For Our Sake, Every Good Gift Is from Above

Finally! After returning to worship and the office last week, I was immediately hit with a case of vertigo which left me unable to stand, balance, focus, or read for much of last week. Thankfully, a discipline of some physical therapy has since done wonders; I feeling at least 95% back and incredibly thankful for the healing that has occurred.

It’s a fresh Sunday and we’re continuing our “For Our Sake” theme with a two-week focus on the Letter of James. As many of you may recognize, James was not among Luther’s favorite Scriptures, as it didn’t have enough emphasis on grace for his taste. While James’s urging of “good works” may have little to do with our justification in God’s eyes, it has plenty of application in regards to how we respond to being “saved” and what we believe.

‘Be doers of the Word, and not only hearers,” is the way that the letter puts it. I certainly appreciate the author’s focus on integrity when it comes to living the gospel. Yet, as we’ll explore further this Sunday, it’s not just what we do, but how we do it that characterizes our witness.

We’ve all been around others who may take a stand for what they feel is right, yet do so in a way that is more off-putting than encouraging. Our task, if James were to speak to us afresh today, is to not only respond to the grace in which we stand, but to do so as “grace-fully” as possible. Let’s see if we can explore how that might happen together this Sunday! See you in worship at 8:30 or 9:45!

Meanwhile, our need for worship assistants remains great at this time. If you haven’t already visited the Sign-up Genius link below to offer your assistance, please do so today! Liturgy is indeed “the work of the people.” Let’s make that evident in our service this Sunday!

Sharing the Mission,

Pastor Tim

For Our Sake, We Are Prepared

Dear Friends,

Listening to the news in the past few days has been absolutely overwhelming. I find myself turning it all off and simply being in silence. Then my mind spins a bit and all I can do is let out a huge sigh. "Lord, have mercy" are the words that come to my lips.

In our passage this Sunday, we will hear from the book of Ephesians. It was the letter written to the early church in Ephesus, a town in present-day Turkey. Paul wrote while he was imprisoned in Rome. His purpose was to reveal a clearer understanding of the fullness of God: wise and full of grace. God has broken all the barriers through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This letter stands as a call for unity among all God's children. Paul wrote so that we would put our faith and trust in God who created all life, loves all creation, and inspires you and me to love God and one another.

In these troubling times, we read his words:

10 Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

Our strength comes from God the Creator, Savior, and Holy Spirit, three in one. Bringing all our prayers together, we pray to the Holy Trinity, one God, now and forever. Paul ends his letter with "Peace to you ..." This is a peace that goes beyond our understanding, but has the power to fill our very souls, every minute of every day.

So we pray for all of God's children and all of God's creation. We pray for the joy of the Lord to rise up in the morning. Lord, have mercy, we pray, in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Believing it more strongly every day,

Pastor Katie

For Our Sake, the Spirit Is Alive

Dear Siblings in Christ,

We are mid-stream into a summer of worship, fellowship, and daily service. For months, we have experienced a season personally and as well as a church community that has been surrounded and complicated by many unknowns. However, we have greeted this season with humility, with open hearts and hands, and together we have trusted the promise that we have been bathed with a confidence in and through the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ that all things are indeed possible. We have found ways to meet in person, to serve alongside of one another, to reach out to those who are lonely or in need of compassion, as well as prayerfully ask the question, "Lord, how are we 'the Church' in these uncertain times?" I believe we have answered the question together. We do all things through the One who strengthens us beyond our own understandings, but freely infuses our thoughts and prayers into action of compassion.

In about a week, Pastor Tim and Lisa will return to us from their 3-month sabbatical of renewal and discovery. We look forward to pausing in the busyness of our lives and listen to stories from their travels as well as share in our time here at Holy Trinity. Together, we give thanks for God’s continued presence in each and everyone’s story of grace.

On behalf of the congregation's Visioning Council, I am sharing with you the continued commitment to follow CDC guidelines for the safety of one another during COVID-19. We realize that the gift from God in science does mean that we trust that science is always gathering new information. Therefore, we adapt and are flexible with the practical guidance that is offered by the CDC for worshipping communities.

Following CDC guidelines while monitoring the growing numbers of new cases of COVID-19, we will encourage the wearing of masks whenever individuals are inside the church building. We recognize the challenges may be difficult for very young children. We ask that all individuals do their very best in wearing a mask. Be part of the miracle and, if possible, get vaccinated. We will continue safe distancing. Pastors and readers will not wear masks when speaking from the carpeted area inside the sanctuary. We will continue to offer online worship. We will continue to make plans for Fall Ministries and will share those plans with you as they are made available. It is our prayer you will lift up the leadership of Holy Trinity as well our communities throughout this area and beyond.

Trusting all the way,

Pastor Katie