The Holy Spirit has a way of nudging or tugging at us when there are opportunities to serve and act as God’s hands and feet in the world. More effective in the life of Gloria Dei member Marge Andersen, is the whack of the proverbial 2×4 between the eyes. She shares her profound experience and … [Read more…]
What kind of church did Martin Luther envision? What would his hopes be for us today? Perhaps he would pray that we would trust in the Mighty Fortress that is our God, but also lean into the freedom that Christ brings in the Cross. A freedom that opens us up to God using us to … [Read more…]
Martin Luther traveled on foot as a pilgrim the 700 miles from Germany to Rome. This experience both exhilarated and mortified Luther as he saw juxtaposed the grandness of Rome and the often, awful condition of the people of that great city. We reflect this week on the global nature of God’s church. We reflect … [Read more…]
Martin Luther once wrote: “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does”. This week you are invited to reflect on your own experience of responding to God’s call to action to live out our faith in the world. This morning we begin our Stewardship emphasis in a fitting way, with a claiming … [Read more…]
Who’s in charge here, I wondered, as yet another horrific, mass shooting happened in Las Vegas this week. In times like these we need to be reminded, constantly, that God is at work in the midst of the world – reminded that God doesn’t ever give up on trying to reach us with God’s grace … [Read more…]
Setting apart Sabbath time, trusting God’s promises to protect and provide for you in that time, changes a person and it transforms relationships. Colossians 3:12-16, Mark 12:28-34 I belong to an online group that connects nearby neighbors as well as a slightly wider geographic area that reaches into Wilmette and throughout Evanston, where I live. … [Read more…]
“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35 – 10:1 Last night I got to go see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I have been a violinist for much of my life. One of the things I’ve … [Read more…]
Filled up with the Holy Spirit and God’s abundant love, we have been given the steady, strong, and secure Pentecost flame of determination. Acts 2:1-21 Grace and peace to you from God our Parent and Creator, who fills us with the Holy Spirit through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. I am grateful for … [Read more…]
Join us for a special screening of Screenagers, Growing Up in the Digital Age: Watch with the whole family! When: Sunday, 06/11/17 from 6:00-8:00 PM Where: 1133 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL Info: screenagersmovie.com , (847)272-0400 Free to the Public Award-winning SCREENAGERS probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including the director’s own, and depicts messy struggles, over … [Read more…]
In a world that would seek to divide us, we are given a direction to follow, a way to live and hope for the future. We are invited to follow, to trust, to believe. John 14:1-14 These last weeks have been a focus on the stories of Jesus’ appearances to his disciples after the resurrection … [Read more…]