Why Bad Things Happen… and Why God Cares!

One of the biggest and most frequent mistakes we make when we read scripture, is to assign too much meaning to a single passage. While individual passages are often wonderful treasures of precious truth, it’s a mistake to ever believe that a single passage reveals the whole truth about God; in fact even our entire set of biblical books barely begins to reveal the nature and reality of God. We human beings are limited in our ability to comprehend God, so when we begin to believe we have God figured out, it’s time for a reality check.

A Matter of Loyalty

I’m going to suggest that one of the ways we can take the time of Lent this year to strengthen our identity as loyal children of God in a very tangible way, firmly and deeply rooted in God’s word, is heeding the words of Jesus in Matthew, and feeding the hungry of our world. The leaders of our congregation have committed us to being part of the ELCA’s 40 Days of Giving for World Hunger.

The Baptism of Jesus

Sarah was at the kitchen sink, washing the last of the breakfast dishes. Her 2 older children were off to school- the bus had left just a few minutes before- and Pete, her 4 year old was busy coloring pictures and preparing his daily morning story. Pete LOVED making up stories, and it had become […]

The Word of Love that Changes Everything

Second Sunday of Christmas, January 3, 2016 Let’s imagine that as this new year is beginning, we looked around us and thought “As I look back on 2015, it seems as though there were some remarkable things that happened. Some that were really good, some that were less than stellar and some that were downright […]

Flock and Herd?

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST–B Pr. 11; LECTIONARY 16 July 19, 2015 Peace Lutheran, Grass Valley CA THE FUNNIES: Sitting by the window of her convent one evening, Sister Barbara opened a letter from her parents which contained a $100 bill. Sister Barbara smiled at the gesture.  While she read the letter, she noticed a […]