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Ash Wednesday (March 1,
2006)
by Cynthia Halverson
ELCA Foundation
“I JUST WANT OTHERS to know about Jesus,” was Esther’s
response when asked what was important to her. No complicated
plans. No special recognition. Just one request: “Help me
direct my resources so that others might experience the love
of Christ as I have.”
In my work, I am continually inspired and surprised by the
Esthers of this world who truly do “store up ... treasures in
heaven.”
Although one would never know it, Esther had significant
earthly wealth passed down to her from generations of family
who worked the land. But the real treasure passed on to Esther
was one held deep in her heart: a faith rooted in the gospel
of Jesus Christ. It was this quiet, unassuming faith that
people remembered about Esther. It was her faith that led
Esther to contact the ELCA Foundation and put into place the
plans that directed her earthly treasure so that others might
know Jesus. Because of Esther, new congregations are being
developed; students are receiving scholarships to attend
seminary; and missionaries are sharing the gospel with people
throughout the world.
It is more than financial generosity that makes these
people inspiring. The financial generosity is just the by-
product. What is inspiring about the Esthers of this world is
their deeply rooted faith that becomes a treasure for others.
(Inspired by Matthew 6:16–21)
The First Sunday in
Lent (March 5, 2006)
by Cheryl Dieter
Worship and Liturgical Resources
THERE ARE PROBABLY FEW among us who will forget Christmas
2004. It was the day when the word “tsunami” entered our
vocabulary, a day of bright sunshine and deadly waves, images
caught on video that, a year later, were no less horrifying to
watch than they had been a year earlier. And that event
appeared to usher in a year in which the power of water
headlined too many nightly news broadcasts, exposing our
vulnerabilities, and changing lives forever. More words
entered our everyday vocabulary, names this time, common names
such as Irene, Katrina, Rita, and Stan.
Like many people around the world, I found myself unable to
stop watching the television reports. I felt a strong need to
do something to help, but my meager monetary gift seemed
terribly ineffectual in the face of such overwhelming need.
Then, in the midst of the horror, I received an e-mail, the
same e-mail that went out to all ELCA churchwide employees.
The disaster response team was unable to keep up with the
number of people calling to make donations by phone. Would we
be willing to volunteer a few hours over the weekend, so that
phone lines could be kept open and people could continue to
make donations?
That brief e-mail message gave testimony to a church eager
to help a world in need, a world that had experienced the
destructive power of water, and was now beginning to catch a
glimpse of the grace and new life that follows. In the waters
of baptism we join in Christ’s death and are raised to new
life in that same water. In this season of Lent may we be
renewed and refreshed in the promise made to us in baptism.
(Inspired by today’s readings)
The Second Sunday in
Lent (March 12, 2006)
by Lisa Goodwin
Campus Ministry
“FOR WHAT WILL IT PROFIT them to gain the whole world and
forfeit their life?”-Mark 8:36
Students come to college for many reasons: thirst for
knowledge, parental expectation, a desire to move to a new
location. Along with all of these reasons, there is usually
the expectation that a degree will increase salary potential.
Questions of opportunity and salary occur when students decide
upon their major course of study. Through campus ministry, the
church helps students with such questions, and also encourages
them to ask, “What is God calling me to do?”
Caroline was asking these questions. She had come to
Illinois State University for a pre-med major, dreaming of
being a doctor. But once her studies began, she realized that
science didn’t excite her, and that she wanted to be more
involved with people. She had always planned on being a
doctor, and certainly appreciated the rewarding salary a
career in medicine could offer. Sharing many discussions with
Caroline, I helped her see that God had a call for her.
Prestige and salary were considerations, but as Christians we
couldn’t stop there. God has given each of us abilities, and
asks that we see these abilities as ways of serving God’s
world. How could she best serve?
I don’t know what kind of work Caroline will eventually do,
but I’m so glad that campus ministry was there for her,
helping her to see that her faith was not something separate
from the rest of her life, but something that informs all of
our decisions. A salary, which helps us “gain the whole
world,” is nothing if it does not provide a way for us
joyfully to embrace the call of God and to serve creation.
(Inspired by Mark 8:31–38)
The Third Sunday in
Lent (March 19, 2006)
by Mary Campbell
Global Mission
“IF YOU WANT TO TOUCH the martyrs, you don’t need to go to
the catacombs in Rome,” Matthew Fox once said. “You can go to
Latin America and touch the modern-day martyrs who died
because of their faith.”
The most famous of these martyrs is Archbishop Oscar
Romero, killed March 24, 1980, while celebrating mass in El
Salvador. While the canonization process is ongoing, the
people of Latin America already call him San Romero de Las
Americas—St. Romero of the Americas. Every year thousands
commemorate his life and death with a mass and march in San
Salvador.
Romero didn’t just listen to the poor; he amplified their
cries for justice. Just like Jesus, who spoke the truth to the
money-changers and then threw them out of the temple, Romero
challenged power. It cost him his life.
When I visited El Salvador for the first time in 1991, I
wanted to touch the modern-day martyrs and see what they could
show me about faith. Visiting the places where the martyrs
lived and died was indeed powerful, but just as meaningful was
meeting Fr. Jon Cortina, SJ. During the war he didn’t run and
hide, in spite of threats to his life. He stayed with the
people, and he survived.
After our meeting, I wondered. “Do I have that kind of faith?
Could my faith withstand even a lesser challenge?” The next
morning, I woke determined to stand with Fr. Jon and the
people whose faith helps them to stand up for truth even in
the face of fear.
Shortly before he was killed, Romero said, “As a Christian,
I don’t believe in death without resurrection. If they kill
me, I will arise in the people.” A song about Romero says,
“They can kill the prophet, but the voice of justice, no. They
can impose silence, but history will not be shut up.” History
has not silenced Romero, as it did not silence Jesus.
(Inspired by today’s readings)
The Fourth Sunday in
Lent (March 26, 2006)
Andy Krey
Maritime Ministry
“FOR GOD SO LOVED the world that he gave his only Son, so
that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have
eternal life.” —John 3:16
Does God’s love include those people who deny Jesus, say they
don’t need Jesus, or have never heard the gospel?
My ministry often takes me aboard ships from around the
world. Together with a team of Lutheran volunteers, we offer
worship services and prayers for seafarers who are far from
families and home. Once, in Newark, New Jersey, we visited a
huge Swedish automobile carrier that was delivering 6,300
Volvos to the United States. While others from our team went
directly to the Filipino and Kiribati crew members, Paul and I
climbed up to the captain’s stateroom. When we stuck our heads
into his office, it was obvious he was busy with officials
from the United States Coast Guard. I interrupted them briefly
to say that we’d be back in about 20 minutes. The captain
replied tersely, “Padre, I make enough money; spend your time
with my crew.”
How does one respond to such a command—on the one hand,
concerned about the spiritual well being of his crew, and on
the other, so callous about his own needs?
After leading a service with Holy Communion in the crew
mess, Paul and I returned to the captain’s office. Our stated
purpose for returning was to report that we had ministered
among his crew and now we were requesting permission to go
ashore.
To our surprise, our request for permission to go ashore
was met with the captain’s quick, but unusual, response:
“Permission denied! I want to talk to you.” We sat and talked
for over an hour!
Many people, like this captain, will deny their need for
God. But God’s love can overcome even denial.
(Inspired by John 3:14–21)
The Fifth Sunday in
Lent (April 2, 2006)
by Amber Leberman
The Lutheran magazine
“BUT THIS IS THE COVENANT that I will make with the house
of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law
within them and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people.” —Jeremiah 31:33
Our world is full of covenants. Every time we use our debit
cards, watch the FBI warning at the start of a DVD, or click
“agree” to a Web site’s terms of use, we make covenants. We
may see these as nuisances. We just want to pay, be
entertained, or start working, not waste our time with
contracts.
One of my responsibilities at The Lutheran is to make sure
our freelance writers and photographers have valid, signed
contracts—covenants—with us. For creative people, sometimes
stopping to sign a contract seems like a waste of time. We
could be creating!
However, if we look at the contracts in our faith lives, we
realize they’re part of creation, the beginning of good
things. Those who are married remember and celebrate the vows
they made to their spouse, and vice versa. Our baptism is a
contract—a covenant between us and God and our families to
live in a faith community.
And here, in Jeremiah, every one of us has a covenant with
God—a promise so much a part of us God has put it “within us.”
It is so valuable that it is written on our hearts.
“I will be their God, and they will be my people.” This is
a contract that is a comfort. There’s no fine print or fees
associated with it. Just an agreement to be present: God with
us, and we with God.
(Inspired by Jeremiah 31:33)
Sunday of
the Passion/Palm Sunday (April 9, 2006)
by Mark Wilhelm
Education Institutions and Partnerships
IN 1963, GUDINA TUMSA came from Ethiopia to study at Luther
Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, one of the eight seminaries
now part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. After
three years at Luther, he returned home to serve as General
Secretary for the (Lutheran) Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus … and to martyrdom. After a revolutionary
Marxist-Leninist government overthrew the Emperor Haile
Selassie in 1974, Tumsa worked to help his church adjust to
new political realities, but he also called on the new
government to uphold righteousness. As Darrell Jodock, Tumsa’s
Luther Seminary roommate and now professor of religion at
ELCA-related Gustavus Adolphus College, has noted, Tumsa said
“No!” to the new government as few could or would. His
unswerving public witness subjected Tumsa to arrest and
eventually to an abduction and murder in 1979.
It is fitting that we remember Tumsa this Lenten season on
the Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday because the date (April
9) coincides with the appointed date for the commemoration of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Like Bonhoeffer, Tumsa was a pastor,
church leader, and martyr. With Bonhoeffer, Tumsa affirmed
that when a person is called to follow Christ, that person is
called to die to self and to live for the service of others,
including literally giving one’s life if necessary.
In 2004, Luther Seminary honored Gudina Tumsa posthumously
with its Christus Lux Mundi award. All the ELCA seminaries
continue to contribute to the education of Christians from
around the world, developing leadership rooted in following
Christ, a discipleship that Bonhoeffer and Tumsa exemplify for
us all.
(Inspired by today’s readings)
Easter Day (April 16, 2006)
by Semu Mayang
Lae, Papua New Guinea
IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA, we have 800 languages. We learn to
speak English and Tok Pisin to communicate with one another,
but we are really satisfied when we meet a “wantok”—someone
who speaks the same language. In our own language, we can
speak from our heart.
Pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea
use the first language of the area where they are called to
work to express the meaning of the text. But sometimes, when
they want to express something of deep feeling, they use their
own language, saying, “In my language, we express it this
way.”
This is why Mary answered Jesus in her own language,
calling him “Rabboni.” She was so surprised by his presence
that she spoke from her heart. In her own language, she could
express her deep inner feeling about Jesus with eagerness and
amazement.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), I am the president of the PNG
Tertiary Lutheran Students and Graduates Partnership. I came
to the Lutheran Student Movement (LSM) gathering in San Diego
in December 2005 to meet with another kind of “wantok”—other
university students. At LSM I was amazed to discover that we
were all from the same age group. Many parts of the
celebration surprised me. In San Diego, youth danced to rock
and roll music. In PNG, if we dance, we dance to gospel music.
But like the students in San Diego, students in Papua New
Guinea are looking for a place where we can fit into our
church and become leaders. A place where we can speak our own
language to express our amazement about Jesus’s resurrection.
Many thanks to the LSM leaders for inviting me to this
gathering, and to ELCA Global Mission for making it possible
for me to meet my “wantoks” in the United States.
(Inspired by John 20:1–18)
The Second Sunday
of Easter (April 23, 2006)
by Greg Villalon
Leadership Development
IT HAD BEEN A LONG AND DIFFICULT day for me. There
were so many things that needed to be completed, and deadlines
were approaching quickly. My anxiety level was climbing, and
it became difficult to accomplish anything at all. I had
planned to take some work home and try to do some catch-up
work. I knew that what I really needed was some time to relax,
to release some of the pressure and anxiety and begin again
refreshed, but that was not in my plans.
As I turned into my driveway, I saw my daughter’s parked
car and knew that my plans were not going to be accomplished
tonight. I walked into our family room where my granddaughter
Rebecca sat with a book in her lap. She must be the smartest
five-year-old I know, but of course I am a proud and, perhaps,
biased grandfather!
“Grandpa! Come and sit with me.” As we read her book
together, I could see the story come to life for her. She
laughed and became excited about the words that were taking on
life right before her eyes. I realized that Rebecca and I were
living out one of life’s greatest delights: reading and
hearing the word, seeing it come to life, and wanting to share
it with others.
One of the responsibilities of the church is to nurture
this engagement with the living Word, so that all who hear can
respond to God’s call. Work with youth, campus ministries,
seminaries, educational institutions, and leaders preparing
for rostered service in the church is part of that nurturing
ministry.
(Inspired by John 20:19-31)
The Third Sunday of
Easter (April 30, 2006)
by Heidi Hagstrom
Youth Ministries
IT WAS CHRISTMAS EVE. Peder had just been told that Grandpa
was coming home from Arizona … alone. After almost 50 years of
marriage, he was seeking a divorce.
Peder’s grandpa was a pastor. He was retired from serving
congregations, but still served the role of spiritual leader
and mentor for Peder. He had been, in Peder’s mind and heart,
the ideal man of God and someone he hoped to emulate. Peder
had always felt called to some church vocation, but he never
dared to ponder ordained ministry, which for him was like
going all the way—the way of the cross. Now he felt betrayed.
Peder didn’t even want to look at his grandpa. His icon of
holiness was deeply scarred, stained, broken. So, he rejected
Grandpa’s tentative advances, feeling good about communicating
his disgust. But he couldn’t avoid Grandpa’s eyes.
He recognized the woundedness in Grandpa’s eyes. At first
he recoiled, threatened by the familiarity, but something (or
someone) was inviting him to look. It wasn’t long before Peder
couldn’t contain himself. Seeing wasn’t enough. He reached for
his grandpa’s hands, hands that had held his in prayer many
times. Touching his broken grandpa was like touching the
broken Christ.
Ironically, Peder points to this moment as the one that
opened his heart to the possibility of seminary. After that
Christmas, which felt more like Lent, seminary was no longer
such a scary option. In his brokenness, Grandpa had given
Peder an experience of all the way. This was salvation in
disguise, where the very wound itself functions as God’s means
of healing in forgiveness. This is grace, and Peder recognized
it by touching his broken icon.
(Inspired by today’s readings)
The Fourth Sunday
of Easter (May 7, 2006)
by Bob Sitze
Hunger Education
THE GOOD SHEPHERD JANET
“Just another ordinary Christian,” but Janet Jacobson is no
ordinary North Dakota shepherd. Fiber artist, organic farmer,
and environmentalist, Janet cares for about 125 head of sheep
with her husband Terry. Through thick and thin, they shepherd
these creatures to their eventual usefulness. Janet and Terry
understand how Jesus’ shepherding was more than a photo
opportunity featuring passive lambs on one’s shoulders.
Like Christ Jesus, Janet’s passion for sheep goes way
beyond wool and tasty food. She’s aware of the good earth that
enables her good shepherding. She’s wrestling with the meaning
of “sustainable agriculture.” She’s learning and teaching
about simple living. She’s grateful to God for every day of
her earth-keeping. She’s a good steward. She’s following God’s
will for her life.
Janet’s a political person, too. She understands her role
as one of God’s people in the public sphere. She cares for
people where she finds them: in her family, in schools, in her
congregation, in neighboring farms and towns. She understands
her role as bearer of God’s grace in the worlds in which she
lives. Janet speaks up for what’s right.
On this Sunday of good shepherding, good earth-keeping,
good witnessing, you face the same prospect as Janet: God
gives you what you need to carry out God’s will, and by your
faithful shouldering of responsibility, you care for creation
and its creatures. Find what’s “good” in your shepherding, and
go about it this day with God’s promises and God’s will in
your heart. God keep you joyful!
(Inspired by Psalm 23)
The Fifth Sunday of
Easter (May 14, 2006)
by Valerie Peterson
Global Mission
UNLIKE PHILIP, who was transported by the Spirit to the
desert road to Gaza, my husband John took the regular modes of
public transport—bus, train, and light rail—to the district
hospital of one of the outlying “new towns” of Hong Kong. But
like Philip, there was a divine appointment waiting for him.
As had happened several times in his pastoral work in the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong, John was going to
meet a member of his church whose elderly parent had responded
to the gospel and requested baptism. During the visit, the
patient in the next bed, a Mr. Wong, said, “Pastor, when
you’re done there, would you come and talk to me?”
Mr. Wong, in his sixties, and weak from surgery, diabetes,
and dialysis, had come to faith in Christ through the Baptist
church many years earlier, but had moved away to the “new
town” before he was baptized. Now in the hospital, his life
and health uncertain, he wanted to complete this obedience to
Christ, and receive the promise and benefits of baptism.
“Pastor,” he said, “I’ve been praying that God would send
someone to baptize me. And God sent you!”
Sensing the urgency of the need and the cry of his heart,
“What is to keep me from being baptized?” John baptized him
then and there. His heart was comforted, his health improved,
and the gospel is being passed on … to his ex-wife, other
friends of the family who visit, and another patient, who also
wants to know more about “the good news of Jesus.”
(Inspired by Acts 8:26–40)
The Sixth Sunday of
Easter (May 21, 2006)
by Frank Anderson
Campus Ministry
ANGELA, WHO VAGUELY REMEMBERED the Presbyterianism or
Lutheranism of a grandparent, had been raised “spiritually
neutral.” Now she was confused by all the choices found on a
college campus.
Angela sought me out because of this vague recollection of
Lutheranism in her family tree. She was curious, but cautious,
about God. I listened as Angela was both repelled from, and
attracted to, God. There was a mighty battle going on, an ebb
and flow of faith and doubt that was painful to watch. While I
prayed she would present herself for Holy Baptism, and spoke
to her of the option, she never stepped to the font.
I celebrate the words of Peter in Acts: “Can anyone
withhold the water for baptizing these people?” I understood
Angela’s parents didn’t want to force a religious faith on
her, reacting to their own experience of well-meaning, but
harsh and condemning Christians. However, in an effort to give
her freedom, they had left her adrift in a complex world.
Fifteen years later, I continue to pray for Angela.
I arrived at the University of South Carolina six months
ago as the Lutheran campus pastor. It’s just as challenging
and exciting as I remember from years ago. Our culture has
gotten a bit crazier, and I’m a lot older, but one thing, to
my surprise, hasn’t changed. Midway through my first semester,
Jessica showed up in my office. Never baptized, with no faith
vocabulary to match her questioning heart, she timidly asked
for some of my time. Here we go again … thank God.
(Inspired by Acts 10:44–48)
The Seventh
Sunday of Easter (May 28, 2006)
by Brent Dahlseng
Evangelism
MANY PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITIES thirst for the good news the
church has to offer, but seldom enter our doors on their own
to drink this living water. They need someone like Matthias, a
missionary to Cappadocia and Ethiopia who witnessed boldly to
Christ. Matthias (Acts 1:23–26) models what it means for both
lay and clergy to be evangelical leaders.
Reformation Lutheran Church in Culpeper, Virginia, empowers
laity as evangelical leaders through Bible study, prayer, and
community service. When Pastor Brad Hales accepted the call in
May 2005 to transform the congregation, Reformation launched
the Culpeper Senior Ministry. They offer “Lunch and Learning”
twice-a-month for people aged 55 and over, inviting speakers
from the community to address issues important to seniors.
They also host a monthly Bible study for senior citizens.
An example of the impact of the Culpeper Senior Ministry is
Linda, who lives alone and has no support network in her life.
Through her participation in “Lunch and Learning” and the
Bible study, Linda receives the love and support of a caring
community.
Preparing and affirming the evangelical leadership gifts of
the laity in our congregations is one of the greatest assets
of this church. Now is the time to creatively, liberally, and
generously share the living water with those around us.
(Inspired by Acts 1:15–17, 21–26)
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Scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version
Bible, © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the
National council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and used by
permission.
Please contact the editor with questions, comments,
or corrections:
E-mail:
wendy.mccredie@elca.org
Phone: 800.638.3522 ext. 2565
© 2006 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Produced by the ELCA
Department for Communication, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631;
800.638.3522. Photocopy permission granted to ELCA
congregations.
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