Us & Them: Isolation

Friday already? It sure is. We’ve not only reached the day when we can again see green grass, but we’re deep into the heart of our “Us & Them” sermon series, which contains unique elements on each theme every Sunday and Wednesday. What I’ve come to appreciate is the way this series gives us a fresh, even if sometimes unnerving, opportunity to examine the “stories” that govern our worldview or outlook on life. It gives us an awareness that could lead us to change it, if willing.

When Jesus spoke of the coming of the Reign of God, he was trying to change others' foundational worldview and the “metanarrative” that often unconsciously governs their decisions and values. Richard Rohr once put it this way: "It is surely important to become conscious of such a primary lens or we will never know what we don’t see and why we see other things out of all perspective.”*

Yet this is the key. Rohr adds: “Our operative worldview is formed by three images that are inside every one of us. They are not something from outside; they have already taken shape within us. All we can do is become aware of them, which is to awaken them. The three images to be awakened and transformed are our image of self, our image of God, and our image of the world. A true hearing of the Gospel transforms those images into a very exciting and, I believe, truthful worldview.”*

In that light, l am keenly aware (again) that I have some real, intentional, internal work to do if I am to truly be able to “awaken” and grow in this ability. What practices have you been able to put in your life which have allowed or enabled you to do so? I would love to hear from you – and learn from you – as we continue this Lenten journey together.

Meanwhile, please consider joining Pastor Katie and our women tonight at their (virtual) Annual Women’s Gathering, featuring great speakers, worship, and other elements. It’s free – yet requires you register in advance on our website. Do so if you haven’t already. I remind you, too, to plan on participating in our brief service of Holden Evening Prayer next Wednesday at 6:30. If your schedule allows, this year’s “Lutheran Day on the Hill” is offered virtually this Thursday from 9:30-11:30 and offering some timely insight into the issues that impact the most vulnerable in our state. Register in advance at “LSIowa.org.” Hope to “see” you there!

Let’s keep writing our “Seventh Story” together! I look forward to the opportunity.

Pastor Tim

*Adapted from Richard Rohr, The Wisdom Pattern: Order, Disorder, Reorder (Franciscan Media: 2001, 2020), 135–138.

Us & Them: Revolution

In our sermon Sunday (Mark 8:31-38), Jesus begins to tell his followers about the events we have come to know as Holy Week. Simon Peter tries to stop him and Jesus rebukes him saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” (King James version). In our Wednesday story, we will hear that Badger is ousted and new despots take his place. It all brings to mind the phrase “palace revolt.”

We don’t always understand God’s ways and we think we can do better. Like Moses in the desert when he lost his composure (Numbers 20), we think we can do something better than God and set out to do it. Moses’ sin against God resulted in him ending his life on Mt. Nebo with the Promised Land in sight, but he was not allowed to cross into it. Our just condemnation for our disobedience is death.

But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our sins are washed away. God sees us anew as newborn babes. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18) Our daily sin, a revolt against the authority of God, is washed away through the suffering, death, and resurrection of God’s Son. People, this is Good News! Our “palace revolts” against God are forgiven. We can claim the inheritance of God’s grace each day.

Dear God, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. Like a shepherd, enfold me in your arms. Bring me safely through the raging storm. Forgive my foolish pride. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen

Us & Them: A New Sermon Series

This weekend, we begin a new sermon series called “Us and Them,” based on a book by Brian McLaren called The Seventh Story. McLaren is a widely read Christian theologian looking to help move the church into new paradigms of ministry. Through fables for adults, The Seventh Story looks at six repeating themes in human history and posits a more loving and caring approach to human interactions.

We are fortunate that our newly elected bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, the Reverend Amy Current, will be our preacher as we open this series. To prepare for her sermon, you might want to read our Scriptures for the weekend, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Luke 18:9-14, in preparation for worship. Thank you, Bishop Current, for bringing us the good news of Jesus Christ this weekend.

Breaking down the barriers between us and them is something that many in the congregation do without realizing it. Ministries like the Bread Basket ministry and acts of kindness to your physical neighbors help show the world the love of Christ. One of your neighbors responded to the love of Christ that you showed in your daily interactions with her with a gift for the ministry of this congregation in your honor. Public acclaim is not the goal of our acts of kindness; our goal is bringing other souls to Jesus that they might find healing and love. Thank you for all you do!

In the announcements below, you will see other opportunities this week and in weeks to come in which we share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Please consider how you will respond. Last weekend, the blood drive collected 11 pints of love for our neighbors. Think out of the box in these trying times to share the love of God with others. “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)