Personal

High hopes

/ The Pastor / 2 Comments

I sometimes wonder if I let my enthusiasm be something that sets me up for disappointment.  I wonder if I set my goals too high.  I wonder if I am being overly optimistic about how people will (or should) respond to something.

About a month ago I started teaching a class on evangelism.  I had advertised the class well.  I mentioned how important it is to be a church that shares the Good News with one another.  After all, that is what the church is about.  I told people they would leave this class with tools to help them share their faith.  I then used this line:  "If you care about the future of the Church, then this class is for you."  If felt I hyped up this class enough that I could realistically expect a couple dozen people.  I had six people the first day with only four of them continuing on.  Needless to say I was disappointed.  I know I am serving two small SW MN congregations, but I somehow expected more people to care about evangelism and the Church.

I know it is not about quantity but rather about quality, but why can’t people have the same enthusiasm as I do about sharing our faith?  Why do people place sports and work and play time and etc. above God?  I ask this question a lot and I never seem to give myself a good answer.  Some days I feel like banging my head against the wall and wonder why I keep doing this.  Why bother…no one cares.

Then I think about those four people who have been faithfully coming to a class about evangelism.  Maybe they will be a catalyst in the Church.  Maybe others will see their efforts and want to learn more about how to share their faith.  Maybe their example will start a ripple effect in the church that will cause Salem and Belmont Lutheran Churches to explode with members causing us to have to add more worship services and eventually more space.  Maybe because of the massive increase in members we will need to add more staff maybe even another pastor.  Maybe…hold on a second…I am getting too excited (honestly, my heart is beating a mile a minute now).

<Pause to catch my breath>

Am I setting my hopes too high…maybe.  Will I get disappointed…maybe.  Will I stop being enthusiastic…HOPEFULLY NEVER!  -edh-

Digging out

/ The Pastor

Our first big, knock down blizzard in quite a while is wrapping up.  In Jackson, MN we received about 12+ inches.  The winds are picking up now so today is still going to be a mess.  All roads in SW MN are shut down and just recently plows have been pulled from the roads (again). 

Last weekend we received about 6 inches with about 1/2 inch of ice before that.  Because of the dangerous conditions I was lead to cancel services along with most churches in the area.  But we still had worship.  Connie and I along with my custodian/sound guy/everything else guy came in and we still broadcasted on local cable access channel 6.  In all we had 10 people in worship last Sunday plus a number of people at home worshiping as well.  Thank God for technology.

To give you an idea of what we are dealing with, here are a couple pictures for you:

100_1250

100_1252_2

100_1256

Mother nature has a way of dictating her will; shutting down roads, closing schools and businesses, and even canceling worship services.  But the one thing it can not touch; the one thing it cannot separate us from is the love of God in Jesus Christ.  Even though we did not have an "official" worship service last Sunday, a number of people still worshiped.  That right there shows you the determination of people and the depth of faith.  No amount of snow is going to take away my right, privilege and duty to worship my God.  Mother nature can have her way in some areas of my life, but when it comes to God…he reigns supreme.

Praise be to God (and thanks for the snow)…Amen. -edh-

Tough weekend–reminder of hope

/ The Pastor

Last weekend (Feb. 10-11) was a tough weekend for me and my wife (and especially for some friends of mine).  On Saturday I was coming home from a Shetek Lutheran Ministries board retreat at the camp.  While en route I got a call that a good friend of mine, Rev. Steve Mehl, from Lakefield, was being brought to the hospital via ambulance because of chest pains.  Those final 35 miles to Jackson were some of the longest of my life.  Steve was later airlifted to Sioux Valley Hospital via fixed wing.  He had a stint put in his heart and another is needed in a couple weeks.  Steve is now home resting, but it still was quite a scare.

On Sunday night, Connie and I got a call that Carol died.  She is the mom of our good and close friend Dan (a pastor at the other ELCA church in town).  We knew she had been struggling with health problems as of late, but we did not expect this.  Connie and I were left wondering who is next and will this weekend ever end.

The visitation for Dan’s mom was last night, so Connie and I made the 30 mile trip to Milford, IA to be with our friends.  I look at Dan and wonder how I would respond it were me mourning the loss of my mom (or dad).  When I think about that tears immediately begin to well up in my eyes.  So I quickly shake my head to rid myself of such thoughts.  But I know someday I will be there.

But what gave me great comfort was talking to Dan the day after his mom died.  He was in good spirits and talking about his faith.  He knew God was in control and that he knows exactly where his mom is and "that is a happy thing" he said.  What’s getting Dan through this tough time is his faith and hope in the resurrection.  Jesus died and rose from the grave FOR YOU and FOR ME.  Because of this great love, we have the promise of eternal life in Him.  We can be comforted in times of distress and can have great hope in the face of death.  Death no longer has the last word.

"And thanks be to God, He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57)

I thank my God that Steve is home and doing well.  I thank my God that Dan and Kara are being comforted with the hope of the resurrection.  And I thank my God for the victory won through Jesus Christ.  Don’t go through life without knowing Jesus, because I can’t imagine what life would be like without Jesus.  I can’t imagine what life would be like dealing with a near heart attack or the loss of a parent without Jesus.  Know Jesus and know and know a love beyond imagination.  Don’t try this life alone, because alone we will never survive.

Thanks be to God…always and forever. Amen! -edh-

Don’t treat people like crap

/ The Pastor

I have these two friends who are being treated like crap.

My two friends (I will call them Bill and Jane) are being treated this way by their church; and worse yet, by people they never thought would turn on them.  It frustrates me.  I know we live in a cruel world where people do mean things, but one would think the church would be a safe haven.  I know that sounds very idealistic, but a place that proclaims the love of God should be a safe place.  And I refuse to let go of that utopia.  Maybe that is why it hurts so bad when your fellow "Christians" turn on you.  I want to believe I can trust my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  At Salem I feel I can do this; I am treated very well, but Bill and Jane do not have this same security at their church.

I so desperately want to do something, but not being a member at Bill and Jane’s church gives me very little voice.  Part of me wants to reach out and ring someone’s neck.  Part of me wants to lash out and strike back, but that would not be a Christian response.  Then I talked with Bill and he feels the same way.  Lashing out is NOT the correct response.  He is hurt, but striking back will only fuel the fire, but more importantly, striking back would not show the love of God.  And you know…I was taught something.  The sin in me was placed in front of my eyes.  I am not sure how I would respond if placed in Bill and Jane’s shoes, but I know how I should respond…I just need to look at Bill and Jane.

And I am not only upset because Bill and Jane are close friends, but that people in the body of Christ would act this way (there I go again…my idealistic world shining forth).  Where is the grace?  Where is the forgiveness?  Where is the love of God?  I want to ask all these questions, but I find myself on the outside looking in knowing that me getting too involved would only make matters worse.  So I guess the only thing left for me to do is to be a friend to Bill and Jane and let them know how much they are loved.  Hopefully that will give them strength.  Hopefully God will give them the wisdom to endure.  Hopefully God will use this situation to His glory.

I am a pastor and I should know better.  I should know people will do hurtful things (even within the church).  But I refuse to let go of my utopia world where people are kind and treat each other as Christ would want to be treated.  And I know I will feel hurt and let down when these expectations are not met, but I am willing to live with that; for I know my utopia world will be coming because of Jesus Christ.  In the mean time, hang in there, Bill and Jane.  Know that you are loved by Connie and I.  But more importantly, know that you are loved by an awesome God.

SO TO EVERYONE OUT THERE:  Treat each other with respect; in the way Christ would want to be treated.  Be mature and intelligent in your dealings with people (don’t be childish).  Show patience and understanding.  Have an open mind to new ideas.  Don’t take pot shots.  And if you have something to say, say it and don’t hide behind anonymity.  Be a light in this dark world and show how much God loves each of us.  Proclaim the Good News, but more importantly, LIVE IT.

AND LASTLY:  Be a little "Christ" to someone; and don’t treat people like crap. 

Praise be to God always and forever.  Amen! -EDH-

Stuff and a Morning prayer

/ The Pastor

Today is a big and busy day.  This morning during worship at Belmont there is a baptism.  For Belmont, this is a big deal.  The congregation has 62 members; four school age children (from one family) and a one year old.  Now we have another baby.  Big deal for this congregation. 

After worship I will be visiting a parishioner who is in home hospice.  He took a turn for the worse so I am not sure if he will live through the week.  Please keep Norbert and his family in your prayers.  Also today, I leave for my Fall Theological Conference in Mankato.  I am looking forward to time with the others pastors; being fed by our speakers that are coming, but I am not looking forward to a week away from my wife.  Please pray for Connie and I.

I am still hoping to get internet access while I am gone so I can update this site (Yes I know, I haven’t updated this site since last Sunday, but I will do better).  If you haven’t already noticed, on the top right hand side of the page is a new feature called "A Quick Message".  These are one line sermons that I have come across.  I will put a new one up there every couple days.  So keep your eyes pealed for short, quick little nuggets for your day.

Now to the business at hand.  As we begin our day (whatever day that may be for you depending on when you read this) let’s join together in prayer.  If you don’t already, please remember to start each day of you life talking to God.  If it is only a "Good morning!" and "Thank you", that is good.  Acknowledge God and give him thanks for God is indeed worthy.  So let pray together…

Loving God, where can we possibly start to praise you for your awesome deeds?  Where can we possibly start to thank you for what you have done for us?  Where can we possibly start to confess where we have fallen short of your glory?  We are not worthy, but you are.  We are deserving of nothing but punishment, but you send your Son, Jesus Christ, into our hearts.  Forgive us our sins and keep us in your grace.  Through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, have mercy on us.  Grant each of us want we need to get through the day.  But more importantly, grant each of us what we need to proclaim to the world the love you showed us through the cross.  Thank you, God, for hearing us.  Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray…Amen!

Have a great day everyone.  Know that Christ is walking right next to you.  You are never alone.  Praise be to God, ALWAYS…Amen! -EDH-

Update and some fun stuff

/ The Pastor

Greetings everyone,

So far I am surviving being home alone.  As you may remember, my wife went to the cities to spend time with her sister, brother-in-law and Michael (our cute little nephew).  I have stayed in this house alone before but I keep forgetting how creepy it can be when you are by yourself.  I tell my wife she is crazy when sleeps with a couple lights on and a two foot mag-light in the bed when I am gone.  But maybe she is not so crazy (I am seriously considering the mag-light tonight).

Anyway, the following is am email forward I got from my wife a couple days ago.  I usually don’t do this type of a thing.  Usually when I get a forward I read it(sometimes) and then delete it.  This one was good so I saved it.   So here it is…enjoy. 

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES:

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, "What was Jesus’ mother’s name?"
One child answered, "Mary."  The teacher then asked, "Who knows what Jesus’ father’s name was?"  A little kid said, "Verge."  Confused, the teacher asked, "Where did you get that?"  The kid said, "Well, you know they are always talking about Verge n’ Mary.”

KIDS IN CHURCH
3-year-old, Reese:
"Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name.  Amen."

A little boy was overheard praying:
"Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am."

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong.  Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord’s Prayer for several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after me the lines from the prayer.  Finally, she decided to go solo.  I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer:
"Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some E-mail.

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because a lot of people are sleeping."

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church.  Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud.  Finally, his big sister had had enough.  "You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church."  "Why? Who’s going to stop me?" Joel asked.  Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door?  They’re hushers."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3.  The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake.  Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson.  "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.’"  Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.  "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.  "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied.  The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner.  At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"  "I wouldn’t know what to say," the girl replied.  "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.  The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Have a great evening and God bless. -EDH-

Photo album update

/ The Pastor

Good morning everyone!  I have a weblog and a family update for you.

If you page down a little bit you will notice I updated my photo album.  I added one called, "My cute little niece" and "My cute little nephew".  I think the album titles speak for themselves.  Also you will notice I changed my picture on the top left with one that includes my niece, Meara.  She is growing up so fast.  She turns two on Aug. 25.  She can’t quite say my name though.  Right now I am "Eh-r" with the "r" sound barely audible.  My wife’s name is Connie, but Meara calls her Nonnie.  But here is the cute thing:  Meara will say "My Eh-r" or "My Nonnie".  As far as Meara is concerned we belong to her and that is it.

My nephew, Michael, is also growing up fast.  He is in the beginning stages of crawling, but not full blown crawling.  It is more of an army crawl.  He still gets around though.  Michael turns one on Dec. 29.

That’s it for now.  My wife takes off this weekend to visit her sister so I will have some extra time on my hands.  So I will be back to write some more.  May you know the awesome love of God our Father through out your busy day.  Blessings to you.  -EDH-

Some stuff for you

/ The Pastor

Hi all!

I just got back from a fun time in the cities.  Sorry I have not been around lately.  But don’t worry, I have not gotten out of my routine (see my post titled "Routines"), I am still here.

A personal note for you: The best man in my wedding, Greg, is getting married in October.  So I went to see Greg on Sunday and stayed at his place.  We haven’t seen each other for a while so it was fun to hang out.  I was also hoping to meet his fiance, Jess, but she had to go out of town so it was guy’s night out!  Whoo Hoo!  (I did behave, though)  We ate supper at Boston’s and had some great pizza.  This was some of the best pizza I have ever had and that is saying a lot.  Get the Mama Meatsa pizza; the Italian sausage has a kick to it.

A program note for you:  On Sunday, August 20 at 7pm on the History Channel, there will be a program called "Decoding the Exodus".  This program explores and proves that the Exodus from Egypt, as described in the Bible, really happened.  They talk about the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea.  I saw a promo of this program on the Today Show this morning and it looks intriguing.  I know our Christian faith tells us that it happened, but to hear science actually confirm that belief is interesting.  Science often conflicts with the Bible and Christianity.

A weird fact for you:  Did you know that flamingos get their pink color from eating a lot of shrimp and through consuming a large amount of carotene (a chemical that makes carrots orange)?  The pinker a flamingo is the more healthy it is and the more attractive it is to a potential mate (so if you are single, eat a lot of carrots).  I write this because my friend Kara told me this and I would not believe her (Kara you were right and I was wrong not to believe you).  So I went to www.wikipedia.org and leaned some things.  This is a great web site to learn more interesting and useless facts about the world we live in.

A God note for you:  You are loved beyond imagination.  Need proof?  You don’t need to go to the History Channel; just look at the cross.  Jesus died and then rose from the grave all FOR YOU.  That is the best "note" I can give you (or rather God can give you).

Have a great day living in the love of God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen! -EDH-

Prayer request

/ The Pastor

As you faithful readers may know I leave tonight for Nashville with five 9th graders.  We are attending the Youth Encounter national youth gathering called The Edge!  We are meeting at the church at 9:30pm to load, have devotions and prayer with students and families, and head out to meet the bus.  We will be loading the bus about 30 miles away, in Fairmont, at around 10:30pm. Please keep us in your prayers as we travel and attend this gathering.  The Edge! is a training event for senior high kids to be missional leaders in their congregation.  I am hoping for some great things to happen this next week and beyond.  If you want more information about this gathering check out the following website:  www.youthencounter.org/edge  You can also check back here because I will be journaling about our experience each day starting on Friday night or Saturday morning at the latest.

Don’t forget to page down after this post.  I have a devotional that I posted this morning and a couple websites for you to check out.  I figured I needed to keep you busy for a while until I update this page again.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.  Take care and I will talk (write) to you tomorrow night or Saturday morning (depends how tired I am from an all night bus ride tonight).

God bless!  -EDH-