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 22 — Vespers

Saturday, March 17, 2007

God’s Word

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” – Matthew 25

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Heb. 13:2

Sacred Space

Henri Nouwen tells us in his book, Reaching Out: The Three Movements of the Spiritual Life, that hospitality means “… the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy.” The vespers service offers a contemplative worship opportunity in an atmosphere of tranquility and solitude…a quiet time for contemplation, meditation, prayer, reflection, and beautiful music.

Speakers from near and far…from our faith community and elsewhere…share personal journeys in the “first-person” approach to sharing ideas. Vespers is an approach to religious ideas inspired by Krista Tippet, Speaking of Faith. Beautiful music is abundant with special recitals shared by talented musicians.

The Vespers service offers a variety of faith experiences…possibly an entry into our faith community for strangers, a contemplative way to worship and opportunities to witness.
We have heard that people from our faith community and from our local community appreciate and are inspired by the atmosphere created at Cambridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in this worship experience.

All are welcome to worship to experience the beauty and peace when the day is ending and the shadows of the evening steal across the sky.

Dear Lord, Help us to demonstrate hospitality to the stranger among us and to be mindful in our hearts and minds of the needs of our friends and strangers. Grant us the faithfulness to follow Jesus’ teachings and entertain the angels in our midst. Amen.

— Donna McNear

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