Author: The Pastor

Sunday morning prayer – 12/02/07

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

We have finally arrived…the first Sunday in Advent…and the other unofficial beginning of the Christmas season (Thanksgiving being the other one).  Today at Salem we are have a Hanging of the Greens worship service (Does anyone else have a Hanging of the Greens worship service?).  We will finish decorating the sanctuary this morning.  A lot of the decorations have been put up already in the interest of saving some time.  The evergreens on the pews will be put up, the children will decorate the Christmas tree, a poinsettia will be brought in (we add a poinsettia each week of Advent), and the manger and cross up front are talked about.  All in all, it is a fun worship service with a lot of people involved (especially the children).

Yesterday we got a good ole fashioned Minnesota snow storm.  Nothing too big but definitely enough to cause some cancellations yesterday, including the worship service at Belmont Lutheran Church (the other congregation I service).  One service on Sunday morning really throws off my groove.

Anyway…let’s being our "unofficial" start of the Christmas season together in a word of prayer.  Let us pray…
Loving and tender God, we come before you today with much on our plate.  We have a lot to do to get "ready" for Christmas.  We have decorating and baking and shopping and planning and so on and so to get done.  Sometimes this causes stress and sometimes it causes us to lose sight of what is really important.  Please keep our focus directed in the right direction…for Christmas is all about your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord…the greatest gift of all.  Help us not to lose sight of what our preparations are leading us to and don’t let the secular world cloud the true meaning of the season.  Dear God…thank you for loving us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we pray…AMEN!

God bless you this day and everyday and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

-edh-

My Christmas story/memory

/ The Pastor / 1 Comment

This post is a long time in coming, but here I am with my Christmas story.  A couple days back I challenged people to share their favorite Christmas story/memory.  I actually have two that are near and dear to my heart.  One began with my immediate family and the other began with Connie and me.

Christmas story
For a long time, Christmas eve was a very anxious time for my sister (Julie) and me.  We knew the routine:  Get cleaned up and dressed for church – Get to church about 45 to 60 minutes early to make sure we got a good seat – Sit in that crowded sanctuary…staring at our watches thinking that time had somehow slowed down – Worship – Return home and change clothes again – Mom and Julie would begin to make homemade pizza while dad and I hung out in the living room…with me scoping out the presents – Eat – and then the moment we all were waiting for…PRESENTS.  That was how things went when I was little.  But somewhere along the way (I think it happen after we graduated from high school; mom…help me out here), dad changed the routine.  After our delicious homemade pizza was consumed we retired to the living room where dad said that we are going to hear a Christmas story that he had found.  We were all surprised…but pleasantly. Through the years the story is usually a story that elicits a tear or two from people, and one that always makes you think…putting Christmas into perspective.  Eventually the story reading duties shifted and was shared among the family.  The Christmas story is a powerful, bonding moment for all of us; helping us keep everything in perspective.  Now…we have something else to look forward to.  Thank you dad.

Christmas shopping
I can not remember exactly when this tradition started or how we came across it, but it was not too long ago.  Connie and I started thinking about the money we spend on each other and then started thinking about those who get very little or nothing at all.  So we decided to change our Christmas spending habits.  Between Connie and me we decided how much money we would spend on each other.  Currently we are at $100 (that may go up this year).  Then we decided that 25% of that would be spent on each other and the other 75% had to be spent on someone else.  The stipulation here is that the someone else had to be someone we do not know or have any real connection to.  It has to be a random person or persons.  On Christmas eve, then, Connie and I would exchange gifts and reveal how we spent the other 75%.  But the thing is, we almost always "cheat"…by spending way more than 75% on others.  But we always forgive each other for "cheating".  Each year I look forward to figuring out how I am going to spend my 75%.  Last year, as part of the 75%, I bought a goat for a family in a third world country through the ELCA Good Gifts program.  We had a lot of fun with that one.  I wonder what I will do this year.

What is your Christmas story/memory?  I know that some of you are thinking about this and I look forward to reading your stories (as I am sure we all do).  Have a blessed Christmas season.

-edh-

The Christmas season is here…now what?

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

Here we are…the Christmas season!!!  I look forward to this time of the year every year.  I love the music, the lights, the decorations, open houses, Holiday Fest in Jackson, and everything that goes with this season.  I love it all.  Well…almost everything…

…each year I get worked up about the commercialization of Christmas (click on the "Christmas" category to the right for more Christmas posts).  It drives me crazy when family ask me for a Christmas list each year…but I eventually give in to make them happy (feeling guilty the whole time I am writing it out).  For the last three years I have written a letter to the editor of our local paper talking about the real meaning of Christmas (I am currently pondering another letter this year).  This morning on the local news cast they had a special guest talking about how parents can begin to turn their kids from a "gimme" attitude to a "giving" attitude.  At an early age, kids are learning that Christmas is about presents.  Sure…they hear the Christmas story.  Kids participate and prepare Christmas programs.  They help decorate trees and see manger settings.  Kids know that there is something special about this season, but behind it all…they are hoping for the "right" present(s).

"Eric…maybe people do have a ‘giving’ attitude and that is why they want to buy presents"  Sure I will "buy" that.  But what I am alluding to is the reason people buy and give presents.  When Christ was born in that tiny manger stall, God gave the world the best present of all – love, forgiveness, salvation.  Christmas is about THAT gift and all we do should communicate and proclaim that message.

So…I am not exactly sure where I am going with this, but maybe we should try something.  What if we started this Christmas season by sharing Christmas stories on our blogs (or leaving stories in the comment section if you do not have a blog).  The stories should not be about a really cool present you received but rather about how the Christmas season/message has touched your life or the life of someone you know – stories about the REAL meaning of Christmas.  The idea is that people searching the Internet may stubble across these stories and maybe begin to move from a "gimme" attitude or a "hurry up and find the best bargain" attitude to an attitude of sharing God’s love for all.  I don’t know…maybe I am being overly optimistic.  Maybe I have no clue what I am talking about.  If so…then at least we can have some fun sharing Christmas stories.

So there you have it.  I will post my Christmas story soon.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

-edh-

Monday morning check in

/ The Pastor / 5 Comments

Busy week
Whew…a busy week is done.  Even though I feel a little tired, I feel pretty good.  Thanksgiving eve went very well with a very good turn out.  The Celebration of New Life service for Gordon went very well also, on Saturday.  We had about 300 people in attendance worshiping and celebrating the New Life we have in Jesus Christ.  We had a great soloist who sang "How Great Thou Art" and the tear jerker, "Thank You" by Ray Boltz.  As prelude music, the family hired a local harpist to play for a half hour before worship – absolutely beautiful.  Sunday worship also went off just fine.  With the three sermons I got to write last week, I was worried something would get missed, but once again, God provided and the Gospel was preached.

Prayer shawls
One of the ministries of Belmont Lutheran Church is wrapping people in prayer shawls.  When people are in the hospital or shortly after they get home, they are presented a prayer shawl from the congregation.  The shawls are made by some ladies in the congregation.  In the two years I have served with Belmont I did not know about this ministry until last week.  Doris, the secretary for Belmont, asked about doing a blessing of the prayer shawls in worship.  They hadn’t done this for a while and asked if I could do that.  I said sure, but I have never done anything like that before, but I will figure something out.  Does anyone out there have any experience with blessing like that or know of a blessing service I can use?  I am not looking for anything too elaborate – just something that can be done during the regular Sunday service this Sunday.  Thanks much.

Sunday morning prayer
I am sorry I did not get a prayer posted.  I know there are people that show up, here, for that Sunday morning prayer, but with the chaos that was last week, I just did not get one written.  For me that prayer serves as devotion for me to prepare for worship.  I know that all that I do on Sunday morning I can not do on my own.  My prayer during sermon and worship prep is basically that I am not that talented and if it were left up to me I would surely bring it all to ruin (to paraphrase Luther’s sacristy prayer).  I plan to get back to my routine this weekend.

Scripture
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’" (Matthew 1:18-21)

God bless and MERRY CHRISTMAS (I love this time of the year)!

-edh-

Celebrating New Life

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

It has been a few days since I have been around here.  When I last showed up I asked for prayers for two people: Lois and Gordon.  I don’t have any updates on Lois but as for Gordon…he died on Monday afternoon (Nov. 19).  Since then I have been busy with the family and doing sermon prep for three sermons (Thanksgiving Eve, Gordon’s Celebration of New Life service and Sunday’s sermon).  Needless to say I have been a little overwhelmed, busy, tired, etc. 

Today (Sat. 11/24) is the Celebration of New Life service (formerly known as a funeral service) for Gordon at 10:30am.  Gordon was a very prominent member of the Jackson community and he will be missed by many.  He was one of the founders of a corporation in Jackson called AGCO.  They manufacture terigators and other implements.  AGCO is one of those companies that keeps Jackson alive.  Besides AGCO, Gordon has been extremely generous in his giving to the church and the community.  About a month ago Jackson lost a prominent citizen and now we are losing another one – two within a couple months.  It is a heavy blow to our community. 

The sanctuary at Salem can hold up to 250 people, but we are set up for 400+.  Our fellowship hall is set up with chairs and a big screen TV (loaned to us by the Coast to Coast store in town) that will carry a live video feed.  It is going to be one awesome celebration this morning, but please remember the family in your prayers all the same.

Next week I am hoping life returns to normal somewhat.  I would be taking a little vacation time next week, but I still have a ton of Advent/Christmas stuff to finish up.  Oh well…I guess vacation will have to wait till later.

God bless you all and I will talk to you later.

-edh-

Monday morning check in

/ The Pastor / 5 Comments

A tough couple days and a prayer request
Good morning!  A very short and busy week is upon me (and many of you as well).  For me I have a heavy pastoral care load with a parishioner in hospice (Gordon) and another parishioner, who I just found out, has cancer (Lois).  It has been a tough couple days.  Please pray for Gordon and Lois as they deal with their present "suffering".  My hope is that they can look beyond this to their promised New Life in Jesus Christ and receive strength and courage to endure.  The road won’t be easy, but they are never alone.

Sermon
The sermon I preached yesterday (Nov. 18) hit home for me more than others.  The text from Luke 21:5-19 talked about the signs of the end.  The way I took this is that we are not to focus and dwell on the signs now, but put our hope in what they point to.  Suffering must and will happen in this life, but if we only focus on the now, we miss the Good News.  It is looking ahead that gives us strength.  I found myself thinking about Gordon and Lois as I preached this sermon.  Gordon didn’t hear this sermon but Lois did.  I hope she finds strength in the promise God has made to her in Jesus Christ.  It is going to be a tough road for her. 

I have just posted this sermon on my sermons blog at:  Sermons by Eric.

Personal stewardship update
My weight loss is still going well.  I have finally hit the 20 pound mark.  I had been sitting at around 17-18 pounds for a couple weeks but now I finally moved past it.  My goal is to lose another 10 pounds and then re-evaluate.  It is so nice to wear clothes I haven’t been able to wear for years.

As for my running, that has been put on hold.  I still plan to run the Twin Cities Marathon next October but right now I am waiting on some shoe inserts.  Both of my heal bones are crocked thus causing me to experience shin splints.  These inserts should help and then I can start running…hopefully next week.  In the mean time I will continue with weight lifting and stationary bike workouts.

Scripture
"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

This is one of the texts the family wants to use for Gordon’s Celebration of New Life service.  Knowing Gordon the way I do, this is very appropriate.  But it is still hard talking about this.  Gordon is going to be missed.

But knowing where our hope comes from:  Praise be to God, always and forever…AMEN!!!

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer – 11/18/07

/ The Pastor

Wow…two more weeks and Advent is here; the start of the Christmas season.  The only thing we need now is a little snow.  Yesterday I thought my wish was coming true as I saw snow flurries flying furiously (try saying that 5 times fast).  But unfortunately the fast flying flurries did not last long.  In the matter of minutes the only evidence that something happened was some wet roads and sidewalks.  Oh well, at least I got to see some snow.

On a personal note:  I have a parishioner here at Salem slowly dying.  Gordon (80-some years old) had a stroke a couple weeks back.  At first things looked O.K.  The doctors at first were talking about a long road of rehab.  Gordon would go to a nursing home to get stronger then return to Sioux Falls for the rehab.  The very next day, after I got the nursing home news, I got news that Gordon was now in hospice care (and as most of you know hospice means less than 6 months to live).  Yesterday I got a call from the family that the time is close.  As of now, Gordon is still alive, but it won’t be much longer.  Please remember Jean (Gordon’s wife) and his family in your prayers.  Gordon has done a lot for this church AND community.  Gordon is going to be greatly missed by many, many people.  Gordon has been like a grandpa to Connie and I.

Let us pray…
Loving God, the signs of the times are among us.  There are wars around the world.  There is suffering among us.  There is conflict all around; nations arising against nations.  And even in some cases neighbors rising up against neighbors.  Sometimes we don’t know what to say, what to do or even how to respond.  But in a quick moment of grace we are reminded that this life is not all there is.  The stuff happening around us are only signs…events reminding us of something greater.  You said we would experience suffering, but also that this suffering would last only for a moment.  I pray that Gordon’s suffering is short, but I also know that the life Gordon, and all of us will experience (thanks to Jesus) is a life like no other.  No suffering, pain or death, but only joy, happiness and peace.  Thank you for that gift.  Help us to look past the signs and to your promise…for that is where our strength comes from.  To you be all honor and praise and glory forever and ever.  Amen! (Scripture reference: Luke 21:5-19)

God bless you this day and always as we live in and with the signs of the times knowing that life eternal awaits us.  God bless and take care!

-edh-

Text study – Luke 21:5-19

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

"Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven…" (Luke 21:10-11)

The text for Sunday comes from the 21st chapter of Luke where Jesus talks about the signs of the end of the age.  Really upbeat and happy stuff 😉 … (especially the text I started with today).  But I do have a point so hang on a second.

As I was pondering this text I started thinking about Christmas…Yup that’s right…Christmas.  Next Thursday is Thanksgiving – the unofficial start of the Christmas season (or as far as I am concerned…THE official start of the Christmas season).  For the past couple months I have been wanting to shout out at the likes of Wal-Mart and Target for putting out Christmas stuff already and playing Christmas music.  "Christmas hasn’t started yet!!!"  But of course no one would listen to me.  But once Thanksgiving is here…watch out.

For many people this means the "unofficial" start of Christmas shopping (even though my wife has been Christmas shopping for months now).  For my wife and I Thanksgiving weekend means putting up the Christmas tree, decorating the house and loading the CD player with Christmas CDs.  It means starting to plan for our holiday open house, thinking hard about Advent and pulling out my Santa hat.  Thanksgiving weekend is a HUGE sign for me and for many people that Christmas is coming.

But the problem comes in when we focus too much on the signs and not enough on what the signs are pointing to.  We focus too much on finding the perfect gift, planning the perfect Christmas party, planning the family gathering at grandma’s house, and running the kids to Christmas program practices.  Many people experience stress, depression and maybe even anxiety.  The signs of Christmas are there, but what are the signs pointing to:  The coming of the Christ Child.  God’s love in the form of a little baby.  God coming to live among us.  God hearing the cry of creation.  Thanksgiving weekend is more than a sign to begin preparations, it "unofficially" points us to the greatest gift of all…JESUS CHRIST.

"All people will hate you because of me.  But not a hair on your head will perish.  By standing firm you will gain life." (Luke 21:17-18)

After all those signs Jesus tells the disciples about…in the end is life everlasting.  Our thoughts, words and actions should be focused on that.  Our LIVES should be focused on that.  People have been saying for centuries that the signs of the end are here so repent and believe.  That is fine and dandy, but focus not on the signs but on the gift of life we have in Christ; the love of God and eternal life.  As for me signs can come and go, but I will life for Christ and see that as many people as possible know Him.

Begin, continue or whatever, your preparations.  But know this…Christ is coming and that is GOOD NEWS.  Let’s celebrate THAT!

Praise be to God and Amen!

-edh-

Tuesday morning check in

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

"Tuesday" check in
My Monday morning check in didn’t happen like usual.  My wife had yesterday off for Veteran’s Day (she’s a county employee) and since we don’t get days off together too often, I took a vacation day.  We slept in together which was very nice.  We then traveled down to Spirit Lake, IA (20 miles) and ate at one of our favorite places – Quiznos.  We then visited Wal-Mart and dropped a few dollars there (O.K…it was more than a few dollars).  After that we enjoyed a peaceful afternoon together.  Got to love sabbath time.

Found
I am a member of the Jackson Lion’s Club.  Last night, after we finished our meeting a fellow member approached me.  He said, "Pastor, I really enjoy your website".  At first I thought he was talking about our new church website and then I asked if he was talking about my blog.  He said "Yes".  I then asked how he found out about it (I am always curious about this).  He said that he googled "Jackson, MN" and found it.  Now my site is book marked on his computer. 

But this was a little strange for me.  You see…everyone who leaves comments here are people from out of town; people I do not see face to face (except for my mom and sister).  And besides my family and close friends I have never had anyone come up to me and say that they have my blog book marked on their computer.  That comment last night served as an affirmation of what I am doing.  Even though I am not writing this blog to receive praise…hearing a word of affirmation like that from people (face to face) is indeed a pick me up; something that came via the Holy Spirit; something that encouraged me greatly.  Thanks for comment last night…I appreciated it.

Text study
I have felt so lost the past few weeks.  I haven’t attended my weekly text study with my area colleagues for quite a while.  Today I am going and that means I need to finish up here shortly.  Having a text study group like this is indeed important.  These past few weeks have given me a glimpse of what life might be like if I was doing this alone, without colleague support.  Text studies are so important.  I thank God for this group of people.

And…in speaking of "text studies", I hope to have a regular "text study" post coming in the next day or so.  I haven’t done that for a little while either.  With that I will be pondering some themes and messages for the Thanksgiving Eve worship service next week.  Salem worships with the Methodists and the Presbyterians on Thanksgiving eve and this year is my year to preach.  Any good ideas for me?  And good sermon ideas you have heard on Thanksgiving?

Anyway…God bless you today and everyday.  May you always know the love of God surrounding you…always!  Take care.

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer – 11/11/07

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

Wow…here I am again.  So much for me slowing down a little bit.  I guess I have been infused with a new dose of the Holy Spirit.  I have no clue.  Either way I feel like I have more energy and more drive to write.  Good or bad, I will let you decide.  But let’s move on…

Today at Salem is Stewardship Sunday and I am doing something today that I don’t normally do…I am setting aside the Gospel text assigned for today.  Instead I will be preaching on Matthew 25:14-30 – the Parable of the Talents.  As I wrote the sermon this past Thursday something was not sitting right with me.  All day Friday I pondered what I wrote.  Then today, Saturday, I was slapped in the face with Matthew 25…so…I re-wrote most of the sermon and included this text.  The Holy Spirit works in wonderful ways.  This is just another reason why I don’t wait until Saturday to write sermons.

Anyway, as we pray, know that stewardship was floating around in my mind and heart as this prayer was prayed and written.  Let us pray…
Gracious, loving and generous God, you have given us everything we have.  You created this world.  You gave us life.  You provide us with "daily bread’.  Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ you have given us salvation; you have given us hope; and you have given us a "job".  Because of your love we are stewards.  We are caretakers.  We are your hands and feet.  Strengthen, encourage and empower us to be caretakers of all we have; knowing that everything we say and do is for your glory.  Thank you, God, for your love through Jesus Christ and in whose name we pray…Amen!

God bless you as you live as stewards.

-edh-