Guest post: Reflections on Prayer

Reflections on Prayer

by Sabbatical Team member, Mariann Witthar
John 15:4-5 and Psalm 46:10
Are you tired of trying harder and doing more in desperate attempts to fix what's not working in your life? Are you facing a time on your faith journey when you have lost hope and feel like giving up? Have you tried every known human strategy to solve stubborn problems you are facing? If so, I invite you to join the rest of the human race. Is it possible that you've been trying to solve a problem that has no "human solution"?

After many years of desperately striving to get my life in order, I'm finally experiencing the truth of God's solution, which I find almost always looks like the opposite of what I expect. Rather than trying harder or doing more (which fit my deeply engrained work ethic), God was inviting me to practice "being still and abiding" in him. This idea sounds wonderful but in our culture, is this even a remote possibility? Living under a neurotic sense of co-dependent responsibility, in addition to the constant distractions of the world around me, I finally had to give up "striving" to get my life in order when I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. The only option I had was to collapse in a heap and surrender my future into someone else's care.

"Burnout" is a very common (mental, emotional, and spiritual) condition in our society today. It is a diagnosable condition which indicates that something is wrong or out of balance in our lives. It is debilitating in that we, as human beings, are uncomfortable with the idea of giving up control or surrendering the outcome of our lives to someone other than ourselves. But from God's perspective, that is the best place to be. In my exhausted condition, I had no other choice but to give him permission to begin to reveal himself to me, the way he had always intended. In Sunday School, as a little child, I had memorized many Bible verses like, "He is the Vine and we are the branches", or "Be still and know that I am God", etc. Even though I could recite them easily, I had no experiential frame of reference for what God was saying to me personally. That is, until I experienced "burnout". I was finally ready for him to teach me how to "be still" and "abide" in him and how to practice remaining in his presence throughout the complex circumstances of my daily life.

LORD JESUS, continue to reveal yourself to me at deeper and deeper levels, as I practice quieting myself and remembering that you are God and I am not. THANKS BE TO GOD for this wonderful gift of rest.

So what could it look like if we allowed him to be the VINE and we practiced "abiding in him?" In my own life, I had to start by giving up the strange notion that "if I tried hard enough or just did the right thing", I could be my own "savior". What an arrogant thought! As I look back at it now, I see how absurd it was, and yet how subtle the temptation is for all of us to return to the garden and participate with Adam and Eve in the deception that separated them from the real source (the Vine) of their lives. As I confess my sin of trying to "save" myself, I'm becoming convinced that regardless of what I do, or how well I do it, good fruit will be a natural outcome. I no longer have to strive, because he is my Source, I am experiencing his life flowing through me, as the Vine continually gives life to the branches. Thank you, God, for this life-giving revelation and the "experiential knowledge" that Jesus is my Savior!

Would you like to join a group interested in becoming more intentional in learning how to practice entering into his rest, even in the midst of our hectic lives? I am willing to help individuals find useful resources and offer practical insights and suggestions which I have discovered in this exciting adventure of experiencing an organic/living relationship with Jesus where I am able to find rest. If there is interest, I am willing to offer a small group on this topic sometime this fall.

New Friday Morning Small Group Book

The Friday morning small group, which meets every other Friday morning at 7:00am at Clark's Fork, will begin reading and discussing a new book, Friday, March 18th. Being Christian: Baptism, Bible, Eucharist, Prayer by Rowan Williams is a short, but meaty, book about the essential elements of Christian life. All are welcome to join the conversation! You can order the book here, or find it at a local book store.
Want to read and discuss the book, but don't want to be up and out the door for a 7:00am small group? Let the church office know, and we'll talk about starting a new group!

Photos from the last week of Advent

Photos from the Sunday School Advent/Christmas program on 12/20 and high school/young adult "Cookie Ninjas" delivering treats to those who work the night shift in service to our community, 12/18.

 

Bishop Eaton's letter on the SCOTUS marriage ruling

ELCA presiding bishop offers letter on Supreme Court marriage ruling

6/30/2015 4:00:00 PM

            CHICAGO (ELCA) – The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered a pastoral letter June 30 to the 3.8 million members of the denomination in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples may now exercise the right to marry. The full text of the statement follows:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of the crucified and risen Christ.

Last week the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its decision announcing the right of same-gender couples to have equal access to marriage. For many members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this decision is a welcome sign of hope and a time for celebration. Other members of this church do not agree with the court's decision and remain deeply concerned because of their understanding of Scripture.

This decision affects each of us, some profoundly, and we are not of one mind. Let us continue to accompany one another with prayer, love and mutual respect as we reflect on this new reality and remember Paul's words in 1 Corinthians about the enduring power of God's love.

The ELCA social statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" (2009) neither endorses nor forbids same-gender marriages and recognizes that we have differing understandings and convictions on this matter. In its decision, the court stated that "the First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths."

According to this church's social statement on human sexuality, all decisions about recognizing, supporting and holding publicly accountable same-gender relationships are entrusted to congregations.  Recognizing that the church is not of one mind on this subject, our 2009 actions provide that congregations and clergy should discern together whether to recognize such relationships and to what degree.

Pastors are to engage in conversation, discernment and partnership with the congregations who have called them prior to solemnizing or presiding over a same-gender marriage. On the other hand, no pastor is obligated to solemnize the marriage of any couple, same-gender or different-gender, whom the pastor cannot in good conscience marry.

As Lutheran Christians, we continue to be a church that engages in conversation and discernment in all aspects of our faith and life. Creating space for respectful conversation and dialogue continues to be an important part of our life together. A helpful resource for engaging in difficult conversations is "Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues."

In addition, the ELCA Ministry to and with Same-Gender Couples and their Families Working Group remains in the process of completing its work. A report of the group's findings and possible recommendations will be presented to the ELCA Church Council at its November meeting.

We seek to see our differences as a gift to be celebrated as we live out that which unites us: the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ who leads us into mission and ministry in the world. In the midst of this change, we are first and foremost church – a church that proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. May God bless, guide and strengthen you each day as you go in peace and serve the Lord.


The statement is available on the ELCA website at http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Letter_on_Supreme_Court_Decision.pdf,
the ELCA social statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" at http://www.elca.org/en/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Human-Sexuality?_ga=1.109044290.1780749877.1352499724
and "Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues" at  http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/Talking_Together_Social.pdf.

- - -

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.8 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
Associate director, ELCA Publications and Public Relations
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@elca.org
ELCA News: www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: www.livinglutheran.com

- See more at: http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7759#sthash.Zmf381HM.dpuf

CtK's Fall Adult Forum: TED Talks, 9/28

This past Sunday, the Adult Forum watched a compelling TED Talk by Zak Ebrahim. It was interesting to hear it alongside the First Lesson for last week, from Ezekiel 18, and the prophet's insistence on individual responsibility and an open future.





Some of the questions we considered included:
In what ways do we strive to be like our parents and/or grandparents?
In what ways do we strive to different from our parents/grandparents?
What have been our experiences of stereotyping? And breaking down of stereotypes?
Are there people/causes we'd be willing to die for? To kill for?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Zak has written a book, called The Terrorist's Son: A Story of Choice. You can learn more about it here:

Family Art Nights!

This year's Vacation Bible School isn't just for children, but for whole households - parents, grandparents, kids, teens, young adults, adults without children, pretty much everyone!

Each evening, Sunday, July 27th - Thursday, July 31st, folks will gather for dinner at 5:30pm ($2/person each evening will cover costs), and the program will start at 6:00pm. If you want to eat dinner at your house, no problem!

The program will begin with some fun and silly songs, a story or psalm from the Bible, and a creative prayer time. Then the ART begins, with three projects to choose from each night. Maybe you'll do one, maybe you'll do all three!

There is no set ending time. Families who need to get home for early bedtimes can leave when they need to. Kids who "just need 2 more minutes!" to get something done can have those 2 minutes. We expect that most folks will be heading out by 8pm or so.

These evenings of messy fun are designed for parents and other caring adults to create side-by-side with children, building relationships in family units, and across the congregation and community. ALL ARE WELCOME to participate! Invite friends!

And if you're able, please get a registration form turned in ahead of time, so organizers will have the right amount of food and supplies. You can find the registration form on the CtK website: www.ctkbozeman.org

Thanks!

Lay My Burden Down

North American Lutherans aren't typically known for showing emotion during worship (or at all, in some cases. Some branches of the Lutheran family tree come from solid Scandinavian stock, and there are plenty of jokes about the "quiet" Norwegian-Americans - like the extroverted Norwegian farmer who looks at YOUR shoes while he talks to you).
That said, some news is just so good, that even the shy-est, most quiet people can't help but show it. I can't remember the last time someone thought I was shy, or quiet (ahem), so I knew it wouldn't be hard for me to sing from the pulpit this past Sunday. I was pretty sure that having a friend play the banjo would help loosen people up for a little non-scripted singing. And the congregation SANG. And sang like they meant it. Thanks be to God that none of us has to carry ANY burden alone. And a lot of the time, the burdens we carry, we don't have to carry at all. Set down the guilt, fear, pride...

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy (kind, good, suitable, appropriate), and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:28-30.

Glory glory hallelujah!

Blessed Ascension Day!

Easter was 40 days ago, which means that today we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord. Ascension always lands on a Thursday (since Easter is always on a Sunday), which means it can get overlooked pretty easily.

Here's the story from Acts 1 (from The Message):

 

When they were together for the last time, [the disciples] asked, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?"

[Jesus] told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared - in white robes! They said, "You Galileans! - why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly - and mysteriously - as he left."

So, how to celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord?
- Watch some clouds for a few minutes, and then go find someone to serve.
- Fly a kite.
- Be a one of Jesus's witnesses right where you are, and tell someone how much God loves them.

Happy Ascension Day!

Be still and know that I am God.

My life is not very quiet these days.

This is why I need the quiet atmosphere of midweek Lenten worship to calm my mind, body, and spirit.

I have always enjoyed evening worship. There is something about darkness, candlelight, quiet music, and gentle voices that calm me and help me be still.

My eldest daughter Marit won’t take an afternoon nap unless she is still and quiet.

I have a hard time sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit unless I am still and quiet.

Evening worship provides an opportunity to be still and quiet.

A musical prelude and postlude draws me into the worship space, and keeps me there when I think I need to leave to tend to my duties as a pastor, husband, and father.

The contrast between darkness and light during evening worship holds my attention, unlike some other lighting arrangements.

Quiet voices reading scripture, uttering prayers, and singing hymns calm me down much like when I speak to my boisterous children with a still, small voice.

I will continue to participate in evening worship because I need the quiet, I need the calm, and I need the stillness to help me sense the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Perhaps that is God’s gift to us during this season leading up to Holy Week and Easter.

We need the quiet. We need the calm. We need the stillness to help us sense the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

A new Presiding Bishop - video of the Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's installation

The ELCA has a new Presiding Bishop! The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton was installed this past Saturday, October 5th, at the Rockafeller Chapel in Chicago. Below is the video of the service of Holy Communion with her installation.






If you want to skip ahead to the sermon, preached by the Bishop of the Montana Synod, the Rev. Jessica Crist, the video is here:



Enjoy!

The Poor Will Always Be With You, and Deuteronomy 15

While preaching last Sunday on the day's Gospel reading from John 12 (verses 1-8), I said I'd write a post about Jesus' response to Judas' complaint about Mary of Bethany's use of some REALLY expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet. This is it.

Jesus told Judas, and everyone else within earshot, "You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me" (John 12:8).

What did he mean by that?

Many of the commentaries I read in preparation for preaching focused mostly on the first half of the sentence. Few spent much time discussing the fact that Jesus was only six days away from crucifixion here. Perhaps Jesus intended to draw attention to the fact that his death really was imminent. After all, he said that Mary "bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial." Here, on the day the lambs for sacrifice at Passover would have been selected, Mary's actions make it obvious that Jesus has been selected for sacrifice, as well. His days are numbered and tending to him is appropriate and right.

So, what about the poor? Does Jesus mean we're off that hook? In some times and places, some Christians have said, yes.

Carol Howard Merritt wrote at The Hardest Question last week about conversations and experiences she's had, in which people dismiss opportunities to help the poor, because "the poor will always be with us."

In my mind, he had twisted the words of Jesus to let me know that there was no use trying to work for the greater good of people, we might as well turn our back on the plight of the poor, because some people will just be victims of fateful poverty.

I heard the words when our church planned to spend millions of dollars to rearrange the furniture in the sanctuary. When people questioned spending so much money on cosmetic updates while so many homeless people needed to be fed in our neighborhood, I heard, “The poor will always be with us.”

In our country, as the middle class dwindles and the rich hoard more in their off-shore accounts than the GDP of many countries, I hate these words. And so the hardest question for me becomes, how do we preach the love of Christ, who fed and healed people, in the light of Jesus saying, “The poor will always be with us?”

(You can read her whole post here).

Yet Jesus didn't speak these words, nor did John record them, in a vacuum. If you flip to the Old Testament, you find that Jesus wasn't the first to say this. Deuteronomy 15:11: "...there will never cease to be some in need on the earth..." Ah. Right.

But wait a second, back up a bit more and read those words in context. Deuteronomy 15 is all about releasing the poor from debts. God's people were not to create a permanent underclass with borrowing that never saw an end or way out. Deut 15:1: "Every seventh year you shall grant a remission of debts." Radical? Yes.

Go grab your Bible and turn to Deuteronomy 15. Verses 4 and 5 say, "There will, however, be no one in need among you, because the LORD is sure to bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you as a possession to occupy, if only you will obey the LORD your God by diligently observing this entire commandment that I command you today."  It seems like that could be true, if everyone's debts are forgiven every 7 years.

But then check out verse 7: "If there is among you anyone in need..."

And then verse 11: "Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.'"

That's a big move in just a few verses, from no one in need to no end of people in need. The command, though, is clear: be generous.

Mary was generous to Jesus. Jesus has been generous to us. Now we can be generous to all those in need.

What do YOU think? Comments welcome!

When better isn't better

The reading from the Hebrew Scriptures for last Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, was Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.
Chapters 56-66 are generally considered to be from the post-exilic period of Israel's history. Remember how the Babylonians conquered the southern kingdom (Judah, and its capital, Jerusalem) in 587BC? Well, in 539BC, the Persian king Cyrus had defeated the Babylonians and decreed that the exiles should return to their homeland and rebuild their city and their temple. (Want to read more about Cyrus? Check out Isaiah 44:21-45:8. In Is 45:1 the Lord calls Cyrus his annointed - his messiah!)
Perhaps I've seen too many movies with happy endings, but you'd sort of expect things to be "all good" once the people returned to their homeland, right? Not so much.
The mourning continues, rising out of frustration and humiliation over the failure to rebuild the city and the temple to match their former glory. Things definitely are not "all good." Economic disparities and religious and political factions within the city remain. The reality of life didn't match up with their expectations.
Sound familiar? Has that ever been the case in your life?
Have you ever felt crushed by unmet expectations, to the point that it felt like your faith was shaken to its core?
Then Isaiah's words may provide some comfort for you, too, especially since these first verses are those chosen - and fulfilled - by Jesus when he read in the synagogue (Luke 4:14-30).
The story isn't over yet. God comes to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners, and to comfort all who mourn.
And it is these, the ones who heard the news, the newly released or comforted, who will "repair the devastations of many generations."
God's story with God's people (even you and me) continues, and hope remains.

Good News for Mortals

Today's God Pause devotion was pure gospel for me. I hope it is for you, as well.

Tuesday, 4/12/2011
Acts 2:24
It was impossible for Jesus to be held in death's power. Impossible. What a strong word. Death never stood a chance. There are times when it appears that death has the upper hand. We hear story upon story of death's seeming grip on the human family. Everything dies: institutions, marriages, friendships, people. Judging from appearances, we could only conclude one thing: It is impossible to defeat death. Not with Jesus. No, Jesus is the life-giver. Jesus resurrects institutions, friendships, marriages and people. It is impossible for death to conquer Jesus. Impossible.

Lord, help me see your resurrection power at work in the world. Amen.
Joel Wudel
Vice President for Seminary Relations, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

Acts 2:24 (NRSV)
24 But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.

When the government can't pass a budget...

Here's some food for thought, a post on the Lutheran Confessions blog written by ELCA pastor Clint Schnekloth.

A Lenten Prayer

We're coming up on the fourth Sunday of Lent (and it's APRIL!). How is the season treating you? In addition to "a dollar a day for forty days," my other Lenten discipline this year has been giving up game shows - my own personal fast. I know, it sounds pretty lame, and it's not like I would consider myself unhealthily "addicted" to game shows. It's just that they have a tendency to become a time-suck in my life. Here's the deal: Grant really likes to watch the nightly news. Back when Marit was born we cancelled our DirecTV, and got an antenna. We now get CBS, the CW and five (yes, five!) different PBS channels. But that's it. No ABC, no NBC, no Fox, not even the Weather Channel!! So, our network news options are limited, and we watch the CBS news at 5pm on the nights we're home and not at church or out and about. Then the local news comes on at 5:30. All good. At some point dinner gets fixed, and if inertia takes hold, the TV stays on, as background noise, if nothing else, for Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Without thinking too much about it, it becomes entirely too easy for me to watch two hours of television. Well, not anymore. No game shows for me these days. It's good - Grant and I have more time to read to each other (we're reading The Message - Eugene Peterson's translation of the Bible, outloud to each other this year) and to have real conversations. It's amazing how much I can actually get done in that hour if I want to, and how a fast isn't for the sake of the thing you're giving up, but in order to feast on something else.
Are you fasting from something this year? Is it as simple as turning off the TV? Are you fasting from facebook? From a favorite food? Here's a prayer to help us expand our thoughts, and discipline, around fasting this Lent:
A Lenten Prayer
Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ indwelling in them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with your presence so we can be a gift to others in carrying out your work. Amen.
William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
(American author, educator, motivational speaker)

A Comic Commentary on Last Sunday's Gospel

I subscribe to this lectionary comic, Agnus Day, and get an email from them every week. Sometimes they're pretty funny.

This is the one sent last week, for Transfigureation Sunday, which was this past Sunday. Enjoy!

That’s just so like Jesus. He always has to be the last word. – Comment on this comic
Agnus Day

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." --Matthew 17:1-9

The Baobab Blast is Underway!

It's Vacation Bible School time here at CtK- 40 kids and a whole bunch of teen and adult leaders are here for "God's Great Get Together: The Baobab Blast!"

The kids are learning about life with God and with each other, as well as life on the African Savannah: so many animals, so many plants, so many customs that are different from ours! The songs are fun and rhythmic - make sure to put the VBS sing-along and Ice Cream Social on your calendar for this Thursday at 6:30pm. Ice cream will be provided - bring your favorite topping to share for the "build your own sundae bar." Yum!

Today's theme was Trust. We really can trust God, just like Abraham and Sarah did back in Genesis 12:1-9. The Bible Memory Verse today is Psalm 37:5 - Let the LORD lead you and trust him to help. See if you can commit it to memory, too!

Please keep the kids and leaders in your prayers this week. We're hoping for a FUN and SAFE week here at Ctk!

One Body

The sermon text for this Sunday is 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, and I've been thinking a lot this week about how as the church we are one body. Every person is connected. Every person is valuable and needed. Every person has a part to play in the divine drama of God's work in the world. It is God's mission we're following, after all. Sometimes I think we forget, this is God's church, in God's world. Our task is to discern what God is already doing out there and then join in.

I look forward to the day when we have a few more options when it comes to multimedia in worship here at CtK. I'm not saying I believe worship should be all electric, all the time, but a little more flexibility might help us carry out our part of God's mission even more effectively.

For instance, I'd love to show this video in worship on Sunday (and I would have embedded it here, but I don't want to take the time to figure out the glitch in the html, so you'll just have to click the link to see it). Enjoy!

Do you remember the divided kingdom?

I'm working on getting ready for confirmation tonight. Our 6th-8th grade students are studying the Hebrew Scriptures, or Old Testament, this year. Last week they learned about the splitting of the kingdom of Israel into two kingdoms: Israel, the northern kingdom, and Judah, the southern kingdom. Tonight we'll be learning more about the northern kingdom, its kings, and some of the prophets who called them to return to faithful relationships with God and each other.
If all of this sounds like a distant memory, at best, I'd encourage you to break out 1 and 2 Kings, and maybe even check out Enter the Bible, a great new website from Luther Seminary. It makes learning about books of the Bible and important people in the Bible easy and fun. You can learn more about 1 Kings here. Explore the site - and HAVE FUN!!

Children of God

Happy 6th Day of Christmas!

We're busy getting those "end of the year" things done here in the CtK office. Good times!!

And like every week, it's sermon preparation time!

Here's the latest comic from Agnus Day, a fun lectionary comic I subscribe to by email. The Gospel reading this Sunday is John 1:10-18.

Enjoy!

Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org