Claimed, gathered and sent

I had the privilege of preaching at my internship site, Grace Lutheran Church in Petersburg, WV. The text was the gospel reading Matthew 5:21-37.             Relationships. They can be so wonderfully nurturing, so helpful to get us through difficult times in life. Whether they are friends or family. There are people that I’ve had as friends for years. We don’t see each other often, talk often, and yet when we’re together…we pick up right where we left off. They’re the kind of friends you can laugh and cry with.             I have one long time friend like that. Her name is Pat—she laughed with me and cried with me. When my Mom was dying and I was far away overseas, she visited her in the hospital when I couldn’t. Mom died 3 weeks before I returned to the States. Pat mourned with me. When I struggled with readjusting to life in the States, Pat walked with me. And we still p...

Revival is not something Lutherans discuss much, except with possible disdain when it comes to its seemingly inherent emotionalism. Jim Wallis at Sojourners has a different idea about revival though and is conducting justice revivals. Here is a clip of one in conjunction with a Vineyard Church.

An interesting series is taking place at Jim Wallis' blog. I just read part two of five on social justice. The author is a Vineyard pastor, a group which rightly or wrongly I always associated with typically conservative, charismatic, evangelical convictions. This may be the case generally, but this pastor is well aware of the bigger picture: what the kingdom of God is about. Take a look.

Take a look at Bob Robinson's article, "Inequity between the Rich and the Poor" on http://vanguardchurch.blogspot.com/. It's very thought provoking, calling the church to task regarding the rich and poor. Peace Powered by ScribeFire .