![]() This past Tuesday the appointed psalm for the morning was Psalm 12. As we gathered as staff to pray, I read these words: Help, O LORD, for there is no longer anyone who is godly; the faithful have disappeared from humankind. They utter lies to each other; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. (Psalm 12:1-2)
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![]() There is a certificate that hangs on the wall of our church from the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. It thanks us for being “one of the most generous congregations in the ELCA.” Our mission partnership with the World Hunger Appeal is long and rich. That is for good reason. ![]() When I reflect on what I hold dear—like birds in flight, beautiful mountains, vibrant coral reefs, or even the uncontainable laughter of my family — I can’t help but notice the threats on the horizon. I see the pollution and deforestation. But I also see the conflicts of this world. I see the injustices of this world that siphon off the beauty of this world. ![]() One of our goals for 2025 is to strengthen our relationship with our mission partners – the organizations we work with to enflesh our mission, which is to Share God’s Love. For a congregation to be a congregation it must reach beyond its own needs and interests to love our neighbors locally and globally. Sometimes congregations develop their own programs and projects to make these connections. At Holy Trinity, we have chosen to make more lasting and sustainable efforts by partnering with institutions and organizations that are already opening doors and addressing needs in the world. ![]() The first Christmas wasn’t the kind of holiday we often picture today. It wasn’t filled with storybook charm or the familiar warmth of a Midwestern gathering. It was something more powerful and transformative. It was the Christmas Mary sang about — the kind that still resonates through the ages. This kind of Christmas centers completely on God. ![]() Our nation has made many positive contributions to human history. A sustained (though often flawed) democracy and peaceful transitions of power, reaching into the heaven to land on the moon, the establishment of a middle class and abundant opportunity for many (but never all), and countless other contributions can be cited. ![]() “Why doesn’t God DO something about the suffering in this world?” This question often sits at the heart of why people struggle with having faith in God. It is often the reason people choose to reject the idea of God, to be an A- (meaning “not” in Greek) Theist (one who assents to the existence of the Divine). It is a fair question and should not be dismissed. ![]() Compassion isn’t easy. It’s a challenging choice to stand with others in their weakness, vulnerability, loneliness, and brokenness. Often, our first instinct is to avoid suffering—either by trying to fix it quickly or by distancing ourselves from it. We’re conditioned to be active and productive, wanting to prove our worth by making a visible difference. Yet, in this pursuit, we can overlook one of our greatest gifts: the ability to stand in true solidarity with those who are hurting. ![]() The 2024 Election is over. Winners and losers have been decided. For some, the outcome is a victory to celebrate. For others, it is a moment of dread and despair. It is tempting (or a little delusional) to think that the conclusion of the election means we have settled our differences, embraced a unifying vision, and can move on. The election is over but our struggle for unity, peace, common ground, and a hopeful future is clearly not over. The election, it seems to me, didn’t settle anything. If anything, I come away more confused and uncertain than ever. |
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