Claimed, gathered and sent

"We are resurrection people who pray first, walk together and change lives" is the mission statement of the Upstate New York Synod, the synod to which I now belong. These words have been going through my mind especially now that it is Easter and we are celebrating the resurrection. This coming Sunday's gospel is from John 20:19-31 . As I have been reading, studying, and meditating upon it, I keep hearing that mission statement. Should our focus be on Thomas or should it be on what Jesus is doing? If we embrace this text in terms of God's action in Christ, then we will can be the kind of active resurrection people that God is calling us to be...and lives will change.

From this                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ...

Region 7 , which for me is going back home. I'm originally from Rochester, NY, which is in the Upstate NY Synod. I lived in the New England Synod before coming to seminary. March 17-18, those of us assigned to Region 7 will meet with bishops from the region at the Philadelphia Seminary. We will have interviews with the bishops and from there will find out which synod we're assigned to. Google Image

Special thanks to Dan Clendenin at Journey with Jesus for sharing this poem by one of my favorite theologians, Walter Brueggeman. Marked by Ashes Ruler of the Night, Guarantor of the day . . . This day — a gift from you. This day — like none other you have ever given, or we have ever received. This Wednesday dazzles us with gift and newness and possibility. This Wednesday burdens us with the tasks of the day, for we are already halfway home      halfway back to committees and memos,      halfway back to calls and appointments,      halfway on to next Sunday,      halfway back, half frazzled, half expectant,      half turned toward you, half rather not. This Wednesday is a long way from Ash Wednesday,    but all our Wednesdays are marked by ashes —      we b...

Gospel in the dirt | Faith & Leadership

Tomorrow is the revelation of Regional Assignments for graduating ELCA MDiv seminarians. I'm really going to be a pastor. With all the excitement and unknown in the coming days, I keep coming back to one of my favorite prayers. I think it resonates with each of us as followers of Christ. O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ( Evangelical Lutheran Worship ) Google Image