Christ the King

This coming Sunday is special in the Lutheran Church.  It is known as Christ the King Sunday, and we are celebrating Christ’s Kingdom here in the world.  I hope all of you feel like Christ has control of your lives, but I know that’s not always the case.  We are entering into a wonderful time of the year where we are supposed to see Christ’s Kingdom in all we do.  However, there have been moments I’ve looked at the world, and I’ve felt like everything was out of control.  Terrorist attacks, bombings, and hatred seem to dominate the headlines.  How are we supposed to go forward, believing Christ is King?

Christmas wouldn't be complete anymore without a laser!

Recently, Kira and I have been feeling a little overwhelmed listening to the news, preparing for this busy season, and just managing our own lives.  However, early last week our neighbors came over to our house with a gift.  They knew we were pretty busy, and they wanted to help us out, so they put up Christmas lights on our house!  Actually, they didn’t have to string up any lights… they did something better.  They bought us a CHRISTMAS LASER that shoots colorful beams all over our house.  It’s pretty amazing!  However, more than anything, it was so wonderful to know that someone cares about us.  It reminded us that Christ’s Kingdom of Love is still present on this earth.

This year we hope everyone at Community can get involved in the Month of Christmas.  We are inviting people to share God’s love in whatever way they see best.  Maybe you can help someone out with their holiday decorations.  Maybe you can serve food to the hungry.  Or perhaps you can just take time to get to know your neighbors better.  I know Kira and I can’t wait to get out and share the love we’ve been given.  In spite of all that is going on in the world, let’s share the news that God is here, and Christ is King!

Blessings!

PB

Surprising Joy

When was the last time you were truly surprised?  Sometimes I feel like there are very few things that will really surprise me.  Personally, I spend a lot of effort trying to take the surprises out of life.  If something unexpected happens, it’s usually a bad thing, and it means I haven’t prepared very well. 

 

After having a baby, this past year has been filled with surprises.  Everything feels new, and that has been amazing!  Scary… but amazing.  I’m constantly making mistakes – catching the kid playing in the fireplace or chewing on something electrical.  However, I’m also seeing everything new.  It’s so much fun to prepare for the holiday season and see it all from a child’s perspective.  Everything has become fresh and alive!

This week, Jesus reminds us that nothing ever turns out exactly like we expect.  Life is filled with surprises.  I hope each of you find joy in the surprises in life.  I pray that you might believe God’s Sprit is working to bring Grace to the world.

Blessings!

PB

Trunk or Treat at CLC

We are trying to figure out How
to Train our Dragon

Last Thursday, fourteen hundred people visited our church for the annual Trunk or Treat event.  This was a wonderful family friendly event that welcomed all people from the community.  The church served as a safe and fun place where local families could have fellowship, fun, and an opportunity to send the pastors into the freezing water of a dunk tank… Good times! 

Sometimes these events are not seen as very important to church life.  However, I believe this event helped to show the local community that we really care, and it was fun to see our entire congregation stand behind this effort.  There was involvement from all kinds of different ministries, and I believe we really helped show Christ’s love to the world.  This week, I hope you can find some way to reach out to share God’s love with other people.  Maybe you can’t quote scripture or sing any hymns by heart, but I hope you can all find some way to share God’s love with your neighbors.

Blessings,

PB

Getting into the Halloween Spirit!