 Today we danced in Church to Justin Timberlake's song, "Just Dance!" A reminder that we are called to dance with the three persons of the Trinity. What great news to know that we have a God who wants to be in relationship with God's self and with us in a beautiful dance of life. And whether we dance cheek-to-cheek or face-to-face, it is in this intimate contact with each other that we get to know each other, discover the pain and joy each of us faces, and lift each other up. Today, we also claim the promise of God, "I will be with you always to the end of the age." In the midst of the crazy thunderstorm of today, when the clouds and rain hid the sunshine, it was sunny on the inside and we sent everyone home with a reminder of God's promise and the hope of sunshine in every pocket!
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 A number of years ago, I worked at a church where the janitor was watched like a hawk! If he didn't do everything, everyone thought he was supposed to, he would get in trouble. I can tell you from personal experience that it's difficult sometimes to have well over 100 bosses.
I remember once (but it happened often), that a half eaten cupcake was hidden under one of the pews and rather than picking it up, the watchdog group checked each week to see if it was still there. In retrospect, I wish I had picked it up myself or told them to do it. I was fearful of what they might do or that I would get in trouble since I was just the youth director. Since that time, I have paid closer attention to the "that's not my job" mentality that can get in the way of important relationship building. What if we saw what needed to be done and just did it? "I am reminded of the good words of Acts 2, ""Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." ..."the goodwill of all the people." What a great way to live life! I hope I pay closer attention to the Holy Spirit's stirrings in me to have "the goodwill of all the people" - even beyond my own fears, even beyond my comfort, even when it gets me in trouble.... The Listening House is moving to First Lutheran at 464 Maria Ave. (our sanctuary basement) and will open on Monday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m. It has been called the "Starbucks for people experiencing poverty" or the Living Room for the homeless, but now more than that, a community center for people searching for meaning and purpose, a community center to receive the tools necessary for a better life - help finding housing, work, small group support, creative expression, and more. We are happy to have them join us in our important work here on the Eastside! If you'd like to join in these efforts, you can call the Listening House directly, 651-227-5911 or First Lutheran Church, 651-776-7210. Thanks for your interest and we look forward to working together for a better life. It was Paul Wellstone who said, "We all do better, when we all do better." I still believe that! Pastor Chris  |
Pastor ChrisA St. Paul Eastsider with a passion for rest and play and people in relationship Archives
June 2017
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