-
Graduation and Life Long Vocation
By Elisabeth Urtel The unsolicited question to college graduates, to which there is no single correct response: “What do you see yourself doing in the future? Where do you plan on going with that?” On frequent occasions – encounters with old friends, family reunions, meeting new members at church – I find myself struggling to answer that question gracefully, and with Christian love. I hold a B.A. in music and am working toward receiving a master’s degree in church music plus a master’s in theology – at the same time. Growing up in some unconventional church situations, including my family worshipping in our living room with cassette tapes, I…
-
Confession and Shame
Dear Sisters, I’m not sure where to ask this but I’ve seen that you run posts without naming the asker so I thought I’d try. I’m married and we have a new baby. I love my husband and my son but there’s something wrong. Something really, really wrong, and I am ashamed. I haven’t talked to my pastor because I’m worried I’ll make him think I’m horrible. I’m attracted to other women. I’ve never actually typed that out before, but I need help. Do you have any advice for me? -A hurting sister. Dear Sister in Christ, First, I want to tell you my heart hurts for you. I…
-
Living life according to The One Thing Needful
By Mary Abrahamson So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3-4 Do you ever compare yourselves to others? Oh, such a bad and dangerous habit! Especially for those of us who tend to feel guilty for not living up to the standards of others. Or put another way, for those of us who set standards for ourselves that are unattainable or that we struggle to…
-
Heresy- What Does This Mean Part 1
By Sarah Arnold I was looking for a picture to use with this post and stumbled across this one—and it seems to be a perfect description of heresy. The Church isn’t made for “progress,” so it seems only logical to define the opposite of sound doctrine—heresy—as progressive. The church is made for sound doctrine, and sound doctrine alone, teachings that are unchanging in a world of fluidity and cultural sensitivity. We wouldn’t want to offend anyone, and let’s face it–sound doctrine offends our sin nature. We don’t seem to hear the word heresy much anymore because it’s considered a “divisive” word. Often those of us in Confessional Lutheran circles who do…
-
The Besetting Sins Lament with St. Paul (and Anne and Mrs. Allan): Part Two in a series
By Mary Abrahamson “Ruby Gillis thinks of nothing but beaus,” said Anne disdainfully. “She’s actually delighted when anyone writes her name up in a take-notice for all she pretends to be so mad. But I’m afraid that is an uncharitable speech. Mrs. Allan says we should never make uncharitable speeches; but they do slip out so often before you think, don’t they? I simply can’t talk about Josie Pye without making an uncharitable speech, so I never mention her at all. You may have noticed that. I’m trying to be as much like Mrs. Allan as I possibly can, for I think she’s perfect. Mr. Allan thinks so too. Mrs.…
-
Smalcald Articles- Part III, Article X Of Ordination and the Call
1] If the bishops would be true bishops [would rightly discharge their office], and would devote themselves to the Church and the Gospel, it might be granted to them for the sake of love and unity, but not from necessity, to ordain and confirm us and our preachers; omitting, however, all comedies and spectacular display [deceptions, absurdities, and appearances] of unchristian [heathenish] parade and pomp. 2] But because they neither are, nor wish to be, true bishops, but worldly lords and princes, who will neither preach, nor teach, nor baptize, nor administer the Lord’s Supper, nor perform any work or office of the Church, and, moreover, persecute and condemn those…
-
Smalcald Articles- Part III Article IX Of Excommunication
The greater excommunication, as the Pope calls it, we regard only as a civil penalty, and it does not concern us ministers of the Church. But the lesser, that is, the true Christian excommunication, consists in this, that manifest and obstinate sinners are not admitted to the Sacrament and other communion of the Church until they amend their lives and avoid sin. And ministers ought not to mingle secular punishments with this ecclesiastical punishment, or excommunication. Source.
-
Death and the Pastor’s Family
By Holly Scheer “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”” Revelation 14:13 Congregational deaths can be hard on the pastor and his family, and they’re certainly hard on the family of the dear one who died. Being present with the family and having the chance to help them as they grieve their loved one is a blessing– and a great opportunity to serve our neighbor. But losing a member of our earthly church to the Church Triumphant also…
-
Celebrate the Church Year in August
By Marie McNary Can you believe it is August? As we begin looking at our calendars and to prepare for a new month, don’t forget to look at the Church Year Calendar as well. Use the Church Year in your home. In your personal Bible Study (the Treasury of Daily Prayer is an amazing resource). Use it in family devotions and activities. Here is what is coming up this month. I’ve chosen to link to many of the places you can read about this month’s Church Year in Scripture. It is easy to get bogged down thinking we need to do something “Pinterest worthy” to celebrate. But the most…
-
“…I will have failed.”
By Holly Scheer Today I had a conversation with a friend about child rearing and how terribly serious our vocations as mothers and parents are. We talked about education and faith. My conclusion is a simple one, but it’s not one that came quickly or easily to me. Even if my children are launched successfully in careers with families, happy and productive and well positioned in the eyes of the world– if they leave the faith I will have failed. Raising children is hard. But figuring out what really matters isn’t– its our faith. It’s Jesus. ***And beyond my personal feelings, let’s remember the Third Article of the Creed.…
