Note: No meetings or worship in person in our church buildings until further notice
Office: 608-525-2406--Email: northbeavercreekoffice@gmail.com | Pastor Adam Arends: 608-525-0288--Email: nbclcpastor@gmail.com
Link to our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthBeaverCreek
Link to our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NorthBeaverCreek
| Scriptures for Week of Nov 30 2020 |
| synod_season_of_thanks_service_bulletin.pdf |
| november_8_2020_order_of_service.pdf |
| nov_8_2020_sermon.pdf |
| november_1_order_of_service.pdf |
| october_25_2020_order_of_service.pdf |
| sermon_--_october_25_2020_--_reformation_-_truth.pdf |
| oct_18_order_of_service.pdf |
| sunday_oct_11_order_of_service.pdf |
It's lutefisk time!
This year's dinner will be carryout only from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday,
Oct. 25.
Dinners are $15 and must be paid for in advance by Oct. 11.
Copy the internet address below to pay online:
https://checkout.square.site/buy/E3MPXEV6CTKK3OIUVTEIA4KV
or follow the instructions on the poster.
Because of the current high rate of Covid-19 in our area, this service is drive-in only Worshippers must remain in their vehicles at all times.
| sept_27_2020_order_of_service.pdf |
| sept_27_drive_in_bulletin_hymns.pdf |
| sermon_2020-9-27_humility_-_integrity.pdf |
Sunday School At-Home September 20, 2020
A video will be posted by 8:30, here and on YouTube. Watch at your convenience.
You can then work on your lessons at home.
If you didn't get your take-home packet, call the church and we'll get one ready for you!
You can then work on your lessons at home.
If you didn't get your take-home packet, call the church and we'll get one ready for you!
| sept_13_order_of_service.pdf |
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Worship in September
With the new guidelines for gathering safely in our area, and working with Blair Lutheran, NBC will tentatively follow this schedule for worship in September: Worship is at 9:00 am
Gathering for “Drive-In” worship or outdoor worship is dependent on the weather and the recommendations from the Trempealeau County Health Department. Please continue to check our Facebook page on Wednesdays and Thursday to see if we might meet together in our parking lots on Sunday: https://www.facebook.com/NorthBeaverCreek Drive-In Worship Guidelines If Drive-In worship is announced for an upcoming Sunday here are the guidelines to follow when pulling into our parking lot at the white building or in Blair:
Outdoor Worship Guidelines
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Sunday School Update
Sunday School will begin again this fall. We will not be holding classes in-person at this time. We will be holding our classes online for the health and safety of all our families. A short video with a Bible story, lesson and a song will be posted each week for parents to watch with their children. Take-Home Packets will be available for families to bring home beginning September 13 (see below). Before October we will reassess the potential for in-person classes. Parents’ input is welcome. 
Rally Day -- September 13 At Drive-In Worship on September 13, all families with children aged 3 through 8th grade are invited for our modified Rally Day! On this day the Women of the ELCA will be giving our Spark Story Bibles to the 3 year-olds of the congregation so that they can read the stories with their families and follow along with at-home Sunday School. All 7th & 8th Graders are invited to be present to receive their Bibles which will be used for Confirmation classes. Come and celebrate the children of our congregation! Confirmation Class More information on Confirmation classes to come. Classes will begin in October. |
Sunday, September 6, 2020:
Worship will be at Memorial Park in Blair at the open shelter across from the pool.
You may drive-in and stay in your cars nearby as the FM transmitter will be working (107.1) or you may bring your own lawn chair, or choose a picnic table under the shelter.
Masks and physical distance encouraged.
Worship will be at Memorial Park in Blair at the open shelter across from the pool.
You may drive-in and stay in your cars nearby as the FM transmitter will be working (107.1) or you may bring your own lawn chair, or choose a picnic table under the shelter.
Masks and physical distance encouraged.
Worship this Sunday is at Blair Lutheran in your car or bring your own lawn chair.
Masks and physical distance are required for outdoor worship.
Bring your own bread and juice for communion.
Masks and physical distance are required for outdoor worship.
Bring your own bread and juice for communion.
This Sunday is at NBC's white building parking lot. Drive-In/Outdoor Worship.
Worship in your car, or bring your own lawn chair for the grass. Masks and physical distance are required for outdoor worship.
Be prepared for the sun, if you want to be outside! Bring your own bread and juice for communion.
Worship in your car, or bring your own lawn chair for the grass. Masks and physical distance are required for outdoor worship.
Be prepared for the sun, if you want to be outside! Bring your own bread and juice for communion.
Please click the links below for this Sunday’s Order of Service and Pastor Adam’s sermon.
**Note: We will have only one service at 9am.
**Note: We will have only one service at 9am.
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This Sunday Pastor Libby Howe will be leading the service and preaching from Blair. We will have a drive-in service, weather and COVID compass permitting.
Worship readings, responses and hymns: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MU7xG8r1QGOjXwUlx6hURubqRKMfmgff/view?usp=drivesdk
To watch pre-recorded services, please use this Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_cy-ONPWf6dWUIzfyNYnwA?view_as=subscriber.
| maundy_thursday_meal_at_home_2020.pdf |
Sabbath in Extraordinary Times
Sunday March 22nd we'll be doing "Drive-IN Church"
Pull into the Blair Lutheran parking lot at 9:00 am and stay in your cars!
Vicar Paul and Pastor Adam will be leading worship from the sunny south side of the church.
We are planning on emailing the bulletin to everyone. If you have a phone or iPad or similar device, download the bulletin and bring it along. If you know someone who does not have internet access or a device to read it on, please share with them. We will be providing bread for communion as well.
We are doing this to try to minimize the risks of virus transmission so we do ask that you stay in your cars. Feel free to bring your coffee!
The church is nothing more than the assembly of the people of God. If we assemble in our cars in the parking lot we are still God's church. See you Sunday!
(It is our intention to be as proactive as we can be in helping to flatten the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, so please if you are feeling ill or feel you may have been exposed stay at home and join us either on FB Live (if we get that working) or on the podcast which will be posted later that day). We are all in this together.
Vicar Paul and Pastor Adam will be leading worship from the sunny south side of the church.
We are planning on emailing the bulletin to everyone. If you have a phone or iPad or similar device, download the bulletin and bring it along. If you know someone who does not have internet access or a device to read it on, please share with them. We will be providing bread for communion as well.
We are doing this to try to minimize the risks of virus transmission so we do ask that you stay in your cars. Feel free to bring your coffee!
The church is nothing more than the assembly of the people of God. If we assemble in our cars in the parking lot we are still God's church. See you Sunday!
(It is our intention to be as proactive as we can be in helping to flatten the curve of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, so please if you are feeling ill or feel you may have been exposed stay at home and join us either on FB Live (if we get that working) or on the podcast which will be posted later that day). We are all in this together.
Looking for more prayer on Facebook?
Here are some Spiritual Resources on Facebook Live:
Each Day:
At 7:00 am Pastor Anna at French Creek Lutheran will be offering morning prayer.
At 6:00 pm Pastor Alyssa from Mindoro/Lewis Valley Lutheran will also be having a prayer service.
At 6:30 pm Pastor Kary from Living Hope Lutheran in Ettrick will be offering evening prayer.
Wednesday Evenings:
At 6:30 am Pastor Adam will host a time of prayer, scripture and reflection, with a link to a song, Live on the North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Please check with other members of the congregation who may not have internet access. Partner with them to share any or all of these resources by phone.
Stay tuned for upcoming messages about Worship on March 22.
Each Day:
At 7:00 am Pastor Anna at French Creek Lutheran will be offering morning prayer.
At 6:00 pm Pastor Alyssa from Mindoro/Lewis Valley Lutheran will also be having a prayer service.
At 6:30 pm Pastor Kary from Living Hope Lutheran in Ettrick will be offering evening prayer.
Wednesday Evenings:
At 6:30 am Pastor Adam will host a time of prayer, scripture and reflection, with a link to a song, Live on the North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church Facebook page.
Please check with other members of the congregation who may not have internet access. Partner with them to share any or all of these resources by phone.
Stay tuned for upcoming messages about Worship on March 22.
All are welcome
Contact Information: Office: Phone: 608-525-2406 Email: northbeavercreekoffice@gmail.com Pastor Adam Arends: Phone: 608-525-0288 Email: nbclcpastor@gmail.com |
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January 12, 2020 -- Kid's Sermon
Excerpts from the Synod Update
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
We know the truth. In the January 2020 issue of Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on white privilege (reprint of her June 2108 column): “We aren’t free until all of us are free.” Read her column in English or in Spanish.
ELCA Advocacy
Read about Advocacy Policy Notes on top issues: Paris Agreement Withdrawal by the U.S., Global Health Security Act commitment, Support for peace in South Sudan and webinar to increase ELCA creation care.
We know the truth. In the January 2020 issue of Living Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on white privilege (reprint of her June 2108 column): “We aren’t free until all of us are free.” Read her column in English or in Spanish.
ELCA Advocacy
Read about Advocacy Policy Notes on top issues: Paris Agreement Withdrawal by the U.S., Global Health Security Act commitment, Support for peace in South Sudan and webinar to increase ELCA creation care.
The ELCA says "Thank you"
You Are the Light of the World . . through your generosity… a light for the hungry and impoverished, those experiencing crises, for our future leaders and much more!
Women of the ELCA
--Bold Connections - January 2020 - Take advantage of early-bird registration for the 2020 Gathering, making donations to WELCA, Bold Women’s Day on Feb. 23, winter issue of Interchange (WELCA Leadership News) and more!
--WELCA Blog: Seeing in Living Color - Read this insightful article from a woman of color . . . on why being told by friends that they “don’t see her color” doesn’t come across as a compliment.
--How Can We Recognize Abuse? - “My friend told me about the time her boyfriend screamed so loudly at her that she could feel the sound of his voice brush her cheek. She dismissed his anger at the time and blamed herself for upsetting him.”
--WELCA Blog: Seeing in Living Color - Read this insightful article from a woman of color . . . on why being told by friends that they “don’t see her color” doesn’t come across as a compliment.
--How Can We Recognize Abuse? - “My friend told me about the time her boyfriend screamed so loudly at her that she could feel the sound of his voice brush her cheek. She dismissed his anger at the time and blamed herself for upsetting him.”
Lutefisk Dinner -- October 27, 2019
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Pumpkin Ball -- Sunday Afternoon, October 13
September 22, 2019 | Rally Sunday | Kid's Church 2019-2020
| kids_church_registration_form.pdf |
North Beaver Creek Kid's Church (Sunday School) is quickly approaching. We ask parents to fill out the annual registration form to be sure our records stay up to date.
Please bring the completed form to Rally Sunday, September 22nd.
Just click on the link above to download, print and complete the form.
Please bring the completed form to Rally Sunday, September 22nd.
Just click on the link above to download, print and complete the form.
September 8, 2019 -- North Beaver Creek Welcomes Beau Gary Weisenberger
Our congregation was blessed this Sunday to welcome Beau Gary Weisenberger to the Lord's family. Pictured on the left are proud parents, Dwight and Christa Weisenberger, even prouder Grandma Michelle Weisenberger, and sponsors Tim and Amber Radatz. After his baptism, the congregation got a chance to introduce themselves personally. With Pastor Adam at the helm, Beau got his first stroll through church -- to the tune of "Jesus Loves Me."
It was a wonderful Sunday morning at NBC.
It was a wonderful Sunday morning at NBC.
From Bishop Arends
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From Pr. Libby Howe
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One year from now a new pastor will be stepping into office as the bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod. I will be retired. So I keep hearing, “What do you hope to accomplish in your last year?”
I have no measurable goals. I only hope we can spend a year continuing to grow into who we are becoming: A Great Commission Synod with a Great Commandment Heart. We are called to follow Jesus and make disciples by baptizing and teaching. We are called to follow Jesus loving God with all our hearts and minds and strength. We are called to follow Jesus loving our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus leads us in this work continually. I pray we will grow in this faith life. Jesus’ love for our neighbors led us to pay attention at Synod Assembly, to hear the challenge of accompanying immigrants in an unfriendly world. Lutherans have been doing this through Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, which began in the wake of World War II. We are good at it. The 2019 Churchwide Assembly named our church a Sanctuary Denomination, challenging ourselves to find ways to provide welcome and safety to those entering our country seeking a safer life. Our assembly’s Churchwide representative, Mary Campbell, director of the ELCA’s AMMPARO ministry, led us to see the plight and join the fight. We now have congregations taking active measures to reach out. Now we need to do so and to increase in doing so. Jesus has opened the eyes of our church to the tragedy of systemic racism in our country and in our church. The Churchwide Assembly issued an apology to African Descent Lutherans. Our synod’s Anti-Racism Task Force is taking shape and starting to vision. They have challenged us to join the area’s read of “Waking Up White” by Debbie Irving over the next year. Pick up some copies and read and discuss with some friends. We are entering into the year that marks the 50th anniversary of women’s ordination in the ELCA – and the 40th anniversary of the first ordination of a woman of African descent. Half of the pastors on the synod’s active roster are women. This is great. At the same time sexism among a number of our members still persists. I hope we keep growing into the reality that our pastors are all respected pastors with gifts that are appreciated. This is the 10th anniversary of the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ clergy and deacons. As we celebrate the work of the gay pastors in our synod we seek to grow in understanding and inclusion. The Synod Council voted this spring to provide training in the issues and realities of the LGBTQIA+ community. As opportunities are offered in the months to come, please take advantage of them. We continue to support our ministries with prayer, action and giving. I believe more members understand that the efforts of our synod office and the churchwide organization are the efforts of all of us. As this understanding grows, I pray we will find ways to return to funding growth for our work as a church that is active in our contexts and throughout the globe. The list goes on and on. We are growing in love for our neighbors as we grow in love for our God. In this last year of my last term I just pray that we will continue to grow in God’s will. This would be an accomplishment of the whole synod with thanks going to God. Serving with you, Bishop Jim LWR Box Car in La Crosse
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ELCA 2019 Churchwide Assembly
Sharing this piece from the Bishop of the ELCA Virginia Synod, Rev. Bob Humphrey Grace to you and peace... in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Our denomination, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), every three years meets in a Churchwide Assembly. Approximately 950 Voting Members from all 65 Synods gather for amazing worship, rich education and thoughtful, prayerful deliberation on matters affecting the whole church. The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly concluded on August 10th. Here are just a few highlights:
I want to make a few comments that will hopefully clarify this action and respond to concerns. First, this declaration is consistent with the teachings of Holy Scripture in both the Old (Lev.19:34) and New (Heb. 11:13-14 & 13:1-2) Testaments, to cite just a few. It is consistent with the history in our church, long before the ELCA. The Bible and our long tradition clearly articulate that we are to provide support, care and advocacy for the least among us as though caring for Christ. (Mt. 25: 31-46) Offering hospitality and support to the stranger is at the very heart of who we are as God’s people. This is another way of understanding the word, “Sanctuary.” Our ELCA heritage is filled with stories of millions of immigrants, including many of our ancestors, coming to this country. Welcoming the stranger, offering hospitality, advocacy and care is certainly consistent with our Synod Vision to be FAITHFUL + BOLD + SERVING. Let me be clear. There is no call for Civil Disobedience or for actions breaking the law, in any way. If individuals, congregations or others feel called to such actions, they are strongly encouraged to consult an immigration attorney and become well educated about the potential risks and consequences before taking action. In a congregation, this should be a well informed and strongly supported decision. The ELCA’s action is binding only on the Churchwide expression of our church, not Synods, congregations, institutions or agencies. So, this sanctuary declaration will take many forms across our church, including such things as: weekly worship prayers; English as Second Language (ESL) classes; protesting the detention and separation of children from their families; holding respectful conversations and events to learn of the needs and challenges of immigration and how this intersects with our faith. It could also include providing food, clothing and/or shelter to people in need, including immigrants and refugees. (Consult an immigration attorney for more information about pertinent laws and legal risks). Many more ideas for how to live out this Sanctuary declaration in your life and ministry context can be found on the website of our ELCA ministry called, Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities, or (AMMPARO). The ELCA Church Council along with ELCA staff and agencies have been given the responsibility of providing all of us with more information and potential resources. The (La Crosse Area Synod) Office of the Bishop will be glad to respond to your questions and concerns. We will also be lifting you and all our members in prayer along with all those we seek to serve in Jesus name! Peace, Pr. Libby |
Pastor Adam Arends Installed at NBC -- July 28, 2019
Bishop Jim Arends installed Pastor Adam at this Sunday's worship service.
It was a joyous, moving celebration. The Bishop (and proud Dad) also treated the congregation to some "before he was a pastor" stories about how Pastor Adam could persuade others to do whatever needs to be done. It would appear we have some adventures ahead of us!
Welcome Pastor. We look forward to continuing our journey in Christ with you.
It was a joyous, moving celebration. The Bishop (and proud Dad) also treated the congregation to some "before he was a pastor" stories about how Pastor Adam could persuade others to do whatever needs to be done. It would appear we have some adventures ahead of us!
Welcome Pastor. We look forward to continuing our journey in Christ with you.
My faith journey: How I became a Lutheran (from Living Lutheran)
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Perspective: A pastor’s “rules” for worship
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Sunday May 12 -- On this day...
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3.
It was a Sunday of acknowledgment.
We honored our mothers and all caregivers on their special day.
The Sunday School sang for the congregation and in recognition of our seniors. As they sang the chorus of their song …
He’s still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be. He’s still working on me.
…in our hearts each of us said “On me too, little ones. On me too.”
We celebrated our seniors, with high-fives from the Sunday School kids and with prayers for their future, presenting quilts from the Women of the ELCA. We hope that every time they wrap themselves in these coverlets, they’re enveloped in the love and support of NBC.
Our seniors are: Olivia Corcoran, Xavier Cornejo, Zoe Kraemer, David Miller, Abbie Omernick, Sydney Sampson-Webb, Erica Simmons, and Joshua White.
Seniors who applied for scholarships were presented with their certificates: Olivia Corcoran, Xavier Cornejo, Zoe Kraemer and Abbie Omernick.
It was a particularly fine day at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church.
It was a Sunday of acknowledgment.
We honored our mothers and all caregivers on their special day.
The Sunday School sang for the congregation and in recognition of our seniors. As they sang the chorus of their song …
He’s still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be. He’s still working on me.
…in our hearts each of us said “On me too, little ones. On me too.”
We celebrated our seniors, with high-fives from the Sunday School kids and with prayers for their future, presenting quilts from the Women of the ELCA. We hope that every time they wrap themselves in these coverlets, they’re enveloped in the love and support of NBC.
Our seniors are: Olivia Corcoran, Xavier Cornejo, Zoe Kraemer, David Miller, Abbie Omernick, Sydney Sampson-Webb, Erica Simmons, and Joshua White.
Seniors who applied for scholarships were presented with their certificates: Olivia Corcoran, Xavier Cornejo, Zoe Kraemer and Abbie Omernick.
It was a particularly fine day at North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church.
Sunday April 28 -- Blessings and Celebrations
It was a day of blessings. We asked God's blessing on farmers and gardeners, construction workers, firemen and police and all who are involved in providing our food and ensuring our safety.
The women's choir sang and a pastoral candidate preached with his family in attendance. Then the congregation gathered for an ice cream social, with proceeds going to ELCA World Hunger.
A special thanks to Pastor John Ashland for his inspiring Coulee Version of "Earth and all Stars." There were indeed loud singing Lutherans.
The women's choir sang and a pastoral candidate preached with his family in attendance. Then the congregation gathered for an ice cream social, with proceeds going to ELCA World Hunger.
A special thanks to Pastor John Ashland for his inspiring Coulee Version of "Earth and all Stars." There were indeed loud singing Lutherans.
And thank you to Megan Hovre for the pictures of this special occasion.
First Communion...
2nd graders getting ready for their 1st communion. They painted their communion glasses and made bread with Pastor Kathy. They all had a lot of fun.
Thank you to Crystal Sweno for helping Pastor and shepherding the children back and forth.
Thank you to Crystal Sweno for helping Pastor and shepherding the children back and forth.
Questions in Life, April 26, 2019
By Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
The good people at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Living Well Center for Vocation and Purpose invited me to address the school on the topic “Lives Worth Living.” Yikes! This is one of The Questions in life—right up there with “What is the meaning of life?” and “What is true, beautiful and good?” and “Where do socks go after you put them in the dryer?”
For me, this turned out to be a good, if slightly disturbing, time of reflection. Our lives can be consumed with busyness—all the stuff that we do or need to get done to make it through the day, week, year, life. A lot of this is necessary, some not so much. Even those called to public ministry get swept up in the endless round of meetings, reports and events. And some in this world don’t have the luxury of carving out time for contemplation as they struggle to keep their families fed, clothed and safe from harm.
As I write this it is Lent, a time of reflection and examination. I do have the privilege of time and, with the added incentive of a deadline, here are some thoughts.
We are inundated with messages of salvation, or at least better lives, through things. Ads for products as diverse as cars, toothpaste, brokerage firms, weed killers and more are carefully crafted to cast an aspirational vision of the good life. Sometimes this vision of the good life is presented in such a beguiling way that one forgets what product is being advertised. It’s possible to get lost if you go down this road. There will always be a new thing, the promise of a more beautiful you. It’s there—just beyond reach. Jesus warns us about this in the parable of the rich man, who believed he had attained the good life. “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ ” (Luke 12:19-20). So, what’s the point? If materialism doesn’t bring meaning, why not just give up?
In Ecclesiastes we hear: “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9). Nihilism, oddly enough, can provide a frame for meaning. “Who cares?” can quickly become “Don’t care.” Protected from disappointment by withdrawing from this world of care is as tempting as a frenzied life in pursuit of self-made happiness.
I believe there is another way, a different way, of shaping our lives. The cruciform life is the life worth living. The cruciform life delivers us from our constant striving to make our lives have meaning through our own efforts. It saves us from the exhausting pursuit of self-justification and worth, from the loss of our true selves in all of our posturing.
Jesus, crucified and risen for the sake of the world, breaks through all of that. He breaks down all pretense on our part and all claims of salvation that the world offers. God comes to us, cherishes us, bids us to come to God’s life and peace. Augustine, an early Christian theologian, knew this when he wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.”
The cruciform life also breaks through nihilism. Free from the necessity of saving ourselves, and from the numbness of the pointlessness of all that, the cross breaks us open to others, to the world. The rush of feeling back into a self that has cut itself off from circulation is painful. But it is also a sign of life. We can feel, we can touch and be touched by others. The cross sets us free to serve the neighbor. Here is the life worth living that God gives us.
For me, this turned out to be a good, if slightly disturbing, time of reflection. Our lives can be consumed with busyness—all the stuff that we do or need to get done to make it through the day, week, year, life. A lot of this is necessary, some not so much. Even those called to public ministry get swept up in the endless round of meetings, reports and events. And some in this world don’t have the luxury of carving out time for contemplation as they struggle to keep their families fed, clothed and safe from harm.
As I write this it is Lent, a time of reflection and examination. I do have the privilege of time and, with the added incentive of a deadline, here are some thoughts.
We are inundated with messages of salvation, or at least better lives, through things. Ads for products as diverse as cars, toothpaste, brokerage firms, weed killers and more are carefully crafted to cast an aspirational vision of the good life. Sometimes this vision of the good life is presented in such a beguiling way that one forgets what product is being advertised. It’s possible to get lost if you go down this road. There will always be a new thing, the promise of a more beautiful you. It’s there—just beyond reach. Jesus warns us about this in the parable of the rich man, who believed he had attained the good life. “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ ” (Luke 12:19-20). So, what’s the point? If materialism doesn’t bring meaning, why not just give up?
In Ecclesiastes we hear: “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9). Nihilism, oddly enough, can provide a frame for meaning. “Who cares?” can quickly become “Don’t care.” Protected from disappointment by withdrawing from this world of care is as tempting as a frenzied life in pursuit of self-made happiness.
I believe there is another way, a different way, of shaping our lives. The cruciform life is the life worth living. The cruciform life delivers us from our constant striving to make our lives have meaning through our own efforts. It saves us from the exhausting pursuit of self-justification and worth, from the loss of our true selves in all of our posturing.
Jesus, crucified and risen for the sake of the world, breaks through all of that. He breaks down all pretense on our part and all claims of salvation that the world offers. God comes to us, cherishes us, bids us to come to God’s life and peace. Augustine, an early Christian theologian, knew this when he wrote: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.”
The cruciform life also breaks through nihilism. Free from the necessity of saving ourselves, and from the numbness of the pointlessness of all that, the cross breaks us open to others, to the world. The rush of feeling back into a self that has cut itself off from circulation is painful. But it is also a sign of life. We can feel, we can touch and be touched by others. The cross sets us free to serve the neighbor. Here is the life worth living that God gives us.
Reflections
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Walk, Love, Do
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NBC at Work and Play
