​When we think of kintsugi, we often picture it in a museum-like setting. We often see this Japanese art as a broken piece of pottery with lightning-like streaks of gold leaf, set against a sterile background. In this form, we admire the artistry—its beauty as an artifact.

In my mid 30’s as I started to engage more with my faith and God, I was encouraged to have a “daily quiet time” with Jesus. This usually meant five minutes of Bible reading and five minutes of prayer—a quick and efficient routine. It wasn’t uncommon for someone at men’s bible study to ask how your “daily quiet time” was going, and for many, it was just another task to check off.

On Sunday, August 25, the high school youth and adults who attended the ELCA Youth Gathering this summer hosted a “Taste of New Orleans” brunch for the congregation to share stories and say thank you for all the prayers and support they received. There were various types of delicious New Orleans cuisine served that the group enjoyed during our time there, including jambalaya, bread pudding and beignets to name a few. The kids who could, some of our group had show choir rehearsals, shared their pictures, stories and takeaways from the experience.

After more than a few conversations with folks this past week, it has become increasingly evident to me that many of us hate turning on the news. When I have asked the question, “How are things with you?” the answer has increasingly become, “I am good if I can ignore the news.” People are tired of the onslaught of bad news. 

For some reason, this week has me thinking about gifts and what Heri Nouwen said about them.
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A gift only becomes a gift when it is received; and nothing we have to give—wealth, talents, competence, or just beauty— will ever be recognized as true gifts until someone is open to accept them.

This all suggests that if we want others to grow— that is, to discover their potential and capacities, to experience that they have something to live and work for—we should first of all be able to recognize their gifts and be willing to receive them.

For we only become fully human when we are received and accepted.

See you Sunday!
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Peace,
Travis Segar
Pastor for Care and Community

A pastor tells a story about his professor in seminary. In class one day he gave his students a challenge. He had one of the students read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 out loud to the class.
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4 Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable; it keeps no record of wrongs; 6 it does not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth. 7 It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Lessons you learn at camp:

1. I am a part of God’s creation. The bugs that bite me and the frogs that belch in the fire swamp and lightning bugs that dance across the lawn are all created by God. I am created by God.
2. God’s creation is good. That means I am good. I can try new and hard things. I can survive a week away from the comfort of my home and the safety of my family.
3. We connect with God through creation. When we slow down and disconnect and pay attention to the trees and animals and people around us, we can know God better. 

It should have been a small matter between neighbors. It should have easily been discussed and easily resolved. But unfortunately, it wasn’t.
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It all started with a home improvement project. A backyard do-it-yourself project that started on the weekend. Then the rain comes up and a muddy mess is created. That muddy mess then unexpectedly moves into the neighbor’s yard. Then to the neighbor's patio and sidewalk. 

​Joy. The word that best describes my week at the ELCA
Youth Gathering is joy. Joy in being with the youth and
adults from Holy Trinity. Joy in being the church with
16,000 Lutheran youth. Joy in feeling the Holy Spirit move
in the lives of these kids. Joy in homecoming. J-O-Y…joy

This past Saturday, I learned of an assassination attempt on former President Trump. I found myself shocked at the news. My initial thought was “At least they stopped the attempt on the former President’s life before anyone was injured.”