Lenten Reflection - March 31st

Written by: Pastor Ron Lee

Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 1 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. 13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

We are in the process of adding a new member to our family, not a grandchild this time, but a wonderful Shetland Sheep dog, named Chance. He is a miniature Lassie, two and a half years old, and has a sweet disposition and a twinkle in his eye. And the first thing we will do? Show Chance, we love him, to help ease his fears about his new surroundings and relationships, of course. We have two other dogs that are part of our extended family, so the process of creating a new pack will need to take some time, and make a real effort, as Chance becomes part of our "pack". If you have ever gone through the process of adding a new member to your family, human or otherwise, you probably know the drill. Love isn't just pats and snuggling. It is, also, setting out the boundaries for acceptable behavior that keeps the new one, and the rest of the family safe and free from harm. There is a fence, a leash, and you scan the environment for anything that would be dangerous or might cause harm. People and pets that do not have boundaries provided by loving parents, are usually out of control and miserable to be around. Great love, and healthy community, always develops in an environment of safety and trust. So it is with God and us. It isn't a matter of God telling us to "obey the commandments to prove that you are a good person." That would be to see the commandments from our perspective. Instead, they are God's great way of saying to us: "Now that I have made you part of my family, and surrounded you with my love, here are the 'house rules" to keep you safe. Break them, and I will still love you. But if you do, you will be a danger to yourself and to the rest of the family." So God commands things like these: Love and honor me, your father and mother, don't kill, steal, lie about the other members of the family, or steal their bones! We will have our house rules for Chance, because we already love him and want him and the other members of our family to do well. Now that you are part of God's community of love, how are you doing with his house rules, the ten commandments? Can you see beyond the fence God erects around us, to the heart of love that enfolds us?

Lord, thank you for your love, and that you would give me such a clear vision of what you command and desire that my life might be rich and full. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 30th

Written by: Joanne Spalding

Reading: Hebrews 11:1, 6-7

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

When I was diagnosed with cancer why was I unable to take my diagnosis and fears to God when my faith was truly needed? Initially, I followed the grief cycle, passing through each stage; denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Something was missing with acceptance. I needed to share with God. I remembered the Bible passages from both Abraham and Noah – both trusted God when their lives took some unexpected turns. Real faith produces startling results. I needed to take my fears to God. Faith is especially needed when we face our immortality. Each day, I pray in early morning and late night, thanking him for getting me through another day and just keeping God aware of my complete faith in him. Results are not always visible but sharing my faith in him feels good immediately.

God – Grant me the strength to focus on my goal of understanding the importance of faith in my daily life on good days and on bad. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 29th

Written by: Carolyn Champagne

Reading: Jeremiah 17:7-8

7 “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Trust is sometimes such a hard thing to have. It means letting go of your fears and anxiety. It means having faith in Jesus to know that He hears us and will do what is right for us. How often have you worried about something, whether it is an illness, a bad argument with someone, or stress over money, etc. You pray about it, but you still worry. If you totally give it up to the Lord and trust in Him, He will be there for you. Many years ago my dad was in the hospital and had gone through heart surgery and a bleeding ulcer, all in the span of a few weeks. He had had 3 surgeries to repair all that was needed and was in a coma. Only one doctor thought he would pull through. This was one time that I had to trust in Jesus that he would do what was best for my dad no matter what the outcome. It was hard, but also freeing at the same time when you realize that it is not in your hands any more.

Dear Jesus, Lord and Savior, thank you for giving us these messages to live by which should make our lives easier. Help us remember to fully trust in you, realizing that you know what is best for us and won’t leave our side. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 28th

Written by: Diane Bechtold

Reading: Philippians 2:7-8

7 he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Over and over again, we read how God hunbled Jesus to come to us as a human. this savior of the world died to redeem us from the woeful load that sin had cast and gave us the glorious model of Grace. His death was agonizing and degrading; but served to release humankind from the poser and correuption that sin holds. We all live in a "Good Friday" world, and have been released from it by what is to come.

Gracious Lord: Thank you for taking on the power of sin so that we might live for the promise of Easter. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 27th

Written by: Bill Nasworthy

Reading: John 8:31-32
31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John reports to us that Jesus says that if we believe in God’s teachings and “live” them that we will be “set free”. And reading further in John, it tells us that we are a “slave to sin” and only living God’s word (the truth) will free us. Therein lies the battle…we strive to do good works as God requires of us, but we sin on a daily basis.

Father, thank you for leading us in your way. Help us to live as your disciples and assist us when we fall short. As we continue through Lent, allow us to keep our eyes on your Holy Son and appreciate all he suffered for us to live. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 26th

Written by: Lou Shives

Reading: Micah 7:18-19
18 Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

What an amazing scripture. During this Lenten season, I am reminded of the love of God who gave His only begotten Son as a living sacrifice for my/our sins. Micah encourages me by saying that God is not an angry God, but rather a merciful and compassionate God who pardons my iniquities and casts my sins into the ocean. As a parent, I can’t imagine how it would feel to have a child become a living sacrifice. At times I question myself, “Does Jesus know what His death and resurrection mean to me?”, “Do I thank God enough for all that He has done for me”? and “Do my actions reflect my love for God?” What comfort to know that while I try to become more like Him, He forgives me for my imperfections as an individual and parent. To Him be the glory both now and forever.

Lord: You gave Your life as a living sacrifice for me. I am Yours. Enable me to glorify You in everything I do, in everything I say, and with everything I have. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 25th

Written by: Frank Raike

Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“They are taking more away from us!” We were promised an income, benefits, and a future. Now, it’s slowly being taken away. Many are without jobs or have settled for a time on employment that is less than where we were before. Others have not had a raise in years. Health Care costs are rising. House values are decreasing. Gasoline is going up again. The retirement plan isn’t looking good. It’s not fair!
Matthew 5:1-12 are referred to as the Beatitudes and part of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus calls us to look at the world in a new way, to value and respect things differently than what we know in our society. Our ordinary ways of understanding are turned around, and the world is given a new direction. This was true two thousand years ago, and it’s so true today.
From the same blessings heard on the mount, they still ring true for today: God's ways value justice for all people. Understand that each of us who are poor, sorrowful, and oppressed physically, mentally, financially, and morally have much to rejoice for. Our faith inspires us as a community and individuals to speak up and act out against injustices in the world. Look to the recent events of peaceful protest throughout the world today, and know we bear witness to the power of God's love.
Christ Our Savior: teach us the eight principles of the Kingdom of God that we can live a justice life. Help us focus positively on what we should be like rather than on what we should not do. Keep us from evil and lead us to truth. With the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, let your love and holiness dominate our lives. Amen

From Joe's view...

Mary Knurek reminded me this weekend that my blog was due. Getting the chance to pontificate is a wonderful shot in the ego, but it carries with it the burden of a deadline. Gail Seeram also asked for my evaluation of Pastor Nathan, for about the 3rd time. We’re on the church council and councils do such things. I generally shy away from written evaluations of leaders, though. They’re not engaged in repetitive tasks, so the critique and correction model really doesn’t apply. But I suddenly realized that I could kill two birds with one stone and half my workload. So this month’s blog is my evaluation of Nathan. I love being clever.
_________

Nathan has a Pastoral heart. It oozes out his pores. He loves this congregation, and he embraces us with his affection before he even opens his mouth. He is delighted to see us each and every week. He also has an uncanny sense of which battles to fight and when to let mercy have the better part of judgment. In short, he has a barrel full of emotional intelligence.

He knows where the end zone is, and he’s kept this congregation from running itself out of bounds over issues that are not central to the mission – getting to that end zone. Consequently, St. Stephen is cohesive and growing, while most mainstream churches are shrinking and splitting. I’d say that makes him a consummate political leader.

He’s actually Biblically and philosophically literate; surprisingly well-read for someone with no snow on the roof. And I understand that a great and powerful wizard is granting him a diploma that proves that he, like the scarecrow, obviously has a brain. I think that qualifies him as a scholar and theologian. Congratulations, Doc.

Business leaders and owners seek his opinion on the operation of their firms. They accept him as a peer and are warmed by the camaraderie they share. That, my friends, is an impressive feat. And despite his busy schedule, he actually shows up at ball practice and concerts and performances. His kids rush toward him, not away. And his wife still welcomes his embrace. All in all, I’d say he’s pretty well balanced.

And here’s the one I like the best - 73% of his sermons have a pin-drop moment; that instant where no one breathes or moves as the previous point strikes home. I’d say that makes him a consummate performer as well.

There are no gaping wounds that bleed pathos where sunshine belongs. No baggage that trips him up or gets in the way of his taking care of my wounds and baggage. I go out of my way to say “you gotta meet this guy!” instead of mumbling “he’s actually ok once he get to know him.”

So how do I put a number on him?
• Compared to Moses, Elijah and the Apostle Paul, I give him an 85%. It’s all good, he just hasn’t transcended on a cloud or anything truly impressive yet.
• Compared to the rest of the ELCA clergy, though, I’d give him a 97%. He’s the complete package, but I just wanted to leave him a little room for improvement and growth or he’d get antsy.

We got a great deal on a Cadillac, folks. He’s clearly above the norm. That’s cause for us to celebrate the hard work of the call committee, the hand of the Holy Spirit and plain old dumb luck. We found him in Nebraska, after all --- preaching to a corn stalk. Hallelujah, and again I say --- hallelujah.

Ok, ok, ok. Calm down. Cause I got bad news too. This is also cause for us to mourn the ill fortune of all those other congregations who are served by lesser folks. How sad and painful for them.
And I’d like to ask one simple question ---

---- “WHY IS THAT?”

The Nathans of the world ought to be the norm, not the exception.
• Every pastor ought to be well balanced, emotionally intelligent, theologically versed and gifted with the tools of the trade. Every one of them.
• No pastor should be unable to minister because of the massiveness of his own weaknesses and shortcomings. They simply should not be in a pulpit. They are God’s precious children, just as we all are. They just need to sit in the pews.
God’s work is serious work and should be handled by the best and brightest among us.

So why is that not the case?
And what are we going to do about it?
We need to recruit better, train better, weed better, reward better, pamper better and demand more.
Where can we impact that process?

This ought to be a burning issue for us, because we’re going to dive back into that ELCA talent pool one of these days. Nathan will not live forever. Or maybe he will, but just in a different venue. Either way, I don’t want to rely on hard work and dumb luck finding us another winner. I’d like the talent pool so well stocked that finding the next winner is easy. Real easy.

I think we’ve got work to do.

Joe Anderson
3/24/2011

Lenten Reflection - March 24th

Written by: Ann Shaffer

Reading: John 5:1-18
1 Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda[a] and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. [4] [b] 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.”
11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ”
12 So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?”
13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.
14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.
The Authority of the Son
16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

For this devotion, we were asked to write a Faith story. The first thing that came to mind happened recently when we relocated back to Florida from Texas. Due to family situations in Florida, we really wanted to move back. We didn’t know how we were going to accomplish the move, but we prayed and asked God to help us. One big factor in the move was selling our house in Texas. The morning the photographer was to take pictures for the realtor turned out to be a grey rainy day and not very good conditions for taking pictures. I was a little disappointed, but kept working and continued to pray. About ten minutes before the photographer was to arrive, the clouds passed over and the biggest sunny blue sky appeared. When the photographer arrived, she commented on how she had been taking pictures all morning long in the grey overcast and it was amazing how the sky had cleared up as she was driving into our neighborhood. She took the pictures and they turned out great. Right after the photographer left, the sky clouded up again. We had a contract on the house the first day it went on the market. The whole story is too long to write about here, but the summary is that within a 3 month period, my husband and I both had new jobs, sold our house in Texas, bought a house in Florida and moved all our belongings. Everything just seemed to click and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that God answered our prayers and helped us to move. We had faith that God would answer our prayers and give us the wisdom to see his answers.

This Scripture reading shows us how Jesus did such miraculous things for people. At first the man questioned how it could be done, and then Jesus told him what to do. He followed Jesus with amazing results. How many times in our lives do we find ourselves in situations where we don’t know what to do and think that it is hopeless? God is always there for us and will help us in any situation. It requires Faith on our part to never have doubt and know that he is always there for us and will give us the answers if we would just take the time to pay attention to what he is telling us. Thanks be to God.

Lenten Reflection - March 23rd

Written by: Evelyn Nasworthy

Reading: Matthew 3:1-17
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”

4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.

16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

In this Scripture from Matthew, we hear the story of John the Baptist and the eventual baptism of Jesus with the Holy Spirit (dove) descending from heaven. This is a very powerful story that shows us how our baptism connects us to Christ and what a wonderful promise there is for us through the Holy Spirit. Water is life and has a different meaning with the “new life” it brings each of us. Water nourishes your body AND your soul. Remind yourself of the promise God has made to you through the Holy Spirit and dip your hand into the water at our Baptismal Font and “renew” yourself. You can never do it too often.

Holy Spirit, thank you for bringing the spirit of the Lord to each of us. Be with us as we venture through this Lenten season. Remind us of the promise from God and renew my life. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 22nd

Written by: Genon Murray

Reading: Mark 8:31-38
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

In this passage, Jesus tells his disciples that he will be tortured, killed and then rise from the dead after three days. Peter can’t accept thi,s but Jesus informs him that God is in charge of the plan and disobedience is not an option for a follower of God. Jesus is offering the supreme example of an obedient, devoted, faithful relationship with God. He explains that our devotion and faith is what we can offer God as our part of a loving relationship with him. Choosing to be disobedient to the way God asks us to live causes us separation from God. What could be worse? Choosing to be obedient, devoted and faithful offers us a loving relationship with God. What could be better?

Loving Father, help us to look to Jesus as an example of being faithful and obedient to you. Few of us will make supreme sacrifices in your Name, but if we are called upon to do so, help us have the strength and faith to know that separation from you is the worst that could happen. Being in a loving relationship with you is the most important thing. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 21st

Written by: Shirley Evans

Reading: Romans 4:13-25
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Paul’s discussion here is that we cannot be saved by the law, whether it is Old Testament law or the moral standards of the Gentiles. If we try to justify ourselves by law, we find faith has no value, God’s promises are worthless and it will bring God’s wrath.

Abraham’s faith was not in the law (which didn’t exist in Abraham’s time, although that’s not Paul’s argument), but instead his faith was in God’s promise – a land given to him and his descendents, blessings on his heirs and a Redeemer to come. The promise comes through faith, by grace, not by law – and by believing in the impossible, Abraham is credited with righteousness and declared faithful.

Abraham’s faith was grounded in Christ, the “seed” to come through his progeny that would be the promised Messiah. Our faith and hope too is grounded in Christ and in the grace of God – not in good works or the law.

Dear Lord, let Abraham be an example to me of one of God’s faithful. Let my works become God’s work in Jesus Christ as I trust in the promise of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 20th

Written by: Diane Bechtold

Reading: Psalm 22:23-31
23 You who fear the LORD, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, honor him!
Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not despised or scorned
the suffering of the afflicted one;
he has not hidden his face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.

25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly;
before those who fear you[a] I will fulfill my vows.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise him—
may your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before him,
28 for dominion belongs to the LORD
and he rules over the nations.

29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—
those who cannot keep themselves alive.
30 Posterity will serve him;
future generations will be told about the Lord.
31 They will proclaim his righteousness,
declaring to a people yet unborn:
He has done it!

As we use this Lenten season to reflect, the psalmist points to the needy in their suffering, and lets us know that the rich and the suffering will be side-by-side in receiving God’s gifts.
Those who remain steadfast and those who return to God will be subject to the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as God doesn’t ignore the suffering of God’s creation – let’s not ignore those we can help. Let’s use God’s model of helping, even those we see as undeserving, to honor our Lord.

Blessed Lord: Help us to see all of your people as worthy of our love and help us to share that love in significant ways. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 19th

Written by: Nancy Ulerich

Reading: Mark 12:28-34
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[b] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

What a different world this would be if we could follow these commandments. We fall so short. Jesus, however, modeled a fully loving God by submitting to crucifixion. He was able to love God the Father enough to have the strength to follow His plan. And, he was able to love his neighbors enough to perform the ultimate sacrifice for them.

Jesus’ sacrifice of love ended all sacrificial needs. My need for his sacrifice is so clear when I consider how far short I fall from following the greatest commandments.

Dear God, help me to love you more. Let me align my heart, and soul, and mind, and strength with love for you. Grant me more patience and acceptance to be a better follower of the commandment to love my neighbor as myself. I know it is only through my acceptance of your love that I can even attempt this. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 18th

Written by: Char Klima

Reading: Ezekiel 36:22-28
22 “Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. 23 I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

24 “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

Did you take a shower or a bath today? What an impertinent question. It's nobody else's business. But God makes it His business to clean us up time after time. We disappoint Him, we disobey, we ignore Him, we put worldly idols before Him, we get dirty. Thankfully our God is patient and forgiving. In verse 25 He says, "I will sprinkle clean water upon you...." In verse 26 He declares, "A new heart I will give you and a new spirit I will put within you...." We desperately need His loving and tender care every day of our lives. Thanks be to God!

Gracious God: Accept our humble plea for you to be with us day in and day out as we make our earthly journey, getting dirty along the way, but trusting in your mercy to sprinkle us yet again so we may be acceptable to You. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 17th

Written by: Frank Raike

Reading: Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is the best known of Martin Luther's hymns. Luther wrote the words and composed the melody sometime around 1528. The words are a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A Mighty Fortress" is one of the best loved hymns of the Lutheran and Protestant traditions. It has been called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation" for the effect it had in increasing the support for the Reformers' cause. It served to giving hope to change.

Today, this psalm encourages us to hope and trust in God, and his power and gracious presence with his church in these challenging times. It also directs us to give God the glory of what he has done for us and what he will do.

Like all the psalms, Psalm 46 gives us permission to speak to God about all our joys and our pains. Whatever sentiment we feel in our most intimate thoughts, can be expressed and shared openly with the Lord. Even in our darkest moments, God surely welcomes our conversation, our pleas for help, our deepest prayers and petitions. God is present with us in all our joys and our sorrows.

Christ Our Savior: You are our Mighty Fortress at times of threat, fear, and loss. You are our Mighty Fortress at times of success, joy, and prosperity. Thank you for your sweet salvation to us of grace, hope, faith, and love. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 16th

Written by: Barbara Lee

Reading: Mark 1:9-15
The Baptism and Testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[a] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Mark describes for us the events leading up to the beginning of Jesus’ adult ministry. It may come as a surprise that despite God’s favor, Jesus is not spared the struggles, temptations and worries associated with new beginnings. In our own discipleship journey, as we grow in our relationship with God and serve God’s people, we too will be asked to take on new projects or new life directions that create uncertainty and fears. How reassuring to know that our Savior has walked that path as well and knows our trials. Jesus did not call on God to take away the struggles, but to be in relationship with him and provide the support he needed to fulfill God’s will. What a comfort to know that as God did not abandon Jesus in the wilderness, God does not abandon us on our journey either.

God and Savior, continue to hear our prayer as we seek to know you better, and strive to do your will. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 15th

Written by: Carol Bechberger

Reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 19 After being made alive,[a] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— 20 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, 21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[b] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.

During this season of remembrance of Jesus’ awesome love, I remain amazed. His compassion, his concern for all of us brings tears to my eyes. But did you ever stop to think that His great sacrifice did not begin with Gethsemane? No, His sacrifice began the day He was born into a human body in Bethlehem.

Think about all He gave up. There was such great peace and beauty in His heavenly home. He heard the angelic choirs singing. He knew no physical pain. I don’t believe there is even any dust in this heavenly place. He came into a mortal body, with all the accompanying problems. All those chemicals and special wiring that give us our personality and our emotions were also a part of Him. What lead us humans to react emotionally and illogically He overcame.

Jesus saw the violence of the people and the suffering. People had forgotten to love and have compassion. People become too involved with their daily distractions. He came to touch our lives and awaken us to His glorious plan. He gave up His heavenly home because He loves us so much. He had a mission to fulfill and was committed to carrying out God’s plan for our salvation. As Peter point out, we only have to reach out to Jesus, ask forgiveness and trust in Him.

Thank you Jesus for your awesome love. Thank you Holy Spirit for ministering to us and for choosing me to be part of the family of God. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 14th

Written by: Barbara Vincent

Reading: Psalm 25:1-10
1 In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

As a child and young adult, my prayers fell into 4 categories; “thank you” prayers, “bless and keep” prayers, “help and please” prayers, and “redemption” prayers, filled with remorse and regrets for daily transgressions. In retrospect, most of the last group were minor and my guilt was often exaggerated. Through prayer and in time, I found the strength to own-up, face the consequences and get on with life; prayers helped so much! I knew that the Lord heard me, that He would guide and help me to be a better friend, daughter, and eventually, wife and mother. Steadfast love and faithfulness were the paths I needed to follow – I still do! My prayers haven’t changed that much either.

Dear Lord, Just as David did, I put my faith and trust in you everyday. I remain assured that you will always be with me, guiding and teaching. Ours is a lifetime of waiting; Lent is a season of opportunity to learn more about patience, faith, and salvation. Amen.

Preparing for Easter

Lent entered my consciousness, this year, after having had a discussion with several of my friends about the upcoming season, and how each of us might keep a “Lenten discipline.” Having been a Lutheran all my life, and having grown up in a largely Roman Catholic neighborhood, I am keenly aware of the traditions that have many of us eschewing chocolate, particular foods, favorite activities, Facebook and the like “for Lent”; however, I have often wondered if those “deprivations” really did anything beyond helping the individual lose weight, spend less money, or have more personal time.

I know the model for self-deprivation is Jesus’ rejection of the temptation of earthly food and power that Satan dangled; however, it occurs to me that, like Jesus, we might think less of ourselves during this time of preparation and prayer and, instead, use the Lenten discipline to try to serve others.

What I’m suggesting is to change something about ourselves that is a burden to others -for example – maybe that tongue of yours that is quick to criticize could be curbed to “love others,” maybe the funds that would have been spent on chocolate, movies, etc. could be donated to another. Maybe, instead of depriving yourself, you could do something extra to serve others.

I’m going to try to change one of my most obnoxious behaviors toward others. Will you join me? Diane Bechtold

Lenten Reflection - March 13th

Written by: Shirley Evans

Reading: Genesis 9:8-17
8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 9 “I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you 10 and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth. 11 I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

17 So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

After the Flood – A New Beginning
Have you ever been frightened during a terrible thunderstorm? Perhaps you remember yourself as a child or one of your own children terrified at the cracking of lightening or the rumble of thunder. God foresaw such fear with Noah and his descendants. At the first raindrop or rumble, would they fear it would be the beginning of another devastating flood? Noah had been righteous and obeyed; therefore God promised Noah – and every living creature on earth - never again would there be a universal flood. This covenant is sealed with the rainbow to be a reminder to us and a reminder to God of His promise – “never again” and “for all generations.” This is God’s new beginning, His unconditional divine promise never to destroy all earthly life with natural catastrophe.
As we examine our relationship with God through this Lenten season, let us think of this Noahic Covenant and look to the cross and resurrection as a “new beginning” in our lives. Let the rainbow represent to us not only the covenant with Noah, but a reminder of the new covenant in Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you for your love and faithfulness to me. Whenever I see a rainbow, let it remind me of your covenants – both old and new. Let it serve to remind me of an eternal new beginning given to us in Christ. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 12th

Written by: Cyd Law

Reading: Proverbs 27:23-24
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.

Our society in recent years has stressed the idea that no matter what we want, we deserve it and should buy it for ourselves. “We are worth it.” This attitude has gotten our whole nation into trouble. People are filing personal and business bankruptcies and losing their homes and businesses because they have been duped into believing this idea. As a result we have made poor business and personal decisions. God wants us to pay attention to our herds and to know the condition of our flock. That means we should watch our finances and spend with in our means because we never know when bad times will happen. God does not promise us that we will always be successful or that our time at the top will last forever. God wants his people to be good stewards. In being good stewards we protect ourselves, our businesses, our church, our nation and ultimately our world.

God, we pray that you will guide us in our financial decisions. Help us care for what you have given us and know that we are always in your care no matter what happens to us. Amen

Lenten Reflection - March 11th

Written by: Julie Parker

Reading: Luke 5:27-32
27 After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, 28 and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.
29 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Lent gives us a period of time to consider the life of Jesus and the choices he made to give each of us eternal life through our faith in him. Jesus was fully man and fully God. He understands each of us completely.
As a doctor, Luke is clinical in his descriptions of the life of Jesus. Luke tells of Jesus collecting the men whom he asks to walk with him and become his disciples. One was the tax collector Levi, and it seems that people of Jesus' time thought of tax collectors with even greater distain than we view the IRS today. So, many questioned Jesus choosing Levi; but Jesus answered "It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to invite good people but sinners to change their hearts and lives."
What comfort that should give each of us. Jesus is looking for us, imperfect, broken, and weak. He calls us to join him and be his disciples on earth, until he calls us to join him in heaven.

Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you willingly claimed the cross so that I might have eternal life. Let me walk with you each day of my life, being a reflection of your love. Amen.

Lenten Reflection - March 10th

Written by: Char Klima
Reading: Matthew 6:1-6

Motivation and attitude appear pretty important to Jesus. The beginning of the sixth chapter of Matthew is a stern warning against personal pride, immediately following His statement in chapter 5 about being perfect. Contradictory? Not at all. God wants us to strive for perfection─God's perfection─but for His glory, not ours. Big difference! What did Jesus demonstrate in His life? Humbleness, compassion, sincerity, servant hood, obedience. The world certainly doesn't applaud these virtues and we don't get any earthly points either. Jesus says, "Follow Me," and God will reward you. Are you willing to trust God for His reward? Remember, only our Holy God has the credentials to exalt Himself.

Dear Lord: Humble my heart so that I might try to imitate your dear Son and serve You alone, looking for your loving grace as my only reward. Amen

Lenten Reflection - Ash Wednesday, March 9th

Reading: Psalms 51:1-12
By: Matthew Swope

Sometimes God shouts…not in an angry way, but in a way that hits us over the head with His Word. As I reflected upon Psalm 51 today, He did just that. The psalmist’s cries for mercy and forgiveness struck with memories from my high school days. First, today I received a facebook message from a high school acquaintance. In the note, my former classmate apologized for an offense committed long ago. Although this particular incident was long forgiven and indeed long forgotten, the delayed apology reminded me of my own role in confessing and seeking God’s forgiveness.

In continuing the “shouting,” God’s Word also brought fond memories of high school youth group in which we would close each meeting with a circle prayer around a solitary candle. This was a time for sharing, for confession, for healing, and for embracing others. Following the prayer time, we would sing the last few verses of Psalm 51, asking God to “create in [us] a clean heart.”

Whether in high school or away from high school longer than we care to admit, we are reminded by the psalmist’s words of the need for confession and forgiveness. Likewise, we see brilliant reminders of God’s comfort and grace. During this time of Lent, we too approach God with contrite hearts, acknowledging our flaws and our sinful ways. In doing so, we look to the true “joy of [God’s] salvation” as fully realized on Easter morning.

Lord God, this season I pray that I will rise each day with a pure heart and a renewed spirit, striving to hold steadfast to your enduring Word. Restore me, sustain me, and lead me in a life worthy of you. Amen

A Different Form of “March Madness

Did you know -- or do you care – that the following events are celebrated by some people (I can’t imagine who or why) in March?

How about “National Pig Day” (1st) or “I Want You to Be Happy Day” (3rd, which also shares the day with “If Pets Had Opposable Thumbs Day”)? Then you’ve got other out-of-this-world events, such as “National Pound Cake Day,” “Multiple Personalities Day” (one of me really enjoys this one; the other me can’t stand it), “National Cheese Doodle Day,” and “National Crown Roast of Pork Day.”

I found it interesting that “Be Nasty Day” was celebrated on March 8th, at the same time “International Women’s Day” was being held. I found it upsetting that the next day was “Panic Day.” Now a real winner falls on the 11th, when we look forward to “Middle Name Pride Day.”

“Worship Tools Day” had me confused. I wasn’t sure what it meant, until I visited the website (sure, everyone and everything has a website). Now maybe because I’m dense or because I’m writing this for a “church blog,” I saw the word “Worship” as the key term in the phrase. And I assumed the day recognized the “tools” used in the “worship process.” Not at all. In no way. The site made it clear that the day was about “worshiping tools.” Perhaps I really am dense.

Well, this entire silliness can get carried away. As the month of March creeps along, we have the opportunity to celebrate “Alfred Hitchcock Day,” “National Baked Scallops Day,” “Ear Muff Day,” “National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day,” “National Potato Chip Day,” “National Save a Spider Day,” “Dumbstruck Day” (which I thought was a daily occurrence), “Everything You Think Is Wrong Day,” which is followed by “Everything You Do Is Right Day,” then “Awkward Moments Day,” “Extraterrestrial Abduction Day,” “National Goof Off Day,” topped only by the dynamic duo of “National Chip and Dip Day” and “National Melba Toast Day” (both on March 23). Then, as the month comes to a close, we have the ever-exciting “National Joe Day,” “Something on a Stick Day,” “Supreme Sacrifice Day,” “Forgive Mom and Dad Day,” “Smoke and Mirrors Day,” “I’m in Control Day,” the ever popular “Bunsen Burner Day,” and finally ending on March 31 with “National ‘She’s Funny That Way Day.”’

Sure, among all this craziness, some truly worthwhile days appear on the calendar:
• Mothers Day
• Girl Scouts Day
• Good Samaritan Day
• Incredible Kid Day

Now, with all that behind me, please allow me to sort of wonder out loud about another reason to celebrate this March. Recently I had an opportunity to attend a crafts festival sponsored by St. Stephen, that hosted professionals and amateurs who work in photography, painting, cloth and leather, ceramics and jewelry. This took lots of time and coordination between and among a number of volunteers. There was the pleasure in seeing success come from all the effort, but not much in the way of any “special recognition.”

On the same day, a CPR course was being run in the Parish Hall. Here were gathered heath care professionals, who with the help of members of our care giving team, were training people of all ages (and there were young people present) to save lives in emergency situations. I don’t see a day set aside to single out these volunteers for recognition.

The more I thought about it, my mind went to all of our members who work Saturdays and Sundays during services to assist with communion and the readings. What about those who offer up their voices in the choir (which, happily seems to be growing), as well the emerging bell choir. This summer will see all manner of volunteers stepping up to help with the various programs offered to members and non-members.

I’m thinking, the list could go on and one (pot luck suppers, Sunday School teachers and assistants, those who spruce up the campus with fresh plants and mulch). Actually, it’s difficult to list them all. Too many to enumerate, without missing or forgetting some (unintentionally).

Well…what’s my point?

We spend lots of time creating days for tons of crazy and often meaningless events and groups and things. I’m asking all who read this to make March 2011 an entire month in which we put our focus on those worthy of recognition: St. Stephen Volunteers. Without them, we’d sink. Without them, lots would go undone. Without them, we wouldn’t be the community we’ve come to be – and will grow to become.

Congratulations VOLUNTEERS. March is dedicated to YOU. Thanks.

Dennis McClellan