Thankful for Many Hands at Work

ZOOM picture of the Council meeting this week

Today we enter our seventh week of ministry in the context of social distancing. Wow! Has it been that long? Yup. Sadly, some days it feels like it has been seven times seventy!

Earlier this week, I had an opportunity to ZOOM with both the full staff and the Council of St. James. We talked about our ongoing need to keep social distance in our ministry. I shared with both groups that in many ways the first phase of St. James's response to COVID-19 has come to a close. Quickly, we adapted to the crises by shifting ministry from in-person to connecting through technologies (online, phone, and mail.) Through applying creativity and a strong desire to connect with others, we shared God's love even as we were physically apart. Stage two involves maintaining that ministry until we can safely return to in-person ministry.

Before we go into the next phase of our COVID-19 response, I want to take a moment and share my appreciation for the efforts of our ministry team of staff, volunteers, and congregational leaders that worked together. We spent many hours behind computer screens and cameras to go online. Everyone had to learn new skills and redeploy abilities. We connected on the phone, through social media, multiple mailings, and ZOOM. Again, I have a deep appreciation for each person. Each of you has been a blessing to our community of faith and struggle. Thank you!

At the risk of missing someone, I want to name names because it is essential to see that our ministry over these past seven weeks has truly been a team effort.

Special thanks need to go to Pastor Nancy Connor, Kelvin Miller, Jan Pofahl, Jeff Andrews, Mark and Noah Lichtenberger, Matt Schaefer, Ainsley Fuerst, and Kate Andrews for the weeks of multiple online worship opportunities. What a joy to also have Kjersten Dysthe, Kari and Jeff Owens also provide music for online worship. Thanks go to our Pastoral Care Team for staying in weekly contact with over sixty people - Pastor Nancy Connor, Birdie Olson, Greta Soleim, Kari Owens, and Karen Krafka. Thanks go to Patty Seewald for providing weekly Sunday School online, to Siana Adrian for weekly confirmation online, and to Katie Lichtenberger and Casey Fuerst for weekly SPARK (youth) online. I am grateful for the thirteen FAITH TEAM leaders who are meeting weekly with over sixty adults in small pray/chat groups. They are Ben Barnard, Pat Byrne, Gary DeKrey, Sylvia Dobrovolny, Starlett Drader, Ainsley Fuerst, Konrad Gastony, Jon Heimer, Sam Hosszu, Barb Kleinfeldt, Megan Kuneli, Joann LeClair, and Deb Mueller.

St. James is blessed to have Doreen Evans. Not only is she overseeing our financial situation and managing operations, but she has also coordinated mask-making efforts, arranged for the distribution of 1440 lunches from Chipotle for medical workers, and worked on our application for federal payroll assistance. I am also grateful for Kjirsten Pearson, who has supported our multiple communication efforts, including mailings, our website, emails, and social media. It was a blessing to have Casey Fuerst design initial logos and postings.

As you see, this is a big list of names. Many hands are doing Christ's work during this pandemic- most of them are behind the scenes. Please join me in raising a prayer of thanks for each of them.

Pray also that God might strengthen as we enter stage two of living with this virus. Now we face the challenge of sustaining our efforts for an undetermined length of time. According to the wisdom of medical professionals, we will need to remain diligent in our social distancing, lest infections flare-up. Our sprint has turned into a marathon. It will be some time until it is safe to return to in-person ministry.

I am confident by the grace of God that we will continue to connect with God, with each other, and with our neighbors. Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and continued support. I am also thankful for you and for this ministry that we share.

In Christ's Light,

Pastor Walt

Ministry in A New Season

Dear Church Family: 

Christ s Risen!  Christ is Risen, indeed, Alleluia! 

It seemed strange not to shout those words to a full house on Easter morning.  These are bizarre days, a time unlike any other.  It is also a unique opportunity for us to ‘be church.’  Jesus sent his disciples into the world to bring a word of hope - God remains with us during struggles and trials.  At the tomb, we hear the Easter invitation, “Do Not Be Afraid.”  Through faith we can find courage. 

With confidence in Christ, we continue to build and deepen loving relationship with God, each other and our neighbors.  Today, we are doing this using technology.  Attached is a snapshot of connections that St. James is making.  I am deeply grateful for those who stepped up to share their time and talents.  Together, we are making a positive difference. 

Isolated from each other and our regular routines, it is essential for us to be the church.  Although we did this before the pandemic hit, we now see its importance more clearly than ever before.  It is essential for us to worship, study, pray, and care for others.   

In the face of economic uncertainty, folks continue to share resources that makes ministry possible.  Thank you for giving online, through Simply Giving and mailing checks.  Your generosity allows us to focus on ministry.  I pray that this letter finds you and your family healthy and safe.  We know that you are facing all sorts of challenges and struggles. Let us know how we can support you.  You remain in our prayers and I ask you keep the St. James staff in your prayers as well.  

When we get the “all clear” from the medical community, we will gather to shout out our Alleluias together.  I look forward to that day when we will sing our Easter hymns with enthusiasm.  Until then, we wait with patience as the people of God.  

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

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St. James Lutheran - Ministry SNAPSHOT 

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Using our strategic plan as a focus, here is how we have been church together: 

Spiritual Formation: 

• Weekly Sunday Livestream worship – on average, we were watched on 340 devices each week.   

• Nightly Online worship, Monday to Friday during Holy Week.  

• Wednesday night Online worship throughout the season of Lent 

• Sunday School Online each week (11:00 a.m.) 

• Weekly Bible Study Online on Thursday mornings (7:30 a.m.)    

• Weekly Phone Bible Study on Thursday mornings (11:00 a.m.) for those without the internet.  

• Weekly Online Confirmation Class on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.)  

• Daily video devotions throughout Holy Week. 

• Faith Teams – a new way to connect (prayer, devotion, and conversation) using ZOOM.   Currently, we have forty-nine participants in twelve small groups and its growing.  

• Weekly Sunday Phone Check-in-Devotions (11:00 a.m.) for those without the internet.   

• HOPE daily devotional.  

• Easter daily devotional – FEAR NOT!  - sign up on the website. 

NEW: Evensong – weekly online worship on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m. 

Welcome:  

• Weekly Phone Update on Thursday (4:00 p.m.) for those without the internet.  

• SPARK Youth – are sending out weekly notecards to senior citizens. 

• Weekly Sunday Phone chats (11:00 a.m.) with those who don’t have online access. 

• Pastoral Care Team Contacts – our care team is connecting with fifty folks each week. 

NEW: A Welcome Team is forming to explore how we can expand hospitality 

Service:  

• Sewing fabric masks for local senior living care facilities. So far, our folks made over three hundred! 

• In partnership with Chipotle, 1440 meals delivered to clinic and hospital workers  

• Shared $3,200 with local food shelves.  

NEW: To meet the high need, St. James will host two Blood Drives in April/May.  To date these drives are full.  

As we build and deepen relationships with God, each other, and our neighbor we have made nearly 5,000 connections so far during this pandemic.   

A Different Kind of Easter at St. James

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus!

This year, Easter looks different.  In the place of usual celebrations and holiday traditions, there is disruption worldwide.  There is also pain, suffering, and lots of fear. The Covid-19 virus has turned things upside down.  

It has been meaningful for me to collaborate with of a group of E.L.C.A. pastors from the Twin Cities. We came together to produce a daily devotional for the fifty days of Easter.  Inspired by Jesus's Easter words to Mary at the tomb - FEAR NOT- the pastors share uplifting messages, images, songs, and practical suggestions on how you can share God's love with others during this time.  Sign up, and starting on Easter Sunday, April 12, you will receive your first devotion. For the seven weeks of Easter, a daily dose of FEAR NOT will appear in your email inbox. It will be there in time for your morning coffee.   

CLICK HERE (to sign up)

It has also been a joy to work with Pastor Nancy, Kelvin Miller, Jan Pofahl, and Jeff Andrews (and his youth AV team - Mark/Noah/Kate Marie) on preparing this year’s Easter worship. It will livestream on Easter Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m., and then be available at 11:00 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. At 6:30 a.m., I will offer a ZOOM sunrise worship from the deck in my backyard. Patty will do Sunday School online for the children and their families at 11:00 a.m. Also at 11:00 a.m. there will be a PHONE worship opportunity where I will read the gospel, preach, and share in a time of prayers.

For all links and access information (click here). The password for all our materials is 55337.

No doubt, it will be a different kind of Easter at St. James this year. Still, I am confident that the hope that is ours in Easter - that God resurrects life - will be proclaimed. Perhaps, we will hear it in a new way as we log in, phone in, or read our emails. Perhaps, into the tombs of our isolation, we will catch the glimpse of new life dawning.

May the God who brought Jesus from the dead, resurrect our hearts, minds, spirits, and bodies this Easter time.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Connecting in Christ

I miss seeing you. Even if you don't come to worship weekly, I looked forward to when I saw you on a Sunday morning, or maybe at some random time during the week. Whenever you arrived at the building on Williams Drive, it was good to reconnect. You lifted my spirits with your presence.

COVID-19 has made in-person connections difficult and potentially dangerous. Wisdom demands prudence and isolation. We need to stay home and at a social distance to reduce the negative impact of this pandemic. This sacrifice is painful and wears heavy upon us all. Still, working together, we can have a positive effect.

As a pastor, I am concerned about both the physical and spiritual health of folks. Keeping apart helps promote physical wellness during a pandemic. St. James is doing its part in postponing our in-person ministry until it is safe to gather once again. We are providing spiritual care, using technology to offer worship, Sunday School, Bible Studies, and devotions. I am grateful for our staff, who has worked tirelessly to provide these opportunities. I also appreciate the efforts of the Pastoral Care Team, who is making dozens of calls a week to check-in.

Driven by concerns about the longevity of our isolation, I instituted a new ministry this week. We are in the process of forming small groups, which we are calling Faith Teams. Each group of three to four folks has committed to coming together virtually once a week for forty minutes. Brought together by a Faith Team Lead, they check-in with one another and offer mutual support. Using a simple devotional and prayer format, they share faith and encouragement. They are using ZOOM for the conversation; this technology is easy to use and allows folks to connect using laptops, tablets, and regular phones.

Already we have over forty people connected through nine different Faith Team Chats. Participants extend beyond the St. James community to include friends and neighbors. My initial goal is to grow the number involved to a hundred over the next two weeks. Part of "being church" is to come together to offer mutual care and support. Guided by God's Word, our spirits need strengthening through interaction with each other. We need to listen, pray, and to be present for one another with the kindness of Christ. Each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of someone else.

Will you be willing to come together with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at St. James and take part in a Faith Team Chat? Perhaps you would like to lead one of these conversations? I will give you the resources, support, and some training to get you started. Maybe you would prefer to participate instead? We have leaders that are forming groups and need willing participants. I will connect you. Click the link below and let me know how you would like to get involved.

I am confident that through Faith Team Chats, St. James can continue to bring about our vision to build and deepen loving relationships with God, with each other, and with our neighbors. Not only will this ministry help us to survive these trying days, but it can build St. James. Even during a time of this pandemic, God's Spirit can grow and strengthen Christ's church.

In Christ's Light,

Pastor Walt

Beyond Buildings Confining.... We are the Church

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

We are entering the third week of our social distancing at St. James. Although it has only been two weeks since we suspended in-person ministry at 3650 Williams Drive, it feels a lot longer.  

These are strange times in which to live. Distancing ourselves from others - the right and wise thing to do during a pandemic - feels somehow wrong. Even my introverted self is yearning for crowds. Life is topsy-turvy. Without a precise end date to the disruption, we need to be patient, flexible, and sensible.    

As people of faith, we also need to be the church. 

In theory, 'being the church' was never about the building. From the youth gathering songs of my adolescent years, we sang, "We are the church, the body of our Lord." More than one pastor proclaimed to me the theology that the church was a gathering of the baptized children of God. We came together to worship and serve.  

In practice, however, when most folks talk about 'church,' they refer to a building, a specific spot where a particular group meets. People go to 'church.' Or they don't. The church is a location for socializing, prayer, inspiration, and life events (such as hatching, matching, and dispatching.)  

Organizations and institutions need campuses to exist, thrive, and grow. Every club needs a clubhouse with plenty of parking.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced St. James to lock the building on Williams Drive until further notice. The reality of social distancing means that we can not come together for worship, fellowship, and coffee. Some might say that the situation has canceled church.  

Except, this is not true. No one has canceled church. Yes, some of the ways that we have practiced church are not happening. We are not coming together in one central place and won't be for a while longer.

We are "being church," nonetheless. In the past two weeks, almost a thousand people have worshiped using our Livestream capability. Another twenty people gathered for ZOOM Bible Study. Over one hundred thirty people are receiving a daily devotional on HOPE. Our confirmation students and our high school youth have come together virtually. Thirteen households attended Virtual Sunday School.  

Our pastoral care team has made nearly eighty contact calls, providing one-on-one contacts. We established four phone check-in times for those without access to our online resources. 

Using the technology - not a building - we are connecting and being church by sharing the love of God. I am grateful for the ministry of Jesus that we are doing in the face of this challenge. Our response reminds me of a line from a Marty Haugen hymn, Gather Us In; "Not in the dark of buildings confining, not in some heaven, light years away- here in this place the new light is shining, now is the kingdom, and now is the day."

Thank you for being the church together beyond buildings confining....

In Christ's Light,

Pastor Walt  

St. James Covid-19 Response

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

I filmed this video from my desk at home…. in it I share St. James initial response to Covid-19. It is a time for us to be the church….

in Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Facing Fears and a Spreading Virus

I wrote the following article for the Savage Pacer. It was published on Friday, March 6, 2020. It also appeared in the PL American. I offer it here in case you don’t get these newspapers - Pastor Walt

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At the time of writing, according to the World Health Organization, over 3,123 people have died as a result of COVID-19. To say that the coronavirus has raised alarms would be an understatement. With over 91,783 confirmed cases in 74 countries, it is a global health crisis that is affecting families, livelihoods, travel, and financial markets across continents and oceans. There is a particularly negative impact on the most vulnerable members of the global community.

An international scramble is underway to contain the spread of the devastating virus. Although health officials have made some progress in halting the disease, things continue to escalate. With each day, there is a report of another case in another country.

I have noticed two reactions to the news of this viral threat. On the one hand, some folks are minimizing the danger and cost. Dismissive is their approach. It is no big deal—nothing about which to worry. We are safe. It is a problem "over there" in other areas of the world. As long as our stock market recovers, there is no real harm. They disregard the fact that there is no proven cure or vaccine.

On the other hand, others are panicking. Fear has escalated and distorted reality. The world is coming to an end! Time to stay indoors, buy up all the surgical masks we can, and remain glued to our round-the-clock internet news channels. Everyone is to take care of themselves and find cover in some hole until the plague passes over.

I wonder if there isn't some balance that we can find between these extremes. As a person of faith, how can I reframe the question, 'what do we do?' Over my years serving as a pastor, I have noticed that medical emergencies, whether global or personal, have a spiritual dimension. Whenever we talk about life, death, fear, injustice, compassion, and care, we are dealing with matters that are at the heart of religious faith. What is more, our belief in God can be a valuable resource in times of trouble. Let me offer three ways that people of faith can respond to the scary news that we face regarding COVID-19: prayer, precaution, and partnership.

Prayer. Amid uncertainty and fear, it is good to stop and take a prayer-filled breath. Invite the presence of God into our moment of need. There are all sorts of ways to do this. Some will use time-honored prayers that go back to childhood. Others will enter prayer using meditative practices that focus on silence and breathing. Whatever works for you.

If you don't have a way of praying that connects you with the presence of God, then perhaps this is an opportunity to learn. Find a friend that prays. Ask them how they do it. Or, stop by a local church, synagogue, or mosque and ask someone to show you how.

Prayer can provide a way of centering our focus beyond ourselves. Through it, we seek a connection with the source of life that transcends all struggles. Christian prayer reaches out to God through the lens of a cross, whereon God suffers alongside humanity. Prayer can have a calming and mobilizing effect. It can push back the crippling impact that fear has. Instead of cowering, through prayer, we can find the courage to be available to others that need us.

In the case of this virus, my prayer has focused on those who are suffering. I pray for the victims and their families living in faraway places. I also remember health workers, government officials, and scientists who are on the front lines trying to contain the spread and find a cure. Through prayer, I find myself connected to them, to our common humanity, and to the Creator of us all. Connected, I am in a place that is cooperative and available to do my part to help out.

Precaution. From the place of awareness, I can take simple steps to be part of the solution. Regular handwashing is something that we should be doing anyway. It is proven to keep us healthy throughout the year and especially during flu season. Adding to twenty seconds of soap and water, the use of hand sanitizer can stop contamination. Other precautions, such as staying homes if we are sick, or making sure to cover a cough, are just common sense. If we are ill, time to see our doctor. It is not only the smart thing to do; we have a spiritual responsibility to care for God's creation, of which our neighbors and we are part.

Partnership. From the place of prayerful awareness and precaution comes working together with others toward cooperative solutions. COVID-19 reminds us that we live in webs of interconnectedness that span the globe. We are not alone on this planet. A person who sneezes in China can impact our lives in Minnesota. How can we embrace this reality? How can we learn to think across political, national, and cultural divides? What would it take for us to acknowledge that we are all human creatures sharing a precious and fragile biosphere known as the earth? Again, these questions have spiritual elements. Each of the world's religions seeks peace among people. Leaning into the wisdom of those who work and pray for shalom, we discover that we share common roots and identity as children of God.

Praying, precautions, and partnerships will not only help us through this time of concern, but it will bring us closer together as a community. It is an opportunity for us to care and focus a little more on each other. In the process, we might find the strengthening of our spirits.

Looking for God in our Backyards

Starting this evening and throughout Lent on Monday evenings (March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 6), I will be leading a Bible-book discussion. We gather at St. James from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Our text is my recently published book, Backyard Parables: Discovering Wisdom Close to Home. This is available online during Lent to the St. James community for FREE (click here to register) or you can purchase a print copy. Books are available at a discount when you buy them at St. James ($10) - 100% of the profits from sales go to the St. James Roof Fund.

I am looking forward to leading this Lenten discussion. We will explore the parables that I wrote based on things from my backyard. We will also look to scripture for assurances of God’s presence in the ordinary stuff of life. The goal is to tune our hearts, eyes, and ears to become more aware of God in everyday life.

I hope that you can take part in some and all of these evenings.

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship. Lent offers additional opportunities for St. James to worship God. We continue to meet on Sundays at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. We also gather on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. for evening prayer.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Ashen Greetings!

Happy Ash Wednesday folks!

Now when is the last time that you were wished a “Happy Ash Wednesday?”

Although the day has long been a part of the fabric of the Church Year of the Christian church around the globe, it hasn’t caught on with the greeting card industry. I’m sure someone, somewhere, is making a card with Ash Wednesday cheer but let’s face it - it is a day when we remember that we are dust and to dust we shall all return. It is hard to break out the cheer when we face the reality that we are fragile and mortal.

With the mark of a cross made of ashes, we begin the season of Lent today. At St. James Lutheran, we offer two worships for the imposition of ashes and holy communion- noon and 7:30 p.m. Today also begins the daily devotional online series that I wrote. If you haven’t signed up CLICK HERE. You will get an email early tomorrow morning with a brief devotional, prayer, and a question to provoke thought. It continues throughout the season of Lent to Easter Sunday, April 12.

Back to the greeting of cheer…. Happy Ash Wednesday! I find myself excited about starting Lent today. This comes not from a morbid fascination of ashes nor does it come from denial of the day’s solemn tone. We are dust and to dust we shall return - no question about it. We are ashen creatures that are adept at making ashes of ourselves and others. But (and this is a big BUT - wink, wink), that is not the whole story of our lives. Through God’s abundant love, life emerges from ash. Ashes are the creative medium that God uses to bring about new life. By the grace of God, ashes hold great promise. And so do we - we hope the life and the promise of God - gifts given to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Wow! Now that is something to get excited about!

So Happy Ash Wednesday…. I look forward to seeing you in worship today and throughout this season of Lent.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

BTW - I will be leading a Lent Bible/book discussion on the Backyard Parables devotional material on Monday evenings throughout Lent. It is at St. James at 7:00 p.m. and starts on March 2. I hope that you can join me for an evening of spiritual formation - P.W.

Pamoja - A Story to Tell

Jambo! (Hello!)

I’m back from Tanzania and I can’t wait to share the experience. Attending the Pamoja summit in Iringa, Tanzania was incredible. It was amazing to be able to travel, study, pray, and share meal fellowship with pastors from St. Paul and the Iringa Diocese on the other side of the planet. I learned so much about culture, the church, people, and God.

Since returning from the Pastoral Mission to Tanzania, I have discovered that the pilgrimage resists a thirty second description. There are so many layers and aspects - more than the hundreds of pictures that I took along the way. Stereotypes and quick descriptions don’t do proper justice to the complexity and richness of the experience.

When I left for Tanzania, I had a pocketful of questions about our mission partnership, Tanzania, customs, culture, and faith. They came from you and I appreciated the effort that went into the asking. Over the course of my journey, I did my homework. Whereas I will not claim to be an authority or have the final word, I did uncover some answers from my perspective and observations. The time has come for me to tell the story of Pamoja!

In order to respond to all the questions and tell the story in a way that allows for conversation, I will be offering a four-week series on Sunday mornings entitled, Pamoja-A Story to Tell. On March 1, 8,15, and 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. I will share stories, pictures, and videos from the Pastoral Mission to Tanzania. Come and learn about the vital partnership in the gospel that we share with Christians a world away.

I am grateful for the many opportunities that God has given all of us to be in ministry that shares in God’s grace. As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Asante sana Yesu (Thank you, Jesus!)

Pastoral Mission to Tanzania--Packing my bags

My wife, Katie, will be the first to tell you that I have a tendency to over pack.  She is not wrong.  I have been known to schlep unnecessary items “just in case.”  This is okay when it comes to a road trip - there is always extra room in the car/RV.  It is a different story when the journey involves a plane and is to the other side of the globe.

What to bring along with me was the subject of a recent conversation with my spiritual director.  I have come to understand that throwing extra things in my bags, is a meager attempt to control the unknown.  It is also a refusal to “let go” of things, a lack of trust that God will provide what is truly needed. 

As I pack my bags, I am asking the question, “will this contribute or detract from my sacred journey?”  Will it help open me to the experiences that lie ahead and allow me to learn?  Will it distract me from being present and available to my traveling companions and those I will meet in Tanzania?

 Here is what is currently in my backpack: a camera, my travel watercolor kit, a writing journal, and a fountain pen.  Over the years, I have used these tools to help make meaning of new experiences.  They cause me to slow down and be more fully present.  Through the lens of a camera or the tip of a brush, I pay attention to light, colors, and surroundings in a way that I wouldn’t otherwise.  These tools have also drawn me closer to God’s presence as I travel. 

I will also be bringing a new camcorder that I purchased for the experience.  In the past few weeks, I’ve gathered many questions that folks would like to have answered.  It is my intent to show you as many answers as possible. 

I’m traveling with a few books: a Swahili phrasebook, a book on culture, a  guidebook, and a book of African stories by Nelson Mandela. Although Nelson Mandela comes from South Africa, it is closer to the stories of Tanzania than the Western stories with which I am familiar.  My hope is that these books will help to broaden the experience by immersing me into Tanzania culture.

In my bags, there will be gifts and well wishes from St. James to its partner congregation in Idunda.  I am happy to deliver personal notes and remembrances to Pastor Mponzi and his family.  I will be taking a few gifts of my own in appreciation for the hospitality that I will receive and to celebrate the relationships that we have with our sisters and brothers in Christ in Iringa. 

At the end of worship, Pastor Nancy will lead prayers of Godspeed with me.  This will include a blessing of my backpack and the tools that it contains. 

There will be an opportunity to hear more about the Pastoral Mission during the Adult Sunday School (which we will hold in the Fellowship Hall).  You can also sign a card for Idunda and add your greetings.

I am putting the finishing touches on a seventeen day devotional series, the Pamoja Devotions.   You can sign up on Sunday or by following the link on the home page of St. James website.  Starting on January 29, you will get a daily prayer, devotion, and what’s on my itinerary. 

I ask for your daily prayers for my pilgrimage and this Pastoral Mission to Tanzania that God might bless this journey to enhance and support St. James’s long-standing relationships with Tanzania.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt 

Pastoral Mission to Tanzania

In two weeks, I will be traveling with six colleagues to Iringa to attend the Pamoja Summit.

I have been viewing this as a pilgrimage - an intentional, sacred journey.  Pilgrimages are journeys that begin in the heart, conceived and provoked by prayer. Pilgrims seek a deeper connection with the Presence of God as they embark on a quest for illumination, wisdom, and clarity.

In preparation for the adventure that awaits, I am wrestling with a line from the T.S. Eliot poem The Dry Salvages-"we had the experience but missed the meaning." Like a pebble inside my sandal, I find myself unable to ignore its presence.  

Based on the testimony of others who have gone to Tanzania, I do not doubt that it will be an incredible experience that will fill me with stories about treasured encounters. It doesn't seem like you can go to Tanzania and not be overwhelmed with hospitality, beauty, and joy.    

What I yearn for is the meaning of my travel. How will this pilgrimage strengthen relationships between St. James and our long-standing partner congregation in Idunda? How will God bless this effort? What insights will the Pamoja Summit provide that will grow Christ's church?  

These are just the surface of the questions. They seek practical and measurable answers. Underneath them lies a more profound longing.    

Through venturing to a different culture and context for ministry, I pray that I will connect with the God who has created all humanity in new and unimaginable ways. I seek a spiritual encounter that will provide me with a new vision for my leadership within Christ's church. I also long for this insight to grow as a child of God. 

It is with these intentions that I make my preparations for the Pamoja Summit. Next week, I will share a little about the prayer practices that I am using to open my heart for not only the upcoming journey but also for the new vision that awaits me. 

Note:  I am collecting questions about Tanzania and our brothers/sisters in Christ who live there. 
It is my intent to find out the answers to as many of these questions as I can. You can share your questions by writing them down on the list outside the church office or by following the link on the home page of the website.  

In Christ’s Light, Pastor Walt

A Daily Devotional For You

Writing devotionals is one of the ways that I proclaim the gospel. For the last few years, I have shared Lent, Advent, and Christmas devotionals with the St. James Community. In 2019, I have been providing devotional content to Faith Teams - a new small group concept that builds and deepens relationships.

Pastoral Mission to Tanzania

On January 29, I will travel with other pastors from the St. Paul Area Synod to Iringa, Tanzania to attend the Pamoja Summit, meeting our Tanzanian counterparts, teaching and learning. Our goal is to strengthen the church both here and in Iringa by sharing insights and experiences. We go as teachers and learners. We know that God will bless this mission and use it to bless the church.         

St. James leadership was instrumental in establishing our companion synod relationship with Iringa. Today, congregational missions, guided by Dr. Ken and Birdie Olson, continue touching our hearts.

Last year, St. James was honored by the visit of Pastor Baraka MPonzi. Pastor shared the joy of the gospel as he preached and taught. We learned a great deal from this dedicated servant of Christ. The pastoral mission of Pastor MPonzi strengthened our partnership in Tanzania. I hope my pastoral mission does the same. 

I go on this pastoral mission as a pilgrim. It is a sacred journey, walking closer with God and sisters and brothers in Christ. I pray that the Spirit will bless this mission, far from home, as relationships are nurtured within Christ’s church, both here and there.  

Over the next three weeks, I will share how the Spirit is working in me as I prepare. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about our Tanzanian mission. Is there something you would like to know about how our brothers and sisters in Idunda live? All questions are fair game. Ask and I will try to find an answer. Who knows, I might even make a video.

On Annual Meeting Sunday, January 26, Pastor Nancy will share prayers of Godspeed. Following the 9:30 worship and before our Annual Meeting Potluck at 11:30, I’ll share a presentation about this Pastoral Mission.  

While I’m away on my pilgrimage, daily prayers will be sent as emails to those who sign up. Printed copies will also be available. Please pray for me and my colleagues from the St. Paul Area Synod and the Iringa Diocese.  

As we start a new decade, I am excited about God’s plan for the ELCA and the Lutheran church in Tanzania. This Pastoral Mission will continue building and deepening our relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors in Idunda. 

Peace,

Pastor Walt

Share Your Story!

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

In these last days of 2019, I am filled with thanks for the ministries that we shared this year.  By the grace of God, we built and deepened loving relationships with God, with each other, and with our neighbors.  There are many stories to tell!

We need your help!  

As the staff prepares our Annual Report, we want to include stories of how St. James touches lives.  The Spirit is alive and active at St. James, across the generations!  We all have powerful stories that witness to those inside and outside St. James that we are a welcoming and exciting place.  

Here is what we need!

Please write one or two sentences describing a meaningful St. James moment in 2019.  Submit your “story” to the Church Office by Sunday December 29.  You can email it or write it on a Post-It note. (Please include your name to be entered into a drawing for a Gift Card.)

Share your story and help us tell the larger story of St. James in 2019. 

Thank you for jotting down a memory (or two) and celebrating God’s work among us.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

An Advent Invitation

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Advent is upon us with its invitation to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ. At St. James, we offer a variety of resources to help you make this time extra special. There is worship on Wednesday nights, “Holden Evening Prayer.” I’ve written a daily devotional that you can receive in print or as an email (CLICK HERE to receive).  On Sundays, Pastor Nancy, Vicar Sherri and I are preaching a sermon series, “From Darkness Into Light.” An 11:00 a.m. worship on December 15 will be led by the children telling the Christmas story. Adult Sunday School on December 1, 8, and 22, will be Bible Studies on the Christmas stories in Matthew. These opportunities will deepen our relationships with God and each other.

In Advent, we grow generosity by giving of time, talent, and treasure. We acknowledge God’s blessings. We support ministry that touches every age group as we worship, learn, and serve throughout the year. Everyone’s gifts are needed. Empowered by generous giving, St. James extends Christ’s welcome.

Three times a year, St. James collects an offering to close the gap between our expenses and our general envelope giving. 

Trusting in God’s abundance, St. James will share 10% of all that is gathered. We will support our global partner, ELCA World Hunger, and our local partner, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

Prayerfully consider making an Advent/Christmas gift to support ministry in which we share. Simply fill an envelope from on the Giving Tree or donate online (click here). 

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

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Are We A Welcoming Church?

Every church, maybe even person, claims to be welcoming. We welcome everyone. At least that is what is said, printed in bulletins, and put on street signs. How true is it?

The “welcome” question is a good one for us to keep in front of us. We need to ask this of ourselves and of the community in which we share at St. James. Not only that, but we need to ask it of those outside our doors.

Many in our community feel estranged from the Christian community. The demographic data that we are using in our strategic planning suggests that those who live in the area surrounding the St. James building and don’t attend church feel like the church is a place of judgment. They yearn to be welcomed as they are without having to fit into some predetermined mold.

Throughout this Fall, we have been having a variety of conversations around welcome. This are extremely important for the vitality and mission of St. James.

At the September meeting, St. James Council approved the opening of conversation surrounding a resolution about a welcome statement for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The text of that resolution is as follows: Guided by the grace of God, as we live out our vision to build and deepen relationships with God, each other, and our neighbor, St James welcomes all regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status. Our Unity is in Christ.

Using the Unique Conversation format that we developed a few years ago, we will be discussing this draft resolution on Sunday during the Adult Sunday School hour. I hope that you can join me this week, November 10 11:00-11:45 a.m.

I am optimistic about the ongoing conversations that they will continue to be spirit-filled, fruitful, and help us by the Grace of God to further live into our vision to build and deepen loving relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors.

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

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Digging Deeper and Dreaming Big

On Friday night, Nov. 1 (6:00 - 8:30 p.m.) and Saturday morning Nov. 2 (9:00 - noon) the Strategic Planning Team is hosting a Planning Retreat at St. James Lutheran.

Everyone interested in helping to shape the plan on where we are heading as a congregation is welcome to participate along with staff, Council, and Mission Team leaders.

Through surveys, demographic insights, and interviews with community leaders, the Strategic Planning Team has gathered a lot of essential data about the church and our wider community. The following buttons provide links to this data. All you need to do is click on them and you will be able to access:

If you can take part on Friday and Saturday, I encourage you to read through all this material. It is a lot but it contains critical insights that will spark conversations and will aid in our discernment.

While you do, ask yourself the following: What sparks your interest? Given these insights, how might we build and deepen relationships with God, with each other, and with our neighbor? What do we wish to hold onto as our church faces a changing environment? What new opportunities has God put before us to be the church?

Maybe your reading brings up different questions? Wonder. Imagine. Dream. Write down your insights and bring them to the retreat.

Whether you can attend or not, pray with me for the wisdom of the Spirit that we might together discern where God is inviting us as a congregation.

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

In Christ's Light,

Pastor Walt

How We Welcome Matters

In preparation for a new Bible Study/devotional series that I am writing, I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about welcome. It is a core value for Christian communities to embrace because it was a critical component in the ministry of Jesus. Sharing hospitality with strangers, outcasts, tax collectors, sinners, and holy people alike was what Jesus did. Not only that, but our Lord invited his disciples to carry on in the tradition of sharing welcome. Over the years, we have been our best as church when we responded to the call to welcome. Sadly, we have been at our worse when we’ve closed doors and shut people out.

At last month’s meeting, St. James Council approved the opening of conversation surrounding a resolution about welcome statement for consideration at the Annual Meeting. The text of that resolution is as follows: Guided by the grace of God, as we live out our vision to build and deepen relationships with God, each other, and our neighbor,,St James welcomes all regardless of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, or socioeconomic status. Our Unity is in Christ.

Using the Unique Conversation format that we developed a few years ago, we will be discussing this draft resolution over the coming months. I hope that you can join us for one of the following discussions.

Tonight - Monday, October 7 7:00 - 8:30 pm.

Sunday, November 10 11:00-11:45 a.m.

A full presentation will be made of the resolution on Sunday, January 5 11:00 - 11:45 a.m.

I am optimistic about our conversations that they will be spirit-filled, fruitful, and help us by the Grace of God to further live into our vision to build and deepen loving relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors.

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

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

ACUERDO - We Open Our Doors Again

On this Sunday afternoon, September 29, St. James will be welcoming a second Spanish-speaking congregation to share space in our building for worship, faith formation, and fellowship. At their last meeting, the St. James Council voted unanimously to enter into an Acuerdo (agreement) with the Minister Pentecostal Quebrantando Los Yugos (MPQLY) that allows them free use of our sanctuary on Sunday afternoon and other designated rooms during the week. It is a move that embodies our congregational vision to build and deepen loving relationships with our neighbors.

Five years ago, we opened our doors to a hispanic Seventh Day Adventist congregation. They use both sanctuary and other rooms on Saturdays. Whereas we don’t charge rent, they have been generous in helping to take care of and support our ministry facility. I am grateful for the relationships that have formed. When we were in conversations with a second group, one of the major concerns that folks had was to make sure that it was okay with the SDA congregation. They were enthusiastic about the effort.

Let me explain how this new relationship came to being. It was the unexpected work of the Spirit. Around noon on a Monday in the middle of the summer, three women came to St. James. The youngest was the spokesperson for the group. She explained that her pastors came from Puerto Rico after a hurricane destroyed their church. They were worshiping in the community recreation room in a local housing development. Their group of about twenty-five was growing and needing more space. Could they rent space from St. James?

My answer was NO. We didn’t rent space but we would be willing to consider sharing it without charge. Thus began a two month process of conversations and collaboration. When I shared the new mission possibility to the Executive Mission Team, they encouraged further exploration. We formed a Mission Team consisting of Lee Larson, Ainsley Fuerst, Maria Edlund, and Jen Moore. I am thankful for their hard work, especially the ability of Ainsley and Maria to translate during meetings.

Through prayer-centered conversations we worked with Pastors Blanca and Juan and the young woman who visited during the summer to craft an Acuerdo. In Spanish, Acuerdo, means ‘agreement’ and has a relational component. The written document is bilingual thanks to the efforts of our team members Ainsley and Maria. It spells out the nature of our relationship with MPQLY and specifically how we will share the space. As mentioned, it was approved by the St. James Council at their last meeting. An electronic copy will be available online once it is signed by both churches.

Please join me in saying a prayer of thanksgiving for the way that the Spirit brought about this expansion of St. James mission out into our community. We will be adding MPQLY to the list of our mission partners that we pray for each week. I continue to be amazed how God works through us to share the hospitality of the gospel.

I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt