Day 40 — Conclusion

Saturday, April 7, 2007

God’s Word

“God has begun a good work in me and God is well able to bring it to full completion.” — Philippians 1:6

Good Work

This is the final day of Lent, the 40-day liturgical season beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Lent concludes today with the Great Vigil of Easter. The 40 Days of Lent recall the days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Mt. 4:1-11).
Lent has been a time of penance and discipline.

Lent is intended to be a time of reflection, repentance and renewal.

Lent runs concurrent with the very beginning of spring. In Minnesota, we were in deep freeze when Lent began on Ash Wednesday. By the time Easter arrives, the birds may be singing and the light will be arriving earlier and staying later. Ash Wednesday begins with darkness.

The Easter Vigil has traditionally been the time for baptism. New Christians used the 40 Days of

Lent as a time of preparation to grow in their new faith and discern its meaning for life. This was followed by baptism commonly done in large groups. In recent years, we’ve done large numbers of baptisms at the Easter Vigil here at Cambridge Lutheran Church.

The Easter Vigil begins with fire in the darkness — the first light of Easter breaking into our darkness.

We hope that your 40 day Lenten experience this year has been a time of reflection, repentance and renewal — about your life and your faith.

We hope that it has been a time when God has begun a good work in you — a work which God is bringing to completion, and has brought to completion, through the work of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection.

Day 39 — Good Friday

Friday, April 6, 2007

God’s Word — John 19

13 When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, ‘Here is your King!’

15They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.

So they took Jesus; 17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha. 18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ 22Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ 23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier.

They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfill what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ 25And that is what the soldiers did.”

Prayer
Lord, look with love on your people, the love which our Lord Jesus Christ showed us when he delivered himself up and suffered the agony of the cross, for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Day 38 — Living Last Supper

Thursday, April 5, 2007

God’s Word

“When it was evening, he came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.” They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another, “Lord, is it I?” — Mark 14:19

Upper Room

Picture… The Upper Room. Jesus is about to share the Passover meal with his disciples. The disciples do not know it yet, but this is the last meal they will share with their Lord. That holy night unfolds and gradually comes to life right before our eyes. We are invited into the Upper Room with the disciples and Jesus.

Description… Imagine the shock and horror of the disciples when Jesus states, “One of you will betray me.” Each of Jesus’ closest friends, feeling his own weakness, asks not, “Lord, is it he?” but “Lord, is it I?”Why… Experience the last meal Jesus and his disciples shared, and explore the reactions of his beloved followers as Jesus reveals the coming, tragic betrayal by one of his closest companions.

Lives Are Changed…We too are called and inspired to ask ourselves “Lord, is it I?” Are we Christ’s betrayers as well? As he did for his disciples, he has shed his blood for all of us. We will share with each other at the close of the evening in Holy Communion, just as the disciples did with Christ. We will once again be reminded of his eternal sacrifice for the sins of all of us.

Connect… The Living Last Supper drama is held on Maundy Thursday of each year. Join us in the Fellowship Hall on April 5th at 7:00 PM. Experience that powerful night and hear the disciples tell their stories one by one. Persons interested in participating in the drama may contact drama team members.

Prayer… Lord, turn us away from all the ways we betray your love in our daily lives. In this communion we share in the gift you gave, your body and blood, broken and poured out for all of us. Amen.

Day 37 — Christ’s Passion, by Martin Luther

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

God’s Word

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin.” - 1 Peter 4:1

Christ’s Suffering

First of all, you must no longer contemplate the suffering of Christ (for this has already done its work and terrified you), but pass beyond that and see his friendly heart and how this heart beats with such love for you that it impels him to bear with pain your conscience and your sin. Then your heart will be filled with love for him, and the confidence of your faith will be strengthened.

After your hearts has thus become firm in Christ, and love, not fear of pain, has made you a foe of sin, then Christ’s passion must from that day on become a pattern for your entire life. If pain or sickness afflicts you, consider how paltry this is in comparison with the thorny crown and nails of Christ.

If you are obliged to do or to refrain from doing things against your wishes, ponder how Christ was bound and captured and led hither and yon. If you are beset by pride, see how your Lord was mocked and ridiculed along with criminals.

If unchastity and lust assail you, remember how ruthlessly Christ’s tender flesh was scourged, pierced and beat. If hatred, envy and vindictiveness best you, recall that Christ, who indeed had more reason to avenge himself, interceded with tears and cries for you and for all his enemies.

So then, this is how we can draw strength and encouragement from Christ against every vice and failing. That is a proper contemplation of Christ’s passion and such are its fruits.” — Martin Luther, Luther Works 42, 13-14

Prayer… May out dear Lord Jesus Christ show you his hands and his side and gladden your heart with his love, and may you behold and hear only him until you find your joy in him. Amen. — Martin Luther, Letters, 117

Day 36 — And More Ministries and More And…?

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

God’s Word

“Come, follow me," Jesus said.” —- Matthew 4:19

Your Vocation

Picture… There are so many more ministries that could have been written about. We won’t even try to name them all. But what about your ministry through your life? Your vocation?
Contemporary culture mis-defines the word “vocation.”

Vocation is not your job. A “vocation” is a relationship. Biblically, the notion of ministry as “volunteer work” is dreadful theology. It violates the theology of Christian vocation. Christian’s do not “volunteer” their time. There is no separation between your time and Christ’s.

For a Christian, your “vocation” is not your “9-5 job” apart from which you volunteer your “extra” hours. Your vocation is your relationship with Christ. It may include “9-5 job” through which you earn income for daily bread.

The definition of the word “vocation” has slid to where people equate it with “job.” Your vocation is not your job. Vocation is what your life is about. Christian retirees do not lose their vocation. They lose their location.

Why… Jesus said, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” - John 6:27

Prayer… Lord, Help us serve you in all we do. Amen.

Day 35 — Prayer Ministry

Monday, April 2, 2007

God’s Word

“Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night?” – Luke 18:4-7

Cry Out

Picture… Struck by a sudden need, people call the church. Please pray. Our prayer ministry is activated. People start calling one another to activate our prayer ministry. They begin praying specifically for the needs that have been named. Some are for healing. Some are for comfort and support. Some are for miracles.

The Prayers are spoken in church on Sunday morning and Wednesday evenings. The Sunday prayers are broadcast over the radio. People listening often add prayers concern they hear to their own personal prayers. People pray at home. One woman of our congregation prays thirty minutes a day.

Why… We are a people of prayer. Prayer is foundational to all that we do. We speak to God through prayer. God hears our prayers. Luther said that we should pray like a dog going after raw meat. Jesus encouraged us to prayer like the persistent widow in Luke 18. Jesus taught us how to pray – the Lord’s Prayer. May we pray not that God would bless what we are doing but that we would do what God is blessing.

Connect… Pray for the needs of people. Pray daily. Pray often. To connect into the congregational prayer chain, call Carol Ryberg or the church office.

Prayer… Lord, Help us to do what you are blessing. Hear our prayers. Amen.

Day 34 — Funerals

Saturday, March 31, 2007

God’s Word

“In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” – John 14:2

Serving the Bereaved

Picture… Grieving families gather in the Archives Room. A loved one has died. Life is disrupted. Darkness or sadness seem near. The church is a beacon of light. God’s people gather to proclaim the message of light. Servants from God’s people, the church, gather to serve those who mourn with a meal and with space.

Why… We celebrate the lives of the Saints who’ve gone before. We proclaim and celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ through our funerals and memorial services for those in need.

Lives Are Changed… Into darkness, light has shined. What is the only good news that brings light in the midst of the darkness of the death of a loved one? It is the good news of Jesus Christ that all who believe in him might never perish but have eternal life.

Connect… Serve those in need through many ministries including Caring Meals for families undergoing crisis, serving food at funerals and bringing baked goods for funeral meals.

Prayer… Lord, help us to be a beacon of light ministering to those experiencing the darkness and sadness of the death of a loved one. Amen.

Day 33 — Truckload of Food

Friday, March 30, 2007

God’s Word

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…” – Matthew 25:35

Free Food

Picture… Free food is being given away to those who need it in the Cambridge area through the “Truckload of Food” ministry. The line is long. 407 family units line up at the local City Center to receive food. They hold boxes and laundry baskets and large containers. They come from many walks of life. Some are older, some younger, some with mental or physical challenges, some with many young children under foot and others need assistance carrying their boxes of food.

Description… Truckload of Food is a local ministry overseen by members of Cambridge Lutheran Church which partners with national food distribution services to provide food at no cost (or for a small amount) bulk food which might otherwise go to waste.

Why… Jesus said that we are to feed the needy among us.
Live Are Changed… The hungry are fed. The community views the church, the body of Christ, as people bringing hope and good news.

Connect… Contact Barb Nordberg or sign up on the Hospitality table to participate.

Prayer… Lord, may the hungry among us be fed. Help us to help them. Amen.

Day 32 — Seniors Communions

Thursday, March 29, 2007

God’s Word

“'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.” – Acts 2:17

Remember Me

Picture… People gather in wheelchairs. People are helped into chairs in the main sitting room. People who were unable to attend church the previous Sunday gather to hear a message and receive communion.

Description… A pastor leads communion at one of our local seniors homes for residents who are members of this church and others who wish to participate.

Why… The worship experiences are an extension of the congregational worship services bringing word and sacrament ministry to those in later life. These services communicate to participants that they are not forgotten.

Lives Are Changed… After a lifetime of faith, old memories are rekindled. After a lifetime of faith, people still gather as God’s people. Facing illness or difficulty late in life, the message of Jesus Christ and the good news embodied in the bread and wine of communion, communicate hope and renewal.

Connect… Anyone can join for communion at the various seniors homes such as Riverwood, Mill Ridge, Cambridge Health Care Center, Grandview, River Hills and others. The schedules vary.

Prayer… Lord, speak to us your will and word of hope to those in later life. May your presence be strong and clear. Amen

Day 31 — Horizon

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

God’s Word

“Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-burdened and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27

Come to Me

Picture… People wander into a new worship setting. Contemporary music is playing. The dress code is “come as you are.” The band is up front preparing worship in a style similar to what the worshipers listen to on their radios. Community is fostered through a cup of coffee and a bite or two of food. So often, whenever we see Jesus in scripture, we see people eating and praying together, coming “as they are” to Jesus to hear his message.

People are welcome no matter where they may be spiritually. The service is geared toward being “sensitive” to the person who may not be “already convinced” of the truth of Christianity. At Horizon, the message is intended to help people develop a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ relevant to their life.

Why… Many people have not connected with traditional approaches to worship. Horizon provides an alternative setting to explore the teachings of Jesus Christ for people without a church home.

Lives Are Changed… Adults are baptized – a rarity in Lutheran Churches. People who weren’t worshiping anywhere start worshiping. God’s grace is declared and received in the heart. The Holy Spirit meets people at their chairs. People previously alienated by God’s people, the church, reconnect. People receive faith through the Spirit.

Connect… Attend any of the Horizon worship services, Sundays at 9:00 & 10:15 in the Fellowship Hall.

Prayer… Lord, use our church to reach new people in your name as you have commanded us to do. Amen.