First Lutheran Evangelical Church of Longmont

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Pr Steve — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 06:00:21 +0000

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

Easter

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:35:34 +0000

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!

Vigil of Easter

Gus — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 06:00:49 +0000

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

Good Friday

Gus — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:39:08 +0000

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

Maundy Thursday

Wendy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 06:00:55 +0000

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

Palm/Passion Sunday

Pr Steve — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 06:00:40 +0000

Luke is perhaps our most “liturgical” gospel. The early chapters are filled with canticles (Scriptural songs of praise): Mary’s “My soul magnifies the Lord,” Simeon’s “Blessed be the Lord,” and the song of the heavenly army announcing Jesus’ birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth.”
We commonly think of the Christmas season as a time to reflect about peace on earth, but what about Palm Sunday?
In Luke’s gospel, as Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, the multitude of disciples once again sings of “peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”
Peace on earth and peace in heaven: this is a Scriptural way to talk about universal peace! Everything is united in the “shalom” of God through Christ in his death and resurrection. The imperial power of Rome is not the true source of peace, but Jesus our Lord.
The ways of God seen in Jesus are not at all in the image of Roman oppression and violence. Indeed, this is the system under which Jesus dies. Jesus is then proclaimed as Lord of all, even of the marginalized and poor, who are often treated as mere fodder for the world’s warring and greedy appetites. But this is not the peace of Christ!
On Palm Sunday we gather to praise Christ on a donkey and Christ on a cross. Not pomp and splendor, but true peace, is the watchword of Jesus’ reign.
Pastor Steve Berke

Holy Week at First

Gus — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:17:36 +0000

Palm Sunday
Saturday, March 27 at 5:30 pm
Sunday, March 28 at 7:40, 8:30 and 11:00 am

Maundy Thursday
April 1, 4:30 and 7:00 pm Holy Communion

Supper served from 5:15 to 6:30 pm

Good Friday
April 2, 5:30 and 7:30 pm

Easter Vigil
April 3, 5:30 pm
Holy Communion

Easter Sunday
April 4, 7:00, 8:15, 9:30 and 11:00 am
Holy Communion

Breakfast served from 7:30 to 10:30 am, in the Friendship Center.

Lent Week 5

Gus — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:36:28 +0000

question for the week:
“Do I let my possessions get in the way of my search for faith?”

Daily Prayer:
Lord, help me to let go of all that stands in the way of knowing and following you. Amen.

Read Philippians 3:7-10

How much time do we spend in worry about things? How much time to we spend in prayer? in community? building relationships? It is easy to get caught in the world of stuff - a new phone or MP3 player, bigger TV, nicer car - but how much of it really matters? How much of it really increases your faith?

Rather than giving something up, think about adding something in. Find time this week to spend time in relationship! Spend time in prayer or devotion or service - relationship to God. Or, spend time with someone you care about, have a conversation with a good and trusted friend, play a game with your children, invite a neighbor over for dinner - relationship to each other.

->God’s Joy<-
Gus Brockmann

Do You Know the Four Keys?

admin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:48:26 +0000

We are focusing in on the Caring Conversation key this month with the big question of the month being… When have you experienced forgiveness?

Forgiveness can be just has difficult to receive as it can be at times to give. Sometimes it’s quick to come and sometimes it is very difficult and painful. We must be consistently reminded of the forgiveness and grace we receive from God and we may need to remind one another as well. We come to the table each week to hear the words of forgiveness proclaimed for each one of us and for all the world. This is a part of our rituals as Christians, to hear words of forgiveness and to proclaim them!
I experienced forgiveness at 16 (probably many times for many things!) but the one I remember most was when I drove the big old Lincoln town-car for one of the first times. I was trying to be ‘good’ by putting gas in the car before I returned it to my parents. However, while I was pulling out, I misjudged a turn and scrapped the side of the car on post that was near the pump. It wasn’t too major but I felt horrible for damaging the ‘good car’! My dad was very patient and kind and pretty quick to forgive. We’ll see if I can remember this when my own children are 16…. !

We would love to hear your stories as well! Leave a post this month about forgiveness as we work to create caring conversations with one another online!

Lent Week 4

Gus — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:32:06 +0000

Question for the week:
“Do I forgive others as God forgives me?”

Daily Prayer:
Lord, help me give your message of peace to others, so that they may be brought back to you. Amen.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-20

God set us free from sin through Christ's sacrifice for us. Our sins are not held against us! We are forgiven! Spread the word!

Looking for ways to spread the word? Volunteer as a greeter or usher at church! Help with Vacation Bible School in the summer. Volunteer at shelters or food banks, work with habitat on the weekends. Get out and take some action!

->God’s Joy,_
Gus Brockmann