Another gift of this discipline has been that I am essentially limited to three options when I want to read:
(1) books I already own
(2) books I can borrow from the library (thank you inter-library loan!)
(3) books I bum off of friends for inordinate amounts of time.
This project has renewed my interest in reading Luther's Works (the English edition). I received a whole set from a former pastor of mine (now deceased). It is always refreshing to read what Luther actually wrote, rather than what others say he wrote.
For those who are curious, I'm reading volume 35 (Word and Sacrament I).
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Exodus Journey
In preparation for hearing the Word this weekend, please read the first three chapters of Exodus. The Old Testament reading will be the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-15.
For the next several weeks we will hear from Exodus, reading through portions of the book in a semi-continuous fashion. You may want to consider reading through the book as a whole to "fill in the gaps."
Here is a rough schedule of the Old Testament readings for the fall:
Aug 31: Exodus 3:1-15 + Burning Bush
Sept 7: Exodus 12:1-14 + Passover
Sept 14: Exodus 14:19-31 + Red Sea Crossing
Sept 21: Exodus 16:2-15 + Manna and Quail in the Wilderness
Sept 28: Exodus 17:1-7 + Water from the Rock
Oct 5: Exodus 20:1-20: Ten Commandments
Oct 12: Exodus 32:1-14: Golden Calf
Oct 19: Exodus 33:12-23: God appears to Moses
Oct 26: Deuteronomy 34:1-12: Death of Moses
Nov 2: All Saints Sunday
Nov 9: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 + Words for Living in the Promised Land
Nov 16: Judges 4:1-7: Deborah
Nov 23: Christ the King Sunday
For the next several weeks we will hear from Exodus, reading through portions of the book in a semi-continuous fashion. You may want to consider reading through the book as a whole to "fill in the gaps."
Here is a rough schedule of the Old Testament readings for the fall:
Aug 31: Exodus 3:1-15 + Burning Bush
Sept 7: Exodus 12:1-14 + Passover
Sept 14: Exodus 14:19-31 + Red Sea Crossing
Sept 21: Exodus 16:2-15 + Manna and Quail in the Wilderness
Sept 28: Exodus 17:1-7 + Water from the Rock
Oct 5: Exodus 20:1-20: Ten Commandments
Oct 12: Exodus 32:1-14: Golden Calf
Oct 19: Exodus 33:12-23: God appears to Moses
Oct 26: Deuteronomy 34:1-12: Death of Moses
Nov 2: All Saints Sunday
Nov 9: Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 + Words for Living in the Promised Land
Nov 16: Judges 4:1-7: Deborah
Nov 23: Christ the King Sunday
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Back to School and Labor Day
School's In!
Backpacks are everywhere. The smell of school bus diesel graces the air. It's back to school time.
Next weekend (August 31) is Rally Day at Bethlehem. During the Sunday school hour (9:15-10:15 am) we will all gather together to kick off the new Sunday school year. This is probably as close to an "open house" as we have for our school year education programs. We would love it if you would be a part of it.
This year we will be using the Seasons of the Spirit Sunday school curriculum. This curriculum is lectionary based, so there should be greater continuity in content between the Sunday Scripture readings for worship and the Sunday school lessons. There will even be a parents' class to discuss ideas for living the lessons during the week.
Labor Day: Work and Rest
Labor Day is always a sticky wicket for me.
On the one hand, many of us are overworked and probably need the day as a reminder to slow down, stop and enjoy the Sabbath rest that God intends for creation.
On the other hand, we enjoy more leisure time than ever before... and fill it up with various forms of busying ourselves. I wonder if this relentless pursuit of leisure for its own sake has consequences too: of perhaps disdaining work. We are quick to forget that work and rest are both God's good gifts, to us, his creatures.
Did you know that there is a political edge to Labor Day? It began as a creation of the American labor movement. Here is where the connection to Sabbath rest comes into play. During the exile of the Israelites in Babylon, Sabbath keeping became a political statement. It was about more than just "a hammock for everyone." Rather it became a statement from the Israelite exiles to their Babylonian oppressors that the B were not ultimately in charge. It became a confession of faith. It became a political statement. It became a "labor movement" in the fullest sense.
May your work be fruitful and to God's glory. May your rest be in God.
Backpacks are everywhere. The smell of school bus diesel graces the air. It's back to school time.
Next weekend (August 31) is Rally Day at Bethlehem. During the Sunday school hour (9:15-10:15 am) we will all gather together to kick off the new Sunday school year. This is probably as close to an "open house" as we have for our school year education programs. We would love it if you would be a part of it.
This year we will be using the Seasons of the Spirit Sunday school curriculum. This curriculum is lectionary based, so there should be greater continuity in content between the Sunday Scripture readings for worship and the Sunday school lessons. There will even be a parents' class to discuss ideas for living the lessons during the week.
Labor Day: Work and Rest
Labor Day is always a sticky wicket for me.
On the one hand, many of us are overworked and probably need the day as a reminder to slow down, stop and enjoy the Sabbath rest that God intends for creation.
On the other hand, we enjoy more leisure time than ever before... and fill it up with various forms of busying ourselves. I wonder if this relentless pursuit of leisure for its own sake has consequences too: of perhaps disdaining work. We are quick to forget that work and rest are both God's good gifts, to us, his creatures.
Did you know that there is a political edge to Labor Day? It began as a creation of the American labor movement. Here is where the connection to Sabbath rest comes into play. During the exile of the Israelites in Babylon, Sabbath keeping became a political statement. It was about more than just "a hammock for everyone." Rather it became a statement from the Israelite exiles to their Babylonian oppressors that the B were not ultimately in charge. It became a confession of faith. It became a political statement. It became a "labor movement" in the fullest sense.
May your work be fruitful and to God's glory. May your rest be in God.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Words of Jesus in Red
A local church's latest sermon series/emphasis is on the "Red Letter Teachings of Jesus." Author Tony Campolo and other evangelicals who distance themselves from the evangelical right consider themselves Red Letter Christians.
Both refer, of course, to the Bible versions that highlight the New Testament words of Jesus in red. As I understand it, the argument goes something like this: Since Jesus said it, these words have greater weight for our faith and practice.
Some biblical scholars, such as those who are part of the Jesus Seminar, criticize these "Red Letter Bibles," arguing and debating which sayings of Jesus are more authentic than others. They essentially argue, then, that there are fewer "real" Red Letter Sayings of Jesus.
The Church, however, has always pushed in the opposite direction. That is, the problem with the Red Letter Bibles is not that there are too many words or sayings of Jesus in red but that there are too few. For if Jesus is the divine Word spoken by the Father from eternity, then the whole Bible is a word about Christ. We find "red letter" sayings of Jesus even in the Old Testament, for it too is a word about Christ. As St. Irenaeus says, all the pieces of Scripture, when assembled properly, form a beautiful mosaic of the Handsome King who is Christ (cf. Psalm 45).
So with all due respect to the Church on Strayer, Tony Campolo and all who claim to be "Red Letter Christians," I think the subtitle of a children's Bible I saw a year ago says it best: Every story whispers his name.
Both refer, of course, to the Bible versions that highlight the New Testament words of Jesus in red. As I understand it, the argument goes something like this: Since Jesus said it, these words have greater weight for our faith and practice.
Some biblical scholars, such as those who are part of the Jesus Seminar, criticize these "Red Letter Bibles," arguing and debating which sayings of Jesus are more authentic than others. They essentially argue, then, that there are fewer "real" Red Letter Sayings of Jesus.
The Church, however, has always pushed in the opposite direction. That is, the problem with the Red Letter Bibles is not that there are too many words or sayings of Jesus in red but that there are too few. For if Jesus is the divine Word spoken by the Father from eternity, then the whole Bible is a word about Christ. We find "red letter" sayings of Jesus even in the Old Testament, for it too is a word about Christ. As St. Irenaeus says, all the pieces of Scripture, when assembled properly, form a beautiful mosaic of the Handsome King who is Christ (cf. Psalm 45).
So with all due respect to the Church on Strayer, Tony Campolo and all who claim to be "Red Letter Christians," I think the subtitle of a children's Bible I saw a year ago says it best: Every story whispers his name.
The First 20 Days
I have survived the first 20 days without a book purchase, but plagued by much temptation. The most difficult things to resist are used books and garage sales.
Some reflections so far...
I have discovered in the process is that this consistent "saying 'No'" is actually a very good and freeing thing. I imagine that many of us are not schooled in the practice of renunciation.
I have been awakened to how many books I already have been blessed with and yet have not read.
I have been moved to thankfulness for having such an outstanding library so close by.
I have been forced to be creative, like borrowing a book on liturgy from a friend when I couldn't get it through the library--thanks, Brian!
Now, just 345 more days to go...
Some reflections so far...
I have discovered in the process is that this consistent "saying 'No'" is actually a very good and freeing thing. I imagine that many of us are not schooled in the practice of renunciation.
I have been awakened to how many books I already have been blessed with and yet have not read.
I have been moved to thankfulness for having such an outstanding library so close by.
I have been forced to be creative, like borrowing a book on liturgy from a friend when I couldn't get it through the library--thanks, Brian!
Now, just 345 more days to go...
Monday, August 11, 2008
Finns, Lutherans and Faith
This post is primarily for those who shared in a time of Bible study and reflections this past week at Camp Luther, to provide some resources for further study and reflection.
On participation in Christ, the book I recommended was Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther (1998).
For more on Sanctification, see Frank Honeycutt's Sanctified Living: More Than Grace and Forgiveness (2008).
For more on the parables, I think one of the best studies for the parish is Harry Wendt's The Parables of Jesus from Crossways International.
Finally, I was reminded as I picked up my copy of Lutheran Woman Today (a fine magazine, by the way, that all Lutheran women and men should subscribe to) of where I got some of my reflections for my few paragraphs on Bible study. They were originally published in Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study in the chapters by Mark Allan Powell. I did not want to pass off his work as my own. He also has an article in the September LWT magazine.
Thank you all for some wonderful insights into the Parables of Jesus!
On participation in Christ, the book I recommended was Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther (1998).
For more on Sanctification, see Frank Honeycutt's Sanctified Living: More Than Grace and Forgiveness (2008).
For more on the parables, I think one of the best studies for the parish is Harry Wendt's The Parables of Jesus from Crossways International.
Finally, I was reminded as I picked up my copy of Lutheran Woman Today (a fine magazine, by the way, that all Lutheran women and men should subscribe to) of where I got some of my reflections for my few paragraphs on Bible study. They were originally published in Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study in the chapters by Mark Allan Powell. I did not want to pass off his work as my own. He also has an article in the September LWT magazine.
Thank you all for some wonderful insights into the Parables of Jesus!
Gentile Territory and the Unity of the Church
Pemberville Community Service and Sermon
Pastor Wietelmann did a remarkable job of weaving together Sunday's Gospel reading and our own voyage into Gentile territory on the ship of the Church in his sermon yesterday. It is no secret that nautical imagery has been used for the Church since the beginning. Even Noah's ark is seen as a type for the Church. He was right to challenge us to think about what it means to be sent to the "other side" (of the Lake? of the tracks?).
I have heard several positive comments about the community worship service yesterday. It is a wonderful thing when Christians in a community can gather as one under the lordship of Christ our God. In a 1961 Statement on Christian Unity by the World Council of Churches (the "New Dehli Statement") the following paragraph declares boldly the unity to which we all should be working:
We believe that the unity which is both God’s will and his gift to his Church is being made visible as all in each place who are baptized into Jesus Christ and confess him as Lord and Saviour are brought by the Holy Spirit into one fully committed fellowship, holding the one apostolic faith preaching the one Gospel, breaking the one bread, joining in common prayer, and having a corporate life reaching out in witness and service to all and who at the same time are united with the whole Christian fellowship in all places and all ages in such wise that ministry and members are accepted by all, and that all can act and speak together as occasion requires for the tasks to which God calls his people.
It is for such unity that we believe we must pray and work.
I think we saw a glimpse of that on Sunday and are revitalized to continue to work for the unity of the Church of Christ.
The other thing that struck me about the service was the tent. For the second year now we have used the larger commercial tent for the service. What this means in practical terms is that we are not trying to cram a lot of people into a little space. But I think there is something theologically poignant too, for this tent, like the Church, is enormous and always has room for more. I didn't expect to get an evangelism lesson from a tent, but there it is.
Bible in 90 Days
Look for more information on the Bible in 90 Days program in our area in the near future. For now you can read about it online (http://bible90.blogspot.com/) or visit the official site if you are looking for more information (http://www.biblein90days.org/).
Baptism and Reception
August has been the month for baptisms. On August 3rd we welcomed Callie Marie into the Body of Christ and yesterday we welcomed Jackson Gerald. This Sunday (August 17th) we will welcome Lucy Joy (8:00) and Maddison Ruth (10:30). Our family would like to invite you to a reception for Lucy Joy's baptism in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday school hour. Come and eat some cake and drink some punch as we rejoice in the saving action of God!
Holy Communion Instruction for Children
Since opening the participation in Holy Communion to children younger than fifth grade, I have received a number of requests from parents who are interested in instruction for their child. We hope to have a class or series of classes in the fall. If you and your child desire to receive instruction, please contact me as soon as possible so that arrangements may be made.
See you at the Pemberville Fair!
Pastor Wietelmann did a remarkable job of weaving together Sunday's Gospel reading and our own voyage into Gentile territory on the ship of the Church in his sermon yesterday. It is no secret that nautical imagery has been used for the Church since the beginning. Even Noah's ark is seen as a type for the Church. He was right to challenge us to think about what it means to be sent to the "other side" (of the Lake? of the tracks?).
I have heard several positive comments about the community worship service yesterday. It is a wonderful thing when Christians in a community can gather as one under the lordship of Christ our God. In a 1961 Statement on Christian Unity by the World Council of Churches (the "New Dehli Statement") the following paragraph declares boldly the unity to which we all should be working:
We believe that the unity which is both God’s will and his gift to his Church is being made visible as all in each place who are baptized into Jesus Christ and confess him as Lord and Saviour are brought by the Holy Spirit into one fully committed fellowship, holding the one apostolic faith preaching the one Gospel, breaking the one bread, joining in common prayer, and having a corporate life reaching out in witness and service to all and who at the same time are united with the whole Christian fellowship in all places and all ages in such wise that ministry and members are accepted by all, and that all can act and speak together as occasion requires for the tasks to which God calls his people.
It is for such unity that we believe we must pray and work.
I think we saw a glimpse of that on Sunday and are revitalized to continue to work for the unity of the Church of Christ.
The other thing that struck me about the service was the tent. For the second year now we have used the larger commercial tent for the service. What this means in practical terms is that we are not trying to cram a lot of people into a little space. But I think there is something theologically poignant too, for this tent, like the Church, is enormous and always has room for more. I didn't expect to get an evangelism lesson from a tent, but there it is.
Bible in 90 Days
Look for more information on the Bible in 90 Days program in our area in the near future. For now you can read about it online (http://bible90.blogspot.com/) or visit the official site if you are looking for more information (http://www.biblein90days.org/).
Baptism and Reception
August has been the month for baptisms. On August 3rd we welcomed Callie Marie into the Body of Christ and yesterday we welcomed Jackson Gerald. This Sunday (August 17th) we will welcome Lucy Joy (8:00) and Maddison Ruth (10:30). Our family would like to invite you to a reception for Lucy Joy's baptism in the Fellowship Hall during the Sunday school hour. Come and eat some cake and drink some punch as we rejoice in the saving action of God!
Holy Communion Instruction for Children
Since opening the participation in Holy Communion to children younger than fifth grade, I have received a number of requests from parents who are interested in instruction for their child. We hope to have a class or series of classes in the fall. If you and your child desire to receive instruction, please contact me as soon as possible so that arrangements may be made.
See you at the Pemberville Fair!
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