The Christmas Mix-Up

As we prepare for coming of the Christ-child, I want to share with you a favorite story of mine, written by a dear friend of mine. Carol Kehlmeier, is a long-time member of St Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio (my previous congregation). She is the mother of four boys, and is a great writer. The setting for this story is the church in Westerville.  It is called “The Christmas Mix-Up.” You will soon learn why.

Outside the little white country church, the feathery snow was falling gently, creating a picturesque scene in the bright moonlight. Inside, we sat in the warmth of the glowing candles and glittering Christmas tree, anticipating the entrance of the children. It was the annual children’s Christmas program. I had been rehearsing our four little boys daily with the lines they were to say that night. We had gone over their speeches until even the youngest knew what he was to say and when he was to say it.

“I hope they remember everything,” I whispered anxiously to Husband. The lights dimmed and the beautiful old stained-glass windows created a cozy, yet reverent setting in the candlelight. I had done well, I thought proudly. As a reward for their diligent work, each night I served them cookies and cocoa at bedtime along with reading, “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.”

The organ began playing, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” the tiny voices joining in confidently. The rustling of children sounded in the back of the church. They began their march to the chancel, then were directed into neat rows by their adult leader. I took a deep breath and waited for the children to begin to tell the story of the birth of the Christ Child.

“And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the fields,” a sixth-grader called out. Children dressed in bathrobes marched up the aisle, holding high their make-shift staffs. “And lo, the angel of the Lord shone round about them,” another voice called. A trail of preschoolers tripped up the aisle in white sheets and paper wings, their halos askew.

“Behold! I bring you tidings of great joy!” announced a tiny voice. My heart pounded. It was time for our oldest to make his theatrical premiere. “And what to my wandering eyes should appear,” he said boldly. I swallowed. “What’d he say?” I whispered. “A miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer!” Our second born followed his lead.

Husband looked at me and grinned. ”That’s what you get for mixing religion with fantasy,” he said softly. “With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick,” our 4-year old called.

There were snickers and giggles from all over the sanctuary. Three boys dressed as wise men marched down the aisle carrying their gifts, while the adult leader tittered behind her fingertips.

Other parents must have been reading theft children the same poem because they continued line for line, one after the other until our youngest shouted with gusto, “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! “Then he paused and finished with what he had rehearsed, “And on earth peace, good will toward men.”

By this time, the entire congregation was laughing. The wise teacher, wiping tears of laughter from her cheeks stood in front of the children, spoke softly and the first child began the speech. The second time around, each child continued telling the Christmas story from the book of St. Luke — and when it ended — received a mighty applause, followed by cookies and cocoa in the fellowship hall. 

-          For unto you is born a savior, who is Christ the Lord.  O come let us adore him!

Peace

Pastor Charlie

Words of Hope

As we gathered for worship this weekend, the news from Newtown, Connecticut weighed on our hearts. Our prayers continue for the families and community. A number of my colleagues and I discussed how best to address this in our churches this weekend. I paused and considered the readings and the music already set for the services, and was struck by how the words of Advent speak to us in this time. The words of scripture and the hymns all remind us of the need for God's indwelling in our lives and in our world. The message of Advent is the message we long to hear. We are broken people. We live in a broken world. We need a savior. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

At three of our services this weekend, the worship centered on Advent hymns and songs from around the world. The readings from Isaiah, as well as the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary, and the song of joy on the lips of John the Baptist's father, Zechariah together with the music shared all focused on the coming of Jesus, our Savior. At the close of the service we shared these words, written by organist and choir director John Benjamin.

After centuries of waiting for the Promised One, God’s Chosen People at last heard the prophet calling, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” As Christians everywhere prepare their hearts once again to celebrate Jesus’ birth, we, too, await the coming of the Messiah – Christ’s promised return. Still, we know there are people of many nations who have never heard God’s word, experienced the grace of Jesus Christ, felt the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

We have a mission: to reach those who are longing – yearning – to feel the presence of God in their lives. If you are one of those people, know that you are loved, know that you are cared for, know that you are valued beyond measure. Know that God sent Jesus to be the light shining in the darkness, the hope of the nations, Emmanuel – God with us! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

 

Children's Christmas Program

This past weekend, I attended all four productions of the Children's Christmas Program, "Angels Aware!" What an incredible show it was! I am very proud of all who put many hours and work into the show, especially the children.

"Angels Aware!" tells the Christmas story from a different perspective. The show takes place in heaven as God prepares to send Jesus to earth as a baby. We met Gabriel, Michael, Moses, Isaiah, the heavenly host and all the prophets. They sang, danced and shared the good news of Jesus' birth. I find myself singing songs from the show throughout the day, and am thankful for the memories and messages those songs bring.

Here are some things I learned from the musical I would like to share with you:
1. Sharing the good news can be a lot of fun! The kids on stage had a great time doing it. The smiles on their faces, the enthusiasm in their songs and actions, the energy they put into the show were contagious. If you left the show without a spring in your step and a smile on your face, you must not have been paying attention!
2. God has a plan. In the show, Moses and Isaiah shared with us that even though God tried over and over to get us back to a right relationship with God, we still kept falling into the trap of sin. Instead of focusing on others, we kept thinking only of ourselves ("I" trouble!). And even though it seemed like that problem would never go away, Isaiah the optimist reminded us that God always has a plan.
3. God's ways are not our ways. When the angels got word that God was going to send His Son to the earth, they pondered what role he would take - a popular rich leader, or a military man, or a maybe even a rock star! They were shocked when they heard that God had chosen to go as a baby.
4. God loves you! At the end of the show, the kids on stage shared the message that God's love is for all. Kandis Wean (what a great job she did in directing the show!) told the kids to find someone in the audience and point directly at them when they shared that line. Imagine her surprise when, at the end of the last show, they all pointed at her. She told me that she was blown away by that. That is what God's love is all about - God loves YOU so much, and has paid a great price to show you just that.
5. God wants us to hear the good news of Jesus, the one who saves us from our sin. I think that sometimes hearing the message from the pastors over and over again can cause us to get complacent in our hearing the good news. We hear it over and over again, and because we have heard it before, we forget just how great the message is. So how wonderful it is when we get to hear the message from others, through a different means and we experience again the greatness and joy and power of this good news!
6. God has equipped us to share the message. I truly believe that we all have been gifted by God to share the good news of Jesus Christ in some way. For some it is preaching, for others it is teaching or singing or caring for others. There are many gifts, but the same Spirit gives them. We are blessed at Epiphany Lutheran Church to have a ministry in which kids from preschool through eighth grade are given the opportunity to try out these gifts.  For many years, hundreds of children have been given this opportunity, and many of them will tell you how this experience strengthened their gifts, and how they are still using these gifts today to do what God has equipped them to do.

I am sure there are many more things you could add to this list. Again, thanks to all for a great message!

Peace,
PC

What is Advent All About?

 

This past Sunday was the beginning of Advent and the new church year. I came across this video last week and thought I would share it for this week's entry. A couple of notes - first of all, the colors of Advent have evolved over the years - many of us will remember purple and pink candles on the Advent wreath and even purple banners and paraments (the decorative cloths on the altar and pulpit) for Advent. At Epiphany, as well as many other churches, the color we use for Advent is blue - the color of hope. Secondly, please ignore the advertisement at the end of the video.

 

On a personal note, Advent will be second nature for us, for over the past few months we have learned all about patience, waiting, preparation, anticipation, and hope. I have good news - my wife and I have sold the house in Westerville (closing next week) and we will close on a house in Dayton on December 17 (and move in on December 21st!). 

God bless you in this Advent!

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

Some things never change

This past weekend, we headed up to Michigan to spend Thanksgiving with my wife's family. While we were back in the place of our youth (Lisa and I both grew up in the Detroit area) we got together with our college friends. This get-together is an annual event, and has been going on for nearly 30 years! My wife and I both graduated from Central Michigan University. We belonged to a folk group that was a part of the church we attended while there. From that group, there are five couples that make up this annual gathering. In fact, Lisa's roommate and my roommate got married as well! We have grown in numbers, as our children have become a part of our time together.

When we get together, it is as if time had stood still - we pick up right where we left off the last time we were together. As soon as I am greeted at the door of our hosts, I know I am among good friends who know me well, and I can be me. Do you know what I mean? Those people know me, and we have been through so much together. And even though we are MUCH older than when we first met, it is as as if things haven't changed.

And yet, things HAVE changed. We remember each other as college kids, wondering what the future would hold for us. Conversations used to be about wedding plans, babies on the way, buying a first car, a first house. That progressed on to schooling for the kids, aging parents, college for the kids and THEIR wedding plans. This year, we talked about retirement plans. Who would have thought back when we were studying for final exams at CMU that we would be, some day, sitting around talking retirement plans? By the way, I am not planning to retire any time soon - we just bought a new house!

Some things never change. And some things do. Isn't this true in our faith journey? Last Sunday, we heard the Lord God say, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." (Revelation 1) God is - always has been, and always will be. And even when things change in our lives, God is. The truth is God loves us. The truth is that this love will never end. This will never change. We never know what tomorrow will bring, let alone today. But today, tomorrow, just like yesterday, God is with us. It is good to know some things never change.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week's posting is taken from a sermon by Pastor Vince Gerhardy of St Paul's Lutheran Church, Caboolture, Australia

Now thank we all our God
with hearts and hands and voices
who wondrous things has done,
in whom the world rejoices
who from our mother's arms
has blessed us on our way
with countless gifts of love,
and still is ours today.

A favorite hymn for a Thanksgiving Festival is ‘Now thank we all our God’. It’s a wonderful hymn of thanks that highlights God's love and care for each of us along life’s journey. From the moment we are born into the world ‘he has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love and still is our today.’


This is one of the great hymns in the Christian Church. It's a hymn that fits almost any occasion. It is sung at weddings, at funerals, at dedications, on occasions as we have today. The hymn written 368 years ago is saturated with praise and thanks to God. You get the impression that the author, Martin Rinckart, must have experienced so many good things in his life, and had so many good things going for him, that he couldn’t help but give thanks and praise to God for all the good that God had shown toward him.

But let me tell you a little about Martin Rinckart, which I believe, makes this hymn even greater and more meaningful. Martin Rinckart (born 1586) was the son of a poor coppersmith. Because of his talent in music and through hard work, he went to university at Leipzig. In 1617 at the age of 31 he became the Lutheran pastor to the people of Eilenburg, in Saxony, Germany. At about the same time as he arrived in Eilenburg The Thirty Years War began and the Swedish army advanced through Saxony devastating the surrounding countryside. Refugees started to flood into the walled town for safety. Overcrowding, poor sanitation and a shortage of food created many problems. A terrible plague (the bubonic plague) broke out among the people. Other ministers in the town left or fell ill and died; the whole town council except for three died; some 8,000 people died.

People were always at Rinckart’s door and he gave away almost everything he had, even the rations for his own family. In one year (1637) he is said to have conducted funerals for more than 4,000 people who died from the dreaded fever. Even though Rinckart was in daily contact with those who fell ill and died, he remained in good health and was able to keep on caring for those suffering, dying and grieving.

To add to the suffering of the people of Eilenburg the town was raided and sacked first by the catholic Austrians and then the Lutheran Swedes. In spite of all this devastation and senseless death, it would not surprise us to hear that Rinckart had lost his faith in the love of God, questioned where God was during all this, and why did he allow so much suffering not only in the town of Eilenburg but throughout Germany - one third of German towns were destroyed and the male population was halved.

But he didn’t. He didn’t focus on the losses and devastation he had seen or the sadness that filled his heart over the loss of so many friends or the brutal killing of his parishioners including women and children at the hands of marauding armies. Instead he focused on the God of grace who faithfully keeps his promises, especially when the cruelty and barbarism of humanity takes control and life on a personal level is taking some unexpected turns. The people he loved should have been able to live at peace but instead heartache and suffering was all they felt. It was in the middle of wars and plagues that Rinckart penned a poem ‘Now thank we all our God’. It was soon put to music.

As peace was restored this hymn was adopted all over Germany as a solemn expression of thanksgiving for the end of so much bloodshed. In homes it was sung before meals as a grace. Nothing could be more moving than these words which sprung from the heart of a very grateful man and sung by people who had lost much but could still raise their voices in a song of thanksgiving to God.

 


 

My Church

My Church

There is an old hymn entitled "My Church! My Church! My Dear Old Church!" You won't find it in the new hymnals today, but I heard mention of it by those who have been Lutheran longer than me (that is a nice way of saying "older than me" don't you think?).  The song was published in the book The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church by GH Gerberding in 1887.

Here is the first of its seven verses:
My Church! my Church! my dear old Church!
My fathers' and my own!
On Prophets and Apostles built,
And Christ the Corner-stone!
All else beside, by storm or tide
May yet be overthrown;
But not my Church, my dear old Church,
My fathers' and my own!

What makes a church "My Church?" At what point in the relationship do we claim the church ours? And let me be clear that what I am talking about is not the church catholic or even our denomination or branch of the Lutheran faith. I am talking about the church I attend, am a member of, and where I worship.

First of all, and most important, it is God's church, not ours. We are called to be stewards of it, just like everything else God has given us. But it still belongs to God. So I must be careful when I say "My Church!" As the second line of the hymn states - "My father's and my own!" The church belongs to God.

Somewhere along the way, we first attended this church. Either it was as a visitor, or as a child brought to church by a parent or parents. I had a young man in a previous church tell me that growing up he had a drug problem. He said, "Yeah, my parents drug me to church." One way or another, we got here. And for a period of time, we were considered visitors. Through a class and possibly a transfer of membership, we were welcomed in as members. Is that when the church became ours? Or does the church become ours when we join in a group, participate in a choir or ensemble, attend a Bible study? Or does the church become ours when we get our offering envelopes and give to support its mission and ministry.

As a new pastor at the church, I shared on my first Sunday that the guest has become the host. I had been welcomed as a guest, and given a great welcome by the Call Committee, Council and members of the church. The congregation voted, and I was called to come to serve as pastor. I accepted that call. Then that first weekend of worship came, and now I had become a part of the church. This is now my church. And yet, I too must remember that it is not solely my church, but God's church.

I believe we claim the church to be ours when we see ourselves as the host and not the guest. My hope is that the church, Epiphany Lutheran Church is considered by those of us who call it "Our Church" can be a place of joy and welcome. I pray that we can be "Lutheran Proud, but not too proud" (I saw this on a t-shirt at the National Youth Gathering earlier this summer) and share with others "our church." I hope and pray that, together, we continue to take ownership of the care and leadership of that which God has entrusted to us. I hope and pray that through the mission and ministry of Epiphany Lutheran Church, God is glorified, and that, together, we will love Jesus by serving others. 

My church. Our church. God's church.

 

Choices

Today is Election Day, November 6, 2012. FINALLY! All the campaigning is done, and now it is time to make some decisions. Some choices are easy - you made up your mind a long time ago, and now you know who you will choose. Others - it may be a bit more challenging. But still, you have a choice, and the choices you make do make a difference.

As a church-goer, there are choices to be made as well. It begins on the weekend. The first choice you make is am I going to go to church? Am I going to set aside an hour of the 168 hours God has given me this week to give thanks and praise to God?” Sorry for the sarcastic tone, but I thought I would put things in perspective and show my bias. Still, you have a choice. Surveys state that over 40 percent of Americans SAY they go to church every week, but the actual numbers of those who attend are closer to 25 percent. We have good intentions, but sometimes the choice to do something else with that hour takes precedence. Should I stay or should I go? 

Once you do make the decision to go to church (personally, I believe this is the right choice!), the next questions are which service and what campus? Epiphany has six worship services to choose from every weekend. Factors you may consider in making your choice include: Traditional or contemporary; Far Hills or Austin Campus; Pastor Sara or Pastor Charlie preaching. You may consider all of these options, or you may be a creature of habit and attend the service you always attend. The choice you make may also be determined by your participation in the service as a leader, usher, choir member, etc. More choices! You decide. The choice is yours.

So, once you have decided you are going to church, and have picked the service to attend, you still have decisions to make. Where are you going to park? Will you get there early, or just before the service starts? Will you take extra time to go to Sunday School? Once at church, are you going to greet that person you do not know? Are you going to talk to that person on the other side of the church who you disagree with, and have avoided for months? Are you going to sit in the same pew/seat you always sit in, and scowl if someone has gotten there before you? Are you going to greet those who come and sit nearby? Are you going to participate in worship, sing at the top of your lungs, respond with gusto, or are you going to sit back and observe? When it comes time to pass the peace, will you greet only your friends, or will you go outside your comfort zone and greet the stranger, welcome the visitor, and extend a hand to that so-and-so who doesn't see things your way? When the offering plate comes by, will you support the mission and ministry of the church, or will you let others cover that for now? Will you take the words at the end of the service to heart, and strive to "Go in peace and serve the Lord" in the days to come? Will you look at the list of activities, studies and outreach opportunities available at Epiphany, and consider participating in the mission and ministry in the coming week? So many choices.

In considering all these choices, remember these words of Jesus: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last." (John 15:16a). In the waters of baptism, God's choice is made, and God chooses you! You are a child of God, not because of the choices you make, but by the choice God has made. In response to this good news, may the choices we make be our thank you to God for what God has given us. And may we be aware that the choices we make bear witness to others what this good news means to us. The choices we make can open the door for the stranger, the visitor, or the one who is looking to get back to church where a warm welcome is needed. The choices we make can and DO make a difference.

So many choices.  

Let Your Light So Shine

It was just a few days before Christmas last year.  Ron, a long-time member of the church, had battled health issues for several years, and finally the battle had come to an end.  Ron passed away.  I cherished my visits with Ron, because he was always so thankful for the visit, and I often felt I had benefited more from the visit than he.  And no matter how he was feeling, we closed every visit with the same words - "God bless you, Ron."  "God bless you too, Pastor."  What beautiful words to hear, knowing that the one sharing these words means what he says.  Even in his final days as he was battling for every breath with an oxygen mask on his face, he never failed to share those words. 

The day came for Ron's funeral at the church.  Just down the road from the church is the church's cemetery.  Ron and his wife had planned for years to be laid to rest surrounded by family members and friends.  The grave had been dug, and following the funeral we were planning to proceed as we always do to the cemetery for a short graveside service.  That was the plan.  But two days of steady rain and more rain that morning caused us to make other plans.  The cemetery was just too wet for the burial, let alone walking from the cars in to the cemetery.  So we decided we would share the words we share at the graveside at the back of the church instead.

In my sermon that day, I recalled how Ron had shared the blessing with me every visit.  I reminded those gathered of the promise God made at Ron's baptism so many years ago - this one belongs to me - marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever.  I shared the words of Jesus that we often speak at the baptismal font, "Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)."   

I shared the following story, which you may have heard before:  A young boy about nine-years-old went with his parents to Europe one summer. Part of their tour was visiting the great old cathedrals of the past. As he visited cathedral after cathedral, he saw the massive stained glass portraits of the disciples and of other saints. He was so impressed as he stood in these great, empty halls looking through the beautiful stained glass windows. Upon return, when asked by his Sunday school teacher what he liked the most about the great churches of Europe, he said, "the windows of the saints." She asked what his definition of a saint was. As his mind went back to those massive, beautiful stained glass windows, he said, “A saint is someone God shines light through.”

Ron was one who let God's light shine through.  I was blessed by his blessing.  I was not alone.

As we ended the service, those gathered joined me at the back of the church under the "Good Shepherd" window.  The funeral pall was removed and the flowers placed back on the casket.  I began the service of committal that is usually read at the graveside.  A couple of Bible readings and a prayer, and then the committal and blessing.

"In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to Almighty God our brother Ron, and we commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust.  The Lord bless him and keep him, the Lord make his face to shine upon him..."

It was at that very moment, I tell you the truth that the three days of rain ceased, and the sunlight streamed down from the window above the casket - the Lord made his face shine upon Ron.  I continued...

"...and be gracious to him, the Lord lift up his countenance upon him, and give him peace.  Amen.  Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him."

 

That is when the sun shone even brighter through the window - people literally gasped.  I was unable to speak because of the lump in my throat.  It was an incredible and awesome moment.  Someone asked me after the service how I did that.  We both knew I had nothing to do with it.  God is good, and God blessed us with that gift.  It was as if God was saying, "I bless you, too, Ron.  Always have, always will." 

 

This Sunday (first Sunday in November) we will remember the saints who have gone before us.  Who are the ones who have let God's light shone through them to you?  Thank God for the saints in our lives!

 

Peace,
Pastor Charlie

 

 

The Truth that sets us Free

Last October, several members of the church I served went to jail.   We went to Lucasville Maximum Security Prison to join in the closing ceremony for the Kairos Ministry weekend, which was led by a member of our church.  It was a powerful, moving experience. 
 

Upon arrival, we went through a security checkpoint and metal detector.  We turned in our driver’s license to gain access, and were escorted to a visiting area inside the high fences crowned with razor wire.  We entered a room set up for the closing event.  We were told to not approach the inmates or make any physical contact with them – such action would lead to a strip search for both of us.  We gathered with other visitors and volunteers for the week for a time of singing and preparation.  When the inmates arrived, we burst in to “When the Saints Go Marching In.”  The first group of inmates were graduates of previous weekend events.  Then, 30 inmates came in and sat in groups of six -  these being their family groups for the week. 

The Kairos Program is designed to share the unconditional love of God to prison inmates who have volunteered to participate in the three and a half day program at the jail.  In that time, the 30 participants are surrounded by 32 volunteers who feed them cookies and homemade meals and share with them, firsthand, what God’s unconditional love is all about.  In that time, the message is clear – God loves you.  God is bigger than any wall you face.  God’s forgiveness is complete and full, no matter the sin.  God’s promises are everlasting.  God is with you and will never abandon you. 

The inmates introduced themselves by family units, and shared as a group what the weekend had meant to them.  Two ground rules were enforced – Thanks only to GOD, and keep it to two minutes.  Once the groups were done, individual inmates could come up and speak – same ground rules. 

The one word I heard over and over and over again is love.  One after another, they shared how each of them had never experienced that kind of unconditional love, and how each of them had come to know that God’s love is just that.  They shared that the tears had flowed that weekend, for some for the very first time in their lives.  A young man of 22 years old, incarcerated since the age of 14, spoke of how this weekend had changed his life, and given him hope had never had.  They shared how, through the weekend, they heard of forgiveness that was complete and full – a gift that comes from Jesus Christ, who died for their sins.   In response to that gift, the group had an exercise earlier in the weekend in which they were to write the name of someone they had to forgive and place it in a bowl of water on the table.  One man shared that he had to write his own name down, because that is where he needed to start. 

They shared how no longer was it going to be the number on their chest, or the blue shirts and pants that defined them, not even the crimes that they had committed.  No, what now defined them is that God had named them and claimed them as His children.  This is the truth, and the truth – you could see it in their eyes and hear in their voices – the truth had set them free.   Free – a freedom they never had before. 

Freedom.  Freedom?   When the ceremony was done, the inmates exited – waving, smiling, gestures of thanks.  Yet back to the cells they went.  In prison, yet set free.  

We can echo the words of those at Jesus’ feet (John 8)– we are slaves to no one – never have been.  Maybe what WE need is to be locked up and held in maximum security, fearing what we say or do could put us in danger either with the guards or the other inmates.  Maybe what WE need is to be stripped of all the things that we hold on to so dearly – our families, our possessions, our self-centered swagger that says “at least I am better than THAT so and so.”  Maybe WE need something to shake our comfort zone to help us understand that all this is SIN – that is  not trusting God, or not letting God be the LORD of our lives.  We are CAPTIVE TO SIN – and it is not till we come to understand it that we will truly appreciate what God has done for us in Christ Jesus.

For God’s gift is unconditional, complete and never-ending.  There are no ifs, ands or buts about it.  At the end of the sermon, there is no legal tag lines saying what is not included in this gift, and no disclaimers to the promise.  But we do it anyway, don’t we?  We get wrapped up in the “Well, what about this situation?  What about that incident?  What if this person says this, but does that?” 

Jesus Christ came to die for the sins of the world.  It is given as a gift.  We do not earn, we do not deserve it – it cannot be bought, borrowed or stolen.  It is a gift – God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.  For the price has been paid for your salvation.  You are of great value to God.  This is the truth – nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  

The Woodward Family

I am a graduate of Central Michigan University.  It was at college that I first attended a Lutheran church.  I had grown up attending the First Congregational Church in Royal Oak, but there were no Congregational churches near campus for me to attend.  My best friend invited me to the church on campus, because he had been invited by the pastor to come and check out the church - that was back in the day when you stated your church affiliation on your college registration.  My friend, Chip and I went to Christ the King Lutheran Chapel our first Sunday.  The church is located next to the Catholic church, both of which are right in the middle of the campus.  The pastor there was great, and the liturgy gave structure to the service like I had never experienced - I was hooked.  It was at the chapel I met my future wife (hooked again!).  We belonged to a folk group through the church, and we still have many friends who were a part of that college group.

I graduated with a degree in accounting, and my wife received a degree in music education.  I worked for an engineering firm in the Detroit area as a cost accountant, and my wife substitute taught and worked retail in the local mall.  I enjoyed my work, but felt there was something missing - something else I was supposed to do.  I remember former seminary president Dr. Fred Meuser saying, "a call to ministry is often like an itch you can't scratch any other way." 

After a year of accounting, we made a decision to see if this itch was possibly outdoor ministry - we headed to New York to a camp in the foothills of the Catskills - Koinonia.  We both had camp experience in our blood, and love the outdoors, but we came to realize this was is not where we were called to be.  Don't get me wrong - I continue to be very active in camp ministry, and attribute my time as a camp counselor as being very instrumental in clarifying this call to ministry, but I am not the one to be a camp director. 

Off to seminary, where our two children were born.  Then on to calls in Massillon, Delaware and Westerville - all in the great state of Ohio.  Lisa's love for music continued, but found that her itch was the law -  she went back to school for a paralegal degree, then later on to Capital University Law School to become a lawyer.  I guess you can say we have the law and gospel covered in our house!

Our kids are now out of the house - daughter Bethany was married in August and lives with husband Brad in Elyria, a suburb of Cleveland.  He is a math teacher and she substitute teaches and accompanies a couple choirs in the local schools.  Son Andrew is finishing up his schooling at Ohio Northern in the Pharmacy program.  He will graduate in May, 2013. 

PC, Lisa, Bethany, Brad and Andrew

 

God has blessed us and guided us to where we are today.  As I look back, I can see the faces of so many who gave us love, support and guidance along the way.  Some of these were very deliberate and direct, while others were much more subtle and may not even have been recognized by those who touched our lives.  Who has touched your life - molded you and shaped you and guided you to where you are today?  I truly believe God has placed these people in our lives for a reason.  I encourage you to give thanks to God for those who have come and gone to bring you where you are today.

Peace,
PC

A FOOTNOTE: 
Enough about me!  Starting next week, the PC introductions will be over.  Now I would like to hear  your story.   I encourage you to take time to share with me three things -
1.  What brought you to Epiphany Lutheran Church?
2.  What is it about Epiphany that made you stay?
3.  What is your hope for Epiphany Lutheran Church?

Contact me via e-mail (cwoodward@epiphanydayton.org), or stop in the office and visit with me some time.  If I am there, the door is open, and you are welcome any time.

Growing Up in the Church

I am the youngest of four boys.  From as far back as memories will take me, I remember going to church - it was just what we did.  A high-schooler in a previous church I served told me he had a drug problem - he said, "Yeah, my parents DRUG me to church."  I guess you could say we had the same drug problem.  I don't remember much discussion or argument about it, it was just what we did.  My brothers and parents were role models for me in my life in the church - all active and all found a place where they felt they belonged.  Dad was head usher a couple months out of the year, served on various committees and event planning groups, and Mom was active in Bible studies and worked in the library.  My brothers were active in the youth program at the church, and it was there that their circle of friends gathered.  It was at the church that we felt we belonged, and it was there that our faith was nurtured and shaped.  I truly believe that our involvement in the church had a great influence in our lives and the way we have raised our children. I give thanks to my family for setting the example for me in my life in the church.

Mom and Dad are both gone now - Dad passed away in 2008, and Mom passed away earlier this year.  We gathered at the church of our youth, surrounded by those who shared many memories of how Mom and Dad influenced them in their faith journeys as well.  One gentleman shared that it was because of my Dad's invitation to serve as an usher that he found his place in the church, and is still active to this day.   I guess he had the same DRUG problem we did!   It was just one of many stories we heard about Dad, and similar comments about Mom as well.  Dad was not one to talk about his faith very much, but his actions spoke louder than words - his time and devotion set an example for others.  Mom's gift was in her sharing and compassion for others.  It wasn't through preaching or teaching, but through living the faith that my parents set an example for us and for others.

Who has been a faith role-model for you?  And who do you think might consider you a role-model of faith?  May our words and actions reflect God's grace.  And may the church be a place where faith can be nurtured and strengthened for those who gather, and those who follow us in future generations.

A PICTURE from my daughter's wedding of my brothers and me

Peace,
PC

Here we go!

To carry on where Pastor Pete Rudowski left off, I have set up this weblog to provide an avenue of communication and connection between the Epiphany Lutheran Church community and me.  I hope to use this as an opportunity to share my thoughts and insights, as well as a chance for you to respond to these posts with your thoughts - your comments are welcomed and encouraged.  This is my first effort in using this medium, so I am sure there will be a learning curve for all of us!

Here is what I have in mind for the next few weeks - the first installments of this blog will be to introduce myself to you.  I hope I don't come across as arrogant - one who thinks it is all about me - but for the time being, that is what I know best.  I hope to incorporate some pictures along the way as part of introduction so you can meet my family and learn more about us.

Once we get to know each other better, my focus will shift to my first impressions of Epiphany.  I believe it is helpful to hear what those who are new to the church see when they arrive, because we who have been at the place for years have become accustomed to our surroundings and do not see things with fresh eyes.  I would encourage you to do this with visitors and new members.  How is Epiphany perceived?  What do people see and hear and experience when they come, and what is it that brings them back?  Oops - I am getting ahead of myself.

 Once I have had a chance to get settled in, I plan to use this space for sharing opportunties for mission and ministry in the church.  I feel I will have a much better grasp of this once I am on board in the coming weeks.  Stay tuned!

So where we are right now is a time of transition.  I write this entry a couple days before my final Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville.  My focus and energy are on taking time to say good-bye to those I have come to love and serve these past 12 plus years.  My wife, Lisa and I are taking some vacation time after that, then we will be with you the first weekend in October.  For the time being, we will be commuting - our house is up for sale, but there has been little activity so far (Anyone want to buy a house in Westerville?).  We will make due and we know God has brought us this far, and things will happen when they are to happen. 

We look forward to being with you soon. 

Peace,
Pastor Charlie (PC)