Rachel Dolezal is the latest to make headlines by raising important questions about human identity. Whereas Caitlyn Jenner’s much-publicized transition challenges traditional notions of sexual identity, Dolezal, who recently resigned as head of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP, challenges common assumptions about race. Like Jenner, Dolezal places less stock in biology than in the dictates of her heart. Dolezal’s DNA may settle the matter of her European ancestry but her primary emotional … [Read more...]
A Mother’s Love
Easter 6B—5/10/15 By Melody Kroeger As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; you abide in my love. It is fitting that we hear these words today on Mother’s Day, for the command to love is central to the Gospel of John. But I think we miss an opportunity if we only acknowledge mothers today. For many of us – it’s a dad, sister, brother, or grandmother who bears the responsibility – and the joy – of raising us up. Regardless of who that person is – we all have someone – who has … [Read more...]
The Good Shepherd
Easter 4B—4/26/15 by Melody Kroeger David and I belong to the dwindling demographic that has the daily Seattle Times newspaper delivered to our house. Last week there was an article from Kelso that captured our attention. According to the Times, “the family of Jerry Moon opened his casket for their final goodbyes and were startled” – shocked you might say – to find an absolute stranger in Mr. Moon’s place. Mr Moon, aged 72 and another man, Mr. P aged 97, both died at the same … [Read more...]
Right Under Our Noses
EasterB15—4/5/15 Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2,14-24; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Mark 16:1-8 Pr. Scott Kramer And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Some wise guy once said that this verse is the Lutheran approach to evangelism! Let us pray… *** But seriously, what do you think? Silence and fear. The Easter story we just read has no empty tomb, no angels, and no happy ending. What kind of an Easter story is that? Welcome to Mark's gospel! These women at the tomb … [Read more...]
Seasonal Change
5 Lent B—3/22/15 Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33 Pr. Scott Kramer When we moved from Seattle to Fargo back in the late 90s my wife and I had some adjustments to make. Culture, the demands of her training and climate were all factors. Today marks the second full day of spring. Even here in Washington where the weather is milder the seasons change and we gradually make adjustments to those changes: Our wardrobes change. Our routines may change. We … [Read more...]
News of Grace
4 Lent B—3/15/15 Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3,17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21 Pr. Scott Kramer I still haven’t gotten used to the idea of going to my phone for the news. I’m still an old-fashioned newspaper guy. Maybe you get your news from your tablet, radio, or TV—there are lots of choices these days! But regardless of where we get our news there’s a more interesting question: How do you know what to believe? News is not just one thing. The cover story for this month’s … [Read more...]
Remembering
3 Lent B—3/8/15 Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 Pr. Scott Kramer Well, what would have been your response if you were one of Jesus’ disciples? There he is, apparently having lost his mind, chasing animals, turning over tables, scattering money everywhere—in church! What would have been going through your mind? Surprisingly, on this occasion, Jesus’ disciples keep it together. Mark writes that His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your … [Read more...]
Promise Amidst Temptations
The promise amidst the temptations in the wilderness By Melody Kroeger There is a lot of action packed into the readings this first Sunday of Lent. We began today with Noah and the “everlasting covenant between God and Noah and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:8-17) A covenant not just for Noah and his sons and their son’s generations but for ALL future generations – that God remember God’s promise and never again send flood waters to destroy the earth … [Read more...]
Time for Love
Julia Stewart Memorial 1 Corinthians 13 1/3/14 Earlier this week Amie texted me: If you have about an hour of time… I recommend reading through all the journal entries in CaringBridge. Many of you who gather this day have been part of that amazing online community of support. August 29, 2012. Amie writes: “I asked Julia if she would like some lunch. Julia replied, I don’t have time for this.” It wasn’t the only time she said those words. I don’t have time for this. That … [Read more...]
Small Packages
The Best Gifts Luke 2.22-40 12/28/14 By Jon Glenn Have you ever heard the expression, “The best gifts come in small packages?” This phrase was never truer for me than in January, 2012. Melissa and I have a tradition that we started during our first Christmas together. Every year we give each other 12 gifts, one for each day of Christmas. That Christmas the best gift that I gave came in a rather small package: a 2x2x1.5 inch box with a hinged lid. I imagine that some of you can probably … [Read more...]