Pandemic Prayer Partner: Quarterly Community Building Goal

Our Quarterly Community Building Goal is to either choose or have us assign you a “Pandemic Prayer Partner.”  You are invited to choose a Pandemic Prayer Partner yourself, or you can let Pastor Sarah or Vicar Beth know that you would like to be assigned a partner.  With your partner, you are invited to check in regularly and pray for one another—in whatever way you are most comfortable. 

Food Delivery

During this time of Covid-19, we are receiving a tremendous gift from All Saints Lutheran Church. Their Saturday morning food pantry is not able to function as normal, and after delivering to a few of their families, they are gifting the rest of their weekly food portion to us—most of it salads, bread, eggs, and cheese from Trader Joe’s! This past Saturday, five members of the Grace community delivered food to Grace members and neighbors. Believe it or not, people in our community have turned down receiving food! Most of the food that is left can be shared with folks on the street; however, some of it requires cooking and has had to be thrown away.

You may not need food right now, but we all likely know someone who could benefit from yummy, no-cost additions to their refrigerator. If you are willing to take food either for yourself or someone you know, please email Pastor Sarah.

Easter Lilies

Ten Easter lilies are available for purchase. They will be used for our live stream Easter Sunday worship and then delivered to your home later that day. The cost per plant is $11. If you would like to purchase, please

1. Email Adrienne in the church office your name and how many lilies you would like to purchase

2. Email Adrienne in whose memory or honor you are purchasing the lilies

3. Send in your check made out to Grace Lutheran Church for the appropriate number of lilies, or donate on the Grace website with a note that the donation is to be used for the lilies

Sermon for March 29, 2020

Lent 5A2020

John 11:1-45

Everyone who lives also dies.  In these Coronavirus days, we face this reality with more clarity than perhaps we ever have.  Of course, we have always known that people die—people all over the world, our friends, our grandparents and parents, perhaps our children, even we ourselves.  Everyone who lives also dies.  Though we understand death far better than people of any other age, we probably fear it more than people of any other age.

The people of the first century Mediterranean world, the people of the New Testament lived closely with death.  For Jesus and the disciples, death did not take place in disinfected hospitals, skilled nursing centers, or peaceful hospice homes.  For Mary and Martha and Lazarus and for their friends and neighbors, death was constant companion, a presence lurking as women gave birth to babies, as people navigated both violence and mysterious illness.  For Mary and Martha and Lazarus, illness meant not a trip to urgent care or the emergency room but suffering in the home in a world that didn’t yet understand viruses, bacteria, and hand washing.  The healing properties of certain plants were harnessed to relieve pain and recover wounds, but only in the 20th and 21st centuries have we discovered life-giving surgery and medication regimes whose benefits outweigh the risks. 

Nearly universally, we humans see death as enemy, as a force to beat, as an event to avoid for we are hard-wired by the creator of the universe to seek life and life abundant.  So, when someone we love succumbs to death, we feel shocked, betrayed, sad, angry at God.  Yes, we often feel angry with God when people we love die because we, like Mary and Martha, believe: If you had been here, God, my brother Lazarus—or my mother or grandfather or friend—would not have died.  If you had been here, God, none of this would have happened.  Where were you?  Where are you? 

Maybe we have this question today as we watch and listen to the news.  Maybe we wonder if God is present in our world, or maybe we wonder what God is doing.

Jesus receives a message from Mary and Martha: Lord, he whom you love is ill.  When Jesus arrives on the scene, Lazarus is already dead, and both Mary and Martha plaintively cry out: Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  Mary and Martha imply that Jesus’ absence denotes a lack of care, a lack of love.  Yet when Jesus arrives at the home of Mary and Martha, the gospel of John tells us Jesus weeps.  Together with the community who gather to mourn Lazarus’ death, Jesus weeps.  And those who see Jesus weep proclaim: See how he loved him! 

In the original Greek language of this passage, the gospel writer John chooses a particular word for love for the phrase: See how he loved him!  In nearly all, if not every single instance but this one, when the New Testament speaks of love, the word agape is used.  Agape is the love that God has for us, a self-giving love, a divine love.  In John chapter 11, when those who see Jesus weep speak of Jesus’ love for Lazarus, they use the word philia, not agape but philia.  Philia is a brotherly love as in Philadelphia, human affection, deep feeling for another person.  Jesus loves Lazarus in particular, loves him as a friend, and thus weeps for him not simply because all loss is sad but because Jesus’ friend dies.  Jesus loves Lazarus. 

Even though Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead on this particular day, Lazarus will die again as all people die.  Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man keep this man from dying? We may ask along with those gathered to mourn Lazarus’ death.  Could not Jesus grant eternal life so that we could avoid death entirely?  Yes! And no.  Yes, Jesus grants us eternal life, life with him, life abundant, life that begins now and continues forever.  But even we who live eternally with God will die.  But God allowing us to die does not mean God does not love us. 

I recall the weeks and months of walking alongside Larry as he died.  A man of great faith, Larry struggled mightily with health concerns.  Going to see him in the hospital and then in a skilled care center, I wondered what I could say that would bring any measure of comfort.  One day, while flipping through the Bible, I hit upon these words from the apostle Paul: Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.  Ah! Larry said.  That’s helpful.  Phew! I thought.  Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.  We are the Lord’s people, and we are loved by God, as Lazarus was loved by Jesus.    

Read in our current milieu, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead awakens many questions for us.  The story risks minimizing our grief; indeed, Mary and Martha don’t find eternal life too compelling when their brother has just died.  This story perhaps even leads us to question: If Lazarus was raised, why not my loved one? 

I don’t know.  We read this familiar story in an unfamiliar period.  We will likely live with many more questions in this time than answers.  But what I do know is that God loves us, and whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.  Thanks be to God!  Amen.

Gospel Study for Sunday, April 26

Luke 24:13-35

Walk to Emmaus

Read Luke 24:13-35 below aloud—whether you are by yourself or with another person.  The passage below is the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible edited to reflect Jesus’ perspective, as if Jesus were telling the story of the Walk to Emmaus instead of the gospel writer.  Changes to the biblical passage are underlined.

Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, I came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing me. 17And I said to them, "What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered me, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?" 19I asked them, "What things?" They replied, "The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him." 25Then I said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?" 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, I interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.

28As they came near the village to which they were going, I walked ahead as if I were going on. 29But they urged me strongly, saying, "Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over." So I went in to stay with them. 30When I was at the table with them, I took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized me; and I vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?" 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!" 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how I had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

With your friend or family member or by yourself, consider these questions.

What did you learn of Jesus’ point of view and of his relation to others? 

Did you identify with Jesus? 

What emotions were involved? 

How did that reading change the emphasis of the story?

Do you think you ever encounter Jesus among strangers?  When?  How do you respond to Jesus in the guise of stranger?

Gospel Study for Sunday, April 19

John 20:19-31

Thomas Questions and then Confesses the Risen Christ

This form of Bible study is called the Skeptic’s Bible Study.  All questions and opinions are valid!

Read John 20:19-31.   

With a friend or family member, in person or over the phone, discuss: What do I like about the reading? 

Discuss: What do I dislike about the reading?

Read John 20:19-31. 

Discuss: Is there anything I don’t understand or would like more information on?

Discuss: What is this passage trying to tell us about what God is like?

Read John 20:19-31.

Discuss: What is the passage calling us to do?

Discuss: Is there a word, phrase, or image from the passage that you would like to stay with you throughout the next week?

Discuss your and your friend’s or family member’s prayer concerns, and pray for each other.

Gospel Study for Sunday, April 12

Matthew 28:1-10

Jesus’ Resurrection

Lectio Divina is an ancient spiritual discipline consisting of 4 parts: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.  This can be done in a small group as described below or alone by journaling for step #2 and praying for all those in need for step #3.

Lectio – Read or listen to the text: Matthew 28:1-10.

Meditatio – After a bit of silence, each person can share how a word or phrase touched her or his heart.

What does this passage say to our world, our nation, our community, our church, to me?

            What images come to mind?

            What feelings did I have?

            What challenges me in this text?

            What delights me in this text?

            What is God up to in this text?

            What new possibility is God offering me?

Oratio – Make sure you know the name of the person sitting to your right.  Going around the room, we will pray forone another by name.

Contemplatio – Contemplate and sit quietly in the presence of God for a bit.

Gospel Study for Sunday, April 5

Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

Read Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV) below.

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
 5"Tell the daughter of Zion,
 Look, your king is coming to you,
 humble, and mounted on a donkey,
 and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
 "Hosanna to the Son of David!
 Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
 Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

What one word or phrase caught your attention?  Share it with a friend or family member, over the phone or in person.

--

Read Matthew 21:1-11 (Jerusalem Bible) below.

When they were near Jerusalem and had come in sight of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village facing you, and you will immediately find a tethered donkey and a colt with her.  Untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, “The Master needs them and will send them back directly.”  This took place to fulfill the prophecy:

Say to the daughter of Zion:

Look, your king comes to you;

he is humble, he rides on a donkey

And on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.

So the disciple went out and did as Jesus had told them.  They brought the donkey and the colt, then they laid their cloaks on their backs and he sat on them.  Great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in his path.  The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed were all shouting:

Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heavens!

And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil.  “Who is this?” people asked, and the crowds answered, “This is the prophet Jesus form Nazareth in Galilee.”

Take two minutes to reflect on where this passage touches your life today and then share with your friend or family member.

--

Read Matthew 21:1-11 (SPARK Story Bible) below.

“Friends!” Jesus said to his disciples.  “I need to go to Jerusalem.  I’ve got some important things to do and I want to celebrate Passover with you there.  Will you come with me?”  “Sure” said the disciples.  “Passover is a great holiday!  Such good food!  And what a wonderful story Passover celebrates—the exodus of God’s people, the Israelites, from Egypt!  It’s good to be with friends and family at Passover.”  So Jesus and his friends started to go to Jerusalem.

When they got close to the city, Jesus said, “I’d like two of you to go borrow a donkey in the next village over.  Please tell the owner I need it.  He’ll understand.”  When the two friends came back with a donkey, Jesus climbed on its back and rode down the hill into the city of Jerusalem.  The disciples followed behind him. 

Suddenly, they found themselves in a parade!  People were singing and shouting, “Hosanna!  Hosanna!  Here comes God’s king!  Hosanna!  Praise God!”  People all over heard the shouting and singing and they joined the parade too.  Hundreds of people!  Thousands of people!  They started taking off their coats and laying them on the ground for Jesus and the donkey to walk on.  They pulled palm branches down from the trees and waved them as they sang.  Then they threw their palms on the ground to make a path for Jesus. 

The crowds gave Jesus a royal welcome as he rode into the city, just like a king.  But Jesus was a very different king—he was a king of peace.  Not everyone understood that.  Jesus was not at all what they were expecting. 

They thought the crowd was too loud and the parade was getting too big.  “Who is that man?” someone asked.  “What’s going on here?” asked another.  The crowd answered, “This is Jesus, God’s King!  He has come to save us!”  Some of the religious leaders murmured, “Hush! Jesus, tell your friends to be quiet—it’s way too loud here!”  But Jesus said, “We can try to make these people be quiet, but that wouldn’t make a difference because today the whole earth is celebrating!” 

Take two minutes to reflect on the following: From what I have heard and shared, what does God want me to do or be this week?  How does God invite me to change?  Share with your friend or family member. 

--

Discuss your prayer concerns and that of your friend or family member, and then, pray for each other.

Gospel Study Guide for Sunday, March 29

John 11:1-45

The Raising of Lazarus

Read John 11:1-45.  Consider the following questions, section by section, and discuss with a friend or family member if possible, even over the phone.

John 11:1-6

Notice that in verses 3 and 5, we learn that Jesus loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  What does love look like according to the New Testament? 

How do you feel about Jesus deliberately delaying his travel to see Lazarus when he hears that Lazarus is ill?  Do you think this action reveals love for Lazarus—or not?  Why or why not?

John 11:7-16

Notice that the disciples question Jesus in verses 7-8 when he says they should be on their way to Judea.  Why?  What is the risk? 

After Jesus explains that Lazarus is dead, Thomas declares: “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”  What do you think Thomas means?

John 11:17-27

Notice what Martha says to Jesus in verse 21.  Have you ever felt this way, perhaps disappointed by or betrayed by God?  Have you told God about it in prayer?

In verse 25, Jesus shares an “I am” statement which is very common in the gospel of John.  “I am” statements include “I am the bread of life,” “I am the light of the world,” and “I am the good shepherd.”  Through his use of the words “I am,” Jesus echoes God’s voice speaking to Moses in the burning bush in Exodus 3:13-14.  In the Exodus story, God tells Moses God’s name is “I am who I am.”  What do you think Jesus means when he says: “I am the resurrection and the life”?

John 11:28-37

Notice that there are many mourners present with Mary and Martha in their grief and that Mary says the same thing to Jesus that Martha did back in verse 21: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 

Are Jesus’ tears at the death of his friend meaningful to you?  If so, why? 

John 11:38-45

Notice that Jesus says that all who are present will see the glory of God in verse 41.  How is the glory of God revealed in this story? 

What do you think life was like for Lazarus after he was raised from the dead?

Where do you find hope in this story?

Congregational Life During the Coronavirus

We are still the church and will continue the work of Christ in the midst of a difficult time! During the Coronavirus restrictions, we will be honoring as much as possible the recommendations of the CDC and our civic and church leaders: limiting our physical contact with people to groups of less than 10.

Daily Lenten Prayer will be recorded and posted on a our Facebook page Monday-Saturday at 12:00 pm. To view, go to www.facebook.com/Grace In The City: Grace Lutheran Church.

Mid-week Lenten Prayer will be live streamed on our Facebook page on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm; it will include, as always, Holden Evening Prayer and conversation on our topic “Sacred Failure.” To view, go to www.facebook.com/Grace In The City: Grace Lutheran Church on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

Sunday morning worship will be live streamed on our Facebook page on Sundays at 11:00 am; it will be simplified and shortened with the focus being the Word of God preached and the Word of God shared in music. To view, go to www.facebook.com/Grace In The City: Grace Lutheran Church on Sundays at 11:00 am.

Grace Buddy System: During this time when people with compromised immune systems, people with underlying medical conditions, and people over the age of 60 should, in particular, limit their contact with groups, we would like to buddy up those who are well and able to run errands with those who should stay quarantined. Vicar Beth and Pastor Sarah have begun contacting folks in the Grace community we suspect might want a buddy, but please let us know if you need help with picking up groceries, medications, or other basic needs. Likewise, if you are willing to be a buddy who does simple errands, please let us know. If you are a buddy, we encourage you not to enter the home of another person but to simply drop off the groceries or other necessary items on the front step of the home. Of course, you would let your buddy know to expect you so that they can take in the groceries.

Council and other meetings will happen via Zoom or phone, depending on the technological capacity of the people involved. If you need a Zoom meeting set up for any reason, please let Pastor Sarah know, and she can very easily do that for you.

Activities that are canceled or postponed include the following.

WELCA Capital Conference Spring Gathering

Spring Conference Gathering for Capital Conference with Bishop Hutterer

Joint Easter Vigil

CALL

PhLY

Spiritual Adventurers

The office is still open for phone calls and emails, but physical distance will be maintained.

Spiritual Practice during Coronavirus Restrictions

Please join us for live worship on Wednesdays and Sundays and view the recorded Daily Lenten Prayer Monday-Saturday!

We invite you to set up an altar area in your home on which you might place a candle or two, a cross, your Bible and devotional materials, and any other supplies related to your spiritual life, like prayer beads. During the live Sunday morning worship, we will invite you to take a rock from your space and place it on the altar as we would have if we had been in church. Likewise, we will invite you to light your candle.

For online devotions, we invite you to subscribe to Luther Seminary’s daily devotional called God Pause. Go to the link here: www.luthersem.edu/godpause.

During times of anxiety, we invite you to practice centering prayer. Centering prayer is very simple. Sit down in a chair, choose a word or phrase for centering yourself, close your eyes if you would like, and repeat the word or phrase aloud or silently to yourself throughout your designated centering prayer time. Words or phrases that might be helpful include “Be still and know that I am God,” “You are my light and my salvation,” “or Surely, God is with us.”

If you would like to explore meditation or centering prayer through an app, we commend to you the apps called “Insight Timer” and “Centering Prayer.” Both of these apps have lots of options for prayer and meditation.

Food & Hygiene Donations Much Appreciated!

During this time of physical distancing, here at Grace Lutheran Church we are still accepting packaged food and hygiene donations for members of our community on the street. In particular, we would gratefully receive the following.

small-size hygiene products such shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, deodorant

small size kleenex and wet wipe packages

razors and toothbrushes

snack crackers in individual packages

granola bars or other individually wrapped snacks

citrus

Our caretaker Lester will receive donations Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-1:00 pm.

Snacks, hygiene supplies, and information about Coronavirus prevention will be available to members of our community on the street on the northwest end of our campus. People can simply reach through the fence and grab what they need from a station inside the gated campus during office hours (M, T, W, Fr, 9:00 am-12:00 pm).

Faith in Motion: Sunday, March 15

During the season of Lent, we lift up the traditional spiritual practices Jesus discusses in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. So far this Lent, we have reflected on fasting and prayer.

This week, we consider alms giving. Alms are funds we give to people in need. Of course, Jesus discusses alms giving throughout the gospels as one way of loving our neighbor. But in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cautions the crowd from letting their right hand know what their left hand is doing. In other words, Jesus directs people to give in such a way that they do not think anything of their gift. They give generously out of concern for the neighbor instead of patting themselves on the back or saying to themselves: “Look how kind I am!” or “Look how generous I am!”

I invite us to put our faith in motion by considering how we might give of ourselves in relationship in addition to giving of our monetary resources. Thus, we bypass Jesus’ concern—that we might give to make ourselves look good. Consider this question:

How might I give of myself in relationship—in addition to giving my time and money?

A few years ago, we modified our heat respite mission statement to better align with our focus on community. The mission statement now reads:

Our mission during the summer months is to provide a space for heat relief while building community through the sharing of community resources, meals, water, and ourselves in a place of being, belonging, and becoming.

A true practice of alms giving means we enter into relationship with the person we desire to help. In so doing, we find life, life abundant, for ourselves too—because the one we want to help always has something to give back.

Your comments reflecting on the question are welcome!

Gospel Study Guide for Sunday, March 15

Gospel Reading: John 4:1-42

Read the gospel passage in its entirety, read the commentary below, and answer the questions about each section. Comments are welcome!

John 4:1-6: Verse 4 tells us that Jesus passed through Samaria which is a region of present-day Israel south of Galilee, the part of Israel Jesus called home. As you may know, Jews and Samaritans were enemies even though they had common ancestors in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Given this, why do you think Jesus traveled through Samaria? Whose well does Jesus stop to get a drink from? Why is the origin of the well significant? (To learn about the well, turn to Genesis 24:1-51, Genesis 29:1-14, and Exodus 2:15-22.)

John 4:7-15: Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman who is drawing water at the well. In this time and place, Jesus is crossing many boundaries in order to speak with her. Men and women, outside of family members, are not supposed to speak with one another. Jews and Samaritans are not supposed to speak with one another. An upstanding rabbi is not supposed to speak with a woman of questionable reputation, evidenced by her presence at the well at noon (instead of in the morning). What do we learn from Jesus about who he included in his ministry—and who we might include—based on his actions? What barriers or social constructs might we overcome in order to include all those called by God into Christian community?

Jesus tells her the woman that she need not come to the well any longer to fetch water, that she could have “living water.” What is this living water springing up to eternal life, and who is able to provide it?

John 4:16-26: The woman seems reluctant or unsure of what or who Jesus is. What changes her mind?

There is more than one reason the woman would have been married five times. While historically we have assumed that the woman had questionable character thus leading to many divorces, it is more likely that her husbands died. Within the Jewish tradition, the Levarite law required a living brother to marry the deceased man’s widow (as long as she had no children) as a way of safeguarding women from a vulnerable existence and honoring the legacy of the first husband through, hopefully, the birth of a son.

As a Samaritan, the woman would have also been waiting for the messiah to come, just like the Jewish disciples.

John 4:27-30: When the Samaritan woman hears that Jesus is the messiah, what does she say and do?

Notice that the woman isn’t completely sure Jesus is the messiah (verse 29).

Notice that the people who hear what the Samaritan woman says immediately take action. What do they do, and why do you think the woman’s message is so compelling?

When the disciples see Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman, how did they feel? Why do you think they feel that way?

John 4:39-42: Why do the people believe?

What keeps you from witnessing to your faith? Who are some of the people with whom you have discussed your faith? What did you tell them? What’s important to you about God and your identity as a child of God?

Is there a particular word of God that you have found compelling in your life of faith? A particular story or a particular biblical passage? What is it? If you have a chance, perhaps you could share that story with someone this week or cite the passage or story in the comments below.

Holy Week & Easter Schedule

Final Daily Lenten Prayer

Thursday, April 9, 12:00 pm

Maundy Thursday Worship with Foot Washing

Thursday, April 9, 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship

Friday, April 10, 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm

Easter Egg Dyeing

Saturday, April 11, 10:00 am, Church Basement

Easter Vigil Worship

At All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85027

Saturday, April 11, 5:00 pm

With preacher Bishop Deborah Hutterer

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 12

7:30 am Community Pancake Breakfast in Hope Hall

8:30 am Contemporary Worship in Hope Hall

9:45 am Easter Brunch in Hope Hall

10:00 am Easter Egg Hunt for children in the Courtyard

11:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

12:30 pm Fellowship in Hope Hall

Capital Conference Collaboration

We continue to deepen our collaboration between Capital Conference congregations because we are church together!  The beginning of each month, we release a Capital Conference newsletter entitled All CAPS which shares news from a variety of congregations in the Capital Conference.  The next one is due out on April 1.  If you are looking for a Bible study or other activity that fits your schedule, you can look through All CAPS for information about activities going on at other congregations.  In all our congregations, all are welcome!

In the coming months, we will be trying to follow the call of the Holy Spirit and implementing a series of collaborative efforts.  Stay tuned!

Wilbur the Pig: Diapers for LSS-SW

During March, Wilbur the Pig is receiving diapers of all sizes and monetary donations for diapers to be shared with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest foster families and refugee families.  Thank you for your generosity!

Faith in Motion: How we are practicing our faith during Lent

During the first two weeks of Lent, we have put our faith in motion during worship by responding to questions about traditional practices of Lent, namely fasting and prayer, and challenging ourselves to consider what God genuinely desires from us through these practices.  Here are some of our responses.  Especially in response to how and when we pray, many people shared that they pray before eating, at night before bed, and throughout the day.  Because many responses were similar, just a smattering of particular responses are shared here.  Thank you for sharing and for inspiring our whole community through your reflection!

What is one small way I can embrace your humility?

Continue praying for others

Not judging other people

More reading and studying the Word with deeper reflection and conscious prayers

To understand and love others with more compassion

To follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit

Remember daily how many ways I have messed up my life and squandered my talents and failed to trust God

To stop making unkind remarks about people

Stop being mean to others

Forgive before the sun goes down

To be thankful for what I have

Asking what others want

To be more patient

Being honest

By finding a way each day to make someone else’s day brighter

Cheerfully greet everyone without judgment as a child of God

By noticing when others are having a hard time getting through daily life and offering a helping hand to help them through

Feed anyone who comes later to GLOW without reservation and without a snarky attitude

Give up exceeding the speed limit.  By being obedient in small things I can become more obedient to God.

Own up!

Not let people know how right I am; just listen.

Bite my tongue

I can cease to judge others and instead remember that I don’t know their story, and I fail every day.

Confessing my mistakes out loud

Admitting I am not always right.  Giving up the right to be annoyed, frustrated, complaining becoming angry over trivial things.

Before I get frustrated with others’ incompetence, ask myself if I am the problem.

How and when do I pray?

Usually when I’m laying down in bed before I fall asleep, while looking up at the stars in the sky at night since I sleep outside

Morning and throughout the day

The Lord’s Prayer, before and after sleep, evening prayer, before eating

How: a conversational tone with God, dinner prayer scripted through family tradition; When: in times when I feel I need support, strength, clarity, reflection, holidays, before difficult or overwhelming tasks

Dinner time as a family, alone silently, with my spouse at night

When the Spirit moves me at night before bed, just saying whatever is on my mind or in my heart, closing with the Lord’s Prayer

I pray all the time.  It’s very casual.  I talk to God like a friend.  Throughout the day, I am constantly just praying/speaking to God in my head.  I also pray more formally at mealtimes and before bed.

At times of difficulty and in times of blessing.  I pray God’s will be done often as I do not know what is best but only my desires (selfish as they are).  I pray for family and friends.

I pray first thing in the morning in a secret place after reading the Bible.  Next, I go outside and look at the creation he has given me, then I pray for many things, people, family, world, giving him thanks for all he has done for us.

I pray with my daughter and with my spouse, before meals and before bedtime.  I would, however, like to begin my day in thanksgiving.  Often, I wake and immediately begin the tasks of the day.  I think starting my day in prayer would change how I see and move throughout the rest of the day.

I pray every day for the Lord to help me and watch over my family and that his will be done.

Whenever I feel the need for God’s guidance and help (10-20 times a day?).  Thanks before eating.

As soon as I wake up in the morning, thanking God for another day, asking to guide my thoughts, words, and deeds this day.  Before eating, thanking for the food.  During the day, for various people who need help.  Before bed, thanking God for the day, asking for forgiveness for how I failed this day.

How: silently and out loud; When: morning and night, whenever I randomly think of something needful, emergency prayers for urgent need or when fear strikes!

I usually end up praying in moments of dire need, so it comes out as almost a sort of begging.  If I remember to pray in good times, it is usually extremely informal, since I grew up being taught that “prayer is a conversation and not a ceremony”

Thank you, Jesus!  I talk to him all the time.

I pray with the 12 step prayer book, different prayers for different struggles, once a day or more as needed

For others daily, at church weekly, wonder at God’s goodness continuously

To be more understanding of others

Humbly

When I see a person who looks like they’re in need of love, when I hear a siren, when I remember to thank God, when I’m struggling, I pray both silently and aloud

It seems lately I’ve only prayed when I was in need of something.  This Lenten season, I’m realizing my prayers should express my gratitude for God’s love, grace, and mercy.

I pray aloud when I am driving, before meals and bedtime.  Mostly, I find myself asking for God’s help and guidance that God would order my day and that I would be aware of God in my day.  I always end with praise and thanksgiving.

I pray in the morning and evening most days and often in between.  Meditating, thanking, and asking for help for myself and especially for others.  I want to always be looking beyond my own sphere of concerns to those beyond.

I pray “popcorn” prayers whenever a person or situation pops into my mind.  I also pray before I go to sleep, at night about the events of the day, and my concerns for tomorrow.

I pray often, early, all through the day, maintaining a conversation of speaking my concerns and receiving guidance.  I also simply sit in silence after asking: What’s on your heart?