaningful ministries. No pastor will ever be good at everything, or even all your favorite things (trust me, I know), but each one has followed the Spirit’s call to join you in ministry.
Together, we give thanks to God for the new things God does among us through new pastors, opportunities, and experiences that we can share.
Pray.
God, thank you for sending Pastor Erik and Pastor Kevin to us, and thank you for the work of the Call Committee that helped bring them here. Now, help us open our minds and hearts to the new things they will do among us to your glory. Amen.
Carry On.
How can you be praying for our new pastors this week? Can you also pray for their families in this time of transition? How about the churches that they will leave? Keep them all close in the days and weeks to come.
Matthew 2:12
Matthew 2:12
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Through a warning in a dream, and even more, I think, through their encounter with a peasant king in a tiny village, the magi’s worldview was changed. It wasn’t through the rich and powerful in Jerusalem that God was at work but through vulnerability, through peace and generosity. The way that the adult Jesus would live his life would stand in stark contrast to the Herods of the world, and the magi were already beginning to understand that. They didn’t need to report back to Herod because his power was fleeting. It would not stand forever. But the power of God which is eternal was revealed for them in a child, born in humble circumstances in the village of Bethlehem. The power of God was present among what’s considered ordinary, unremarkable. So they returned home by another road. They followed another path.
The life of faith may call us to alternative paths during the course of our lives. Sometimes our path may be surprising to others, but it’s because we walk by the light of Christ, our Morning Star. Living with peace, forgiveness, and generosity may look odd or foolish in comparison to the ways of the world. Still, the light of Christ leads us on another road.
O God, you are both guidance and mystery. Visit our rest with disturbing dreams and our journeys with new companions. Grace us with the hospitality to open our hearts to visitors filled with unfamiliar wisdom bearing profound and unusual gifts. Amen.
Matthew 2:10-11
Matthew 2:10-11
When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Joy permeates Christmas. In the book of Luke, the angel appeared before the shepherds in the fields outside of Bethlehem and said to them, “See, I bring you good news of great joy for all the people.” In Matthew, the magi were overwhelmed with joy upon finally finding Jesus. God’s saving work in Jesus is filled with joy.
I hope your Christmas celebrations were joyful this year. Even during difficult times, the good news that God has come to be with us and will never leave us can inspire deep and profound joy. And joy is an important part of God’s saving work in the world.
Howard Thurman was an African-American born at the turn of the century. Raised by a grandmother who was a former slave, Howard Thurman fought against discrimination his whole life. His writings about race and faith and social change later became influential for Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. Yet amidst the challenges he faced, he offered this advice:
Don't ask so much what the world needs.
Go out and do what makes you come alive,
because what the world needs most
are people who have come alive.
That seems to me a good definition of joy. People who are joyful have most definitely come alive, and the world is certainly in need of that.
Bright Morning Star, your light has come, and the birth of Jesus has overwhelmed us with joy. Like the magi of long ago, may we be drawn to you and offer you such gifts as we are able. Amen.
Matthew 2:1-2
Matthew 2:1-2
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.”
For many years I led a confirmation retreat at a camp in rural Wisconsin. We filled a long weekend in January with lessons, games, and other group activities. One tradition that was always a favorite part of the retreat was walking together as a group out onto the frozen lake at night. We would listen to the sounds of the woods at night and the ice shifting beneath us. Most of all, when the sky was clear, we would simply look up at the stars. It was a simple activity that required no planning, and yet it is often described as one of the highlights of the retreat. There’s something amazing about gazing up at the stars, especially away from the lights of the city, and especially with people you care about.
Neurobiologists have found that widening our vision is naturally relaxing. Gazing at the sky or out across a lake has a way of calming the body’s natural response to stress. It’s the opposite experience of the narrow tunnel vision we get in a stressful moment. Observing the dazzling stars of the night sky is like taking a deep breath; it changes how we feel.
Perhaps the magi can teach us today about keeping a broad and open perspective. God may be doing something new in your life. Take a deep breath, widen your vision, and remember that Christ is with you.
O God of light and peace, dispel the darkness that shrouds our path, and open our hearts and minds to receive your gifts of grace. Amen.
Declutter
January has always been my time to declutter my house. The process of taking down all the Christmas decorations ignites a purging desire in my soul. Before I know it, I find myself driving to the local Goodwill with a carload of garbage bags, filled with clothing and household items. And as I drive away from the donation center, I feel an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. For me, less has always been more. Mess equals stress in my brain.
This time of physical decluttering helps free up my mind and allows me to make room for what God is calling me to do in this new year. I hear God calling me to purge my mind from my electronic clutter as well. This pandemic introduced me to the world of binging shows on Netflix and I have added Snapchat and Tik Tok to my clutter as well. My phone has become attached to my body, and I find myself routinely checking it as often as I blink my eyes. Sadly, this appears to be the norm for our world, and it quite frankly scares me.
Romans 12:2:
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind and by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Paul in Romans warns us to not be conformed by this world. And these days, many unhealthy, wordly messages are poisoning the internet. Therefore, I have decided to be more cautious about the content I follow and reduce my screen time. Many of you know if you own an iPhone that you can use settings to reduce your screentime. To do this, you go to settings and select screen time and you will be able to choose app limits schedule downtime.
This is a start for me, and obviously, I can easily ignore the alarms and change the settings at any moment. But like any change in your life, you must start somewhere. I pray that along with these limits, I can seek out other ways to fill my time with God’s will. Prayer, meditation, reading, working out, volunteering my time, or starting a new hobby must be better than staring at my phone, right?
Gracious God,
Give me the strength to declutter my mind by developing healthy screentime habits and allow me to make room for your will each day. Amen.