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On October 13th, Vicar Andrea reminded us that fall is the season for us to think of what we are thankful for. For Holy Trinity, it is time to focus on our plans to bring in a full-time Pastor. At the same time, our Vicar Andrea has finally been approved by the faculty in her training as a pastor. Now the congregation responds to a regul
On October 13th, Vicar Andrea reminded us that fall is the season for us to think of what we are thankful for. For Holy Trinity, it is time to focus on our plans to bring in a full-time Pastor. At the same time, our Vicar Andrea has finally been approved by the faculty in her training as a pastor. Now the congregation responds to a regularly scheduled site survey to assess satisfaction with what's going on in our church. At the same time, Vicar has prepared a 16-page document for the Synod summarizing her own dreams for her career and her future as a pastor. Next she will meet with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton. Everyone hopes our Vicar will stay with us forever! Vicar Andrea turned to today's lesson in Samuel, where Hannah and Mary took stock of their lives and thought of the future. Hannah struggled with infertility, but through faith in God, she became the mother of Samuel, the prophet who anointed both Saul and David. Vicar gave us a beautuful prayer from Hannah's prayers. This prayer reminded Vicar Andrea of the last four years at Holy Trinity, which have had high moments and some not always high. Remembering four years ago, Vicar Andrea felt called by God then to stay with Holy Trinity. Even now, we give thanks to God for what has happened (and what will happen in the future). She reminded us that, even in the depths, God is always with us. That God is with us and we are joyous together. We need to ask where God wants us. The very fibers of our being are woven with care. While life is fraught with challenges, remember that we do not face our challenges alone.
On October 6, Pastor Dave described the Old Testament accounts of Moses, the Golden Calf, and the fear that drove people who needed a strong leader. Thinking of this in today's world, we tend to behave rationally unless we allow fear to overcome our best decisions. . Think of Jesus as he faced the Cross. Surely we need to overcome fear and look to Jesus.
On September 29, Vicar Andrea compared our weekly service to the Last Supper. In a similar way, our worship is our time to be in the presence of our most holy God. As then, we are sharing bread and wine (or grape juice) to symbolize the body and blood of Jesus Christ. As Jesus said, "Do this in memory of me."
On September 22, Vicar Andrea shared the verses that are on a plaque outside the motel room where MLK Jr was murdered - Behold, here comes the dreamer. Let us kill him and see what becomes of his dream.
Sometimes, dreamers and dreams are killed, silenced, or ignored because they are threatening, uncomfortable, or require one to change.
God
On September 22, Vicar Andrea shared the verses that are on a plaque outside the motel room where MLK Jr was murdered - Behold, here comes the dreamer. Let us kill him and see what becomes of his dream.
Sometimes, dreamers and dreams are killed, silenced, or ignored because they are threatening, uncomfortable, or require one to change.
God has a dream for all of creation. This is why we pray the peace prayer every service at Holy Trinity. We are asking God to be God's partner in bringing about a New Heaven and a New Earth, a place where all may live in peace. God's essence is good, and God is good all the time; God is calling us to join the dream to create this reality.
May we be strengthened through the power of the Spirit to become dreamers so that all may know the goodness and hope we have in the name of Christ.
On September 15th Chaplain Dave Rohlwing presented the second sermon in our Gospel of Luke series. He began with the story of Abraham, who God commanded (at 75 years old) to pick up everything and go to the promised land. Abraham was promised many descendants, even though he and his wife Sarah had no children. Abraham complied because h
On September 15th Chaplain Dave Rohlwing presented the second sermon in our Gospel of Luke series. He began with the story of Abraham, who God commanded (at 75 years old) to pick up everything and go to the promised land. Abraham was promised many descendants, even though he and his wife Sarah had no children. Abraham complied because he had faith, but he lamented and became angry because nothing seemed to make sense. Chaplain Dave discussed anger and lamentations. In his work as Hospice Chaplain, he counsels people who are facing death, often feeling angry with God and feeling guilty to feel this way. As chaplain, he can listen and provide a safe space for people to express their lamentations, their pain of loneliness and fear, not unlike the lamentations of many throughout history. In these times, a chaplain can remind people that God is here with us and we can start healing and working through our grief, which strengthens our relationship with God. Complaining and lamenting are a natural part of faith, a back and forth dialogue with God, which keeps our relationship with God alive.
On September 8th, Pastor Dave started our lectionary year that is following the Gospel of Luke. But we begin in the Old Testament and work through the entire Bible through the year - starting in Genesis at the beginning and working through all the way to the end of the New Testament. Starting in Genesis with the Creation Story, we see t
On September 8th, Pastor Dave started our lectionary year that is following the Gospel of Luke. But we begin in the Old Testament and work through the entire Bible through the year - starting in Genesis at the beginning and working through all the way to the end of the New Testament. Starting in Genesis with the Creation Story, we see that God was pleased with the world he created. No plants were there until man was created to till the earth. The man was lonely and Eve was created as a companion and partner. But they are easily distracted, facing temptation and choices. Paul calls Jesus the new Adam. In the same way, the first thing is when the spirit sends Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted. Like Adam and Eve, Christ begins his work by being tempted. But unlike them, Jesus overcomes temptation. Similarly, in our lives, we face temptations. Jesus Christ recenters you, reclaiming you. You find focus and direction. Each of us are usefui to God so his dream might come true. Even if we might not know it, God works through the lives of his people. God doesn't want to work alone. God created people to work as partners.
On September 1, Vicar Andrea held a placard with a question mark and announced that questions were the theme of the day - where we can ask Why! For example, why did Jesus teach by parables, or stories? Vicar explained historical details of when Martin Luther's barber asked him how he prayed. Later, Luther responded with a 40-page letter
On September 1, Vicar Andrea held a placard with a question mark and announced that questions were the theme of the day - where we can ask Why! For example, why did Jesus teach by parables, or stories? Vicar explained historical details of when Martin Luther's barber asked him how he prayed. Later, Luther responded with a 40-page letter suggesting the need to focus on a "garland of four strands" - to pray the words (reading slowly), give thanksgiving, make a confession, and create a petition of prayer. Others have since added another strand - what does this mean in our lives? To illustrate, Vicar went through these steps in an interactive time focussing on Psalms 1 and 2. This garland may provide a useful practice for us when we read the Bible and pray.
On Aug 25th Vicar Andreas continued our series on where the Bible comes from and how to use it. This week Vicar focussed on the many Bible translations available, each with linguistic differences and features. When reviewing them, one can find the selection overwhelming. In choosing one, she recommends using the Bible you understand and
On Aug 25th Vicar Andreas continued our series on where the Bible comes from and how to use it. This week Vicar focussed on the many Bible translations available, each with linguistic differences and features. When reviewing them, one can find the selection overwhelming. In choosing one, she recommends using the Bible you understand and want to read. They all have their place. What is most important is to read the Bible and reflect on its message.
August 18th continued our series on where the Bible comes from and how to use it. Pastor Dave shared a vivid story explaining how literal Bible interpretation led to a major split in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in 1974. At issue was the story of Jonah and the Whale. The Bible story relates that Jonah lived inside a whale for three
August 18th continued our series on where the Bible comes from and how to use it. Pastor Dave shared a vivid story explaining how literal Bible interpretation led to a major split in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in 1974. At issue was the story of Jonah and the Whale. The Bible story relates that Jonah lived inside a whale for three days. Those insisting on literal interpretation of the Bible claimed the story must be actually true. Others recognized that the Bible is a collection of documents containing biographical fact, hymns (psalms), poems, history and fables. Since a human cannot live for three days inside a fish, the Jonah story is known by Jewish people (and Christians as well) to be a fable - a story with a moral to it telling us to be obedient to God's call in our lives. It is important for us to recognize that the Bible is a love letter from God and should be used to strengthen our faith.
On August 11th Vicar Andrea started a new sermon series on the Bible. She shared that we now have printed Bibles in the pews, and helped everyone to look up the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Different "canons" (different selections of books that make up the Bible) are used in different churches. It is interesting to find how the b
On August 11th Vicar Andrea started a new sermon series on the Bible. She shared that we now have printed Bibles in the pews, and helped everyone to look up the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Different "canons" (different selections of books that make up the Bible) are used in different churches. It is interesting to find how the books of the Bible were selected. Scripture, we believe, is "inspired from below" (an observation from C. S. Lewis). While there are some differences (and even inconsistencies) in Bible versions, it can be seen as a joint project between God and people of Faith. All books were inspired by God and the church deems them to be worth keeping and reading.
On August 4th , Vicar Andrea showed how music and the arts support our worship each week. As an example, she considered the "Canticle of the Turning," which was written by Rory Clooney. In preparing today's sermon, she Googled his name and was surprised to find that he is Music Director at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Barrington. S
On August 4th , Vicar Andrea showed how music and the arts support our worship each week. As an example, she considered the "Canticle of the Turning," which was written by Rory Clooney. In preparing today's sermon, she Googled his name and was surprised to find that he is Music Director at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Barrington. She contacted him and he willingly gave a one-hour interview to Vicar Andrea, Pastor Dave, and our music director Matt Wahl. She played a video of it. Everyone loved hearing that interview before singing the canticle at the end of the service.
On July 28, Pastor Dave concluded our series on "The Pews Are Alive with the Sound of Music" with a startling picture of early Christianity, when early churches had to rely on the spoken word to carry the message. At Martin Luther's church, books (including the Bible) were extremely rare and also could not be read by the average person.
On July 28, Pastor Dave concluded our series on "The Pews Are Alive with the Sound of Music" with a startling picture of early Christianity, when early churches had to rely on the spoken word to carry the message. At Martin Luther's church, books (including the Bible) were extremely rare and also could not be read by the average person. As time progressed, Luther realized that, going forward, churches should transmit the message through the arts. To remember Bible stories, churches created stained glass windows, paintings, sculptures and especially music. Luther, writing "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and others, wrote unforgettable hymns. It became possible for congregations to sing and scripture could be remembered in lyrics, rhythm, pitches, and memorable song. Luther felt that people couldn't forget the message if there was a good tune with a good lyric. His idea was that, if people can't remember what they can't read, they can remember with music. Early churches had professional choirs. Then the singing moved to the pews, where the congregation could sing. Even now, the pews are alive with the sound of music!
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