​It may seem odd for a Lutheran Pastor to say much about the death of a pope. Luther himself had little good to say about popes. Popes had little good to say about Luther. Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther in 1521. That was, however, a very long time ago. Lutherans have changed and so have popes.

Easter Sunday stands before us this weekend, and with it comes a decision: Will we be drawn into the moral vortex of vindication and punishment? Or will we rise to the resurrection vision of Jesus?

The vitality and health of a congregation is dependent on the Holy Spirit. It is hard to measure, but not impossible to see. During her recent visit, Bishop Amy Current entered Café Koinonia (where we have coffee and donuts) and was moved by how vibrant and connected people were as they shared this time of fellowship. She said it was an extension of our joyous worship. Simple gifts from God – water, wine, bread, coffee, donuts, and conversation – manifest unity, love, compassion, and hospitality.