REAL PEOPLE

REAL PEOPLE
INCLUSIVE GOD
RADICAL GRACE
INSPIRED GROWTH

These eight words declare who we are as a congregation at Community Lutheran Church. Each of these phrases share a little bit of our DNA, and they are woven into everything that we do. Over the next four weeks, we will be taking a little bit of time to explore each of these, and we will ponder how they are impacting our lives. This weekend we will consider what it means to be REAL PEOPLE.

A congregation of Real People understands that everyone is broken, but everyone is also welcome. There are times in my life that I have spent a crazy amount of time trying to show the world that I was perfect. I didn't want anyone to see my cracks or flaws. I thought that if people knew of my failures they would cast me away. However, I learned some of the best relationships and success stories in my life came from vulnerable and broken moments.

Earlier this week, I asked my kids what had happened in our living room. Toys were thrown everywhere, coloring supplies were left out, and one boy was crying. They responded by looking at me and saying, "It wasn't me! My brother did it!" They tried to pretend they were completely innocent of the whole situation. It was better to blame it all on somebody else. Honestly, I wasn't that upset by the mess itself. There was nothing in that room that we couldn't fix. My real concern was the lying... When someone is refuses to be honest and real, it is really hard to grow and learn. 

Today, we may not get into fights over who messed up the living room, but we still can easily become trapped in a web of lies if we refuse to look at our own failures. I hope we are all able to let go of the facades we put on, and I pray that we are able to see ourselves just as we are. We are imperfect, but can grow. God sees our true heart, and God Loves us anyway. Let's share this good news and live with hope and grace!

Blessings!

Brian

A time to reflect

This time of year feels like a roller coaster in the church. We celebrated Palm Sunday last week, and as I write this, we right in the middle of Holy Week and the journey to the cross. I have always found this time of year to be incredibly meaningful, but honestly, it can be difficult to take a breath and really consider the impact of what Jesus has done. Today, I am busy working on worship services, and I just finished teaching a class of First Communion students. I am also busy preparing for the Youth Mission Trip and Vacation Bible School. I love being busy with all kinds of activities, but it is also important to take a bit of time to reflect. Jesus gave his life for each of us, and His love changed the world.

Last week, while I was teaching the First Communion class, I shared a small meal with the students, and we talked about the Seder dinner that Jesus experienced with his disciples on Maundy Thursday. The kids listened, and they asked some really thoughtful questions about the  Passover. They also saw the love Jesus offered in his last meal before the crucifixion. It was really powerful for me to hear the students talk about God's Love in their lives. Seeing just one kid realize that they are welcomed into the family of God is absolutely incredible. It is worth taking a bit of time to honor and celebrate.

Jesus broke bread with people who were about to abandon and betray him. His disciples did not have a perfect theological grasp on everything that He was doing. However, Jesus still found a reason to share God's Love. Although the disciples minds were elsewhere for much of their time together, Christ's Love eventually led them back to God. There will be times we do not understand what God is doing. Other times we will be unwilling to listen to the voice of God. However, Christ is still speaking to us. God is still calling. I hope we can all take a little bit of time to listen and experience the grace that Jesus shared.

Blessings,

Brian