We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:17 Once again we begin our Lenten journey. It is a familiar path, yet this Reformation 500 year brings new texture to this season of catechesis as we strive to walk the road of discipleship with greater purpose and intentionality. It is important that we begin this journey knowing firmly that we are deeply loved by God who created us and redeems us in Christ. As believers, we hold firm to the truth that love is the very hallmark of our Christian lives. For, as Saint John so powerfully writes, "God is love." To live in love is to live in God. To act in love is to act with the very power of God.
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by Bishop Bill GohlLet your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 Yesterday, our synod’s college intern, TJ, and I made a Presidents Day pilgrimage to Crisfield, Maryland. The purpose of our trip was for me to have the opportunity to see, first-hand, the work that was coordinated by Lutheran Disaster Response after Hurricane Sandy, more than four years ago. I expected a quiet ride-around town with Pastor Phil Huber, Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator for our synod, and Pastor Thom Sinnott, who was a partner with Pastor Huber specifically in Crisfield.
by Bishop Bill GohlAbove all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. -Colossians 3:14 Periodically, Arwyn will travel without me to help out with her family’s needs in Massachusetts. And, whether I am left “home alone” or with of our children, I know that the night before she leaves, I am going to be sat down to get my list.
by Bishop Bill GohlOne of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that Jesus answered them well, he asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:28-31 Dear Sisters and Brothers, All:
In 1939, Lutheran Christians, crossing many boundaries, agreed that the rise of Nazism had become so horrendous that, even when our country wasn’t able to speak with one voice, as people of faith, we had to. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service was born out of a strong conviction that refugees had to be protected from regimes that would threaten the very liberties so many of us take for granted each day. For 78 years, LIRS has been a faithful partner in this mission, which began with guaranteeing the safe passage and resettlement of Christians and Jews perceived as enemies of the Nazi party in Eastern Europe into a new life here in the United States. That work has gone uninterrupted: resettling refugees, with the help of congregations and families across this church, of every racial and religious background from Africa, Asia, Central America, South America and Europe simply because they are deemed refugees – in danger, threatened, needing refuge, sheltering. We know that it is our Christian responsibility to care after our sisters and brothers in mortal danger and material need, even as our Lord commanded that we should love God and love our neighbor. |
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