Tue
Feb 22
2011
Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA
I think I might need new contact lenses. While singing a hymn during worship this week, I misread the lyrics of “The Feast is Ready.”
“Tables are laden with good things; oh, taste the peace and joy he brings,” we sang. But instead of, “He’ll FILL you up with love divine,” I crooned, “He’ll TILL you up with love divine; he’ll turn your water into wine.”
Thu
Jan 20
2011
Lisa Kramme
Director of Faith Formation
Nebraska Synod, ELCA
I was harnessed up, and the helmet strap was secure under my chin. “Landing crew—are you ready?” I yelled.
“Ready!” they shouted back.
“Zipping!” I exclaimed, somewhat nervously.
To which the crew responded, “Zip on!”
Thu
Jan 20
2011
Pastor Carm Aderman
Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Omaha
Several years ago someone shared a quote with me from David Dethmers. He said, “You can expend a considerable amount of time and energy pushing a car to make it go forward or you can turn on the engine. It’s the same way in the church… we tend to spend much effort and energy getting ready to do ministry, planning for ministry, and hoping ministry will happen. But, we forget to turn on the engine. Prayer is the engine for mission.”
I am struck by how often we go about the business and busyness of the Church and forget to include our Lord in the ministry. I am also convinced this oversight is the source of much of the difficulty we experience in ministry.
Life and ministry are full of “storms” - those challenging, sorrowful, conflicting times when it is it easy to be overwhelmed, angry, and scared. Whether the issue is a recent shooting or a congregational conflict, financial difficulties or broken relationships, it is tempting to look only at the storm and take our eyes off the Lord.
