April 24th, 2010
The fourth Sunday of Easter season is traditionally “Shepherd” Sunday. Each year the gospel reading is from John, chapter 10, where Jesus reveals himself as the “good” or “model” shepherd.
In this year’s reading (John 10:22-30) Jesus speaks as the shepherd who securely holds us (as believers) and will not let any “wolf” snatch us away. This is a powerful promise of life even in the midst of the perils and dangers of our mortal experience.
We also see that this passage is addressed to unbelievers, as represented by “the Jews” in the story. We must be very careful with passages such as this, so that we do not add to anti-Semitism or to the mischaracterization of Judaism that one often sees in Christian preaching. The conflict between Jesus’ proclamation and “Jews” as depicted in the gospel of John is doubtless colored by struggles late in the 1st century, when synagogues were in some places undergoing divisions because some participants saw Jesus as the Christ, and some didn’t.
In the story Jesus will not directly answer the question if he is the Christ (Messiah), but he does direct us to look at his “works.” Jesus says that his works done “in the Father’s name” bear witness to a messianic life . . . works of healing, abundant love and service, and even raising up from the tomb. When we hear the claim of that voice (the voice of the Shepherd), we belong to the sheep who find our life in him.
Questions:
How are you affected by Jesus’ promise that no one will snatch us away from his hand (and God’s hand)?
Is it helpful to learn that struggles within Jewish communities are reflected in the gospel stories? Does this knowledge encourage us to show respect and love to all the children of Abraham?
Are Jesus’ works of forgiveness, love, and healing the hallmark of what it means to believe that Jesus is the Christ? Is the sign of Jesus’ death and resurrection truly the source of our faith, hope, and love?
Steve Berke, Pastor
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April 3rd, 2010
On that first Easter shouts of Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed were not heard. Instead there were first cries of the tomb is empty! As the mystery and meaning of this event unfolded for the women and men who followed Jesus their weeping and bewilderment would turn to joy at the news that Jesus’ resurrection had won victory over the grave.
The tomb is still empty for us today. We are left with the same message that was given to Mary, to go and tell that Jesus lives and reigns. We are left with the same image of an empty tomb and a word to share. This word is that we need not fear all that life has to bring because we are Easter people; people who live in the hope of resurrection, people who can proclaim the FULL promises of God–grace, mercy, forgiveness and a God who walks with us through it all and ultimately gives us a full life in the eternal.
May you remember each day that the tomb is empty. May you know that you are a child of God given the full promises of the resurrection. May you live your life in this word, in this hope.
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
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April 3rd, 2010
When I was growing up, Holy Saturday was a day to dye eggs and get everything ready for Easter morning (growing up in Colorado, that often meant getting ready to shovel a bunch of snow!) 4 years ago that changed for me in a dramatic way, when my son was baptized at the Easter Vigil service.
Since that time, Easter Vigil has become one of my favorite worship services of the year. Each year I am reminded of the amazing gift of God’s love and the promises of baptism. This year, my son’s fourth Easter, is especially interesting since he is starting to understand what this week and these 3 days are about. He knows that we marked Christ’s death on Friday (although, I will say that he seemed a little put-put when he asked, “Is God’s going to die again!?”) He knows that on Easter we will celebrate Christ being alive again!
For me, the Vigil of Easter is filled with wonder and hope. The wonder that a child begins to understand so quickly the sadness and joy of these days. The hope in God’s trust, love and steadfastness. The Vigil service brings out these hopes and joys through readings, songs, baptisms and the communion meal. Come worship, and wait with us for the Son to rise.
God’s Joy
Gus Brockmann
Tags: Worship
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April 2nd, 2010
The youth of this congregation have been working during Jesus Inc. (Sunday School) to bring one of the most important stories in the Bible to life. Good Friday is a time to think, pray and forgive. In the youth led service being held at 5:30 you will experience if there is hope or no hope in the last seven words that Jesus says while on the cross. So think to yourself, Is there hope in Good Friday?
Allison Johnson
Tags: Worship
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April 1st, 2010
PRAYERS FOR HEALING
First Lutheran offers prayers for healing quarterly during the year, Maundy Thursday being one of those times. It is a time of seeking God, the One who heals us, as expressed in Exodus 15:26, where God says, “I am the Lord, who heals you”.
A service of prayers for healing can be created for one person or for many as we do on Maundy Thursday. People may come forward and kneel or stand. Each individual receives the laying on of hands with prayers spoken over each one; the prayers may be general or in response to the individuals spoken concerns. We generally begin by saying “We lay our hands on you in the name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” and then proceed with the prayer.
The laying on of hands is an ancient tradition of the church associated with prayers for healing. It is so natural to reach out and touch those who are hurting. Healing comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it comes through ordinary means like a good night sleep or a long conversation with a dear friend. Sometimes it comes in ways that we understand, like through surgery or medication or counseling. Sometimes it comes in ways that we do not understand, but it is all God’s work of healing.
It is interesting to think about how faith, healing and wholeness are so closely intertwined. Faith provides hope for us the two are linked. Healing and wholeness are also enmeshed.. Healing is the precursor to wholeness. Frequently the terms healing and cure are interchanged, which is an error. Your can experience one or the other, or both, but they are mutually exclusive. Healing can be a sudden physical cure but for most people, the healing power of faith involves a healing of the mind and emotions, of the intangible spirit, and of relationships with others. This type of healing often leads to inner peace, which may very likely lessen the physical burden of illness. Wholeness is what we all desire to achieve and is an attempt to balance between body mind and spirit..
So I encourage all people in need of healing to attend the Maundy Thursday service. If you are dealing with a broken or stained relationship, a physical illness, upcoming surgery, depression, unemployment, grief or other difficulty. You may also come for the peaceful time of prayer, to ask for a blessing or pray for a loved one in need. We will also be offering foot washing, confession, baptism, and lighting of candles, along with prayers for healing. Through out Jesus ministry we hear stories of Jesus healing, remember He is able.
Wendy Wagner
Tags: Devotions, Worship
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On that first Easter shouts of Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed were not heard. Instead there were first cries of the tomb is empty! As the mystery and meaning of this event unfolded for the women and men who followed Jesus their weeping and bewilderment would turn to joy at the news that Jesus’ resurrection had won victory over the grave.
