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 30 — Worship

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

God’s Word
“God is Spirit and his worshipers must worship in Spirit and truth.” – John 4:24

Spirit & Truth

Pictures… The parking lots are filling up. Worship leaders and choirs who arrive early park behind the parsonage and far from the building to create space for those whom they will serve and lead. People arrive for the first trying to figure out what door to go in, wondering what their experience will be.

Description… Cambridge Lutheran Church offers five worship services every Sunday with four distinct approaches: Festival (traditional), Families@Festival (family-focused traditional), Horizon (seeker-sensitive, contemporary) and CrossRock (for High School student by High School students). Vespers (contemplative) gathers five Saturdays a year.

Why…. The commandment says, “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.” The New Testament says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.” – Hebrews 10:25

Lives Are Changed… The Holy Spirit meets you at your chair. Where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, the Spirit is there with them. You listen to a message where it sounds as though the preacher might be speaking directly to you. You sing that hymn that sends chills down your back – you remember standing next to a parent singing it 60 years ago. There is a sense of awe that may catch you off guard.

Connect… Festival worship, 8:30 & 10:05; Horizon Worship, 9:00 & 10:15, CrossRock, 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Prayer… Lord, give me a heart for worship. Speak to us through your word. Nourish us through communion. Bring me into your presence. Amen.

Day 29 - Discipleship

Monday, March 26, 2007

God’s Word

“They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teaching…” – Acts 2:42

“…Be conformed to the likeness of his Son…” – Romans 8:29b

Spiritual Growth

Picture… People open God’s word for edification early in the morning. Small groups meet in area homes and restaurants or rooms at the church. They bring bibles or books on spirituality or listen to a talk. They eat. They talk about their lives. They explore how to be a follower of Christ.

We were made to be like Christ.

Why…. The bible is very clear that God’s will for every person is spiritual maturity. We were made to be like Christ. We are called to make disciples and to be disciples. The Holy Spirit speaks to the believer through the Holy Scriptures of God. “Take time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit.” – 1 Tim. 4:7

Lives Are Changed… People grow spiritually changing their attitudes toward people, circumstances, resources and their very selves. People become like Christ. God begins a work in us, beginning with wherever we may be spiritually, moving us toward Christ-likeness.

How… Join an existing gathering in our church focused on spiritual growth. Or, gather a new group of people with the purpose of growing in Christ to become disciples who resemble.

Prayer…Lord, help me to grow spiritually. You know my heart, my weaknesses and my needs. Do a work in me. Amen.

Day 28 — Church Council

Saturday, March 24, 2007

God’s Word

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood —over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. – Acts 20:28

“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14

Free to Serve

Picture… Council begins with devotions and prayer. Prayer is followed by affirmations. People individually affirm the events and persons who have made a difference in this community of faith. Minutes are reviewed. Finances are presented. A vision for ministry within or outside our church is presented. New business is reviewed. The various ministries and teams are affirmed.

Meetings often last about an hour and fifteen minutes. Sometimes, people are surprised that serving on the Church Council is first and foremost a spiritual experience.

Why…. The Church Council provides an orderly structure under which ministry may thrive. Teams of gifted, talented individuals work on the various teams of the church ministering in areas such as property, personnel, finance, multiple worship teams responsible for worship and teams working on so many areas of important ministries involving the church.

Lives Are Changed… The Church Council has an empowering function enabling people of the congregation to serve freely in ministry. Sometimes people are surprised when they are told that serving on our Church Council is described as a spiritual experience through which people will grow in Christ using the spiritual gifts of administration or leadership.

Connect… Where are your passions or interests? Perhaps you’re needed to serve on a ministry team.

Prayer… Lord, strengthen and empower our council to effectively lead ministries serving your name and your purposes. Amen.

Day 27 — Ministry

Friday, March 23, 2007

God’s Word

“Love your neighbor as yourself…” – Jesus’ Great Commandment

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10

Put a Serving Towel Over Your Arm

Picture… People serve the purposes of God. People gather to create quilts to send to the cold in far lands. People bring food to the basket for the local hungry. Caring meals are brought to families undergoing stress. People greet others for worship as they walk in the door. People clean rooms and prepare food and visit the lonely and provide clothing to the needy. People lead the gathered community in worship in the presence of God.

Description… People use their unique S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Ability, Personality, Experience) to serve God and people in this place.

Why…. We were made for ministry. We are served by serving. Life’s meaning and significance comes from sharing from our abundance to serve God in our generation.

Lives Are Changed… The hungry are fed. The lonely are visited. Voices are raised in song. Spirits are raised in body, mind and soul. Thoughts and attitudes grow closer to the mind of Christ.

Connect… What is your ministry? That is a question that we should ask one another. Listen for God’s calling upon your own life to discern where you might connect. Offer to get involved in the ministry area of your choice. Start a new ministry. Serve your next door neighbor.

Prayer… Lord, Help me to discover the ministry that you are calling me to do. Amen.

Day 26 — Men In Mission

Thursday, March 22, 2007

God’s Word

“It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.” — Luke 13:19

Growing Spiritually

Picture… Men gather around the table for a meal. They study the bible together and there is no question that cannot be asked. They grow together as community.

Years ago, the “Men’s Club” changed its name to “Men in Mission” to keep it focused on its real purpose – serving and witnessing in Christ’s name.

Why…. God’s word says that “Iron sharpens iron.” We provide a setting for men to grow as Christ follower. We have a message to share.

Lives Are Changed… The hungry receive food through Men In Mission ministries. Men find community as they serve and study. Men grow as Christ followers.

Connect… Show up on Thursday mornings at 6 a.m. or 8 a.m. for a bible study or call Dean Lindberg (689-1575).

Prayer… Lord, help our men to stand up and witness in Christ’s name. Help our men to further your mission. Amen.

- Submitted by Jim Ryberg

Day 25 — Alpha

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

God’s Word

The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” – Matthew 11:5

God’s Healing Presence

Picture… Conversation about spiritual things. People relaxed. People are learning about Christian faith with no pressure which is so strange sitting at a table with ten people. Some of the questions you’ve always wanted to ask about Christianity but felt silly asking. Those are images of what happens at Alpha. Those questions build up after a period of weeks. Comfort increases. Camaraderie increases. It becomes a place where you want to be.

Alpha meets on Sunday evenings. Alpha is an A-Z exploration of Christian faith. It tells us who Jesus is and explores why the bible is the word of God.

Why…. Alpha is a setting that the Holy Spirit uses to bring people to Christ for the first time and which grows up current Christ-followers in new ways.

Lives Are Changed… Through Alpha, we’ve seen people find a purpose in life. They begin worshiping. They find community. People meet the Jesus they’ve never known. They find permission to leave their baggage at the door.

Connect… Ask someone whose gone before as to what Alpha is about. They’ll bring you. Or you can speak to Jim Ryberg (689-4894) who is around church Sunday mornings.

Prayer… Lord, we pray for the leaders of the Alpha small groups. We pray that those people attending Alpha would be receptive to your message of new life in Christ. Raise up leaders who know what to say and how to convey your grace and presence. Amen.

— Submitted by Jim Ryberg

Day 24 — Fellowship

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

God’s Word

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful. When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night” - Romans 12:10-13

Connected in Community

Picture… New friends connect on a Sunday morning, during an Alpha class, at LOGOS, while painting, or distributing food. It’s not as much about what you’re doing, but who you’re meeting, and how relationships are being formed.

Description… Fellowship is one of our five purposes as Christians and as a church. It’s about community, friendship, and teamwork among God’s people. Faith for many gets reduced to only a personal and private matter, but faith is shared and strengthened through community.

Why…. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." –Matthew 18:20.

Jesus picked a team and a group of friends to live with and serve with. God doesn’t go it alone. Neither should we.

Lives Are Changed… In a high tech, busy world, many people find themselves lonely. Christian community is a place to find support, friendship, and meaning within a group of people who love, encourage and inspire one another.

Connect… Attend an Alpha course. Volunteer to help on a project or ministry where you can serve alongside others and get to know someone new. Join a circle. Start a new small group. Invite someone out for coffee or over for dinner. Invite someone new to come and share your experience with you.

Prayer… Lord, make this church a place for friendship and teams to form, where people find a place to belong and inspiration to live. Amen.

— Pastor Jon

Day 23 — Lenten Worship

Monday, March 19, 2007

God’s Word

“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father, so we too might walk in newness of life.”

— Romans 6:4

Practicing Faith

In its word origin, Lent means spring; a season moving from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring, from the solemnity of Ash Wednesday to the joy of Easter. Lent is traditionally a time of fasting, penitence, or going without something.

In our family, we go without ice cream during Lent. It’s a small sacrifice, but a good reminder of the season. However, as we focus on the meaning of the cross, Lent becomes not only a time giving something up, but also of adding to our spiritual life, through more frequent worship, more reading of scripture, more regular prayer, and greater service to those around who may be in need.

Our Lenten worship takes on a somewhat unique character. Hymns, anthems, and scripture readings are more reflective, more prayerful, more cross centered, and call for greater dedication and service. Alleluias are omitted during Lent, reserving that most joyful word until Easter arrives.

Lent also is a time of preparation for baptism and baptismal renewal for those already baptized, which culminates in the Easter Vigil service. Our worship reflects God’s rich grace for those living in the promise of their baptism.

Lenten services on Wednesdays are crafted to bring the worshipper into a time of personal reflection, prayer, spiritual growth in faith, and dedication to greater service. This year’s

Festival worship Lenten series is titled “Practicing Our Faith – five faith practices that can change your faith and your life.” Let us dedicate ourselves to worshipping both Sunday and Wednesday each week, to pray, to reflect, to grow in the faith, and to hear once again of God’s amazing grace.

Prayer… Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly, Day by day. Amen. (Godspell) — Arne Everson

- Submitted by Arne Everson

Day 21 - Sanctuary Choir

Friday, March 16, 2007

God’s Word

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord and bless God’s name; proclaim the good news of salvation from day to day.” - Psalm 96:1, 2

God’s Message

Olaf Christiansen, former director of the St. Olaf Choir and one my teachers, often said before a concert, “We sing to sensitize people to God’s message of love and grace.” A choir, whether in concert or worship service seeks to perform at the highest level possible, perhaps different from the congregational hymns or group singing.

Through commitment, dedication of purpose, and much drill and practice, our Sanctuary choir works toward that “higher level,” preparing anthems which bring beauty and inspiration to our worship services. Choir singers offer a great gift to the congregation through their music. For many years the choir has been greatly appreciated by our worshippers. Rehearsing regularly on Wednesday nights, all singers in the congregation are welcome to become part of the Sanctuary Choir.

All choir members would tell you that choir participation is not only giving a gift, but also gaining one. The choral experience feeds body, mind and spirit. It is physical, mental, and emotional. The eternal truths written in the lyrics of good anthems, many which come directly from the scriptures, or from the pens of pastors, biblical scholars, and Christians of great faith and insight, serve to edify and deepen the faith and spiritual understanding of those who sing.

Luther says that “Music is the handmaiden of the Gospel.” Leading the liturgy and hymns, and performing anthems as beautifully as possible, the Sanctuary Choir seeks to praise our God, and sensitize all who worship to the Gospel message of the love and forgiveness we have in Jesus Christ.

Prayer… Let ev’ry instrument be tuned for praise; let all rejoice who have a voice to raise; And may God give us faith to sing always: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!” Amen. (Fred Pratt Green)

— Submitted by Arne Everson

Day 19 - Sister Parish

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

God’s Word

“I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” John 10:16

Sharing Faith

Picture…Joyful marimba music and eager voices lift praises to heaven in a Spirit-filled mingling of tongues. Minnesotans cluster around the altar with Central Americans, praying for one another and the world, together receiving the body and blood of Christ.

Description…Sister Parish teaches us to share our faith – our hope, our help, our sorrows, our joys – with Christians in other lands through a long-term relationship with a congregation in Guatemala or El Salvador.

Why… Jesus prayed that all his followers might be one. This unity transcends time and place and culture. With other Christians, we share one bread, we claim one Lord, one faith, one baptism. When one suffers, we all suffer; when one rejoices, we rejoice together. We are one in Christ.

Lives Are Changed… Live for a few days as the welcomed guest of a peasant farmer, or a widowed mother, and witness the faith that gives strength and courage to conquer hardship, poverty, and oppression. Become an advocate for the neglected people of the world.

Connect… Within the year, Sister Parish staff will link us with a community and we will be preparing for our first delegation to the South! Travelers may be teens, teachers, pastors, seniors – almost anyone. Meet for orientation in spiritual growth, cultural awareness, and language learning. Each traveler will need many sympathetic others supporting them at home through the ongoing work of building missions at CLC.

Prayer… Jesus, show us yourself in the faces of your beloved children around the world, who love and rely on you just as we do. Make us one in your name. Amen.

— Submitted by Jan Wiersma

Day 18 - Evangelism 300

Tuesday, March 13, 2007


God’s Word
Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” – Matthew 4:19

Telling Stories
Picture… Have you ever shared your story of faith with someone? Some people never grew up in a church. Some people grew up in a church but have become un-churched, de-churched or even anti-church. The message is foreign to them. They may have never even heard the message. They may resist the message. People resist telling it, as well. It seems risky.

Description… Christians sometimes characterize evangelism as "...one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread." In 2002, through “E300,” this congregation organized to begin sharing the message of Jesus Christ throughout our community more intentionally. It was said that we should not be “Cambridge’s best kept secret.”

Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all who would hear it.

Why? So that all who believe the message might not perish but might have eternal life, forever, and new life, today. We teach that the Holy Spirit creates faith and brings people to faith. The Spirit works through people like you.

Why…. We do evangelism because Jesus commanded us to do so. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,” Jesus said. Doing evangelism is not optional. It is commanded by Jesus.

Lives Are Changed… God’s word changes those who receive it in their heart. Hard hearts are softened. Spirits are changed. Outlooks are renewed. Hope is found. Joy is experienced. Perspectives change as people feed on the bread of life.

Connect… What is your faith story? How has God changed you? Share your story.

Prayer… Lord, help us to share the positive, life-giving, life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Open hearts through your Spirit to believe in you. Amen.