Final Campfire Communion of the Season

It is hard to believe but we have reached the end of our summer worship schedule.  This Wednesday night is the last of our mid-week outdoor worships.  Did that summer go by quickly or what?  

If you have been wanting to come all summer but didn't get the chance - you have one more opportunity.  On Wednesday, August 29 from 6:30 to 7:15 we worship around the campfire.  Hot dog and bratwurst roast at 6:00 p.m.  Bring your lawn chair.  We provide the "tube steaks!"

Throughout the summer, I have been grateful for the efforts of many people who have made this unique worship experience possible.  Thank you to our band - Jeff and Kari Owens, Bob Andrews, Janet Karsten, Tim Evans, and Mark Lind.  Their weekly dedication throughout the summer allowed us to raise our song of praise.  Thanks also go to Pam Larsen, Jeff Cheney, and Doreen Evans who provided regular meal and logistical support.  

Looking forward to seeing you at this worship or at the ones that we will do on Sunday.  Worship remains at the center of the baptized community of St. James.  

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

The Care That We Share

Three times a year, the Pastoral Care Team hosts a luncheon for all St. James seniors who are living in local senior living communities.  On Thursday this week, we will be providing a picnic lunch at Valley Ridges in Burnsville.  It is always fun to gather together with the most life-experienced members of the St. James community.   We share laughter, stories, reminiscences, practical wisdom, a meal, and the eucharist.  I am not alone in looking forward to Thursday's luncheon.  

Thanks to the generousity of the DeKrey family, lunch (and a flower for each participant) is provided in the loving memory of Cathy DeKrey.  Cathy was a foundational part of the Pastoral Care Team and visited with most of those who the luncheon serves.  As we continue to mourn, we are deeply grateful for the many ways Cathy served St. James.   

I am also thankful for the efforts of the Pastoral Care Team, which provides regular visits to our homebound folks and checks-in on the well being of so many others.  Given the size of our parish, as a solo pastor, I have all I can do to keep up with urgent care, hospital/surgery visits, emergency calls, and funerals.  The training and compassion of the Pastoral Care Team allows for St. James to be present in the lives of a wider circle of those needing spiritual care.   We gather each week in prayer and support each other in our efforts to reach out to our community.  Please join me in giving thanks to Birdie Olson, Karen Krafka, and Kari Owens.   In addition to the Pastoral Care Team, I share thanks for Viv Aarestad - Grief Support Ministry, and the Befrienders led by Deb Mueller.  

So as you have your lunch this Thursday, please think of those who will be gathering at Valley Ridges.  Pray for us.  Give thanks, also, for the community in which we all share.  Together we care in Jesus' name.

Look forward to seeing you in worship,

In Christ, 

Pastor Walt

Welcome to a Familiar Face - Patty Seewald

As we look forward to the fall and the start of children's faith formation at St. James, we are pleased to welcome Patty Seewald to the St. James staff as a part-time coordinator of Sunday School ministry.  Patty brings years of experience working with kids and parents at St. James.  Not only that, but Patty brings an exuberance, joy, and lots of energy.   Supporting Patty's efforts is a team of dedicated parents - together, they will provide an incredible learning experience for our children.

Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 9.  Our "Rally Day" is always a fun and full day.  Stay tuned for details.  At this point, be sure to mark your calendars.  You will not want to miss the special worship, Sunday School, Adult Faith Conversation, and luncheon potluck.

Please join me in thanking and welcoming Patty the next time you see her in worship or at church.  

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

Thanking All Worship Teams

Each week, there is a special group of folks whose support makes it possible to extend hospitality and greeting to all those who come to worship.  Not only that, but they work behind the scenes to make sure that communion is set up, we have enough bulletins, assist latecomers to find a seat, and help perform a host of other tasks.  They are our WORSHIP TEAMS and I'm grateful for their many efforts.  Because of our WORSHIP TEAMS and the TEAM LEADERS who guide them, we are able to create an environment on Sunday that is welcoming to newcomers and those who have claimed St. James as their church home for many years.

On Monday, August 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Doreen and I will host a THANK YOU WORSHIP TEAM BBQ to share the appreciation of the whole St. James community.   All who have served on a WORSHIP TEAM this past year are invited to attend.  PLUS... those of you who are interested in serving in this way are invited to attend.  Mark your calendars if you are in either group.  For the purpose of having enough food - please use the sign-up form below if you are able to join us.

We will share a meal and appreciation.  Following dinner (which the church will provide), we will look ahead at the coming year.  There will be an opportunity for conversation about how we welcome folks and a chance for feedback and suggestions on how we can do even better.  

I am always pleased when someone who is new to St. James comments on the friendly reception that they have received when they came through the front door.  Welcoming is truly the work of all who worship.  I am grateful for our WORSHIP TEAMS and the good witness they give to us all in the welcoming department.   

Look forward to seeing you in worship either on Sunday or on Wednesday.  This Sunday we share Godspeed Prayers with Seminarian Sherri Lawrence and her daughter Emily as they leave for a Pastoral Internship. 

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

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WORSHIP TEAM BBQ - SIGN UP

Into the Community with God's Word

For over twenty years of parish ministry, I have offered a variety of Bible Studies.  It is both a passion of mine and an essential part of my role as a pastor to teach God's Word.  Conversations around scripture are generative and life-giving.  They help to shape our faith perspective and faithful response.  In recent years, I have found my preaching enriched by the interaction that I have with others around a reading from the Bible.  

Wanting to increase the presence of St. James in our neighborhood, I am taking my Bible teaching on the road.  Starting this week, I will be offering a forty-five minute Bible Study at Savage Senior Living.  It is my intent to duplicate this weekly effort at other senior living communities where we have a lot of St. James members.  These efforts will replace the 'in-house' study on Thursdays that I previously offered.  It is with joy that I note that those who regularly attended my 9:00 a.m. Thursday Bible Study share my excitement about moving this study into the neighborhood.  They have promised to come to one of the two weekly offerings. I am grateful for their support and encouragement with this outreach initiative.

I'm easing into the new schedule with adding the weekly study at Savage Senior Living this month.  In September, I will be adding another location (to be announced soon once I have the details confirmed).  For those who are concerned about me adding too much to an already busy plate, I am exchanging a single hour and a half time of teaching for two forty-five minute slots.  'Time-wise' it is an even swap.  When I consider that I will be multiplying the number of people I am able to reach in the neighborhood, it is a big WIN-WIN situation.

It is important for us as a church to be moving beyond our walls to share the love and grace of God in new and creative ways.  Each of us have agency in this effort.  We may not be leading a Bible Study.  No matter.  Each of us have our talents, interests, and abilities to connect with those who live around us.  Each of us, as a child of God, are called to take God's Word into the community through our actions, kindness, compassion, and generosity.  I pray for you - asking God to give you the imagination, courage, and strength as you live out your faith.  I ask that you would pray for me, and for the new Bible Studies that St. James is offering to the wider community.

In Christ,

Pastor Walt

Taking Time to Refresh and Vacate

Over the next three weeks, I will be taking time for summer vacation.  Both my family and I look forward to this time for reconnection and renewal.

While away, I am grateful for my pastoral colleagues that will be providing worship leadership and care coverage.  Thanks go to Pastor Chris Beckman, Pastor Brent Erler, Pastor Scott Simmons, and Seminarian Sherri Lawrence.   

Should a situation arise that you require pastoral care, you can either call the Church Office (952) 890-4534 or the Pastoral Care Line (952) 890-4410.  Someone will respond to your need.  

I look forward to returning to worship on July 29.  

In thanks for the ministry that we share in Jesus' name, 

Pastor Walt  

Send Off to Something Spectacular

On Sunday, St. James will be sharing Sending Prayers with the group of youth and adults heading to the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston.  You are invited to come to worship and participate in this sending.

To say that I'm excited about going with the group would be a gross understatement.  These events are formative and memorable.  Each one has unique experiences.   This will be my fourth ELCA Youth Gathering - but no two are alike.  

I am grateful for the youth and adults that will fill WANDA  (the church van) as we make our journey south.  

So that you can join in the fun, I will be posting pictures and updates from the adventure to the church website.  Be sure to check all of next week.

Look forward to seeing you in worship - either on Sunday or on Wednesday night.

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

Working With Some Talented Creatures

I am excited about a project that I've just completed with the teens who are going to Houston for the ELCA Youth Gathering from St. James.  They are an exceptional group of youth.  Together we put together a 30-creature prayer book called God of Creatures Great and Small.  I wrote the prayers and took the pictures.  They researched fun animal facts for this eclectic grouping of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and arachnids.   There are some really cool insights. 

In just three weeks, St. James will be carrying on a long-standing tradition of sending youth to ELCA national gatherings.  Over the years there have been different sizes of the group, different host cities (for example, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, St. Louis, San Antonio, Dallas), different styles of music played, and different groups of kids.  These differences are a cause for us to celebrate.  How wonderful and diverse God has made us!  What is common, however, is also remarkable.  We will go and share an incredible experience with thousands of other Lutherans.  Together, we will give our thanks to God for awesome gifts of love and grace.  We will celebrate the work of the Spirit in the lives of our kids.  How wonderful and awesome is our God!

St. James actively supports youth participation at National Gatherings through general giving.  A portion of every dollar given throughout the year goes to fund not only this experience but faith formation for all ages.  If you are a regular giver - thank you for your generosity.  You have made it possible for us to take a group to Houston.

To share additional support, Light From This Hill - my online devotional company - is offering the original 30-creature book that I mentioned.  It can be used as a daily devotional or just a fun read.  For a donation of any amount - Light From This Hill will send you God of Creatures Great and Small as a thank you.  You receive a link to each of the creatures in your inbox.   You decide when the series starts and control the pace through all the creatures.    For more information about this project CLICK HERE.   

It was a real pleasure for me to see the enthusiasm of our teens for this series.  I can't wait until they see the final product of our common work.  Perhaps we can look through the animals as we make our two-day journey by church van to Houston - what fun!

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship this summer either on Sunday or Wednesday night.

In Christ's Light,

Pastor Walt 

Sharing Hope, Wisdom, and Meaning Through Jesus' Stories

Summertime is here and it is time for campfires and being outdoors with family and friends.  There is something wonderful about hearing stories told around a campfire - they ignite our imagination in a way that connects with our inmost being.  This summer, I am excited about offering a different kind of sermon series.  At Wednesday night campfire worship (which starts tomorrow night - May 30 - 6:00 p.m. hot dogs/6:30 worship), we will hear stories that Jesus told.  These stories, all recorded in the Gospel of Luke, will be told in a manner like you would be accustomed to hearing a story around a campfire. 

Over the course of the summer, there will be fourteen stories in total.  Jesus was a master storyteller, using down-to-earth examples and illustrations from everyday life to talk about God.  Wednesday's sermon (which will be different than Sunday's sermon this year) will look at the hope, wisdom, and meaning that is found in these wonderful teaching stories.  

You can hear these sermons live on Wednesday night at the Campfire Worship or online on Thursday each week.  The sermons will be posted on the St. James website on Thursday.  If you would like, you can sign up to receive a free link to the sermon that will be sent directly to your email inbox as soon as its posted.

Of course, I will look forward to seeing you in worship when you are in town.  When you're away, check out this accessible online resource to nurture your spirit.  

In Christ,

Pastor Walt 

Exploring The Unknown Land Outside Our Door

When I think of expeditions of discovery and exploration, my imagination goes quickly to remote corners of the globe.  You discover places and things that are far away.  Frozen tundras and civilizations hidden in rainforests.  Ever since a child, I have been fascinated by stories and photos of the kind that you encounter in National Geographic or on the Discovery Channel.  I have always been eager to learn about this planet and its peoples.

When the church traditionally talked about missionary work, it looked to places afar.  We would send preachers, teachers, doctors to the other side of the earth to be missionaries of Jesus' love.  Although this history has not always been reflective of that love, Lutherans learned that the model of accompaniment is able to produce much fruit and life-connections.  We have as much to learn and receive in global partnerships as we have to teach and give.  I am grateful for the relationships that we have at St. James with the Christians in Idunda.  Over this summer, you will hear much about how we are planning to strengthen this network through visits to and from Tanzania.  We have so much to learn from our African sisters and brothers.      

For now, I want to focus on the needed missionary work outside our front door.  Our neighborhood is a largely unexplored horizon when it comes to sharing the love of Jesus.  Dramatic demographic changes are happening all around us.  Major cultural expectations regarding church and religion have shifted.  No longer is church attendance and membership a prized social value.  The neighborhood has changed drastically since the days when the people built St. James in the early 1960's. 

On this Thursday night, I am gathering a group of folks to begin a year-long expedition to learn about the hopes and dreams of those who live within a few miles of St. James.  If you are inquisitive and like jigsaw puzzles - I could use you on my team.  If you like to ask questions and talk with people you don't know - I could use you on my team.  If you would like to see St. James engage its neighborhood in a new way - I could use you on my team.  If you like to read National Geographic to learn about other cultures - I could use you on my team.  If you daydream and wonder what God might be up to these days - I could use you on my team. 

Thursday night - May 24 - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. our expedition to Discover the Neighborhood begins.  I hope to see you there.

AND... of course, I always look forward to seeing you in worship.

In Christ,

Pastor Walt      

Pentecost is Going to Be BIG this Year!

Over two decades of parish ministry has taught me that each church has a rhythm.  Annually, we get excited about things at different times of the year.  Energy rises and falls.  Participation increases and recedes.  Like the waves that lap upon the shoreline, there is a pattern that is observable.  Receiving this reality as a gift has been a challenge at times.  Sometimes you need to act 'out of season' or against the natural pulse.  More often than not, however, if you can time efforts with the natural flow, you will find that there is a double blessing.   

In Minnesota, with its long winters, and amazing summers, the pattern of ministry is influenced by the weather.  When it gets nice outside, folks will head to the lakes.  By Memorial Day weekend, the pattern is fully established.  Family cabins, camps, and state parks all have a gravitational pull that is both understandable and undeniable.  Time is our most precious gift and time spent with family is even more valuable.  The weekend exodus has already begun.  In just two weeks, our mid-week outdoor worship will offer an extra opportunity for those who are gone on Sundays.

Pentecost is a movable festival.  Fifty days after Easter, we deck the sanctuary in red and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit to energize the church's mission.  Often this special celebration coincides with the MN 'lake-exodus' phenomenon.  As a result, we don't usually seem to have the people-power to celebrate 'up big.'     

Things are different this year.  With an early Easter (April 1), we get an early Pentecost before Memorial Day.  Most families are still in town.  Yay!  We will be leaning into the opportunity and having children play a larger role than usual in leading worship.  The Sunday School children will be singing three songs as part of our liturgy.  What is more, all kids present will be helping us to dramatize the reading of the Pentecost story.   This is in addition to the usual participation of the little ones during the procession, recession, and noisy offering. 

It is a tradition to wear red on Pentecost.  Red is the color connected with the Holy Spirit.  Later in the day, our ninth graders who completed their Confirmation studies will be wearing red stoles that they made for their Affirmation of Baptism worship (1:00 p.m.)  What joy to celebrate this important time in the life of our teens!   

So if you are in town, come to our Pentecost worship (9:30 a.m.) or Confirmation worship (1:00 p.m.).  Wear red and join in a joyful celebration of what the ways that the Spirit continues to move at St. James.  God's Spirit is active and leading us in new ways to open our hearts and doors to share God's love with others.  I look forward to seeing you in worship.

In Christ, 

Pastor Walt

Getting Our Hands Dirty

Tis' the season for planting and spring cleaning.  With the winter behind us, there is a lot of work needed before our flower beds and gardens bloom and produce.   Unless we have a full-time gardener on a household staff, we will need to get our hands dirty.  Plants don't plant themselves and weeds absolutely refuse to leave of their own accord.

Yard work and gardening are good metaphors for ministry.  As we begin the second Trimester of Ministry at St. James ( May-August), there is a need for folks to step up and commit their heads, hearts, and hands.  We no longer have household staff to carry out all the ministry that needs to be imagined, planted, nurtured, pruned, and harvested.  Leadership for ministry must come from all those who call St. James their home.   We need Ministry Hosts to fulfill our vision of building and deepening loving relationships with God, each other, and our neighbor.  

At the second Trimester Ministry Planning Night, the group (in which the entire Council participated in for the first time) came up with a whole list of ideas.  Some of these things we've done before.  Some of them are brand new.  There is something for every age group.  Things that will strengthen our spirits, friendships, and connect us with the outside community.  

Already we have had people step forward and respond to the invitations in the bulletin to serve as Ministry Hosts.  As Director of Ministry/Operations, Doreen Evans will work closely with them to make sure that they have the resources needed for success.  If you have led ministry before, you will recognize in our Ministry Plan a level of detail that makes sure all the proverbial bases are covered.  If you never have led a ministry as St. James, fear not!  The Ministry Plan has it all laid out for you.  You will receive the support that you need to make your inaugural leadership experience a satisfying one.  

So..... are you in?  Are you able to lend your time and talents towards ministry that will give you a sense of accomplishment and connect others with the life and love of Jesus?  

I am confident that God has blessed St. James with all the resources and leadership that it needs to be a positive force in our lives and in our community.  My prayer is that the Spirit will inspire us to a deeper level of response and action.

Look forward to seeing you in worship,

Pastor Walt

On Prayer Retreat

This week, I will be spending three days (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) on a Prayer Retreat with my Spiritual Director.   I share this information with you for a couple of reasons.  First, I want you to know the practical details of my being away - I won't be available in the office or on the phone or email.   If you have an emergency, are in the hospital, or need to speak to a pastor - rest assured, I have arranged for coverage.  Just call St. James pastoral care line - 952-890-4410 - and someone will be able to assist.  This line is answered in person 24/7.   While I am gone, Seminarian Sherri Lawrence has graciously agreed to be 'on-call' for me.  If the matter can wait - leave a message for me or send me an email and I will get back to you when I return.

Second, I want you to know that your pastor prays.  Time away for spiritual reflection and prayer plays an important part in grounding my pastoral ministry.  I seek to have my connection with God strengthened as I live out my call as an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament.  A few years ago, my sabbatical taught me the importance of tending to my spiritual needs.  Although every Christian life needs prayer, it is an essential component for those who preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  When I find myself too busy to pray, I become distracted and frantic.  Praying helps to center and focus efforts, energies, and priorities.   Prayer informs my pastoral leadership by reminding me to open my heart, mind, and spirit as I seek to discern where God's Spirit is calling us.

When I pray, I have found it helpful for me to clear my mind of thoughts, words, agendas, concerns, fears, and distractions.  I close my eyes and breath deeply.  Most often, though not always, I kneel using a prayer bench (pictured above).  Since I'm usually concerned about time, I set the timer on my phone for an amount of time and then I don't worry about it.    Clearing mind, breathing deeply, I open myself and listen for God. 

It is hard to describe how this meditative practice works except I have found that it does.  At times, silent prayer offers me a glimpse of God's shalom.  At other times, it slows me down so I catch a needed breath.  At other times, it offers clarity.   It is always different and I'm never sure of what outcome, if any, will transpire.  

As I head off to the woods of Wisconsin for this retreat, I ask that you would keep me in your prayers as I will keep you in my prayers.  

I will be back in time for worship on Sunday.  As always, I look forward to seeing you then.

In Christ,

Pastor Walt 

A Different Kind of Garage Sale

This weekend, there will be something unique happening once again at St. James.  We will be hosting a garage sale.  This in itself is not unique.  Many churches and organizations host Rummage or Garage Sales.  It is a popular way of raising funds that involve a bunch of folks.  Although we will be engaging a lot of people - we are not in it for the money.  In fact, no money will exchange hands.  St. James' Garage Sale is FREE!   It is a ministry that seeks to serve our neighbors.  We are so richly blessed by God's Grace that we gracefully share with others.

True to our vision to build and deepen loving relationships with our neighbors, our FREE GARAGE SALE will bring neighbors together.  There will be something for everyone.  Those who give their time and treasures will receive the satisfaction of helping others out.  Those who come and receive the many items (clothes, household goods, toys, books, etc.) will be blessed with items that will be given a good 'second' home.  Together we will reuse and recycle.  

Food will also be served.  Hot Dogs are on the menu for all.  Extra Comfort Meals have been made and will be given out to all who wish to take these quality, homemade,  frozen meals.  

A ministry this large takes many hands and I'm grateful for everyone who freely gave of themselves in the planning, gathering, sorting, and setting up of this ministry.  Special Thanks go to our Ministry Hosts, Kevin Bohnsack and Steve Hawks.  Additional hands are needed.  If you have some time this week - check with our Director of Ministry - Doreen Evans (doreen@stjameslc.com) and you'll get a job.  

It is a blessing to serve in a church community that is always reaching beyond itself.  This FREE GARAGE SALE is just another example in a long line of ways that we share God's love with others.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship,

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

Taking the next step together to plan ministry.

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!

What are you doing tomorrow night, April 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.?  St. James could really use your help!  

Three times a year, we host a Ministry Planning Night.  Those who gather, which starting tomorrow evening will include the entire Council, consider the upcoming Trimester (next four months of the year) and where God is inviting us to do ministry.  A combination of new ideas and longstanding ministries will be considered.  We will think, dream, and identify critical ministries for each of our tri-part vision areas as we seek to build and deepen loving relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors.

Identifying ministry ideas together is the first step in our innovative process of bringing ministry to life at St. James.  Once things are "on the board" we will prioritize, look for areas that need to be strengthened, and begin the search for leaders.  Some leaders will sign up on the spot, while other leaders will commit later.  Each ministry gets a Ministry Plan - which will help flush out the details.  Doreen, as Director of Ministry, serves as a valuable resource in putting this Plan into place.  

Using our proven process, we have done an amazing amount of work together in Jesus' name.  To continue this success, we need as many people as are able to participate.  So.... what are you doing tomorrow night?  

Hope to see you then and, as always, in worship,

In Christ,

Pastor Walt 

Discerning the Body and Saying "Not Now"

Back in January and February, you might remember that I hosted a series of conversations relating to worship times and our Sunday morning at St. James.  These "Listening Posts" were sparked by what I was hearing back in the Fall from a few different corners of the St. James community.  Some were saying that our life together as a worshiping community would benefit from a schedule change.  Others were not so sure.  As Pastor, it seemed like we needed to do some discernment.

Discerning where the body of Christ is on a particular issue, topic or practice isn't always the easiest thing to do.  It can be messy work.  This is especially true when we have folks with passions on both sides of things and conflicting ideas.  Discernment is a spiritual process that encourages an honesty in sharing differences AND a listening to those who see things differently.   

As a pastoral leader, it is my job to make sure that when we are faced with divergent views that a table is set where our core Christian values are honored and guide our conversations.  This is especially needed in our current and divisive culture that draws battle lines all too quickly.  It is all too easy for us to shut down communication with those holding contrary opinions.  The church is called by its Lord Jesus to take an alternative path. 

It is a firm belief of mine that the table fellowship of Jesus, as witnessed throughout the gospels, invites Christians to engage with each other in a way that listens, respects, and affirms each other.  I am proud of the unique conversations that we have had around sexual orientation, gun violence, and biblical interpretation.  Even though at the end of these conversations we remained committed to our opinions, informed by our experiences, we born a greater witness and commitment to Christ.  We loved each other, even where we passionately disagreed.  

Listening. Honoring.  Respecting.  Remaining in Christ.  These are all important aspects of the work of discernment.  They have once again guided the conversations that we had related to our Sunday morning schedule.

After three months of discernment, here is what I heard.  Some of our older members are finding it harder to get up on Sunday mornings for our 9:30 a.m. worship.  It was even indicated that anything before noon was too early!  Many more folks, however, find our current time fits their Sunday morning needs.  After much listening, the common wisdom seems to say to leave our schedule as it is.  In a report to Council, I recommended that no change be made at this time. 

For our older folks who wanted to see an earlier time, I have added a monthly worship at 11:00 a.m. at Savage Senior Living.  This is open to any one who would like to attend.  I will also be suggesting at our Ministry Planning Night (next Tuesday, April 17) to offer a noon worship for seniors.  If I get others who are interested in helping out, we would do this once a quarter.   

I want to thank everyone who took part in the conversations.  Your input and the way in which you shared was consistent with our G.R.A.C.E. (God's Grace, Respect, Appreciation, Compassion, Encouragement) values.  We will continue to ask where God is calling us to be as Christ's body in this place and time.  I look forward to our ongoing discernment.

Christ is Risen Indeed! 

Pastor Walt

A New Venture

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ at St. James,

A long time ago, my Father told that a good sermon was one that gave him something to 'put in his pocket' for later in the week.  He rolled tires in a warehouse and needed something to nurture his faith mid-week.  Growing up, I was inspired by his faith witness and need for down-to-earth spiritual growth.  It continues to inspire me today.

Writing has played an important role in my public ministry: Weekly Ministry Moments, blogs from Sabbatical travels, Advent and Lent devotionals all have been vehicles for preaching and teaching about the good news of Jesus Christ.  Both the audience of this writing and the time taken to produce it has grown and evolved beyond expectations.  Increasingly, I am spending more and more personal time with this work.  To date, I have been personally funding my daily devotions and blogs.  It has taken on a life of its own and the time has come to give it is own space.  

This spring I am launching a new online business venture called, "Light From This Hill."  

My goal is to provide inspirational resources that will Shine a Little Light on Your Path to a growing number of people.  Light From This Hill will operate as an online company offering subscriptions to daily devotions sent right to your email inbox.  

As I will be doing this work on my own time (nights, weekends, and free-time), there will be no official connection with St. James Lutheran Church.  I will not use St. James website, St. James Facebook Page or the church bulletin to promote my business.  I am sending this email through St. James electronic channels with the blessing of the Council for the purpose of setting a boundary upfront.  I wanted to let you know what I'm doing. 

As Pastor of St. James, I will continue to provide access to devotional materials during the seasons of Advent and Lent at no cost to the church or to you.  For those who subscribe during these times, I will offer additional opportunities to read other devotional series throughout the year.   My intent is to provide free-will subscriptions to these additional series to cover my personal costs and fund additional devotional and educational resources. 

In celebration of this new venture, I am offering 50 Days of Easter Prayers for a free-will donation.  All monies gathered, less the small credit card processing fees, will be passed on to St. James Lutheran's MN Foodshare effort. More information is available on my website: Light From This Hill (click here).  

Blessings to you during this Holy Week,

In Christ,

Pastor Walt

Worship in Motion

On Sunday, March 25, Passion/Palm Sunday, St. James will have a special procession.  Instead of just involving the children, as is our usual practice, during the opening hymn, the entire congregation will be invited to take part.  Worship will begin in the narthex.  We will pass out palms to young and old.  We will hear the story of Jesus' triumphant parade into Jerusalem.  After a blessing of the palms, we will all process into our regular worship space to the hymn of All Glory, Laud, and Honor.  This interactive liturgy in motion will be a memorable experience for all involved.  

To add to the excitement, the Gastony family will be bringing a donkey!  Last year, Polly the Donkey delighted us all as we gathered for worship.  This year, the plan is to involve the donkey in the opening procession (at least as we make the first lap on the tiled floor in the narthex.)

Our Passion/Palm Sunday worship will start a week of interactive worships.  On Maundy Thursday, we will be worshiping around tables set up in the sanctuary at noon and 7:30 p.m.  On Good Friday, children's worship will bring the story of Jesus' passion alive for the kids (10 a.m.).  At noon, on Good Friday, adults will have an opportunity to hammer a nail into a large cross.  In the evening, Tenebrae worship will use light and darkness to engage us in a re-telling of the crucifixion.  Holy Week worship is worship designed to involve our motion and devotion.

I hope that you will be able to take part in these worship opportunities as we conclude our Lenten journey.

in Christ,

Pastor Walt

Building capacity for Ministry Through Generosity

Whenever a pastor brings up the issue of money, it seems to create a bit of a stir.  Pastors are supposed to talk about spiritual matters, not financial ones.  Talk about God's grace.  Talk about the stories of Jesus.  Talk about hope.  Talk about anything else but the taboo subject of money.

Ironically, the same things were being said about Jesus' preaching.  In the gospel of Luke, the topic that Jesus speaks the most about is God's love.  The second most talked about subject is wealth and possessions.  The two topics are linked.  If we are going to talk about devotion to God and response to God's love, then the conversation is going to eventually involve money.  This is not because God's love is bought, sold, traded, or hoarded.  God's love and grace come as the totally free gift of a generous God.   So what gives?

In a world that heavily values wealth and possessions, there is bound to be a clash of gods.  Remember, Martin Luther defined a god as "that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in every time of need.  To have a god is nothing else than to trust and believe [god] with our whole heart."   The dominant god in our culture, community, and world is not the God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob, and Jesus but is rather the Almighty Dollar.  More decisions, commitments, risks, relationships, and ideologies are formed as a result of money than any other single factor.  Money is power.  Keeping, growing, defending, leveraging, influencing, and obtaining monetary power is a religious endeavor pursued with the greatest of devotions and fervor.   A truth as real in the first century as Jesus walked through the marketplaces as it is today.

Jesus understood both the power, devotion, and distraction that money created in our spiritual lives.  He challenged his disciples to frame possessions in terms of their faith in God.  Wealth is to be used for the sake of the gospel - to bring the good news of God's priceless love to a world that remains largely bankrupt.  Giving is a spiritual practice that helps to shift the focus from material creation to the Creator of life.  When we give, we set our attention to God's purposes and suspend our own. 

What is more, giving allows for good things to happen in the context of Christian community.  When we give, we support the messaging of God's love in real and tangible ways.  It is ironic, but to proclaim the free grace of God in real time and space costs money.  Resources are needed to worship, instruct, be present, and reach out.  Without the generous support of committed disciples. the church's mission is stunted.  Likewise, generous support allows the church's mission to grow and expand.  

To build generosity and our capacity for ministry, St. James began Special Offerings a few years back.  Three times a year, the community is asked to close the gap between our planned/pledged giving and the actual cost of ministry.  Lent is one of those times. 

It seems fitting to me that during this season of renewed spiritual focus on Jesus' life and passion, we invite folks to make additional and first-time monetary gifts.  The act of considering to make a gift - no matter what size - forces us to think about our priorities. 

What is it worth to me for the hospitality of God's love to be shared without cost?  What risks am I willing to take so that Jesus presence can be made known in this place?  Do I use what I have to advance my agenda or contribute to bringing the kingdom of God a little closer? 

Thank you ahead of time for your consideration and for your generosity.

In Christ,

Pastor Walt

p.s.  At the half-way point in the season of Lent we are about 1/3 of our goal for this Special Offering.   

Coming Together in Hope and Care

Last Saturday, St. James came together as a community for the funeral of a long-time member, Sharon Bloch.  The church was packed as nearly three hundred fifty people filled the sanctuary.  Tangible signs of love and support surrounded Sharon’s husband Del and their kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. 

Being present in times of grief has long been a core value of Christian community.  Before Christians had designated buildings for worship – when it was only prayers, songs, scripture, and table – our spiritual ancestors found it important to offer mutual care and support.

In light of the resurrection, Christians hope in God to bring about restoration in the broken and hurting places of life.  Christian funerals have long been times when trust in the sure and certain hope of resurrection takes center stage.  

Saturday was another example of this long-held tradition.  We came together in the midst of sorrow and grief to celebrate the gift of eternal life that God gives us.  Even though that gift does not make the pain and sorrow magically disappear – it gives needed strength.  Knowing that we are not alone, that we are with others and with God, lifts our tired and weary souls. 

I am grateful for the community of St. James that comes together whenever we find the joy of life overcast with the shadow and reality of death.  Thankful for the leadership of Doreen Evans – Director of Ministry and Operations – and her compassionate coordination of ministry and events.  Thankful for the leadership of Lela Valentine – Funeral Luncheon Ministry Host – who gathers a cadre of volunteers to make bars and offer hospitality.  Grateful for the musical leadership of Jan Pofahl, our Pastoral Care Team (Birdie Olson and Karen Krafka) who help with liturgy, and Jeff Andrews making sure that it all sounds good.  Thankful for Gail Pederson who makes sure our church home is clean and that tables/chairs are where they need to be for large gatherings.  Thank you to all who gave time and energy on Saturday so that St. James was able to offer hospitality and care.

Funerals are not planned long in advance.  They usually interrupt the normal flow of things.  In a moment’s notice, they remind us of how much life is fragile and precious.  Also, funerals remind us in an instant of how important it is to have a church community to surround, care, and lift up God’s promises.  Thank you for your gifts of time, talent, and treasure which provide these essentials.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship.

In Christ,

Pastor Walt