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…
For the remaining four Sundays of August, our worship is going to sound a little different — and I couldn’t be more excited. We’re welcoming Tom Eure and Amelia Osborne as our guest worship music leaders for the rest of August. Together, under the name Inspired Arts & Sound, Tom and Amelia offer “faith-based music and art programming designed to inspire and connect community.” This month, they’ll be bringing those gifts to Emmanuel, leading us in a fresh way of…
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…
