Recently printed in Watertown's Public Opinion...
In times of joy and sorrow, celebration and despair prayers are said. Prayers are offered for peace between warring nations, for health and safety of loved ones and for daily bread. But there is one prayer that is to be a model for our prayers - the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, the Lord's Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus teaches us to demand for the Lord's name to be sacred, for our world to become just like it is in heaven, and that God give us our daily bread. No "please" is offered. Jesus teaches us to urgently demand, "Give us this day our daily bread." We are even taught to give God a deadline: today! It takes a lot of audacity to pray this demanding prayer, yet that is what Jesus taught us to humbly and respectfully do.
When we demand daily bread from God, we are demanding to be given what we need for this life. It is not a demand for a mansion or a luxury car, but it is a demand for what is needed to sustain our lives. We pray for bread to eat, for a safe place to sleep, and for an orderly community. Jesus teaches us to pray this to our Father in heaven, who has promised to provide our daily bread. Praying this prayer refocuses us on God who provides everything we have and everything we need.
In these uncertain times this prayer is a powerful testament to the way God cares for each one of us, but it also calls us to care for others as well. God has given us our daily bread, but some will go to bed cold and hungry tonight. Too often this happens because some of us have unjustly hoarded the daily bread and the fruits of creation. When we pray the prayer Jesus taught, we should also ask ourselves how we can help others receive their share of the daily bread God provides.
Thanks be to God who will continue to provide the daily bread even as we demand our portion!
2.06.2009
1.23.2009
DC Sites
Library of Congress 
Union Station
Preparations were underway for a dinner honoring V.P. Biden
If you click on this pic to make it bigger so that you can read the card tucked in the napkin
U.S> Supreme Court
The U.S. Capitol
Union Station
Preparations were underway for a dinner honoring V.P. Biden
If you click on this pic to make it bigger so that you can read the card tucked in the napkin
U.S> Supreme Court
The U.S. Capitol
Tickets
People waiting to go through security at the Cannon House Office Building
Our line at the Hart Senate Office Building
Special thanks Senator Tim Johnson for the ticket!
Tickets and our invitation to the Inauguration
We had tickets to stand in the blue section
Our line at the Hart Senate Office Building
Special thanks Senator Tim Johnson for the ticket!
Tickets and our invitation to the Inauguration
We had tickets to stand in the blue section
Inauguration Day
The Branch Ave. Metro Station at 4am
We ate breakfast at Union Station
A look at the back of the U.S. Capitol. In just a few hours the President took the oath of office on the other side
Waiting in line to go through security
Entering the Blue Gate
Finally entering the Capitol grounds at 11am
Our view
Snipers were on all buildings
Biden takes an oath
Yo-Yo Ma
President Obama
People walking down the freeway after the big event
We ate breakfast at Union Station
A look at the back of the U.S. Capitol. In just a few hours the President took the oath of office on the other side
Waiting in line to go through security
Entering the Blue Gate
Finally entering the Capitol grounds at 11am
Our view
Snipers were on all buildings
Biden takes an oath
Yo-Yo Ma
President Obama
People walking down the freeway after the big event
8.26.2008
The Last 4 Months
After a four month break it’s time to get posting again. In the past four months a few life changes have occurred. Aaron and I graduated in May, led a mission trip to North Carolina in June. We were ordained, moved to South Dakota and installed shortly thereafter. It’s been an amazing summer to say the least. I have been moved to tears over excitement and joy as well as fear and doubts.
I am already falling in love with the members and staff of, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, the congregation where I’ve been called to serve. I never pictured myself in a large place, yet there are over 3000 members and I have been repeatedly amazed by the relationships I’ve begun in a place this size. I never imagined I’d live in a town of 200, but I live in Toronto, South Dakota a town so small it doesn’t even have a traffic light yet I live in a house with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and over 2400 sq. feet. Size is definitely juxtaposed from what I had imagined. At this time last year I envisioned I’d be serving a small congregation and living in an apartment in a city, and I currently have a call at a large congregation and live in a large house in eastern South Dakota.
So far, my biggest joys have come during my hospital visitations. There’s something about walking into a hospital room, introducing myself and connecting with a member in a way that would otherwise take years. Something about the stress, uncertainty and boredom of hospital stays helps folks reach out and open up. At some point these past four months someone told me that it’s amazing when you walk into a hospital room and realize you’re only one of the pastors walking in…there are others from days gone by, good ones and bad ones, but all called to ministry and they’re there in the room with you. I’ve felt that amazing presence numerous times.
Some of my biggest anxieties come from being a member of pastoral team of three. I only preach about once a month and fall programming isn’t underway yet, so there’s a lot of office time without a lot of interaction with people. Also, the other two pastors have been handling things they had already planned on. My first wedding isn’t until November and my first baptism was this past Sunday. On the flip side, it is helpful and a privilege to work with the other two pastors. They are opposites in many ways, but both have been called to walk in this place at this time and both reach different members of the congregation with their styles and beliefs.
Overall, I’m doing well. It’s about the time for homesickness to be settling in and I can feel it coming on already. I can’t wait for the fall to begin. I’ll be teaching 6th grade confirmation, as well as an adult study focused on the catechism and Lutheran history plus youth groups will be up and running and we’ll begin another worship service. Life outside work is good too. It’s great to have Audra
(Aaron’s sister) and her family so close and we’ve been able to see our friends in Sioux Falls a few times. Most nights Aaron and I kick back and watch tv – we finally have cable so we’re watching way too much tv. Well, it’s time to get to another meeting, the fifth one today.
Letter from a Pastor for the September Newsletter
When the horses of Pharaoh with his chariots and his chariot drivers went into the sea, the Lord brought back the waters of the sea upon them; but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. Then the prophet Miriam, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand; and all the women went out after her with tambourines and with dancing. And Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; horse and rider he has thrown into the sea.” – Exodus 15.19-21
In the early days as intern pastor at Augustana College in Sioux Falls my supervisor asked me to pick a passage of scripture to guide me through the year. I choose the Exodus 15:19-21. These days I find myself echoing Miriam’s song of praise. Thankfully, God has brought me through four years of seminary and a move over 1000 miles to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer where I sing and dance full of praise for God’s protection and guidance.
The account of the Israelites and Egyptians has always intrigued me. One of my earliest childhood memories involves my family gathering in the family room with bowls of popcorn to watch the annual broadcast of the Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston as Moses. Later, Disney’s Prince of Egypt peaked my interest enough to reread the story in Exodus where I discovered a good deal inconsistencies between the scriptures and the films.
This began my interest in the dynamics between popular culture’s presentation of the Bible and the scriptures themselves. The journey has been interesting to say the least. In my experience “God helps those who help themselves” seems to be the most common misquoted saying. It is actually quote from Ben Franklin, a deist, even though it is often attributed to the Bible. In fact, the Bible turns this so-called wisdom on its head. The Israelites were freed because God intervened on their behalf. They were powerless against their Egyptian captors and could not free themselves. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever admitted that you’re in bondage to sin and cannot free yourself? Again and again, God acts to free those who cannot free themselves. God frees the Israelites, and God frees you. Go, sing and dance.
Peace be yours!
Check out Exodus 1-15 and Romans 5:6-8 for more thought provoking verses.
In the early days as intern pastor at Augustana College in Sioux Falls my supervisor asked me to pick a passage of scripture to guide me through the year. I choose the Exodus 15:19-21. These days I find myself echoing Miriam’s song of praise. Thankfully, God has brought me through four years of seminary and a move over 1000 miles to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer where I sing and dance full of praise for God’s protection and guidance.
The account of the Israelites and Egyptians has always intrigued me. One of my earliest childhood memories involves my family gathering in the family room with bowls of popcorn to watch the annual broadcast of the Ten Commandments with Charlton Heston as Moses. Later, Disney’s Prince of Egypt peaked my interest enough to reread the story in Exodus where I discovered a good deal inconsistencies between the scriptures and the films.
This began my interest in the dynamics between popular culture’s presentation of the Bible and the scriptures themselves. The journey has been interesting to say the least. In my experience “God helps those who help themselves” seems to be the most common misquoted saying. It is actually quote from Ben Franklin, a deist, even though it is often attributed to the Bible. In fact, the Bible turns this so-called wisdom on its head. The Israelites were freed because God intervened on their behalf. They were powerless against their Egyptian captors and could not free themselves. Does this sound familiar? Have you ever admitted that you’re in bondage to sin and cannot free yourself? Again and again, God acts to free those who cannot free themselves. God frees the Israelites, and God frees you. Go, sing and dance.
Peace be yours!
Check out Exodus 1-15 and Romans 5:6-8 for more thought provoking verses.
4.08.2008
Another Move to South Dakota
It’s official; we’re headed to South Dakota for first call! Last week we even heard about congregations we might be serving. A few days I’ve woken up asking myself, do we really have the names of congregations we’re going to interview with? Yes, is the answer I keep coming up with.
I can’t wait to be closer to the nieces! The picture in the upper left corner is Keira Grace on her two week birthday! We had the privilege to be her first babysitters after we sent her parents out to dinner. The bottom left is Ava Joyce. She’s bouncy and full of giggles.
As we prepare for yet another transition I realize that I’m making extra efforts to see family and friends in Ohio these days. This afternoon I picked up grandma from the airport and I wanted to spend all evening catching up, but she was tired from traveling and I thought I should get home to Aaron. When I checked my voice mail I saw that Mom had called. When I returned her call I learned that she was with Jack at Chad’s track meet only 20 miles from the apartment so I went to watch his last three events. I’m proud to announce he took second in the 200 meter and won the 4 by 4! Just before we parted Mom said before I go we have to do another girls night at grandmas. She also has a standing gift request, one round trip plane ticket a year for Christmas/Mother’s Day/ Birthday. As excited as I am about moving back to South Dakota it will be hard to leave Columbus.
Again I come to the hard realization that life will always be bitter sweet for Aaron and I. We are blessed with amazing families, but they will always be 1000 miles apart. We will never move to a place where our parents and siblings live. Then again, whenever we get sick of being around one side of the family we can always run to the other.
2.16.2008
The Cabin
Before the Spring Semester began Aaorn and I ran away to Southern Ohio for a week. Here are a few pics from our week at Rustic Ridge Retreat.
When we arrived the innkeeper had baked a cake and purchased a bottle of wine for us.
More pics...I have never seen so many widows with such amazing views!
2.07.2008
Once We Sang and Danced
Once we sang and danced with gladness;
once delight filled every breath;
now we sit among the ashes,
all our dreams destroyed by death.
All the willows bow in weeping,
all the rivers rage and moan,
as creation joins the pleading:
“God, do not leave us alone.”
God who came to dwell among us,
God, who suffered our disgrace,
from your own heart, grieved and wounded,
come the riches of your grace.
Come, O Christ, among the ashes,
come to wipe our tears away,
death destroy and sorrow banish;
now and always, come and stay.
This is the text from closing hymn at the Ash Wednesday service Aaron and I attended last night. I sobbed through the hymn as I thought about Jessica Marie Larson, Aaron’s 25 year old cousin who lost her battle with cancer at 5:05am that morning. The hymn has become my prayer.
once delight filled every breath;
now we sit among the ashes,
all our dreams destroyed by death.
All the willows bow in weeping,
all the rivers rage and moan,
as creation joins the pleading:
“God, do not leave us alone.”
God who came to dwell among us,
God, who suffered our disgrace,
from your own heart, grieved and wounded,
come the riches of your grace.
Come, O Christ, among the ashes,
come to wipe our tears away,
death destroy and sorrow banish;
now and always, come and stay.
This is the text from closing hymn at the Ash Wednesday service Aaron and I attended last night. I sobbed through the hymn as I thought about Jessica Marie Larson, Aaron’s 25 year old cousin who lost her battle with cancer at 5:05am that morning. The hymn has become my prayer.
1.14.2008
I'm Sorry
I don’t have class until February! This extra time translates to more time for seeing the awesome friends and family around the Columbus area. Recently I’ve noticed a trend. The three women I’m closest to, Mom, Grandma and Mel are constantly giving Aaron the ‘I’m sorry’ comments or look.
Last night it came from Mel. While she was picking up her youngest daughter she asked if I’d like to come over because she had a pan of double chocolate brownies in the oven. I picked up Aaron and headed over. We were all standing in her kitchen when Aaron and I said we should get back to grandmas to so Aaron could work on laundry. Mel chimed in, “he does all the laundry, what do you do?” The more distant women in my life say that it’s great the man does the laundry, but not Mel. She’s concerned. Her concern was somewhat abated when I informed her that I do the grocery shopping, but she still had that poor Aaron look.
After noticing the trend I decided to ask Aaron about it. He denied it at first, but then he chuckled and said that yes, they do this. I began thinking, what am I doing to illicit this response. Am I that hard to be with? Why the looks of sympathy for Aaron? Aaron shot back that in his words I am a ‘force of nature.’ I’m not sure if I’m confident I know what he means, and I am less sure that I am comfortable with that title. Aaron continued that I’m a force of nature because when I set my mind to something I am really set on it and I will not let anything stand in my way. There has to more to it though. For now I’m off to do the same thing I do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world.
Last night it came from Mel. While she was picking up her youngest daughter she asked if I’d like to come over because she had a pan of double chocolate brownies in the oven. I picked up Aaron and headed over. We were all standing in her kitchen when Aaron and I said we should get back to grandmas to so Aaron could work on laundry. Mel chimed in, “he does all the laundry, what do you do?” The more distant women in my life say that it’s great the man does the laundry, but not Mel. She’s concerned. Her concern was somewhat abated when I informed her that I do the grocery shopping, but she still had that poor Aaron look.
After noticing the trend I decided to ask Aaron about it. He denied it at first, but then he chuckled and said that yes, they do this. I began thinking, what am I doing to illicit this response. Am I that hard to be with? Why the looks of sympathy for Aaron? Aaron shot back that in his words I am a ‘force of nature.’ I’m not sure if I’m confident I know what he means, and I am less sure that I am comfortable with that title. Aaron continued that I’m a force of nature because when I set my mind to something I am really set on it and I will not let anything stand in my way. There has to more to it though. For now I’m off to do the same thing I do every night, Pinky - try to take over the world.
Christmas Pics
Here are the photo highlights of Christmas.
1.The Friday before Christmas Mom, Jack, Raven, Grandma, Tina, Aaron and I went to Cincinnati for a night away. We saw a fun Christmas cabaret and partied a little too much.
2.The Sunday before Christmas the Wernicke’s gathered to celebrate. Todd and LA got no-bake cookies from Mom as part of their gift.
3.Bryon’s gift from Santa.
4.Todd and Grandma listen to “T’was the Night Before Christmas”
5.Elyse learns her fate from Santa’s Good Children – Bad Children Book
6.The Wernicke great grandgirls
7.Christmas Day at Mom’s
8.Katelynn and her ‘real’ cat
9.Freezing fog. There was no mist or rain, but we drove through crazy thick fog. I had to turn the defrost on as high as it would go and open the back windows, but we made it!
10.Parry’s Settler’s Wonder Tower.
11.Boys will be boys. Mike, Aaron and Parry at Giggle Bee’s. Non – South Dakotans think Chuck – E – Cheese from the 80’s.
12.Quilts made from Grandpa and Grandma Matson’s clothing for the siblings.
13.Audra, Ava and Becca
14.Ava, her grandpa and her uncle
15.Becca at Chuck – E – Cheese
16.Me at work ice skating with Bethel’s youth and Santa!
12.19.2007
Thank the Lord and Sing Praise!
Today I stopped by my mailbox before heading to my last class of 2007. I received a paper from a professor I had turned a few weeks ago then I heard screams of joy. A classmate said she got $400 she wasn’t expecting. I was happy for her because it’s money crunch time for students as our fall loan money is out and our next checks won’t come until late January. How are we gonna pay rent becomes a question. We walked to class and she is continuing to sing through the halls. We enter our classroom and another students says, “My husband got one too, they were from an anonymous donor for Capital alumni.” I was disappointed because I hadn’t got a check in my school mailbox. I went through class, did my presentation and said my goodbyes wondering how I had been forgotten. When I got back to our apartment I checked the mail and sure enough there was an envelope from Capital!
Alleluia! Every time we begin to run short we get a gift from a generous donor. Sometimes we get help from the church ladies in South Dakota and other times we are awarded a scholarship we’ve never even heard of. We have been given many blessings. Today, we thank Capital’s Anonymous Alumni. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Alleluia! Every time we begin to run short we get a gift from a generous donor. Sometimes we get help from the church ladies in South Dakota and other times we are awarded a scholarship we’ve never even heard of. We have been given many blessings. Today, we thank Capital’s Anonymous Alumni. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
12.09.2007
Is 'P' for Pastor?
So, I’m taking classes on the Pass – Marginal – Fail system instead of traditional A – F grades. Today I received an email from a professor stating that a late paper will receive a Marginal if I do not make a few changes. Honestly, I just want to Pass, but since she took the time to send the email stating exactly what needs to be changed to receive a Pass I feel like I have to rewrite the paper. Really, does it make any difference if I write a paper on the rationale behind my Spirituality and the Arts final presentation? It makes the difference between being a student just going for an overall Pass and the student going for the Super-Pass. Aren’t I taking classes without letter grades so I don’t have to worry about how spectacular my work is? Enough ranting, it’s time to earn that Super-Pass that really is only worth a Pass. P is for Pastor!
11.21.2007
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11.19.2007
A Thanksgiving Rant
Finding time to write these days has been harder than ever before. I forgot about the quick pace of life I lead Ohio. I certainly have much to be thankful for: seminary, youth, family and friends, but wow are these things exhausting! I can’t begin to explain the past few months, so I’ll stick with the past week and random highlights.
One of the coolest parts of my fall semester at Trinity was Choral Evensong. Trinity has two choirs, one is a liturgical choir that sings during Eucharist on Wednesday. The second comes together to rehearse one large work. This year over 65 students and friends of Trinity came together to sing Haydn’s Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War) we were accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra and some of the top local opera singers. Paukenmesse is set in the sermon rubric in the Service of Light. It was great to have family at worship; Mom, Jack, Grandma and Aaron were in attendance. Following the worship we all went to the Monk for drinks and some great live jazz. Part of being near so many people I love means I am never able to spend as much time with them all as I would like. The evening provided the perfect excuse for us to come together and enjoy each other’s presence and a few fine chocolate martinis.
Another highlight would have to be the Luther Bowl. On Luther’s birthday, November 10th 8 seminaries came together in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to play flag football. The winner gets the championship Book of Concord and bobble head Luther. Trinity won the championship the past two years, but had to let it go home with the folks from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. It was a sad day. Aaron and the rest of the Trinity players fought hard, but the battle was just too much.
The Luther Bowl set me up for a really rough week. My due dates for the following week were… Monday, New Testament II take home exam due. Tuesday, Pastor as Leader critical question due. Wednesday, Feminist Biblical Interpretation, 10 page paper on Naming the Holy due and our class attended For the Bible Tells Me So that evening followed by a discussion until 1:30a. Thursday I was sick with a fever, but that was gone by Friday. Friday I wrote my 10 page exegetical paper for New Testament II due today because this was quite the busy weekend.
Friday night, Aaron and I finally hosted a few friends for dinner and games. Saturday Ohio State crushed the team up north and Briseis had her first birthday party. Sunday, I taught Sunday School and then led 11 5-6th graders and chaperons on a pizza party and bowling field trip followed by 24 7-12th graders and chaperones at a Blue Jackets game. The Jackets lost after the second shoot out. The day was a blast but quite exhausting. Working with youth isn’t my most passionate area in ministry, but my it’s fun! Today I’m catching my breath and preparing to celebrate my victory over class work and craziness with classmates in the Short North with $1 Margaritas.
The plan is for this week to be a much-needed time to catch my breath. I think I have it scheduled to meet the needs of catching up with folks, but not too crazy of a time. On Wednesday night we’re probably staying with the Bradley’s as the night promises to be late, filled with cooking and friends from afar. Thursday Aaron and I will make three turkey dinners and Friday we’ll be with my folk’s for a end of the year bonfire party. Saturday the only obligation thus far is getting Aaron some new shoes at the outlet ‘cause Mom just got a 40% Reebok coupon and possibly a movie. Sunday it’s back to work, but then Christmas isn’t far off. Oh, and last week I was approved to take January off. So, this January I’ll be working and traveling. I’m thinking Hocking Hills, Chicago, Milwaukee, NYC and DC, but we’ll see.
I know this seems a little long, but really, it’s nothing compared to the 20 pages I wrote last week. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
One of the coolest parts of my fall semester at Trinity was Choral Evensong. Trinity has two choirs, one is a liturgical choir that sings during Eucharist on Wednesday. The second comes together to rehearse one large work. This year over 65 students and friends of Trinity came together to sing Haydn’s Paukenmesse (Mass in Time of War) we were accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra and some of the top local opera singers. Paukenmesse is set in the sermon rubric in the Service of Light. It was great to have family at worship; Mom, Jack, Grandma and Aaron were in attendance. Following the worship we all went to the Monk for drinks and some great live jazz. Part of being near so many people I love means I am never able to spend as much time with them all as I would like. The evening provided the perfect excuse for us to come together and enjoy each other’s presence and a few fine chocolate martinis.
Another highlight would have to be the Luther Bowl. On Luther’s birthday, November 10th 8 seminaries came together in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to play flag football. The winner gets the championship Book of Concord and bobble head Luther. Trinity won the championship the past two years, but had to let it go home with the folks from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. It was a sad day. Aaron and the rest of the Trinity players fought hard, but the battle was just too much.
The Luther Bowl set me up for a really rough week. My due dates for the following week were… Monday, New Testament II take home exam due. Tuesday, Pastor as Leader critical question due. Wednesday, Feminist Biblical Interpretation, 10 page paper on Naming the Holy due and our class attended For the Bible Tells Me So that evening followed by a discussion until 1:30a. Thursday I was sick with a fever, but that was gone by Friday. Friday I wrote my 10 page exegetical paper for New Testament II due today because this was quite the busy weekend.
Friday night, Aaron and I finally hosted a few friends for dinner and games. Saturday Ohio State crushed the team up north and Briseis had her first birthday party. Sunday, I taught Sunday School and then led 11 5-6th graders and chaperons on a pizza party and bowling field trip followed by 24 7-12th graders and chaperones at a Blue Jackets game. The Jackets lost after the second shoot out. The day was a blast but quite exhausting. Working with youth isn’t my most passionate area in ministry, but my it’s fun! Today I’m catching my breath and preparing to celebrate my victory over class work and craziness with classmates in the Short North with $1 Margaritas.
The plan is for this week to be a much-needed time to catch my breath. I think I have it scheduled to meet the needs of catching up with folks, but not too crazy of a time. On Wednesday night we’re probably staying with the Bradley’s as the night promises to be late, filled with cooking and friends from afar. Thursday Aaron and I will make three turkey dinners and Friday we’ll be with my folk’s for a end of the year bonfire party. Saturday the only obligation thus far is getting Aaron some new shoes at the outlet ‘cause Mom just got a 40% Reebok coupon and possibly a movie. Sunday it’s back to work, but then Christmas isn’t far off. Oh, and last week I was approved to take January off. So, this January I’ll be working and traveling. I’m thinking Hocking Hills, Chicago, Milwaukee, NYC and DC, but we’ll see.
I know this seems a little long, but really, it’s nothing compared to the 20 pages I wrote last week. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
11.13.2007
Free Rice
For each word you get right 10 grains of rice will be donated though the United Nations to end world hunger.
FreeRice was recently in the BBC news.
What is FreeRice?
FreeRice has a custom database containing thousands of words at varying degrees of difficulty. There are words appropriate for people just learning English and words that will challenge the most scholarly professors. In between are thousands of words for students, business people, homemakers, doctors, truck drivers, retired people… everyone!
FreeRice automatically adjusts to your level of vocabulary. It starts by giving you words at different levels of difficulty and then, based on how you do, assigns you an approximate starting level. You then determine a more exact level for yourself as you play. When you get a word wrong, you go to an easier level. When you get three words in a row right, you go to a harder level. This one-to-three ratio is best for keeping you at the “outer fringe” of your vocabulary, where learning can take place.
Get smarter feeding people at FreeRice!
10.28.2007
A Reformation Blessing
It's Reformation Sunday again! I love the history and tradition surrounding this day. For a taste of the excitement and history of today check out this new twist on the tune "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious".
The Reformation Polka
by Robert Gebel
When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...
Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...
Chorus
They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...
Chorus
Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...
Chorus
Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...
Now that you have a little history of the day I feel better. Now on to a personal reflection.
Today Aaron and I sang with the choir at both services. Because I wanted to sit with Matt, and because I haven’t spent much time with Katelynn lately I choose not to sit in the choir loft. I had the honor to hold 6 year-old Katelynn during worship. I held her when we sat and I held her when we stood. The magic came when the congregation sang the Kyrie. When the congregation sang Katelynn belted...
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power, riches and wisdom and strength
and honor and blessing and glory are his.
Sing with all the people of God,
join in the hymn of all creation.
Blessing, honor and glory,
glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia, alleluia.
While we sang the words took on new meaning. These words have been sung for generations and will continue to be sung long after this generation passes away. The faith that Katelynn expressed today rekindled my faith. We joined in the hymn of all creation. We joined in the hymn of creation that is past, present and to come. My hope is that Katelynn will sing these words thousands of times in her lifetime. My prayer is that she and all our children know the power of Almighty Fortress that is our God.
The Reformation Polka
by Robert Gebel
When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh...
Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!" Oh...
Chorus
They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!" Oh...
Chorus
Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh...
Chorus
Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh...
Now that you have a little history of the day I feel better. Now on to a personal reflection.
Today Aaron and I sang with the choir at both services. Because I wanted to sit with Matt, and because I haven’t spent much time with Katelynn lately I choose not to sit in the choir loft. I had the honor to hold 6 year-old Katelynn during worship. I held her when we sat and I held her when we stood. The magic came when the congregation sang the Kyrie. When the congregation sang Katelynn belted...
This is the feast of victory for our God. Alleluia.
Worthy is Christ the Lamb who was slain,
whose blood set us free to be people of God.
Power, riches and wisdom and strength
and honor and blessing and glory are his.
Sing with all the people of God,
join in the hymn of all creation.
Blessing, honor and glory,
glory and might be to God and the Lamb forever. Amen.
For the Lamb who was slain has begun his reign.
Alleluia, alleluia.
While we sang the words took on new meaning. These words have been sung for generations and will continue to be sung long after this generation passes away. The faith that Katelynn expressed today rekindled my faith. We joined in the hymn of all creation. We joined in the hymn of creation that is past, present and to come. My hope is that Katelynn will sing these words thousands of times in her lifetime. My prayer is that she and all our children know the power of Almighty Fortress that is our God.
And We're Back
Aaron and I are back in Ohio getting ready to begin the second half of the fall semester. I’m relieved to be done with one course and following the choir concert this Friday I’ll be done with two classes. My week will have 8 extra hours!
I’m quite excited for the concert on Friday, if you’re in Columbus you should check it out at Trinity at 8p. Over 60 voices in the seminary choir will be joined with soloists and chamber orchestra to perform Haydn’s Paukenmesse or Mass in Time of War. Yes, this is a shameless plug.
The journey to the upper Midwest and Great Plains was rejuvenating. I wish I could say restful, but driving over 2,300 miles and sleeping in 7 different places in 8 nights is hardly a restful week. Highlights of the week include Parry and Melissa’s wedding and meeting baby Ava (see pictures in blogs below). And of course it was great to reconnect with family and friends in the region. We drove home yesterday so that we could be back for Reformation worship today. For the first time I felt like I was leaving home to go home. It sounds weird, but I now realize I have the privilege of many homes. South Dakota feels like home, Minnesota friends feel like home and Ohio feels like home. I am blessed.
I’m quite excited for the concert on Friday, if you’re in Columbus you should check it out at Trinity at 8p. Over 60 voices in the seminary choir will be joined with soloists and chamber orchestra to perform Haydn’s Paukenmesse or Mass in Time of War. Yes, this is a shameless plug.
The journey to the upper Midwest and Great Plains was rejuvenating. I wish I could say restful, but driving over 2,300 miles and sleeping in 7 different places in 8 nights is hardly a restful week. Highlights of the week include Parry and Melissa’s wedding and meeting baby Ava (see pictures in blogs below). And of course it was great to reconnect with family and friends in the region. We drove home yesterday so that we could be back for Reformation worship today. For the first time I felt like I was leaving home to go home. It sounds weird, but I now realize I have the privilege of many homes. South Dakota feels like home, Minnesota friends feel like home and Ohio feels like home. I am blessed.
10.25.2007
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