John 8:12
12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’
I don't know if you make resolutions for the new year, or not. Some years I do, and others I don't. On this day, though, when we look ahead to the new year and wonder what will happen, one thing is for certain. Jesus is the light of the world.
Even if the days feel dark, know you follow the Light of the World, and that you do not walk in darkness.
Hear Jesus say: I am the light of the world.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Corinthians 4:16
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
Pastor Seth and I have both been very fortunate to have members of our families who have, at various times, articulated their faith. Often these statements of faith have come when a loved one is facing their own or someone else's death, so there is comfort in those statements when they are made.
But I will also witness to the strength and lasting impact of those statements. Just as our faith is not a one-time event, so, too, the confessional statements we make live on and shape the faith of generations to come. As our grandparents and parents have spoken of their faith -- simply, solidly, confidently -- our own faith has been renewed. We are all dying, every day, and yet our faith continues to grow and live. Do not lose heart.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.
Pastor Seth and I have both been very fortunate to have members of our families who have, at various times, articulated their faith. Often these statements of faith have come when a loved one is facing their own or someone else's death, so there is comfort in those statements when they are made.
But I will also witness to the strength and lasting impact of those statements. Just as our faith is not a one-time event, so, too, the confessional statements we make live on and shape the faith of generations to come. As our grandparents and parents have spoken of their faith -- simply, solidly, confidently -- our own faith has been renewed. We are all dying, every day, and yet our faith continues to grow and live. Do not lose heart.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
All Saints Worship
This Sunday (January 2) we will return to our regular worship schedule: 8:30 and 11 am worship.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Luke 19:41-42
41 As [Jesus] came near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
I wonder how often we miss the things that make for peace? Whether with family or friends, or on a larger global scale, do we miss the ways and things that could make for peace? So often we get focused on the grievances and the frustrations that we fail to see the things we could do that would change the world for good.
During this week when we ponder resolutions and spend time reflecting on relationships, what are the things in front of you that make for peace that perhaps you're not seeing? Are there ways to open your eyes to recognize them?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
41 As [Jesus] came near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.
I wonder how often we miss the things that make for peace? Whether with family or friends, or on a larger global scale, do we miss the ways and things that could make for peace? So often we get focused on the grievances and the frustrations that we fail to see the things we could do that would change the world for good.
During this week when we ponder resolutions and spend time reflecting on relationships, what are the things in front of you that make for peace that perhaps you're not seeing? Are there ways to open your eyes to recognize them?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
ASLC Devotions-- Tuesday
Isaiah 49:22-23
22 Thus says the Lord God:
I will soon lift up my hand to the nations,
and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their bosom,
and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
23 Kings shall be your foster-fathers,
and their queens your nursing-mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.
Soon. What a powerful word. For a child who has been waiting for what feels like ever, will the promise of soon ever be realized? Perhaps you heard or said or experienced some of that impatience of waiting and being told soon over the past few days. When will we eat? When will we get there? When will we open gifts? When will we go home? Soon.
When will our mourning be over? When will the tears stop? When will the fighting cease? When will there be comfort? When will there be peace? Soon, says the Lord God. Soon. And we will know that God is Lord, and we who wait will not be put to shame. Soon.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
22 Thus says the Lord God:
I will soon lift up my hand to the nations,
and raise my signal to the peoples;
and they shall bring your sons in their bosom,
and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
23 Kings shall be your foster-fathers,
and their queens your nursing-mothers.
With their faces to the ground they shall bow down to you,
and lick the dust of your feet.
Then you will know that I am the Lord;
those who wait for me shall not be put to shame.
Soon. What a powerful word. For a child who has been waiting for what feels like ever, will the promise of soon ever be realized? Perhaps you heard or said or experienced some of that impatience of waiting and being told soon over the past few days. When will we eat? When will we get there? When will we open gifts? When will we go home? Soon.
When will our mourning be over? When will the tears stop? When will the fighting cease? When will there be comfort? When will there be peace? Soon, says the Lord God. Soon. And we will know that God is Lord, and we who wait will not be put to shame. Soon.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, December 27, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
John 21:24-25
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
You might guess the context of these verses by noting that they are in Chapter 21 of John. These come toward the "end of the story" as we know it. Reading this passage in the days after the birth of Jesus feels just weird -- we want to be able to page through the baby book a bit more, take the life of Jesus more slowly that immediately jumping to the words that someone will betray him.
But even in the glow of Christmas, we know how the rest of the story will unfold. We know where this story is headed. In the meantime, however, we can each reflect on the many things that Jesus has done -- not just those that are recorded in scripture. While the world could not contain the books, those events are held within our communities of faith, and part of our job is to tell the story of Jesus active in our lives. So, gather around. Tell the story, and listen. Listen to what Jesus has done.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. 25But there are also many other things that Jesus did; if every one of them were written down, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
You might guess the context of these verses by noting that they are in Chapter 21 of John. These come toward the "end of the story" as we know it. Reading this passage in the days after the birth of Jesus feels just weird -- we want to be able to page through the baby book a bit more, take the life of Jesus more slowly that immediately jumping to the words that someone will betray him.
But even in the glow of Christmas, we know how the rest of the story will unfold. We know where this story is headed. In the meantime, however, we can each reflect on the many things that Jesus has done -- not just those that are recorded in scripture. While the world could not contain the books, those events are held within our communities of faith, and part of our job is to tell the story of Jesus active in our lives. So, gather around. Tell the story, and listen. Listen to what Jesus has done.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, December 24, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Christmas Eve
Luke 2:1-14
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
The promise has been fulfilled.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Seth
Join us today (Christmas Eve) as we worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. The 3:00 service is family worship designed for families with young children though all are welcome. The 5 and 11 services are Holy Communion services. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah,* the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,* praising God and saying,14 ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
The promise has been fulfilled.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Seth
Join us today (Christmas Eve) as we worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. The 3:00 service is family worship designed for families with young children though all are welcome. The 5 and 11 services are Holy Communion services. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Thursday, December 23, 2010
ASLC Devotion s-- Thursday
Galatians 3:13-14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
And for those who've been following along all week with these messages, here is why it is important that Jesus was born as part of the line of Abraham.
Because Jesus was part of that line, he was part of the promises that God made to Abraham. These were promises God made to Abraham not because Abraham earned them or did anything to deserve them (remember, he laughed at God). God promised Abraham because that was God's choice. And God blessed Abraham because that was God's choice.
Now because Jesus has been born in that line and has redeemed all of us, we too inherit the blessing of Abraham. We who are made Jesus' brothers and sisters through the waters of baptism are brought into that birth line as well. We're adopted in. We're adopted daughters and sons of Abraham. And, like our forebear, we sometimes laugh at God. We sometimes doubt God and think God is being just a bit ridiculous. And yet we are blessed. We are blessed beyond measure.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tomorrow (Christmas Eve) as we worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. The 3:00 service is family worship designed for families with young children though all are welcome. The 5 and 11 services are Holy Communion services. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
And for those who've been following along all week with these messages, here is why it is important that Jesus was born as part of the line of Abraham.
Because Jesus was part of that line, he was part of the promises that God made to Abraham. These were promises God made to Abraham not because Abraham earned them or did anything to deserve them (remember, he laughed at God). God promised Abraham because that was God's choice. And God blessed Abraham because that was God's choice.
Now because Jesus has been born in that line and has redeemed all of us, we too inherit the blessing of Abraham. We who are made Jesus' brothers and sisters through the waters of baptism are brought into that birth line as well. We're adopted in. We're adopted daughters and sons of Abraham. And, like our forebear, we sometimes laugh at God. We sometimes doubt God and think God is being just a bit ridiculous. And yet we are blessed. We are blessed beyond measure.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tomorrow (Christmas Eve) as we worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. The 3:00 service is family worship designed for families with young children though all are welcome. The 5 and 11 services are Holy Communion services. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
All Saints Christmas Worship
On Christmas Eve (this Friday) we will gather to worship our newborn Savior.
3 pm: Family Worship featuring simple songs and story-telling.
5 pm: Holy Communion worship ending with candlelit singing of "Silent Night"
11 pm: Holy Communion worship ending with candlelit singing of "Silent Night"
Each of these services will be preceded by 30 minutes of special music. If you are able, please consider parking in the Township or Senior Center parking lots (or on the exterior of our own lot) to make room for new friends and guests.
THEN, on Sunday, December 26 we will have one worship service at 10 am.
3 pm: Family Worship featuring simple songs and story-telling.
5 pm: Holy Communion worship ending with candlelit singing of "Silent Night"
11 pm: Holy Communion worship ending with candlelit singing of "Silent Night"
Each of these services will be preceded by 30 minutes of special music. If you are able, please consider parking in the Township or Senior Center parking lots (or on the exterior of our own lot) to make room for new friends and guests.
THEN, on Sunday, December 26 we will have one worship service at 10 am.
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 1:1 An account of the genealogy* of Jesus the Messiah,* the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Matthew begins his gospel, his story of the life and ministry of Jesus, with a genealogy. I won't type in the whole list of who was whose father and who had which wife and bore which sons and daughters. Feel free to open up to Matthew yourself if you want to create Jesus' family tree.
But here's what I find fascinating: Jesus didn't just come from nowhere. Jesus didn't plop down into the world unconnected to our human story. Jesus was one of us. And this means he was connected to us. Jesus was connected intimately to the human story, and to the story of God's people Israel with all their faithfulness and their doubts. Jesus was a part of that line. Jesus' heritage line traces back to Abraham... the one who laughed at God about the birth of a son. Jesus' heritage line traces back to David, a great and faithful king who sometimes did not-so-great things.
Jesus came into human history as part of human history. Not separate. Not above. Not disconnected. But intimately connected. God chose to enter the world intimately connected to our joys and our hurts. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tonight (Wednesday) for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Matthew begins his gospel, his story of the life and ministry of Jesus, with a genealogy. I won't type in the whole list of who was whose father and who had which wife and bore which sons and daughters. Feel free to open up to Matthew yourself if you want to create Jesus' family tree.
But here's what I find fascinating: Jesus didn't just come from nowhere. Jesus didn't plop down into the world unconnected to our human story. Jesus was one of us. And this means he was connected to us. Jesus was connected intimately to the human story, and to the story of God's people Israel with all their faithfulness and their doubts. Jesus was a part of that line. Jesus' heritage line traces back to Abraham... the one who laughed at God about the birth of a son. Jesus' heritage line traces back to David, a great and faithful king who sometimes did not-so-great things.
Jesus came into human history as part of human history. Not separate. Not above. Not disconnected. But intimately connected. God chose to enter the world intimately connected to our joys and our hurts. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tonight (Wednesday) for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Genesis 21:5-6 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Now Sarah said, ‘God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.’
Continuing yesterday's story and message... of course you knew that the promise would come true. God did send a son for 100-year old Abraham and 90-year old Sarah. Isaac was born even though dad had fallen on the ground laughing at God when the promise had come. It just seemed to crazy. It just seemed impossible.
But Abraham's laugh wasn't the last laugh. Sarah has the last laugh in this story. Sarah has laughter now not of derision or disbelief. Sarah has the laughter of joy. Sarah laughs with joy when her son is born and when God's promises are fulfilled.
The laughter of derision, the laughter of enemies may be all around. But that is never the last laugh. God always has the last laugh. And God promises to share that last laugh with faithful servants like Sarah who listen and believe.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Continuing yesterday's story and message... of course you knew that the promise would come true. God did send a son for 100-year old Abraham and 90-year old Sarah. Isaac was born even though dad had fallen on the ground laughing at God when the promise had come. It just seemed to crazy. It just seemed impossible.
But Abraham's laugh wasn't the last laugh. Sarah has the last laugh in this story. Sarah has laughter now not of derision or disbelief. Sarah has the laughter of joy. Sarah laughs with joy when her son is born and when God's promises are fulfilled.
The laughter of derision, the laughter of enemies may be all around. But that is never the last laugh. God always has the last laugh. And God promises to share that last laugh with faithful servants like Sarah who listen and believe.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Monday, December 20, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Genesis 17:15-17 God said to Abraham, ‘As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.’ Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said to himself, ‘Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?’
In this passage from Genesis we hear God promising a son to Abraham and we hear echoes of another promised son many years later. We celebrate that other birth this week of course. But maybe taking a quick look at this older promise of a son can shed a little bit of light on that birth of a Messiah for us.
God promised the son and Abraham laughed... Abraham fell on his face and laughed at God because he and his wife were too old for having kids. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90... a bit beyond the normal child-bearing years. So Abraham laughed. It was just too ridiculous and impossible to comprehend. We know of course as we keep reading that it did happen.
And so many years later God promised another birth, this one even more ridiculous and impossible. Is it possible for a virgin to conceive? Is it possible for God to enter the world as a crying human baby? Is it possible for heaven's eternal majesty to break into human existence? Is it possible for us to be saved by this tiny baby?
Just don't laugh.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
In this passage from Genesis we hear God promising a son to Abraham and we hear echoes of another promised son many years later. We celebrate that other birth this week of course. But maybe taking a quick look at this older promise of a son can shed a little bit of light on that birth of a Messiah for us.
God promised the son and Abraham laughed... Abraham fell on his face and laughed at God because he and his wife were too old for having kids. Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90... a bit beyond the normal child-bearing years. So Abraham laughed. It was just too ridiculous and impossible to comprehend. We know of course as we keep reading that it did happen.
And so many years later God promised another birth, this one even more ridiculous and impossible. Is it possible for a virgin to conceive? Is it possible for God to enter the world as a crying human baby? Is it possible for heaven's eternal majesty to break into human existence? Is it possible for us to be saved by this tiny baby?
Just don't laugh.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Wednesday for our Blue Christmas service at 7 pm, especially designed for those who have lost someone they love in the past year. Then on Friday (Christmas Eve) we will worship at 3, 5, and 11 with pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 8:28-34
28When [Jesus] came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. 31The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. 33The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. 34Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.
We usually only include a verse or two in these devotions, but some stories need to be shared in full. This story of the demoniacs entering the pigs and then rushing off the edge of the cliff is one of those stories, I think. There are so many great components of it: the large herd of swine, the demons who beg to be sent into the herd of swine, the whole jumping off the edge, and then, most curious, the whole town coming to see Jesus and beg him to leave.
Usually the stories of Jesus visiting a community focus on the healing and the power of the word that Jesus speaks. Usually people rejoice and give praise when Jesus visits them. If they are filled with fear, it is accompanied by being filled with joy. But these folks beg him to leave. I suppose we could be thankful that even Jesus wasn't always welcome. But what speaks to me more from this story is that we don't have to be afraid of Jesus, we don't have to beg him to leave our lives, we don't have to be afraid. Do not be afraid.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join us this evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00; come at 6:00 for dinner. Dinner will be served in Heedum Hall on the lower level. See you there!
28When [Jesus] came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29Suddenly they shouted, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. 31The demons begged him, “If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.” 32And he said to them, “Go!” So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water. 33The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs. 34Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighborhood.
We usually only include a verse or two in these devotions, but some stories need to be shared in full. This story of the demoniacs entering the pigs and then rushing off the edge of the cliff is one of those stories, I think. There are so many great components of it: the large herd of swine, the demons who beg to be sent into the herd of swine, the whole jumping off the edge, and then, most curious, the whole town coming to see Jesus and beg him to leave.
Usually the stories of Jesus visiting a community focus on the healing and the power of the word that Jesus speaks. Usually people rejoice and give praise when Jesus visits them. If they are filled with fear, it is accompanied by being filled with joy. But these folks beg him to leave. I suppose we could be thankful that even Jesus wasn't always welcome. But what speaks to me more from this story is that we don't have to be afraid of Jesus, we don't have to beg him to leave our lives, we don't have to be afraid. Do not be afraid.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join us this evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7:00; come at 6:00 for dinner. Dinner will be served in Heedum Hall on the lower level. See you there!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ASLC Devotions-- Tuesday
Ezekiel 47:1
Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar.
Several years ago when I lived in Iowa I stopped to look at a church that struck me from the outside as interesting. In the middle of the narthex, or entering space, there was a fountain of water that then flowed under the wall of the sanctuary to a baptismal pool or font in the middle of their worship space. The worship space itself was built for worship to be "in the round" with the altar and preaching stand in the very middle with pews or seating all around. It was a stunning space, and not surprisingly I was incredibly taken with the idea of running water! In the building! Under the wall! Can you even imagine?!
This great river that God shows to Ezekiel brings water to all people so that they might have life. The water brings life to the fish that swim in it and the plants and trees that draw from it and in turn bear fruit. The leaves of the trees will be for healing. This is a glorious vision. We don't have water that flows by mechanical pump in our space, but the baptismal water is no less moving, no less alive, no less life-giving. As you have been washed in these waters and brought your children to be washed in them, how do you keep the water flowing and moving? Having been watered by the Holy Spirit, how does your life become a witness to that Living Water that you have received in Christ?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join us for worship Wednesday evening at 7:00; come at 6:00 for dinner. Dinner this week will be served in Heedum Hall on the lower level. See you there!
Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down from below the south end of the threshold of the temple, south of the altar.
Several years ago when I lived in Iowa I stopped to look at a church that struck me from the outside as interesting. In the middle of the narthex, or entering space, there was a fountain of water that then flowed under the wall of the sanctuary to a baptismal pool or font in the middle of their worship space. The worship space itself was built for worship to be "in the round" with the altar and preaching stand in the very middle with pews or seating all around. It was a stunning space, and not surprisingly I was incredibly taken with the idea of running water! In the building! Under the wall! Can you even imagine?!
This great river that God shows to Ezekiel brings water to all people so that they might have life. The water brings life to the fish that swim in it and the plants and trees that draw from it and in turn bear fruit. The leaves of the trees will be for healing. This is a glorious vision. We don't have water that flows by mechanical pump in our space, but the baptismal water is no less moving, no less alive, no less life-giving. As you have been washed in these waters and brought your children to be washed in them, how do you keep the water flowing and moving? Having been watered by the Holy Spirit, how does your life become a witness to that Living Water that you have received in Christ?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join us for worship Wednesday evening at 7:00; come at 6:00 for dinner. Dinner this week will be served in Heedum Hall on the lower level. See you there!
Friday, December 10, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Peter 3:13 But, in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
Someday all of this will be over. All of this fear and instability and all of this jealousy and warfare will pass away. All of these tears will be dried up. All of these doubts will be comforted. All of it will pass away and something new and something glorious and something far better is waiting for us.
I don't know the details. Nobody knows the details. But Peter gives us a glimpse today... a place where righteousness is at home. That sounds like a place I want to live. I look forward to being at home in a place where righteousness is also at home. I look forward to seeing you all there.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services (8:30 and 11). Invite your friends and neighbors.
Someday all of this will be over. All of this fear and instability and all of this jealousy and warfare will pass away. All of these tears will be dried up. All of these doubts will be comforted. All of it will pass away and something new and something glorious and something far better is waiting for us.
I don't know the details. Nobody knows the details. But Peter gives us a glimpse today... a place where righteousness is at home. That sounds like a place I want to live. I look forward to being at home in a place where righteousness is also at home. I look forward to seeing you all there.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services (8:30 and 11). Invite your friends and neighbors.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,* not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
One of the eternal questions of the faithful (by which I mean eternal... people have been asking for millenia) is "Why doesn't God seem to answer my prayer?" Or why does God take so long? Or how can I get more patience to wait for God.
Peter turns that idea on its head a little bit and saying that maybe we don't need to get more patience to wait for God: maybe God is just being patient with us. Perhaps God is being patient and giving us time to grow in faithfulness and trust. Perhaps God is being patient and giving us time to learn to depend more and more on God and less on our own devices. Perhaps we need to NOT learn so much about patience but to learn to trust in God's patience.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services (8:30 and 11). Invite your friends and neighbors.
One of the eternal questions of the faithful (by which I mean eternal... people have been asking for millenia) is "Why doesn't God seem to answer my prayer?" Or why does God take so long? Or how can I get more patience to wait for God.
Peter turns that idea on its head a little bit and saying that maybe we don't need to get more patience to wait for God: maybe God is just being patient with us. Perhaps God is being patient and giving us time to grow in faithfulness and trust. Perhaps God is being patient and giving us time to learn to depend more and more on God and less on our own devices. Perhaps we need to NOT learn so much about patience but to learn to trust in God's patience.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services (8:30 and 11). Invite your friends and neighbors.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgement you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me." It's the biggest lie in the history of childhood. And the lie doesn't change as you become an adult. Names can hurt. Words can hurt. Words can destroy and kill and tear apart. And words can give life.
This should be obvious for Christians. Remember that we are people who worship the Word about to become flesh once again this year. Remember that we worship a God who created the whole universe by speaking it into being... words did all this! "Let there be light." Words have power. And like anything with power... they are dangerous. How are you using words today? Are you using words to create life and hope and peace and healing? Or the other things?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite today (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never hurt me." It's the biggest lie in the history of childhood. And the lie doesn't change as you become an adult. Names can hurt. Words can hurt. Words can destroy and kill and tear apart. And words can give life.
This should be obvious for Christians. Remember that we are people who worship the Word about to become flesh once again this year. Remember that we worship a God who created the whole universe by speaking it into being... words did all this! "Let there be light." Words have power. And like anything with power... they are dangerous. How are you using words today? Are you using words to create life and hope and peace and healing? Or the other things?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite today (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Isaiah 41:17 When the poor and needy seek water,
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
When the cold and the bundled seek warmth, and there is none, and their bones are chilled to the marrow, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not leave them out in the cold.
Just seemed more appropriate this morning.
Whether thirst is your bad situation or cold is your bad situation... Whether a cancer diagnosis or a job loss is your bad situation... Whether a shortage in the Santa budget or an inability to get along with your family is your bad situation... Whatever your bad situation, the Lord will answer you, the God of Israel will not forsake you. God had good news for your bad situation, whatever it is. In the dark and in the cold, just hold on. Because the light is coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite tomorrow (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
and there is none,
and their tongue is parched with thirst,
I the Lord will answer them,
I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
When the cold and the bundled seek warmth, and there is none, and their bones are chilled to the marrow, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not leave them out in the cold.
Just seemed more appropriate this morning.
Whether thirst is your bad situation or cold is your bad situation... Whether a cancer diagnosis or a job loss is your bad situation... Whether a shortage in the Santa budget or an inability to get along with your family is your bad situation... Whatever your bad situation, the Lord will answer you, the God of Israel will not forsake you. God had good news for your bad situation, whatever it is. In the dark and in the cold, just hold on. Because the light is coming.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for a midweek respite tomorrow (Wednesday): dinner at 6 pm and worship at 7 pm. This Sunday is our annual cantata at both services. Invite your friends and neighbors.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Lenten Devotional Being Prepared
This message was sent a couple weeks ago, but in case you forgot to respond!
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
- an assigned biblical text (usually 6-10 verses)
- a deadline (in mid-January)
- instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
Write your thoughts about what these passages are saying to you. What do they make you think of? What do you learn about God from them? What do you learn about yourself from them? Use the booklets "Christ in our Home" or the daily email devotionals as inspiration. But make it your own. Share your thoughts with your sisters and brothers.
Finally submit the following via email: your key verses, 250-350 word reflection, and how you would like your name to be printed.
These will be printed together in a booklet for our congregation, the booklet will be made into a pdf and put on our congregation's website, and the devotions will be emailed as part of our daily email devotional plan for the season of Lent 2011.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
Friday, December 3, 2010
Change of Address
Hi there,
In order to simplify a few things and due to some changes in policy of the site that we use for congregational publicity (including these devotional messages): beginning next Monday, the daily devotionals will come to you from office@allsaintspalatine.org. This email address is being phased out. Make sure to check your spam folders and do the things you need to do to ensure you continue to receive the messages. If there are any glitches or problems, please let us know.
Pastor Seth
In order to simplify a few things and due to some changes in policy of the site that we use for congregational publicity (including these devotional messages): beginning next Monday, the daily devotionals will come to you from office@allsaintspalatine.org. This email address is being phased out. Make sure to check your spam folders and do the things you need to do to ensure you continue to receive the messages. If there are any glitches or problems, please let us know.
Pastor Seth
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 13:25
25And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals* on his feet.”
When Paul gives his testimony about John the Baptist, he uses the words that John spoke -- I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet. Now, we're a long ways from untying sandals, but that was one of those jobs given to the servants of the house. John says, "I'm not even worthy to be his servant."
We talk about John the Baptist during Advent especially as one who pointed the way to Jesus, deflecting attention from his own actions and pointing people to Jesus. How are we called to be John the Baptist during this time, and always? How can we point our lives toward Jesus?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
25And as John was finishing his work, he said, “What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals* on his feet.”
When Paul gives his testimony about John the Baptist, he uses the words that John spoke -- I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet. Now, we're a long ways from untying sandals, but that was one of those jobs given to the servants of the house. John says, "I'm not even worthy to be his servant."
We talk about John the Baptist during Advent especially as one who pointed the way to Jesus, deflecting attention from his own actions and pointing people to Jesus. How are we called to be John the Baptist during this time, and always? How can we point our lives toward Jesus?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, December 2, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 1:23-25
23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place* in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’
When the disciples met again after the ascension, they were together and devoted themselves in prayer. The book of Acts lists those who were together and indicates they spent their time in prayer "together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus." The time comes when they need to fill out their numbers, so they put together a nominating committee and come up with two men who fit the needs -- Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The verse that I didn't include above indicates that the group "cast lots" and the lot fell upon Matthias.
The theme of prayer is woven throughout these verses and we can imagine that this was a time of intense prayer and reflection for the disciples and others who had been with Jesus throughout his life, death, resurrection and ascension. While we did not walk with Jesus through those events, our lives should be no less prayer-focused. During this season, as we await his birth, let's gather in prayer -- to remember, to wait, to give thanks, to intercede, to carve out a space in our days for conversation with God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
23So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25to take the place* in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’
When the disciples met again after the ascension, they were together and devoted themselves in prayer. The book of Acts lists those who were together and indicates they spent their time in prayer "together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus." The time comes when they need to fill out their numbers, so they put together a nominating committee and come up with two men who fit the needs -- Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus and Matthias. The verse that I didn't include above indicates that the group "cast lots" and the lot fell upon Matthias.
The theme of prayer is woven throughout these verses and we can imagine that this was a time of intense prayer and reflection for the disciples and others who had been with Jesus throughout his life, death, resurrection and ascension. While we did not walk with Jesus through those events, our lives should be no less prayer-focused. During this season, as we await his birth, let's gather in prayer -- to remember, to wait, to give thanks, to intercede, to carve out a space in our days for conversation with God.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 24:35
35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
In the lectionary readings that we have during the end of November and throughout Advent, we hear a lot about the end-of-time prophecies. Some of them are specific, referencing judgment methods, while others give hints about the signs that will take place and how people will know that the end is near.
I have no idea when the end will come. And, most days that doesn't concern me. However, what is of great importance to me is the steadfast nature of the words of Jesus. These are the words to which we cling, and ultimately, as the Word became flesh -- we cling to our salvation in the Word as Jesus. The rest? Well, that will all pass away.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join together this evening for dinner at 6:00 and worship at 7:00 as we dwell in the hope and anticipation of Advent.
35Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
In the lectionary readings that we have during the end of November and throughout Advent, we hear a lot about the end-of-time prophecies. Some of them are specific, referencing judgment methods, while others give hints about the signs that will take place and how people will know that the end is near.
I have no idea when the end will come. And, most days that doesn't concern me. However, what is of great importance to me is the steadfast nature of the words of Jesus. These are the words to which we cling, and ultimately, as the Word became flesh -- we cling to our salvation in the Word as Jesus. The rest? Well, that will all pass away.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. Join together this evening for dinner at 6:00 and worship at 7:00 as we dwell in the hope and anticipation of Advent.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Thanskgiving Day
For today, we provide you with the Prayer of the Day from our hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, for Thanksgiving Day.
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
We give thanks for you and for your partnership and generosity every day.
Pastors Seth and Jenn
Remember that if you (or someone you know) has no place to be today, join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Almighty God our Father, your generous goodness comes to us new every day. By the work of your Spirit lead us to acknowledge your goodness, give thanks for your benefits, and serve you in willing obedience, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
We give thanks for you and for your partnership and generosity every day.
Pastors Seth and Jenn
Remember that if you (or someone you know) has no place to be today, join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Lenten Devotional Being Prepared
Hi all.
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
Your help is needed.
Do you ever read these daily devotionals and think, "I've got something to say too?"
Do you ever wonder why Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn get to have all the fun of writing these messages?
Do you have something to share?
I'm sure that you do, whether you know it or not.
So, we are again this year preparing a Lenten devotional booklet for All Saints written by the people of All Saints.
If you should decide to put your name on the writer's list, you will get:
- an assigned biblical text (usually 6-10 verses)
- a deadline (in mid-January)
- instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
Write your thoughts about what these passages are saying to you. What do they make you think of? What do you learn about God from them? What do you learn about yourself from them? Use the booklets "Christ in our Home" or the daily email devotionals as inspiration. But make it your own. Share your thoughts with your sisters and brothers.
Finally submit the following via email: your key verses, 250-350 word reflection, and how you would like your name to be printed.
These will be printed together in a booklet for our congregation, the booklet will be made into a pdf and put on our congregation's website, and the devotions will be emailed as part of our daily email devotional plan for the season of Lent 2011.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 24:7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
This passage comes from that great poetic tradition of personifying inanimate objects. The psalmist calls on the gates and the doors of all of Jerusalem to open because the King of glory is coming. I picture a cartoon-setting where the psalmist cries out "Lift up your heads, O gates!" and the gate wakes up quickly from a long slumber. The gate shakes off the last bits of sleep and opens up just in time to let the Lord pass through.
But what if we play with the personification in the other direction? What if we are the gates? What if we are the doors? Lift up your heads, O people! and be lifted up, O saints! that the King of glory may come in. This week, lift up your head and prepare yourself to be a vessel through which the King of glory can enter the world. Because you are a gate and a door. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship tonight at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
This passage comes from that great poetic tradition of personifying inanimate objects. The psalmist calls on the gates and the doors of all of Jerusalem to open because the King of glory is coming. I picture a cartoon-setting where the psalmist cries out "Lift up your heads, O gates!" and the gate wakes up quickly from a long slumber. The gate shakes off the last bits of sleep and opens up just in time to let the Lord pass through.
But what if we play with the personification in the other direction? What if we are the gates? What if we are the doors? Lift up your heads, O people! and be lifted up, O saints! that the King of glory may come in. This week, lift up your head and prepare yourself to be a vessel through which the King of glory can enter the world. Because you are a gate and a door. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship tonight at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Isaiah 33:22 For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our ruler,
the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Sometimes the church/liturgical calendar plays around with our national/secular calendar in interesting ways. Of course it's Thanksgiving week and we're all thinking about turkey and dressing and football and giving thanks. For some of us (especially those of us with young children who remind us) we're thinking about pilgrims and voyages across the ocean and being afraid of not surviving. And we remember that those pilgrims came because of a fear of a king, a ruler, a judge. They came because of a conflict with the ruler and the ruling class where they lived. They needed to go somewhere else to worship as they wanted.
In this way, Christ the King (which is the liturgical holiday just past and that we're still thinking about with this lesson) reminds us that we have a righteous and a just king. No matter where we live, no matter if we like the government or the politics or the system... we have a ruler who will save us. The Lord is our king. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship Wednesday evening at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Sometimes the church/liturgical calendar plays around with our national/secular calendar in interesting ways. Of course it's Thanksgiving week and we're all thinking about turkey and dressing and football and giving thanks. For some of us (especially those of us with young children who remind us) we're thinking about pilgrims and voyages across the ocean and being afraid of not surviving. And we remember that those pilgrims came because of a fear of a king, a ruler, a judge. They came because of a conflict with the ruler and the ruling class where they lived. They needed to go somewhere else to worship as they wanted.
In this way, Christ the King (which is the liturgical holiday just past and that we're still thinking about with this lesson) reminds us that we have a righteous and a just king. No matter where we live, no matter if we like the government or the politics or the system... we have a ruler who will save us. The Lord is our king. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship Wednesday evening at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Monday, November 22, 2010
All Saints Devotions -- Monday
Jeremiah 46:27 But as for you, have no fear, my servant Jacob,
and do not be dismayed, O Israel;
for I am going to save you from far away,
and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
and no one shall make him afraid.
This is the time of year for the weepy "homecoming" commercials. You know the ones I mean. Somebody sneaks into the house early on Christmas morning or pops in just as the turkey is set on the Thanksgiving table. Nobody expected them to be able to make it home. Maybe there were weather problems. Maybe they lived too far away. Maybe they were in the military. Nonetheless, they make it home. Everybody cries. The viewers cry. And then I guess we go buy the coffee or batteries or cellphone plan or whatever it is that made it all possible.
I'm not selling you anything this morning. God's not selling you anything. But God promises a return more profound than any family get-together. God promises that one day we will return to God's house. One day we will be welcomed home and the feast will be set before us and nobody will be able to make us afraid ever again.
So this season as you are surrounded by love and hope, either at All Saints' Thanksgiving dinner, at your family's gathering(s) or wherever it is... look at those things as signs. They are signs of the great feast that God promises us. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship Wednesday evening at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
and do not be dismayed, O Israel;
for I am going to save you from far away,
and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease,
and no one shall make him afraid.
This is the time of year for the weepy "homecoming" commercials. You know the ones I mean. Somebody sneaks into the house early on Christmas morning or pops in just as the turkey is set on the Thanksgiving table. Nobody expected them to be able to make it home. Maybe there were weather problems. Maybe they lived too far away. Maybe they were in the military. Nonetheless, they make it home. Everybody cries. The viewers cry. And then I guess we go buy the coffee or batteries or cellphone plan or whatever it is that made it all possible.
I'm not selling you anything this morning. God's not selling you anything. But God promises a return more profound than any family get-together. God promises that one day we will return to God's house. One day we will be welcomed home and the feast will be set before us and nobody will be able to make us afraid ever again.
So this season as you are surrounded by love and hope, either at All Saints' Thanksgiving dinner, at your family's gathering(s) or wherever it is... look at those things as signs. They are signs of the great feast that God promises us. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for Thanksgiving worship Wednesday evening at 7. Bring a bag of groceries for the Palatine Food Pantry. Then join us on Thursday for our free community meal, 11-2. We begin Advent in worship next Sunday at 8:30 and 11.
Friday, November 12, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Friday
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
I am by nature a cynical person. I tend to see the glass as half-empty. That's my natural way of looking at the world. I am a cynic by nature, but I'm an optimist by experience.
It's good for me to see people working together and serving together and loving one another and sacrificing for one another. And it happens all the time. I see it in the ministries of All Saints and I see it in the life of All Saints on a regular basis. I see people serving and helping and giving and sharing. I see people stepping in to offer a new idea or new excitement and energy. I see it every day. And it challenges my cynicism.
I must always give thanks to God for you, All Saints, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
I am by nature a cynical person. I tend to see the glass as half-empty. That's my natural way of looking at the world. I am a cynic by nature, but I'm an optimist by experience.
It's good for me to see people working together and serving together and loving one another and sacrificing for one another. And it happens all the time. I see it in the ministries of All Saints and I see it in the life of All Saints on a regular basis. I see people serving and helping and giving and sharing. I see people stepping in to offer a new idea or new excitement and energy. I see it every day. And it challenges my cynicism.
I must always give thanks to God for you, All Saints, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen.
Paul is writing about those who worship statues and idols. They could be worshiping the true God, but instead they've chosen to worship a statue of a cow or a statue of a man or what-have-you. They've had the truth about God and they've chosen a lie instead. They're serving a creature rather than climbing right to the top of the supply chain to worship the Creator. How sad for them!
I'm so glad we don't worship statues anymore. I'm glad we don't serve statues and idols anymore.
Instead, we've exchanged the truth about God for lies and serve lots of other false gods. The more things change the more they stay the same.
What false gods or idols have you been serving lately? What has taken first place in your life lately?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
Paul is writing about those who worship statues and idols. They could be worshiping the true God, but instead they've chosen to worship a statue of a cow or a statue of a man or what-have-you. They've had the truth about God and they've chosen a lie instead. They're serving a creature rather than climbing right to the top of the supply chain to worship the Creator. How sad for them!
I'm so glad we don't worship statues anymore. I'm glad we don't serve statues and idols anymore.
Instead, we've exchanged the truth about God for lies and serve lots of other false gods. The more things change the more they stay the same.
What false gods or idols have you been serving lately? What has taken first place in your life lately?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 123
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
until he has mercy upon us.
To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
until he has mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
Our soul has had more than its fill
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
Today a whole psalm to read. And less from me. All I want to say is, let this psalm be your prayer today. Lift up your eyes to the One enthroned in the heavens. The Lord will have mercy upon you. The Lord has had mercy upon you.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. Join us Wednesday (tonight) for Holden Evening Prayer and fellowship at 7:00 as well. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
Monday, November 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Job 20:9 The eye that saw them will see them no more,
nor will their place behold them any longer.
One of the profound truths of the Bible is so simple and obvious yet it is truly profound. Nothing lasts forever. Wealth and power and privilege do not last. As the common phrase not found in the Bible puts it: "You can't take it with you." Life does not last. Health does not last. Nothing lasts forever. This passage from Job is actually talking about people who threaten or hate you. They don't last forever.
We serve a powerful and eternal God. Only God lasts. Only God's love lasts. God's love is stronger than hatred and jealousy and rivalry. God's love lasts and those things don't. God's love is stronger than any wealth or privilege. Those things will go away. God's love will not. What a privilege it is to worship and to serve an eternal and a loving God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. Join us Wednesday for Holden Evening Prayer and fellowship at 7:00 as well. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
nor will their place behold them any longer.
One of the profound truths of the Bible is so simple and obvious yet it is truly profound. Nothing lasts forever. Wealth and power and privilege do not last. As the common phrase not found in the Bible puts it: "You can't take it with you." Life does not last. Health does not last. Nothing lasts forever. This passage from Job is actually talking about people who threaten or hate you. They don't last forever.
We serve a powerful and eternal God. Only God lasts. Only God's love lasts. God's love is stronger than hatred and jealousy and rivalry. God's love lasts and those things don't. God's love is stronger than any wealth or privilege. Those things will go away. God's love will not. What a privilege it is to worship and to serve an eternal and a loving God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This week it's back to 8:30 and 11:00 worship with Education Hour at 9:45. Join us Wednesday for Holden Evening Prayer and fellowship at 7:00 as well. See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information.
Friday, November 5, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 24:10
10When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation.
We don't get a lot of adverbs in the writings of scripture, and often we have to provide our own stage cues, as it were. However, today, we read that Paul made his defense cheerfully. He believes with all of his might that he's done nothing wrong, and in fact many things right, so it's not surprising that he's able to state his defense cheerfully. But it makes me wonder how many things I do these days cheerfully? How about you? Are you of cheerful spirit as you go about your day or make your defense?
There are certainly moments when we understandably not cheerful, and perhaps it would even be considered inappropriate to be cheerful, but most days, at most times, my activities could use a dose of cheerfully.
Peace to you, cheerfully,
Pastor Jenn
Don't forget to turn back your clocks Saturday night!
Sunday morning schedule: 9:00 education, 10:00 worship followed by congregational meal! See you there!
10When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “I cheerfully make my defense, knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation.
We don't get a lot of adverbs in the writings of scripture, and often we have to provide our own stage cues, as it were. However, today, we read that Paul made his defense cheerfully. He believes with all of his might that he's done nothing wrong, and in fact many things right, so it's not surprising that he's able to state his defense cheerfully. But it makes me wonder how many things I do these days cheerfully? How about you? Are you of cheerful spirit as you go about your day or make your defense?
There are certainly moments when we understandably not cheerful, and perhaps it would even be considered inappropriate to be cheerful, but most days, at most times, my activities could use a dose of cheerfully.
Peace to you, cheerfully,
Pastor Jenn
Don't forget to turn back your clocks Saturday night!
Sunday morning schedule: 9:00 education, 10:00 worship followed by congregational meal! See you there!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 23:11
11That night the Lord stood near [Paul] and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
Part of what we do as Christians is witness and testify for the Lord, which can be a tiring task. Moreso, of course, for Paul who nearly lost his life in this particular passage on behalf of his testifying. No wonder the Lord shows up and says, "Keep up your courage!"
We could bemoan the fact that the Lord never shows up directly next to us and whispers encouragement in our ear. Or, we could look around us and hear all the words of support and promise that our brothers and sisters in Christ give to us as they testify to what the Lord has done for them, and continues to do in each of our relationships. Dear ones, keep up your courage.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
We will gather for worship at All Saints on Sunday at 10:00 with education at 9:00. A fellowship meal will follow worship. Please join together as we witness to the Lord and encourage each other.
11That night the Lord stood near [Paul] and said, “Keep up your courage! For just as you have testified for me in Jerusalem, so you must bear witness also in Rome.”
Part of what we do as Christians is witness and testify for the Lord, which can be a tiring task. Moreso, of course, for Paul who nearly lost his life in this particular passage on behalf of his testifying. No wonder the Lord shows up and says, "Keep up your courage!"
We could bemoan the fact that the Lord never shows up directly next to us and whispers encouragement in our ear. Or, we could look around us and hear all the words of support and promise that our brothers and sisters in Christ give to us as they testify to what the Lord has done for them, and continues to do in each of our relationships. Dear ones, keep up your courage.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
We will gather for worship at All Saints on Sunday at 10:00 with education at 9:00. A fellowship meal will follow worship. Please join together as we witness to the Lord and encourage each other.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 50:1
1The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
I love the idea of God summoning the earth from morning to night. A lot of people tell me that they begin their day with prayer -- prayer for people, prayer over the newspaper, prayer to have the energy to get out of bed. God is there, summoning the earth and you.
Many of you also end the day with prayer -- for a restful night, for the people you encounter throughout the day, for the situations that weigh heavily on your heart and mind. God is there, still summoning the earth, and you.
And throughout the day, God summons the earth, and you. Listen, God is calling.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
1The mighty one, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
I love the idea of God summoning the earth from morning to night. A lot of people tell me that they begin their day with prayer -- prayer for people, prayer over the newspaper, prayer to have the energy to get out of bed. God is there, summoning the earth and you.
Many of you also end the day with prayer -- for a restful night, for the people you encounter throughout the day, for the situations that weigh heavily on your heart and mind. God is there, still summoning the earth, and you.
And throughout the day, God summons the earth, and you. Listen, God is calling.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
ASLC Devotions-- Tuesday
Zechariah 7:9-10
9Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; 10do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
The question came, "Should I fast during a particular month, as I have always done, to entreat the favor of the Lord?" And the answer came as it is written above. Show kindness and mercy. Do not oppress the widow or the orphan or the poor or the alien. Do not devise evil toward one another.
There are a few times in scripture, particularly when reading the prophets, when we read a word that seems to speak against what was seen to be acceptable worship: fasting, burnt offerings, lamentation and mourning. And God speaks back to say that justice, kindness and mercy should direct our living, and in so doing, our lives become an act of worship. That seem like pretty good directives for us today, too. May our whole lives be an act of worship today, and every day.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
9Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; 10do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.
The question came, "Should I fast during a particular month, as I have always done, to entreat the favor of the Lord?" And the answer came as it is written above. Show kindness and mercy. Do not oppress the widow or the orphan or the poor or the alien. Do not devise evil toward one another.
There are a few times in scripture, particularly when reading the prophets, when we read a word that seems to speak against what was seen to be acceptable worship: fasting, burnt offerings, lamentation and mourning. And God speaks back to say that justice, kindness and mercy should direct our living, and in so doing, our lives become an act of worship. That seem like pretty good directives for us today, too. May our whole lives be an act of worship today, and every day.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, November 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Ephesians 1:17-19
17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
Today is All Saints Day, the day when we remember all of the saints who have gone before us and who surround us still. The verses above from Ephesians speak a prayer for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, enlightenment, hope, riches of God's glorious inheritance, and the greatness of God's power. There are few prayers more powerful, and more moving.
As you remember the saints in your life, those who now rest eternally from their labors and those who labor in God's kingdom still, know that we pray this prayer together. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
We will celebrate All Saints worship Sunday with the following schedule: Education for all ages at 9:00 am, Worship at 10:00 am, Congregational Meal following worship. Please join us, and don't forget to change your clocks as you head to bed Saturday night!
17I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, 18so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, 19and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
Today is All Saints Day, the day when we remember all of the saints who have gone before us and who surround us still. The verses above from Ephesians speak a prayer for the spirit of wisdom and revelation, enlightenment, hope, riches of God's glorious inheritance, and the greatness of God's power. There are few prayers more powerful, and more moving.
As you remember the saints in your life, those who now rest eternally from their labors and those who labor in God's kingdom still, know that we pray this prayer together. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
We will celebrate All Saints worship Sunday with the following schedule: Education for all ages at 9:00 am, Worship at 10:00 am, Congregational Meal following worship. Please join us, and don't forget to change your clocks as you head to bed Saturday night!
Friday, October 29, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Peter 1:2 May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
We live in anxious times. We live in times of fear and uncertainty. Sometimes that fear is intentionally created and built up (see the latest campaign mailing to hit your mailbox). Sometimes that fear is a natural by-product of economic conditions, of workplace stresses, of family stresses. Whatever the source: we live in anxious times
I pray that you may find grace and peace in abundance. I pray that you may know that God is God and Jesus is the Lord and you don't need to have either one of those jobs. I pray that grace and peace might be yours in abundance. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Sunday afternoon between 3 and 5 pm, we will hold a "Trunk or Treat" event in our parking lot. Bring your kids and pass the word - a safe place to trick or treat from several cars!
We live in anxious times. We live in times of fear and uncertainty. Sometimes that fear is intentionally created and built up (see the latest campaign mailing to hit your mailbox). Sometimes that fear is a natural by-product of economic conditions, of workplace stresses, of family stresses. Whatever the source: we live in anxious times
I pray that you may find grace and peace in abundance. I pray that you may know that God is God and Jesus is the Lord and you don't need to have either one of those jobs. I pray that grace and peace might be yours in abundance. Amen.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Sunday afternoon between 3 and 5 pm, we will hold a "Trunk or Treat" event in our parking lot. Bring your kids and pass the word - a safe place to trick or treat from several cars!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
1 John 4:1-2 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.
How am I supposed to know who is speaking God's will when lots of people claim to know God's will? "Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."
A seminary professor once said that if you have a problem with another person... especially any of the -isms... racism, sexism, homophobism, classism, etc... then really you've got a problem with Jesus Christ on the cross. Because Jesus died on the cross for everyone. Jesus died on the cross for the people who don't look like you or think like you. Jesus died on the cross and, if you have a problem with someone else, what you're saying is "Jesus, how dare you die for her?"
If someone claims to speak for God and what they say would negate Jesus sacrifice for another person, then it's a lie. It's a false prophet. It's a false spirit. Reject it. Cling to the faith that Jesus Christ opened his arms on the cross for everyone. Simple. End of story.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11. We will celebrate Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) at the 11:00 service. See you then!
Sunday afternoon between 3 and 5 pm, we will hold a "Trunk or Treat" event in our parking lot. Bring your kids and pass the word - a safe place to trick or treat from several cars!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
he bestows favour and honour.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. Um, really. There are days when I read something like this and I think "Well then I must not be walking uprightly, because lots of good things seem to be being withheld." And while I encourage conversation and dialogue regarding these messages, please refrain from letting me know whether you think I'm walking uprightly. Let's keep those opinions to ourselves!
But I really don't think that's the issue. The issue is the good things. The issue is whether God is withholding, or whether God is withholding things that are truly good. This kind of question always brings to mind a phrase I've learned from African-American sisters and brothers: "God may not come when you want him. But he's always on time."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend at 8:30 and 11. We will celebrate the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism (aka Confirmation) at the 11:00 service.
See you then!
he bestows favour and honour.
No good thing does the Lord withhold
from those who walk uprightly.
No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. Um, really. There are days when I read something like this and I think "Well then I must not be walking uprightly, because lots of good things seem to be being withheld." And while I encourage conversation and dialogue regarding these messages, please refrain from letting me know whether you think I'm walking uprightly. Let's keep those opinions to ourselves!
But I really don't think that's the issue. The issue is the good things. The issue is whether God is withholding, or whether God is withholding things that are truly good. This kind of question always brings to mind a phrase I've learned from African-American sisters and brothers: "God may not come when you want him. But he's always on time."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend at 8:30 and 11. We will celebrate the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism (aka Confirmation) at the 11:00 service.
See you then!
Friday, October 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Timothy 3:13-15
13But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Do you ever wonder what it is exactly that you're supposed to be doing? Not in a task-list sort of way, but in a bigger picture, what is my life supposed to be like sort of way? It seems that today's scripture reminds us that our task is to continue -- to persevere.
But as for you, it says, continue in what you have learned. As for you, over here -- remember what you've learned about salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Carry on in the faith that you have learned from childhood, and persevere.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
13But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Do you ever wonder what it is exactly that you're supposed to be doing? Not in a task-list sort of way, but in a bigger picture, what is my life supposed to be like sort of way? It seems that today's scripture reminds us that our task is to continue -- to persevere.
But as for you, it says, continue in what you have learned. As for you, over here -- remember what you've learned about salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Carry on in the faith that you have learned from childhood, and persevere.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, October 21, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Timothy 3:8-9
8As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. 9But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.
The trouble with a passage like this is that we can get hung up on questions like "What is the truth?" and "How do we know what is folly and what is faith?" The previous verses give us some clue that the divide centered on such things as people who are "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit."
It would seem that no matter how you define truth or folly, these descriptors provide a pretty good clue as to how we shouldn't act toward one another. It might feel like too much on any given day to live a perfect life. After all, none of us are perfect (no, not even you!). But it does seem that we can do our best not to be abusive or arrogant or ungrateful or brutes or inhuman. So, dear ones, let's start there.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. I apologize with the unscheduled interruption of devotions earlier this week! There's nothing wrong with your email program...
8As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. 9But they will not make much progress, because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone.
The trouble with a passage like this is that we can get hung up on questions like "What is the truth?" and "How do we know what is folly and what is faith?" The previous verses give us some clue that the divide centered on such things as people who are "lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit."
It would seem that no matter how you define truth or folly, these descriptors provide a pretty good clue as to how we shouldn't act toward one another. It might feel like too much on any given day to live a perfect life. After all, none of us are perfect (no, not even you!). But it does seem that we can do our best not to be abusive or arrogant or ungrateful or brutes or inhuman. So, dear ones, let's start there.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
PS. I apologize with the unscheduled interruption of devotions earlier this week! There's nothing wrong with your email program...
Friday, October 15, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Friday
2 Timothy 2:23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
Usually I use this space to try to provide a little hope and good news for your morning. Today instead we're going to provide a little bit of advice. Ancient advice. But simple advice. The book of the Bible 2 Timothy was written to Timothy who was learning to be a pastor by some older and more experienced mentor. Lots of it is advice about how to be a leader and an example of Christian faith. This verse is no exception: "Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels."
So stupid and senseless controversies must have been a part of church life 2000 years ago. And they must have been a part of business life, and civic life, and political life, and family life. Hmmmm... Not much has changed in 2000 years has it? Stupid and senseless controversies are all around.
I'd like to invite you today to join me in having nothing to do with them. Walk away. Choose a higher road. Focus your mind and your heart on things that matter. You never know! God might have something better in store for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tomorrow morning for Men's Breakfast at 8 am as Bob Crawford shares conversation with us about the political season (speaking of stupid and senseless controversies). Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Usually I use this space to try to provide a little hope and good news for your morning. Today instead we're going to provide a little bit of advice. Ancient advice. But simple advice. The book of the Bible 2 Timothy was written to Timothy who was learning to be a pastor by some older and more experienced mentor. Lots of it is advice about how to be a leader and an example of Christian faith. This verse is no exception: "Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels."
So stupid and senseless controversies must have been a part of church life 2000 years ago. And they must have been a part of business life, and civic life, and political life, and family life. Hmmmm... Not much has changed in 2000 years has it? Stupid and senseless controversies are all around.
I'd like to invite you today to join me in having nothing to do with them. Walk away. Choose a higher road. Focus your mind and your heart on things that matter. You never know! God might have something better in store for you.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us tomorrow morning for Men's Breakfast at 8 am as Bob Crawford shares conversation with us about the political season (speaking of stupid and senseless controversies). Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Acts 17:28 For “In him we live and move and have our being”; as even some of your own poets have said,
“For we too are his offspring.”
This is one tiny excerpt of a sermon that Paul gave to a group of Athenians. It's a great sermon. Lots of good stuff. But I pulled this one line out just because of the thing that Paul quotes actually: "In him we live and move and have our being." That's a reminder that I need this morning.
It is in God that I live. It is in God that I move. It is in God that I have my being. And if that's true, then nothing can take any of that away. Nothing can take away my living and being, because God is protecting it all. And nothing can take away my moving - my freedom of movement - my joyful movement - my dancing, because all of it rests in God.
In God you live and move and have your being.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Saturday morning at 8 for Men's Breakfast with our speaker Bob Crawford. And Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
“For we too are his offspring.”
This is one tiny excerpt of a sermon that Paul gave to a group of Athenians. It's a great sermon. Lots of good stuff. But I pulled this one line out just because of the thing that Paul quotes actually: "In him we live and move and have our being." That's a reminder that I need this morning.
It is in God that I live. It is in God that I move. It is in God that I have my being. And if that's true, then nothing can take any of that away. Nothing can take away my living and being, because God is protecting it all. And nothing can take away my moving - my freedom of movement - my joyful movement - my dancing, because all of it rests in God.
In God you live and move and have your being.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us Saturday morning at 8 for Men's Breakfast with our speaker Bob Crawford. And Sunday morning for worship at 8:30 and 11. More details at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Psalm 61:4
Let me abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
Some days I just want to pull the covers back up over my head and stay in bed. Maybe it's the gray and dreary weather outside the window. Maybe it's the gray and dreary tasks on my to-do list. Maybe it's just sheer human laziness. But sometimes I just want to stay put and not have to face the world.
"Let me abide in your tent forever." It would be wonderful to be able to stay in God's tent and not have to face the world and all its real-life problems and real-life situations. It would be nice to stay sheltered and comfy and cozy. But of course we can't stay there. We all need to face the day. We need to face what the day brings.
It's sure a good thing that God's tent is bigger than my bed, bigger than my home. God's tent follows me and shelters me wherever I go.
May you know God's presence and shelter today, wherever you roam.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join together tonight for prayer and fellowship. Holden Evening Prayer at 7 pm followed by fellowship in the Gathering Space. Bring a dish or bottle to pass.
Let me abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings.
Some days I just want to pull the covers back up over my head and stay in bed. Maybe it's the gray and dreary weather outside the window. Maybe it's the gray and dreary tasks on my to-do list. Maybe it's just sheer human laziness. But sometimes I just want to stay put and not have to face the world.
"Let me abide in your tent forever." It would be wonderful to be able to stay in God's tent and not have to face the world and all its real-life problems and real-life situations. It would be nice to stay sheltered and comfy and cozy. But of course we can't stay there. We all need to face the day. We need to face what the day brings.
It's sure a good thing that God's tent is bigger than my bed, bigger than my home. God's tent follows me and shelters me wherever I go.
May you know God's presence and shelter today, wherever you roam.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join together tonight for prayer and fellowship. Holden Evening Prayer at 7 pm followed by fellowship in the Gathering Space. Bring a dish or bottle to pass.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Psalm 41:3 The Lord sustains them on their sickbed;
in their illness you heal all their infirmities.
In some ways I really believe that I have the greatest job in the world. I am privileged to be able to walk with people through all kinds of joys and sorrows in life, and to learn from them all along the way.
I walked into Joyce's room expecting sadness and tears. Anybody would have expected sadness and tears after Joyce's diagnosis. She didn't have much longer to live and what she had would be painful and hard. That was sure. I was prepared to try to offer comfort and to try to assure her that God would be with her even through all of this. That's my job.
Except that she assured me. She assured me that God is good, and that God had given her so many blessings throughout her life. She wanted only to talk about thankfulness. She wanted to talk about passing on her faith to her children and gratitude. I don't know about her children and grandchildren, but I know she passed on her faithfulness to me. The faithfulness that says, "Even here on my sickbed, I know that God sustains me and that God is a good and gracious God" is a faithfulness I can continue to learn and to carry.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information. Join us for prayer, singing, and fellowship Wednesday evening. Holden Evening Prayer is at 7 pm and join us for fellowship in the Gathering Space afterward. Bring a dish to share and join in the fun!
in their illness you heal all their infirmities.
In some ways I really believe that I have the greatest job in the world. I am privileged to be able to walk with people through all kinds of joys and sorrows in life, and to learn from them all along the way.
I walked into Joyce's room expecting sadness and tears. Anybody would have expected sadness and tears after Joyce's diagnosis. She didn't have much longer to live and what she had would be painful and hard. That was sure. I was prepared to try to offer comfort and to try to assure her that God would be with her even through all of this. That's my job.
Except that she assured me. She assured me that God is good, and that God had given her so many blessings throughout her life. She wanted only to talk about thankfulness. She wanted to talk about passing on her faith to her children and gratitude. I don't know about her children and grandchildren, but I know she passed on her faithfulness to me. The faithfulness that says, "Even here on my sickbed, I know that God sustains me and that God is a good and gracious God" is a faithfulness I can continue to learn and to carry.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information. Join us for prayer, singing, and fellowship Wednesday evening. Holden Evening Prayer is at 7 pm and join us for fellowship in the Gathering Space afterward. Bring a dish to share and join in the fun!
Monday, October 11, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
2 Kings 5:15 Then he returned to the man of God, he and all his company; he came and stood before him and said, ‘Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.'
Naaman is the "he" referred to here. He was a great general of a foreign army who had his leprosy healed by a prophet of the God of Israel. He was impressed to say the least. You have your skin disease disappear out of nowhere and your skin completely cleaned, you'll put some stock in whatever God or belief-system accomplished it. You'd believe too, I'd venture to say. Anybody would.
I've never seen a skin disease cured. I don't have that as a basis of faith.
But I've seen a woman reconciled with her mother after 35 years of not speaking. I've seen people fed who otherwise would have starved to death. I've seen it. I've seen this and so much more. I've seen it and it feeds my faith. It nourishes my faith. It reinforces my faith. It causes me to take Naaman's confession and change it up slightly. Naaman said "I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel." I say "I know that the God of Israel is alive and well in all the earth."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer and fellowship at 7 pm. Bring a dish to pass for the fellowship time.
Naaman is the "he" referred to here. He was a great general of a foreign army who had his leprosy healed by a prophet of the God of Israel. He was impressed to say the least. You have your skin disease disappear out of nowhere and your skin completely cleaned, you'll put some stock in whatever God or belief-system accomplished it. You'd believe too, I'd venture to say. Anybody would.
I've never seen a skin disease cured. I don't have that as a basis of faith.
But I've seen a woman reconciled with her mother after 35 years of not speaking. I've seen people fed who otherwise would have starved to death. I've seen it. I've seen this and so much more. I've seen it and it feeds my faith. It nourishes my faith. It reinforces my faith. It causes me to take Naaman's confession and change it up slightly. Naaman said "I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel." I say "I know that the God of Israel is alive and well in all the earth."
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer and fellowship at 7 pm. Bring a dish to pass for the fellowship time.
Friday, October 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
2 Timothy 2:1-2
You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; 2and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.
This is the heart of any graduation speech, congratulations card or send-off: be strong, and share what you have learned with others. To boil it down like that might seem like I'm not taking it very seriously, but I'd argue just the opposite. There are so many things that we learn throughout our lives -- and it is important to share them with others. Why should our knowledge about the Gospel and grace of Jesus Christ be any different?
I love, though, that all of that comes after the encouragement to be strong in the grace. Take encouragement to be strong. Take comfort to be strong. And then share what you have heard and what you know.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; 2and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.
This is the heart of any graduation speech, congratulations card or send-off: be strong, and share what you have learned with others. To boil it down like that might seem like I'm not taking it very seriously, but I'd argue just the opposite. There are so many things that we learn throughout our lives -- and it is important to share them with others. Why should our knowledge about the Gospel and grace of Jesus Christ be any different?
I love, though, that all of that comes after the encouragement to be strong in the grace. Take encouragement to be strong. Take comfort to be strong. And then share what you have heard and what you know.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, October 7, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Timothy 1:13-14
13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
The letters that we read in scripture are full of many things -- some admonish, some encourage, some teach, some preach. These few lines remind the reader to uphold and guard the treasure, the Gospel message -- the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today we still hear about this teaching and treasure that we read about in the second letter to Timothy -- we still have received sound teaching and the Gospel message.
And, we don't have to do it alone -- the Holy Spirit lives in us. However, if that Holy Spirit feels a little quiet, take note that there are others in your life (and mine!) who help us to do these things. We have mentors and guides and wisdom folks who embody the role of guard and teacher, helping us to remember what we have learned and the value of this amazing treasure that we have received. Give thanks today for those Spirit-folks in your life.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
13Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.
The letters that we read in scripture are full of many things -- some admonish, some encourage, some teach, some preach. These few lines remind the reader to uphold and guard the treasure, the Gospel message -- the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today we still hear about this teaching and treasure that we read about in the second letter to Timothy -- we still have received sound teaching and the Gospel message.
And, we don't have to do it alone -- the Holy Spirit lives in us. However, if that Holy Spirit feels a little quiet, take note that there are others in your life (and mine!) who help us to do these things. We have mentors and guides and wisdom folks who embody the role of guard and teacher, helping us to remember what we have learned and the value of this amazing treasure that we have received. Give thanks today for those Spirit-folks in your life.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 3:5-6
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
On those nights when I cannot sleep because of worry, I am sometimes of clear enough mind to realize the absurdity of worrying late into the night. Not that I'm recommending that we worry during daylight hours, either, mind you, but there are often enough distractions during the day that our obsessive worries get a break. If we truly believe that the Lord sustains us, then we should sleep. If we truly trust in the Lord, we should sleep.
I've had several people tell me over the years that they feel badly about falling asleep in the middle of their bedtime prayers. Now, I don't know many conversation partners who would be appreciative if you fell asleep while talking with them, but I think that's maybe exactly what God wants us to do -- turn your worries over to God at the end of the day, and sleep. You will wake again, for the Lord sustains you. Do not be afraid. Rest.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
5 I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.
6 I am not afraid of tens of thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
On those nights when I cannot sleep because of worry, I am sometimes of clear enough mind to realize the absurdity of worrying late into the night. Not that I'm recommending that we worry during daylight hours, either, mind you, but there are often enough distractions during the day that our obsessive worries get a break. If we truly believe that the Lord sustains us, then we should sleep. If we truly trust in the Lord, we should sleep.
I've had several people tell me over the years that they feel badly about falling asleep in the middle of their bedtime prayers. Now, I don't know many conversation partners who would be appreciative if you fell asleep while talking with them, but I think that's maybe exactly what God wants us to do -- turn your worries over to God at the end of the day, and sleep. You will wake again, for the Lord sustains you. Do not be afraid. Rest.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Habakkuk 2:2-4
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Perhaps the most powerful part of our words from Habakkuk today might be: "then the Lord answered me." In some ways it hardly matters exactly what the Lord says, but simply know that there's an answer can bring comfort and relief. Now, I know that's not always the case -- the answer we get or the response that comes can be far from what we hoped we would hear. But God does answer, and to Habakkuk, God says that there's still a vision, and that the task is still to write it -- large and plainly.
Habakkuk was a prophet, and he was hoping for a message from God to bring to the people, the wayward people. And, God assures him that the message is coming -- even if Habakkuk needs to have a little more patience. God has answered, the vision is coming, have patience. Take comfort -- the vision is coming. Have patience.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
2 Then the Lord answered me and said:
Write the vision;
make it plain on tablets,
so that a runner may read it.
3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time;
it speaks of the end, and does not lie.
If it seems to tarry, wait for it;
it will surely come, it will not delay.
Perhaps the most powerful part of our words from Habakkuk today might be: "then the Lord answered me." In some ways it hardly matters exactly what the Lord says, but simply know that there's an answer can bring comfort and relief. Now, I know that's not always the case -- the answer we get or the response that comes can be far from what we hoped we would hear. But God does answer, and to Habakkuk, God says that there's still a vision, and that the task is still to write it -- large and plainly.
Habakkuk was a prophet, and he was hoping for a message from God to bring to the people, the wayward people. And, God assures him that the message is coming -- even if Habakkuk needs to have a little more patience. God has answered, the vision is coming, have patience. Take comfort -- the vision is coming. Have patience.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, October 4, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Habakkuk 1:12-14
12 Are you not from of old,
O Lord my God, my Holy One?
You shall not die.
O Lord, you have marked them for judgement;
and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment.
13 Your eyes are too pure to behold evil,
and you cannot look on wrongdoing;
why do you look on the treacherous,
and are silent when the wicked swallow
those more righteous than they?
14 You have made people like the fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.
Habakkuk seems like a cheeky prophet, like a prophet that got a little bit sassy with God, and somehow lived to tell about it. Some editors of modern translations, the folks who put those descriptive headings into our Bibles, have called this first chapter of Habakkuk "The Prophet's Complaint." Seems pretty accurate, especially when we read verse 13 -- why don't you say something, God, when the wicked eat up the good? Perhaps by my standards, though, we could all be considered a little bit cheeky when we wonder why God doesn't seem to speak a word to situations riddled with injustice.
There are two parts of Habakkuk's scripture that I find beautiful, however. One, the prophet brings a word to God -- a word of complaint, a word seeking justice, a word of information, a feisty word of challenge. Perhaps we sometimes shy away from being sassy with God -- we have lost the art of bringing a word to God, the art of prophetic give and take. And two, God responds. We'll hear that response tomorrow, but for today know that this is not a one-sided conversation that Habakkuk has with God -- and our conversations, our prayers, with God are not one-sided, either.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
12 Are you not from of old,
O Lord my God, my Holy One?
You shall not die.
O Lord, you have marked them for judgement;
and you, O Rock, have established them for punishment.
13 Your eyes are too pure to behold evil,
and you cannot look on wrongdoing;
why do you look on the treacherous,
and are silent when the wicked swallow
those more righteous than they?
14 You have made people like the fish of the sea,
like crawling things that have no ruler.
Habakkuk seems like a cheeky prophet, like a prophet that got a little bit sassy with God, and somehow lived to tell about it. Some editors of modern translations, the folks who put those descriptive headings into our Bibles, have called this first chapter of Habakkuk "The Prophet's Complaint." Seems pretty accurate, especially when we read verse 13 -- why don't you say something, God, when the wicked eat up the good? Perhaps by my standards, though, we could all be considered a little bit cheeky when we wonder why God doesn't seem to speak a word to situations riddled with injustice.
There are two parts of Habakkuk's scripture that I find beautiful, however. One, the prophet brings a word to God -- a word of complaint, a word seeking justice, a word of information, a feisty word of challenge. Perhaps we sometimes shy away from being sassy with God -- we have lost the art of bringing a word to God, the art of prophetic give and take. And two, God responds. We'll hear that response tomorrow, but for today know that this is not a one-sided conversation that Habakkuk has with God -- and our conversations, our prayers, with God are not one-sided, either.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, October 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Revelation 2:17 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give a white stone, and on the white stone is written a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it.
To those of us who conquer (through our baptism and the death and resurrection of Jesus), God promises to give us a white stone with a new name written on it. God says that nobody knows what the name is. God sent this message and seemed to want to promise us a new name but tell us not to bother trying to figure out the name.
Risking getting in trouble for even guessing, I've got a guess. I've got a guess of the new name that will be given to all of us at the end. I think it's "Christian." We've been marked. We've been claimed. Our sinful selves have been covered over in the purest white. We are now called not sinful Seth, but Christian.
That's my guess, and someday we'll all find out!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
To those of us who conquer (through our baptism and the death and resurrection of Jesus), God promises to give us a white stone with a new name written on it. God says that nobody knows what the name is. God sent this message and seemed to want to promise us a new name but tell us not to bother trying to figure out the name.
Risking getting in trouble for even guessing, I've got a guess. I've got a guess of the new name that will be given to all of us at the end. I think it's "Christian." We've been marked. We've been claimed. Our sinful selves have been covered over in the purest white. We are now called not sinful Seth, but Christian.
That's my guess, and someday we'll all find out!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Revelation 2:11 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.
John, the author of Revelation uses this refrain throughout the book and I love it: "Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches." Do you hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches? To the church? To you? How can you tell that you know? How can you be sure?
One thing John is sure that the Spirit is saying to the churches... to you... is that "whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death." And I'm telling you that you've conquered. In your baptism you've been joined to the conquering of Jesus. He conquered on your behalf. You will not be harmed by the second death.
Religion today is really concerned with the here and now. Most of us are concerned with the here and now. And there's good reason for that. But I think sometimes we forget that eternity awaits us. Eternity will be a lot longer than the 60-90 or more years of our life on earth. And eternity has been assured for us. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
John, the author of Revelation uses this refrain throughout the book and I love it: "Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches." Do you hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches? To the church? To you? How can you tell that you know? How can you be sure?
One thing John is sure that the Spirit is saying to the churches... to you... is that "whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death." And I'm telling you that you've conquered. In your baptism you've been joined to the conquering of Jesus. He conquered on your behalf. You will not be harmed by the second death.
Religion today is really concerned with the here and now. Most of us are concerned with the here and now. And there's good reason for that. But I think sometimes we forget that eternity awaits us. Eternity will be a lot longer than the 60-90 or more years of our life on earth. And eternity has been assured for us. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Daniel 12:1 At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book.
Today is the feast day of Michael and All Angels. The reading for the day is from Daniel's vision of the future and of Michael's role in the protection of God's people in that future.
I've never been a big angel guy. I'm not sure what I believe about angels and their existence and their role in the world and in God's plan for us. I'm fairly sure they don't look like Michael Landon or John Travolta. I say I'm fairly sure but I've been surprised before.
But there is one thing of which my faith is sure. God will protect God's people. God will save us. In fact, God has already saved us through Jesus' death and resurrection. And so today at least I'll give thanks for Michael, a protector of God's people. And most importantly, I'll give thanks for the God who protects and saves and defends us from all evil.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Today is the feast day of Michael and All Angels. The reading for the day is from Daniel's vision of the future and of Michael's role in the protection of God's people in that future.
I've never been a big angel guy. I'm not sure what I believe about angels and their existence and their role in the world and in God's plan for us. I'm fairly sure they don't look like Michael Landon or John Travolta. I say I'm fairly sure but I've been surprised before.
But there is one thing of which my faith is sure. God will protect God's people. God will save us. In fact, God has already saved us through Jesus' death and resurrection. And so today at least I'll give thanks for Michael, a protector of God's people. And most importantly, I'll give thanks for the God who protects and saves and defends us from all evil.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Hosea 10:12 Sow for yourselves righteousness;
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
I joined a congregation in Washington, DC during the tail end of my college years. Just before I began worshiping there, the congregation had experienced the death and funeral of Miss Judy, one of the shining light matriarchs of the congregation. From the way people talked, I gathered that she had touched a lot of lives with her faithfulness, with her kind words, with birthday cards and with an offer of a glass of lemonade on her front stoop. I also heard more people than I can remember say "I wish I had told her how much all that meant."
We all have people who mean a lot to us and we never tell them. We never say "I love you" or "Thank you." Or we don't say it as often as we should. It's like our faithfulness ground is lying fallow. It's just dirt. Nothing can grow in ungrateful soil. Nothing can grow in soil that isn't worked and turned. So...Hosea would say that we need to start sowing some righteousness and reaping some love. I'm going to make it simple: tell someone that you're grateful they're in your life today. Start with that. You never know what you might reap.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
reap steadfast love;
break up your fallow ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
I joined a congregation in Washington, DC during the tail end of my college years. Just before I began worshiping there, the congregation had experienced the death and funeral of Miss Judy, one of the shining light matriarchs of the congregation. From the way people talked, I gathered that she had touched a lot of lives with her faithfulness, with her kind words, with birthday cards and with an offer of a glass of lemonade on her front stoop. I also heard more people than I can remember say "I wish I had told her how much all that meant."
We all have people who mean a lot to us and we never tell them. We never say "I love you" or "Thank you." Or we don't say it as often as we should. It's like our faithfulness ground is lying fallow. It's just dirt. Nothing can grow in ungrateful soil. Nothing can grow in soil that isn't worked and turned. So...Hosea would say that we need to start sowing some righteousness and reaping some love. I'm going to make it simple: tell someone that you're grateful they're in your life today. Start with that. You never know what you might reap.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Monday, September 27, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Amos 6:8 The Lord God has sworn by himself
(says the Lord, the God of hosts):
I abhor the pride of Jacob
and hate his strongholds;
and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.
God's got a problem with pride. I've never quite understood why God doesn't like groups of lions... let that one sink in. Bad humor on a Monday morning.
Back to the point, if there was one: the problem with our pride is that it hurts us. As a loving parent, God does not want to see us hurt. And God knows that our pride (or pridefulness) will make us think we've got it figured out. It will make us think we don't need help. It will make us say in the immortal words of a 3-year old "I do it myself." And sometimes that works out just fine.
Until it doesn't. Until we get hurt. Until we cry. Until we hurt someone else. And they cry. And we cry. The problem with pride is NOT that God doesn't want us thinking highly of ourselves. The problem with pride is that God doesn't want us getting hurt. You need help today. I need help today. I cannot do it myself. Praise God that the important things have already been done.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
(says the Lord, the God of hosts):
I abhor the pride of Jacob
and hate his strongholds;
and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.
God's got a problem with pride. I've never quite understood why God doesn't like groups of lions... let that one sink in. Bad humor on a Monday morning.
Back to the point, if there was one: the problem with our pride is that it hurts us. As a loving parent, God does not want to see us hurt. And God knows that our pride (or pridefulness) will make us think we've got it figured out. It will make us think we don't need help. It will make us say in the immortal words of a 3-year old "I do it myself." And sometimes that works out just fine.
Until it doesn't. Until we get hurt. Until we cry. Until we hurt someone else. And they cry. And we cry. The problem with pride is NOT that God doesn't want us thinking highly of ourselves. The problem with pride is that God doesn't want us getting hurt. You need help today. I need help today. I cannot do it myself. Praise God that the important things have already been done.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
See http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for information about all of our ministries and a full calendar. Bring your pets for a service of blessing Saturday morning in the church parking lot at 9. Worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11.
Friday, September 24, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Ephesians 2:4-5
4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
In yesterday's devotion I reflected about how we have been made rich through Christ, and while I still stand by that statement, today's scripture reminds us that first and foremost God is rich -- rich in mercy. We use this verse as part of our worship during the Confession and Forgiveness, and it moves me as we speak of our God being rich in mercy. Of course God is rich in all things -- mercy and love and kindness and justice and grace, to name a few.
And, those are all areas in which we can strive to build our riches, too. We can be rich in kindness and mercy toward others. We can be rich in grace. We can be rich in love. My prayer is that we can see the many ways that we are rich -- as people and as a congregation -- and continue to share what we have been given as we are alive in Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
4But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
In yesterday's devotion I reflected about how we have been made rich through Christ, and while I still stand by that statement, today's scripture reminds us that first and foremost God is rich -- rich in mercy. We use this verse as part of our worship during the Confession and Forgiveness, and it moves me as we speak of our God being rich in mercy. Of course God is rich in all things -- mercy and love and kindness and justice and grace, to name a few.
And, those are all areas in which we can strive to build our riches, too. We can be rich in kindness and mercy toward others. We can be rich in grace. We can be rich in love. My prayer is that we can see the many ways that we are rich -- as people and as a congregation -- and continue to share what we have been given as we are alive in Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Thursday, September 23, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
2 Corinthians 8:8-9
I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
All too often we equate rich, poor, poverty and wealth with a bank account balance. It's not surprising -- after all, we have bills to pay and projects to complete and basic living to do. But it's clear that the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ really had nothing to do with money.
We are rich in our life with Jesus Christ. We have been on the receiving end of the most generous act that we could imagine. God has already determined your value and worth -- and nothing can change that.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
All too often we equate rich, poor, poverty and wealth with a bank account balance. It's not surprising -- after all, we have bills to pay and projects to complete and basic living to do. But it's clear that the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ really had nothing to do with money.
We are rich in our life with Jesus Christ. We have been on the receiving end of the most generous act that we could imagine. God has already determined your value and worth -- and nothing can change that.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 12:6-7
6The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.
7You, O Lord, will protect us;
you will guard us from this generation forever.
The psalmist often writes from a point of view that makes it seem as if he is always under attack, which I'm not going to argue might have been the case. But he also writes from a position of deep faith that the Lord will protect. There are certainly days when the world does seem to conspire against us -- whether at work or school or simply driving from home to the grocery store. (Really, did ALL of the lights have to be red?) And, while I don't really think that God cares about red lights, I do believe deeply that God cares about us as God's children.
Chances are the whole world is not against you -- nor is this entire generation... However, God's promises and protection, perfected and made strong as if silver in a refiner's fire, are steadfast through the ages.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, September 17, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So what else did you want to know?
This passage is my go-to for funerals or at the bedside of someone facing surgery or death. Seems to me that it sums up all the most important things we need to know at those most important points in life: nothing can separate us from God's love... not this funeral, not this surgery, not this death.
But it's probably a good reminder for those of us not going through a death or particular grief right now as well.
So what else did you want to know?
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
So what else did you want to know?
This passage is my go-to for funerals or at the bedside of someone facing surgery or death. Seems to me that it sums up all the most important things we need to know at those most important points in life: nothing can separate us from God's love... not this funeral, not this surgery, not this death.
But it's probably a good reminder for those of us not going through a death or particular grief right now as well.
So what else did you want to know?
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Thursday, September 16, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Romans 3:3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?
We are an arrogant bunch, aren't we? Even when we are down on ourselves and feeling worthless, it comes out in arrogance. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "I don't deserve it." I have thought that whatever I had done was just so bad that nobody, not even God, should or would forgive me. When good things have come my way, like family and love, I've thought "I don't deserve it." I have thought that there was nothing I could possibly have done to deserve those things. There must be some kind of cosmic mistake.
And that's just it. I don't deserve it. I don't deserve any of it. And God gives it anyway. God has promised to give us life. End of story. If we, by being unfaithful, could make God not give us life, then we'd have some power over God, wouldn't we? And that's ridiculous. God promises to love us and God will love us no matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
We are an arrogant bunch, aren't we? Even when we are down on ourselves and feeling worthless, it comes out in arrogance. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "I don't deserve it." I have thought that whatever I had done was just so bad that nobody, not even God, should or would forgive me. When good things have come my way, like family and love, I've thought "I don't deserve it." I have thought that there was nothing I could possibly have done to deserve those things. There must be some kind of cosmic mistake.
And that's just it. I don't deserve it. I don't deserve any of it. And God gives it anyway. God has promised to give us life. End of story. If we, by being unfaithful, could make God not give us life, then we'd have some power over God, wouldn't we? And that's ridiculous. God promises to love us and God will love us no matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength* of my heart and my portion for ever.
Are you having a bad week? Things dragging you down? Are the bills piling higher than you thought they might? Had you hoped for a little relief, for a little bit easier time this week than last and it's just not there.
I don't have and won't attempt to give any easy answers to life's very complicated troubles. I know that pain and stress and heartache are just too real for that.
All I know is this: there is a God who is strong and powerful. The God of all the universe has claimed you and washed you and promised to be with you forever. Try something: memorize this verse and repeat it to yourself when it feels like the end of the line:
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength* of my heart and my portion for ever.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
but God is the strength* of my heart and my portion for ever.
Are you having a bad week? Things dragging you down? Are the bills piling higher than you thought they might? Had you hoped for a little relief, for a little bit easier time this week than last and it's just not there.
I don't have and won't attempt to give any easy answers to life's very complicated troubles. I know that pain and stress and heartache are just too real for that.
All I know is this: there is a God who is strong and powerful. The God of all the universe has claimed you and washed you and promised to be with you forever. Try something: memorize this verse and repeat it to yourself when it feels like the end of the line:
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength* of my heart and my portion for ever.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour for ages 3 through adult at 9:45. More information at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
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