WEEKLY MESSAGE

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 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 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 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 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 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. 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. 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!  

 On July 21, Vicar Andrea led us in song in her "Pews are Alive with the Sound of Music" series. She explained how we encourage each other when we sing hymns.

Then, explaining the history of several hymns, she showed how many hymns began from a story, often a very sad one. In a joyous song fest, she led us with "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," "This is my Father's World," "Rock of Ages," (where God is the rock), "Lord whose Love in Humble Service," "What a Friend we Have in Jesus," and "Blessed Assurance."
"You are not alone," said Vicar Andrea. "Take heart from these hymns!"  

 Our July 14 service welcomed Kamilla Cruz and her family for Holy Baptism. In this service, as part of the theme The Pews are Alive with the sound of music, Vicar Andrea and organist Matt Wahl recounted the fascinating history of Thomas Dorsey, the father of gospel music, who introduced his blend of Christian praise and blues at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Chicago in 1932 and started the first gospel choir. In his memory, our voices surged with his hymn, "Precious Lord, Take my Hand" written in grief after he lost his wife and son during childbirth.   

On July 7 Vicar Andrea offered a Christmas in July message. We sang Christmas hymns and remembered the spirit of that season. She reminded us about seasons of the year and seasons of life. Thinking of Christ, she reminded us that Jesus didn't shy away from difficult seasons. He was born into every season," she continued, "and because Jesus was born, died, and rose, we have life everlasting, in Jesus' name." 

On June 30, Pastor Dave started a new sermon series: "The Pews are Alive with the Sound of Music".   He recalled how the Apostle Paul I instructed early Corinthian church members that it was their duty to continue the ministry of Jesus. The church continues to do this today We meet every week, listening and sharing bread, gathering as God's people. Over time, music has become an important part of the church. This week we felt a real boost as we practiced by singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game!" What a privilege to continue Paul's ministry in our community today.