News of St. John's Lutheran Church
From the Pastor...
Dear friends in Christ,
This month our second readings will move to the book of Ephesians. I invite you to reflect on this passage, Ephesians 2:19-22 (for Sunday, July 21): So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone;, 21 in him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God. The context of this passage is that Christ has come, breaking down the wall of division and bringing peace with him and between one another. I wonder what catches your attention in that passage. Read the passage again slowly, maybe even aloud to yourself. Here are a couple reflections this text has provoked in me. “Fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” Over the last few weeks a number of us have been discussing a draft document on Civic Life and Faith, with a focus on our Lutheran understandings of what God desires for all of humankind and our vocation, or calling, as Christians who live in this world and are called to love our neighbor. Perhaps that’s why the word “citizen” caught my attention. The definitions of “citizen” and “member” typically involve rights and responsibilities. Being “fellow citizens with the saints” means that we are in community with one another, and in the context of the whole passage, this is what Christ has accomplished for us. We are brothers and sisters not because we like each other or agree with each other, but because Christ has called us into life and community with one another. While Christ grants us access to him now and forever, we have a responsibility to each other as well. What do you think these responsibilities might entail? My second reflection is on the nature of our being joined together. This passage reminds us of Christ’s activity in our community. We “grow,” which as you know is not something we are fully in control of. We can strive to provide good growing conditions, but growth in living organisms doesn’t happen by willing it. Ephesians also says we are “built together.” It’s something that is happening to us. This is the work of Christ, who joins us together to be the dwelling place of God. In other words, our community is a place God is present, which leads me to my third reflection. Belonging. How do know when you truly “belong?” When do you experience belonging? With whom? Under what circumstances? And if (since) we are a dwelling place of God, then how does knowing that shape our welcome of others? How do we let others know that God is welcoming them through our welcome? How do we let them know they have a place at the table, so to speak? Those are some of my thoughts and questions. Please feel free to share your reflections on this passage with me verbally, by email or text. In Christ, I belong to you, and you belong to me -- and I appreciate all that you have to offer, that we may continue growing and being built into a dwelling place for God’s presence and for Christ’s work of loving and caring for the world we live in. (779) 707-1324 Yours in Christ, [email protected] Pastor Elise Help Yourself...![]() Our Quilting group has replenished the walker bags in the Narthex with lots of new bags. If you know of someone who would enjoy a walker bag, or if you would like one, please feel free to help yourself.
The quilting group will meet on Tuesday, July 30th. You are invited to join them at 9am in the fellowship hall. You do not need to know how to quilt or sew to help create these beautiful quilts. All are welcome (men too!) to join us for a morning of work and fellowship! |
Welcome Rev. Elise Rothfusz
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