Posted by jbrudvig |
Like the disciples who journeyed with Jesus across the Sea of Galilee, many of us may struggle to heed Jesus’ invitation, “Let us go across to the other side” (Mark 4:35). It is only natural, after all. Our brains are hardwired to resist change. We hesitate to venture into unfamiliar waters. Or maybe we just prefer to remain where we are, anchored in the comfortable and familiar.
Living…
Posted by rgarza |
This Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 4:26-34) talks about the kingdom of God being like spreading seed to one day rise and produce itself to harvest, and that the seed knows what to do, whether it be a grain to feed many or a shrub so birds can build nests.
Last week I went up to see my mom and family. My mom and I talked and got caught up with little things. We mostly went over a to-do list she…
Posted by jloos |
When I was in grade school, we used to play this game called “10 random things about me.” The idea was to write down 10 things that weren’t really secrets, just things your friends didn’t know. You got one point for each random thing no one knew. Since I am new to the Salem family, I thought I would play “10 random things about me” with you.
Posted by wcanady |
Hello, everyone! I want to take this opportunity not only to present to you three more songs in this series, but also to honor the lovely lady who helps us lift our voices and praises to God, our director of worship, Mrs. Heather Lewis. Myself, Sierra, and Matthew wish you a very happy birthday! We thank you so much for your presence and love each and every week! During this pandemic, we thank you…
Posted by svanbaale |
This Sunday is Pentecost. We celebrate the birth of the church and wear red. But when I did a search on the internet for the word Pentecost, it was interesting to me that not only the Christian celebration came up, but also the Jewish one.
According to the book “Christianity for Dummies,” (yes, not the best title, but it…
Posted by hlewis |
Something happened last week in our church that stopped me in my tracks. On May 8, Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer was elected as a bishop in the Sierra Pacific ELCA synod, becoming the first openly transgender person in our country to do so in any major Christian denomination. They will serve almost 200 congregations in California and Nevada.
…Posted by jbrudvig |
Transitions are never easy. Are they? Change is often unsettling. It disrupts what is familiar and comfortable. Transitions also involve a lot of work, particularly the heavy lifting required of any move and the emotional energy that we invest in the forging of new relationships. As the unpacking, organizing, and establishing new relationships continues to unfold, the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:1…
Posted by rgarza |
It’s springtime! The winter seemed longer this year; I imagine it snowing last week didn't help either. The flowers and trees are blooming, lawns are being cut, and seeing people outdoors is always nice.
This week’s Gospel (John 15:1-8) is about taking care of the vine and its branches and keeping it healthy by pruning, removing dead branches so it can bear more fruit. It fits this…
Posted by wcanady |
Here are this month’s songs that have meaning to me:
Posted by svanbaale |
Sunday’s Gospel reading is the story is when the risen Christ appears to the disciples. It is shortly after he appears on the road to Emmaus, and breaks and blesses bread with those he met on the road. Then he vanishes and appears near 11 of the disciples and their companions.
At first, the disciples are frightened, feeling like they have seen a ghost. Jesus comforts them by having them…