As a child, I always enjoyed a holiday – any holiday. It meant that we would decorate the house with appropriate garb and it always looked festive whether it was spring blooms or fall leaves. The one thing I did not like, however, was the cleaning that went into the preparation of the arrival of holiday guests.
Prior to the pandemic, I don’t know how long I’ve heard the sentiment, “I wish I had more time at home.” Often it came from over scheduled families who may not get uniforms washed between games as they chase around from one field to another. Folks welcomed “rain-out” weekends or snow days that provided a break to catch up on laundry, cleaning and organizing, planting or lists we tend to keep on the counter for “when we have time.”
This fall I was in a corn maze. The stalks up over your head. Hardly able to see between the rows. Have you ever just stopped to listen to the corn talking? The way corn rustles in the wind reminds me of the murmurings of the head, heart and spirit. When I am able to notice these kinds of noises of nature, I find that my body immediately relaxes. As if the wind or the voice of God is calling me to pause, be still, listen and maybe even rest.
A significant portion of this week’s gospel talks about not doing anything that would make another stumble in faith. Throughout the week, I have had DC Talk’s What if I Stumble song running through my head (don’t know it? Click the link). Jesus is talking to the disciples about how their actions affect others. This is obviously something that makes sense in this portion of the gospel, but I’ve been wondering what this might mean on an individual level.
St. Luke’s is participating in the ELCA’s unity day of service called “God’s Work; Our Hands.” On Sunday, September 12th between services (9:45 -10:30 AM). There will be service activities for the entire congregation and appropriate for families. Please mark your calendar to join us and watch for specific service project details as the date draws closer.
Don’t miss St. Luke’s Sunday School Opening Day September 19th at 9:45 AM. It is a day of excitement as classes will resume in person. This year, Rally Day will include the beginning of Little Lambs, Sunday School, Confirmation, Middle School Sunday School, and High School Forum. Information night for the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering (open to grades 8-12). Come and join us!
This week when we hear the second lesson, we hear Paul’s rousing war cry for the people of Ephesus to prepare for spiritual warfare. He tells them to put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the sword of the Spirit and the shield of faith.