In remembrance of a man who stood firm in the truth...

Thank you, Walter, for inspiring four young men and teaching them to always hold themselves accountable to God.

 - It is by our actions that we know we are living in the truth, so we are confident when we stand before the Lord, even if our hearts condemn us.  1 John 3: 19-20






"Roasted Potatoes" a faith story by Walter G.

The stately building stood in the middle of a beautiful park filled with tall trees and all kinds of ornamental plants.  It was located in a town in the Southwestern part of Germany and the people called it 'the castle' because it was built in the 1800's by a count who used it as his residence.

In 1944 'the castle' was owned by Frau Z., a rich elderly woman who occupied the third floor together with her two servants.  Mrs. G. lived on the first floor together with her three sons, who were eight, six and one year old.  Their father fought on the Eastern Front and was rarely seen by the children.

Mr. and Mrs. R., lived on the second floor with their six year old son.  Like so many families during World War II, they endured much hardship and suffering.  The oldest son, a Lieutenant in the Army, was killed on the Eastern Front at the beginning of the war.  Their second son, serving as a pilot in the Air Force, was shot down over Great Britain, but through the Red Cross they knew that he had survived.

It was a sunny day when the children of these families collected the nuts under the huge buckeye trees that separated the castle from the main street.  Suddenly, a guard carrying a rifle on his shoulder appeared together with a dozen prisoners.  Most of the prisoners did not wear any shoes, they had wrapped their feet in old rags.  Looking tired, hungry, and thirsty they were glad to get some rest in the shade of the big buckeye trees.  The children asked the guard, "who are they?"  The guard answered, "they are Russian prisoners of war, please get them some water because they are very thirsty".  The children ran to the castle to fetch some water when Mrs. R came out with a big black iron pot in her hands.  The children excitedly thought they would be getting lunch, but Mrs. R said in a stern voice, "this is not for you, it is for the prisoners, I prepared for them roasted potatoes".

The Master Builder - cont'd from "Looking Back on the Journey, of a building"

Continued from July 10th post... "What effect can a building have on the people moving in and out of it?  Before I begin to reflect on the pulse of this new space, I would first like to take you back to a time of prayer and faith sharing before a building was born.

September 14, 2009 - The Master Builder by Pastor Greg
"Though every house is built by someone, the builder of all things is God" - Hebrews 3:4

This is our theme verse for our capital campaign.  It is an exciting reminder of the three years of prayer, planning and discernment that has brought us to this milestone in God's mission at Grace.  The verse tells us two very important facts about our ministry and this capital campaign.

First, we have a hands-on role.  You and I are the faithful disciples who literally and physically do the work of God.  Each of us employs our experiences, skills and faith in doing God's ministry.   In our unique ways, we shoulder a portion of the work of God's ministry at Grace.  It is in generously sharing our time and resources that we will complete the projects before us.

Secondly, we are reminded that it is God who is at work in and through us.  We might be doing the physical labor in our many ministries, but it is God, through the power of his Holy Spirit dwelling within us, who directs all our work.

As we boldly launch forth to fulfill our congregational vision, I firmly believe that God is and has been at work in each disciple at Grace.  God has given us a common purpose, core values, mission, and goals.  God has brought forth gifted leaders at every step to accomplish His purpose for us.

God is calling you to share in building his kingdom here and now.  What are the blessings you have to generously share as you help build not only our buildings, but God's ministries at Grace?

PRAYER: Loving God, thank you for calling and gifting us to build and extend your kingdom.  Strengthen our faith and fill us with zeal as we offer ourselves and all that we have for your purposes.  Amen.

LOOKING BACK ON THE JOURNEY, of a building...

In May 2007 goals were put into place and by January 2011 a new building was completed; ready to embrace the growth of Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville, NC.

The fund-raising campaign called "God's Plan - Our Hands" produced a devotional booklet during the months of September & October 2009, just prior to the December ground-breaking ceremony.  Though there were well laid-out plans and a detailed design for all to review; it must of been a bit more difficult to truly imagine what would become of this new space.  How would this tool for the ministry that God calls us to undertake work?  What effect can a building have on the people moving in and out of it?  Before I begin to reflect on the pulse of this new space, I would first like to take you back to a time of prayer and faith sharing before a building was born.


 September 13, 2009 -  Blessings in Abundance... by Pastor Greg
"God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work." 2Corinthians 9:8

Since my wife and I began tithing (over 25 years and 2 children ago) I have learned the truth of Paul's words to the believers in Corinth.  Certainly we made some choices based on the priority of our faith, but our children have done well thus far without a vacation to Disney World or all the latest video games or a new car when they turned 16 - items that society would have us believe are essential for American children.

During lean years, with two small children and only one income, we persisted in our spiritual discipline of tithing.  As time progressed, we were able to also make contributions to other charitable causes important to us.  Today, we rejoice to have made a commitment to "God's Plan - Our Hands" capital building campaign on top of our regular tithe to Grace and in addition to our other charitable giving.

God taught us about His provision early in seminary when our apartment rent was graciously waived... when a member of our home congregation sent us a gift of $1,000 shortly after our first child was born...  when we learned that insurance coverage overlapped and we received a refund from the hospital where our daughter was born.  God taught me to be faithful in following His call.  Together with our spiritual discipline of tithing, God has shown me how He provides blessings in abundance beyond what shows up in my bank account:  a loving wife, faithful children, caring friends, and a zealous congregation.

God provides enough of everything and THAT makes it easy to be generous with my time in ministry and generous in supporting God's mission at the most Spirit-empowered congregation that I have been blessed to serve.

PRAYER: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love that we might trust totally in your abundant blessings and share generously for the sake of your mission through Grace; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

we are Lutherans and that’s just what we do

Well,… we are Lutherans and that’s just what we do

We remember Lutheran traditions and never grow tired of the old.  We are not those that become easily swayed by culture and continuously desire ‘something new’ each and every week.
Jesus was God walking the earth, this happened, and it happened some time ago, but should never be forgotten and should continue to be experienced every day, every week, every month, every year...
It never gets old

Wisdom is in the elder members, they are to be respected and cherished, as they are the heart of the church.  Learn from them and listen to them, and you will have the answer to your question.

They are Gods’ chosen

It might not seem like it, but Lutherans love hugs (and we love to give hugs too).  Experiencing that feeling that someone cares assures us that God cares and is very pleased

We are a reflective bunch, often observing from afar, so it is not uncommon to see us sitting near the back of the church.  But don’t mistake this for missing-out, because we miss nothing - we see, hear, and feel everything

Communion is truly sacred for us, a connection to God through Christ that brings such closeness to our creator; that perhaps only a pregnant mother feeling the heartbeat of her unborn child could similarly experience
All are welcome at the Lords' table

Passing on responsibilities of the church to our children is a weekly practice; they see us doing for others and the church instead of expecting others and the church to do things for us.  We simply do not expect others to do things for us that we can and should be doing ourselves, for others, for the church, and for God
This changes everything

Everyone pitches in; the church is run by volunteers, helping anyone who is in need does not take a second thought.  We do not think money is needed to make things happen, if all was taken away we would still have each other, our friendships, and the deep desire to worship our maker together

As One body of Christ

We don’t expect fancy dinners or upscale affairs and carry no expectations of others.  We don’t get upset when things don’t go our way, because we know it was never our way to begin with.  There is no perfect failure or incomplete attempt.  God is leading, simply follow and learn from each moment and each other - soon you will see what He is trying to give you

We may not say it, but we think about God every day and always try our very best to do the right thing

And yes, we enjoy singing traditional hymns because they are at the center of our soul.  So it is well,... it is well… with our soul,… Because… Well,… we are Lutherans and that’s just what we do

Based on personal reflections of growing up Lutheran at All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason MI
Ana Vogel

A Replenishment Strategy

To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  Romans 8:6

 

Sometimes the external part of a church leaders life appears to be incredibly fruitful; people are joining small groups, people are abundantly serving the community and helping those in need, new ministries are being formed to open doors to new opportunities to grow the church, everything “appears” to be prosperous.

The part that no one can see is the viciousness of a leader’s interior life. An ever revolving and often tormenting questioning, “Am I doing this for me or fulfilling requests made by others? (or) Am I doing this because the Holy Spirit desires it to be so?”  The internal can’t be measured on charts and graphs, so it goes unnoticed and is not considered to be harmful; mainly because all the externals are positive.

However, this internal battle of Self vs. Holy Spirit is something that can cause potential burnout – not only to the leader but also to the church as a whole.  Others say “do more, we are doing great!”  So we continue to do more even when the Holy Spirit desires for us to rest and live life in a state of peaceful abundance.

We can be growing our churches and it’s not the glow of God at all.  We need to remember that the pace at which we grow does not necessarily ‘honor’ God.  There is honor in transforming hearts through Christ only, a gift that gives eternal rewards.

Living life in the Spirit and feeling a sense of peace requires an adequate replenishment strategy.

You start every day in devotion to God, centering yourself to do God's Will and not your own.  Invite the Holy Spirit to be present within you.  When you are good with God, you are good with your family, you live at your very best when you are filled-up; there becomes a sense of peace instead of anxiety that carries you throughout the day. 

What makes church leaders different than leaders in the corporate world is that they lead out of a deep interior life that is aligned by the Holy Spirit.  Doing God’s Will is success, not numbers.  It is not buildings, it is not how many small groups are offered, it's really “Am I doing God’s Will?”, “Is our church doing God’s Will?”  So the fact that we (as a church) can do something like increase our staff by adding another Pastor or funding a new ministry, doesn’t mean it’s God’s time to do it.

⁵ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶ To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6

A Renewed Focus, a purpose much greater than ourselves...

 
(Acts 2) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting...

Pentecost is the day that the church was born. Christ was crucified, rose again, spent forty days with his disciples, then ascended to heaven. Pentecost immediately followed. For two millennia, Christians have been celebrating the church's birthday with joy and exuberance. Pentecost takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday and will be celebrated across the globe this Sunday, May 19th!

Story of Pentecost
According to book of Acts, the Church came into being on the day of Pentecost. As worshipers, including the Disciples, were fasting and praying in an upper room in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit descended upon them in a violent rushing wind that was heard throughout the city. Small flames of fire rested upon their heads, and they began to speak in other languages. As crowds came to investigate the commotion, the Apostle Peter spoke to them about Jesus and exhorted them to repent. From the crowd of Jews and converts, thousands realized the truth of his words and became followers of Jesus.

Pentecost Today
The purest meaning of Pentecost is that of a time of renewal for Christian believers. There is a renewed focus on evangelism, empowerment from the Holy Spirit, deeper intimacy with God, and fellowship. For Christians, the celebration of Pentecost imparts faith, hope, a sharing of community, and an awareness of a purpose much greater than ourselves.

Share a time of feeling embraced by the Holy Spirit with your family & friends.  Share your faith and help others know God's love through Christ.

How We Worship in the Evangelical Lutheran Church

How We Worship

Be a part of God's saving story

 

For Lutherans, worship matters. In fact, worship lies at the heart of how we understand ourselves together. While some of the approaches to worship may differ from one congregation to another, we hold certain things in common. There is a basic pattern for worship among Lutherans. We gather. We encounter God’s Word. We share a meal at the Lord’s table. And we are sent into the world. But we do not think about worship so much in terms of what we do. Worship is fundamentally about what God is doing and our response to God’s action. Worship is an encounter with God, who saves us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Think about it like this. God’s Spirit calls us together. God speaks to us through readings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, through preaching, prayer, and song. God feeds and nourishes us in a saving way. And God blesses us and sends us in mission to the world.
Taken together, the Word proclaimed and the Sacraments -- both Holy Baptism and Holy Communion -- are called the means of grace. We believe that Jesus Christ is present in these means through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we describe worship as a “gathering around the means of grace.” This is a way of saying that we trust that God is genuinely present with us in baptism, in preaching, and in sharing the bread and wine of Holy Communion. In that sense, Lutherans believe that God’s presence permeates all of Christian worship.
The cross is the central symbol that marks our worship spaces and when Lutherans worship, singing fills the air. The voices of all the people joined in song and the participation of all the people in the worship is a witness to our conviction that in worship we are being drawn in to God’s own saving story.

www.elca.org