Scripture Reading:

 Proverbs 3:5-12 (NRSV)

                5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. 9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. 11 My child, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

Always Learning

“Do not be wise in your own eyes.”

 In Peoria, llinois, there is a program for retired adults looking for education.  The program, run through the local university, provides classes on a variety of topics, some practical, some academic.  The goal is to help adults continue learning well into their retirement years, to keep their curious, inquisitive spirits alive.

Learning continues, the writer of Proverbs wrote, as long as we are not wise in our own eyes.  Wisdom and understanding come not when we know it all but when we admit that we don’t know it all.  A spirit of repentance that always admits mistakes and errors becomes the key to wisdom and understanding.

We too may adopt this attitude.  We may remember what we were like in our youth and the things we have learned since then.  We may realize that we will never know everything there is to know.  And we may approach life with the humility that admits there is always something more to learn.  That is the path to true wisdom.

Prayer:  Nourishing Spirit, empower me to seek the justice that you have promised.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Universities and places of learning, especially in these challenging times.

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

 Psalm 56:3-4, 10-13

3 When I am afraid,

I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust;

I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me?

8 You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your record?

10 In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise,

11 in God I trust; I am not afraid.

What can a mere mortal do to me?

12 My vows to you I must perform, O God;

I will render thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from falling,

so that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Personal Reflection:

Fear and trust.  According to the psalmist, these words have a deep connection.  As he faces his own fears, his hope is found in trust – in trusting in the One who can bring him relief, who can save him from his affliction, his predicament.  In that trust, he recognizes the difference between human strength and power, and the power and strength of God.

He also recognizes that his God is not a distant God, but one who is near, who will “put my tears in your bottle.”  This is a God who is not only strong, but a God who cares for His people, who cares about their lives.

And so, with that trust, and with that source of strength and hope, he can – in the midst of his suffering – yet say, “I put my trust in you … in God I trust … In God whose word I praise … I will render thank offerings to you.”  And his trust in God becomes comfort in his fears so that he is not afraid, knowing that God delivers his life, and sets him walking in the right direction, “in the light of life.”  That same God is also our source of strength and hope in the midst of anything that might frighten us and cause us to be afraid as we trust that God does care, and is with us, to cast out our fears and lead us also into the light of life.

Hymn for Reflection:

“Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” (ELW #755)

Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea;

Unknown waves before me roll, hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;

Chart and compass come from thee, Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

As a mother stills her child, thou canst hush the ocean wild;

Boist’rous waves obey thy will when thou say’st, to them: “Be still.”

Wondrous sov’reign of the sea, Jesus, Savior, Pilot me.

When at last I near the shore, and the fearful breakers roar

Twixt me and the peaceful rest, then, while leaning on thy breast,

May I hear thee say to me:  “Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

                                                                                                                                                            – Matthew 11:29 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 12th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Psalm 102:1-17 (NRSV)

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you.

2 Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress.

Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call.

3 For my days pass away like smoke,

and my bones burn like a furnace.

4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass;

I am too wasted to eat my bread.

5 Because of my loud groaning

my bones cling to my skin.

6 I am like an owl of the wilderness,

like a little owl of the waste places.

7 I lie awake;

I am like a lonely bird on the housetop.

8 All day long my enemies taunt me;

those who deride me use my name for a curse.

9 For I eat ashes like bread,

and mingle tears with my drink,

10 because of your indignation and anger;

for you have lifted me up and thrown me aside.

11 My days are like an evening shadow;

I wither away like grass.

12 But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;

your name endures to all generations.

13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion,

for it is time to favor it; the appointed time has come.

14 For your servants hold its stones dear,

and have pity on its dust.

15 The nations will fear the name of the Lord,

and all the kings of the earth your glory.

16 For the Lord will build up Zion;

he will appear in his glory.

17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute,

and will not despise their prayer.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

The Prayer of the Destitute

“He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.”

 On a typical say billions of people are praying.  More than a million Muslims pray every day, five times a day.  Millions of Jews pray every morning and evening.  Countless priests and nuns, bishops and cardinals pray daily as well.  And in many congregations a prayer chain of people pray and pass on prayer requests.  All across the globe, people are praying to God at all times.

In this psalm the psalmist lifted up not the prayer of the righteous or the religious but the prayer of the destitute.  Their prayer God “will not despise.”

God calls us to remember those who are destitute.  In this moment there are Syrian refugees praying for a home.  There are Haitian children praying for a meal.  There are migrants at the US border praying for safety.  These and others  like them are the destitute.  These are the ones God refuses to despise, for God’s heart abides with them.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, join my prayers with those of the destitute so that justice might come upon the earth.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Syrian Refugees

Hymn for Reflection:

“Blest are They” (ELW #728,  WOV #764)

     Blest are they, the poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of God.

     Blest are they, full of sorrow; they shall be consoled.

  Refrain:

     Rejoice and be glad!  Blessed are you.  Holy are you!

     Rejoice and be glad!  Your is the kingdom of God!

     Blest are the, the lowly ones; they shall inherit the earth.

     Blest are they who hunger and thirst; they shall have their fill.     Refrain

     Blest are they who show mercy; mercy shall be theirs.

     Blest are they, the pure of heart; they shall see God.    Refrain

     Blest are they who seek peace; they are the children of God.

     Blest are they who suffer in faith; the glory of God is theirs.    Refrain

    Blest are you who suffer hate, all because of me.

     Rejoice, be glad, yours is the kingdom; shine for all to see.    Refrain

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

                                                                                                                                        – Psalms 115:15 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotion – May 11th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Jeremiah 26:20-24 (NRSV)

                20 There was another man prophesying in the name of the Lord, Uriah son of Shemaiah from Kiriath-jearim. He prophesied against this city and against this land in words exactly like those of Jeremiah. 21 And when King Jehoiakim, with all his warriors and all the officials, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death; but when Uriah heard of it, he was afraid and fled and escaped to Egypt. 22 Then King Jehoiakim sent Elnathan son of Achbor and men with him to Egypt, 23 and they took Uriah from Egypt and brought him to King Jehoiakim, who struck him down with the sword and threw his dead body into the burial place of the common people. 24 But the hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah so that he was not given over into the hands of the people to be put to death.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 Prophetic Danger

“ But the hand of Ahikam son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah

so that he was not given over into the hands of the people to be put to death.”

 There are many dangerous careers.  Firefighter, police officers and soldiers, for example, all face the possibility of physical danger (as do “frontline workers” in these Covid-19 days).  They all risk their lives to save the lives of others.

Another dangerous job is being a prophet.  When those in power disliked what prophets said, prophets were hunted down and killed.  Some, like Jeremiah, survived the threat.  They fled to neighboring countries with the scars of their close encounter with death.  Others, like Uriah, died at the hands of the authorities.  It is dangerous to speak truth to power.

And yet God promises to be always present, even in death itself.  God promises to be always present, even in death itself.  God promises to stay with the prophets, to speak with them and through them as they confront those in power.  And God promises eternal life to all, calling each of us to persevere even in the face of danger.

Prayer:  Prophetic God, speak your truth through me and give me the strength to endure persecution.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Social Workers – and Social Advocates and “Front line workers.”

Hymn for Reflection:

“Let Justice Flow Like Streams” (ELW #717,  WOV #763)

     Let justice flow like streams of sparkling water, pure,

     Enabling growth, refreshing life, abundant, cleansing, sure.

     Let righteousness roll on as other’s cares we heed,

     An everflowing stream of faith translated into deed.

     So may God’s plumb line, straight, define our measure true,

     And justice, right, and peace pervade this world our whole life through.

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,

  who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

                                                                                                                                                       – Isaiah 52:7 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotinoal – May 9th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Exodus 3:1-12 (NRSV)

                1 Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. 3 Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

7 Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. 10 So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 Holy Ground

 “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”

 Many of us have a place that is sacred to us, a place where our hearts reside.   Israel is this kind o place for people of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish faiths – a place where faith, emotions and passions intersect.

God calls us to remove our sandals and tread lightly on holy ground.  God told Moses to do this as he approached the burning bush.  Because God was there, the ground was holy.  By his actions Moses showed respect and awe at being in God’s presence.

We may take our cue from Moses by not only respecting and worshiping God, but also by respecting the holy ground of others – places where they experience God’s presence most vividly.  This means inviting our friends, neighbors, and community members to tell us what is holy to them.  It might also mean attending community days or classes to learn more about our neighbors of different faiths, for we all stand on holy ground.

Prayer:  Ever-present God, teach me to respect the holy ground of my neighbors.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  People from Israel and Palestine

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

 Acts 7:1-16 (NRSV)

                1 Then the high priest asked him, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen replied: “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Leave your country and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you.’

4 Then he left the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God had him move from there to this country in which you are now living. 5 He did not give him any of it as a heritage, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as his possession and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6 And God spoke in these terms, that his descendants would be resident aliens in a country belonging to others, who would enslave them and mistreat them during four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’

8 Then he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 “The patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and enabled him to win favor and to show wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.

11 Now there came a famine throughout Egypt and Canaan, and great suffering, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13 On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five in all; 15 so Jacob went down to Egypt. He himself died there as well as our ancestors, 16 and their bodies were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

Personal Reflection:

Stephen is one of those kind of middling apostles in terms of name recognition.  You might have heard of him, and you might not.  He wasn’t one of the “twelve” but he was a devoted follower of Jesus.  And when caring for the feeding of the widows in the Christian community became a need that the twelve could not manage along with their devotion to the word and preaching, he was the one chosen to head up that ministry, one who was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit”, along with six others – who are even more anonymous than Stephen.

Stephen gets recognition because his faith leads him to not only tend to the needs of the widows, but to speak out before the leaders of the Jewish temple about Jesus and about his faith.  He speaks boldly and passionately – a portion of which is in the verses above which center on his recalling of God’s working through Abraham and the house of Jacob.  You might think that he would get kudos from the temple leaders for his knowledge and appreciation of these notable people and events in the Jewish faith, and he might have, except that he goes on in the verses beyond this text to then witness to Jesus, and that doesn’t sit so well – in fact they stone him to death for it.  So Stephen becomes known because of his faith, and because he was the first Christian martyr (person to die for his faith) in the Christian community.

Stephen gives us an example of a committed and outward faith.  And his words remind us of God’s faithfulness through His actions through Abraham, Jacob and Joseph – Abraham for following where God led him; Jacob in his role as father of the twelve tribes (twelve sons) of Israel – which name he receives from God; and Joseph as the vessel through which God works to save Jacob and his family from famine.  Their experience, and Stephen’s experience, of God’s presence and faithfulness are a reminder to us that God is faithful to be with us today as well, present to guide, strengthen and comfort us as we strive to live out our faith, and as we face the struggles of life.

Hymn for Reflection:

“Lord of All Hopefulness” (ELW #765)

Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,

Whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:

Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,

Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.

Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,

Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe:

Be there at our labors, and give us, we pray,

Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.

Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,

Whose hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace:

Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,

Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.

Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,

Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm:

Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,

Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.”

                                                                                                                                           – Psalm 145:13b (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 8th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (NRSV)

1 In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame;

in your righteousness deliver me.

2 Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily.

Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me.

3 You are indeed my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake lead me and guide me,

4 take me out of the net that is hidden for me,

for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hand I commit my spirit;

you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.

15 My times are in your hand;

deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.

16 Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your steadfast love.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 God the Rock

 “You are indeed my rock and my fortress.”

 In the middle of Eastern Wyoming there sits a huge rock known as Devils Tower.  Seen from miles away, this monument serves as a refuge for birds and animals around the area.  A sense of mystery surrounds the towering stone as stories have been told and movies have been made around its origin and purpose.

The psalmist likened God to a rock and fortress for good reason.  God, like Devils Tower, stands as a refuge in the middle of the wilderness.  We take shelter under God’s shadow and find protection in God.  God keeps us safe in the midst of the storms that rage around us.

Devils Tower will ultimately crumble.  It may stand today, but in time erosion will wear it away.  In contrast, God will never fail us.  God’s faithfulness lasts from generation to generation.  God will never erode.  We can hold God’s claim to God’s protection forever.

Prayer:  Sheltering God, remind me to take refuge under your shadow so that I may be protected from the dangers of this world.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  National Park Service workers

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

Genesis 12:1-3 (NRSV)

                1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Personal Reflection:

I try to imagine what it would be like to have God call me to, “Go from your country and your kindred (family) … to the land that I will show you,” not knowing where that might be.  I’ve left my “father’s house” – which is pretty common these days – and have felt the effects of being many miles away from my immediate family.  Sometimes I wish I were closer to home!

On the other hand, God does make some pretty big promises – “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great.”  God dangles a pretty big carrot in front of Abraham’s nose!  Perhaps that’s what’s drawn so many people from their “father’s house” today as well – the opportunity at a particular job, or level of income, or more attractive surroundings.  But Abraham was being told to “pull up stakes” and move on to an uncertain future – except for the certainty of God’s promises and blessings (as certain or uncertain as they may have been for Abraham – but he does go!).  Where is God calling you to go?

The other piece to Abraham’s call is that of blessing – not God’s blessing upon him, but that of being a blessing, “I will bless you … so that you will be a blessing,” and “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  He will be a blessing, and in him others will be blessed.  It’s a two-sided blessing.  How do we look at our blessings?  As something simply for us, to be enjoyed and kept to myself, or as something that I both enjoy the benefit of, and which then is a source of blessing to and for others?  (Like if I find a stash of toilet paper at the store, do I buy a bunch and keep it all to myself?)  God’s desire is that we share, and be a blessing – wherever we may find ourselves in life, wherever God may call and lead us to be – knowing that God will be with us, and bless us.

Hymn for Reflection:

“Great is Thy Faithfulness” (ELW #733, WOV #771)

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

there is no shadow of turning with thee;

Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;

as thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Refrain:

            Great is thy faithfulness!  Great is thy faithfulness!

            Morning by morning new mercies I see;

            All I have needed thy hand hath provided;

            Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,

Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.     Refrain

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!         Refrain

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation.”

                                                                                                                                – Psalm 68:19 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 7th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Jeremiah 23:1-8 (NRSV)

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. 3 Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. 4 I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

                5 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” 7 Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when it shall no longer be said, “As the Lord lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of Egypt,” 8 but “As the Lord lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven them.” Then they shall live in their own land.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 A True Shepherd

“The days are surely coming, says the Lord,

when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch.”

 Though I don’t recall how old I was when I first learned the word façade, I remember the explanation involved what looked like brick on the front of a building.  The person explained that what we were looking at appeared real, but it actually wasn’t.

Something similar was happening in the days of Jeremiah.  Though the rulers and kind of Judah called themselves shepherds, they were not protecting and tending to the needs of the people in their flock.

In contrast, God promised that the one coming in the name of the Lord would be different.  The king would be the true shepherd, “deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land” (v. 5).

Through the work of the shepherd, even when we fall short, God keeps God’s promises.  We don’t need to worry about being good enough to earn God’s favor.  Instead, we are set free to served our neighbors, to live in and out of the love that we’ve received from God.

Prayer:  Nurturing God, continue to lead and guide me in your paths of righteousness.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Trash Collectors

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

 Matthew 20:17-28 (NRSV)

                17 While Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside by themselves, and said to them on the way, 18 “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; 19 then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.”

                20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, and kneeling before him, she asked a favor of him. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left, this is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

24 When the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. 26 It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Personal Reflection:

On some level, we all want to feel important – of value, like we matter and that others appreciate us.  Sometimes that desire leads people to pursue success in the world, even become obsessed with it.  When that happens, we can lose sight of other people and our connection with them as ones who are also created and cared for by God.

The mother of the sons of Zebedee – James and John – wants success for her sons, wants them to have special recognition.  So she approaches Jesus asking that they have prominent positions of power next to him.  What she doesn’t understand is that the kingdom she’s thinking of – Israel –isn’t the one Jesus has come to lead to rule over.  He has come to drink a cup – a cup of suffering and death.  And when James and John say they can drink the cup he offers, they don’t understand what they are agreeing to.

Jesus gives some idea of what that cup means as the other disciples voice their anger toward James and John.  He counters the idea of conniving for positions of prominence by revealing his own nature and purpose.  “Whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  He sets a new standard for what’s important in life – a standard we continue to struggle with today.  The world would tell us that such a standard is sub-standard, not important or powerful.  But for Jesus, and in his kingdom, servanthood – in love and compassion for others – is the highest office one can attain.  It’s an ongoing reminder to us to think about the priorities in our lives as those who follow Jesus and “drink the cup” that He offers to us.

Hymn for Reflection:

“The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve” (ELW #551)

The Spirit sends us forth to serve; we go in Jesus’ name

To bring glad tidings to the poor, God’s favor to proclaim

We go to comfort those who mourn and set the burdened free;

Where hope is dim, to share a dream and help the blind to see.

We go to be the hands of Christ, to scatter joy like seed

And, all our days, to cherish life, to do the loving deed.

Then let us go to serve in peace, the Gospel to proclaim.

The Spirit has empowered us; we go in Jesus’ name.

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”

                                                                                                                                   – John 12:26b (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 6th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Hebrews 13:20-21 (NRSV)

                ²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

                ²² I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 Promise of Blessing

 “Now may the God of peace … by the blood of the eternal covenant.”

 When family and friends gather at the cemetery for the burial of their loved one, the spoken benediction in the liturgy I follow includes the words we read today from the book of Hebrews.  I wonder if these words of blessing make sense to everyone.  Then I am reminded that God’s blessing in our lives is not based on how much we understand or even the specific words we use.  Rather, God blesses us because that’s who God is.  God delights in providing for us and being present in our lives.

This delight is what led God to establish the covenant with Abraham.  This delighting God, who raised Jesus from the dead, makes us wholly complete to trust God and love and serve others.  In life and death – no matter what – God is faithful and promises to be our God.  This is a remarkable promise and one of the most precious blessings there is.

Prayer:  Steadfast God, bless me with your presence, that I may know and share your love.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Funeral Directors

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

 1 Peter 5:1-5 (NRSV)

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you ² to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it – not for sordid gain but eagerly. ³ Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. ⁵ In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.  And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”

Personal Reflection:

When I begin each day one of the decisions I have to make is what I’m going to wear.  Even in these days where many who are sheltering in place don’t have to wear their usual “garb” – especially if they are working remotely, or not at all – we still make a choice about what we will wear – even if it’s our pajamas.

Peter talks here about a different kind of “clothing,” about how we clothe our lives – who we are, how we think and act, how we make decisions and prioritize our words, actions and lives.  It’s about our spirit and living in a certain way.  Will it be about me, and what makes me look good or what is beneficial for me?  Will it be about how important I am, or how successful I am in other’s – and my own – eyes?  Peter tells us that in the Christian spirit – and Spirit – of things, we kind of “dress down” when it comes to how we act and how we put ourselves out there in front of other people.  “Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another,” he writes.  Humility, not being humiliated, but acting humbly, in a way that lifts others up before ourselves.

Jesus put it this way in John 13:  “Love one another as I have loved you.”  And how did Jesus love us?  By leaving behind his divine rights and privileges to come among us as one of God’s created beings.  By bringing healing and forgiveness and comfort to people.  By giving his own life up so that we might live.  His was a sacrificial love – His was a humble love.  And that is the example we have as we live out our faith, as we live in His name.  It’s not about me.  It’s about you, about them.  Christ came so that we might live in a new way, and died that we might live forever in His love.   How might we live more humbly today?

Hymn for Reflection:

“We are Called” (ELW #720)

Come!  Live in the light!  Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord!

We are called to be light for the kingdom,

To live in the freedom of the city of God.

Refrain:

            We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly;

            We are called to serve one  another, to walk humbly with God.

Come!  Open your heart!  Show your mercy to all those in fear!

We are called to be hope for the hopeless

So hatred and blindness will be no more.   Refrain

Sing!  Sing a new song!  Sing of the great day when all will be one!

God will reign, and we’ll walk with each other

As sisters and brothers united in love.         Refrain

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
    is riches and honor and life.”

                                                                                                                                    – Proverbs 22:4 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).
Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 5th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Psalm 100 (NRSV)

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.

³ Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;^[a]
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

Thanks and Praise

 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”

 As a music education major during my first two years of college, one of my required courses was vocal techniques.  I remember our teacher saying at one point that everyone can sing.  Some of us, though, have wrongly been told that we cannot sing or should not sing.  Others of us who might sing in ways that involve more than voices – perhaps by hearts and hands – have not always been made to feel included.

The psalmist directs the whole earth to make a joyful noise – to shout – to God.  The whole earth is implored to make a joyful noise and praise God with thanksgiving.  Some of us will inevitably do so with music; yet there are many other ways to praise God as well.  No matter what method we choose, what matters is that we give thanks for God’s goodness, provision, and faithfulness in our lives and that we do so often.  Together with all creation, we are invited to worship the Lord with gladness and bless God’s holy name.

Prayer:  Sustaining God, I have many reasons to give you thank.  Help me praise you with gladness.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Sign Language Interpreters

Hymn for Reflection:

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (ELW #858)

Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!

Let all who hear now to his temple draw near

Joining in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning

And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting sustaining.

Have you not seen all that is needful has been

Sent by His gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;

Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do

if with His love he befriend you.

Praise to the Lord!  Oh, let all that is in me adore Him!

All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!

Let the amen sound from His people again.

Gladly forever adore Him!

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength,

but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”

                                                                                                                                                                                   – Romans 10:13 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

 Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 4th appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 Ezekiel 34:1-16 (NRSV)

The word of the Lord came to me: ² Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them—to the shepherds: Thus says the Lord God: Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? ³ You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep. ⁴ You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them. ⁵ So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and scattered, they became food for all the wild animals. ⁶ My sheep were scattered, they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill; my sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with no one to search or seek for them.

                ⁷ Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: ⁸ As I live, says the Lord God, because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild animals, since there was no shepherd; and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep; ⁹ therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: ¹⁰ Thus says the Lord God, I am against the shepherds; and I will demand my sheep at their hand, and put a stop to their feeding the sheep; no longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, so that they may not be food for them.

                ¹¹ For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. ¹² As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. ¹³ I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. ¹⁴ I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ¹⁵ I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. ¹⁶ I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

Fence versus Tables

 “I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.”

I recently heard a saying that caught my attention:  “If you have all you need, don’t build a fence, build a longer table.”  In an age where we are bombarded with messages of scarcity and fear, this is a captivating comment, and it echoes the promise we hear in scripture regarding how God relates to us.

These verses in Ezekiel emphasize the way that God was, and continues to be, actively involved in the lives of those who are weak, lost, injured and oppressed.  We are reminded that God will not forget them – and us – and works for justice in our behalf.

As Jesus’ followers are invited to be partners in this life-giving and restorative work.  When we feed those who are hungry in body and soul, the love and grace we have receive from God is extended.  As we share what we have been given, we discover that there is always enough – food, love, peace – and some to share.

Prayer:  Rescuing God, open my eyes and ears to how I can nurture those who are scattered.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Food Service Workers

Hymn for Reflection:

“Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service” (LBW #712)

Lord, whose love in humble service bore the weight of human need,

Who upon the cross, forsaken, worked your mercy’s perfect deed:

We, your servants, bring the worship not of voice alone, but heart;

Consecrating to your purpose ev’ry gift which you impart.

Still your children wander homeless; still the hungry cry for bread;

Still the captives long for freedom; still in grief we mourn our dead.

As you, Lord,  in deep compassion healed the sick and freed the soul,

By your Spirit send our power to our world to make it whole.

As we worship, grant us vision, till your love’s revealing light

In its height and depth and greatness dawns upon our quickened sight,

Making known the needs and burdens your compassion bids us bear,

Stirring us to ardent service, your abundant life to share.

Called by worship to your service, forth in your dear name we go,

To the child, the youth, the aged, loved in living deeds to show;

Hope and health, goodwill and comfort, counsel, aed, and peace we give,

That your servants, Lord, in freedom may your mercy know and live.

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

“Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’

or ‘What will we wear?’ …  But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well..’”

                                                                                                                                                 – Matthew 6:31,33 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotion – Saturday, May 2nd appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.

Scripture Reading:

 John 14:8-14 (NRSV)

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

                ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. ¹² Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

¹⁴ If in my name you ask me^[e] for anything, I will do it.

Thoughts from “The Word in Season”

 Philip and James, Apostles

 “Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.”

 Our kids look forward to their assigned “Show-and-Tell” days at school.  Recently when my husband asked our daughter what she was going to say about the item she chose to share, she had to think about it.  She seemed to be thinking, “Isn’t it enough for me to just show it to them?”

I think of this when I read the exchange between Jesus and Philip in our reading.  Philip thought he was asking for something reasonable.  Yet Jesus replied, That’s what I’ve been doing, and it hasn’t been enough.

To some extent, the reason Philip and others didn’t recognize the Father in Jesus was because Jesus did not do things the way people expected God to do them.  As a result, they could not see God in their midst.

As we reflect on this reading, we are invited to ask ourselves, “Where and how is God at work in unlikely and surprising ways in our lives, and in the world today?  Are we able to God’s Spirit working in, through, and among us?”

Prayer:  Loving Shepherd, open my mind and heart so that I may recognize and know you more.  Amen.

Prayer Concern:  Eye Care Professionals

Scripture Reading for Personal Reflection:

 Psalm 44:1-3 (NRSV)

¹We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:
² you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;
³ for not by their own sword did they win the land,

nor did their own arm give them victory;
but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your countenance,
for you delighted in them.

Personal Reflection:

The psalmist today starts out by reminding his listeners of all that God has done for them “in the days of old,” how God has been faithful to them in various “deeds” and how God won the battle to give them a new homeland.  Perhaps they had started to doubt whether God would help them.  Perhaps they had forgotten that God had been there for their ancestors, and given them the land the people now lived in.

What do we remember of God’s deeds in our lives?  What do we remember of God’s faithfulness?  How often do we look back beyond our time to see how God has been at work and faithful down through the ages, the “days of old” in the lives of our ancestors?

What stories or remembrances do we pass on to the next generation – to our own children, or to those in our church family?  How might we help others to “see” Jesus through shared memories of God’s and Jesus love at work in our lives, and the lives of those who have gone before us?

Perhaps in this time of “sheltering in place” we might have some time to sit down, reflect, and write down some of those important remembrances, those special times of experiencing God’s love.  And when we have something to share, to share it – with family at home, or far away, or with church family as we have the opportunity.  They could be for others words of encouragement.

Hymn for Reflection:

“I Love to tell the Story” (WOV #661)

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, because I know it’s true;

It satisfies my longings as nothing else would do.

I love to tell the story, ‘twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story; how pleasant to repeat

What seems each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet!

I love to tell the story, for some have never heard

The message of salvation from Gods’ own holy word.

I love to tell the story, ‘twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.

And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song

I’ll sing the old, old story that I have loved so long.

I love to tell the story, ‘twill be my theme in glory

To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in.  They have been sanitized for you protection. 

Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary.  Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.

 “How beautiful upon the mountains
    are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,
who brings good news,   who announces salvation,
    who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’”

                                                                                                                                           – Isaiah 52:7 (NRSV)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Wayne

Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time? 

Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).

Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.

Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric?  It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.

Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.

Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.

Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.

What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)?  What do you think?  Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.

Have another idea?  Let me know, and I will share it here!

The post Daily Devotional – May 1st appeared first on Messiah Lutheran Church | Port Byron.