Often we feel victimized by our society. While winning isn’t everything, losing doesn’t feel good. Only when we acknowledge our incompleteness can we overcome the trappings of a win/lose society. God accepts us as we are. He makes us a winner and affirms us. We can celebrate life even though we aren’t “winners”. So no matter who the March Madness winners are in the news, you will know in this Lenten season you are one of them!!
When you go from a good paying job to no job, life unravels fast. John had to sell everything and go hungry after not finding a job in over a year. He was the recipient of an outreach that helped him. 6 months later, he got a job and life has returned to normal. John said: Someone believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Who knows how many people have been helped through Spirit of Christ’s outreach? You do make a difference!
Not all of you will be familiar with the famous Duncan Yo-Yo. It was two circular pieces held together by a peg and a string was attached to it. You began by getting the yo-yo to go up and down. Then, when experienced you could do tricks. Around the world and walking the dog were two favorites.
My life yo-yos up and down and two favorites are my wife and hockey. When my life and emotions start to yo-yo these are two familiar constants. Yet there are those days when I need more. The string breaks and the yo-yo flies off into the unknown causing all kinds of problems. Or maybe my yo-yo life goes for a walk of its own. Or maybe the troubles seem like they are greater than around the world.
Then my constant is and always has been God. God patiently tends to me and my yo-yo like life, giving me what I need through prayer, devotion, word and sacrament.
This is probably why I am a Pastor. I hope you find the same source when you yo-yo in life.
In September, we are looking at success as we might find it in Jesus’ words. Is Success having the best church, best pastor, most righteous parishioners and a wonderful facility to hold them all? Or is success the difference that all these make in the lives of others, many who may not even grace the doors of this select clan? Labor Day began in 1885 and Jesus asks all who labor and are weary to come unto him. This is one of the reasons for church. Today as we move beyond the Labor Day week-end, he asks what we have done for the least of those around us. May you do a kind act or deed this week to, for or with someone else in your community.
Singing
Pastors Wes and Kevin and Prez Anne Kraft had a great experience representing SOC at the Minneapolis Synod Assembly. They worshipped and prayed with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from around the area and debated resolutions supporting indigenous peoples and mission direction for our church. They also had a lot of fun.
