Happiness h2odevos fia 031511

H2o devos fia 031511 Happiness
Tuesday

“Sweet Nothing …Nothing at all
Sweet Nothing…
When nothin’ makes me happy
No one does it better than you
Makes me happy”
Peter Mayer/Mac McAnally/Jim Mayer

www.petermayer.com/songs/sweet-nothing

I remember when the Good News Bible appeared in the year 1966. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_News_Bible


One of the remarkable aspects of this particular version was that it translated the word normally translated as "blessed" in the Beatitudes as "happy." There was quite a furor about whether Jesus was actually talking about people being "happy" or not.

I remember lots of caring conversations (well, actually they were arguments) whether or not "blessed" and "happy" were synonymous terms.

Today that debate and conversation seems so innocent and so long ago.


I know and I'm sure you do too, "blessed" people who aren't particularly "happy." Conversely, we all know "happy" people who don't consider themselves to be "blessed." Lent isn't normally a season where we associate "happiness" with most of the proceedings. As a youngster I remember that mid-week Advent services featured cookies and some kind of punch or hot cocoa. However, during Lent we often received a nail at mid-week services and were told to contemplate our sinfulness and responsibility in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

I've been thinking a great deal about happiness and blessedness these days. I know there are sad times as the writer of Lamentations notes:


"my soul is bereft of peace;
I have forgotten what happiness is;" (3:17)

And yet, there are also times and moments of deep, deep happiness. In fact, Jesus said,

"I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11) It is truly a blessing to be able to celebrate life and hope.

In fact, just five verses from the previous quote from Lamentations, right in the middle of all that sadness, unhappiness and struggle, these words are confessed and professed:

21But this I call to mind,
and therefore I have hope:
22The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
23they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24"The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."
25The LORD is good to those who wait for him,
to the soul that seeks him.



Wow, talk about your attitude adjustment. Now, I don't know if that person felt "happy" but they did feel a sense of being blessed. Perhaps the recognition of being blessed leads to happiness and hope.


Rabbi Harold Kushner writes,

"Moses was wise enough to know that people will often disappoint you, that they will be weak and unreliable, that they will forget to thank you, but you must love them anyway. You must do the right thing not for the applause or the reward but because it is the right thing to do, and you must never forget who and what you are really working for. Like the man who visited his Alzheimer's afflicted wife daily, do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are." (page 47-78) Overcoming Life's Disappointments


Having the angel "Happiness" wing her way into our lives might just change how we view ourselves and others.


"For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that's Moses, not Jesus. I haven't heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere."
Kurt Vonnegut


So, today, maybe while you're having the Breakfast of Champions, spend some time
internalizing these words of HAPPINESS and BLESSEDNESS.


When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.


Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.



Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.


Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.


Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.


Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.


Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets

who were before you. (Matthew 5)


Happiness 2 U !

rtg

"Sweetness" h2o devos fia 031411

H2o devos fia 031411 Sweetness
Monday

“Sweet Nothing …Nothing at all
Sweet Nothing…
When nothin’ makes me happy
No one does it better than you
Makes me happy”
Peter Mayer/Mac McAnally/Jim Mayer

www.petermayer.com/songs/sweet-nothing

Yesterday my colleague Pastor Ruth Ann and I co-officiated at a wedding for Mary and John. It was a small, intimate gathering among family and friends. For both bride and groom it was a second marriage. Love was in the air. It was all so very, very sweet. A young granddaughter of the groom was very dressed up in a polka-dotted dress. I remarked to her, “you have on a lovely dress.” A big smile came to her face and she sweetly said, “Yes, I know!”

I thought of Delia’s angel, “Sweetness.” When we have a “little faith in angels” we catch glimpses of the joy and happiness which surrounds us. There are honeycombs all around us!

From Thursday evening through noon on Saturday several members of Bethany and the pastoral staff were at a Lenten retreat in the mountains. It was a sweet time of caring conversations, service, rituals and traditions and devotions. It is always great when the people of God gather together to pray, sing and study scripture. I had written my devos in advance and through the wonders of technology was able to time their release through Cynthia’s able and caring hands. We were “fasting” from news media because of intent as well as location. In other words we didn’t receive much info about the tsunami and subsequent tragic consequences, specifically the loss of life, significant property damage and emotional trauma.

There are lots of ways to respond in addition to offering prayers and caring thoughts. Lots of agencies are ready, willing and able to accept gifts of financial relief. I made a gift on Sunday through the ELCA Disaster Response. It felt like a “sweet” thing to do.A link is provided for your convenience.

https://community.elca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=631

Our good friends at Metro CareRing (a local food pantry) have posted the following sign in the area where clients are able to select food. This food pantry helps the working poor. I often say this wonderful "place is for people for whom the month is 3-5 days too long." I am so happy that clients are able to choose something sweet!

I so enjoy Peter singing the words, “sweet nothing.” At one point in the song he confesses “all I want tonight is something to believe in.” Well, I know the words from the Book of Proverbs (which I like to call the “Twitter of the Bible”) are true and something we can all believe in:

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” (Proverbs 16:24)

Today you can be that angels of “Sweetness” as you say pleasant words. You can make someone happy. And as the young folks like to say, “SWEET!”

rtg

Spring Forward with Compassion 031311 First Sunday in Lent

H2o devos fia 031311 Spring Forward with Compassion
First Sunday in Lent
March 13, 2011

“You say that love songs bring you down
Can't depend anything
But I've seen a silver bird leave the ground
Rising high on a borrowed wing
Chorus
Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”

I suppose we should make a little sign that reads, “It’s about compassion!” So much of what comes to us through various media reveals what seems to me is a lack of compassion. In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 4:1-11 we see and hear how Jesus resisted temptation. Jesus has compassion for us because as the writer of Hebrews noted,
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin,” (Hebrews 4:15)
I love the last line of the gospel lesson for today, “11Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.”

I simple love the picture by Tissot, which is titled in French (Jésus assisté par les anges). Just imagine the cosmic compassion which was exhibited for Jesus. Just imagine the cosmic compassion which is exhibited for you and for me




I am currently reading a book by Karen Armstrong, 12 Steps to a Compassionate Life.
In 2008 she won a TED prize
www.ted.com/talks/karen_armstrong_makes_her_ted_prize_wish_the_charter_for_ compassion.html
which she has launched into a Charter for Compassion

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charter_for_Compassion
The charter calls us to note, “The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious,
ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be
treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of
our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another
there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating
everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.”

St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians asked, (I Cor. 3) “ 16Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” This is just simply amazing stuff here. Think of that, God’s Spirit dwells in you and in me.
There’s really nothing else to say except, “Go in peace, serve the Lord.” “Thanks be to God.”

Compassion, it’s the heart of the matter.
Peace,
rtg

The Adventure of Lent 031209 FAITH in Angels

H2o devos fia 031211 The Adventure of Lent
Saturday

“Open up that secret smile
Filled with pieces of a dream
Let's take a chance on a moonlit while
While there's still time to believe”

A quick look at “Adventure” reveals a dipstick running down the center of her body. Delia told me that a gentleman was walking down their street and found the dipstick on the street. He knocked on the door at the Stewart house and inquired if it was their dipstick. Delia’s husband, Brent indicated that all their dipsticks were present and accounted for. So, the man asked Brent to dispose of the dipstick. It ended up in a pile of stuff in the garage. Delia was inspired to attach it to “Adventure.” Lent is a time to make sure that our “dipstick” is present and accounted for. Maybe we need as Peter suggests to see if we are a “quart low” on dreams.

Peter sings about a mosaic of a smile “filled with pieces of a dream.” It stands to make sense that if smiles are “filled with pieces of a dream” then maybe frowns are filled with pieces of nightmares. I believe I read somewhere that it takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown. Wow, it is harder work to be sad than to be happy.
Peter is right in calling us to take “a chance.” Taking a chance is an exercise in faith. The author of Hebrews wrote, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”( Hebrews 11:1) In the favorite board game MONOPOLY

there are “chance” cards. Perhaps in the “game of life” we should present one another with “Faith” cards. At those crossroads or junctions in our lives when we need to make a difficult decision how cool it would be to have some person share a “Faith” card. Having that card in hand or on one’s heart just might make the difference between a frown or a smile.
The wings of “Adventure” are made from a license plate. License plates indicate where a vehicle is from but probably aren’t such a good indicator of where one is going. As Peter suggests
“Open up that secret smile
Filled with pieces of a dream
Let's take a chance on a moonlit while
While there's still time to believe”
Be sure your dreams are up to the recommended level of the manufacturer (i.e GOD).
Rtg

"Attitude of Gratitude" h20devos fia 031111

H2o devos fia 031111 Attitude of Gratitude
Friday

“Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”
www.petermayer.com/songs/faith-in-angels

I am so grateful that Peter has invited us to be on the alert for angels. I am thankful that he encourages us to have faith in order that we might see. The wings of “Gratitude” by Delia have a positive effect on me. I see them as a smile across the sky.

(part of this devo first appeared in a sermon on 1/16/2011 Epiphany 2a)

For the past fifteen years or so, I have gone on a monthly basis to a spiritual director. I’ve had three during that time, one in St. Louis, one in Minneapolis and one here in Colorado. All three have been Roman Catholics, two of them being Jesuit priests and one a Catholic lay woman. It was right before Christmas that I was visiting in a session. Basically these times are like being with a Spiritual/prayer coach- asking, praying, talking about “where is God moving in your life?” “How or what does Jesus really want from me or to be?” We were talking and then Father Vince said, “you know I’ve started writing down each night before I go to sleep what I am thankful for.”
It seemed so simple, but here was this faithful and faith-filled child of God all energized about having an attitude of gratitude.

St. Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth,
“2To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:
3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 1

Now as you read a little more in Corinthians one realizes that the sisters and brothers in the community in that particular port city had a tendency to treat life more like Mardi Gras in New Orleans than some kind of Spiritual and Sacred Disneyland. As one hears about their problems, conflicts and arguments one senses that the “good old days” were just like “these days” in that sin, egos and misunderstandings often find their way into daily life. But, St. Paul states 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus.

My conversation with Father Vince led me to several books by Robert Emmons. One in particular called Thanks: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier provides lots of practical examples and advice on how to be thankful and consequently end up being happier.

His work connected with the more popular work of a man by the name of
John Kralik who over the course of a year wrote 365 thank you notes.

www.npr.org/2010/12/26/132263637/perfect-thank-you-notes-heartfelt-and-handwritten

www.365thankyounotes.com/media.php

So, that leads me to suggest to you that you think of yourself as a “thank you note.” Just imagine how your attitude of gratitude can change how people see their situations. Secondly, I’d like for you to take time today and write a “thank you note” from God’s perspective. This note can be a list of what God is thankful for in YOU!
Thirdly, take time to write another “thank you note.” This time the list is what or WHO you are thankful for.

Of course, you can send emails or text folks with a quick note indicating that you are thankful for them. If you’re shy (and who isn’t at some point?) tell them a pastor friend of yours has asked you to participate in this particular Lenten activity. Last, but not least, like St. Paul, you can say, “4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus.”
Here’s the wild, holy, wonderful thing. The word for “giving thanks” that St. Paul used is
“eucharistw.” It is that “good gifting” that happens when the people of God, the sheep of God’s pasture gather around the table of the Lord and celebrate the perfect Passover Lamb of God.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.” Colossians 3:16

We all have attitudes! Blessings to you this day so that you might have an attitude of Gratitude.

rtg

h2o devos FIA "Good + Plennty"

H2o devos fia 031011 Good & Plenty
Thursday

“Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”
www.petermayer.com/songs/faith-in-angels

I have to laugh each time I look at Delia’s creation called “Plentitude.” There as wings are keys from an old cash register. “Plentitude” represents an attitude born out of abundance. I suppose “Plentitude” probably has an evil twin named “Scarcitude” who was born out of a fear of not ever having enough. Perhaps the wings of “Scarcitude” would be some kind of vacuum hose (inhaling and sucking up everything in one’s way).

St. Paul wrote,
“I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.” Phil 4:12
Yesterday I wrote about balance. Here St. Paul seems to be sharing an attitude of “Plentitude.” It is almost a sense of Holy “whatevers”. Whatever the situation, be it full or empty there is a sense that it is going to be alright.

Peter sings,
“Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”
So, here is an invitation to “have a little faith.” This “little faith in angels” produces a positive net effect with big dividends. Namely one’s vision increases so that can make a leap of faith in believing in another and in one’s own self.

Our congregation's theme this year is "Blessed to be a Blessing." Our Lenten journey for worship on Sundays and Wednesdays will focus on the following:
• The Blessing of Fasting
• The Blessing of Solitude
• The Blessing of Community
• The Blessing of being Unplugged
• The Blessing of being Plugged in
• The Blessing of Feasting

Each week we will attempt to figure out what it means to own that week’s particular blessings.

The first week of Lent is about the blessing of fasting. Initially, when we hear the word “fasting” we normally think of doing without food. We will talk about this in a few days. But, today, I’d like for you to gain a sense of fasting from Christina Rees who has written In her book, Feast + Fast-Food for Lent and Easter (pg. 53-54) the following things to “fast” from or simply give up during Lent:
Procrastination
Apathy
Envy
Jealousy
Greed
Laziness
Indifference
Chocolate
Sugar
Chips
Crisps
Alcohol
Sweets
Meat
Processed food
Criticizing
Negative thoughts
Cynicism
Worry
Being miserable
Holding grudges
Feelings of revenge
Feeling like a victim
Putting yourself down
Judging yourself
Judging others
Gossiping
Making excuses
Blaming others
Shopping for things you don’t need
Watching TV
Listening to the radio
Reading newspapers
Going on the internet

The first seven sound very much like the SEVEN DEADLY Sins.

Today is a time to focus on being “good” and realizing the “plenty” that most of us have.
Celebrate the gift of “Plentitude” today.

Peace,
rtg

On Your Mark, Get Sent, Grow! Ash Wednesday 030911

H2o devos fia 030911 On Your Mark, Get Sent, Grow!
Ash Wednesday
March 9, 2011

“Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me”



“Happy Lent.” Yes, that’s right, I said “Happy Lent.” Forty days, not counting Sundays until we celebrate Easter. I love the season of Lent. It is a time more about preparation than celebration. So, it is fitting to remind you and me to gather together “on your mark, get sent and grow.” I often refer to Lent as “Spring training for Christians.” It is a time to stretch those spiritual muscles. A season to take on something new and perhaps give up something that isn’t so good for one’s health, ( be it spiritual, mental or physical). The mark is made out of ashes (burned up Palm branches from last year’s Palm Sunday). The mark is of the cross. It is made on our forehead as a reminder, a reality check of mortality. The pastor says, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” In other words “we are terminal.”

And since we know that our time is limited, then we are to be about things that are meaningful, authentic and life giving. That’s what it means to “get sent.” Lent is about the journey from ashes to alleluias. Lent is a season of holy motion and sanctified emotion. Lent is moving from death to new life and then ultimately life eternal.

This movement calls us to step out of our spiritual sleepiness and get growing.
Lent is the time of year where we get hints and promises of spring as plants and trees burst forth with green shoots of joy. We too, join this rejuvenation and blossom.

Peter invites us to “have a little faith in angels.” Each day during this holy season we will reflect on the words of Peter’s songs and also reflect on an angel designed by Delia Stewart. Today’s angel is named Harmony.

Lent is the time to work on Harmony. As Peter sings in the song by that title,
www.petermayer.com/songs/harmony

“it doesn't really matter if it's yours or if it's mine
It's the same amount of distance taken one step at a time”

We all have relationships and situations that lack harmony. Lent is a time to work on that.

My colleague, Pastor Ruth An will invite the worshippers at our services to the discipline of Lent--self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love.

It seems to me that today is the right time and place to increase one’s harmony and balance by taking seriously self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love.

I’ve included the entire “invitation to Lent” in case you want to keep it in a place that you can refer to over the next forty days.

INVITATION TO LENT
The assembly is seated. The presiding minister may invite the assembly into the discipline of Lent, using these or similar words.

Friends in Christ, today with the whole church we enter the time of remembering Jesus' passover from death to life, and our life in Christ is renewed.

We begin this holy season by acknowledging our need for repentance and for God's mercy. We are created to experience joy in communion with God, to love one another, and to live in harmony with creation. But our sinful rebellion separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, so that we do not enjoy the life our creator intended.

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to a discipline that contends against evil and resists whatever leads us away from love of God and neighbor. I invite you, therefore, to the discipline of Lent--self-examination and repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrificial giving and works of love--strengthened by the gifts of word and sacrament. Let us continue our journey through these forty days to the great Three Days of Jesus' death and resurrection.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship)

On Your Mark, Get Sent, Grow!
rtg

Faith in Angels
Open up that secret smile
The one you never let me see
Give me more than a moonlit while
That we've forgotten to believe
You say that love songs bring you down
Can't depend anything
But I've seen a silver bird leave the ground
Rising high on a borrowed wing
Chorus
Have a little faith in angels
You never know where they might be
Have a little faith in angels
And you might begin to see
You could have a little faith in you and me
Ask me how the sun crosses the sky
And the wind can bend any tree
And I'll ask you how a love can survive
If we don't believe what we can't see
Chorus
We all were born beneath a troubled sky
You've been waiting on the wings to carry you
But what you dream you to got to live
The love you want you got to give
Open up that secret smile
Filled with pieces of a dream
Let's take a chance on a moonlit while
While there's still time to believe
By Roger Guth & Peter Mayer

Net Gains-Epiphany 3a Sermon January 23, 2011

Epiphany 3a
January 23, 2011
Pastor Ronald T. Glusenkamp
Net Gains

12Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15"Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles —
16the people who sat in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
light has dawned."
17From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
18As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea — for they were fishermen. 19And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." 20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. Matt 4

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Psalm appointed for today brightly proclaims, 1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then | shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I | be afraid? (Psalm 27).

It’s all about Jesus. Jesus comes onto the scene in today’s Gospel lesson and calls Peter and Andrew, James and John to follow him. And they drop their nets and follow him. In an amazing manner of recruitment and inspiration Jesus presents the two sets of brothers with an offer they theoretically could refuse, but they don’t. Instead they are so taken by the LIGHT that they leave and followed him.

It was on the Day of Epiphany about 12 years ago when we were still living in St. Louis when a dear mentor, pastor, surrogate grandfather to our children and also wonderful fisherman by the name of Pastor Lee Ogan died. Lee had officially retired but was serving as our congregation’s visitation pastor. Before retirement he had served the same church for over 40 years. He was raised in a Lutheran orphanage in Illinois. Growing up near the town of Dixon he used to tell stories of a young life guard by the name of Reagan who would go on to become president of the United States. Lee loved his family, his St. Louis Cardinals, his Savior Jesus and fishing. I’m not saying he loved fishing more than Jesus. Let’s just say he really loved Jesus and he really, really loved fishing. I believe that like Peter and Andrew, James and John, Pastor Ogan was a fisher of human beings. I cannot tell you how many people he went fishing with who ultimately were introduced to Jesus. At his funeral I asked for a show of hands of everyone who had ever fished with Pastor Ogan and nearly everyone in the room raised their hand. At the funeral we placed two of Lee’s favorite fishing rods by the baptismal font. It seemed very appropriate that the waters of baptism which named and claimed him, might also give hope and joy to all who were caught by the Light of Jesus love and grace. (I need to say, Lee’s other hobby was competing in Senior Olympics in the javelin toss-which is not exactly a good symbol for evangelism).

Lee’s life and ministry echoed the warmth of today’s psalm 1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then | shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I | be afraid? (Psalm 27). Together with his wife, Madge they fished for humans and netted quite a few people for the kingdom of God.

It’s all about Jesus. Today’s first lesson clearly illuminates a hopeful message,
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness —
on them light has shined. (Isaiah 9)

There are various shades and grades of darkness. Darkness came be physical and spiritual. It can be emotional and psychological. It can be so overwhelming that it immobilizes one or even communities from being able to respond to the call or to act out in love and courage. Peter and Andrew, James and John didn’t probably realize it at the moment but as they were leaving their own form of darkness Jesus was inviting them to enter into other people’s darkness and void. On February 27th you are going to be treated to an amazing, illuminating and inspiring experience. Intern Jess has condensed the entire message of the 66 Books of the Bible into just 25 minutes. Yes, just 25 minutes. She did this a week ago with the help of Joni Grundman. And on February 27th at all three services we will move from the time before there was ever time, when the Spirit of God hovered over the darkness and deep waters through the wilderness to the psalms and prophets to the New Testament all the way to the Heavenly City where God’s light shines 24 X 7. Where the host arrayed in white worship and honor the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is an event to which you can invite people to “come and see.”
The Bible in 25 minutes!

As you listen, you will see, hear and know that it’s all about Jesus. Now some folks who participated in the 90 Day Bible Reading experience said, “Wow, I didn’t know it could be done in 25 minutes!”
Well, think of it as the “Readers Digest” condensed version. Now, here’s the deal. It’s all about Jesus. And yet, as you can see and hear in the gospel lesson when it’s about Jesus it means that it’s time to move, to get involved in the mission and vision of the kingdom of God. The church council spent last Saturday in retreat at the Rocky Mountain Synod Office. We gathered there to talk about our roles and responsibilities as sisters and brothers who “have walked in darkness, but have seen a great light.” We are reading a book called, Borderland Churches by Gary V. Nelson. You’ll be hearing more about this in the weeks and months to come. At the same time over fifty middle school adults and about twenty adult leaders where at the Middle School Youth Gathering forming faith, being authentic, available and affirming.

Celebrate the light and get ready to fish for humans. As the Psalmist clearly communicated, 1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom then | shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I | be afraid? (Psalm 27).

Amen

The Glusenkamp Christmas Letter 2010

Greetings from Denver! From the Glusenkamp family to yours, we wish you all a magical winter season. The year 2010 was an eventful year for the Glusenkamps.

We began the year with a trip to England to celebrate Nathan’s graduation from the University of Sussex with a MA in International Relations. The five of us traveled over the pond with beloved aunt and sister, Trina and Nate’s girlfriend, Kate. We enjoyed days in London, Brighton and Canterbury visiting many museums, churches, pubs, and theatre performances. We are all proud of Nathan and his incredible accomplishments. We felt blessed to start 2010 together since the rest of the year we spend living in different time zones, and we cover all four North American zones!

Nathan continues his work as Program Lead for the PINNACLE Registry at the American College of Cardiology, in Washington, D.C. The PINNACLE Registry is a national ambulatory quality improvement registry that measures adherence to cardiovascular medicine performance measures. It has been a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, year for Nate in this role. In addition to his work at the ACC, he had the opportunity for travel. Destinations included St. Louis for a late season Cardinals game, Minneapolis for Thanksgiving with Hannah, and Northern California with a visit to Uncle Tim and Tim’s alpacas! Nate remains a devoted baseball fan and frequently attends games at Nationals Park in DC. He also developed an affection for English Premier League soccer during his time abroad. He reports that the EPL “footie” (as he insists on calling it) now helps see him through the long months between the end of the World Series and spring training. In the coming year, Nate hopes to have a manuscript he wrote published in a peer-reviewed journal and to travel to at least one new country.

From January to May, Noah continued his work with Organizing for America in Denver before taking a new position as Data Coordinator for a Senatorial campaign in Washington State. Noah and his girlfriend, Caroline, moved to Seattle in June and have been enjoying their return to the West Coast. Caroline is studying to receive both her MA and teaching certificate in Special Education. After Noah’s work with the campaign wrapped up, he departed on Thanksgiving Day, for 3 months of study with Thich Nhat Hanh at Plum Village, outside of Bordeaux, France, http://www.plumvillage.org/.


We are eager to hear of Noah’s experiences upon his return to the USA in February.

During the first half of 2010, Hannah Grace continued her work as shift supervisor in the deli department of the Seward Community Grocery and Deli Co-op in Minneapolis, MN. In July she made an exciting transition as she began work as a full-time Youth Outreach Educator with Lutheran Social Service of MN’s Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. She now spends her days teaching middle school students in Minneapolis Public Schools. In addition to her work with LSS, she continues to teach at a teen-friendly health clinic, and has begun teaching an after-school leadership class for middle school students through Minneapolis Community Education. She enjoys spending time outside, exercising, studying holistic health and healing, and building community with friends. She has been very happy to have visits from Ron, Sue Ann and Nathan this year!

Sue Ann continues her clinical work as a float RN at Porter Adventist Hospital in Denver. She feels blessed to be able to teach nursing students as affiliate faculty for two local nursing programs and has started her graduate studies at Regis University, http://www.regis.edu/. Sue Ann continues to run with her running buddies and stay active at Bethany in the chancel choir, Health Cabinet, and women’s Deborah Circle. Sue Ann remains committed to travel and enjoyed domestic trips to DC, Seattle, Minneapolis, Fort Wayne, Wichita, the Lou x2 and Camp Arcadia.

Ron continues as Senior Pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church http://bethany-denver.org. This year the congregation collected more than 7,000 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls and over 10 tons of hunger relief food for 10.10.10, http://hrd101010.blogspot.com. Ron and Sue Ann enjoyed time at Camp Arcadia this summer when Ron co-taught with friend and musician Peter Mayer. Ron continues to enjoy writing his H2o devos, check them out at http://h2odevos.blogspot.com. When Ron isn’t in the pulpit or on the interweb, he is busy walking. This year he participated with other Faithful Soles in the Salt Lake City and Denver Marathons. Plans for this next year include the COUNTRY MUSIC Marathon in Nashville. ROCK ON!! http://nashville.competitor.com/

All five of us, along with Caroline, were able to make it to Branson, Missouri this June to gather with many Friederichs/Fritz clan members for an Ozarks reunion! Hee, Haw!
We celebrated the wedding of our niece and cousin, Sarah, along with a milestone birthday of Tio Tim. The gift of family reuniting is truly a blessing.

As we make our ways around the country and the world, we continue to hold all of you and our times together in our hearts. We are grateful for the Christ Child born in Bethlehem who brings Joy to the World. We hope and pray that you are healthy and happy and filled with love, laughter, light, and maybe even a little holiday nog or glug!

Happy New Year, 2011! Let us know if you visit one of our time zones!

Peace & love,

Ron, Sue Ann, Nathan, Noah and Hannah Grace

tsoc 122510 THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS DAY

TSOC 122510 The Light of Christmas Day
CHRISTMAS DAY
December 25, 2010

Peter sings,
“Quiet night the darkness gathers
shepherds and their flocks
o’er a world so torn and tattered
shines the star of grace foretold
Gloria for joy we sing
For Jesus Christ the light of Christmas Day”

The story of Christmas comes to us new each and every year. I simply love the “text message” Saint Luke sent 2,000 years ago.

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Now, that’s what I’m talking about in the STORY OF CHRISTMAS

May you and yours walk and talk your way through the STORY this year.
Blessings from Peter Mayer and Little Flock Music
From Cynthia Tanner and her family
And from rtg

Joyfully,
Rtg

TSOC 122410 PROCLAMATION Christmas EVE

TSOC 122410 Proclamation
Christmas Eve
December 24, 2010

Peter sings,
“Joyful day
A star to guide you, a song to remind you
The Joy will stay
Long past the turn of the page
In the story of Christmas”

Dear Friends, we are just about there. Only a few more pages and paragraphs to go in this part of the story of Christmas. I am grateful for your participation along the way. WE are all part of the story of Christmas. May you have a “joyful day” tonight and tomorrow and on all days. May there always be a star above your head to guide and direct you.

Listen to the songs of the season, especially those of our good friend Peter Mayer. Let them remind you of hope, light, love and Jesus. Tonight my good colleague, Pastor Ruth Ann Loughry and I will read responsively the Christmas Proclamation:

Sundays and Seasons
Proclamation of the Birth of Christ

PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

The services on Christmas Eve may begin with the proclamation of the birth of Christ, taken from the ancient martyrology. The proclamation should be understood as the announcement of the incarnation within human history rather than a literal counting of years. The proclamation may be read or sung on one note by a leader standing at the entrance to the church. Following the proclamation, the gathering song is begun.

Many ages after God created the heavens and the earth,
when man and woman were formed
in God's own image;
long after the great flood, when God set the rainbow
in the clouds as a sign of the covenant;
twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led God's people to freedom;
eleven centuries from the time of Ruth and the judges;
a thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week as Daniel's prophecy takes note;
in the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year
from the founding of the city of Rome;
the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
in the sixth age of the world,
all earth being at peace,
Jesus Christ, eternal God, Son of the eternal Father,
willing to hallow the world by his coming in mercy,
was born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem of Judea.
Today is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
God made flesh.

From Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.
Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26681.

Joyfully,
rtg


The Story of Christmas
by Peter Mayer

“New colors dancing on evergreen branches
You feel a change in the wind
Brings new light to your eyes once again

A year full of meanwhiles, hard times, good smiles
Suddenly the yuletide is near
Creeps in quietly, soon undeniably catches your heart
You’re part of the story of Christmas

Chorus
Joyful day
A star to guide you, a song to remind you
The Joy will stay
Long past the turn of the page
In the story of Christmas

Ribbons and strings, cold frozen streams
Forgotten dreams running wild
When every Mother and Father is a child

The song of an angel, good cheer to a stranger
The ones you’ve known all the way
Coming back to the heart of the matter to scatter the whistles and
bells
You’re telling the story of Christmas
Chorus”

TSOC 122310 WALKIN'

TSOC 122310 Walkin’
December 23, 2010
Thursday

“Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Hey Joseph Keep walking to Bethlehem
Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you’re part of the plan”
Hey Joseph by Peter Mayer

http://www.startwalkingnow.org/about_start_walking_day.jsp

I just got back from a walk with our daughter, Hannah Grace. She is home for the holidays. YEA! During the walk we were able to talk about the following:
1. what should be in the sermon for Christmas Eve
2. catching up on how each other has been doing
3. Work- hers and mine
4. Human sexuality
5. Politics
6. What’s for dinner?

I love walking and talking. I’m wondering if Joseph and Mary walked and talked their way to Bethlehem. I imagine the time was either filled with lots of caring conversation or lots of silence. I mean what or how do you even talk about this amazing story of God bringing the Light of the world into being through the pregnancy of a young woman? If I was Joseph (and I’m grateful I’m not) I think I just would have been talking to myself, or to God. And what about Mary? Too bad Elizabeth wasn’t along side her. Too bad she didn’t have an entourage of sisters to help her at this pivotal time.

So, the holy family plus almost 1, the Holy Little One soon to be born was on the road to Bethlehem. The message as Peter sings, “keep walkin.”

We’re just about there. I love the 45th Parallel Sign because it reminds me that one is never, ever stuck. There is always a place one can go in the story of Christmas.

“Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Hey Joseph Keep walking to Bethlehem
Hey Joseph Keep walking Hey Joseph keep walking
Keep walking Joseph you’re part of the plan”
Hey Joseph by Peter Mayer

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 122210 ONLY YOU

TSOC 122210 Only You
December 22, 2010
Wednesday

Peter sings,
“Only You break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from overtaking me
Created the land the sky and sea
I know it in my heart to be true”

Image Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

NOTE- The following information and photo is from www.nasa.gov
“Moon Shadows
A total lunar eclipse is seen as the full moon is shadowed by the Earth on the arrival of the winter solstice, Tuesday, December 21, 2010 in Arlington, VA. The eclipse lasted about three hours and twenty-eight minutes.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth lines up directly between the sun and the moon, blocking the sun’s rays and casting a shadow on the moon. As the moon moves deeper and deeper into the Earth's shadow, the moon changes color before your very eyes, turning from gray to an orange or deep shade of red”.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Psalm 148:3
”Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!”
Every mystery needs a “who dunnit?” And the answer to “who?” is as Peter sings, “Only You.”


Peter sings,
“Only You break down the walls that hide me away
Only You can turn the night into day
Only You can stop the darkness from overtaking me
Created the land the sky and sea
I know it in my heart to be true”

For the past couple of days I’ve been saying over and over again, “there are lots of ways to praise!” During the story of Christmas it is so great to be in contact and “harmony” with friends near and far. Each day when Sue Ann and I open up the Christmas cards and letters which arrive in the mail we give thanks for the dear friends and family that we’ve been blessed to know and love. Just today someone said to me, “you know, Pastor Ron, this is a hard time of year.” And I know that. I am aware of people getting ready to bury a loved one. I’m cognizant of people who have been so hurt and harmed by friend and foe that the scar tissue seems like it will never heal and disappear. Jobs are lost. Marriages come to a close. The future and the whole notion of hope seems to be eclipsed at times.

But, yet in this story of Christmas (which we are fortunate to know how the story ends) we are drawn to a stable in a world that isn’t always stable and calm. We may not seem to be able to manage but we come to the manger and see the baby. Loved ones are sick and feeling the stress of disease. But our pain is eased and lifted by JOY. One might feel that there is “a straw that broke the camel’s back” but there in the straw is the One who ends up carrying the weight of the world on his back.

We bow our heads, lift our hands in prayer and know it in our hearts to be true,
“the answer to me is ONLY YOU.”
Joyfully,
rtg


DVR ALERT!! ** Today Show Appearance Rescheduled for TODAY, December 22nd! Tune in to the Today Show TOMORROW morning, Wednesday, December 22nd (in the 8:30 half hour) to watch Jimmy Buffett, Robert Greenidge and the Coral Reefers perform "Winter Wonderland" from Robert's newly released CD "A Coral Reefer Christmas."

TSOC 122110 MYSTERY

TSOC 122110 Mystery
December 21, 2010
Tuesday

Peter sings,
“haven’t made sense of the mystery
but it makes sense of me”

On Sunday night, Peter Mayer along with Maggie Estes and R. Scott Bryan presented a concert at our congregation. It was such a day and evening full of wonder and joy that I had to dip into the archives to do an encore performance for a devo on Monday. But, now I’m back and thinking about mystery.

On Sunday at each one our three worship services we sang “OF THE FATHER’S LOVE BEGOTTEN.” The name of the tune is Divinum Mysterium. I just love that song. The words are 1600 years old and the tune is about 700 years old. It touches my heart and soul in ways that are deep and profound.

In the story of Christmas there are some pages of mystery. I think back a long time ago to the name of a group called “? and the Mysterians.”
When the word “mystery” is spoken we often think about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, or Nancy Drew, or Ellery Queen and even Dashiell Hammett. The birth narratives reported in the gospels don’t have any
characters like Columbo or Quincy M.D. wondering around the C.S.I (Christmas Scene Incarnation). But, in thinking about the holy nativity questions like “who, what, where, why and when?” come to my mind. We’d naturally like to know why God chose Mary and Joseph to be the ones to raise the child. Was there an application and interview process? Why was that particular time and place selected for the birth to take place?
How come when angels appear to people their first words are “don’t be afraid?” Who thought it was a good idea to have the shepherds come into the labor and delivery room?
Have you ever thought of giving a newborn baby, Gold, Frankincense or myrrh? Where do you register for that? I find the following verse to be very refreshing and liberating. For it seems to just acknowledge there are things we just don’t know and won’t know until that time when it is revealed to us. But what has been revealed to us is simple and profound, God is LOVE!

St. Paul wrote to Timothy in 1 Timothy 3:16,
Without any doubt, the mystery of our religion is great:
He was revealed in flesh,
vindicated in spirit, seen by angels,
proclaimed among Gentiles,
believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory.

Peter sings,
“haven’t made sense of the mystery
but it makes sense of me”

There’s not doubt or question about it!

joyfully,
rtg


Of the Father's Love Begotten

1 Of the Father's love begotten
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore.

2 Oh, that birth forever blessed,
when the virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bore the Savior of our race,
and the babe, the world's redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore.

3 This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord,
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long-expected;
let creation praise its Lord
evermore and evermore.

4 Let the heights of heav'n adore him;
angel hosts, his praises sing;
pow'rs, dominions, bow before him
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
ev'ry voice in concert ring
evermore and evermore.

5 Christ, to thee, with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving
and unwearied praises be:
honor, glory, and dominion,
and eternal victory
evermore and evermore! Amen.

Text: Marcus Aurelius Clemens Prudentius, 348-413; tr. composite

TSOC 121910 THE KEY - Fourth Sunday of Advent

TSOC 121910 The Key
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 19, 2010

FOURTH ANTIPHON

O Key of David and scepter of the house of Israel,
you open and no one can close,
you close and no | one can open:
Come and rescue the prisoners
who are in darkness and the sha- | dow of death.

O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel; qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

(the following devo originally appeared as a sermon entitled Fulfilled by Promise on December 23, 2007- it has be retrofit to fit the devo format)

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. 20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." 22All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
23"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, "God is with us." 24When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, 25but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus. Matthew 1

Peter sings,
“Keep walkin, keep walkin, Joseph,
you’re part of the plan”

The words from Isaiah dance across the skies and into our hearts this morning,
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, "God is with us."

“God is with us.” Those four words, 11 letters, constitute a promise which was given centuries before the birth of Christ. And now 2000 plus years it embraces us and engulfs our hearts and minds as we gather together via of web and blog before the big celebrations of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. “God is with us.”

Though out all the sounds, sights and signs of this season there is someone who stands off to the side. He isn’t the center of attention, nor should he be. But, today we hear about Joseph who has to be regarded as one of the most “stand-up” guys that there ever was.
He and Mary had been promised to each other and before a wedding and the honeymoon could even take place, Joseph is informed that “she was found to be with child.” We’re not given any indication how this “finding” was discovered or uncovered. We’re not advised on who revealed the pregnancy. Obviously, years before gossip columns or online sites like TMZ, tweets or androids there was a grapevine of sorts. And so the news is out, “she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.”

Joseph was a carpenter. He knew how pieces of wood fit together and whether something was plum or not. He could take a planer and make the rough edges smooth. But, now he found himself in a situation which threatened to compromise his standing in the community. He must have wondered if “God was with him or not.”
I imagine he wondered if he could fit all the pieces together or not.

Peter sings,
“Keep walkin, keep walkin, Joseph,
you’re part of the plan”


Now he is confronted with this information that his promised bride is “with child from the Holy Spirit.” We are told in the text “Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.” He could have made a big deal out of it all. He could have broken the promise in a public way. In fact, he would have been within his rights to do so. But, instead he wanted to save some face for himself and also for Mary.

20But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Peter sings,
“Keep walkin, keep walkin, Joseph,
you’re part of the plan”


Talk about a dream. Maybe at first he thought his nightmare was continuing. Not only does he have a pregnant fiancé, but now an angel is talking to him in his sleep. And yet the angel addresses him as being a descendant of the King, King David. Joseph, don’t be afraid, for this child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. I am sure he must have rolled over and thought to himself, what on earth did I eat for supper?

Dreams, the bible is full of them. Way back in Genesis, another Joseph was getting celestial communications which told of a time when God would be utilizing him to be a leader of a nation. God comforted him by letting him know that even though things weren’t going so well at that moment, that God was with him.

Jacob also had dreams which encouraged him to hang in there, even though his current reality was frightening and scary. God was also with him in those moments of fear and despair.

So, Joseph’s fiancé,Mary changes his mind, or maybe it’s his heart that gets changed by the angelic message of the dream. “don’t be afraid.” What an appropriate greeting.
Fear is often what holds us back. Fear stops us from doing what we know in our hearts we should/could do. Fear immobilizes us and stops us dead in our tracks.

But, hope, faith and being convinced that “God is with us” frees us from the frozenness of fear. It melts our hearts, enables our feet to start walking and guides our hands and eyes to get engaged in a way that moments ago we might have thought was impossible.

Peter sings,
“Keep walkin, keep walkin, Joseph,
you’re part of the plan”


The angel went on to disclose more of the promised plan to Joseph,

“1She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Fulfilled by promise! That’s where we find ourselves this day. “God is with us.”
And what that means is that in the midst of all the preparations and deliberations of our lives, in spite of disappointments and fear, no matter where we find ourselves, God is there with us.

And hopefully that message goes out on the grapevine to all we are connected to. Hopefully, we find ways to “go tell it on the mountain.” Hopefully and graciously we come forward and make a manger in our hands, to receive the bread of life. Bethlehem means, house of bread. You and I are promised that when we eat and drink in remembrance of Jesus, though we die, yet we shall live. That’s the key in the story of Christmas.

It’s fulfilled by promise.

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 121810 RING OUT THE BELLS + RING OF BELLS

TSOC 121810 Ring Out the Bells + Ring of Bells
December 18, 2010
Saturday

“Once again, the story begins
Bringing good news in the night
Ring out the bells Christmastide”
Ring Out the Bells by Peter Mayer

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Just one week from today is Christmas Day! Tomorrow night, Sunday the 19th, our congregation Bethany Lutheran Church www.bethany-denver.org will host Peter Mayer, Maggie Estes and R. Scott Bryan. If you live in the Denver area or have loved ones in the Denver area, you are most welcome to join us. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 6:15pm

I always look forward to these encounters since people leave the concert full of joy and hope. When you come to a Peter Mayer concert one catches a glimpse of sacred stars and perennial promises.

Peter sings,
“Once again, the story begins
Bringing good news in the night
Ring out the bells Christmastide”

The ring of bells on the front door was designed by Delia Stewart. She is bringing about 35 of her angels to grace the windows and stage of the concert area on Sunday night. She likes to call her creations, “heavenly metal.” As you can see Harmony the angel is already dressed up and ready to go. I love her angels made out of “junk” because she sees beauty in the rusted, busted, twisted and broken. Delia knows that her art is a reflection of God’s marvelous design in transforming we humans who get “rusted”, busted, twisted and broken. It’s all about being “redeemed, recycled and repurposed” to be angels for God.

The “story of Christmas” is told in many ways. The picture right above this paragraph is from a copy of Luther’s New Testament published in 1525. I snapped the photo last February at the newly renovated Victoria and Albert Museum in London. One of Luther’s many gifts was his ability to bring it to the people. He was fond of asking the question “what does this mean?” I like to say that question is similar to “does it play in Peoria?”
In other words, “what Sunday School take-home is there?” The comedy of the gospel is brought home when we realize that the impractical message of God’s holy love is meant to be practiced practically by every boy, every girl, every women and every man so that all might hear the bells of Christmastide and find their way home.

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 121710 THE PERFECT TREE

TSOC121710 The Perfect Tree
December 17, 2010
Friday

Peter sings,
“He thinks of home, then he thinks again
And sees his old man shake his head and disapprove
Hear the children singing peace on earth
To a scattered family
You can dream of home for Christmas
But it's a long way back to Harmony”

I saw the sign at Whole Foods yesterday when I was out and about. The line “perfect tree” got me to think about our quest for perfection. I know most corporations and even non-profit organizations have “excellence” as one of their core values. Single people hope to find the “perfect” mate. Expectant parents hope and dream for the “perfect” child. Of course, perfect families need to send their kids to “perfect” schools where there are “perfect” teachers and “perfect” administrators and other “perfect students.” “Perfect” families shop to find the “perfect” church which is served by “perfect” pastors and “perfect” staff. We hope to have “perfect” holiday parties and “perfect” Christmas Eve services. Then we go home to give and receive the “perfect” gifts for each other.
The only problem in this “perfect” picture or scene is that we aren’t perfect. As you and I know all too well, we are far from perfect. In fact, sometimes the holidays heighten the imperfection we all share.

Maybe a better concept or quest to have than “perfect” is HARMONY. St. Paul was hip to this need 2, 000 years ago. He wrote in Romans 12:16,
”Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.”

I’m thinking that with God as the mighty conductor or “mix-master” all our voices, a cacophony of sounds (maybe even noises) get blended into a lovely chorus. This “harmonization” comes about because God sets the tone, the tune and the rhythm.
Peter’s song, Harmony recognizes the discordant sounds of our lives. Often in the story of Christmas we hear the echoes of “Peace on Earth” while we argue and fight with one another. Sometimes the struggle we have is most intense with those we love the very most. Peter sings,
“It doesn't really if it's yours or if it's mine
It's the same amount of distance taken one step at a time”
So, I’m praying today for you and for me. I’m lifting you up to God so that if you are separated from someone right now, if there is distance between you and another that God will fill that space with the sweetest sounds of love, joy and peace.
Joyfully,
rtg

PS Sue Ann & I got our tree yesterday. It’s a nice tree, it’s a lovely tree, but it’s not perfect. However, we had a harmonious time picking it out!

Harmony
Peter Mayer, Mac McAnally, Roger Guth

Tonight a choir sings in harmony
Shoppers hurry by or make a choice
Main Street wears the same Christmas every year
And carolers repeat the sounding joy

Just an hour to closing time at Georges' market
The old man wraps up chocolate and the beer
Says fine when asked how's your boy been
Though he hasn't heard a word from him this year

Hear the children singing peace on earth
Must they close their eyes to see
You can dream of home for Christmas
But it's a long way back to Harmony

Half a days drive east he found Chicago
It took years to shake the small town from his shoes
He thinks of home, then he thinks again
And sees his old man shake his head and disapprove

Hear the children singing peace on earth
To a scattered family
You can dream of home for Christmas
But it's a long way back to Harmony

It doesn't really if it's yours or if it's mine
It's the same amount of distance taken one step at a time
Three more years a choir sings in Harmony
The old man and the market fade away

But his son's been coming home to talk to him
To wrestle out a thing or two he could never say
Hear the children singing peace on earth
To this scattered family

It's never enough for all you try to be
But you're welcome home
It's a long way home
But you're welcome home in Harmony

TSOC 121610 THIS TOWN

TSOC 121610 THIS TOWN
December 16, 2010
Thursday

Peter sings,
“We were driving down the Main Street of America
Young and free and so misunderstood
Looking for the exit sign
A place to ease our mind
Some kept moving on
Some will stay for good
Oh in this town”

IMHO (in my humble opinion) THIS TOWN is one of Peter’s finest songs.
I think he really captures the spirit and feeling of home coupled with the yearning and desires of wanting to be free. At the same time there is attraction and also a sense of repelling.

Tonight Peter brings the Stars and Promises tour to St. Louis. It will be an amazing show because there is a connection between Peter and “this town.” The mighty Mississippi brings energy to the community. Familiar places like Gus’ Pretzels http://www.guspretzels.com/ Ted Drewes http://www.teddrewes.com/Drewes.asp, Dad’s Cookies http://www.dadscookies.com/ along with Gethsemane Lutheran Church
http://www.gethsemanestl.org/ all stir up wonderful memories and make me recall “the story of Christmas” which we experienced in St. Louis.

Peter sings,
“We were driving down the Main Street of America
Young and free and so misunderstood
Looking for the exit sign
A place to ease our mind
Some kept moving on
Some will stay for good
Oh in this town”

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 1211510 ALL ABOARD!

TSOC 121510 ALL ABOARD!
December 15, 2010
Wednesday

Peter sings,
“Joyful day
A star to guide you, a song to remind you
The Joy will stay
Long past the turn of the page
In the story of Christmas”

I have a train whistle which I blow when I go to do “story telling” with the young children at our early childhood center. It’s a signal that it’s time to get set, to get quiet and ready for a story. Sometimes I say, “all aboard.” And then we depart for a story or two. It’s fun. It’s wild. It’s full of energy, laughter and spunkiness.

I received the following note from our dear Minnesota friend, Karen Daniels:
She writes,

Just have to pass this picture on to you, thinking that someday you might find a use for it in a sermon, song, devo, whatever!
My friend, Merrilee Larson, a fellow Swede, has set out her Fisher Price Little People, as part of her Christmas decorations for several years. Her grandchildren are so thrilled seeing them in festive settings that the people have now become a tradition at their house. During the year, they are played with extensively. :>)
This year she decided to congregate them as a Christmas Choir in front of the yearly Lenox Christmas Plate, which happens to be the year the Lennox tree represented Sweden. She says the choir’s favorite carol is “Joy to The World”!
I love it and figured you might, too ... even though I don’t think either of you are Swedish. :>)
Everyone loves the Little People!
Enjoy!
Take good care during this Advent Season,
Karen

The picture reminds me of a Fisher Price version of the Beatles’ Album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band! It seems that everyone is “all aboard.” The story of Christmas includes and involves everyone. Today it would be good for you to get “connected” or “re-connected” with folks who haven’t been part of the picture for some time.

Peter sings,
“Joyful day
A star to guide you, a song to remind you
The Joy will stay
Long past the turn of the page
In the story of Christmas”

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 121410 RIGHTEOUS RECALCULATION

TSOC 121410 Righteous Recalculation
December 14, 2010
+John of the Cross+, renewer of the church, died 1591

Photo by Brenda Greenwald

Peter sings,
“New colors dancing on evergreen branches
You feel a change in the wind
Brings new light to your eyes once again”

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/02/science/space/02star.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

A recent article in the NY Times indicates that the amount of stars has been amazingly underestimated. “Scientists said Wednesday that the number of stars in the universe had been seriously undercounted, and they estimated that there could be three times as many stars out there as had been thought. This undercounting, of cool, dim dwarf stars in certain galaxies, could throw a monkey wrench into astronomers’ understanding of how galaxies formed and grew over the eons. “
In other words “OOPS!” I would say it is time for a “righteous recalculation.”
As Peter sings,
“New colors dancing on evergreen branches
You feel a change in the wind
Brings new light to your eyes once again”

In the days of Advent as we dance our way into the story of Christmas it is good to have a righteous recalculation. I mean we need to step back and analyze our asset allocations, for as Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21).

It’s the season of stars and promises.
Today is a day to take inventory of the accounts and balances that we have kept in our hearts and souls over time. It’s an opportunity to clean the slate, to have a righteous recalculation, to “forgive in the way we have been forgiven.”

Joyfully,
rtg

TSOC 121310 THE SONG OF AN ANGEL

TSOC 121310 The Song of an Angel
December 13, 2010
Monday
+Lucy+, martyr, died 304
http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Lifestyle/Traditions/Celebrating-the-Swedish-way/Lucia/

Peter sings,
“Ribbons and strings, cold frozen streams
Forgotten dreams running wild
When every Mother and Father is a child

The song of an angel, good cheer to a stranger
The ones you’ve known all the way
Coming back to the heart of the matter to scatter the whistles and
bells
You’re telling the story of Christmas”

On Sunday the children at our church presented their Christmas program. As the children were the teachers the parents and grandparents were the students/learners.
It is as Peter sings,
“When every Mother and Father is a child.”

There is something remarkable about this time of year when adults time travel back into their childhood. Some of those memories are really grand and I’m sure some of them stir up pain, sadness and unresolved feelings. If you happen to have some of that sad stuff going on in your life it is my hope and prayer that light will come into the darkness. If you have some glad stuff going on in your life it is my hope and prayer that you will let your light shine.

There is lots of snow in parts of the country. I’m thinking the “song of an angel” is calling those of you who have snow to let your inner angel out and make a snow angel

Joyfully,
rtg