Posted by hlewis |
One of my favorite things to do as we celebrate confirmands and graduates is to look back on pictures of our Salem kids growing up together in church. I’ve written many times from my perspective of being an Army kid, which meant I only spent a few years in each place we lived. I didn’t have this amazing experience of having friends who walk together throughout their faith journeys, and it's…
Posted by jmarple |
Most of you know I spent last week in Austin doing some continuing education. Earlier this year, I got chosen to be part of this cohort that is mostly funded by a Lilly grant. Part of the grant was the retreat that took place. The goal over the next six months (or so) is for those in my cohort to learn, participate, and practice something called dialogical preaching.
At its core, dialogical…
Posted by svanbaale |
While this coming Monday is the federal holiday known as Columbus Day (also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in some states), did you know that the state of Kansas celebrates neither? While it is a federal holiday, it is not a paid holiday for state workers, nor is it a day off of school.
Posted by hlewis |
My first experience with our new Central States Synod Bishop Donna Simon was in 2013 at her church in downtown Kansas City. It was our very first God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday, where we were celebrating the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)’s 25th anniversary by serving our neighbors. Salem was one of several congregations who joyfully filled the pews at St. Mark Hope and Peace.…
Posted by jmarple |
Have I mentioned that I am a church nerd of sorts? You haven’t even seen the worst of it yet. Wait until Advent and Lent. So, as it is, my heart is overflowing with joy as I prepare to attend and participate in two different installation services for new synodical bishops this weekend. My friend, Rev. Scott Dalen, will be installed as the bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, and our own Rev. Dr.…
Posted by svanbaale |
In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager. When the employer hears that the manager was “squandering his property,” he calls him and says, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management because you cannot be my manager any longer.” (Luke 16:2)
The dishonest manager is concerned that his boss is going to fire him.…
Posted by hlewis |
This Sunday, as we celebrate the shepherd finding one lost sheep out of his flock of 100, we will sing a favorite hymn about being found, “Amazing Grace.” I think it’s fun to learn about the background of hymns and songs; here is the story of how “Amazing Grace” came to be:
John Newton was an Anglican minister in Olney, England, in the 1700s who chose simple, heartfelt hymns instead…
Posted by jmarple |
It’s early Tuesday morning and I’m sitting at my kitchen table writing this, but my mind is already on Sunday. This isn’t necessarily abnormal for my line of work. But I am especially excited about Sunday as we get to kick off our Sunday school programming! When I started in ministry, I had no idea how much joy working with kids, teens, and young adults would bring me. It is one of the best…
Posted by svanbaale |
It’s a little quieter in our house these days. Even though I hardly saw my daughter — between school, work, dance, church leadership, youth group, and school clubs — her absence is still felt after bringing her to college last week. I really didn’t see her much the last few years, but I feel her absence every day now.
I no longer need her work schedule each week to know when she…
Posted by hlewis |
In case you missed it, the kids at Salem and Overland Park Lutheran had a musical camp for a week and then performed the story of David and Goliath on Sunday, Aug. 3. The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall was full of fun and energy with cute sheep, a sad king, a brave shepherd, a talented harpist, fierce soldiers, lovely solos, dancing and kicklines, and a fantastic message about trusting…