As followers of Christ, we at Emmanuel Lutheran believe we are called to live in unity with all of creation. Therefore, we are committed to serving God and sharing Christ’s love with all people…
I once served alongside a pastor who said the same thing at every baptism, every funeral, and every reception of new members. She would look out at the gathered people and say, simply: “We are now a new congregation.” I’ve never forgotten it. Because she was right. Whether someone has just arrived or someone has just departed, we are changed. It cannot be otherwise. Each person brings their whole self — their gifts, their stories, their laughter, their heart. And…
Last week, I spent several days in Indianapolis with nearly 700 other rostered ministers from across the ELCA. The theme of our gathering was “Woven Together” — and it turned out to be more than just a title. Throughout the week, a fabric artist sat and worked in our midst, actively weaving together pieces of cloth gathered from all across our church. Little by little, strand by strand, something was taking shape. And at the very end of our time…
I’m writing this from camp. Not metaphorically. Actually, from camp — where I’m spending a week this summer alongside youth from Emmanuel, and where, I’m happy to report, things are off to a great start. There’s bug spray in my bag, and a song stuck in my head, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Camp has been part of my whole life. As a kid, I spent a week every summer at Lutheridge, a Lutheran camp outside Asheville…
Two Sundays ago, on May 31st, our space filled with almost 200 people — and the whole place came alive. It was our Spring Concert with Triad Pride Performing Arts, a partnership that has become one of the genuine joys of ministry here at Emmanuel. We’ve been hosting their choruses twice a year for several years now, and somehow it keeps getting better. The choir keeps growing. Familiar faces we’ve come to love over the years are now mixed in…
