Ellis Island - Faith and Adversity

My husband and I recently visited Ellis Island.  I’ve been wanting to go ever since they renovated and re-opened it in 1990.  My children have visited this National Park Service landmark with their respective schools, but as it sometimes goes, we get too busy to enjoy the gems in our own backyard.

This will be the first of several blog posts that stem from this visit.  It is an incredibly inspiring place and the faith and determination of the people who traveled through its doors are amazing.

We purchased the audio tour because I’ve found that there is usually so much wonderful information on these soundtracks, often including the testimony of actual people.  On this audio tour there was the voice of a Russian immigrant who (in the course of the discussion of the inspection of immigrants) said, “if they refused me, there was no way I was going back to Russia.  I’d rather throw myself over the side [of the returning ship] and die in the deep of the ocean than return to Russia.”

This man’s comment really got me to thinking about how much faith these people must have had, who attempted this journey, and how very deplorable their homeland situation must have been.  They trusted God that America held a promise of a brighter future, and that He would see them safely across the Atlantic to begin a new life.

 A National Park Service Ranger who introduced a 45-minute documentary that we watched, helped us to understand how much had to be left behind and what was likely brought forward to the new homeland of these immigrants.  Picture everything of importance that you could carry in one suitcase, one basket, one bedroll, and maybe the equivalent of a backpack.  Now walk from Ellis Island at Liberty State Park to Philadelphia.  You’ll quickly determine what REALLY is the most important stuff.   Grandma’s candlesticks? Gone, left on the NJ Turnpike.  The family Bible?  Yeah…they probably managed to carry that.

That would have been the most likely type of experience of many immigrants.  People walked and carried their most prized possessions for many, many miles from villages and towns all across Europe and Russia to ports with passenger lines to America.  They had to have the fee for their passage and $25 per person to enter America.  It took years to save up that kind of money, so most didn’t have the extra money necessary to get transportation to their port of departure.  The Ranger told us that some people were so poor they carried empty suitcases so their neighbors wouldn’t know how little they had when they left and the steamer company wouldn’t turn them away for the chance of being turned back at Ellis Island for being so poor as to be “a potential burden on society.”

Think about the millions of people who came to this country through Ellis Island.  What a challenge it was!  Think how bad it must have been at home to brave this experience!  The adversity they faced in their flight to a new life!  The scariness of the unknown!  Think of the faith they put in God to get them here safely and to connect with someone who could help them get their feet on the ground and make a future here.

I don’t think most people could have survived this trip and the challenges they faced upon arrival without a deep faith in God.

I was awed, inspired, and more appreciative of my own country where I can worship as I please.  If you haven’t been to Ellis Island, take a vacation day and go.  You’ll need about three hours to tour the Main Building and do it justice.  The other buildings are not currently open to the public.   We’ve got a national treasure in our own back yard (actually lots of them).  It will stir your soul and deepen your faith.

Then come to worship and thank God for all that you have.

Summer Worship at St. Andrew, 9:30 am on Sundays

www.elcaAndy.org

Do you have a relative who came to America through Ellis Island?  What story do they tell you of the adversity they faced in this experience?

Oviraptor & Jesus

Friday was the fifth and last day of this year’s VacationBible School program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled.  The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site on the “road to Emmaus” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found a leather sandal, a walking stick and piece of pottery.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Friday?

In its day, the road to Emmaus was well traveled but full of rocks.  It was common for people to walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus.  Many foot weary travelers could have blown out a flip-flop on the trek.  It was on this road that two disciples of Jesus were talking about Jesus and the events of Holy Week including His death on the cross.  While walking they met a ‘stranger’ with whom they discussed their hopes and confusion about the things that had happened.  This ‘stranger’ revealed himself to them in the blessing, breaking and sharing of the bread at that night’s dinner, just as Jesus had done during His Last Supper and Passover meal with the disciples.  In that act, the disciples understood who was with them and they ran to tell the others.  We are also challenged to recognize that Jesus is our SAVIOR, that He is with us always and we are to share that Good News with others.

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made a beaded cross necklace, a tissue paper mosaic cross which the words “Jesus is our Savior” and a footprint with the “Footprints in the Sand” poem decorated with stickers.   During snack time, they ate pretzel rods tied together in the shape of a cross with licorice strings, and chocolate chip cookies decorated with a chocolate frosting road and mini-chip rocks.  A cross was added to our archaeology dig journal to remind us that Jesus is our SAVIOR.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found crosses and miniature dinosaurs to take home to remember the day’s lessons. 

During our Activity Center time, we learned about different kinds of bread and talked about what we would put in a time capsule to leave for future archaeologists who want to learn about Jesus.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given a wooden dinosaur puzzle to remind them of the fun they had this week in VBS.

They learned about Oviraptor.   When archaeologists first discovered Oviraptor fossil remains, they named it Oviraptor or “egg thief” because they thought it was stealing eggs, as many were found over a nest of eggs.  Later excavations have shown evidence that Oviraptors were not stealing other dinosaur eggs; they were protecting their own.  Oviraptor fossils show parents with wings spread wide to protect their eggs from the falling volcanic ash or mudslides that were rushing down to cover their nests.  In doing so, they were sacrificing themselves in an effort to save their eggs.

Oviraptor and Jesus.  Sacrificing themselves for others.     

Oh how much God loves us… He sent Jesus to us as a GIFT; He gives us Jesus as our FRIEND;  He gives us Jesus as our TEACHER; He gives us Jesus as our HELPER; and because we still don’t get it, He gives us Jesus as our SAVIOR.

It was a week of fun and learning, digging and growing, and singing and crafting.  It was a week of stretching the archaeological facts to bridge dinosaurs and Jesus and the Bible and a whole bunch of fun.  And hopefully, it was a week of memories that will last a lifetime. 

Amen.

I remember some of the stories, crafts and songs from when I was a child in Vacation Bible School.  Do you?

(And now I thank God because it’s over…whew!  I’ve been doing this for a long time.  Anyone want to take it on?  Send me a note…)

Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 9:30 am through Labor Day.www.elcaAndy.org

Maiasaura & Jesus

Thursday was the fourth day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled.  The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Jericho” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found more pieces of clay pottery, a small clay bowl, and several “gold” coins.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Thursday?

In its day, Jericho was a bustling city of commerce and trade.  It was a frequent place for beggars to perch near the city gates to ask for the help of strangers.  In this day’s Bible story, we learned about the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, whom Jesus healed.  Bartimaeus would have sat with a bowl to collect the gifts of coin from passersby.  When Jesus HELPed Bartimaeus, he no longer needed to beg and he leapt up saying, “Thank you, thank you” to  Jesus.

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made a banner with a cross and helping hands encircling the cross which proclaimed “Jesus is our HELPER”.  They also made a “silver” embossed frames with textured items glued beneath the foil.  During snack time, they ate hand shaped gelatin jigglers and made cracker “hands” by smoothing peanut butter between Ritz crackers and sticking 5 pretzel sticks in the peanut butter.    A hand was added to our archaeology dig journal to remind us that Jesus is our HELPER.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found “gold” coins and dinosaur finger puppets to take home to remember today’s lessons. 

During our Activity Center time, we learned about how the images on coins told people who the money belonged to (religious symbols for temple money, Ceasar for Roman coins, U.S. presidents for American coin) and how people used seals to mark their ownership of their belongings.  We used rubber stamps shaped like hands to practice stamping, and created our own “seal” with half a potato and some paint.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given the opportunity to excavate a dinosaur skeleton with a miniature dinosaur archeology kit.

They learned about Maiasaura.   Archaeologists are continually finding new evidence to suggest that though their brains may have been small and the social skills of dinosaurs very simple, it appears some dinosaurs did indeed rely on others for help.  Maiasaura seem to have taken extra care with their young dinosaurs, and the dinosaurs of others.  Maiasaura was a North American plant-eating duckbilled dinosaur that made its nest within about 30 feet of other Maiasaura nests.  It appears that the young dinosaurs stayed in the nests a long time while their parents went out and brought back vegetation for them to eat.  Archaeologists wonder if groups of Maiasaura helped take care of each other’s nests to keep away predators. 

Maiasaura and Jesus.  Helping others.  

This world can be a very tough place to survive, whether you are dinosaur or human.  Jesus showed us how we should be a HELPER to others.  In doing so, we can all flourish and grow.  Helping others brings us joy in knowing that someone else’s life is a little better because we took some time for them.

Amen.

Come and join us for worship on Sundays during the Summer at 9:30 am.

www.elcaAndy.org

Pterodactylus and Jesus?

Wednesday was the third day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled.  The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Jerusalem” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found part of a scroll, a phylactery, a metal plate for burning incense and a piece of pottery inscribed with the words, “Love God.  Love people.”

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Wednesday?

Jesus frequently encountered the Pharisees when he was near Jerusalem.  Many sought to question him, not to learn from him, but to try and trick him into saying something that would go against the teachings of the Torah/Prophets/Old Testament.  Other people would gather around Jesus in the temple to learn from him.  His teachings told of a new way to interpret the things they had learned.  For instance, Jesus taught an easy way to keep God’s Commandments, just remember “Love God with all your heart, mind and soul, and love your neighbors as yourself.”

At craft time, our junior archaeologists made personalized pencils wrapped with embroidery floss and beads, and formed clay pots which they will paint later and keep a scroll with the above verse inside.  During snack time, they ate tortillas filled with either banana or honey butter and tied with a licorice string to remind them of the scrolls that the Israelites used to learn about God.    A scroll inscribed with “Jesus is our TEACHER” was added to our archaeology dig journal.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found dinosaur pencils and small plastic dinosaur bookmarks that they could take home to remember today’s lessons. 

During our Activity Center time, we went outside (yes, in the sweltering heat) to do crayon rubbings of our cornerstone.  The corner stone of St. Andrew says “Jesus” and we talked about building a church/temple on Jesus, with Jesus being the strongest cornerstone of all.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given the opportunity to paint some dinosaur watercolor projects and create their own dinosaur scene with a selection of stickers.

They learned about Pterodactylus.  Dinosaurs are not noted for being exceptionally smart (at least like we think about being smart), since their brain size seems to indicate brain function primarily ordered for survival.  But it makes you wonder how young Pterodactylus would learn to fly, right?  Didn’t someone have to teach them how to fly and leave the nest?  Survival instincts, trial and error, along with watching other Pterodactylus probably played the majority of what motivated the young to fly from the nest.

Imagine what might have become of dinosaurs if they had the capacity to teach what they learned to future generations?

Pterodactylus and Jesus… teachers?  

Why not?  We’re still learning about dinosaurs.  Each archaeological discovery teaches us more and more about them. 

The more we dig around in the Bible, the more we know about Jesus and our relationship with the God who created and loves us.  Our journey to knowing God is a life-long lesson with Jesus as our TEACHER and the Bible our schoolbook.

Amen.

Come and join us for worship this Summer at 9:30 am

www.elcaAndy.org

Mapusaurus and Jesus?



Mapusaurus vs. Argentinosaurus by Paleo Pastori

Tuesday was the second day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled.  The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Bethany” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found broken clay pottery pieces, a long metal spoon and a “petrified” wooden spoon and some “petrified” olive pits.

What Bible story do you think we were exploring on Tuesday?

In Bethany, Jesus liked to call the house of his FRIENDs, Mary and Martha, his home away from home.  He visited them often and while there received wonderful hospitality and was greeted by many followers who liked to hear the stories Jesus had to tell about the kingdom of God.  Martha is known for being busy with preparations for Jesus’ visit, while Mary is credited with recognizing that taking time out to listen to what Jesus had to say was the more important activity.  Everyone could help with the chores later.

Our junior archaeologists made placemats and bread baskets in craft time.  They ate apple wedges smeared with peanut butter and decorated with white mini-marshmallows to resemble a friend’s smile, and they enjoyed large heart shaped cookies that they could decorate with writing gel.    A large red heart was added to our archaeology dig journal to help us remember that Jesus is our FRIEND.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found red wooden hearts and small plastic dinosaurs that they could take home to remember today’s lessons. 

They ground up brown grains of wheat and white grains of barley while learning about how these grains were used in Jesus’ time.  They learned about basket weaving and how Mary and Martha would have had to make the baskets to take to market for the items they would buy to serve for dinner…no shopping carts or plastic bags in Jesus’ day.

In the afternoon, each junior archaeologist was given a wooden dinosaur puzzle to work on and/or take home, recreating a dinosaur skeleton. 

They learned about Mapusaurus dinosaurs.  They learned that while dinosaurs are not credited with having large enough brains to accommodate social thinking, like friendship, there were some dinosaurs, like Mapusaurus, who did hunt in packs.  Mapusaurus were meat-eating dinosaurs that traveled in a group of 7-9 dinosaurs in the Patagonia region of Argentina.  Mapusarus means “earth lizard.”

Don’t you wonder how different dinosaur lives might have been if they could have truly made friends with each other?

Mapusaurus and Jesus?  Yeah, it’s a stretch, but what’s an archaeological dig without some dinosaurs?

What’s VBS without some FRIENDs?

The best FRIEND we can have is Jesus.  He will always be by our side, no matter what.

Amen.

Come join us for worship this summer at 9:30 am through Labor Day.

www.elcaAndy.org

T-Rex and Jesus

Yesterday was our first day of this year’s Vacation BibleSchool program, “The Great Bibleland Dig”, recycled.  The kids had a great time digging in our archaeological dig site outside the city of “Bethlehem” to find clues to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

So what did they find?

They found a small bottle, like for perfumes.  They found an “ancient” king’s scepter with an “H” inscribed in it.  They found a scroll with what appeared to be a star chart. 

What Bible story do you think we were exploring today?

Right, the story of the Wise Men, or Magi, following a star and bringing gifts to the newborn king that prophecies and studies of ancient texts has foretold.  They learned that Jesus was a GIFT from God, to us.  They learned that Jesus was not the kind of king people expected.  They expected a political royal to usurp the Roman Empire.  They got a servant king.

They made a camel picture and Star of Bethlehem during craft time and ate rice krispy treats wrapped with licorice bows resembling gifts.

They dug for treasure in our archaeological dig site and found nuggets of gold that they could take home. 

They ground up spices and herbs to make a sachet while learning about how these things were used in Jesus’ time.

They colored fuzzy felt dinosaur pictures and learned about another kind of king.  They learned about T-Rex…tyrannosaurus rex.  This dinosaur was so named after the word ‘tyrant.’  He ruled the dinosaur kingdom with fear.  He was a tyrant dinosaur… a ferocious meat eater indiscriminately slaying any dinosaur to cross his path.

Tyrannosaurus rex and Jesus were completely opposite kinds of kings.

T-rex promoted a reign of terror.  Jesus promoted a reign of love.

T-rex was a tyrant king.  Jesus was a servant king.

And in a little church in Parsippany, a bunch of kids had a ton of fun playing amateur archaeologists while learning about Jesus, with a little dinosaur fun on the side. 

They learned that Jesus is God’s GIFT to us.

Amen.

Who Is Jesus?

That question has been bouncing around in my brain for 2 months now as I prepare for our Vacation Bible School program for our Children’s Circle Summer Camp at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

We are resurrecting a Vacation Bible School program from 1999.  The troubled economy is hitting all aspects of the Church.  Augsburg Fortress, the publishing house of the ELCA, is cutting all sorts of programming, including the creation of new VBS material, so we’re recycling.   The kids loved it in 1999 and I’m sure they are going to love it again, now.  Of course we’ve made some adaptations as much of the “learner materials” are no longer available, but at least it will cost us less.   

PLUS, what’s an archaeological dig if you don’t find some dinosaurs, right?  (That’s certainly not part of the program, but it’s amazing what a little creativity can bridge together.)  We’ll  just dig a few layers deeper at each site and see what we find.

The Bible stories, and the question which they answer, are timeless and unfettered by any economic woes.  They answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”   THAT’s something we all want to know, right?

The challenge of Vacation Bible School is to make the Bible stories fun.  This Vacation Bible School program is themed around an archaeological dig.  We’re going to go digging in the Bible to find the answers to the question “Who is Jesus?”

We’ll start our archaeological dig at a site where three kings gazed at star maps and found a servant king unlike any before Him, a GIFT from God Himself.

Next we move to an archaeological site near Bethany were we find relics that point to the FRIENDship that Jesus shared with Mary and Martha.

After that dig, we move to a site where we discover ancient scrolls that TEACHERs in the temples and synagogues might have used.

We move on to an archaeological dig where we find the clues that point to a blind beggar and the HELP that he received from Jesus.

And lastly, we visit an archaeological dig site that uncovers a rocky road toward Emmaus, site of the SAVIOR’s appearance to two disciples.

So if Jesus is a GIFT, FRIEND, TEACHER, HELPER, and SAVIOR, what do Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mapusaurus,  Pteradactylus, Maiasaura, and Oviraptor have to do with Jesus?    You’ll have to check back here during VBS and keep reading to find out.

If you know a child up to age 10 in need of a Summer Camp experience, why not investigate Children’s Circle Summer Camp?  You can send that child to camp for one week or several.  The week of our VBS program is July 18-22.  

RRRROARRRR!   We’re going on a dig!  Don’t forget your canteen!  Call the Children’s Circle director at (973) 884-3652 for information, rates and to visit the Center.

Speaking for yourself

Yesterday was Confirmation Sunday at St. Andrew.   Four of our young people stepped up to a microphone and spoke to our congregation and told us what their faith and their relationship with God means to them.  They had the opportunity to speak for themselves and claim the blessings given to them at their baptism.

If I could pick one unifying message from each of their speeches it would be this:  Each one of them is confident that God will be with them throughout their lives, no matter what.

Hallelujah!

All those Sunday School lessons, confirmation classes, Sundays in worship, servant hours and fellowship events have not been wasted.  They get it!  They feel it!  They know it in their hearts!

What a glorious reason to celebrate the Affirmation of their Baptisms as they CONFIRMED what their parents had promised for them, on their behalf as infants, when they were too young to ask to become a child of God with their own words. 

They have now claimed for themselves the membership in the body of Christ given to them at their baptisms.  Their membership fee has been paid in full by Jesus Christ. 

Congratulations to Ryan, Viviane, Hannah and Andrew. 

May you continue to always feel the Creator’s presence, the love of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your lives, trusting in this faith that you have affirmed as a beloved child of God.

Come worship with us this Summer at 9:30 am on Sundays.

www.elcaAndy.org

In God's House There are Many Rooms

Sunday was Father’s Day.

At St. Andrew we invite all the men of the congregation forward to be blessed, not just fathers.  Why?  Because many men function in the role of “father” to people other than their own children, or even when they have no children of their own.

Often when I think about Father’s Day, I think about the scripture, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”  John 14:1-3

For me, this verse epitomizes how we are supposed to trust in God that He, as our Father, will provide us with a home; a place of shelter, love, and family.  In the same way, our fathers on earth are charged with the task of providing a home for their children; a place of shelter, love and family.  Sometimes our biological fathers are not able to fulfill that role and other men (and sometimes women) step in and make sure that we find ourselves in a home, a place of shelter, love and family.  

Imagine our lives without these fathers and father figures. 

Unfortunately there are many children in the world without a father, father figure, or home.  May they take comfort in this Bible passage from John to know that there is one father above all others who will never fail them and who has prepared a place for them where they will find shelter, love and family.

Today I was waiting for a guest to arrive at Newark Airport.  As I waited for her arrival, I was watching all the people coming and going through the security gate.  I was amazed at the variety of people… people of all races and nationalities, ages and occupations… all going through the same gate to sit together on an airplane, just as we will all go through one door into that home God has prepared for ALL of us.  What an amazing assortment of humanity!  God does love to use a broad palette in his handiwork!

In God’s house there are many rooms… and we will ALL have a place there, even if we did not have one here.  Amen.

Did you grow up with a father figure that provided a home for you?  Maybe you are a man who has helped to provide a home for a child, or has acted as a father figure to a child who has none.  God bless our fathers and the men who father us.  May you continue to seek the wonderful role model that God sets before you….for in you, the children of the world will find shelter, love, and family.

Join us for worship this summer at 9:30 am each Sunday.

www.elcaAndy.org

Building our Houses on Sand

Where have you built your house?

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.  And the rains fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.

Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell – and great was its fall.”  Matthew 7:24-27

We’ve had quite a sprint of bad weather recently, here in NJ and more seriously in other parts of the country, and around the globe.  Last night we had torrential rain with thunder and lightning.   This spring has seen more flood warnings than I’ve remembered in recent history.  Parts of the Midwest are seeing unprecedented flooding along both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

News reports have shown pictures of humongous swaths of the Midwest and Southern farm and ranch land covered in water for miles on end.  Earlier this year, right in our own back yard, the Passaic River was above flood stage for almost a week in parts of Wayne and Fairfield. 

It makes you wonder whose bright idea it was to build the homes, now under water, in the flood plain of these rivers.   And who would be foolish enough to buy them?

In fairness, sometimes those homes weren’t in a flood plain to begin with but because of political decisions, flood plains or relief zones are re-mapped and moved.   Again, who thought that was a good idea?

But, we really ought not be too critical.  Don’t we also build our houses on sand?

Maybe not our physical home structures, but certainly our hearts and minds… the home for our spirit.

How often do we put trust in the media, our government, our jobs, a relationship, or our bank accounts over building a foundation of trust in God?

How often do we need to use the crutches of addictions, sensationalism, and other “isms” to prop up our crumbling lives, broken hearts and tortured minds?

How often do we step on the shifting sands of human promise instead of putting our feet on the solid rocks of divine promise?

By forgetting to trust in God and place our lives in His care, our spirits are beaten by the winds, rains, and floods of our lives, and our hearts and minds become weak.  We easily struggle and fall.

By placing our confidence in God, our spirits may be beaten by those same winds, rains and floods of our lives, but our hearts and minds will weather those storms.  We will rise against the world that would tear us down, and our spirits will be lifted high and held safe in the arms of a loving and merciful God who asks only for us to look to Him to be that sure foundation.

May you enjoy your beach vacations this summer; but watch how those sand castles are washed away with one swift wave.  Remember the verses from Matthew and pledge to build your spirit’s foundation on the solid rock of Jesus.  Amen.

In what ways have you built your house on sand?  How can you start rebuilding on the solid rock of Christ?

Come build up your spirit in God's house at St. Andrew.
Join us for worship on Sundays, 9:30 am during the summer.
www.elcaAndy.org

Taking Comfort in the Midst of the Lightning

Tonight as I write this there is a severe thunder and lightning storm going on outside. 

I am safe inside and I am not afraid, probably foolishly so.  Any one of the 10 oak trees on my small property could drop a large branch or come crashing down.

But yet, I am not afraid because a lifetime experiencing storms like this has shown that I can find a safe place where I need not fear the extreme elements; and I have access to scientific information that will explain what this incredible noise and light show is made of and why it happens. 

I am not afraid because I have faith in the constructs of my world, simple though they may be, that protect me from the damage these elements can cause… my home, the power company, emergency personnel and first responders, etc.

I am not afraid because I trust that God will be by my side and protect me and my family.

And yet, I think about how our dog in the other room is tucked under my son’s arm, shaking in fear.  She does not understand the science or that our house will protect her.  Yet she seeks comfort and safety in the one place she knows she is safe.  Her boy.

I think about our children, when they ask in fear, “what is that noise, Mommy?”  and we answer… “The angels are bowling.”  They can not understand what science has told us, so we offer something they might be able to understand, and they trust us to protect them and seek comfort in our arms.

I think about how vulnerable we are, even with all our technologically superior camping gear, should a storm like this crop up while we are camping.  Where would we seek shelter?  The meager protection of our nylon tent?  A trail side lean-to?  A cave perhaps?  Where would our comfort come from then?  I’d bet we’d be praying to our God for protection in addition to flipping through that Wilderness Survival Guide.

And what about earlier peoples in times before our scientific research led to quantifiable answers?  What did Noah think of this type of storm as the rain began to pour down from the heavens?  What about the Israelites wandering 40 years in the desert?  How many storms did they see across the open expanses of sand and scrub, watching it approach closer and closer, praying for it to pass and spare them?

God has given us the gift of science to help understand our world around us, to help us put in place the protections that will help to keep us safe from the extremes of nature.  But in the process, do we rely falsely upon these constructs so much that we no longer turn to the One who can guarantee our safety?  Do we forget to be in awe of the incredible power of the One who created that lightning and thunder?

It has been a wild year, no …make that a wild few years, in the realm of natural disasters and wild weather for this country and for others around the globe.  Our science and prediction devices can only protect us so much.

We must rely on the One who has the only true power to save us.  We must trust, like children, in the protective love of our Father.

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” Psalm 5:11

Join us for worship on Sundays at 9:30 am

www.elcaAndy.org

What frightens you?  Where do you find comfort from your fears?

Jesus was at our Church Picnic on Sunday

Sunday was the St. Andrew annual church picnic and Jesus was there.  How do I know?

We all had a blast!  This is one of the reasons I love St. Andrew.  We have a lot of fun together…whether we’re worshipping, picnicking, or working together, it’s all good because God is with us, and everyone knows it.   “When two or more are gathered in my name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:20

And this picnic was more than just standard hot dogs and hamburgers (which of course were there).  We also were treated to strips of steak, sausages, chicken and pulled barbecue pork.  There were baked beans and salads.   Happily, the people who “man” the grill seem to enjoy their role in preparing and cooking the picnic fare, and we are very grateful for their culinary enthusiasm.

But the icing on the cake, so to speak, was the dessert competition.  Each year those who enjoy a baking challenge sign up to bring a dessert to enter in the “Sparkling Spoon Competition.”  The prize?  A sparkling spoon, of course…a wooden spoon (or some other variation) decorated with all the sparkle and baubles of a truly coveted trophy.

This year’s winner was a truly delightful person who is always willing to serve the St. Andrew community and our God…a worship leader, choir member, scheduler of worship servants, member of the Worship Team, and all-round good sport when asked to help with any ministry project.  Totally unassuming, when Sandy won the Sparkling Spoon she was completely surprised and her surprise quickly turned into a dance of joy and laughter that was eagerly enjoyed by everyone in attendance. 

We enjoyed sharing in her joy.  This is what being a part of the body of Christ is all about…sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows.

There was a water balloon toss (actually two games of it) and I don’t think I remember ever seeing as many people join in the fun.

The kids were playing on the playground equipment, and running around with Super Soakers and Bubble Blowers.  They had a piñata game administered and provided by the Youth Group.

The biggest kid of all, Pastor Fred, made sure to wear his bathing trunks so that he wouldn’t miss a minute of the Super Soaker fun.

There was bingo, with all sorts of goofy prizes, probably picked up at our recent Youth Group Yard Sale.

We didn’t even get to the guitar sing-a-long.

We have a lot of fun together.  And Jesus is with us.

We were once given a charcoal drawing of the laughing Jesus.  The pastor that gave it to us said that St. Andrew epitomized this side of Jesus that few people acknowledge…the Son of God who enjoyed life and could laugh.

I’m proud that this is how people see St. Andrew.   Too often Christians are seen as stern-faced and judgmental people.  Too often church or worship is seen as drudgery and couldn’t possibly be fun. 

What’s not fun is trying to live life on your own.

“When two or more are gathered in my name, I am there is the midst of them.”  If we remember that Jesus is with us, then being together will get us through the worst of times and help us to enjoy the best of times with a laughter that must certainly please our Father’s heart.

Come and join us for worship this Summer at 9:30 am on Sundays.

www.elcaAndy.org

Have you ever seen people having fun and felt that Christ was with them?  Leave a comment and tell us your story.

A Matter of Perspective and Faith

Oooh boy.  Yesterday I turned 45.  I remember being 10 and thinking that 45 was SOOOO OLD….like a dinosaur old, that’s almost HALF A CENTURY!!! 

It’s all a matter of perspective.

Now I don’t even really think of people as “old.”

Because I’m never going to be old.

Sometimes I might FEEL old, but I’m never going to BE old.

There are too many things to learn to BE old.

With my family genetics and advances in health care, I’ve probably got a good chance of living to be 90 years old or more.  So in that sense I’ve only lived half my life, maybe even less than half.  I’ve got another half (or more) to go, and a lot of living to do.  And yet, tomorrow it could be cut short, too.  (Rapture anyone?)

In some ways, I feel like my life is just getting started all over again.  My kids are mostly grown and in a few short years will likely no longer live with us.  I’m at a place where I am searching out new career options and will likely embark on something new before long.  The future is wide open.  It’s scary.  It’s exciting.  I feel like I’m learning to walk all over again, and soon someone is going to say it’s time to learn to RUN!

When I started 2011, I told you (faithful readers) that I resolved to let the Holy Spirit guide me.  I’ve been trying to pay attention for “God-signs” in my life, to point me in that direction.  As I look at this “mid-point” in my life I realize that I’ve got a long way to go and I’d really better put it all in God’s hands, or things could get rough.  But I also think to myself, “just think of the possibilities if I truly let God adjust the sails, hold the rudder and sail with His winds instead of against them.”

What will I become then?  What might I accomplish then?  How will God shine through me next?

I’m only half way there.  The journey so far has been filled with blessings, even though I have frequently faltered on the path.  I know that no matter where I journey, if I trust God to lead, I’ll never be alone and things will turn out just fine in the end.

It’s a matter of perspective.  It’s a matter of faith.

So bring on the next 45 years!  I’m ready!

Are you?

Join us for worship.  Sundays at 9:30 am through Labor Day.

www.elcaAndy.org

Parades and Prices Paid

Today is Memorial Day.

Americans are charged with taking the time this day to remember the men and women of our armed forces who have died in pursuit of the American ideal of freedom.

It is a solemn day. 

It is a day of patriotic remembrance and pride.  We remember that many men and women have paid the ultimate price so that we may have the freedoms we daily take for granted.  We participate in and attend parades and ceremonies of remembrance which honor these people and celebrate the values for which these brave Americans have fought and died. 

I live in a lake community in a section of a very large town.  Our town, Parsippany, begins its Memorial Day celebration at Veteran’s Park with a Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance.  My community also holds a parade and ceremony on the Saturday before Memorial Day.   At each, members of our armed forces speak to the courage and valor of those who have died, pleading with us not to forget these fallen champions of freedom.

The news has frequently reported in recent years that we are losing those who fought in World War II at an increasing rate.  Their stories, and the stories of their comrades who fell on the battlefield, are being sought, so that we will remember, and never forget the price of freedom.

As I watched several of the older members of my community who have served in our armed forces this weekend, I was, and will continue to be, humbled by the way they have served our country, both during their active duty and their continued lifetime of service to their community.

“Freedom isn’t free.”  We know this today as well as the citizens of the 1940’s or the 1770's.

Don’t skip the ceremony.  Take your children and teach them what price has been paid for them.

Your freedom to worship as you choose, was purchased with the blood of thousands of men and women who believed in the ideal of freedom enough to march behind a United States flag and stare tyranny in the face.

Your salvation was purchased with the blood of the innocent Son of God.

Grasp the gift purchased for you.

Come and worship.
Sundays, 9:30 am
www.elcaAndy.org

Choices

Choices.

Life is full of them.

This past Saturday, you had the choice to buy into the hype that the world was ending, even though the Bible has clearly told us that “no one, not even the Son, knows the hour… Only the Father knows”  (Matthew 24:36/Mark 13:32) or to go about your life with whatever you had planned.

Every day we make choices that affect how we move forward in our lives.  Those choices also affect our relationship with God and with others.

We are created with the gift of free-will.  We are free to make choices that separate us from God or bring us closer in relationship to Him.  God has a plan for us, but gives us the choice to accept that plan or try our own way.

Even when our choices are less than ideal, we are still given more choices to move back into a right relationship with God. 

June is frequently the season of Confirmations/Affirmation of Baptism celebrations.  Four young people will stand before our congregation in June to affirm the choice made for them at their baptism... they will CHOOSE to be a child of God.

God continually gives us options that can lead us back to Him.

The door to God is never closed.

Because of Jesus.

Come and worship with us.  Sundays at 9:30 am.

www.elcaAndy.org

Will I See You in Church Tomorrow?

Ok, so there’s so much going on today, who can sit still?

It’s Armed Forces Day…remember and thank all those who serve.

The Preakness race is on tonight.  Got a favorite horse?  Are we likely to be headed toward a Triple Crown, or will the excitement be dashed tonight?   I don’t bet the races, I just get excited to see history made.

Or, we’ll all be either raptured or left behind around dinner time so I wonder who will be left to watch the race, or even jockey the horses.

Hmmmm…I wonder if I’ll see you in church tomorrow.

Good grief.

Are we to believe this so-called prophet predicting our demise for this evening?  I won’t even mention his name so that the search engines don’t give him one more byte of credibility.

But, you know he’s right in one thing.  Christ will come again.  I just don’t think that it’s going to be tonight.

Why not?  Because:

“if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his home to be broken into.  You too, be ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect.”  Luke 12:39-40

 “you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”  1 Thess. 5:2

“This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah (a call to repentance).”     Luke 11:29  

We will not be told of the date for our judgment.  But we ARE to be ready...

We are to live EVERY DAY as if it would be our last chance to right wrongs, love one another, and choose Jesus for our savior…

Thank you to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces.  I’m praying for your safety and a swift reunion with the people you love.

My home brewer hubby is cooking up a new batch of golden delight this afternoon.  It will be ready to drink and share with friends in a couple of weeks.

The choir is singing a really cool song at the 10:45 am service at church tomorrow.   Come, listen and enjoy.  Better yet, bring a friend.

I’ll see you in church tomorrow.

www.elcaAndy.org

Join us for worship tomorrow at 8:30 and 10:45 am.

Summer Worship Schedule begins May 29 with ONE service at 9:30 am