Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Seth and Pastor Jenn
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Romans 13:11-12 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light.
Now is the moment for you to wake from sleep. The pitter-patter of reindeer feet on the roof and the "ho ho ho" of a jolly old man coming down your chimney may not wake you, but now is the time to wake from sleep. The night is far gone, the day is near. It's time to wake up with excitement and anticipation. Run down the stairs! Start the coffee pot!
No, it's not time to look under the tree. It's not time to check the cookie plate to see if the nighttime visitor left any crumbs. It's time to watch for the coming of Messiah - and to watch with anticipation and hope for his coming. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Now is the moment for you to wake from sleep. The pitter-patter of reindeer feet on the roof and the "ho ho ho" of a jolly old man coming down your chimney may not wake you, but now is the time to wake from sleep. The night is far gone, the day is near. It's time to wake up with excitement and anticipation. Run down the stairs! Start the coffee pot!
No, it's not time to look under the tree. It's not time to check the cookie plate to see if the nighttime visitor left any crumbs. It's time to watch for the coming of Messiah - and to watch with anticipation and hope for his coming. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Romans 10:8 But what does it say?
‘The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart’
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
This is a part of a larger argument that Paul is making about salvation where he quotes extensively from the Hebrew Scriptures. But for this week what is striking is that Paul makes very clear that we understand the closeness of the word - or is it the Word? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart."
In the events that we mark as our Christmas celebration, the Word of God, the Wisdom from on High, came near to us. God came down from a distant heavenly throne and took on flesh to walk among us. The Word came near, in the form of a crying and squirming human baby. The word has come near. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
‘The word is near you,
on your lips and in your heart’
(that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
This is a part of a larger argument that Paul is making about salvation where he quotes extensively from the Hebrew Scriptures. But for this week what is striking is that Paul makes very clear that we understand the closeness of the word - or is it the Word? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart."
In the events that we mark as our Christmas celebration, the Word of God, the Wisdom from on High, came near to us. God came down from a distant heavenly throne and took on flesh to walk among us. The Word came near, in the form of a crying and squirming human baby. The word has come near. Thanks be to God!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Mark 1:9-11 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
Is it possible that Mark, the gospel-writer, the Evangelist, was part of the war on Christmas? He didn't write about Christmas at all.
Of course I'm being ludicrous - the war on Christmas or lack thereof is completely an American 21st Century invention - but it's interesting to note that, for at least one of the four gospel-writers (and really, I'd include John as well), Christmas was largely irrelevant. How and where and when this person was born was not important to them.
Mark starts with Jesus' baptism - as an adult. What's important to Mark is not a birth and angels and shepherds - but a baptism. And what a baptism it was! In this baptism we get a voice from heaven to share the message. This is as close as we get in Mark to a Christmas proclamation - this is the message from heaven at the start about who this person is. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus is the Beloved One. God is pleased with Jesus. And that's the most important Christmas message of all - we are followers of the beloved Son of God. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Is it possible that Mark, the gospel-writer, the Evangelist, was part of the war on Christmas? He didn't write about Christmas at all.
Of course I'm being ludicrous - the war on Christmas or lack thereof is completely an American 21st Century invention - but it's interesting to note that, for at least one of the four gospel-writers (and really, I'd include John as well), Christmas was largely irrelevant. How and where and when this person was born was not important to them.
Mark starts with Jesus' baptism - as an adult. What's important to Mark is not a birth and angels and shepherds - but a baptism. And what a baptism it was! In this baptism we get a voice from heaven to share the message. This is as close as we get in Mark to a Christmas proclamation - this is the message from heaven at the start about who this person is. Jesus is God's Son. Jesus is the Beloved One. God is pleased with Jesus. And that's the most important Christmas message of all - we are followers of the beloved Son of God. Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
1 Samuel 1:25-28 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, ‘Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is given to the Lord.’ She left him there for the Lord.
Remember Hannah, the crazy praying woman from yesterday? Well, God granted her prayer and she had a son - a son whom she named Samuel.
So in thanks for this beautiful miracle, she brought the child to the temple to be blessed by the priest Eli (the one who thought mom was drunk before) and to sacrifice a bull. But not only does she bring the child for a blessing and a bull-sacrifice and then return home. No. She leaves the child there. She's so thankful for this wonderful gift that God has given her that she returns the gift to God. She turns Samuel over to Eli for service in the temple. Samuel becomes like a super-acolyte... not just showing up 15 minutes before the service on the times when he's scheduled. Samuel lives in the temple and serves and learns.
It seems counter-intuitive or strange to say the least. She prayed so fervently for a child that people around her thought she was drunk. Then... when the prayer was granted and she had a son, she gave him right up. She turned him over to the Lord. Her path need not be followed by all of us, but Hannah demonstrated that she knew where Samuel came from. She knew where all children, all good gifts come from - they come from God and they belong to God. End of story.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Remember Hannah, the crazy praying woman from yesterday? Well, God granted her prayer and she had a son - a son whom she named Samuel.
So in thanks for this beautiful miracle, she brought the child to the temple to be blessed by the priest Eli (the one who thought mom was drunk before) and to sacrifice a bull. But not only does she bring the child for a blessing and a bull-sacrifice and then return home. No. She leaves the child there. She's so thankful for this wonderful gift that God has given her that she returns the gift to God. She turns Samuel over to Eli for service in the temple. Samuel becomes like a super-acolyte... not just showing up 15 minutes before the service on the times when he's scheduled. Samuel lives in the temple and serves and learns.
It seems counter-intuitive or strange to say the least. She prayed so fervently for a child that people around her thought she was drunk. Then... when the prayer was granted and she had a son, she gave him right up. She turned him over to the Lord. Her path need not be followed by all of us, but Hannah demonstrated that she knew where Samuel came from. She knew where all children, all good gifts come from - they come from God and they belong to God. End of story.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Monday, December 19, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
1 Samuel 1:13 Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
Practices of faith can be strange things indeed. Hannah was praying silently - in this case, she was praying fervently for God to give her a son; hence the tie-in to the week before Christmas. But what strikes me is just the strangeness of the act. She was praying silently so people around her thought she was talking to herself. Eli thought she was drunk. How often have each of us done the same thing when we see someone muttering to themselves walking down the street? We think they're crazy. Or drunk. Or dangerous.
Now obviously mental illness is real and sometimes people are truly talking to nobody: but how would it change you and how you react to someone you see muttering to themselves if you assume first that they are in prayer? Might it change how you approach, how you think about them, whether you cross to the other side of the street or not?
OR... how might it change your relationship with God if you were a little less afraid of being seen as strange? I'm talking to myself here too. Might we be more willing to pray, to shout for joy, to speak with God, to speak about God, if we were not so afraid that Eli might think we were drunk?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for a full calendar. Plan to join us for Christmas Eve worship at 3 (Family Worship), 5 (Holy Communion and candlelight), and 11 (Holy Communion and candlelight). Pre-service music one-half hour before each service time. Then, we will gather for worship on Sunday, Christmas Day, at 10 am.
Friday, December 9, 2011
All Saints Lenten Devotional 2012
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)
a template
instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
What we'll ask you to do is to read your assigned passage and choose one or two key verses.
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 2012.
If you would be willing to share your thoughts and to help us create this project, please respond via email to pastorseth@allsaintspalatine.org
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)
a template
instructions and guidance, as much as you'd like.
What we'll ask you to do is to read your assigned passage and choose one or two key verses.
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 2012.
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 - Friday
Philippians 3:14 I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
When you envision heaven, what do you see? Do you picture clouds and little cherubic angels with wings and harps? Maybe you picture gates and a maitre d' checking to see whether your name's in the book.
Paul saw a goal. When Paul envisioned heaven, he saw it as a goal. Like an endurance runner pressing on toward the end of the marathon (just a few more steps! you can make it!), Paul was encouraging his hearers to keep at it. They were almost there. Keep pressing on. The thing I like about imagining heaven as a goal is the huge exhale of relief that goes along with that. The goal is the place where we can finally rest, the place where we can exhale, where we can lay down for a bit. Keep pressing, Paul says. You're almost there.
People of God, keep pressing on toward the goal - because what a goal it will be!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember that this Sunday is Cantata Sunday - Vivaldi's "Gloria" and Holy Communion at both 8:30 and 11.
When you envision heaven, what do you see? Do you picture clouds and little cherubic angels with wings and harps? Maybe you picture gates and a maitre d' checking to see whether your name's in the book.
Paul saw a goal. When Paul envisioned heaven, he saw it as a goal. Like an endurance runner pressing on toward the end of the marathon (just a few more steps! you can make it!), Paul was encouraging his hearers to keep at it. They were almost there. Keep pressing on. The thing I like about imagining heaven as a goal is the huge exhale of relief that goes along with that. The goal is the place where we can finally rest, the place where we can exhale, where we can lay down for a bit. Keep pressing, Paul says. You're almost there.
People of God, keep pressing on toward the goal - because what a goal it will be!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember that this Sunday is Cantata Sunday - Vivaldi's "Gloria" and Holy Communion at both 8:30 and 11.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Luke 1:17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
This is part of the angel's message to Zechariah proclaiming the birth of a special son for him: John the Baptist. It describes John's role in the salvation story: John's role is to make the people ready for the Lord. Jesus was coming, but the people needed to be prepared to hear and receive his message and his person. So John was sent to prepare the way. I'm intrigued by the fact that the angel says one way John will do that is "to turn the hearts of parents to their children." Concern for someone else, concern for the future, care for the next generation: that is part of what it means to be prepared for the Gospel message. Intriguing.
To experience and think about this proclamation in a new way, join us for Midweek Advent Worship tonight. We'll view artistic images of Zechariah and the angel, we'll hear some new music, and we'll talk about the angel's proclamation. Supper is at 6:15 and worship with dessert at 7. Come and join in the fun!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. This Sunday is Cantata Sunday at 8:30 and 11. We'll have Education Hour between at 9:45 as well.
This is part of the angel's message to Zechariah proclaiming the birth of a special son for him: John the Baptist. It describes John's role in the salvation story: John's role is to make the people ready for the Lord. Jesus was coming, but the people needed to be prepared to hear and receive his message and his person. So John was sent to prepare the way. I'm intrigued by the fact that the angel says one way John will do that is "to turn the hearts of parents to their children." Concern for someone else, concern for the future, care for the next generation: that is part of what it means to be prepared for the Gospel message. Intriguing.
To experience and think about this proclamation in a new way, join us for Midweek Advent Worship tonight. We'll view artistic images of Zechariah and the angel, we'll hear some new music, and we'll talk about the angel's proclamation. Supper is at 6:15 and worship with dessert at 7. Come and join in the fun!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. This Sunday is Cantata Sunday at 8:30 and 11. We'll have Education Hour between at 9:45 as well.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Isaiah 4:5-6 Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over its places of assembly a cloud by day and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night. Indeed, over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will serve as a pavilion, a shade by day from the heat, and a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain.
Our ancestors in the faith who lived thousands of years ago had a much different relationship to nature and the elements than we do. We have roofs and insulation and heaters and air conditioners. We walk from one climate-controlled room to another climate-controlled room and mostly think nothing of it. But not true for our ancestors in the faith who lived in the desert and the mountains of the Near East. Shade and comfort and shelter from the elements were profoundly important to them.
And so it was those metaphors they used to understand God's role in their life. God is the canopy that preserves life. God is the shade from the heat of the day, allowing us to breathe more easily. God is the shelter from the rain and the storm. Maybe today God is the wise investment advisor, the ever-stable Dow, the job that's always there, the car that doesn't need a mechanic. I admit it's not quite as poetic, but whatever your metaphor: God is the present protector and comfort, the preserver of life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information and full calendar. Invite friends and family and come yourself to hear the Word proclaimed through Vivaldi's "Gloria" this Sunday during both our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services: Education Hour at 9:45.
Our ancestors in the faith who lived thousands of years ago had a much different relationship to nature and the elements than we do. We have roofs and insulation and heaters and air conditioners. We walk from one climate-controlled room to another climate-controlled room and mostly think nothing of it. But not true for our ancestors in the faith who lived in the desert and the mountains of the Near East. Shade and comfort and shelter from the elements were profoundly important to them.
And so it was those metaphors they used to understand God's role in their life. God is the canopy that preserves life. God is the shade from the heat of the day, allowing us to breathe more easily. God is the shelter from the rain and the storm. Maybe today God is the wise investment advisor, the ever-stable Dow, the job that's always there, the car that doesn't need a mechanic. I admit it's not quite as poetic, but whatever your metaphor: God is the present protector and comfort, the preserver of life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information and full calendar. Invite friends and family and come yourself to hear the Word proclaimed through Vivaldi's "Gloria" this Sunday during both our 8:30 and 11:00 worship services: Education Hour at 9:45.
Monday, December 5, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.
God has spoken to us "in these last days" by a Son. We sometimes have a hard time with that, I think, given that we live 2000 years after Jesus. That's what gets us confused sometimes about trying to pick dates that we think the end is going to come. But as Lutherans we have a pretty clear way of understanding it: we live in the last days. The world has been in the last days ever since Jesus. It has turned out to be a lot longer than most of Jesus' followers probably thought, and may be lots longer now. We have no way of knowing. It's not our job to know - let's leave that one to God.
But we live in the last days. We live in the days of hope and promise: the days when we have Jesus' words to guide us and to give us hope. So each Advent we prepare ourselves again to celebrate Christmas: the beginning of the last days. And in these last days we have a very important job. In these last days, our job is to believe in God's promises through Jesus, to hold fast and to walk as children of light.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about All Saints and our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. This Sunday is Cantata Sunday. Come and hear the Word proclaimed through Vivaldi's "Gloria" at both 8:30 and 11.
God has spoken to us "in these last days" by a Son. We sometimes have a hard time with that, I think, given that we live 2000 years after Jesus. That's what gets us confused sometimes about trying to pick dates that we think the end is going to come. But as Lutherans we have a pretty clear way of understanding it: we live in the last days. The world has been in the last days ever since Jesus. It has turned out to be a lot longer than most of Jesus' followers probably thought, and may be lots longer now. We have no way of knowing. It's not our job to know - let's leave that one to God.
But we live in the last days. We live in the days of hope and promise: the days when we have Jesus' words to guide us and to give us hope. So each Advent we prepare ourselves again to celebrate Christmas: the beginning of the last days. And in these last days we have a very important job. In these last days, our job is to believe in God's promises through Jesus, to hold fast and to walk as children of light.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about All Saints and our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. This Sunday is Cantata Sunday. Come and hear the Word proclaimed through Vivaldi's "Gloria" at both 8:30 and 11.
Friday, November 25, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Black Friday savings!
Savings galore!
Black Friday savings!
OK, do I have your attention now?
Because obviously this is not about Black Friday savings. This is about savings of an entirely different sort:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 11. This Sunday, there will be no Sunday School or other Education activities.
Savings galore!
Black Friday savings!
OK, do I have your attention now?
Because obviously this is not about Black Friday savings. This is about savings of an entirely different sort:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 11. This Sunday, there will be no Sunday School or other Education activities.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thanksgiving
Looking for some words to say around your Thanksgiving table today? Looking for some words to pray alone today? Try these:
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. - the Prayer of the Day from ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
OR
The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature. Amen. - Martin Luther's Table Prayer
Come by to join the meal today 11-2 at All Saints. Worship Sunday morning 8:30 and 11. No Sunday School or other Education classes this Sunday.
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. - the Prayer of the Day from ELW (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
OR
The eyes of all wait upon you, O Lord, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature. Amen. - Martin Luther's Table Prayer
Come by to join the meal today 11-2 at All Saints. Worship Sunday morning 8:30 and 11. No Sunday School or other Education classes this Sunday.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
John 5:24 Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life.
I love the finality of the gospel when it's purely and confidently stated. Like - period, end of sentence kind of finality. There's nothing more to say. No ifs, ands, or buts. No fine print, no "some exclusions may apply," no "not applicable in all states." None of that garbage. Just pure straight and to the point.
Jesus said, "Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me [that would be God] has eternal life. Not will have eternal life. Not might have eternal life. Not has eternal life until they do something to mess it up. No. Anyone who hears and believes HAS eternal life. Count on it. Put it in the bank. You can put it on the board! Yes! Just a good reminder.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Invite your friends and neighbors to worship TONIGHT (Wednesday) at 7 pm, to eat tomorrow from 11-2 and to worship again on Sunday 8:30 and 11.
I love the finality of the gospel when it's purely and confidently stated. Like - period, end of sentence kind of finality. There's nothing more to say. No ifs, ands, or buts. No fine print, no "some exclusions may apply," no "not applicable in all states." None of that garbage. Just pure straight and to the point.
Jesus said, "Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me [that would be God] has eternal life. Not will have eternal life. Not might have eternal life. Not has eternal life until they do something to mess it up. No. Anyone who hears and believes HAS eternal life. Count on it. Put it in the bank. You can put it on the board! Yes! Just a good reminder.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Invite your friends and neighbors to worship TONIGHT (Wednesday) at 7 pm, to eat tomorrow from 11-2 and to worship again on Sunday 8:30 and 11.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Esther 8:17 In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.
Yesterday's seed has sprouted. Esther had become queen while her identity as a Jew was hidden. Later, some of the king's assistants goaded him into issuing a decree that all Jews should be killed; but Esther was in a position to put a stop to it. Esther revealed her identity and used her influence with the king to save her people. A celebration of life and victory is still celebrated by Jews today in the holiday called Purim: it's a king of Thanksgiving for all those who have helped to preserve life and hope.
In Esther's case, the witness that she was able to bear was so strong that her people were saved. Not only that, many people professed to be Jews because of what she was able to accomplish. The tables were turned. Instead of Jews hiding their identity and pretending to worship other gods, others were pretending to be Jews. God can do amazing things, even in a book where God's name doesn't appear. Even in a life where God's identity and reality seem a little bit less real than it sometimes seems in the Bible, God can do amazing things.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to invite your friends to Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7 pm on Wednesday (bring a bag of food pantry groceries), Thanksgiving meal Thursday from 11-2, and Sunday morning worship 8:30 and 11 as we kick off the Advent season.
Yesterday's seed has sprouted. Esther had become queen while her identity as a Jew was hidden. Later, some of the king's assistants goaded him into issuing a decree that all Jews should be killed; but Esther was in a position to put a stop to it. Esther revealed her identity and used her influence with the king to save her people. A celebration of life and victory is still celebrated by Jews today in the holiday called Purim: it's a king of Thanksgiving for all those who have helped to preserve life and hope.
In Esther's case, the witness that she was able to bear was so strong that her people were saved. Not only that, many people professed to be Jews because of what she was able to accomplish. The tables were turned. Instead of Jews hiding their identity and pretending to worship other gods, others were pretending to be Jews. God can do amazing things, even in a book where God's name doesn't appear. Even in a life where God's identity and reality seem a little bit less real than it sometimes seems in the Bible, God can do amazing things.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to invite your friends to Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7 pm on Wednesday (bring a bag of food pantry groceries), Thanksgiving meal Thursday from 11-2, and Sunday morning worship 8:30 and 11 as we kick off the Advent season.
Monday, November 21, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Esther 2:18 Then the king gave a great banquet to all his officials and ministers—‘Esther’s banquet.’ He also granted a holiday to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality.
This comes in the midst of one of the strangest books in the whole Bible: Esther. Read it sometime. Here's a little Esther trivia: Esther is the only book in the Bible where the name of God does not appear. God does not appear as an active participant in the book of Esther in the same way we read in other books. It's the story of a king who didn't want his queen anymore, so he got rid of her and held a kingdom-wide beauty contest to determine the next queen: Esther won. Esther was a Jew. She kept her religion and background a secret and became queen. This put her in position to save her people later - but she won the beauty contest and became queen.
I just am taken by the image of a king who is so excited about his new queen that he throws a party for the entire kingdom. Now of course, only the officials and ministers get to come to the actual Esther's banquet, but a holiday is declared for all the provinces and gifts are given "with royal liberality." That's the phrase. Royal liberality. I don't know the details of what the king gave, but I know I'd like to have been around. When things are thrown around with royal liberality, you want to be in the vicinity. And here's one point where God is found in this literally God-less book: God gives gifts with royal liberality every day. God gives life and hope and daily bread, with royal liberality. And we're here to see it.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to invite friends and neighbors to Thanksgiving Eve worship Wednesday at 7, to Thanksgiving dinner Thursday 11-2 and to worship Sunday morning 8:30 and 11.
This comes in the midst of one of the strangest books in the whole Bible: Esther. Read it sometime. Here's a little Esther trivia: Esther is the only book in the Bible where the name of God does not appear. God does not appear as an active participant in the book of Esther in the same way we read in other books. It's the story of a king who didn't want his queen anymore, so he got rid of her and held a kingdom-wide beauty contest to determine the next queen: Esther won. Esther was a Jew. She kept her religion and background a secret and became queen. This put her in position to save her people later - but she won the beauty contest and became queen.
I just am taken by the image of a king who is so excited about his new queen that he throws a party for the entire kingdom. Now of course, only the officials and ministers get to come to the actual Esther's banquet, but a holiday is declared for all the provinces and gifts are given "with royal liberality." That's the phrase. Royal liberality. I don't know the details of what the king gave, but I know I'd like to have been around. When things are thrown around with royal liberality, you want to be in the vicinity. And here's one point where God is found in this literally God-less book: God gives gifts with royal liberality every day. God gives life and hope and daily bread, with royal liberality. And we're here to see it.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Remember to invite friends and neighbors to Thanksgiving Eve worship Wednesday at 7, to Thanksgiving dinner Thursday 11-2 and to worship Sunday morning 8:30 and 11.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Revelation 16:7 And I heard the altar respond,
‘Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty,
your judgements are true and just!’
Nobody wants to be judged. We want mercy and forgiveness and graciousness for ourselves. When we make mistakes, we want to be given another chance.
But if you've got to be judged, wouldn't you at least want a fair judge? Wouldn't you want to know that you were being judged by someone who is just and speaks and sees the truth?
That's the vision of Revelation - yes, there might be a time and a way in which God judges. And the judgements of God are true and just. The vision of Revelation is a promise that finally truth and justice will reign: it will no longer be might makes right or those with money and connections get the judgements to go their way. God will judge truthfully and rightly.
I don't know about you, but I'd much prefer that to what I see and read every day now. Come, Lord Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
‘Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty,
your judgements are true and just!’
Nobody wants to be judged. We want mercy and forgiveness and graciousness for ourselves. When we make mistakes, we want to be given another chance.
But if you've got to be judged, wouldn't you at least want a fair judge? Wouldn't you want to know that you were being judged by someone who is just and speaks and sees the truth?
That's the vision of Revelation - yes, there might be a time and a way in which God judges. And the judgements of God are true and just. The vision of Revelation is a promise that finally truth and justice will reign: it will no longer be might makes right or those with money and connections get the judgements to go their way. God will judge truthfully and rightly.
I don't know about you, but I'd much prefer that to what I see and read every day now. Come, Lord Jesus!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 24:35 Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away."
Eternity and constancy. I think that's what a lot of us are looking for. Maybe at it's heart that's what a lot of us seek in the urge to religion and thinking about God. We want to know that there's something more permanent than today's newspaper, something more lasting than human commitments and promises. We want to be part of something that will last longer than even our short span of years on this Earth.
Jesus said "My words will not pass away." Even the mountains and the stars shift and move. Science has taught us that the things that look permanent are moving and shifting and growing and dying. Even starts go through life-cycles and will one day die. But the words of Jesus are longer and truer and more constant than all of that. When God says "I love you," that's more permanent than anything you know. And there's comfort there.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
Eternity and constancy. I think that's what a lot of us are looking for. Maybe at it's heart that's what a lot of us seek in the urge to religion and thinking about God. We want to know that there's something more permanent than today's newspaper, something more lasting than human commitments and promises. We want to be part of something that will last longer than even our short span of years on this Earth.
Jesus said "My words will not pass away." Even the mountains and the stars shift and move. Science has taught us that the things that look permanent are moving and shifting and growing and dying. Even starts go through life-cycles and will one day die. But the words of Jesus are longer and truer and more constant than all of that. When God says "I love you," that's more permanent than anything you know. And there's comfort there.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Joel 1:14 Sanctify a fast,
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.
The writer of Ecclesiastes (not originally The Byrds) tells us that there is a time for everything. There are times that are appropriate for celebration and joy, and there are times that are more appropriate for weeping and mourning. There are many different types of prayer, appropriate to different times and situations. We don't always pray because we need something; sometimes we pray in thanksgiving for all the wonderful gifts of God.
Is there time in your prayer life for prayers of repentance? Is there time in your prayer life to confess your failings before God and cry out for mercy? That's what Joel calls the nation to in this passage, and truly, in his entire prophecy. Joel says - now is the time to repent. Now is the time to recognize our sin and cry out to the Lord for mercy. We know that God is merciful and forgiving and gracious - frankly, whether we ask for it or not. But we need to recognize our need, we need to recognize our failings, we need to recognize our dependence on God's mercy. So sometime - it may not be today - but I'd recommend crying out to the Lord for mercy. God won't be changed, but you just might be.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
call a solemn assembly.
Gather the elders
and all the inhabitants of the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.
The writer of Ecclesiastes (not originally The Byrds) tells us that there is a time for everything. There are times that are appropriate for celebration and joy, and there are times that are more appropriate for weeping and mourning. There are many different types of prayer, appropriate to different times and situations. We don't always pray because we need something; sometimes we pray in thanksgiving for all the wonderful gifts of God.
Is there time in your prayer life for prayers of repentance? Is there time in your prayer life to confess your failings before God and cry out for mercy? That's what Joel calls the nation to in this passage, and truly, in his entire prophecy. Joel says - now is the time to repent. Now is the time to recognize our sin and cry out to the Lord for mercy. We know that God is merciful and forgiving and gracious - frankly, whether we ask for it or not. But we need to recognize our need, we need to recognize our failings, we need to recognize our dependence on God's mercy. So sometime - it may not be today - but I'd recommend crying out to the Lord for mercy. God won't be changed, but you just might be.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us this Sunday 8:30 and 11, with Education Hour at 9:45. Remember to invite the community to our Community Thanksgiving Meal on November 24 11-2.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Romans 2:29 Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others but from God.
A little circumcision with your morning email?
Of course, for us this has nothing to do with circumcision. But the concept still applies, I think. Because we still experience things like hypocrisy, things like people who live a life that's different from what they say about themselves. We still know the challenge of lining up our own life with our best choices. We still know the challenge of inward change to go along with the outward changes that sometimes come more easily.
Paul writes that God is more concerned with what's going on in the heart than with what's going on outside. Not that there is no concern with what's going on outside - it matters: but if it's done for the wrong motivation, with the wrong intent, with false pretenses, then God's not impressed. The challenge in all this is that it's hard to see someone else's motives - all we can see are their actions, so we can't judge the inside.
Come to think of it: perhaps that's the point: you can't judge someone else's motives, so all you can do is worry about your own.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Wear red on Sunday to celebrate Reformation Sunday. We will have worship at 8:30 and 11 (with Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation at 11).
A little circumcision with your morning email?
Of course, for us this has nothing to do with circumcision. But the concept still applies, I think. Because we still experience things like hypocrisy, things like people who live a life that's different from what they say about themselves. We still know the challenge of lining up our own life with our best choices. We still know the challenge of inward change to go along with the outward changes that sometimes come more easily.
Paul writes that God is more concerned with what's going on in the heart than with what's going on outside. Not that there is no concern with what's going on outside - it matters: but if it's done for the wrong motivation, with the wrong intent, with false pretenses, then God's not impressed. The challenge in all this is that it's hard to see someone else's motives - all we can see are their actions, so we can't judge the inside.
Come to think of it: perhaps that's the point: you can't judge someone else's motives, so all you can do is worry about your own.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Wear red on Sunday to celebrate Reformation Sunday. We will have worship at 8:30 and 11 (with Affirmation of Baptism/Confirmation at 11).
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 19:21-22 Jesus said to him, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
What do you value most? That's the question that this gospel vignette poses to us. What would you be most sad if you had to give it up? That's a slightly different question than, what would you be most sad if you lost? Because in fact, there's an even greater sadness that comes if we have to make the choice to lose something of value? So what is it that you value the most?
Would someone observing your life from the outside know that you valued it the most? Would someone who looks at your calendar and your to-do lists and your checkbook know that you value your family the most? Or your relationship with God? Or whatever it is that you claim to value the most? Does your lifestyle line up with your stated values?
The young man that Jesus spoke with ran into a conflict with his stated values (he wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven) and his lifestyle: he didn't want to lose his possessions. And he went away grieving. Would you?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Wear red to worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between at 9:45.
What do you value most? That's the question that this gospel vignette poses to us. What would you be most sad if you had to give it up? That's a slightly different question than, what would you be most sad if you lost? Because in fact, there's an even greater sadness that comes if we have to make the choice to lose something of value? So what is it that you value the most?
Would someone observing your life from the outside know that you valued it the most? Would someone who looks at your calendar and your to-do lists and your checkbook know that you value your family the most? Or your relationship with God? Or whatever it is that you claim to value the most? Does your lifestyle line up with your stated values?
The young man that Jesus spoke with ran into a conflict with his stated values (he wanted to enter the kingdom of heaven) and his lifestyle: he didn't want to lose his possessions. And he went away grieving. Would you?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Wear red to worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour in between at 9:45.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord your God and his decrees that I am commanding you today, for your own well-being.
Be honest? Who is reading this has ever felt that the rules and demands that God makes of us as Christians are too hard? Who has ever felt that God was a little bit of a kill-joy? Who has ever resented the call to love your neighbor... yes, even THAT neighbor? Who has ever resented the call to turn the other cheek when you've been wronged instead of to fight back or just to walk away?
I know I have.
Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I had to go to sleep at a certain hour and couldn't stay up reading all night. Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I couldn't eat french fries for every meal. The commandments that the Lord our God has given are "for our own well-being." We don't know it. Sometimes we can't understand it. And that's the point. If we knew what was always best for us, we wouldn't need God right?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
It's Reformation Sunday. Wear red and join us for worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Be honest? Who is reading this has ever felt that the rules and demands that God makes of us as Christians are too hard? Who has ever felt that God was a little bit of a kill-joy? Who has ever resented the call to love your neighbor... yes, even THAT neighbor? Who has ever resented the call to turn the other cheek when you've been wronged instead of to fight back or just to walk away?
I know I have.
Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I had to go to sleep at a certain hour and couldn't stay up reading all night. Just like I resented the rule when I was a child that I couldn't eat french fries for every meal. The commandments that the Lord our God has given are "for our own well-being." We don't know it. Sometimes we can't understand it. And that's the point. If we knew what was always best for us, we wouldn't need God right?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
It's Reformation Sunday. Wear red and join us for worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Monday, October 24, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Deuteronomy 6:20-21 When your children ask you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees and the statutes and the ordinances that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your children, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.'
Do you have a memory of God acting for you? Do you have a memory that you can fall back on when God seems distant or quiet or absent? Do you have a memory that continues to fuel your faith?
Moses spoke to the Israelites and admonished them never to forget. Never forget that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord brought you to freedom. I think that the times when we act without faith or the times when faith seems distant or irrelevant are really about forgetfulness. We've forgotten that we were once slaves. We were once slaves to sin and, in our baptism, we've been made free. We were once slaves to the power of death and, in our baptism, we've been made free. Reminders are important. I pray that today you will be reminded of your freedom in Christ: your freedom to live and breathe as a forgiven child of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday's worship is about remembering the freedom we have been given in the gospel: it's Reformation Sunday. Worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Do you have a memory of God acting for you? Do you have a memory that you can fall back on when God seems distant or quiet or absent? Do you have a memory that continues to fuel your faith?
Moses spoke to the Israelites and admonished them never to forget. Never forget that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord brought you to freedom. I think that the times when we act without faith or the times when faith seems distant or irrelevant are really about forgetfulness. We've forgotten that we were once slaves. We were once slaves to sin and, in our baptism, we've been made free. We were once slaves to the power of death and, in our baptism, we've been made free. Reminders are important. I pray that today you will be reminded of your freedom in Christ: your freedom to live and breathe as a forgiven child of God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
This Sunday's worship is about remembering the freedom we have been given in the gospel: it's Reformation Sunday. Worship at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Friday, October 14, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Friday
1 Peter 5:1-5 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
‘God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.’
I wanted to give you this whole extended passage today to read. It provides a vision of what leadership and community look like in the church. There are leaders in the church (today we call them pastors and Church Council members, etc). Those who are called to lead are called to do so as examples, not using power for power's sake, not "lording it over" anyone to get their own way.
The key part to me and the way leadership works in the church is in the final verse: all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another. Does humility mark your dealings? Would people describe you as humble? I pray for God's gift of humility for all of us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Men's Breakfast meets tomorrow morning at 8 am. Worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
‘God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.’
I wanted to give you this whole extended passage today to read. It provides a vision of what leadership and community look like in the church. There are leaders in the church (today we call them pastors and Church Council members, etc). Those who are called to lead are called to do so as examples, not using power for power's sake, not "lording it over" anyone to get their own way.
The key part to me and the way leadership works in the church is in the final verse: all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another. Does humility mark your dealings? Would people describe you as humble? I pray for God's gift of humility for all of us.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Men's Breakfast meets tomorrow morning at 8 am. Worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
3 John 11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
First of all, a little Bible trivia: Notice there aren't two numbers after John separated by a colon. Usually the first number is chapter number and second is verse number. In this case it's 3 John 11. There's only 1 chapter in 3 John. It's a short book: a memo really. You could read the whole book in probably as much time as it's taking you to read this email message. Give it a shot.
In this short little letter, John is attempting to provide some direction and correction to groups of ancient Christians. Because in olden times things were not always better. Things were not always more holy. Things were not always more clear. There were controversies and arguments and disagreements. People did the wrong thing sometimes. And they needed a reminder.
That's what this is for us: we all know of course not to imitate the evil. And if things and choices came labeled as good and evil the vast majority of us would choose correctly. The challenge is that things don't come labeled that way. So we need to be reminded to think and discern carefully. When you're making choices, think about the evil and good. And, to the best of your ability, choose the good. Then, once you've chosen: trust God and God's grace and forgiveness. That's the Christian way of life. It's not neat and easy and clean all the time. Instead, it's real life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. Worship together Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets this Saturday morning at 8.
First of all, a little Bible trivia: Notice there aren't two numbers after John separated by a colon. Usually the first number is chapter number and second is verse number. In this case it's 3 John 11. There's only 1 chapter in 3 John. It's a short book: a memo really. You could read the whole book in probably as much time as it's taking you to read this email message. Give it a shot.
In this short little letter, John is attempting to provide some direction and correction to groups of ancient Christians. Because in olden times things were not always better. Things were not always more holy. Things were not always more clear. There were controversies and arguments and disagreements. People did the wrong thing sometimes. And they needed a reminder.
That's what this is for us: we all know of course not to imitate the evil. And if things and choices came labeled as good and evil the vast majority of us would choose correctly. The challenge is that things don't come labeled that way. So we need to be reminded to think and discern carefully. When you're making choices, think about the evil and good. And, to the best of your ability, choose the good. Then, once you've chosen: trust God and God's grace and forgiveness. That's the Christian way of life. It's not neat and easy and clean all the time. Instead, it's real life.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Our website http://www.allsaintspalatine.org has information about all of our ministries. Worship together Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets this Saturday morning at 8.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
John 6:33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
Jesus was speaking here, telling his disciples about what should be their priority. Don't work for bread that goes moldy if you leave it out on the kitchen counter, he said. Work for the bread of God. Seek the bread of God. Spend your time and your energy on the bread of God. The bread of God is what comes down from heaven. The bread of God gives life to the world.
So let's ask the question: what gives life to the world?
Food and water from a physical standpoint are obvious answers. The world needs food and water. Literal food and water. They are life-giving.
As Christians we know and we trust that eternal life comes to the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All in the world who believe will know and experience eternal life even after the food and water are no more for them.
But when you think about those experiences that we call life-giving, or those experiences of the high-points of life, what defines them? If I had to boil it down to one word it would be love. Love gives life to the world. Where there is love, that's where I want to be. Where there is love, life happens. Where there is love, joy happens. The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. And it's love. Find it today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
More information is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets on Saturday morning at 9. Join in the fun!
Jesus was speaking here, telling his disciples about what should be their priority. Don't work for bread that goes moldy if you leave it out on the kitchen counter, he said. Work for the bread of God. Seek the bread of God. Spend your time and your energy on the bread of God. The bread of God is what comes down from heaven. The bread of God gives life to the world.
So let's ask the question: what gives life to the world?
Food and water from a physical standpoint are obvious answers. The world needs food and water. Literal food and water. They are life-giving.
As Christians we know and we trust that eternal life comes to the world through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All in the world who believe will know and experience eternal life even after the food and water are no more for them.
But when you think about those experiences that we call life-giving, or those experiences of the high-points of life, what defines them? If I had to boil it down to one word it would be love. Love gives life to the world. Where there is love, that's where I want to be. Where there is love, life happens. Where there is love, joy happens. The bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. And it's love. Find it today.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
More information is available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11with Education Hour at 9:45. Men's Breakfast meets on Saturday morning at 9. Join in the fun!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Amos 9:14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel,
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
The promise of God came through the prophet Amos. Amos had a word from God of promise, of restoration, and of healing. It came to people whose homes had been taken away from them or even destroyed. It came to people whose cities had been laid waste, whose job prospects were gone, who lost the hope that they'd be able to provide for their families, whose hope was gone. Do you know anybody like that?
The promise of God is always primarily a promise of restoration. God promises restoration of fortunes, rebuilding of cities, re-planting of vineyards and gardens. Come, Lord. Quickly. Come.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and 9:45 for Education Hour. More information available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them;
they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine,
and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
The promise of God came through the prophet Amos. Amos had a word from God of promise, of restoration, and of healing. It came to people whose homes had been taken away from them or even destroyed. It came to people whose cities had been laid waste, whose job prospects were gone, who lost the hope that they'd be able to provide for their families, whose hope was gone. Do you know anybody like that?
The promise of God is always primarily a promise of restoration. God promises restoration of fortunes, rebuilding of cities, re-planting of vineyards and gardens. Come, Lord. Quickly. Come.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Join us Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and 9:45 for Education Hour. More information available at http://www.allsaintspalatine.org
Monday, October 10, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Monday
Exodus 19:17 Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain.
We want to meet God. What else are we doing when we gather for worship, when we gather together to speak about our faith? We want to catch some glimpse of God. We want to know something more fully about who God is and who we are in relationship with God.
Moses brings the people out of their camp to meet God. I think that's significant. It matters. The people had to leave camp, they had to leave their comfort zone in order to really encounter God. Our normal everyday experiences can limit our ability to see. Sometimes it's necessary to climb out of the valley so we can see. How can you metaphorically get out of your camp so you can meet God?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Then come back Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and Education Hour at 9:45.
We want to meet God. What else are we doing when we gather for worship, when we gather together to speak about our faith? We want to catch some glimpse of God. We want to know something more fully about who God is and who we are in relationship with God.
Moses brings the people out of their camp to meet God. I think that's significant. It matters. The people had to leave camp, they had to leave their comfort zone in order to really encounter God. Our normal everyday experiences can limit our ability to see. Sometimes it's necessary to climb out of the valley so we can see. How can you metaphorically get out of your camp so you can meet God?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Worship with us Wednesday evening for Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Then come back Sunday at 8:30 and 11 for worship and Education Hour at 9:45.
Friday, September 30, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Friday
Philippians 2:14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing,
I'm tempted just to hit send on the email button and not type any more. And essentially I will.
I'll just include the conclusion of Paul's sentence:
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour is at 9:45 and a special congregational meeting will be at 10 am to consider a refinancing of the church mortgage.
I'm tempted just to hit send on the email button and not type any more. And essentially I will.
I'll just include the conclusion of Paul's sentence:
Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11. Education Hour is at 9:45 and a special congregational meeting will be at 10 am to consider a refinancing of the church mortgage.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Thursday
Colossians 2:16 Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths.
There was a LOT of controversy in the early church about proper behavior for a Christian. I don't mean things like whether killing or stealing are OK... those I think are pretty clear. The controversy came in about other, shall we say, lesser issues. Do Christians have to worship on the Jewish sabbath or could it be another day? Are Christians who worship on the Jewish sabbath wrong? Can Christians eat meat? Are Christians who eat meat wrong?
Those controversies have lived on through the centuries in a variety of forms. In some eras (and in some communions still) there are controversies about whether it's OK for Christians to play cards or dance or listen to certain kinds of music or consume alcohol or any number of other things. Some of these things (alcohol) have health and wellness issues attached to them and those are profoundly important for people of faith who believe that God has given us our bodies and our minds. But the simple yes or no seems out of place... that's what Paul is saying. Don't let anyone condemn you about these things he says, because they aren't of ultimate significance. Christ is of ultimate significance. Good to keep that straight.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. A special congregational meeting will be held at 10 am to consider refinancing the church mortgage.
There was a LOT of controversy in the early church about proper behavior for a Christian. I don't mean things like whether killing or stealing are OK... those I think are pretty clear. The controversy came in about other, shall we say, lesser issues. Do Christians have to worship on the Jewish sabbath or could it be another day? Are Christians who worship on the Jewish sabbath wrong? Can Christians eat meat? Are Christians who eat meat wrong?
Those controversies have lived on through the centuries in a variety of forms. In some eras (and in some communions still) there are controversies about whether it's OK for Christians to play cards or dance or listen to certain kinds of music or consume alcohol or any number of other things. Some of these things (alcohol) have health and wellness issues attached to them and those are profoundly important for people of faith who believe that God has given us our bodies and our minds. But the simple yes or no seems out of place... that's what Paul is saying. Don't let anyone condemn you about these things he says, because they aren't of ultimate significance. Christ is of ultimate significance. Good to keep that straight.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with Education Hour at 9:45. A special congregational meeting will be held at 10 am to consider refinancing the church mortgage.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Wednesday
Matthew 9:2 And just then some people were carrying a paralysed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’
You might remember this healing story from the Gospels. Jesus was teaching and some people came to interrupt his teaching - they plopped their paralyzed friend on his bed right down in front of Jesus as if to say "What are you going to do about this, Jesus?"
What I find really interesting here is the word choice: when Jesus saw THEIR faith... not when Jesus saw HIS faith. There's something really powerful and inter-personal and community-oriented going on here. The healing and the kudos from our Savior aren't about the man's individual faith. They're about the faith of the community. Somehow the faith of the community is shared and built up together and is almost credited to the man lying on the bed. It's about community. Much more than we can even know or understand, it's about community. Jesus saw their faith. And Jesus sees YOUR (that's plural, people) faith.
Let me try that again and put on my southern accent: Jesus sees ALL Y'ALL'S faith. And your sins are forgiven.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with education at 9:45. Remember a congregational meeting at 10:00 to vote on a refinancing of the church's mortgage.
You might remember this healing story from the Gospels. Jesus was teaching and some people came to interrupt his teaching - they plopped their paralyzed friend on his bed right down in front of Jesus as if to say "What are you going to do about this, Jesus?"
What I find really interesting here is the word choice: when Jesus saw THEIR faith... not when Jesus saw HIS faith. There's something really powerful and inter-personal and community-oriented going on here. The healing and the kudos from our Savior aren't about the man's individual faith. They're about the faith of the community. Somehow the faith of the community is shared and built up together and is almost credited to the man lying on the bed. It's about community. Much more than we can even know or understand, it's about community. Jesus saw their faith. And Jesus sees YOUR (that's plural, people) faith.
Let me try that again and put on my southern accent: Jesus sees ALL Y'ALL'S faith. And your sins are forgiven.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship Sunday at 8:30 and 11 with education at 9:45. Remember a congregational meeting at 10:00 to vote on a refinancing of the church's mortgage.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
ASLC Devotions - Tuesday
Judges 16:22 But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.
Some of you may remember the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a strong strong man who could defeat and entire army. Delilah wooed him and got him eventually to tell the secret of his strength so she could use it against him and weaken him for his enemies. One of those classic Old Testament Sunday School stories. Also one of those classic Sunday School stories that has seemed really strange to me - why do we tell this story to children? Do we want to warn them to stay away from beautiful women? Do we want to tell them to grow their hair out (that was the secret of Samson's strength) and they'll be super-strong and can be the playground bully? Or do we just like it because it's a lot like a comic-book story - the Amazing Hulk comes to mind.
But this little line at the end of the story of Delilah's betrayal is very telling. She shaved of his hair while he slept, his enemies came in and captured him easily and they put him in a prisons. "But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved." His strength began to return. When he was at his weakest, his strength began to return. God did not leave or abandon Samson, even if it looked like it for a while. God didn't leave him weak. The hair would come back. The strength would return. And the promise of God is that God will return to you as well. Always.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend at 8:30 and 11. Also remember the congregational meeting regarding the church mortgage at 10 am.
Some of you may remember the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a strong strong man who could defeat and entire army. Delilah wooed him and got him eventually to tell the secret of his strength so she could use it against him and weaken him for his enemies. One of those classic Old Testament Sunday School stories. Also one of those classic Sunday School stories that has seemed really strange to me - why do we tell this story to children? Do we want to warn them to stay away from beautiful women? Do we want to tell them to grow their hair out (that was the secret of Samson's strength) and they'll be super-strong and can be the playground bully? Or do we just like it because it's a lot like a comic-book story - the Amazing Hulk comes to mind.
But this little line at the end of the story of Delilah's betrayal is very telling. She shaved of his hair while he slept, his enemies came in and captured him easily and they put him in a prisons. "But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved." His strength began to return. When he was at his weakest, his strength began to return. God did not leave or abandon Samson, even if it looked like it for a while. God didn't leave him weak. The hair would come back. The strength would return. And the promise of God is that God will return to you as well. Always.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
Join us for worship this weekend at 8:30 and 11. Also remember the congregational meeting regarding the church mortgage at 10 am.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
James 4:13-14 (NRSV)
13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” 14Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
Have you ever made a five-year plan, or an even more audacious 10-year plan? It can be kind of fun to make these sorts of plans and dreams, but often we look back at the designated time and marvel at the twists and turns life has taken. I found myself putting events on my calendar well into 2012 the other day, thinking, “I wonder how my life will change between now and then?”
These words from James certainly speak truth – we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. And, while I protest a bit at the idea that I’m a mere mist appearing for a while and then disappearing, it is good that I am reminded to be a bit more present in the, well, present.
Enjoy *today.*
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Matthew 18:1-5 (NRSV)
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
Jesus did many surprising and shocking things during his life and ministry. Placing a child in the midst of the disciples ranks up there as one of the more surprising actions. Perhaps we don’t think of it that way because of the way we value children in our time and culture; it is almost natural for us to welcome a child into our midst. However, that was not the situation for the disciples – they would have been startled that Jesus would take someone young and lift that one up as not only someone they should welcome, but also that they should become (again) like a child. Children were among the lowest rank in society.
Who would Jesus lift up today as the one whom we should become like? Who are the humble of heart that we should seek to be more like? Who is Jesus telling us to welcome into our midst?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Genesis 28:15-16
God spoke to Jacob in a dream:
"...Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
16Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!”
There are times when we awake from a dream so vivid, so real that we wonder, “Did that really happen? Did I really hear those words?” Sometimes those dreams speak to a greater truth in our life, other times the dream merely confuses us. Jacob’s dream revealed God’s presence to him, and gave him great comfort.
God’s promises to Jacob come to us, too – if not in our dreams, then certainly in our baptism. Know, dear ones, that God is with you and will keep you wherever you go.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
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