Cometary:

17 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Confirmation begins tonight! As it does, parents are continuing to keep the promises they made for their children in Holy Baptism, promising to raise their children in the church, bring them to worship and to the Lord’s Supper, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, and nurture them in God’s Word, in prayer and in faith, so they may grow up to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Over the years, through Bethlehem’s 100 years of ministry, thousands of young people have affirmed the promises God made to them when they were baptized. We pray these students, too, might be nurtured in faith and in the love of this community as they come together tonight.

Prayer
We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give your daughters and sons new birth, cleanse them from sin, and raise them to eternal life. Sustain these young people with the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.

--Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 231

18 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Church is about being a Christian community together, and in worship this past Sunday, we had a wonderful opportunity to experience our connections to the Lutheran Church in Liberia. Two of our members who recently traveled to Liberia, brought words of thanks from people in area where a new mission field is beginning. Partnering with the ELCA and the Lutheran Church in Liberia, we will help the people there in their dream of building a church and school. During worship, our friends presented gifts to the leaders and pastors as an expression of thanks for our partnership. If you didn’t see the garments, come and look – they’re amazing. They were made by women in the village, who prayed for us at Bethlehem while they sewed. On Sunday our Bethlehem friends spoke about how light is beginning to shine in their home village in Liberia: lights from a generator to chase away the nighttime, the light of learning, and the light of Jesus Christ. Hmm. Maybe the light of Christ has been there already, and now it’s shining to us. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Draw your church together, O God, into one great company of disciples, together following our teacher Jesus Christ, into every walk of life, together serving in Christ’s mission to the world, and together witnessing to your love wherever you will send us; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 75.

19 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:12:00 +0000

It’s the first day of Bethlehem Lutheran Preschool for this new school year! It is so wonderful to see the children arriving for their first day of class, filled with excitement, energy, sometimes a little nervousness…..you can see all of these emotions on their faces. Parents are here too, filled with love and excitement and yes, a little bit of nervousness for their little ones as they take this big, new step. Both children and parents are at the start of a year of making new friends and learning through new experiences. They are all part of a strong heritage, because Bethlehem Preschool was started in 1965; that means we’re in our 43rd year, dedicated to making it possible for children and their parents to grow in the love of Christ.

Prayer
Dear God, as this new year of preschool begins, bless all of the children and parents who will walk through the doors of this church building. Strengthen our staff, our teachers, and all who will assist in this new school year. May your love be known and shared here in wonderful new ways. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

20 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 22:11:00 +0000

It’s Rally Sunday! Today there will be a whole team of adults – staff, parents, and young people – ready to welcome our children as they come to Sunday School. The behind-the-scenes work that is done to get ready for this day is tremendous! It’s quite a bit different than it was when the congregation was organized! Back then, as the 1948 history puts it, “Some of the farm families would have to drive to church with horses during the winter months and they enduring much suffering to get their children to Sunday School and services on cold winter mornings. Many times they had to sit through the services with their wraps, overcoats, and overshoes on to keep warm.” Wow! As we come together here, we say “Thanks be to God!” for all of the people who made it possible for us to be here today!

Prayer
Almighty God, with a mother’s love and a father’s care you have blessed us with the joy and responsibility of raising the children of our church to grow as your disciples. As we encourage them in the faith, give us wisdom and inspiration. Bless all of our Sunday School teachers, staff, leaders, assistants, and parents, that the mind of Jesus Christ might be formed in all of us, whom you have claimed to be your disciples today. Amen.

21 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 22:09:00 +0000

Now it’s starting to hit me: How can we have a Centennial celebration without Pastor Dick, without such an important person who inspired us in our efforts?! He needed to make it to the Centennial. We needed him to make it to the Centennial. Yet if we’ve learned anything from this pastor, colleague, teacher, and friend, it is that the church belongs to Christ, not to us; it is about all of the people whom God has called together to be this church. When Pastor Dick wrote

The Bethlehem Story, he began the narrative by stating his operating premise:
The approach to this history, our Bethlehem story, is a bit different. An effort is made to focus on the congregation, the developing disciple community, rather than leading personalities. As a result, names are not introduced once we leave behind the founders…A church community has its leaders, as does every community. But as Lutherans we confess that the church community is the creation of the Holy Spirit of God working through the Word and Sacraments. This leads to many ministries over the course of the years. Disciples are inspired and motivated to reach out in various aspects of mission and ministry. People familiar with the story will identify the leaders referred to in particular situations. (p. 2)

Prayer
Eternal God, your love is stronger than death, and your passion more fierce than the grave. We thank you for your servant, Dick, and for his leadership in this congregation in so many ways over so many years. Comfort those who mourn his death, and keep before us your promises of eternal life, until we join the saints of every people and nation gathered before your throne in your ceaseless praise, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

With Heavy Hearts: 22 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:07:00 +0000

With heavy hearts: Today, Bethlehem lost the person who has been the guide, historian, and teacher for our 100th Anniversary. Rev. Dick Vangerud passed away today following a short hospitalization. A lifelong scholar and teacher, Pastor Dick served as a pastor of Bethlehem from 1960-66, 1969-75, and again as an Interim Pastor during 2004-05. He spent much of the past 2 years reading through Church Council minutes and looking at photographs from the past 100 years as part of his homework for The Bethlehem Story, the history narrative that he wrote. The book is available now as we get ready for this Centennial celebration. How we give thanks for Pastor Dick’s life and witness, and how we will miss his faith-filled presence!

Prayer
Eternal God, you gave your servant, Dick, a new birth in Baptism and entrusted him to us for a time that seems too short. As we thank you for the life we shared, help us now to release him to your mighty keeping. Bring us all to that day when we shall stand in your presence with all your saints in light eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--Lutheran Book of Worship, Occasional Services Book

23 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:05:00 +0000

One hundred years ago, a small group of Norwegian families had spent the previous year praying, meeting, working, and planning, so that a Norwegian church could be formed in the area. On September 27, 1908, their hopes came true as this church was organized. The first members were the families of: Christian Knutson, Alfred Haugen, Nels Fuhre, Carl Iverson, Christ Hendrickson, Nels Johnson, and Bertha Quickstad.

Prayer
We thank you, O God, for all your servants and witnesses of times past: for Abraham and Sarah, Moses and Miriam, Deborah and Gideon, Samuel and Hannah; for Isaiah and the prophets; for Mary, mother of our Lord; for Mary Magdalene, Peter, Paul, and for all the apostles, for Stephen and Phoebe; for the families who formed this congregation; and for all the martyrs and saints in every time and in every land. In your mercy, give us, as you gave them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

--Adapted from ELW, p. 73.

24 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:04:00 +0000

By now, all students, K – Gr. 12, have gone back to class. In some of our school districts, the youngest classes were the only students in the school building on the first day of classes yesterday so they could learn their way around and become accustomed to their building. Today, all of the classrooms of our community are filled with excitement and activity. A new season of learning has begun!

Prayer
O God, source of all goodness: We give you thanks for the gift of reason and the opportunity for education. Bless our schools, that they may be places of learning and safety where teachers challenge the minds and nurture the hearts of students. Grant that teachers and students may work together in mutual respect and find joy in the challenges of academic life; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

--Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 78.

First Day of School

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:54:00 +0000

So did you see the school buses today? Ah, the memories! Hey, wait a minute; now that I think about it, some of those memories weren’t all that great! Going to school can be exciting, scary, freeing, intimidating, and yes, all of the above. Bethlehem has always placed education and ministry with children and youth as a high priority. In fact, when the church building at 4th Avenue South was designed, the classrooms on the lower level were made extra large so they could be used by the school district when space was short. As children head back to school today, please pray for them. And when you see our children and youth at worship, please – talk to them! Ask their names. Get to know them. They are amazing!

Prayer
Lord God of our ancestors, we thank you for what you have done and will continue to do with our daughters and sons. Bless all students, teachers, administrators, and staff as they begin a new school year today. Walk with our young people in life, and keep the evil one from obstructing their path… Keep them from danger. Order their steps and guide their faith while they run the race of faith. May the good work that you have begun in them be brought to completion at the day of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen. Adapted from ELW, p. 83

It's Labor Day

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:53:00 +0000

It’s Labor Day, the day that always signals the official end of summer. This federal holiday originated as a day to provide a day off for workers, and was officially recognized by Congress in 1894.

Here at Bethlehem, we pause to give thanks today for the labors of all who built this congregation during the past 100 years.

And for every Christian, this is a weekend to consider the vocation, or daily calling, that God has given to each of us. Whatever shape our “daily work” may take, our first calling came to us in Holy Baptism, when God called us to be children of God. Whatever else we do in life, that calling comes first and informs everything we do. No matter where we go, that promise goes with us.

Prayer
O God, give us grace to set a good example to all among whom we live, to be just and true in all our dealings, to be strict and conscientious in the discharge of every duty; pure and temperate in all enjoyment, gracious and generous and courteous toward all; so that the mind of Jesus Christ may be formed in us and all may know that we are his disciples; in whose name we pray. Amen. ELW, p. 82

Notice something familiar about our Centennial logo?

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:53:00 +0000

The star of Bethlehem, the rainbow of God’s promises - these are images inspired by the stained glass window in the sanctuary that rises before worshipers every week. The star that led Magi to worship the Christ child, the Son of God, reminds one of the cross by which the Father has promised to draw all people to God’s very self.

Prayer
O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for the Epiphany of Our Lord, ELW p. 21

Twenty-eight days and counting!

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:52:00 +0000

So - have you made your reservation for the Centennial banquet and picnic yet? Someone from out of town stopped by the church office the other day and said that she and three of her friends from confirmation are planning their own mini-reunion for Sept. 27-28. How about you? Is there someone with whom you would like to reconnect over the Centennial weekend? Is there someone to whom you would like to introduce this congregation? Why not contact them and make arrangements to get together? Or If you have adult children who grew up in this congregation, have you shared all of the Centennial information with them so they can come back home and enjoy the festivities?

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the unity of heart and mind is like to that above. ELW 656

What’s in a Name?

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:00:00 +0000

The names of those first people of Bethlehem were Knutson, Haugen, Fuhre, Quickstad, Iverson, Hendrickson, and Jensen. Today, you can still find names like those on our roster, and you will also discover there Moralez, Puotyual, and O’Hara. What a great reflection of how, over the years, God shaped Bethlehem by blessing it with people of all nationalities and cultures. Where did your family heritage begin? How was it that you or your family came to live in this area?

Prayer
Lord of all nations, thank you for the streams of heritage that formed this congregation. Thank you for those the ancestors in my family. Show me how to embrace all people, even as you in your great love have welcomed me into your family.

Grateful for Hospitality

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:05:00 +0000

When the Norwegian immigrants first started talking about forming a congregation, it was the German Lutheran Church of St. Cloud that provided the hospitality and the space in which the Norwegians could meet. Services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons in order to save fuel, because the church was already heated for the German services. Services were held in this manner about every six weeks for over a year.

Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the hospitality of others that provided space and support so that this church could assemble and worship. Give us such a spirit of welcome and hospitality for all people today.

One Month and Counting

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Get ready for the birthday party! In exactly one month, the Centennial weekend celebration will be upon us. On September 27, 1908, Rev. Peder Langseth organized the Norwegian Lutheran Congregation in St. Cloud. The Spirit was blowing, and Bethlehem was born.

Prayer
Almighty God, thank you for forming your church at Pentecost so long ago. Thank you for forming this congregation, now called “Bethlehem Lutheran Church.” May this church today glorify you as our forebears prayed it might. Amen.

A Prayer for a New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:58:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:46:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:25:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:06:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Bethlehem Lutheran Church) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 03:25:00 +0000

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!