Easter 7B—5/17/15 Acts 1:15-17,21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19 By Melody Kroeger A Pew Research poll on religion, released last week, found that the number of people identifying themselves as “Christians” has fallen significantly, while the number of U.S. adults who do not identify with any organized religion is growing. Facebook will begin publishing news content directly from nine news media organizations. Why? Because media consultants found that 57% of consumers will … [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...]
Choose Love
5 Pentecost B—5/3/15 Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8 Pr. Scott Kramer Some of us are old enough to remember when Bruce Jenner won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics. Almost forty years later he’s back in the news again, making headlines for a very different reason: Bruce Jenner is transitioning to a woman. Meanwhile, in our nation’s capital the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments for and against the constitutionality of gay marriage. In … [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...]
“Down Under” Reflections for Lent: Laughing Buddha, Suffering Christ
"Down Under" Reflections for Lent: Laughing Buddha, Suffering Christ Having returned from a recent trip to visit family in Australia, Pr. Scott offers reflections on highlights of the experience in light of the season of Lent. The eye of Christ The last thing I want when traveling to a tropical area in the middle of winter is to spend a lot of time indoors. In Australia, we spent the great bulk of our time outdoors. We did, however, want to visit at least one local museum so 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...]
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...]
Game On
5 Epiphany B—2/8/15 Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-11; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39 Pr. Scott Kramer So, how are you doing today, Seahawks fans? Sorry to bring that up!—but I’m guessing you’re feeling a little better than when you woke up last Monday! The headline in Monday’s Seattle Times read, “DEFLATED.” Football fans recognize that as a reference to the underinflated football scandal leading up to the Super Bowl, but it was also an accurate description of how Seahawks fans … [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...]