With St. John, Concordia, and the University of Nebraska starting school soon, it is apparent the summer is winding down. I’ve enjoyed my “first summer,” since I’ve usually been working several part-time jobs to make enough money to pay for school in the fall. Last year was the Synod’s Worship Conference here in Seward, so most of the summer was spent preparing for the 600+ guests we would receive for worship and events during the week-long event.
Having girls in the basement apartment has brought many creative thoughts and events to my home. Tonight was the “funeral for summer” event. Everyone in the house, plus guests, wore all black to this event. We ate lasagna together, though the mood was quite somber. The party moved outside, where we gave eulogies commemorating the events of the summer. The burial of summer was next; each person was able to bury a part of a memory (good or bad) from the summer’s events. I chose to bury a worship bulletin from St. John - making music with the summer tenants has been wonderful. Other items buried included a shoe and several notes. Cousin Ryan (not blood-related, but a cousin nonetheless) is staying at the house and participated in the event with us. Video clips coming to facebook soon! The last event of the funeral were “affirmation sheets.” Everyone took time to write brief thoughts about everyone else who was participating. It was humbling to receive the wonderful comments from this dear group of friends who I’ve come to know and love throughout the summer. Dessert of rich chocolately goodies and peanut butter cookie dough followed.
I’m ready for school to start! I took diagnostic tests in Music Theory and Music History last week at UNL as I begin working toward a Master’s in Organ Performance in the fall. I did fine on the theory portion, but the history part kicked me pretty good. Time management will become a major importance in my life, as I will be taking 7 grad credits in Lincoln in addition to full-time work at St. John. While the summer’s relaxed schedule has been nice, I can’t wait to get back to more structure. Variety is the spice of life.
It seems like “change” is the name of the game around here right now. Tenants in, tenants out. New students at Concordia, new friendships to be made in the UNL Music Community, new music ensembles at St. John. It’s no secret that I enjoy my routine and don’t particularly appreciate major change. Fortunately the people involved in all these activities are wonderful, and the stability of God in Christ continues to be my anchor.
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. When here our pathways part, we suffer bitter pain; yet, one in Christ and one in heart, we hope to meet again.
Okay, so I’m not really into “Dancing Queen” and the music of ABBA, but it’s a good fit for this post/devotional thought. This summer began with a whirlwind of activities, then slowed down to an anxiety-ridden month of questions and contemplations: all my friends are either getting married or moving away from Seward! Why am I still here, what am I supposed to do, and where do I fit in?
There’s no clear and concise answer to these questions. I’ve had many hours of conversations, Scripture study, and reading to try and help me feel comfortable about my situation. Lately I’ve really began to enjoy my life in the right here and right now. This change in attitude and spirit can be attributed to several things. Allow me to list and expand them for you! Maybe my feelings and thoughts will inspire your own reflections on life.
A gracious and loving God. When I’m down in the dumps or feeling confused, I don’t want to read or hear the Word of God. It seems so distant. Through worship and God’s gifts of forgiveness in Word and Sacrament, He came to me! God was with me despite my troubles and frustrations, and thankfully He will continue to be there even when I don’t get it. I want to see everything clearly RIGHT NOW, but this is not what He’s called me to see. I simply trust in His mercy and grace, knowing that “He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand.” (way to go, Psalm 95!)
My awesome tenants. This summer began with a strange struggle: I said goodbye to another group of close and dear friends and said hello to a group of well-connected friends. I’ve enjoyed getting to know them as they have graciously included me in so many of their activities. As the summer has gone by, we’ve gone shopping and swimming, had numerous Bible studies and theological conversations, enjoyed impromptu hymn sings, and done more cooking than should be legal. They’re great at coming up with ways for me to spend money and improve the house, which I’m always excited to do. (The spending of money is something that’s coming gradually but is getting better!) What a blessing. They’ve taught me to enjoy God’s gift of fellowship and to enjoy a less-structured summer.
My Congregation. St. John is such a cool place: God has shown His grace and forgiveness brightly in the midst of sin and darkness. By God’s grace St. John continues to “proclaim and practice the love of Christ” in the Seward community and beyond. I am blessed beyond belief with amazing co-workers and a huge list of blessings. The forgiveness we have in Christ is our motivation for singing, ringing, and serving!
Wonderful conversations. I read Todd Peperkorn’s e-book entitled “I Trust When Dark My Road,” which deals with the issue of depression in the life of the author. (Get it online for free here.) I saw too many similarities between Peperkorn’s situation and my own and decided a good bit of conversation and reflection were necessary. My pastor and several close friends provided good conversations and Scripture passages to deal with this anxiety that often accompanies those who work in public roles in the church. God’s called me to be His child. Me. I can do nothing to earn or deserve this love; Christ has done it all and the Holy Spirit creates faith. I cling to God’s promise by faith; He will never leave or forsake me.
The blessing of serving others. It’s easy for me to turn inward and focus on my own needs and desires. Having so many other people around me - all the time - helps to point me to the needs and concerns of others. I am blessed with a wonderful home, which despite being perpetually “under construction” with my latest hare brain home improvement scheme, is a very nice place to invite guests. Conversations with others over one of my “world famous” meals has been a source of strength and inspiration.
This life will present plenty of struggles and challenges; friends will move away, relationships change, cars will break down, and money will run low. Even for Christians. Even for church workers. Life will stink sometimes. This is life lived under the cross and on this side of heaven. This is life lived with the cross in view. What do we do? After listing a great number of those who have finished their earthly course in faith, the words of Hebrews 12 ring true for us today:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside evey weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2, emphasis added)
Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.
I frequently joke about my house as having a “revolving door.” With all the tenants and friends, there is a lot of coming and going. I don’t think I realized just how much of a ministry location this place would provide when I purchased it back in March 2008. I assumed it would primarily be a good cash flow opportunity and not much more. What I have given and received because of this place is nothing I could have ever imagined.
For all you Concordia-Seward graduates, you probably realize the awkwardness that sometimes accompanies those of us who end up staying in Seward. It’s often difficult to transition from the student role to the professional role. In my work at St. John I get to “travel down memory lane” all the time by remembering my days of singing in the church choir as a student, coming to worship for the first time as a college freshman waaaay back in 2003, and reliving college trips to Seward grocery stores and Lincoln events.
Getting back to the subject at hand: Having several tenants in my house (this summer it’s 7+ tenants) has been a tremendous blessing. In daily circumstances we are able to learn and grow together, even though we might not think of it in this way. I end up being a “teacher” and a “student” at the same time. It’s very hard to say goodbye when my tenant friends leave! Even though I’ve only done two “cycles” of graduations, there’s a certain emptiness that comes with anyone moving out. Despite the feelings and emotions, money is the least of the things I’ve received as a result of this venture. I’ve gotten to know some amazing and awesome individuals, who have inspired countless conversations and reflections. I’ve been able to meet family and friends, host more dinner guests than I ever thought possible. Not only that, but I get to stay in contact with these friends as they go out into the world. How awesome is that!
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:9-18)
This is my mom...thinking.
I just completed a brief 2 1/2 day journey to my home of Round Lake, Minnesota. It’s your typical small (underline small) town, complete with one bar, one restaurant, one gas station, and several teenage vagabonds that roam the streets. There are well-kept yards, nice cars, and smiling people. But is there something hiding?
One of my “buzzwords” has always been community. I am a fifth generation resident of Round Lake, Minnesota. My great-great grandparents ran Thomsen Hardware, which operated for almost 90 years, closing in the mid-1980s. I’m also a pastor’s kid who had the opportunity to live in one place my whole childhood life - something most PK’s don’t get to do! I got to know my great-grandmas, played in the park, rode my bike all over town, went fishing with friends, and did all those other small-town things. Going back to Round Lake right now is hard, however.
Community is something that seems to be lacking in many of our small towns and churches. Marva Dawn points this out countless times in her books dealing with worship. Why talk about community when talking about worship? Because corporate worship is what the Christian community does TOGETHER! If Paul tells us that in Christ there is no slave nor free, Jew nor Greek, then why do we hesitate to talk to one another? To bear one another’s burdens? To eat together?
I hope you agree with me by this point. It’s easy to say “yes, I’ve got it right. Now everyone else just needs to get the message.” That is the very essence of the problem. The lack of communication and the lack of reaching out can be attributed to us. We can’t change the actions and the mindset of an entire community, but we can change our own actions and attitudes. We love because Christ first loved us. Motivated by that GREAT love, I want to love others. I want to forgive others, just as in Christ God forgave me. As we are connected to Christ, we see the “fruit of His teaching, receptive souls reaching, will blossom in action for God and for all.”
Dad's grilling steaks - can you hear the polka music in the background?
True community begins with Christ and ends with us serving our neighbor. It does not have room for “keeping up appearances” ideaologies or smokescreens. Rather than complaining about the state of the world, maybe I should do what I outlined above. Although this post started as a reflection on everyone else’s problems, I now see it’s really a “community problem.” Interacting with people in our community and world can only help us to better understand our own purpose and place in this world. Not everyone will be hosting a backyard barbeque block party. Not everyone will be a greeter at church or sing in the choir. The body of Christ has many members, all with different personalities and different gifts. We get to watch these gifts express themselves in service to God and one another in our communities. How cool!
The handbells have been moved from the balcony. The services are planned for Sunday. The hotel rooms are (finally) finalized for the choir trip to Kansas City. Everything seems to be taken care of, and I’m looking forward to a day of (mostly) fun: gardening with friends, landscaping, having dinner with friends, playing scrabble, and serving as organist for Evening Prayer. Despite all the wonderful things that I enjoy every day, it’s still easy to worry about the “next thing.” Lord, forgive me! Help me to give thanks for the many blessings in life, even the things that don’t seem like blessings:
Lord God, there are so many things that can distract us from you, especially in the church! Move us to place our trust not in earthly powers, governance structures, or policies, but in your Word alone. Fed with your wonderful gifts of Word and Sacrament, move us, your people, to be people of mission and witness in this world. Help us to hear and respond to your command to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and teaching. Get us out of the way, that the world may be pointed to the cross and empty tomb. Help us to live in our baptismal grace and abide in faith unto the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Spring has sprung in eastern Nebraska - or is it summer? We went right from the rainy 40 degree days right into the bright sun of today’s 88! This amazing weather has caused a number of home improvement projects to be undertaken. I’m taking a little time “back” from my work at the church, since Holy Week drained 60 hours and this weekend will be spent chaperoning my junior high choir’s trip to Kansas City. Here’s a brief list.
The Guatemala mission team, of which I am a member, leaves tomorrow, Sunday, March 8 at 4:15 a.m. Considering this is also time change weekend, it will feel like 3:15 a.m. Despite this early time, we have a great team going and will certainly have a blast as we load luggage, travel through airports, and finally arrive in Guatemala City in the early afternoon.
This Saturday afternoon is quite a dreary one…33 degrees, light rain, no major activities. I’m at a loss for something to do. All my sub plans are already done and things at church are all set for my one-week absence. Planning home improvement projects seems trivial in light of the work that’s in front of our group. Trust in God is something I’m finding is easy to talk about and hard to do. The whole idea of God providing “daily bread” is something I’ve wrestled with over the last week, and I find myself returning to Luther’s explanation to the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer:
God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.
But what does this mean…for me? It means that the Triune God is responsible for my creation and salvation. I am His and He is mine. He does not become any more or any less God by my actions or feelings. Despite my own sin, doubt, and rebellion, He give me the power to believe and grants me all the things I need to support this body and life. I will soon work with people who lack the “things” that I use to define my identity and life. Although our team intends to be the “servants” on this trip, I have a feeling we will end up being the “served.” The Gospel does not require glamorous buildings, large amounts of resources, or perfect people projected on JumboTrons. We love because God first loved us in Christ. My life is in His hands. Although this trip may present danger, God has made me His child in baptism. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s!
Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your children and heirs of Your gracious promises in Christ Jesus. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may forsake all covetous desires and the inordinate love of riches. Deliver us from the pursuit of passing things that we may seek the kingdom of Your Son and trust in His righteousness and so find blessedness and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (LSB p. 311)
Ahh! Buffalo Lake in the winter! Notice the trucks out on the 20" thick ice.
I am spending a few days on “retreat” as the conference musician for Doxology. You can find out more about this wonderful organization at www.doxology.us. Funny enough, we’re at a Roman Catholic retreat center (Christ the King, Buffalo, MN) which is a massive 1/4 mile long facility located on the lake. When I agreed to serve as the conference organist, I was told the only instruments available would be Roland electronic keyboards. Yuck. It’s not all about the instrument; the learning and spiritual growth opportunities (and relaxation) were more than worth it. HOWEVER, imagine my surprise when the Doxology coordinator tells me there IS a pipe organ, but he’s told it doesn’t work. That’s all it took for the adrenaline to start flowing.
This story will be much more fun as a “word story”…
Your typical carpeted, padded Catholic retreat center chapel. No sign of a pipe organ here.
The electronic piano will have to do.
But wait! What’s that thing in the strange little balcony?
It’s an organ console!
So I climbed the stairs to find out more…
And there it was! A real live pipe organ. Where are the pipes, you might ask?
Hidden behind the grill cloth was 15 ranks of fully functional and mostly tuned pipework. The console says Tellers, so I would imagine the pipes and chests hail from that builder as well. The worked quite well outside of a few dead notes and some tuning issues on the upper octaves of the mixture. A short trip to Target and a small can of WD-40 took care of some very sticky keys. (Shh! Don’t tell anyone about the WD-40!) Upon hearing the organ play, the director of the retreat center (a Catholic priest) came in and told me not to play the organ. He softened up when he heard there was nothing mechanically wrong with the instrument and that I am an organ technician (a term I apply loosely). The Doxology retreaters certainly appreciate having a real pipe organ to lead the singing.
Since I’m a major nerd, I have not only my computer and digital camera, but also a digital audio recorder. I’m sure you’re dying to hear sound samples of this organ:
Sample 1 - “Procession music”
Sample 2 - “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart”
Technical addendum: How do you apply WD-40 to sticky keys? By pulling out the manual stack and lifting the keydesk. How else would you do it?
You know how you just have “those days?” There’s nothing really wrong, but you just have a hard time giving thanks and serving others? Today, Saturday, the last day of January, the year of our Lord 2009, started out that way. By the time 9 p.m. rolls around, it’s much different. Why, you might ask?
The weather! Being from Minnesota, I expect January to be bitter cold. I forget that Nebraska isn’t like that - and today was a WONDERFUL Nebraska day with a high of around 60. I went out on the walking trail and had my first bit of good exercise in weeks. Thanks be to God!
Concordia Invitational Tournament (CIT)! I can’t say enough good things about living in Seward. While being so close to the University can tempt me to blur the line between student and professional, today was a cause for celebration. Four Concordia University System schools play in the tournament: Ann Arbor, Michigan; River Forest, Illinois; Mequon, Wisconsin; and Seward, Nebraska. CIT was here in Seward my freshman year, and both the boys’ and girls’ teams won. This year continued the legacy! The guys won by one point, while the girls walked away with a hefty win. What a blessing to be able to watch college basketball by walking right down the street!
The big one: Worship! God just has a way about doing things. This weekend was the first in our three-week stewardship series. Stewardship topics always make me nervous simply because people usually construe it in light of the Law instead of the Gospel. However, the “personal testimonial” tonight was from Kathy, a member of the congregation, who went blind at age 42. Her Christ-centered message, pointing us to God’s unconditional love as brought to us in Word and Sacrament, was better than many sermons I’ve heard. (We won’t get into the issue of women speaking in church…) After starting out the day with less-than holy thoughts, Christ filled my cup. He has overcome the world! The service that followed included a baptism and a wonderful sermon by Pastor Bruick. As I was picking hymns for the service recently, I had no idea how well the sermon hymn would fit:
We walk by faith and not by sight, No gracious words we hear From Him who spoke as non e’er spoke, But we believe Him near.
For You, O resurrected Lord, Are found in means divine: Beneath the water and the Word, Beneath the bread and wine.
Lord, when our life of faith is done, In realms of clearer light We may behold You as You are, With full and endless sight.
(We Walk By Faith, Lutheran Service Book 720)
What a fun day to celebrate in the life of the Church - the conversion of St. Paul! As many of you know, my dad is a pastor, so growing up I heard more than PLENTY about St. Paul. Everybody has their thing - mine is pipe organs and church music - my dad has St. Paul. He could teach a perpetual class on St. Paul’s life, writings, etc.
Today I gave the children’s message at the 8:30 service since our pastor was out of town. How fun! I always enjoy bringing God’s Word to our younger ones, and it’s fun to find neat ways to relate. I brought a cooler full of the raw supplies needed to make my world-famous honey biscuits. The kids were intrigued by things such as baking powder, flour, and especially shortening. The whole point was that the baker or the cook takes things that are nasty and less-than-appealing on their own. The baker forms and shapes the dough into something good - in this case, world famous honey biscuits! God did the same thing to St. Paul - He took something very unappealing (a persecutor of the Church) and made Him a wonderful confessor and proclaimer of the Christ. Let’s be honest - the point of this message probably resonated more with the parents than the kids, but that’s okay. It was fun…and we got to sing God Loves Me Dearly (LSB 392) together. I have devotions at the Child Development Center tomorrow morning and plan to do something similar with them.
Today was also the beginning of the parish music study group that I’m hosting in my home. Eight students attended this evening. We began a discussion of the joys and challenges of serving God’s people and proclaiming Christ through parish music ministry. It is wonderful to be in a position to discuss and study these issues together. The DVD “Singing the Faith: Living the Lutheran Musical Heritage” (Good Shepherd Institute) is the basis for our discussion.
