http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/lutheran/ en-us Sun, 6 Jul 2008 05:10:01 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041342/posts “Rest for the Weary” (Matthew 11:25-30; Romans 7:14-25a)“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Jesus here issues a wonderful invitation and makes a wonderful promise. “Come to me” is the invitation, and “I will give you rest” is the promise. And to whom does he address this invitation and this promise? To “all who labor and... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041342/posts#comment Sun, 6 Jul 2008 05:10:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040581/posts A Watertown pastor suspected tonight of having sexual contact with a child. KSFY obtained these court documents which lays out the case against Dennis Hayes. In documents released by Watertown Police, we're told the suspected contact happened last Friday when Hayes took a juvenile boy he had been mentoring from the "Southwest Youth Services Center" in Magnolia, Minnesota to a library in Luverne, Minnesota. The boy claims during the drive to Luverne, Hayes held his hand and told him he loved him. While at the Luverne library, he claims Hayes rubbed his back outside his shirt. During the drive back... ksfy http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040581/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 02:42:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2038036/posts “Two Battles: The Battle from Without” (Matthew 10:34-42)Over today and next Sunday I want to talk to you about “Two Battles.” These are two battles every Christian is called upon to fight, from the time we are baptized till the day we die. There is no opting out. You are engaged in these battles whether you realize it or not. So the thing to do is to fight them well, and that means we need help. For on our own we would not be strong enough to prevail. What are these two battles? Simply put, they are, first, “The Battle... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2038036/posts#comment Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:06:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036997/posts ARUSHA, Tanzania (ELCA) -- The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) can help create a global movement to limit or halt environmental degradation, but it must have many partners and large numbers of people to be effective, said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Hanson made the comment at a June 25 news conference following his report to the LWF Council, which is meeting here through June 30. The LWF is a global communion of 140 churches in 78 countries, representing 68.6 million of the... ELCA News Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2036997/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:07:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2035714/posts Last week there was this news from Germany: German Lutherans in northern Schleswig will decide on July 12 whether to elect an openly gay bishop. Conservatives have opposed Horst Gorski's candidacy, saying it would lead to divisions within the church. When Horst Gorski, 51, first took up his archdeacon post in the northern city of Hamburg, some members of the congregation had misgivings about this homosexuality. But within a few years it was no longer an issue, Gorski said. Gorski believes the same will be the case if he is elected the next bishop of Schleswig, a mostly rural region... Insight Scoop http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2035714/posts#comment Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:17:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2034868/posts “Don’t Be Afraid to Confess Christ” (Matthew 10:5a, 21-33)What are you afraid of? I mean, what are you afraid of, as far as being a Christian? Are there things to be afraid of, that might happen to you because you are a Christian? Let’s think about that today. That’s what Jesus talks to his disciples about in the Gospel reading for today. He tells them, yes, there are things that might scare you, there are some bad things that might happen to you, precisely because you are my disciples. But the bigger thing Jesus tells them is what he will... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2034868/posts#comment Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:01:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2034116/posts June 20, 2008 ELCA Bishop Calls for Prayer, Action Concerning Domestic Disasters 08-095-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), asked the 4.8 million-member church to join him in "prayer and action" for people facing adversity this spring after tornadoes and floods struck the central United States and the humanitarian crisis following an immigration raid in Postville, Iowa. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested about 390 workers May 12 at a meat processing plant in Postville, making the raid the largest at a single location in U.S. history.... ELCA New Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2034116/posts#comment Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:22:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2032464/posts BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany could elect its first openly gay Lutheran bishop next month, a move conservatives say would alienate many Christians and open divisions in the Church. The July 12 election brings to Germany the question of gay clergy and same-sex unions which has caused rifts in several countries and faiths, including the Anglican community. Horst Gorski, a senior cleric from Hamburg, is standing for the post of bishop of Schleswig in northern Germany against Gerhard Ulrich, a senior cleric from the Schleswig area. The incumbent bishop is retiring in September. Gorski is a widely respected theologian and he... Reuters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2032464/posts#comment Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:45:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2031545/posts “The Compassionate Authority of Jesus Extended” (Matthew 9:35 – 10:8)“And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.” So we read in our text for today from the Gospel of Matthew. That particular verse is Matthew 9:35, but its sounds a lot like a verse we read about five chapters earlier, in Matthew 4:23: “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” The... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2031545/posts#comment Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:20:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2030110/posts A local church conference questions how much the CEO of a social services nonprofit earns. A local congress of Lutherans wants to know why the top executive of a large, church-affiliated social services agency has a compensation package topping $1 million. In 2006, the Rev. Dr. Daun E. McKee, CEO and president of Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, collected $385,947 in salary, $582,925 in benefits and a $63,591 expense account for a total $1.03 million, according to tax records. McKee's compensation topped all other nonprofit executives in the region, according to the Central Penn Business Journal. Diakon officials defend McKee and... York Daily Record http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2030110/posts#comment Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:09:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2027745/posts “Follow Me, the Doctor of Mercy” (Matthew 9:9-13)As many of you know, this is the “Year of St. Matthew” in our lectionary series. Matthew’s Gospel is the one that we’re following this year. But in our text this morning, we see Matthew himself doing the following. St. Matthew hears the call to follow, and we, the people of St. Matthew Lutheran Church--we hear it also, the call of Jesus, “Follow me.” St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, had something in common with quite a few pastors today (including this one): He was a “second-career man” in the ministry. The only thing... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2027745/posts#comment Sun, 8 Jun 2008 01:31:01 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2026513/posts Federal prosecutors are reviewing the case of a Lancaster man accused of stealing more than $1 million from the regional governing body of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, lawyers said. Lower Paxton Township police arrested Barry R. Herr, 61, of the 2100 block of Creek Hill Road in March and accused him of misappropriating $1,004,732 in church money. Herr was charged with 36 felony counts of criminal use of a communication facility and one felony count of theft by deception in a scheme police said dates to at least 1991. Herr was released on $25,000 unsecured bail. Prosecution of... York Daily Record (PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2026513/posts#comment Thu, 5 Jun 2008 16:27:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2024245/posts “Location, Location, Location” (Matthew 7:24-27)Real estate agents will tell you there are three things that determine the value of a house: 1) location; 2) location; and 3) location. That old line may be somewhat exaggerated, but the point is clear enough: Location is extremely important in determining value. Where a house is located can make a huge difference in its value. Now if that saying about “location, location, location” is true of the physical houses we build, how much more important is it when we talk about the spiritual “house” that everyone builds for him or herself. Where you build... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2024245/posts#comment Sun, 1 Jun 2008 03:13:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2023599/posts “From Baptism to Burial--and Beyond” (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-5)Today we began the service with the Invocation and a Remembrance of Baptism. Why did we do that? What does that have to do with a funeral service? What comfort does that give to us, Millie’s family and friends, to hear those words about baptism? Lots, actually. May these words give you great comfort now, as we go “From Baptism to Burial--and Beyond.” We began with the Invocation, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” That’s appropriate, for those are the words--that is the... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2023599/posts#comment Fri, 30 May 2008 17:17:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2022797/posts Comments on the "Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality" by Dr. Hans Schwarz (ELCA Pastor and Professor at the University of Regensburg, Germany) May 5, 2008 [You may also download Comments as a pdf file] "ELCA social statements are theological and teaching documents that assist members in forming judgments on social issues. They offer a framework for moral discernment. They also set policy for this church, guide its advocacy, and aid its life as a public church" (I). This means that a social statement does many things: teach, assist members in forming judgments, set policy, and above all provide a... WordAlone http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2022797/posts#comment Thu, 29 May 2008 03:59:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2021141/posts “Don’t Worry, Be Trusting” (Matthew 6:24-34)Welcome to the Non-Worriers Hall of Fame. In our exhibits you will meet some of the most famous non-worriers in history. These are the champions of carefree living, down through the centuries. Stress was a stranger to these advocates of the anxiety-free life. Here in our first display we meet Alfred E. Newman, the goofy-looking cover boy of Mad Magazine. Alfred’s motto is as famous as his gap-toothed grin. It’s the simple question, “What, me worry?” Next in our Hall of Non-Worriers we come to the well-known singer Bobby McFerrin. Bobby captured the airwaves in... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2021141/posts#comment Sun, 25 May 2008 20:01:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2018464/posts ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 19, 2008 Michael Burk Elected Bishop of ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod 08-065-JD* IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Rev. Michael L. Burk, executive, Worship and Liturgical Resources, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Chicago, was elected May 17 to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod. He was elected on the fourth ballot for bishop during the synod assembly here May 16-18. On the fourth ballot, Burk received 312 votes to 92 for the Rev. Kurt R. Nordby, assistant to the bishop, ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, and director, Illowa Lutheran Coalition, Rock Island,... ELCA News Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2018464/posts#comment Tue, 20 May 2008 03:01:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2017555/posts A Critique of the "Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality" Prepared by the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, Church in Society Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by Carl E. Braaten (May 2008) [You may also download the Critique as a pdf file.] I am aware that this social statement is a first draft. The Task Force has asked for suggestions and criticisms that might be helpful in producing an improved and final version. The authors of the document claim that it is based on Lutheran theological foundations. My critique will examine whether this proposed social statement is faithful... LutheranCoRe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2017555/posts#comment Sun, 18 May 2008 03:13:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2017484/posts “Great Is the Lord, and Greatly to Be Praised” (Psalm 145:3)“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised.” So goes the Gradual for today, from Psalm 145. Yes, the Lord is “greatly to be praised.” But what does that mean? How do we do it? How do we “greatly praise” the Lord? Let’s explore that a little bit. It’s certainly fitting that we consider this theme today, on this day when we dedicate new hymnals for the praise and worship of God. How do we greatly praise the Lord? Maybe part of it is that we use great materials.... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2017484/posts#comment Sat, 17 May 2008 23:01:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2014292/posts “From Feast to Feast to Feast” (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:1-21)Today is the Feast of Pentecost, a major festival in the Christian church year. Today we celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit, whom our ascended Lord Jesus Christ poured out on his church, as we read about in the second chapter of Acts. That was the beginning of the worldwide spread of the gospel, and you and I are here today as Christians because of what began on that first Pentecost. Actually, though, that was not the first Pentecost. For the Christian Feast of Pentecost has its roots in the... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2014292/posts#comment Sun, 11 May 2008 03:42:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014181/posts "A homosexual couple has taken the Swedish tax authority (Skatteverket) to court for registering their marriage in Canada as a partnership. Lars Gårdfeldt and Lars Arnell, who are both priests in the Swedish church, allege discrimination. "The tax authorities can make an exception for a marriage where one party is under-age but not for homosexuals," said Lars Gårdfeldt to Svenska Dagbladet. Skatteverket confirms that it does make exceptions to Swedish law with regard to under-age couples legally married overseas. But only for marriages involving a man and woman." The Local http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014181/posts#comment Sat, 10 May 2008 20:45:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2011406/posts “He Cares for You” (John 17:1-5; 1 Peter 5:6-7)“He Cares for You.” Yes, he does, God cares for you very much. St. Peter tells you this when he encourages you to be “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” So that’s what we want to do today. We will cast all our anxieties on God, and we will hear how, and how much, our God cares for us. What are your anxieties, and what is God’s care that deals with those anxieties? Those are the questions we’ll be asking. The first and greatest anxiety that people... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2011406/posts#comment Mon, 5 May 2008 13:20:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2010054/posts “Ascension Day, the Forgotten Festival” (Luke 24:44-53; Acts 1:1-11)Welcome to the Forgotten Festival! Today is Ascension Day--or to put it more fully, the Festival of the Ascension of Our Lord. But there is reason to call it, as I say, the “Forgotten” Festival. Even though Ascension Day is classed in the church year as a major festival, and thus a day for to church to gather for the Divine Service of Word and Sacrament, the sad fact is that in recent decades many congregations and many Christians have forgotten all about celebrating this important festival. It used to be that... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2010054/posts#comment Fri, 2 May 2008 02:59:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2009361/posts United Methodists declared Monday a "banner day" as they approved a full communion agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The new relationship between the two major Protestant denominations is not a merger but a recognition of each other's ministry and mission. Full communion recognizes that each church has "the one, holy, catholic and apostolic faith" expressed in the Scriptures and confessed in historic creeds and the core teachings of each denomination. The two churches also recognize the authenticity of each other's baptism and eucharist and the full interchangeability of all ordained ministers. "It's not merger," said Bishop Melvin... Christian Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2009361/posts#comment Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:03:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2007537/posts “The Hope That Is In You . . . Comes Out You” (1 Peter 3:13-22)During this Easter season, we are hearing a lot about hope. A few weeks ago the Epistle reading from 1 Peter 1 told us that God “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Last week’s sermon said that we in the church are “Living in Camp Hope,” that we have hope for an eternal future because our Lord Christ has gone to prepare a place for us. Hope--the hope that we have in... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2007537/posts#comment Sun, 27 Apr 2008 03:45:17 GMT