Deus Misereatur

  Young ones and little ones can be traumatized too! I know someone very close to me who, when she was a little child, saw a step-father do things to her mother that still trouble this close relative of mine, half a century later. So I was delighted when New Growth Press asked to me to read and review this children's book, "Something Scary Happened (Comfort for Children in Hard Times)". Darby Strickland is a Christian counselor who has dealt with many abused and traumatized clients. She brings her experience and background to tell a story of a little lamb who experiences something rotten. This 32-page glossy kids hardback is perfect for moms, dads, grandparents or Sunday School teachers, to sit down with the little lamb wriggling at their feet, and read out loud to them. And the bright and lively illustrations by the Italian artist/illustrator, Carlotta Notaro, will keep everyone's attention. The little lamb, Miles, is full of energy and fun and exploration. Most kids...

  (I sent this out to my congregation in my weekly letter today, 9 November 2023) There are many practices that have intruded themselves into the life of local congregations in 2023. Some of those practices have, in some way, eclipsed part of the role of the sacraments. Coffee and doughnuts, for example, have become the place where fellowship and conversation happen more often than not. So, I was delighted to pick up and read a copy of “The Lord’s Supper is a Meal” by Jim Elliff, president and founder of Christian Communicators Worldwide. This teeny 95-page softback is straightforward, moves along easily, and gets to the point quickly.   Elliff and I would disagree on a few things, such as the Lord’s Supper really being a means of grace, the role of Gospel ministers being necessary for administering the sacrament, and such. But the author does such a masterful job in drawing out important details about the supper that I found the book rich and useful.   Most of Elliff’s t...

  I really don't know what else to call it. It just happened outside my church office in the parking lot today (6 November), around 12.45 PM. But "a quietening moment" sounds right. Here's a little backstory, and then the moment itself. We give limited help to those who come by the church and ask for some financial aid. It's not much. Gift cards to the local Braum's or OnCue for gas or groceries. We're pretty certain that most of these people use them to barter for drugs or drink or worse. But every so often someone comes and it just feels legit. This may be one of those moments.  You see, Marilyn is now 93 years old (I have a copy of her driver's license with her birth date). She, and her daughter (probably in her 60s), have come by here several times over the years asking for us to help them. Both are African-American descent. The first few times they came I was skeptical, but gave help. And when we give out the gift cards we always offer to pray wit...

  Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful (Psalm 111:1-4). For these reasons we make bold to adore you and to call on you. For your holy, apostolic church, with all of her elders, bishops, pastors, deacons, teachers and parishioners, including Resurrection Lutheran, Cristo Rey, Faith Lutheran, and Messiah Lutheran Church, we pray. May their faith be growing abundantly, and their love for one another increase. May their steadfastness and faith shine brightly, even in the face of persecutions and affliction (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4). We make bold to ask because the LORD is gracious and merciful. For this congregation; our elders and deacons; our Sunday School teachers and Wo...