As wildfires sweep across the west destroying thousands of homes and tropical storms drop record amounts of rain in the south, we cannot help but be concerned about creation. As scientist point to global warming, we must ask the question, what can we do? How do we help restore creation?

For Sunday, Lutherans Restoring Creation, a ministry of the ELCA, put together a creation-focused worship service for congregations to use. Peace will be sharing in this worship experience as churches across the ELCA gather for worship to lift up this important cause of caring for God’s creation. This service will include participants from all over the country including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, The Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, Rev. Lenny Duncan, Rebekah Bruesehoff, as well as numerous parish pastors and members of the Lutherans Restoring Creation Board of Directors. Music will be provided by Marty Haugen, the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, and Pastor John Tirro.

I hope you will join us for worship this Sunday on Facebook at 9:30 am. I also hope we consider how we might restore creation so that generation after generation might be blessed by all God has created.

God’s peace,

Pastor Dawn

This Sunday we are going to try something. We are giving you the option of worshiping in-person outdoors. I’ll be honest. I’m thrilled to be able to preach to real live humans. I’m excited to see your faces, even if covered with masks. And I’m happy to be in your presence, although still 6+ feet away.

While I’m eager for worship this Sunday, I know that it will not be the same. There will be parts of worship we will not do due to health risks. Singing will be by soloists. And who knows how the weather, sound system and technology will be acting come Sunday morning. This makes me nervous excited!

While I want everything to go just so, I know there is much that is out of my control. This last Sunday was a shining example of what can go wrong. My prayer is that as we gather, whether online or in-person, with a glitching screen or temperamental weather, we know we are a part of God’s great and messy creation. We are united in something so much bigger than ourselves. And God will show up whether it’s perfect or perhaps even more so, when it is not.

So, thank you for the incredible grace you have shown me in this time of trial and error and frustration and learning. Your grace is strength and encouragement for me as we navigate these uncharted waters. We are blessed to be a community of love and grace no matter how we worship.

Your sister in Christ,

Pastor Dawn

I have found there are times in my life when it has been hard to explain something I know. People will ask, how was your trip? The trip was great! What was great about it? In those times, it can be difficult to specifically say what it was about the trip that made it so great. It is hard to put it into words.

We have all had these experiences when we have been left searching for words. And yet, we know that there are some questions that are important for us to answer.  

This Sunday we will hear Jesus’ question his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter is quick to answer and is even commended for his good answer. But what if Jesus asked you this question today? What would you say? And whatever it is that you would say, would it make a difference in how you live Monday-Saturday? 

As we move to Sunday, think about this question. Who do you say Jesus is? The answer might make all the difference for you. 

See you Sunday,

Pastor Dawn