Advent
-
Creative, Courageous Expectancy
Advent invites us to release control, embrace courageous expectancy, and welcome God’s unexpected presence, remembering Christ comes daily in surprising ways.
-
Stepping into Hope
Thanksgiving and the season of Advent are powerful expressions of both joy and the very real struggles we all face. The presence of Jesus bring about confidence and a very real and enduring hope.
-
Setting the Tone: Jesus’ Reign of Love in Our Lives
On Christ the King Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus’ reign is different from that of any king, queen, or government. Jesus’ reign is based on love, respect, and service. As we prepare for Advent, we are called to notice opportunities for justice and kindness, aligning our lives with Christ’s teachings and recognizing his presence…
-
God’s Gospel Through the Small
I got to know my good friend, Sarah Cordray, through the doctor of ministry program at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Through her, I saw a wonderful picture of small church ministry that I had, frankly, never considered. As I listened to her and read her work, I began to pay closer attention to what…
-
Building Bethel: We Do Stuff Here You Just Don’t Do Anywhere Else
From December 2015 Bethel Bell Tower newsletter And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs…
-
Devotion : Advent – Horizontal Relationships with Neighbors
Is our faith just about getting myself to heaven at the end of my life? Is it just about being “good enough” or being a “good person”? In the Adult Forum on Sunday, we were reviewing chapters 7-11 of The Story and got talking about heaven and salvation. We said that, in Lutheran theology, we…
-
Devotion: Advent – Vertical Relationship with God – part 1
We tend to do a lot of waiting this time of year. Waiting often seems to be a waste of our valuable time. Whether it is standing behind a line of people at the checkout lane, being stuck in traffic or anticipating test results, waiting is not a very appealing activity, and certainly not productive. I…
Epicurious Lutheran 