Think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. (1 Cor. 4:1) Over the last few years I have been glad to be a part of the Vital Congregations team of the ELCA. We get to share best practices, contextual experience, and new ideas with congregational leaders across the… Read More »

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; [God’s] understanding is beyond measure.” (Psalm 147:5)  I’ve been in awe of the images coming back from the James Webb Space Telescope in the last week. First, it’s just amazing to see the vastness of the universe. Then, I consider that the pictures we’re seeing are of… Read More »

“Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:10) The season of Pentecost is the time when we remember that Jesus has not left us alone, but has given us the Spirit of God, to teach, guide, heal, motivate, and illuminate us… Read More »

“For though the Lord is high, He regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.” (Psalm 138)  As we enter into the summer months here in our desert home, we begin to notice an increase in the needs of those who seek out the church for help. they are without shelter or… Read More »

”And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:32) Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! This is the good news we have been given to share with the world! This is the season we hear it and shout it together, but really it’s the message we get… Read More »

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2) Time flies. Already it seems the season of Lent is nearly halfway gone. Easter is coming!… Read More »

“If two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20) At Living Hope, our theme for 2022 is Show Up! Showing up to worship is important! Yes,… Read More »

January 2022 “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things…If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:22-23, 25) As the body of Christ, we have been welcomed into God’s eternal embrace, fed, forgiven,… Read More »

The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. (Luke 1:35) In this busy time of year we can get caught up in the tasks, the meals,… Read More »

  Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isa. 41:10) In the last 20 months, I’ve heard plenty of talk about faith over fear. The meaning is usually that… Read More »