A Prayer for a New Year

Prayer:
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever – the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW, p. 63)

A Homecoming of Sorts

During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the church consistently hears wonderful readings from the prophet Isaiah. Tonight I am reminded of words from chapter 60, which begins, “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” The chapter goes on with the prophet Isaiah envisioning the gathering of the nations to behold God’s glory. “Your sons” and “your daughters” will come, recognized, protected, and carried by the love of family and of the faith community. This reading comes alive for me on Christmas Eve, because one of my greatest joys on this evening is to see the families who come to worship together: Parents with children whom I remember from confirmation, adults over whose weddings I presided, many, now coming home with children of their own. They have grown up. They may live far from their parents, but when they come back to visit, their parents’ homes shine with the light and joy of their presence. When I hear about what they’re doing these days, I hear of their Christian vocations and of the many ways they’re engaged in work that will make this world a better place. Tonight I see them holding their Christmas Eve candles, with the light reflected in their beautiful faces. And they are living the blessing that the God gave them through the church when they were baptized, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Tonight, they and all of us have come to worship the newborn Christ child…

Prayer:
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW, p. 20)

A Backwards Christmas

One of the highlights of this weekend was the children’s Sunday School Christmas Program, presented during the 5pm Saturday worship service. The children were well-prepared and filled with excitement for telling the story. Over 500 people were present as the story of Christ’s birth was told backwards – yes, backwards. The plot of the program’s story goes like this: some of the characters, the Magi specifically, need to leave the Christmas program early, and ask the director if they can tell the story backwards. The director agrees, the story begins with the visit of the Magi, and unfolds – backwards - from there.

It was a wonderful reminder of how many things in life come to us kind of backwards: decisions and family responsibilities for instance. Then again, there are things that occur in life – sickness, loss, unexpected changes - that suddenly turn everything else backwards. In fact, the Christmas story itself is about what happens when God does amazing and unexpected things, and turns backwards and upside-down the lives of Mary & Joseph, shepherds & Magi, humans schemes, and logical expectations, and comes to be with us as Emmanuel – God-with-us. Come to think of it, it is the very backwards nature of this Story that, from beginning to end, truly makes it “Good News.”

Prayer:
Gracious God, thank you for the children who lead us by telling the Story, your Story, with genuineness and joy. Bless all of your people with your presence so that we might grow in grace and faith even when things in life seem backwards and turned around. Out of our confusion, bring your order and peace, and shine around us the Light of your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Anything but Boring

Some people believe that Church Council meetings and Congregational meetings are boring. Some find them unimportant. Others believe that meetings bring out the worst in all of us. And for still others, meetings are one of the necessary evils of the church’s bureaucracy.

Some of that may be true. In some places, people may use these meetings as occasions to fight about anything – from the color of carpeting to the number of pickle forks that have disappeared from the kitchen!

But I must say that here at Bethlehem, congregational meetings are quite amazing and are always opportunities for the working of the Holy Spirit!

Acts 15 describes one of the first church meetings, held in Jerusalem. The agenda was of monumental importance: whether or not Gentiles had to become Jews before they became Christians. The answer of course, was no! And in the account of that meeting, we hear that people presented their testimony, listened to one another and to the Holy Spirit, and then took action.

At Bethlehem’s semi-annual meeting today, huge decisions were made. The congregation approved a million-dollar budget, as well as the provision to proceed with unplanned, yet necessary repair of our roof. Many leaders had done their homework to prepare for this meeting. We began with prayer. People listened, asked wise questions, then took action. And God’s mission, I believe, was well served. No fighting. No unnecessary red tape. Nothing boring about it!

Prayer:
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen. (ELW, p. 73)

Light for This Darkness

Today is the First Sunday in Advent, and the 6 inches of snow that fell on Saturday have now made it rather difficult to put up my outside Christmas lights. You need to know how surprising it is for me even to have this thought, because for a long time I have been a purist about Advent and Christmas: save the lights and the celebration for the 12 days of Christmas and keep the Advent “decorating” to a minimum. But I’ve found that as I get older, I’m much less zealous about certain things (and I pray for the grace to discern the things about which I must remain zealous!) One of the things that have shifted in my mind has to do with lights in Advent. Life is filled with much night: the loss of those we love, the death of dreams, the persistent sinfulness that permeates our hearts and minds, the needs and troubles of people we meet or know. The lights of Advent are a powerful statement of hope and trust that the light of Jesus Christ will continue to shine to overcome the nighttime of our spirits and of our world. And when we light those lights in our yards, in our homes, or in worship, it is a powerful statement that we are siding with the Light and taking up the call to shine Christ’s Light for all we’re worth.

Tonight Bethlehem hosted a fabulous concert by the Great River Chorale, Cantabile Girls’ Chorus, and the Central Minnesota Youth Chorale. Because Saturday’s concert was snowed out, it was a packed house with 650 people welcomed to this event; and I wish that many, many more might have experienced our sanctuary during the last song. The room was darkened, but shining in the night were the 4 candles on stands in the front, the first candle high on the Advent wreath, and the hand candles of nearly 200 singers in every aisle, their song coming to us in “surround sound.” Their song is my prayer as this Advent season begins:


"Night of Silence" by Dan Kantor, arr. John Ferguson
Cold are the people, winter of life; we tremble in shadows this cold endless night.
Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping, flowers that will echo the sunrise.
Fire of hope is our only warmth; weary, its flame will be dying soon.

Voice in the distance, call in the night, on wind you enfold us, you speak of the light.
Gentle on the ear you whisper softly, rumors of a dawn so embracing,
breathless love awaits darkened souls, soon will we know of the morning.

Spirit among us, shine like the Star, your light that guides shepherds & kings from afar.
Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely, rising in the warmth of your Son’s love,
Star unknowing of night and day, Spirit we wait for your loving Son.

Naming the Days

The big shopping day has passed, and it appears that we’ve begun the season when our days are named according to the level of our retail shopping. We hope for a “Black Friday” – so that financial books come out “in the black” and not “in the red.” Tomorrow is “Cyber Monday” because of all of the online shopping predicted to take place. Soon we can look forward to “Green Monday” as shoppers make one last surge to grab up Christmas gifts and Christmas bargains. Today it seems our days are numbered and named according to our spending.

The church has another way: Every moment of every day is noticed and numbered by the One who has given it to us – God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. WE are named by the One who reigned from a cross on that “Good Friday” – Jesus Christ, – and who marks us with that cross in Baptism. And we are called by the Holy Spirit who gives us true joy, not in seeing how much we can pile up for ourselves, but in discovering the joy that is known in serving the neighbor.

At Bethlehem this past week, there have been telling signs of Christ’s rule over the lives of disciples here: a meal served on Thanksgiving Day to 175 new Americans; and still on the pews in our worship space – some of the 510 quilts made by the Mission Work Day Quilters to share locally and around the globe.

On the Sunday of Christ the King, we look to the promised day when “the kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign forever and ever.” Rev. 11:15 NRSV

And we pray:
O God, our true life, to serve you is freedom, and to know you is unending joy. We worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Abide with us, reign in us, and make this world into a fit habitation for your divine majesty, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

(ELW, Prayer of the Day – Christ the King)

Generously Living as Disciple with Whatever I Have

I’ve always appreciated Ken Medema’s profound lyrics and powerful music. The songs from the new CD “Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share” (part of the new ELCA stewardship resources) have connected with and challenged me especially during the past few weeks. Here’s another – most fitting for this week when our congregation is thinking about what it means to be “Generously Living as Disciples” and as our nation approaches Thanksgiving Day.

“Whatever I Have”
Grateful Living

Just suppose I find myself on a crowded, city street,
begging for subsistence amid the sound of rushing feet.
Or suppose I find myself in a lonely prison cell.
Could I say from deep inside I am glad for all is well? Refrain

Refrain:
Whatever I have or have not; whatever I am or am not,
I can make it through anything now in the One who makes me who I am.

Just suppose I find myself in the lap of luxury,
In a mansion on a hill or a yacht upon the sea;
In the halls of greed and power, where temptation grows each day.
Would my every step announce I could give this all away? Refrain

Just suppose I find myself far away from home and friends,
In a desert with no path on a night that never ends.
Or suppose I find I’m caught by a greed that won’t let go.
Could I raise my voice and say for all the world to know: Refrain

We are Changed for Good

We’re in the midst of a three-week series, Generously Living as Disciples. Yes, that would be the fall stewardship emphasis; but I have to say that this is anything but a typical “stewardship emphasis.” This week, the sermon took the form of a chancel drama, written by my colleague, Pastor Steve Cook. “The Day Love Came Home” is a delightful, powerful, and humorous telling of the story of Zacchaeus. Ed & Solveig Krafnik portrayed Zac Zacchaeus and his wife, Betty, and gave us a glimpse into what the conversation might have been like the night Zacchaeus repented, gave away half of their possessions, settled fourfold with anyone with whom he had a issue, and welcomed to their house Jesus and the disciples! Following the drama, Roger Fink, Dave Kvaas, and Brenda Handel-Johnson offered the following song by Ken Medema:

Changed for Good
1. No more watching from the top of a tree; no more watching from a distance to see;
love is here and love is calling to me; I’m being changed for good.

2. Light the lamps and let the party begin; open doors and let the people come in.
I am miles away from where I have been. I’m being changed for good.

Refrain:
Here’s my promise, here’s my vow: things are changing, starting now;
I was lost, now I’m found, go and tell everybody in town.

3. Time to break the chains that bound me so long.
There’s no way that I can right all my wrongs.
Here I start and if it takes my life long, I’m being changed for good.

The song’s been going through my mind all week., also reminding me of what Luther says about the significance of Baptism for daily life: “It signifies that the old person in us with all its sins and evil desires is to be drowned and die through daily sorrow for sin and through repentance, and on the other hand that daily a new person is to come forth and rise up to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.” ELW, p. 1165.

Welcome to a new day, friends!


Changed for Good, Words & Music by Ken Medema. Copyright ã2007, Ken Medema Music/ASCAP/Brier Patch Music. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Member CCLI. This song is included in a CD called “Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share.”

All Saints Day Connects Saints Across Time & Place

All Saints Day is one of my favorite days of the church year, and this year was no exception. Bethlehem All Ages Orchestra played at 9:00, and the Choir sang Brahm’s How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place from the “Requiem.” At 11:00 the Ensemble and Band had me so caught up in praise that I lost where we were at the end of worship! At all of the worship services on this weekend, we celebrate the baptized people of God, past and present, who make up the body of Christ. On the bulletin cover, in the shape of a cross, are listed the names of all who have been welcomed into the body of Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism this year. And surrounding them are printed the names of all who have joined what we call “the Church Triumphant” this past year. How moving and emotional it is to name each of these dear brothers and sisters in the Prayer of the Church as we all, with their families, give thanks for their lives! It is a powerful reminder of how we are connected to the saints of all times!
At the same time, this is a day to remember that we are connected to the saints of all places. Saturday night brought home that experience as 40 people gathered with our friends from Bethlehem in the Holy Land, who had prepared a fabulous Middle East dinner. Following the meal, they told about the hardships they endure as Palestinian Christians, how because of where they were born, their family now has to live separately (in Jerusalem and in Bethlehem). They told about how the economy of Bethlehem is being devastated by the wall, and they expressed their concerns for the way that this impossible living situation is driving so many Palestinian Christians to leave the city of Bethlehem, the place of Christ’s birth. But above all, what we heard from these courageous Christians was their hope in Jesus Christ and their determination to work for the good of the people and the city that is central to the faith of Christians around the world. They said that it’s not the stones of the city that are important – the place of Christ’s birth will not change; but it is the “living stones,” the people there, about whom they are concerned.
I am proud of the work that the ELCA is doing in partnership with Christians in the Holy Land; there is a wealth of information on the ELCA web site - ELCA.org

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside very weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his sear at the right hand of the throne of God..” Hebrews 12:1-2a

27 Affirm the Promises of their Baptism

This afternoon we celebrated Affirmation of Baptism with 27 10th grade students. It was an amazing experience as nearly 400 people came here to be with these very special young adults. Like their parents and family members, I always come to this day, part of me wishing that we could seal each one in a bubble so that nothing bad could happen to them, but…..
#1 – We can’t. And so their parents and the church do the very best thing that we can do - we surround them with prayer. Parents, grandparents, baptismal sponsors, and family & friends come forward, place a hand on his/her head, and placing our hands on their head, we pray: Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in Sara the gift of your Holy Spirit: confirm her faith, guide her life, empower her in her serving, give her patience in suffering, and bring her to everlasting life. And the student says, Amen!
#2 – The world needs these amazing young people to “shine” the Light of Christ that God has given them. God has given them great gifts. We pray that God will send them to use those gifts in God’s mission. God’s world is constantly changing, and I cannot pretend to imagine the world into which God will send these young people three years from now. In the meantime, they are here with us. They’ve heard me say many times, “Confirmation is not graduation.” And they need you to continue to welcome them into fellowship and leadership.

This was one of the verses this class chose to be read today, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14.

Please join in praying for them:
Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in Grace, Brittany, Kristina, Kandace, Joseph, Courtney, Blake, Chelsey, Emily, Bennett, Jordon, Sara, Amanda, Sara, Kairsten, Michael, Ben, Aryn, Katie, Chelsi, Derek, Claire, Nicole, Evan, Brett, Alyssa, and Danielle the gift of your Holy Spirit: confirm their faith, guide their life, empower them in their serving, give them patience in suffering, and bring them to everlasting life. Amen!

What does it mean for Bethlehem to be a "Missional Church?"

My pastor colleagues and I have just returned from the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Fall Theological Conference, an event in which I’ve participated for 26 years. I have to say that this event always seem to come at a time when it’s hard to pull away: I’m busy reading Faith Statements from Confirmands, preparing for the Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Service on Reformation Sunday, the week before is usually MEA (a week during which it’s difficult to connect with people), and it’s time to be heavily engaged in work for the November Stewardship emphasis. Instead, there I was, driving to Mankato, hoping my computer connection would be successful (it was!), and finally, looking forward to time apart. And in fact, through all of these years, I have always found that God uses this time to renew and strengthen me.
One of the speakers this year was Dr. Pat Keifert, of Luther Seminary. Years ago Dr. Keifert was helping people think about what it means for the church to live out the hospitality of Jesus Christ to welcome strangers; his teaching then helped us plan for Bethlehem’s relocation and our ministry of welcoming people in this place.
Now, Dr. Keifert is talking about what it means to be the church in mission in the 21st century. He presented a session that reflected on the question, “What Does it Mean to be Missional?” and identified four quadrants in which churches might find themselves in relation to that question:

• Quadrant I – a religious club or spiritual filling station that exists to “Meet my needs.”
• Quadrant II – a church with a mission: focused on evangelism and/or social action
• Quadrant III – a closed door community: focused on being a “good” church, but only for “us.”
• Quadrant IV – a missional church: both congregational life & outreach are focused on GOD’s mission.

The missional question with which churches need to grapple is: What is GOD’S preferred and promised future for this congregation? What is God up to in this community and how does God want us to be a part of it? These were the kinds of questions we were talking about at Bethlehem during our strategic planning process 3 years ago. Much has changed since that time, and yet there is much in our strategic plan that we have yet to address.
So what do you think? Where do you think we are? How shall we follow in the way God is leading us?

O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (ELW p. 317)

Giving Thanks in a NO WHINING Zone

The view from my office window allows me to monitor every step in the County Road #137 construction project. From where I sit, I can see the heavy equipment coming and going - or standing still as they have been recently due to the rain! I’ve learned that it now takes twice as long to travel from home to church, and 20 minutes to travel from church to the grocery store. I get frustrated with the traffic, frustrated at how my daily routines and habits have been rearranged. And I must confess that through this, I’ve learned once again how spoiled I am.
It hit home this weekend while I was working on the sermon for Sunday. The Gospel reading was the story of the 10 men who were healed of their leprosy, only one of whom returned to praise God and fall at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving. Not only was this man healed physically, he also experienced a healing of vision and received eyes of faith to see clearly the Giver of the gift he’d received.
But there was another kind of healing needed in this story, and that was the healing of hearts so that the barriers that exist between people might come down, and people see each other as God does, as children of God. The man who returned to give thanks was a Samaritan, someone whom others kept on the margins of society. Even though he was healed of his leprosy, he would always be an outsider to others, unless they were able to see him as the person of faith that he was.
In communities across this country, some of the greatest barriers exist for people who are new Americans, new immigrants, and our new neighbors. Time and again I have heard the faith stories that these new friends share, stories of praying while fleeing for life and leaving home for the last time, of praying the 23rd Psalm while walking across an entire nation.
I was ashamed as I thought about my whining over the insignificant inconvenience I know because of the road construction. And my heart has been healed by the testimony of our new neighbors, brothers and sisters in Christ, who are in the habit of praising God not just on the good days, but in all circumstances. They are missionaries in our midst, living and teaching me what it means to walk by faith.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.” Psalm 103:1-2

Gracious God, we confess that we are so quick to complain and so slow to give thanks. Grant us eyes of faith to see the abundant gifts you shower upon us. Grant us warm hearts to welcome new neighbors and receive their testimony of faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

“Just head toward the tiki torches”

Not something you’d expect to hear at Bethlehem Lutheran . . . in St. Cloud, Minnesota . . . in October! But when people arrived at Bethlehem on Friday night for a concert by The Rose Ensemble, that was exactly the greeting they received. Directions were needed, because there were many things happening around here:

• People were bringing items to be sold at the Fall Festival the next morning;
  Support group members were warmly welcoming participants as they always do on Friday nights;
• There were hosts ready to direct people to have their beautiful smiles captured by the photographer for our pictorial directory;
• Willing hands were happy to take orders for the Centennial Cookbook that is being prepared and assembled for next fall;
• And the Concert Ushers, decked out in black & white and adorned with Hawaiian lei, were directing concert-goers in through the Preschool entrance, down the long hallway, past the nursery and through exit doors that are never used, under a canopy, on a path lit by tikki torches, into the sanctuary, past the flowing water of the baptismal font, and finally – to their places.

The Rose Ensemble was fabulous in its musicality and in telling the story of the history, spirit, music, and survival of the Hawaiian people. Songs of the sea were accompanied by the sounds of flowing water. Beautiful sounds. Warm welcome. The light of Christ’s presence, shining like a torch in the night.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” --John 8:12

Our loving God, thank you for sending your Son to shine the light of his presence in the nighttime of our lives. Use us to reflect Christ’s light to the world. Amen.

A Great Cloud of Witnesses

It was one of those Spirit-filled moments in worship. At the Sending of the 9:00 worship service, the choir walked from the choir area to fan out and surround the congregation, singing the Benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Powerful, live “Surround Sound.”
It reminded me of the sanctuary of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar, where there is a circular sanctuary with the names of famous saints throughout history carved on the wall above our heads. At the end of the list, there is one open plaque, there so that you can fill in your name. The names remind the worshipers of the verse from Hebrews 11, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.”
It was fabulous music and a moving sight that, as one of my friends would say, “made my fur stand on end.” It has been one of those weeks when the saints of Bethlehem today have been at their best, surrounding with their care two of our families who are grieving deeply the deaths of loved ones: Bud Zieman and Jason Schumacher. Now these brothers in Christ are part of the heavenly chorus that is cheering us on.
To lead the choir, Director Keith stood in front, on the steps of the chancel, directing the singers. As I was looking around taking in the sight - there in the front row, I saw him: a little boy held in his Dad’s arms, watching Keith, and waving HIS arms, copying what he saw the Choir Director doing. The “therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” suddenly took on another dimension, spanning generations and time, and providing a living illustration of how the saints pass on the faith by modeling it for the next generation right now. It reminded me that there is always a younger saint watching those of us who are farther along on our faith journey. As they watch us, what do they see? What would they copy?

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” --1 Timothy 6:18-19

Almighty God, thank you for surrounding with the saints, past and present, who cheer us on in our faith journey. Use our words and our actions, that they might be an example and encouragement to others. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Many Bright Lights Shining from Bethlehem

It was one of those amazing weekends when people of Bethlehem reflected the light of Christ in so many ways!

• Parents gathered on Saturday to prepare for baptism and consider the promises they are making to raise their children to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
• On a retreat at St. John’s on this gorgeous Saturday, twenty-six 10th graders and adult leaders prepared for “Affirmation of Baptism” living out their discipleship in the future.
• Second Grade children and their families came together for a workshop on Saturday to prepare for their very special Milestone of receiving their own Bible on Sunday.
• During the Sunday learning time, BeFrienders shared information about this caring ministry of reaching out with God’s love, and families came together to learn how to have fun & meaningful devotions at home.
• The Bikers of Bethlehem had a fantastic ride on a beautiful afternoon, and raised $448.00 for the food shelf!
• Over 200 Sunday School children came to learn of Jesus’ love for them; during worship we prayed God’s blessing upon their teachers, assistants, and leaders, and the Confirmation Guides.
• In the afternoon, 30 people came together to have a conversation about how people of faith can bridge the gaps between life as God envisions it for people, and the realities that people experience every day.
• Young Adults gathered in the evening for a Bible Study at Caribou.
• High School students created their own “Starlite” Coffee House right here.
• And over the course of 5 worship services ( Sat. 5 pm, Sun. 8,9,11, and 12:30 in Nuer language) 729 people gathered together for worship!

If anybody asks me what God is up to around here, I’ll just point to sightings like these! Thanks be to God!

“From the rising of the sun to its going down let the name of the Lord be praised.” -Psalm 133:3

Jesus, thank you for bringing the light of your presence into so many lives. Use us to shine for you today. Amen.

"Under Construction"

The road to Bethlehem is open (from the west, anyway), but it’s kind of hard to get here right now! The County is working to put in traffic lights at the four-way stop east of the bridge, and to align our driveway with Dublin Drive. All of it eventually will make the drive to and from Bethlehem a whole lot safer than it has been in the past, so it will be well worth the temporary challenges!

From where I sit, I’ve been able to watch the deconstruction and construction in progress as the heavy equipment moves earth, and it’s been pretty interesting. When our son was young, he and his friends were fascinated by “diggers.” The heavy equipment would come in to start digging the foundation for a new home in the area, the boys would climb on their bikes and ride to the vicinity, and then put down the bikes and just sit there on the grass and watch – transfixed – by the size of the equipment and the hole it would dig.
Through my office window, this week I’ve been able to watch those giant claws digging nearby, as though they’re looking for something deep in the earth.

During the past couple of weeks, there has been a lot of construction going on at Bethlehem as we put in place the infrastructure that helps to make disciples. The fall worship and learning schedule has resumed, and I have been awestruck by the building that God is doing in the hearts of Bethlehem people these days.
People are coming back after the summer: some who go to cabins every weekend, some who just take couple of months to breathe, and kids who grow, I declare, 4 inches over the summertime.

• Preschool is off and running, and oh how wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of young children, so filled with eagerness for the things before them in every new day.
  
• Parents are stepping up to the plate to teach Sunday School and serve as Guides for Confirmation (but yes, we are seeking more teachers and assistants for young and middle-school aged children!!). There’s a real sense of joy filling our classrooms.
  
• I can see the delight of people who are re-connecting with old friends and others beginning to make new friends and build relationships that I hope will last a lifetime.
  

People come to church seeking a living relationship with the living God; some stay away from church because that isn’t what the church has given them in the past. Often the road they have to follow is as complicated and winding as the roads to Bethlehem right now. But somehow through the Holy Spirit, and maybe through you, God is calling them. One of my seminary teachers, the late Dr. Gerhard Forde, I believe, once interpreted the Gospel for Sunday as God relentlessly seeking, searching, digging, for each person, thinking and whispering and repeating over and over, “The one: gotta find the one, gotta find the one, gotta find the one.” What Good News when you know you have been found by God! What a great calling to be sent to tell and show somebody else that God has found them, God is with them. Jesus says, “Rejoice with me, for I have found my one that was lost.”

Dear God, seek out your children and send us to search. Amen.

--Pastor Dee Pederson

Cometary!

Good morning! Or maybe it’s, Good Day! Or even, Good Night! Maybe the sun is just rising or stands high in the sky. Maybe the moon and stars have begun to shine overhead. Or perhaps you’re up in the middle of the night and caught a glimpse of something amazing in the night sky. Regardless of when you read this reflection, I hope that you know the grace of God shining through today. “Through” as in permeating into your heart and mind, and “through” as in being reflected out in the things you say and do.

I’m starting this blog as a means of consolidating and communicating reflections from Sunday, the Lord’s Day. I have the privilege of sitting in a place where I get to see so many of the ways God’s work among us shines with such brilliance. I’ve long wished that there were a way for more of you to be able to see the way the light of Christ is shining around here - and out there. But there hasn’t been a quick way to share these insights, until now. Enter: the blog.

Some days I might share a reflection from Sunday’s worship: an awesome sight, a moment from a song, an amazing thing that my colleague preachers shared, part of a reading, or a wonderful thing that happened at Sunday School. Some days I might comment on something I read or saw or heard about. Often there will be a phrase from one of the week’s texts and a brief prayer. And usually, it will be shorter than this!

Text: Psalm 112:4 – “Light shines in the darkness for the upright; the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.”

Prayer: O God, the light of your love constantly shines into our lives, and some days your brilliance surprises us and takes our breath away. Use us to today to reflect the light of your mercy and compassion to someone else. Send us to shine for you, and open our eyes to behold your presence in someone else, for the sake of the world. Amen.

--Pastor Dee Pederson