Current Affairs

Question: School referendum

/ The Pastor / 11 Comments

I am seeking your help and advise on something.  I have always struggled with a pastor’s place when it comes to supporting referendums.  Living in a parsonage, I am not directly effected by tax increases since pastor’s do not pay property taxes if they live in a parsonage.  So here’s my question (with an explanation first):

Coming up in November the school district I live in (Jackson County Central — JCC) will be asking the community for an increase in school funding.  The referendum would increase the current per pupil funding from $50 to $1000.  Jackson County Central school district is currently the lowest funded school district around (if not in the state).  Last year the referendum failed.  A number of teachers were cut along with a couple programs (of course sports were barely touched at all, but don’t get me going on that).  Classes sizes are increasing and if this referendum fails again, JCC is in a lot of trouble.  I fear for the future.

Schools are extremely important for any community and I definitely support our schools, but (and here’s my question) how do pastor’s speak about something like this when we don’t have to pay for it.  On Sunday I was given a button that says, "Vote Yes for Education" and asked if they could count on my vote.  I said "Yes" because schools are important but part of me feels…<and I am not sure how to word this…maybe you know>.  Should I wear a button like that and visually support this?  It sounds like a strange question but it is something I struggle internally with.

Then again, maybe this does effect me.  If our school receives less funding then that will mean more teachers will be cut.  Classes sizes will then increase.  Maybe with all of that that will cause people to leave the community for a better school district and that right there would effect the church.  Does that make sense?

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?  I am curious what your experiences have been with things like this.  This is definitely a fine line that needs to be walked.  Thanks for "listening".

-edh-

I35W bridge collapses

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

Many, if not all, of you know by now that the Minneapolis/St. Paul area was struck by a terrible disaster that has effected my people far and wide.  The I35W bridge collasped on Wednesday around 6pm (peak rush hour).  My wife and I were with some friends at the Mall of America yesterday when we heard the news, but the magnitude of the event did not totally strike me until I arrived home and turned on the TV.

First and foremost, please pray for the victims and their families, the rescue workers and all those involved and/or affected by this terrible tragedy. 

I live over 3 hours away from the bridge but as I sat watching the intro to The Today Show this morning, I could not hold back the tears.  Its amazing…one minute you are driving on a bridge minding your own business and the next blink of your eye your in the river wondering what just happened.  I can’t even begin to fathom what that would be like.  You don’t expect things like this to happen.  Bridges are not suppose to fall from underneath you.  Hopefully authorities can figure out what happened and work to prevent this from happening again.

But it is in times like this I am even more grateful for our awesome and loving God.  God is our strong tower.  God is our mighty fortress.  And God will never tumble, fail or fall away.  In times such as these I turn to and hold on to God who comforts me.  And I know that God will comfort those who have lost loved ones.  God will be with the rescue workers.  God will be there among the rubble until the last survivor is found and the last body is pulled from it and laid to rest.  God is awesome and God is faithful. 

Loving God, comfort us in our time of need.  Be with the victims, families, rescue workers and all those involved with this tragedy.  Words cannot adequately express our feelings now, but we know that you are faithful.  Thank you God for always being faithful and for being with us always.  You never desert us and you never leave us to fend for ourselves.  Thank you God!!!  Through Christ we pray…Amen.

-edh-

The Church and unity

/ The Pastor / 11 Comments

It seems that everyone in the world (this may be a SLIGHT exaggeration) has been talking about the recent Vatican statement about the true nature of the Church.  By now my comments may be old news but I still feel lead to make some comments in response and to share my faith, so here I go:

Why am I a Lutheran?  This is an interesting question and one that I believe every Lutheran needs to ask of themselves every day.  Even if you are not a Lutheran, answering why you are part of a particular denomination is important.  Recently a brother in Christ, Chris, has embarked on a very important journey; asking this very same question.  He is a former Lutheran making the move to the Catholic Church (follow the link and check out his blog to read more about his journey).  I may not agree with some of his answers, but we are still brothers in Christ and I still have a great deal of respect for him.  Chris is asking questions and not taking anything at face value.

And even though the Vatican has issued a very stern statement about the "true nature of the Church" I still have a great deal of respect for all my Catholic brothers and sisters.  Rome may have their firm stance on what constitutes the Church and Protestants have theirs but behind all the rhetoric, we are all still brothers and sisters in Christ.  We acknowledge "…one holy catholic church…", we uphold scripture and believe in salvation through Jesus Christ. 

As Lutherans we have varying doctrines that Catholics are not going to teach such as: the priesthood of all believers and simul iustus et peceator (simultaneously righteous/saint and a sinner) among others.   But what ever our differences, Jesus prays that we may be one "My prayer is not for them (the disciples) alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…" (John 17:20)  I believe in Jesus Christ though the witness of the first apostles.  I am every bit a part of the Church.  Jesus died that I may live and no one can take that away from me. 

But what does it mean to be one…the Lutheran Confessions assert:
Concerning the Church:
"It is also taught that at all times there must be and remain one holy, Christian church.  It is the assembly of all believers among whom the gospel is purely preached and the holy sacraments are administered according to the gospel.

For it is enough for the true unity of the Christian church that there the gospel is preached harmoniously according to the pure understanding and the sacraments are administered in conformity with the divine Word.  It is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that uniform ceremonies instituted by human beings, be observed everywhere." (Augsburg Confession VII)

What is the Church?
Likewise, although the Christian church is, properly speaking, nothing else than the assembly of all believers and saints…" (Augsburg Confession VIII)

But we cannot end with a quote from the Lutheran Confessions for they are not the sole authority in our lives.  I believe in the authority of scripture so let’s hear what the apostle Paul has to say: "If you confess with you mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10)  Faith comes first through the Holy Spirit and our confession follows.

Through faith we are one.  Jesus is our authority and I believe we can celebrate that as common ground if nothing else.  So why am I Lutheran?  It is a question I ask myself everyday.  I take nothing for granted.  But in the end I am a Christian…AND…in the end…denominations will not matter.  We are brothers and sisters through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  So let’s celebrate THAT and move on in proclaiming this Good News.

Praise be to God, always and forever. Amen!
-edh-

Expensive pants — reprise

/ The Pastor

Just a quicky follow up from my previous post titled Expensive pants.  Fellow blogger, Proclaiming Softly emailed me an interesting link: Dry cleaner wins in missing-pants case.   A quick re-cap:  A judge was suing a mom and pop dry cleaners for $55 million for losing his pants.  The judge that heard this case ruled in favor of the dry cleaners.  This story has given me a shot of hope in the legal system (if only for a moment).  So with this link being sent to me and shared with you I am officially dropping this story (I hope) and moving on.
-edh-

Expensive pants

/ The Pastor / 7 Comments

54 MILLION DOLLARS!!!  What is this world coming to?

A judge in Washington D.C. is suing his dry cleaner for 54 million dollars for losing his pants.  Check out the story here.  I know this post probably doesn’t exactly fit the flow of what I have been writing on this blog, but I need to say something…because seriously…is a pair of pants really worth 54 million dollars?  I guess if they were gold plated with diamond studs running down the seams with a solid gold belt bucket then I could begin to understand.  But at last check…they were a pair of suit pants.  Sort of looked like a pair that I have (and mine are not gold plated with diamonds).

The judge here is claiming that this mom and pop business is engaging in deceptive business practices with two signs that say: "Satisfaction guaranteed" and "Same day service".  Seriously…if you are not satisfied with the service most places will make it right — if they don’t is the "damage" really worth 54 million dollars (unless of course we are dealing with gold plated pants with diamond studs and a solid gold belt buckle — hmmm…I better be careful here…this judge might sue me for 54 million dollars for writing this. <UPDATED> "God, forgive me…I need to be nice here").

Anyway…to my point:  Where does forgiveness play in this case?  I am not saying this judge should just ignore the fact that his pants were lost but at what point do you "turn the other cheek"?  In 2 Samuel (the Old Testament text for Sunday June 17) king David committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed to cover it up.  Of course God was not too pleased and sent Nathan to confront him.  After David learned of his sin and was caught red handed he pleaded to God for forgiveness.  God spared David’s life when the sentence should have been death, but God DID punish David by killing his son with Bathsheba…seems like an appropriate punishment.  God did not go overboard.  There was forgiveness and there were also consequences.

In our legal system AND in our world there needs to be some grace but there also needs to be accountability and punishment when deserved.  In the case of the missing pants isn’t grace deserved somewhere?  Isn’t a more lenient punishment justified (if indeed the dry cleaner is guilty)?  At what point do we cross the line and go too far?

I don’t know all the facts in this case so I will stop short at passing judgment on this judge (even through my rant at the beginning may communicate otherwise).  What I want to do is pray that this man experiences God’s forgiveness in his life.  For when we understand how much God forgives us through Jesus Christ (see the woman from Luke 7:36-8:3) then we are able to show much love.

Mr. Judge person…Jesus Christ died for you.  Jesus Christ loves you beyond measure.  Jesus Christ offers forgiveness to you.  Can you show this love to your neighbor (including your dry cleaner)?  Won’t you please live in peace?

We have an awesome God!  Love as if you have been forgiven much (and you have).  Praise be to God, always and forever.  Amen!
-edh-

Another US soldier down…

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

…but he is still alive.

My wife and I received some news yesterday that was like an unsuspecting punch in the stomach.  My wife’s cousin, Andrew, who is stationed in Iraq was hit by a roadside bomb while driving a Humvee.  Andrew is alive but has lost both of his legs.  I am not sure how many people out are reading this but could you please pray for Andrew and his family.  Andrew has a long road ahead of him but he does have a loving family and friends that have stood beside him and always will.  Please also continue to pray for our troops still serving (as I am sure many of you have been doing already).  I have read and heard many news reports of people losing loved ones to this war or returning home injured (like Andrew), but I never thought it would hit this close to home.  Andrew was supposed to be home last month but his unit was extended by 120 days – this was not supposed to happen.

I think it would be easy to start blaming God or President Bush or someone – but I am not going to do that.  I am not going to start becoming political over this war.  I am not going to start shifting blame – Andrew doesn’t need that.  Andrew needs our prayers and support – he needs my prayers and support.  So that is what I am going to do.  Whether I agree with this war or not is not important right now.  Everything is in God’s hands and that is something I know Andrew understands as well.

Andrew’s former pastor wrote a blog entry about Andrew (something I read last night on a print out).  I am trying to find this piece so I can share it with you.  When I do, I will include a link for you to follow.  But what I can say is that Andrew is a guy who was very committed to what he was doing.  He was looking forward to coming home, but he loved being in the National Guard and serving his country.

Arguing over the merits of this war won’t give Andrew his legs back.  The only think I can say right now is, "Thank you, Andrew, for serving our country."  And like I said before, please pray for him and the thousands of others out there in harms way. 

God is in control – always has and always will be.  "Thank you God for sparing Andrew’s life." Praise be to God always and forever. Amen.
-edh-

A gloomy Tuesday morning

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

It is a gloomy Tuesday morning.  The sky is over cast and there is a light, cool breeze.  Looking out my window you can definitely see the gloom in the air.  But there is something else that is causing people to feel a little solemn this morning.  As I sat in my living room watching the Today Show cover the horrific events from yesterday at Virginia Tech, I found myself fighting back tears.  I fought — but I lost as some stray tears managed to roll down my face.  My heart felt heavy accompanied with a lump in my throat.  As I did yesterday, I am still struggling to put everything in perspective.  I am still trying to come to grips that someone could actually cold heartily kill 32 people before killing himself.  As I hear more and more details I become more and more sad and shocked.  My heart goes out to the Virginia Tech community and my prayers are with them as well.  It is indeed a gloomy Tuesday morning.

But in the midst of the tragic events of yesterday life does go on.  It might take me a little longer to get going today, but life will go on all the same.  God — grant me the strength I need to follow where ever you may lead.  Feed and care for my soul.  Strengthen my faith to see that you are with us through thick and thin.  It is a gloomy day, Lord.  Comfort all those who are grieving and give hope to those who have lost loved ones.  Thank you for listening to me.  Amen.

Text study

The Gospel text for Sunday is John 21:1-19.  This is a post-resurrection, fish and bread BBQ account between Jesus and His disciples.  As they are dining on some fish Jesus asks Peter a series of questions – three questions that are the same – "Do you love me?"  As Jesus asks these questions Peter becomes more and more hurt and confused.  He says he loves Jesus but Jesus keeps asking.  But it is the response of Jesus after each question that catches my attention.  Jesus first tells Peter to "Feed my lambs" then he says, "Tend my sheep" and then "Feed my sheep".  All of these commands are ones to care for those who need guidance.  Sheep are very vulnerable and need a shepherd.  Jesus had been "tending His sheep" for nearly three years and now they are ready to "move up".  The sheep are now the shepherds, ready to care for one another.

Today I feel like a little lost sheep in need of guidance.  And I know that Jesus will not abandon the Virginia Tech community or anyone searching for answers. 

"Feed me" Lord Jesus with your love; "tend me" as I search, and "Feed me" once again with understanding. 

What do you hear in this text?  How do you need to be fed?

God bless you this today and everyday and as we mourn know we have a loving God that feeds and tends to our every need.  We are never alone.  Praise to our loving God always and forever — Amen!

Virginia Tech shooting

/ The Pastor

By now many of you have already heard about the deadly shooting at Virginia Tech.  If you have not, I break this news to you with a heavy heart.  Follow this link for more information.

First and foremost our prayers are needed for the family and friends of the victims and the students at Virginia Tech.  I can not even begin to fathom what they are feeling and going through.  I can only imagine there is fear and uncertainty, pain and sorrow, anger and confusion; among a list of many other emotions.  And even though you may not have been on campus today at Virginia Tech, you still may feel for those students.  My heart is racing right now trying to figure out "WHY?"  What possesses a person to do something like this?  What are they trying to communicate? 

I have so many questions but I can’t help but to also feel for the person who pulled the trigger.  They must have been in so much pain to do something like this.  It makes me wonder if they knew the love of God through Jesus Christ.  I can’t speak to what was in this person’s heart but if Christ was there I find it hard to believe they would have even pulled the trigger.  Maybe Christ was there, but nobody told them about Jesus.  If that is the case it saddens me and make me wonder.  Have I done enough to share the Gospel with the people around me.  Could I be doing more?

Please take a few moments right now to pray for the students at Virginia Tech.  Remember their friends and family and all those affected by this tragedy.  Also remember the shooter and all those who are hurting; those who do not know Jesus Christ.  How can we afford to remain silent with the Good News of life eternal?

In the midst of this tragedy I find comfort in knowing that Jesus is right there on campus at Virginia Tech.  Jesus was in that dorm room and classroom.  Jesus is with those grieving families and friends.  But more importantly, Jesus was with those who died.  We are never alone.  Share this Good News and never stop praying for the Kingdom.

Virginia Tech…you are in our prayers. -edh-

Child Abuse Prevention Month

/ The Pastor / 3 Comments

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and this year marks the 24th anniversary of this national campaign.  Last week my sister left me a comment and asked me to write something about this; so here I am: 

I found a website with some very helpful information at: Love Our Children USA.  There is an Amber Alert ticker, a place to donate money, a place to buy blue ribbons and other items promoting child abuse prevention.  There is also a number of other informational links.  If you page down about a third of the way down, on the right, there is a link titled: APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH.  This link will give you more information about what this month is all about.  Check these links out and spread the word.

"Then little children were being brought to him (Jesus) in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs’" (Matthew 19:13-14)

Children have every right to protection as any adult; and to take advantage of a child is reprehensible.  Let us have the same attitude that Jesus has toward children, "for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."

If you have any other information or web links that would be helpful to people, please let me know.  Thank you, Julie, for reminding us of this very important cause. -edh-

What would you do with $20 million dollars?

/ The Pastor / 4 Comments

Who on earth needs a house that has a bowling alley, a barber shop, a casino, a theater and a two-story walk-in closet?  Well…none other than LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Read more here…

I heard this story this morning and I just had to say something:

WOW!  What a waste of money!  How can someone justify building a house like that with all the crap going on in our country and world.  Imagine all the good LeBron could do with that money.  I know he does do some good, but this house he is building is way to excessive.  For nearly half the year he is going to be too busy to really enjoy it anyway.

O.K…that’s off my chest…take a deep breath…

I can’t help but to wonder if spending money to excess is displaying bad stewardship.  I guess it depends what you are spending it on.  Just because you have the money does it mean that you have to buy "stuff" with it.  Part of me says that I would never want to win the lottery and have a boat load of money come in.  But there is another part of me that would love to give that money away.  Being rich is not evil, it is just what you do with the gift God has given you.  Here’s what I would do:

(1) FIRST AND FOREMOST I would tithe the money to my church and Bible camp (and a couple other ministries my wife and I support).

(2) I would set up college funds for all my cousins yet to go to college (including my wife’s family of course).

(3) I would pay off the school loans of my cousins (including my wife and I).

(4) I would put some money away for my wife and I to retire on (but I would not retire yet) so we could continue to be a blessing to others.

(5) LASTLY…I would not let the money change me (I know, I know…easier said than done, but I would fight changing with every ounce of my being).

I am not bragging here…it just excites me to think about writing a check out for a couple million dollars and giving it to my church and Bible camp.  Wouldn’t that be fun?  What would you do with a windfall of money?  Let’s say you won $20 million in cash – after taxes.  How would you spend it?  I am just curious. 

I am glad LeBron is enjoying his success, but I hope he is not setting an example for others to follow.  Share what God has given you and be a blessing to others.  -edh-