A Bit of Clarity During Confusing Times

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Friends in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus! 

On Tuesday night, the Council approved unanimously the Regathering Phase Plan presented by our Return to In-Person Ministry Team.  Based upon infection rates, science, and recommendations from the medical community, this document is a roadmap for our church as we seek to regather and return to full use of our building.  It provides a bit of clarity as we navigate these confusing times.   

Each week, the Return to In-Person Ministry Team will check data from Dakota and Scott Counties and determine in which PHASE we are located.  St. James Lutheran will share this information on the website, weekly email, on our phone recording, and it will be posted on the doors to our building.  Using your copy of the roadmap, which you receive in a mailing next week, follow the “masked Luther” graphic.  As we move from red to green, we will be able to use more of our building.   Currently we are in the yellow Luther or second phase.   

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this letter, we have seen escalating community spread of the virus.  These developments are alarming and will most likely have us moving backwards to phase one or red Luther.  Again, with the roadmap in our hands, we know what our next steps will be as a congregation as we seek to be a positive force of healing and love in this pandemic.      

These are hard and discouraging times.  We need to remain vigilant in our efforts to hold back the spread of the virus.  Not only is this good and responsible citizenship, but it is also connected to our faith.  Jesus invited his disciples to show love and compassion to all, especially those who are vulnerable.  St. James Lutheran joins other churches in the St. Paul Area Synod, ELCA who are making a conscious choice to be a part of the solution in helping to prevent the spread of COVID.

The staff and Council remain concerned for both the safety and the spiritual health of our community and for those who make St. James Lutheran their church home.  We have resources to share if you need assistance, someone to pray with you, or just need to talk.  Please contact us at (952) 890-4534.

I pray that this letter and materials find you safe and healthy. 

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Daily Prayers of Thanksgiving

Grace and peace to you all!

I pray that this weekly ministry moment finds you safe and healthy.

In two weeks, it will be Thanksgiving. This year, our celebrations will be like none we have ever experienced. Our COVID pandemic continues to disrupt, disorient, isolate, and cause havoc to the patterns and traditions that bring order to our lives. We will need, once again, to be flexible and adapt.

Even in the midst of his struggles, St. Paul encouraged the Christians in Philippi to be thankful and to pray. From prison, he wrote, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Phil. 4:6).” Thanksgiving, according to Paul, was to be a part of a regular and active prayer life.

From today to the first day of Advent, which this year is November 29, I am posting to the St. James Lutheran Facebook page a daily prayer and Inspirational Image. I created these to encourage us into a time of Thanksgiving and prayer. Although our celebrations might be different than we are accustomed, there is a wonderful opportunity to use these days to pray.

If you are one who already prays daily, you can use these prayers and images to enhance your regular practice. If you don’t usually pray each day, then these prayers invite you to try it out. Set five minutes aside at the start of your day for prayer. Log on to the St. James Lutheran Facebook page (new prayers are posted each morning at 5:00 a.m.). Pray. “Like” the prayer so that others in your social media feed will see it. It is that simple.

Follow this link to the St. James Lutheran Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/stjameslc. When you are there, subscribe/follow/like the page. This will bring it up as a regular part of your social media feed. You might also like to join the St. James Lutheran Community - which is a Facebook GROUP of the St. James family and friends. It provides an online space for fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ at St. James.

Please join me in daily prayer, as together we lift our voices in Thanksgiving.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Worshiping Together in November (online and in-person)

Dear St. James Community, 

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

This past Sunday, I was reminded at our All Saints’ Festival worship of the special bond that we share in baptism.  God’s Spirit connects us to one another and to Christ.  Even in a pandemic, we remain the church and we continue to proclaim God’s love.  Beyond the walls of a building, our church was open as we celebrated and remembered the lives of the saints, who from their labors rest.  It is estimated that over three hundred people took part in worship both online and in-person (Drive-In, 8a.m.)  What joy! 

As we look at the month of November, your St. James Lutheran community offers a variety of worship opportunities.  I pray that you would take note and take part in the worship that best suits you.    

• Weekly In-Person Drive-In worship, Sunday 8:00 a.m.  

We gather in the parking lot in the warmth and safety of your vehicle. 

• Weekly Online Livestream Sunday worship, 9:30 a.m. 

You can watch anytime through StJamesLC.org. 

• Weekly Online Evensong, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. 

This reflective mid-week worship is growing in popularity. 

• Weekly Online/Phone Communion, Sundays throughout November at noon.    

Website or dial 1(312) 626-6799 and enter ID #: 375-618-4638 and password: 55337. 

In addition to these regular opportunities, we are also offering: 

In-Person, inside worship in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday, November 18.  Register ahead for this prayer service with a message.  We have 25 spaces available for a masked/social-distanced worship experience.  Masks are required.

Thanksgiving Eve worship on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m.  We are offering two options to take part in this time of giving thanks to God:  

• Online Livestream.    StJamesLC.org  

• In-Person viewing of the Livestream in the Fellowship Hall.   We have 25 spaces available for a social-distanced worship experience.  Masks are required.      

 As always, I look forward to being with you in worship.  Even though we might be physically apart, we remain connected in Christ.  St. James Lutheran continues to pray for the end of this pandemic and looks forward to the day when we can all worship together in one place safely.     

In Christ’s Light, 

Pastor Walt 

Sharing God's Love with a Smile

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

I have mentioned before how the pandemic has brought innovation to the way we are “being church.” Over the past seven months, we have been creative in all sorts of ways to share the love of Christ beyond a building. From video/phone Bible Studies and Faith Teams to multiple online worships (including a weekly communion option) and the use of a FM transmitter at our Parking Lot worships, we have used technology effectively in the proclamation of the gospel. We continue to look for new ways to connect with God, each other, and our neighbors.

One of these ‘new’ ways, involves a long-time passion of mine. While in college, I attended clown school at the University of Wisconsin in LaCrosse on two separate occasions. Throughout the 1990s, the university hosted CLOWN CAMP, which provided adults with professional training in the arts of clowning. It was there that I learned to walk on stilts and developed a clown character, Talofa. Some of the leading children’s entertainers and Ringling Bros. clowns were among my instructors.

Over the years, I have applied my “laughter-learning” in my ministry with children. Most recently, this has taken the form of providing a weekly “Jesus-time” at the St James Lutheran Early Education Center (SJLEEC). It was the highlight of my weeks, to don my black bowler and colorful jacket and share a Bible Story with the kiddos.

When the pandemic hit, I continued to do “Jesus-time” on zoom. It was good to be with the kids even in virtual space. Over the last month, further innovation entered the picture.

I now videotape “Jesus-time” so that it can be shown to all the kids at the SJLEEC. They can safely watch them in smaller class groups.

With “Jesus-time” on video, I am also able to share it with you. Each week, I will post a new video on social media for you to enjoy. Through the St. James website, you will be able to access previously published videos (click here). It is my hope that they will bring a smile to all ages - and especially to families with small children.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Renewing, Connecting - Reformation

Grace and peace to you!

This coming Sunday will be a time of great celebration at St. James. We will observe the Festival of the Reformation in a way as we’ve never done it.

As Martin Luther and the early reformers used the latest technology (the printing press) to share the Word of God, so we will use the technology of our time, which allows us to gather safely for worship in a time of heightened viral infection. Using an FM transmitter, we worship at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot (rain or SNOW or shine). Our Livestream Sunday worship (9:30 a.m.) will allow us to sing “A Mighty Fortress” online together. In addition, we will be able to watch six of our confirmation students affirm their faith. This year’s “confirmation” happened two weeks ago in a socially responsible and distanced way outside. Students were able to bring their immediate family with them into the sanctuary to read their confirmation verse and for the laying on of hands. We recorded those elements and will publicly share them this Sunday.

My sermon, “Always Renewing,” will highlight the constant work of the Spirit to reshape the church. Even during the pandemic, we have glimpses of “being made anew” by the Presence of God. There is a tremendous opportunity for us to be the church beyond our building and traditions.

I trust that you will join me - either in your car or through your computer. Come celebrate God’s love, grace, forgiveness, and life as we gather for worship on this Reformation Sunday.

I also want to share an invitation with you. On Nov. 1, All Saints’ Sunday, we will be celebrating God’s love through the lives of all the saints, past and present. It is a long-standing tradition to read the names of those who have died during the prayers. We invite you to share the names of your loved ones who now rest eternally with God (click here). All names that we receive by October 29 will be read during worship on Nov.1. Thank you, ahead of time, for lifting up those saints whose lives and love have made such a difference.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Sharing and Growing in Faith

“Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.”

— Isaiah 26:4

Dear church family,

The prophet Isaiah’s words are a powerful reminder that faith trusts in God to provide in every time of trouble.  In turn, faith seeks opportunities to share God’s loving grace with others.

During this pandemic, we remain open as a church to proclaim Christ in what we do and say.  We come together in new and unconventional ways to strengthen and shape faith daily.   A selection of online ministries, some brand new since March, offer many chances for faith formation. (Click here to check them out). We want to connect as many people as possible with these life-giving ministries.

I remain grateful for the leadership of our Council and the Return to In-Person Ministry Team during Covid.  As the infection rates continue to rise, we have chosen a cautious path to regathering.  This aligns with the wisdom of Bishop Lull and the St. Paul Area Synod.  Guided by the love Christ calls us to share with the neighbor, we are concerned about spreading the virus in large group gatherings.  This is not out of fear but rather centering in Christ’s concern for the most vulnerable and heeding the recommendation of our medical community.  

Over the past two months, we have experimented with a few in-person opportunities to come together.  The most successful has been our Parking Lot worship.  We are able, using a FM transmitter, to broadcast services to you in the safety of your vehicle while you are parked in the St. James lot.   This style of worship will continue Sunday mornings at 8:00 a.m. rain or shine (or snow).

As we are the church in these challenging times, I encourage each of us to turn to the heart of our faith – the life of Jesus.  May we find in Christ’s love the strength and patience that we need to remain in relationship with others, particularly those with whom we disagree.   May we claim our Lutheran theology which defines the church not in terms of a building but in terms of the people brought together by the Spirit to proclaim the gospel.   

In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt

New Devotional to Lift Your Spirits

Grace and peace to you!

How’s your spirit these days? Do you sense that God is near? In the turmoil of pandemic, where our usual ways of doing things, including worship, are disrupted, how is your spiritual health?

These were some of the thoughts that I brought with me as I hiked into the canyons of five National Parks this summer. I sought refreshment and solace for my body, mind, and spirit along some amazing trails. With notebook in hand, I reflected on the experience and life with God. I also pondered how Christ emptied himself, letting go, to connect with others and the life God desired him to live.

From my hikes, I have put together a five-week devotional series called, Canyon: A Kenotic Search for God. St. James Lutheran is providing free subscriptions to this content to anyone in our community who would like to use this daily electronic devotional. Sign up below and starting tomorrow morning, you will receive daily inspiration in your email inbox in time for your morning coffee.

If you would like more information about the series before you sign-up (click here). Be sure, however, when you are ready to sign-up to use the special “St. James Lutheran” link below. That way, the devotional will come at no cost to you. This is just one more way that our congregation is nurturing spiritual health.

I pray that my huffing and puffing along many miles this summer, results in meaningful insights that will strengthen and encourage you in your faith.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

Blink your lights if you love Jesus!

If you would have told me when I was ordained over twenty-three years ago, that I would be preaching weekly outdoors to folks sitting in cars, I would have laughed. It would have seemed too bizarre.

Now, I chuckle to myself as I’m getting ready to begin the 8:00 a.m. Parking Lot worship. Looking out at those who have gathered, I feel like I’m in a CARS movie. I’m waiting for Mater and Lighting McQueen to appear….

Seriously, I am glad that our rain or shine Parking Lot worship is bringing us together in a creative and safe way during this pandemic. Our attendance is growing each week and last week we had over thirty people!

Through the use of an FM transmitter (87.9 FM), we can come together for a half hour to praise God and worship. If you haven’t tried it out yet, maybe this week offers you an opportunity.

In addition to the weekly option on Sunday morning, we have offered additional Parking Lot worships on Wednesday evenings. Our next one will be next week on October 7 at 6:30 p.m. Come a few minutes earlier so you get a good space. Each person will receive a small gift as a remembrance that God travels with us. We will have music and we’ll honk our horns in praise. It is a lot of fun and great to be together. Again, you should check it out.

At our first Wednesday evening Parking Lot Worship, we began the practice of honking horns as part of the liturgy. For example, whenever we would say Amen, we would HONK! HONK!! HONK!!! It has become a part of the way we worship in our vehicles. I guarantee that on October 7, we will give everyone’s horn a good workout.

Of course, we had to modify the practice for Sunday morning. Wanting to be a good neighbor, we DON’T HONK at 8:00 a.m. Instead, we blink our lights in the places where we would otherwise make a loud obnoxious noise.

Blink your lights…. it is what you do on the highway to politely let someone in front of you. It is also a way of thanking someone who extended the same courtesy to you. The world can use more people who blink their lights on the highway.

As a Christian, we are called to share in the love of God. Following Jesus, God invites us to both give and receive kindness. Whether it is a kind gesture (like blinking your lights) or a thoughtful word, each day is full of opportunities to be Christ to another. May God strengthen each to make the best use of these chances to share in the joy and blessing of God’s Kingdom.

I look forward to seeing you soon in your vehicle or through our online worships. I remain grateful for the way that the Spirit is allowing us to continue to be the church in a way that is safe for the most vulnerable in our midst. Don’t forget - blink your lights if you love Jesus!

Still "Walking Together"....

Grace and peace to you all,

The Saint Paul Area Synod will be hosting a historic Assembly online this weekend. Through the use of technology, we will conduct a bishop election.

I say “we” because the Saint Paul Area Synod is not a separate entity but rather a larger expression of our church. The word “synod” means walking together. St. James joins 109 other congregation and new starts in making up our Synod. Along with 64 other synods around the country, together we are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our church has three interconnected expressions: St. James Lutheran Church (local), St. Paul Area Synod (regional), and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (national). At each level, people are called to serve as pastors, deacons, and leaders. Through elections and call processes, the church participates in the selection of those who serve the church.

Bishop Lull has served the St. Paul Area Synod for the last six years and will be standing for re-election to another six years. Over these years, on multiple occasions, St. James Lutheran has welcomed our bishop to preach, preside, and teach. I am grateful for her insight and leadership. Let us pray for her as the church meets this weekend to decide whether to extend her call for another six years.

Attending the first virtual Assembly from St. James Lutheran is President Birdie Olson, Secretary Lee Larson, Mark Lichtenberger (who was elected by the Synod last year to serve on Synod Council), and myself. We will have the responsibility of not only electing a bishop but also participating on a variety of resolutions relating to the life of the Synod. Please keep all those who are participating in your prayers this weekend. Join me in asking God’s Spirit to guide the Assembly in the way God would have us travel.

During these days of pandemic and great changes, the Church continues to walk together. Although the SPAS Assembly will be like none other, I am confident that it will be a time to celebrate and seek God’s presence among us.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt

p.s. Don’t forget…. on Sunday morning, 8 am Parking Lot and 9:30 Online, I will lead the second Teaching Worship on the Ten Commandments. If you missed part one - click on this video link…..

A Lesson From Tanzania

This picture shows a school classroom in the village of Nanange, Tanzania.

Back in February, I attended the Pamoja Summit in Iringa, Tanzania.  It was an incredible experience that continues to inform and shape my ministry at St. James.   I learned a great deal from my colleagues, both those who traveled with me from St. Paul and also those who I met in Tanzania. 

Before COVID caused us to rethink the way we are doing ministry, I had a notebook filled with ideas and things that I wanted to try at St. James.   Many months later, it is time that I dusted off those pages and returned to some of the insights from Iringa.

One of the things that intrigued me back at the start of the year was the concept of a “Teaching Worship.”   These happen in Tanzania by the order of the bishop around once a month.  Instead of using the regular liturgy for worship, the worship time is used for teaching.  One of the challenges that the Iringa Diocese faces is the rapid growth of congregations (it is the fastest growing Lutheran church on the planet.)  The concern of the bishop and pastors is that many adults who attend don’t know the basics of the faith.  Teaching worships help to engage the church in not only learning the foundations of Christian faith but also aids them in applying that teaching to everyday lives.   

Teaching was a core part of Martin Luther’s ministry (he was a teacher of the Old Testament in Wittenberg) and has an important legacy within the church that bears his name.  Pastors within the Lutheran church are called to preach and teach the gospel.  Whereas teaching and preaching are related, they are different forms of proclamation with varying goals.  Preaching seeks to inspire, comfort, and challenge.  Teaching focuses more on learning and applying concepts.           

For the next two Sundays, during our 9:30 Online livestream, we are trying out our own version of this Tanzanian worship style.  In addition to music and prayer, there will be an extended time for learning.  We will start with the Ten Commandments.  On September 20, we will look at the commandments as they concern our relationship with God.  On September 27, we will look at the application of the commandments to our relationships with others.  

In these days of pandemic, there is an opportunity for creativity and being the church “outside the box” of our usual patterns and practices.  At St. James Lutheran, we continue to make good use of technology and innovation as we seek to proclaim the good news of God’s love in diverse ways.  Teaching worships are just one more attempt to make the best out of our circumstances.  I trust that you will find this unique style to lift your spirit, give you something to ponder, and grow in your discipleship as a follower of Jesus.  

I pray that this Ministry Moment finds you safe and healthy.  I look forward to when I will see you again - through your computer, car window, or in-person.

In Christ’s Light,

Pastor Walt