http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/index.php en pastorwade@firstlutheranchurch.com Copyright 2010 2010-07-29T22:58:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/coffee_with_the_kucks/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/coffee_with_the_kucks/#When:22:58:00Z “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19 Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!  I deeply appreciated the refreshment that my sabbatical time afforded me during the months of May and June.  It is a great blessing that First Lutheran recognizes sabbatical time as a ministry to its pastors and their families.  It allows us to “back away” from direct ministry for a time and to recharge our batteries through prayer and study and renewal time redirected toward relationships other than those in the congregation.  To that end I enjoyed a few extra cups of coffee with colleagues at the Synod Assembly in May and at the Academy of the Rockies in June.  I also had opportunity to have a cup or two with my Dad at his resort near Remer (although he keeps sneaking de-caf into the pot…hmmm.) There was a thermos or two (or four) of coffee with my former college roommate, John, while on a fishing weekend in Canada, and a bit more time for a leisurely cup with my wife while catching up on my “honey-do list” at home. So, again, my thanks to you…and certainly to Pastor Dave and the rest of the staff…for picking up the slack and making this time away possible. That being said, it is good to be back in worship with you and sharing a cup of coffee during visits in the office or out of the office – in whatever place it is that FLC is busy – and looking toward the year ahead.  And…looking ahead…if there is one cup of coffee I am looking to have in the near future it would be with the new missionary couple sponsored by First Lutheran.  The Holmans have finished their ministry assignment in Jerusalem and we have been reassigned new missionaries.  This is rather exciting because Pastor David and Mary Kuck are parents of Ben, who with his wife, Christi and son Isaac are members of our congregation!  Ben and I have had many a chat about his parents work when he services my vehicles over at Jiffy Lube.  Pastor David Kuck is a teacher of Bible and Preaching at the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica and Mary Kuck teaches English for the Jamaican vocational training agency at the college. The Kucks are two of 250 missionaries deployed over 50 countries who work hand-in-hand with churches and other ministry companions, teaching, preaching, healing, nurturing, building, and growing.  In January these included 101 long-term missionaries, 49 Young Adults in Global Mission, 47 volunteers, and 23 two-year missionaries.  These folks are directly supported by the ELCA Global Mission Budget, ELCA World Hunger, and gifts to ELCA Missionary Sponsorship.  (Our gifts get to them by way of all these means.) The Kucks just happen to be in the US visiting family this month, and although they won’t be scheduled for an “official visit” until next year, they plan to join us for worship on August 1st.  I look forward to this opportunity and future opportunities to have a cup of coffee with the Kucks, not only because I hope to share some “Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee,” but because I am intrigued by the teaching ministry of Pastor Kuck and his recently published book, “Preaching in the Caribbean:  Building Up a People for Mission.” He and Mary have answered the call to “make disciples of all nations,” and are helping the Christian Community of Jamaica to tell the story of Jesus.  With you, I look forward to hearing their stories. Serving with you, Pastor Wade 2010-07-29T22:58:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/living_for_a_testimony/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/living_for_a_testimony/#When:17:34:01Z Brothers and Sisters in Christ, “Pastor,” she asked, “Would you say something nice about my husband at his funeral like you did for so-and-so’s husband’s funeral?” And, people of God, you need to know that this was a real question asked by a real person at a real funeral. And actually, it’s asked more often than anyone would know because it reflects the deeper question, “Did my life make a difference it the lives of others…or not?” It’s much the same question Tony Campolo asked a group of young people years ago, “Young People, are you living your living seeking TITLES…or so people will give TESTIMONY to the difference you have made in their lives. When your family and friends gather for your funeral, after they through some dirt on your grave and go back to the church, will they talk about the TITLE you have earned, or will they give TESTIMONY to the difference you made in their lives?” My reflecting about this comes from two places: First…from Pastor Wade’s “Over Coffee” from last month when he reflected upon the difference that Don Danielson (Karen Bimberg’s father) made in the lives of so many in his years of caring for people as a musician. I was deeply touched as I read Wade’s “testimony” to the life of a wonderful, faithful follower of Jesus. Second…I couldn’t help but think of this when I picked up the Tuesday, April 20th Fargo Forum and read the headline “Couple remembered for service to church”. The article continued by giving testimony to the difference a young couple, who had been killed in a motorcycle accident, made in the life of their church (Peace Lutheran in Fargo) and the lives of several individuals who had been touched through their service. Brothers and Sisters in Christ…what do you want the headline in the paper to read when it comes time for your funeral to be announced? Very simply, the answer comes from how you are living and serving people today!! Last Sunday in worship, while reflecting upon what it means to “know the end of the story” Pastor Wade suggested: If we knew we were going to end up at the free throw line at the end of the game with the game on the line, we would surely shoot an extra 25 free throws after practice every night. If we knew that a one point better score on our ACT test would get us into the college of our choice or win a $10,000 scholarship, we would prepare a bit better. If we know we were going to meet the lovely lady we have wanted to ask to the prom at the Dairy queen, we might have showered after practice. If we knew… We do know actually. We do know about our mortality: and our immortality!! Lent reminds us we do know that “from dust we came and to dust we return”. Easter reminds us Jesus has prepared a place for us…a place we can only see dimly today: someday we will see face to face. Until then…we live prepared. We live in ways so that indeed, the pastor can say some nice things about you at your funeral…because…what s/he says simply reflects the ways we lived, as followers of the Risen Christ!! Pastor's Corner 2010-05-01T17:34:01-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/he_is_risenholy_hilarity_sunday_is_a_new_way_to_celebrate_at_first_lutheran/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/he_is_risenholy_hilarity_sunday_is_a_new_way_to_celebrate_at_first_lutheran/#When:16:03:00Z HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!! And with these words, we will greet one another on Easter morning…after we journey through the Holiness of Holy Week!! I encourage all of God’s People to be sure to prepare themselves for the Easter Resurrection Celebration by journeying with Jesus to the cross...through the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. AND THEN…with Holy Week ending…we re-gather on Easter morning to greet one another with the only words of Hope that bring the promise of Abundant Life today and Life with Christ for all eternity….HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!! And then what?? This year, the “AND THEN WHAT” begins with the re-gathering of God’s people in Worship on April 11th to celebrate HOLY HILARITY SUNDAY…a new way to celebrate the resurrection this year at First Lutheran. HOLY HILARITY SUNDAY is an ancient Christian tradition of celebrating the resurrection with humor and lightheartedness…because, theologically speaking…the resurrection can be viewed as God’s great joke on the devil. You see, the devil thought he’d won: Christ had been crucified and was now dead in the tomb. Then, three days later – ha ha ha – Christ is Risen!! Our HOLY HILARITY planning team is having a great time getting ready for this continuation of the celebration of Easter…and we invite you to make your plans now also. What can you do to prepare?  Look up all the verses in the scriptures that speak of the power of laughter in our lives. Start with Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones”.  Plan out what “Holy Hilarity” outfit you want to wear…what silly hat, or mis-matched shoes, or clashing outfit, or, check out Bob Wood, who prepared an outfit with two sets of hands because, as he suggests with tongue in cheek) 4 hands gives his prayers double power (check out http://www.laughinglutherans.com).  Plan out what you want to bring to the Holy Hilarity potluck/celebration taking place from 12:00 to 1:30 on Holy Hilarity Sunday.  Find your favorite Easter stories and send them to me via email: pastordave@firstlutheranchurch.com, and maybe we can work them into the potluck Holy Hilarity celebration.  Take a look at http://www.reverendfun.com for even more ideas and times of laughter!! We’re getting ready to celebrate – HE IS RISEN!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!! May the Easter resurrections celebrations begin!! Blessings to all, Pastor Dave P.S. Did you hear the one about??? Pastor's Corner 2010-04-01T16:03:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/an_encourager_for_jesus/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/an_encourager_for_jesus/#When:17:26:00Z 9For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 “When I was leaving Bygland congregation and moving to Vining,” Pastor Carl Anderson was telling me,” Don called me up one day and said, ‘Let’s have coffee.’” He was speaking of Don Danielson, Karen Bimberg’s father, who died suddenly of a stroke last week.  “It was a bit of a surprise…Don was at Our Savior’s in East Grand Forks…but he’d been at a lot of services I had led over the years and Don just wanted to have a last cup of coffee…to encourage me.” Carl and I just happened to be having coffee last week at a Pastor’s gathering in Moorhead and were talking about Don’s funeral.  For those of you who did not know him, Don was not a pastor, but he was a minister – a minister of encouragement greatly appreciated by all those who had the privilege of sharing time with him. I myself did not know Don Danielson all that well, except that he was Karen’s Dad and that he would show up at least once a year in worship here at First Lutheran and Karen would twist his arm to sing for us (I don’t think she had to twist very hard) and he would, through his lovely, strong voice, bring the Good news in song. I can only imagine that this gift of song brought the same encouragement to many a wedding or funeral throughout his nearly eighty years of life.  Don’s ministry of encouragement was not only in the use of his own gifts, however.  Don also encouraged others to use their gifts – particularly their musical gifts.  We at first Lutheran experience that first-hand through his daughter, Karen.  She “caught” the love her Dad had for music and with his encouragement made music her life’s calling both in the schools and here at the church. Karen was not the only one so encouraged.  Reading Don’s life’s story last week made it apparent to me that Don must have encouraged countless others through the years, teaching music in East Grand Forks and leading the church choir at Our Savior’s for over 35 years.  During that time and even through his retirement years, Don encouraged through involvement in various Music and Education associations and through “judging” music contests and festivals.  In these contests and festivals he could stay connected to colleagues and to young people and to the music he loved.  I can tell you from experience with my own children how influential “judges” can be in not only evaluating but also “cheering on” budding artists. Even from my vantage point it is not hard to see that Don Danielson picked up on the “tenor” of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church.  “Encourage one another and build each other up, even as you are doing.” My friend, Pastor Carl, certainly received that gift of encouragement from Don. So, as you reflect over your cup of coffee this day, who has Jesus sent to encourage you?  And to whom are you being sent as an encourager?  May God bless the community as we answer our call! Following the Risen Christ with you, Pastor Wade 2010-03-25T17:26:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/lent_is_always_leading_us_to_jesus/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/lent_is_always_leading_us_to_jesus/#When:23:05:00Z “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.” Luke 4:1-2 “So, Pastor, are you giving up coffee for Lent?” They usually smile when they say it.  And I can’t always tell if they are serious…but they probably know that there are few things that it would be harder for me to give up on a daily basis!  And, in case you are wondering…I am not.  I am having a cup of coffee even as I write.  (How else could I write “Over Coffee?) But this Lent thing…some of you grew up with Lent in the cycle of the church year and you remember special services and “giving up” for Lent – an annual discipline of sacrifice and worship that acknowledges our Lord’s sacrifice for us.  We focused on our sin and need and our response to Jesus gift. If you remember, “giving up” was not intended to be self-punishment, but rather “giving up” so I might “give more” in another way.  I give up a meal or pop or chocolate, so from the savings I accrued, I might give a gift to those who do not have the same access to meal or pop or chocolate that I do.  I give up television or a noon meal, so I might have a season of devotional reading or of serving – say visiting a neighbor or helping with a service project instead of watching “Wheel of Fortune” or re-runs of “Friends.” “Giving up” was intended to aid us in “giving life,” remembering that Jesus “gave up” to “give life.” So…you know all that…but Lent sometimes seems so “yesterday.” Does it even work today?  I mean, it is so counter to everything else that is going on in our lives.  Our culture (watch the advertising on TV) is increasingly built on thrills and entertainment, and focused on youth and health.  Spending time focusing on the brokenness and pain of life – Ash Wednesday and sin and “ashes to ashes” – is a bit out of the norm.  Indeed.  But it is also a gift that opens us to a freeing honesty about our humanness and our frailty and invites us to receive again the transforming power of Jesus that heals wounds and renews life. My devotional reading this week led me to a piece by a friend of mine, Pastor Dave Risendal in Greenwood Village, Colorado.  He writes: “Lent done rightly is hard work.  It is not easy to look our weaknesses and our failures square in the eye.  But ultimately, as challenging as that kind of work can be, it can also be a life-giving gift.  Because only by owning our brokenness and our frailty can we receive the gifts of forgiveness and renewal that God offers us.  Only by admitting our need for the Savior can we experience gifts of forgiveness and renewal that God offers us.  Only by admitting our need for the Savior can we experience the true joy that comes from knowing what God has done on our behalf.  Lent is designed to be the winter of our soul that leads into the springtime of God’s grace.” No doubt some of us would rather go south to Arizona or Texas and avoid winter and just have springtime!  Some of us would rather avoid the reflection and confession and just have the grace.  But they work together, you see.  Lent is always leading us through honest reflection to a deeper reception of the wonder of Easter and the promised transformation of wounded, broken, dying lives (now) into the whole and restored and eternal lives (now and forever) given through Jesus. From the prayer for the First Sunday in Lent: “O Lord God, you led your people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land.  Guide us now, so that, following your Son, we may walk safely through the wilderness of this world toward the life you alone can give, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.” Lent is always leading us to Jesus.  May we make the most of the journey! Pastor Wade 2010-03-01T23:05:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/team_mates_in_christ/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/team_mates_in_christ/#When:16:31:00Z TEAM-MATES in Christ, I AM enjoying the Olympics this winter...more than any other Olympics that I can remember. Part of the reason, I think, is because I get the sense that this year, the US team far more resembles a TEAM than they have ever been in the past. For example: On Sunday it was the men’s HOCKEY TEAM that won a big game against the Canadians. On Tuesday it was the women’s HOCKEY TEAM that won a game to put them into the gold medal game. Last night, it was the CURLING TEAM that lost and are now out of medal contention. Yet, as I read the morning reports today, John Schuster, the CURLING TEAM captain said, “We’re a team that puts threes and fours on the board on a pretty regular basis”….but weren’t able to do it last night. And…it goes deeper than this. Over and over in the Olympic reports that I’ve been reading, the bigger sense of TEAM appears to be shining through…as I read of hockey players supporting and cheering on the skiers, and skaters are encouraging the bob-sledders, and more!! Without question, I have really enjoyed watching our Olympians this year. For much of the same reasons, I’m also enjoying ministry at First Lutheran this new year as both our individual teams are doing some great things and the bigger picture TEAM ministry that is being done in Jesus name!! This Lent the DRAMA TEAM is up and running…with several new faces joining up to bring the God’s message to us through the Lenten Dramas. How about the ALTAR GUILD TEAM…a team that is in transition now that team leader BEV has “retired” and SUE and JEAN and others are picking up the lead? The FOOD PACKING TEAM that came together to pack food kits at Trinity was super…it was both fun and deeply satisfying to be part of that one-time team!! The Pancake breakfasts served by the YOUTH TEAM have been wonderful. It’s good to have this team up and running with Grant as Team leader. What a Joy it has been to watch the CHILDREN’S TEAM do the ministry they do with our children. Our leadership team of the VISION COUNCIL TEAM has done a great job of keeping us centered in the difficult journey of how to respond to the ELCA decision…while at the same time seeking ways to keep First Lutheran growing in faith and love as followers of Jesus. The WORSHIP MINISTRY TASK FORCE TEAM is coming together with energy and excitement. The STAFF TEAM keeps ministry happening on a day-to-day basis in incredible ways!! All this leads me to several final thoughts: • THANK YOU to each and every member of the TEAM at First Lutheran!! • All these teams are at their best when we work together serving the BIG TEAM…the Church!! • Have YOU found YOUR place in the FIRST LUTHERAN TEAM?? This is so important because: • First Lutheran is at it’s best when EVERY MEMBER has found their place in the TEAM!! THANK you fellow TEAMMATES at First Lutheran. Together we can accomplish GREAT things as we work as a TEAM, serving Jesus together!! An appreciative Teammate in Christ, Pastor's Corner 2010-03-01T16:31:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/members_of_the_body_of_christ/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/members_of_the_body_of_christ/#When:16:33:00Z Brothers and Sisters in Christ…fellow members of the body of Christ…the family of God, Last Sunday in worship, we heard these words from 1 Corinthians 12: 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. And then, after reflecting on the body needing every member, without distinction: 24But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, 25 that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. This Christmas, it was fun…it was delightful…it was heart-warming…it was touching….to read the Christmas letters that you (members of the Body of Christ) sent our way, as you shared in your celebrations and in your struggles of life and faith. THANK YOU for sharing your stories with Joy and me, as fellow members of the body of Christ. In these stories we heard again how important is it to be linked with the Body of Christ: the family of God! Consider two of the Christmas stories shared with in these powerful Christmas letters: The first starts with: WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT HIM! The words of “THE MESSIAH” from Isaiah 53:4-6 are very meaningful to us these days. We’ve not been able to celebrate Christmas as usual this year. There’s a sadness in the air – the thought of losing my beloved husband. He wrote the following a few weeks ago: “I must tell you the bad news. I have been diagnosed with cancer. I have been so healthy my whole life that this has been quite a shock to us. I am signed up for hospice care and would very much like to remain home until the rest of the close family arrives in January. These have been wonderful and adventurous times with many great friends, almost all of whom we know, not only personally, but also ‘in the Spirit’. We have come to see how very important is the Body of Christ and the people who make up the body. Don’t sell yourself short. We are all so very important to one another. Find your place in Christ!!” The second, a father reflecting on his daughter’s difficult journey with cancer the year before: The big question she faced was whether she could return to teaching. Aided by a colleague who offered to fill in as needed and others who arranged her classroom for her, providing a chair for her to use as she taught, she returned to teach one class. As time went by, she regained her strength, able to be on her feet during most of the class; Thanks to these caring people. We’re also thankful to their neighbors, who kept their sidewalk and driveway shoveled and to friends and fellow church members who provided food all winter. We found ourselves filled again and again with gratitude at the outpouring of support that she and her family received. The body of Christ is a wonderful gift. Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for sharing your Christmas stories and letters with us. As we grow in Christ this year, I hear words of wisdom spoken for all to hear: We have come to see how very important is the Body of Christ and the people who make up the body. Don’t sell yourself short” We are all so very important to one another. Find your place in Christ!!” A fellow and grateful brother in Christ, Pastor's Corner 2010-02-01T16:33:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/new_adventures_new_friends/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/new_adventures_new_friends/#When:15:38:00Z “Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth to Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.” Luke 2:4-5 “In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is he child who has been born king of the Jews, for we observed his star at its rising?” Matthew 2:1-2 I reflected with you last month that my take on my Christmas plans as compared to Mary and Joseph’s Christmas plans. I shared with you that it is a a little hard to pick up in the story that they really had a “family reunion” when they went to Bethlehem, even though it was the town of Joseph’s ancestors.  It might in fact be that Joseph and Mary had never before been to Bethlehem and didn’t really know any of the “family” there. It may in fact have been a once in a life-time trip that they would never have taken if it had not been for Caesar Augustus and God. Certainly no one was waiting with a guest room for their arrival! So, I wondered, “Would I risk going to a place I had never been before, meeting people I had never met before, doing things I had never done before, as they did, simply because I believed God was leading?” And then I prayed, “Where, Lord?” as perhaps you did too in your Advent preparations. This month I am wondering, where has the Lord led you?  What new people and situations have you found yourself in where you could be God’s “incarnational presence?” One new place I found myself was through my son, Bryce.  (Kind of like Caesar Augustus directing Joseph and Mary.) After many years of being a basketball player, Bryce “heard the call” to join the wrestling team this year.  He is having a great time and learning a lot.  So am I!  One thing I have learned is that I know very few of the parents and members of this community who attend Wrestling Meets.  I have always been a basketball parent, you understand, so at basketball games I knew people and where to sit.  Now, I walk into the gym and I know very few if any.  Where do I sit?  Who can I talk to?  I think it is the experience of many who come to worship in our church – or any church – and wonder, “Where do I fit?” But I am finding my way and meeting some very nice people and finding my way into conversations about life and faith with people that I have never talked to before.  (I have also discovered that because there are no half-times at wrestling meets and every match flows into the next it is hard to know when to go for coffee.) God has been showing me a new community and blessing me as I get to know it.  I pray that I might be a light in some new way in my interactions.  And that you might be a light, too, wherever you are being led.  Shining with you, Pastor Wade P.S.  Thanks, too for shining your lights into the life of my family during our Advent and Christmas celebrations – your cards and goodies and gifts have been most appreciated.  We are blessed to be a part of the Church that is First Lutheran! 2010-02-01T15:38:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/my_christmas_letter_to_the_family_of_god_at_first_lutheran/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/my_christmas_letter_to_the_family_of_god_at_first_lutheran/#When:16:35:00Z Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I thought this year, I would use my newsletter space to share some of the family happenings in my family as I’ve been asked by many what’s happening with my family members now that they have left the nest and are out on their own. In a sense, this could be seen as my “Christmas Letter” to you, brothers and sisters in Christ at First Lutheran. Please know that I share these thoughts with gratitude in my heart for all those at First Lutheran who have helped in the raising of my (our) young adults. From Sunday School teachers to confirmation guides, to members of the Worship team, to people sending notes of appreciation and encouragement…so many have had a hand in shaping the hearts and minds of our children. Joy and I give thanks to each and to all. Our oldest, Joshua, is now a “super” senior (5th year) at North Dakota State University in Fargo. He is closing in on his dreams of being a military musician (he’s a member of the ND Guard Band) having completed his Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in the Army Guard this past summer. He also plays guitar in Avalanche, a local Country Rock Band based in Fargo. He’ll do his student teaching (as a music education major) next year when he’s a “super duper” senior (6th year of college)!! Joy and I get to hear many of his concerts and recitals throughout the year. Dan, our second son, completed his 2-year law enforcement degree at Alexandria Technical College last May and then completed his Advanced Individual Training with the Army Guard in September. He’s now set to join the ROTC and spend the next three years of his life at North Dakota State University earning a Criminal justice degree as well as completing his Officer training for the Army National Guard. His part time employment is driving armored cars!! What a deal…he loves it!! Angela, our oldest daughter, is home this week after completing her first semester at the University of Minnesota, Crookston. She was thrilled to make the equestrian team as a freshman and has ridden in several of the NCAA horse competitions this fall; earning a first place in her very first competition. She had a great start on her way to fulfilling her dream of being entering Veterinarian School. Melody, our youngest, continues to be nourished by you, our brothers and sisters in faith, at First Lutheran. She is in the middle of her junior year at DLHS; thoroughly enjoying her volleyball, band, choir, piano, work at Lucky Dog, and being the only child at home. As for Joy and me…we give thanks daily for the opportunity to live within the community of faith at First Lutheran. We count it a privilege to do ministry together with you, our brothers and sisters in Christ. We continue to be amazed (and grateful) for all the ways you, God’s people, share your lives and serve others through the ministries we do together. Joy made the comment the other day of how overjoyed she was with the response of people making the Christmas store work again this year. It was wonderful!! I look forward to what the new year will bring…what God will do with us, in us, and through us. In particular, I’m really looking forward to the formation of the Worship Task Force…as we seek to re-invigorate our worship of the Living God at First Lutheran. THANK YOU for your partnership is raising our children (young adults)…and doing ministry together. May God richly bless our next year of ministry together!! Pastor's Corner 2010-01-01T16:35:00-05:00 http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blog/entry/gods_christmas_plans_and_ours/ http://www.firstlutheranchurch.com/blogs/gods_christmas_plans_and_ours/#When:23:22:00Z “Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth to Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.” Luke 2:4-5 I’m on my way to Nebraska this week.  I’m going to do a little hunting and drink a little coffee with the farmers of my first congregation.  We’ll ride around in pick-ups and tell a lot of stories, most of them true.  And we’ll laugh and renew friendships and drink more coffee.  It’s an annual get-together I look forward to, kind of like many of you look forward to “Deer Camp” or the way many of us are already beginning to look forward to Thanksgiving or Christmas – a time to get the family together and eat and laugh and reconnect with people we love.  Thanksgiving and Christmas is about thanking God and celebrating the birth of Jesus, but it’s also a lot about spending some extra time with people we love and care about. That being said, I was looking ahead at the Christmas story as we enter into December, and I was thinking about Joseph and Mary’s “Christmas Journey” to see family.  Except, as I read the story, it’s a little hard to pick up that they really had a “family reunion” with people that they hadn’t seen lately, but who were anxiously awaiting their arrival.  It might in fact be that Joseph and Mary had never before been to Bethlehem and didn’t really know any of the “family” there.  Travel in those days was certainly not so easy as it is for us and this may have been a once in a life-time trip that they would never have taken if it had not been for Caesar Augustus and God. It would be a little like me going back to Valley City, ND where my mother’s mother grew up, or even further, back to Norway, where they emigrated from.  I wouldn’t know anyone there and they wouldn’t know me.  I would be a stranger in a strange land.  But, if I was sent by God…well?  Would I go?  Would I risk going to a place I had never been before, meeting people I had never met before, doing things I had never done before?  Would I have the sense of purpose and direction that Joseph and Mary had in leaving that which they knew to venture into something they knew nothing of except that God was leading? I’m not sure…but I’d like to think so… During the Advent Season – the “season of preparation” for our Lord’s coming and the Christmas season, and in honor of Joseph and Mary’s journey into the unknown, I am going to be praying about and looking to do something I have never done before, to meet someone that I have never met before, to serve in a way that I have never served before… I invite you to consider doing the same…in celebration of Mary and Joseph’s daring faithfulness…and…in recognition that our God seems to like doing things that have never been done before…in places we have never visited before…with people we have never met before…as God did so long ago with a young couple who followed God’s lead to Bethlehem.  Let me know where God leads you and what you learn…I’ll be doing the same. Following with you, Pastor Wade 2009-12-01T23:22:00-05:00