Getting to Know a New Friend & Leader: Barbara Anderson, New Director of Connecting Ministries November 18, 2020 Today, I’m delighted to use my weekly article to share a little interview that helps you to get to know better the new COS Director of Connecting Ministries, Barbara Anderson PF: Barbara, we are thrilled that you accepted our offer to serve …
Walls November 11, 2020 As you read this, faith friend, it’s November 11, Veterans Day. THANK YOU to all our friends and many other people who gave/give of their time and talent to provide security and opportunities for our country. As I write this, it’s November 9. Exactly one year ago, I was in Wittenberg, Germany, with 20 other Lutheran …
Post-Election Ponderings November 4, 2020 Although you read this little note on Wednesday, I write it either on Monday or early Tuesday morning. So, I wonder, as you read this Wednesday afternoon, if you know who won the election. What a blessing to live in our wonderful country. What a blessing for our democracy (one person, one vote) to shine …
How Does the Reformation Help Me Today? October 28, 2020 This Saturday marks 503 years since, according to tradition, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses, or suggestions for a healthier church, on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. Ho Hum? Ancient history? Relevance? Somehow, American Halloween is what’s celebrated each October 31st. “Trick or treat” is our line …
Walk into Wittenberg October 21, 2020 For two weeks in 2007, I was honored to serve as the English-speaking pastor at Wittenberg, Germany. How thrilling for me to preach one weekend in the Castle Church where Luther nailed the 95 theses and another weekend in St. Mary’s, or the community church, where Luther preached over 2000 times and his children …
That Person? Really? October 14, 2020 A congregation very similar to ours happened to be in the midst of a major building campaign. Two nasty brothers were church members. Harry and Jerry were their names. They owned half of the town, and they had their eyes set on getting the rest in any evil, nasty way possible. They had cheated …
RSVP? October 7, 2020 In these weekly messages to you, my faith friends connected to Christ Our Shepherd, I’ve enjoyed covering a wide variety of topics, including scripture passages, keeping our spirits up, inspiring people, opportunities to be part of racial reconciliation, and beyond. But today my spade turns new earth. Today let’s have a little fun talking about the …
Saints Among Us: A COS Tour Guide, Pastor Bob Graetz September 30, 2020 “Saints Among Us.” Have you ever heard that phrase? On pages 15-17 of our Lutheran hymnal there is a list of commemoration dates of various “saints of old.” As Lutherans we are encouraged to find hope and inspiration regarding how to live the Christian journey. But isn’t …
Getting to Know a New Friend & Leader: Ingrid Hudson, New Interim Director of Children & Family Ministry September 23, 2020 Today, I’m delighted to use my weekly article to share a little interview that helps you to get to know better the new COS Interim Director of Children & Family Ministry, Ingrid Hudson. PF: Ingrid, we are just thrilled …
Hiking September 16, 2020 40 to 70 mph sustained winds. That was the estimate of one experienced hiker describing the gusts that blew atop Mt. Cameron as my son Luke and I hiked the DeCaLiBron last week in Colorado. Luke said it sounded like a helicopter within his jacket’s head covering with the wind refusing to relent from peak to …