Weekly Updates for Luther Memorial Church
Reconciliation | June 13, 2020
“Do not oppress a stranger for you know what it feels like to be a stranger” (Exodus 23:9)
It seems odd that in 2020 we are still talking about racism because we have been talking about this for a long time. For some reason there seems to be a disconnect between all of our talking and reality. An example is that Thomas Jefferson who wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal,” was a slave owner. Or, the Germany that gave us Goethe, Beethoven and Kant also birthed Nazism.
Maybe our current trouble is not with our words, but our hearts. We have forgotten what it feels like to “be a stranger.” We no longer see the other as one made in the image and likeness of God. Because of this, we not only lack the empathy to care for strangers, but lack the resolve to fight for the truth that every group should feel safe.
There is pain in this world. The protests are a response to that pain. Whether you agree or disagree with civil disobedience, it is beautiful to see people standing up for strangers. That’s what Jesus did as he left heaven’s comfort to save us. And that’s what we as followers of Jesus are called to do as well. It is this impulse to care for the other that not only affirms God’s creation but paves the way for reconciliation.
With love,
Pastor Russ
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OUTDOOR CHURCH (Sunday at 10:30 am) – As you might know, we are now offering a “parking lot service” outside the Grand View Student Center that begins at 10:30. This is a brief service that includes: confession and absolution, gospel reading, sermon, creed, prayer, words of institution, communion, and the benediction. Instructions: 1) Please arrive before the service so you can receive your bulletins, communion kit, and drop off your offering if you brought one. 2) You can bring a chair to sit on the grass if you would rather not be in a car. 3) If you would rather stay at home, please take advantage of our “Online Worship.”
ONLINE WORSHIP (New Preaching Series) – This weekend is the beginning of a 7-week series on the book of Revelation. Click the link to find the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmq-VCm9760
PRAYER @ the PLAZA (Wednesdays @ 11 am) – A small group of faculty and staff gather in the courtyard on Wednesday’s at 11:00 am to pray for the campus and community. Please join us if you would like to pray for this world and your loved ones.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE (June 17 @ 1 pm) – The worship committee is meeting to prepare for worship in the Fall. If you are on the worship committee or are interested in attending the committee, feel free to join us. We will meet in the student center.