Don't just TELL, SHOW

The thing that's sticking with me from Grant's sermon this morning is the difference between TELLING (or teaching) and SHOWING. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus begins to SHOW his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. They are not happy with the lesson, especially Peter. It's how we're made - especially contemporary Americans, I think - in the words of another wise pastor: Americans don't want a savior who dies. We want a Superman savior who defeats evil without ever having to do something stupid like getting crucified and being raised from the dead. But we humans do need to be shown love. And that's what the cross does, in a way that cannot be ignored.

The famous quote from St. Francis of Assissi comes to mind: "Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary, use words." Words are good, and helpful, and often necessary. When God speaks, things happen (remember "Let there be light" and there WAS).
When it comes to love, though, and hospitality, compassion and forgiveness among us people, words alone aren't enough. We need to be shown.

Who has shown you God's love? How? What made it a powerful experience?
To whom can you show God's love?

Put these dates on your calendar

Okay, I know this post may not keep you on the edge of your seat, but in the absence of an update-able website, this blog is going to have to serve more than one purpose.
So, if you're a member or friend of Christ the King Lutheran Church, and you'll be in Bozeman over the next few weeks, please put these dates on your calendar, and plan to participate!

RALLY DAY - Sunday, September 7th. We go back to our 2-service schedule, with worship at 8:30am and 11:00am. On Rally Day we'll have a pancake breakfast between services and celebrate the beginning of Sunday School for EVERYBODY. Remember - if you think you know enough to skip Sunday School, then we need you to teach!

OUR INSTALLATION - Grant and I will officially be installed on Sunday, September 21st at 6:30pm. Bishop Jessica Crist will be here to preach and preside at worship, and there will be a dessert reception following. This service will only happen once during our tenure here, and the congregation has an important part to play.

GROWING IN GOD'S FIELD - This is in October (the 10th-11th) and it's in Helena, but it's going to be great and we're hoping lots of CtK folks will join us. You can learn more about this synod workshop here in a letter from the bishop.

Getting Rooted

Since I was a baby boy, I've been on the move. I moved when I was an infant to Hawaii with my family. Three months later Dad was reassigned to the island of Guam. Since my father was a naval officer, the US government found all sorts of opportunities for my father to serve across the United States and overseas. And because I am the youngest of three sons, I followed my mother and father to where ever the authorities told us to go.

The move to Bozeman comes after a five year stint in Phoenix, Arizona. My authority is the Holy Spirit, because I am a Christian anchored in the Lutheran tradition.

You would think after a life-time of moving I would get used to the fact my earthly belongings get placed in boxes and trucked to new and exotic locations without a hint of upheaval or an expression of stress.

Let me tell you, it does not get easier.

I have found a new test for couples wanting to get married.
1. Pack up your belongings.
2. Travel 1200 miles in separate vehicles to a new locale.
3. Have men bigger than yourself unload the belongings and then place them in areas all over your new residence.
4. Disagree vigorously with your beloved about where said belongings should go.
5. Repeat.

In the midst of upheaval and the deep seated feeling of "unsettledness" I have a desire to "get rooted" in my new surroundings.

My parents, being the wise and caring people that they are, made sure their children felt love, safety, and protection in the midst of great change. My parents did their best to help their boys "get rooted" in new surroundings.

One of those steps was to find a community of faith and to join it and be active participants in it.

I have to come to work for Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bozeman, Montana.
It is in this community of faith I plan to become an active participant.
I plan to "get rooted" here because this community of faith gathers around the Lord Jesus Christ.

How do you "get rooted?"