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Pastor Adam Arends has served NBC Lutheran since July 2019.
Pastor Adam grew up in small towns in Minnesota, and has also lived in Washington, DC, Minneapolis, and Buffalo, NY. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading, riding his bike and singing. He is a graduate of Wartburg College and United Lutheran Seminary. In his vocation as pastor he has focused on preaching, teaching, and pastoral care visits. |
Pastor's Page - July, 2022
But [Elijah] himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” He got up and ate and drank; ~ 1 Kings 19:4-8
I love the story above. It’s about the work of the prophet Elijah. He’s been out telling people the truth about God, and telling the rulers that they need to turn around and listen to God and care for God’s people. The rulers don’t listen and chase Elijah down to kill him.
Elijah is tired. He’s just exhausted. So he says, “God, I’m giving up. This isn’t working. I’m just going to stay here under this tree.”
A messenger of the Lord comes to Elijah and says, basically, “Take a nap, have a few snacks, and you’ll feel better.” And it works!
This summer, if you find yourself exhausted from doing the work of caring for your neighbor and the world, if you’re exhausted and want a break, know this: a holy, Biblical response to being overwhelmed is to take a nap, and have a good snack!
This summer, in the middle of lots of plans and activities, I pray that you will take time to refresh, recharge, and recreate, so that you are able to take up that challenging call of God to love our neighbors.
Let’s pray:
Holy God, we give you thanks for refreshing holy naps, and the food and water that refreshes our bodies for your service. Be with us in our work and in our play, and in our rest.
Amen
In God’s Amazing Grace,
Pastor Adam
I love the story above. It’s about the work of the prophet Elijah. He’s been out telling people the truth about God, and telling the rulers that they need to turn around and listen to God and care for God’s people. The rulers don’t listen and chase Elijah down to kill him.
Elijah is tired. He’s just exhausted. So he says, “God, I’m giving up. This isn’t working. I’m just going to stay here under this tree.”
A messenger of the Lord comes to Elijah and says, basically, “Take a nap, have a few snacks, and you’ll feel better.” And it works!
This summer, if you find yourself exhausted from doing the work of caring for your neighbor and the world, if you’re exhausted and want a break, know this: a holy, Biblical response to being overwhelmed is to take a nap, and have a good snack!
This summer, in the middle of lots of plans and activities, I pray that you will take time to refresh, recharge, and recreate, so that you are able to take up that challenging call of God to love our neighbors.
Let’s pray:
Holy God, we give you thanks for refreshing holy naps, and the food and water that refreshes our bodies for your service. Be with us in our work and in our play, and in our rest.
Amen
In God’s Amazing Grace,
Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page - June, 2022
This is my father's world
He shines in all that's fair
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass
He speaks to me everywhere.
~ Beloved Hymn
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us. ~ 1 John 4:12
Do Geese See God?
My family loves palindromes: words or phrases that are the same when read forwards or backwards. One of my personal favorites, which my son recently discovered in his class is, “Do geese see God?” It’s a silly sentence, but also, so theological.
Now I can’t tell you definitively whether geese see God or not, but I can tell you that I can see God. And so can you.
This summer I hope that we continue to look for the risen Christ who is active in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
The first few times that we discussed in worship where we have seen God, many of you mentioned seeing God in nature: in the sunrise, or sunset; in the flowers blooming; in the trees turning green; in the animals that accompany us.
In the natural world we do see the imprint of God. The psalms tell us that creation gives praise to God! I’m reminded of that line from that old beloved hymn, “In the rustling grass, I hear him pass / God speaks to me everywhere.”
Some of the moments where I have known God’s presence most clearly have been in the woods, or outside.
Yet I know God not just because of the natural world, but also through God’s people.
I have known God’s presence when I sing silly songs with 3 year-olds eager to dance and sing. I have seen God’s face in the faces of families sharing a meal together. God sat down with me to eat along with women experiencing homelessness, as well as at catered parties dedicated to raising funds for non-profit service. God is present in the hands that place Cheerios and Lucky Charms in the donation box for the food pantry. And God has held my hand along with the hand of someone ill at the hospital bedside.
Because no one has seen the face of God, we experience the divine Spirit when compassion and love connect us.
In this season of Pentecost, we recognize that through the risen Christ, the Spirit is on the loose throughout the world, acting, moving, changing us through relationship with one another and connection to God.
Will you see geese that see God?
I’m not sure, but I know we can!
May we recognize when God makes God’s presence known in nature, and in the faces of those we meet.
Pastor Adam
He shines in all that's fair
In the rustling grass, I hear him pass
He speaks to me everywhere.
~ Beloved Hymn
No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us, and his love is perfected in us. ~ 1 John 4:12
Do Geese See God?
My family loves palindromes: words or phrases that are the same when read forwards or backwards. One of my personal favorites, which my son recently discovered in his class is, “Do geese see God?” It’s a silly sentence, but also, so theological.
Now I can’t tell you definitively whether geese see God or not, but I can tell you that I can see God. And so can you.
This summer I hope that we continue to look for the risen Christ who is active in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
The first few times that we discussed in worship where we have seen God, many of you mentioned seeing God in nature: in the sunrise, or sunset; in the flowers blooming; in the trees turning green; in the animals that accompany us.
In the natural world we do see the imprint of God. The psalms tell us that creation gives praise to God! I’m reminded of that line from that old beloved hymn, “In the rustling grass, I hear him pass / God speaks to me everywhere.”
Some of the moments where I have known God’s presence most clearly have been in the woods, or outside.
Yet I know God not just because of the natural world, but also through God’s people.
I have known God’s presence when I sing silly songs with 3 year-olds eager to dance and sing. I have seen God’s face in the faces of families sharing a meal together. God sat down with me to eat along with women experiencing homelessness, as well as at catered parties dedicated to raising funds for non-profit service. God is present in the hands that place Cheerios and Lucky Charms in the donation box for the food pantry. And God has held my hand along with the hand of someone ill at the hospital bedside.
Because no one has seen the face of God, we experience the divine Spirit when compassion and love connect us.
In this season of Pentecost, we recognize that through the risen Christ, the Spirit is on the loose throughout the world, acting, moving, changing us through relationship with one another and connection to God.
Will you see geese that see God?
I’m not sure, but I know we can!
May we recognize when God makes God’s presence known in nature, and in the faces of those we meet.
Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- January 2022
Faith First in the Light
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
The unfolding of your words gives light…
~Psalm 119:105, 130a
When I was a summer camp counselor at Good Earth Village in Minnesota, we would have campers from Sunday afternoon until Friday morning. Friday evenings we could leave camp if we wanted or stay and relax. One of the favorite places at camp was an overlook on a bluff that was gorgeous during the day. I had heard that it was a great place to sit and reflect at night, especially when the moon was shining.
A Friday with a full moon arrived and it was so bright that I decided to see it from the overlook and reflect on a tough week, taking time to pray alone. It also seemed so bright that I decided, in my youthful confidence, that I did not need a flashlight. I was looking forward to having a reflective time alone.
As I entered the path that led down to the overlook, I realized that under the trees, it was much darker than I had anticipated. Yet, my youthful optimism persisted and I knew the path pretty well, so I found my way in the dark to the overlook. As I sat down on a rock next to a tree, ready to gaze upon the moon and reflect, I heard low growl. I froze. Maybe it will go away?
There was another growl, longer this time. Slowly, heart beating quickly, I stood up, and backed away up the path, step by step.
After that, if I ventured out at night, I brought a flashlight with me, just in case!
We often think we can go through life on our own: that we don’t need any guidance, that we don’t need any help. Without a bit of guidance, without some extra light when we can’t see the dangers around us, we can find ourselves in situations that are frightening. We can find ourselves unprepared for what is around us.
Scripture can be our help and guide, and help us to see more clearly.
In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate that the Magi from the East saw a new star, a new light in the sky, and it changed their lives, and lit up their path. We read about Jesus, as a child teaching from scripture in the temple, giving new light, new understanding to ancient texts, we read about John the baptizer realizing that the scripture points to Jesus, the Christ, we read about Jesus himself teaching that he is in fact the light that has come into the world, to be a light unto our path.
If you are feeling lost this season, if you hear scary sounds around you, I pray that Christ, through the Word of scripture, lights your path.
In God’s Grace and Peace,
Pastor Adam
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
The unfolding of your words gives light…
~Psalm 119:105, 130a
When I was a summer camp counselor at Good Earth Village in Minnesota, we would have campers from Sunday afternoon until Friday morning. Friday evenings we could leave camp if we wanted or stay and relax. One of the favorite places at camp was an overlook on a bluff that was gorgeous during the day. I had heard that it was a great place to sit and reflect at night, especially when the moon was shining.
A Friday with a full moon arrived and it was so bright that I decided to see it from the overlook and reflect on a tough week, taking time to pray alone. It also seemed so bright that I decided, in my youthful confidence, that I did not need a flashlight. I was looking forward to having a reflective time alone.
As I entered the path that led down to the overlook, I realized that under the trees, it was much darker than I had anticipated. Yet, my youthful optimism persisted and I knew the path pretty well, so I found my way in the dark to the overlook. As I sat down on a rock next to a tree, ready to gaze upon the moon and reflect, I heard low growl. I froze. Maybe it will go away?
There was another growl, longer this time. Slowly, heart beating quickly, I stood up, and backed away up the path, step by step.
After that, if I ventured out at night, I brought a flashlight with me, just in case!
We often think we can go through life on our own: that we don’t need any guidance, that we don’t need any help. Without a bit of guidance, without some extra light when we can’t see the dangers around us, we can find ourselves in situations that are frightening. We can find ourselves unprepared for what is around us.
Scripture can be our help and guide, and help us to see more clearly.
In this season of Epiphany, we celebrate that the Magi from the East saw a new star, a new light in the sky, and it changed their lives, and lit up their path. We read about Jesus, as a child teaching from scripture in the temple, giving new light, new understanding to ancient texts, we read about John the baptizer realizing that the scripture points to Jesus, the Christ, we read about Jesus himself teaching that he is in fact the light that has come into the world, to be a light unto our path.
If you are feeling lost this season, if you hear scary sounds around you, I pray that Christ, through the Word of scripture, lights your path.
In God’s Grace and Peace,
Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- December 2021
Faith First in Preparation
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
Those big red tubs in the basement are ready to be brought up to make their annual appearance. The books are about to be boxed up to make room for the ceramic winter town that will replace them on the shelf. The tangle of Christmas lights is ready to be untangled and hung in windows and around posts and the outlines of the house. The oven waits patiently for the sweet warm smells of cinnamon and ginger which will fill the house as the cookies bake. The nativity scenes will be set out prominently on the buffet, reminding us what this time is all about.
It's time to get ready for Christmas!
As we get our houses decorated, and our rooms ready for visitors, and our stockings hung up for presents, we also begin to think about giving gifts to those we love. Giving a good and thoughtful gift can be especially meaningful to the one we give it to. But to give a really good gift, it takes time. It takes listening well to the person we want to give the gift to; it means thinking of time we’ve spent together; it means paying attention to the things this other person loves to do, and hopes for.
Giving a gift can take time and effort, just to decide what to get.
As Christians, we are , of course, waiting and preparing for Christmas that time that we remember God came into the world as one of us. God gave to us the gift of Jesus, the Christ who showed us what compassion means.
It might be easy to think that all our preparations for Christmas are a gift to God, and that’s what’s important about Advent and Christmas. Certainly giving God thanks and praise is part of a life of faith.
Yet it is important to remember at Christmas who is the giver and who is receiving.
God knew humanity so well, God knew and knows our hearts: the wonderful loving parts of us and the not so caring parts of us. Two thousand years ago God knew the gift that we needed, and still need today. The gift of Jesus was and is and will continue to be the gift that humans need. We will continue to need the grace, joy, peace, and compassion promised in Jesus the Christ.
As you make preparations for Christmas this year, and as you plan to give gifts, remember too that God has a gift for you, and asks that we open our hearts and our lives to be lived in that gift that is the Christ.
May we live in Christ’s Grace,
Pastor Adam
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” ~Isaiah 9:6
Those big red tubs in the basement are ready to be brought up to make their annual appearance. The books are about to be boxed up to make room for the ceramic winter town that will replace them on the shelf. The tangle of Christmas lights is ready to be untangled and hung in windows and around posts and the outlines of the house. The oven waits patiently for the sweet warm smells of cinnamon and ginger which will fill the house as the cookies bake. The nativity scenes will be set out prominently on the buffet, reminding us what this time is all about.
It's time to get ready for Christmas!
As we get our houses decorated, and our rooms ready for visitors, and our stockings hung up for presents, we also begin to think about giving gifts to those we love. Giving a good and thoughtful gift can be especially meaningful to the one we give it to. But to give a really good gift, it takes time. It takes listening well to the person we want to give the gift to; it means thinking of time we’ve spent together; it means paying attention to the things this other person loves to do, and hopes for.
Giving a gift can take time and effort, just to decide what to get.
As Christians, we are , of course, waiting and preparing for Christmas that time that we remember God came into the world as one of us. God gave to us the gift of Jesus, the Christ who showed us what compassion means.
It might be easy to think that all our preparations for Christmas are a gift to God, and that’s what’s important about Advent and Christmas. Certainly giving God thanks and praise is part of a life of faith.
Yet it is important to remember at Christmas who is the giver and who is receiving.
God knew humanity so well, God knew and knows our hearts: the wonderful loving parts of us and the not so caring parts of us. Two thousand years ago God knew the gift that we needed, and still need today. The gift of Jesus was and is and will continue to be the gift that humans need. We will continue to need the grace, joy, peace, and compassion promised in Jesus the Christ.
As you make preparations for Christmas this year, and as you plan to give gifts, remember too that God has a gift for you, and asks that we open our hearts and our lives to be lived in that gift that is the Christ.
May we live in Christ’s Grace,
Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- November 2021
Faith First in Gratitude
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
- Psalm 107:1
November comes around every year, and I bet you’re thinking, uh oh. Here comes another newsletter article about giving thanks…
And you’re right! But can you blame me when North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church has so much to be thankful for?!
Here are just some of the things I want to give thanks to God for at NBC:
These are just a few of the reasons that I am thankful for North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. I trust that you have reasons to be thankful for our congregation as well.
Part of giving thanks to God is participating in our stewardship campaign. On November 7th we ask you to come to worship at 10 AM ready to make a statement of intent as to what you expect you can give this year. We ask you to give thinking of how you are thankful to God for the ministry of NBC and how it has impacted your life.
While stewardship is important, it is certainly not the only way to show God our thanks. I hope you take this month to thank God for what you enjoy. Maybe take some time each day to say, “God, today I thank you for _______.” And I pray that you share some of your thanks around a Thanksgiving meal, or with your family at North Beaver Creek.
In Gratitude,
Pastor Adam
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever.
- Psalm 107:1
November comes around every year, and I bet you’re thinking, uh oh. Here comes another newsletter article about giving thanks…
And you’re right! But can you blame me when North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church has so much to be thankful for?!
Here are just some of the things I want to give thanks to God for at NBC:
- We continue to have a Sunday School full of kids learning about God’s love. Each week we have about 30 kids who gather together to sing, play, craft and hear God’s word.
- This past month 7 young people confirmed their faith in Christ, and 15 seventh and eighth graders come each week to our current Confirmation class. They’re learning what it means to say that they are Lutheran Christians.
- We sold over 800 tickets to our Lutefisk dinner, even though it was drive-in only! What a community celebration as our members gathered once again to prepare food, and serve it, all the while sharing stories together about our community and making sure that those who are hurting or in need are prayed for, or even delivering a meal to them!
- This community continues to pray for those people who are ill, and in need of help. I pray that you will continue to share with one another and the church office when someone is in need of prayer. One of the great honors of my job is to visit with those who are ill or who are at home. I am so thankful for the hospitality I receive when I visit your homes.
- This community of faith would not let a pandemic stop you from continuing to pray for one another, worship our God in Christ, and be God’s hands and feet in the world. You inspire me!
These are just a few of the reasons that I am thankful for North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church. I trust that you have reasons to be thankful for our congregation as well.
Part of giving thanks to God is participating in our stewardship campaign. On November 7th we ask you to come to worship at 10 AM ready to make a statement of intent as to what you expect you can give this year. We ask you to give thinking of how you are thankful to God for the ministry of NBC and how it has impacted your life.
While stewardship is important, it is certainly not the only way to show God our thanks. I hope you take this month to thank God for what you enjoy. Maybe take some time each day to say, “God, today I thank you for _______.” And I pray that you share some of your thanks around a Thanksgiving meal, or with your family at North Beaver Creek.
In Gratitude,
Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- October 2021
Faith First in Word and Deed
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
There is an old quote that is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Whether or not Francis ever said this, this phrase reminds us that as Christians, it is our call to proclaim God’s grace and mercy through Jesus the Christ at all times. The most powerful witness is not always that we say what we believe, but often it is more impactful on others when we act out that grace and mercy in our daily lives. “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
This month is full of opportunities and reminders of how we can live out that gift of grace. On October 3rd, seven young people will affirm their baptism, they’ll say, “Yes!” to the promises made by their parents and sponsors, and to God’s “Yes.” This Confirmation is the beginning of their adult life in faith, and it is a reminder to us. It reminds us that we, too, have made a promise to live our lives as if we are preaching the Gospel of love and mercy and compassion at all times, even if we don’t say it out loud.
We are called to support the young people confirming their baptism in prayer and in deed. We are also called to remember our baptismal promises and to live them out:
- to live among God’s faithful people,
- to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
- to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
- to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
- and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
We do this with and through God who helps and guides us.
This month I pray that we renew ourselves to these promises, just as our confirmands will.
As we cook meatballs together, and order Lutefisk to take out, and we wave to our friends and neighbors who prepare this traditional food, we are living among God’s faithful people and serving one another by raising funds for those in need.
As we gather together to worship each week, we are renewed by the words of grace from God.
As we begin a stewardship program this month, we are challenged to “build a culture of generosity,” where we trust in our God of abundance, placing our treasure where our heart is – into the ministry of this community, giving of ourselves as Christ gave for us.
May we remember our baptism.
In peace and grace,
~ Pastor Adam
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16
There is an old quote that is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” Whether or not Francis ever said this, this phrase reminds us that as Christians, it is our call to proclaim God’s grace and mercy through Jesus the Christ at all times. The most powerful witness is not always that we say what we believe, but often it is more impactful on others when we act out that grace and mercy in our daily lives. “They will know we are Christians by our love.”
This month is full of opportunities and reminders of how we can live out that gift of grace. On October 3rd, seven young people will affirm their baptism, they’ll say, “Yes!” to the promises made by their parents and sponsors, and to God’s “Yes.” This Confirmation is the beginning of their adult life in faith, and it is a reminder to us. It reminds us that we, too, have made a promise to live our lives as if we are preaching the Gospel of love and mercy and compassion at all times, even if we don’t say it out loud.
We are called to support the young people confirming their baptism in prayer and in deed. We are also called to remember our baptismal promises and to live them out:
- to live among God’s faithful people,
- to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper,
- to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed,
- to serve all people, following the example of Jesus,
- and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
We do this with and through God who helps and guides us.
This month I pray that we renew ourselves to these promises, just as our confirmands will.
As we cook meatballs together, and order Lutefisk to take out, and we wave to our friends and neighbors who prepare this traditional food, we are living among God’s faithful people and serving one another by raising funds for those in need.
As we gather together to worship each week, we are renewed by the words of grace from God.
As we begin a stewardship program this month, we are challenged to “build a culture of generosity,” where we trust in our God of abundance, placing our treasure where our heart is – into the ministry of this community, giving of ourselves as Christ gave for us.
May we remember our baptism.
In peace and grace,
~ Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- September 2021
Faith First in Bearing Fruit
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.”
~ John 15:1, 4 (The Message)
Welcome back!
This September we have some events and programs planned that will highlight how we bear good fruit when we are rooted in the good soil that is our God in Christ.
First we celebrate Rally Sunday on September 12. This is the kick-off of our Sunday School program for the year, and it is also a time to celebrate our plans for ministry this year. YOU are a part of those plans, and you are invited to celebrate with the children of the congregation on Rally Day. Here’s what’s planned:
8:45 – Sunday School begins at the white building
10:00 – Worship at the brick building where we’ll hear from our children
11:00 – Lunch and Ice Cream on the lawn! Stay after worship to have a bite to eat, served by our council.
The return to Sunday School reminds us that to bear good fruit in the world we return to the word of God. We remember that we always have more to learn. When we learn, like the kids in Sunday School, of Christ’s love for us, we are empowered to share that love with our neighbors.
Bearing fruit depends on looking toward the future. Bearing fruit means tending to what we have so that we may give and share of the abundance that God provides.
This fall North Beaver Creek is continuing to look toward the future of bearing witness to God’s abundance by being a part of a program called “Building a Culture of Generosity.”
This stewardship program will allow our congregation to tell the amazing stories about how lives are changed through God’s presence at NBC, and will encourage us all to contribute financially to our congregation so that God’s ministry may continue to change lives in our community.
God has changed many of our lives through the love and support we receive at NBC. God will change the lives of the children of NBC as they continue to learn about God’s word and God’s love for the world in Sunday School and Confirmation class (starting Wednesday, Sept. 15).
Take some time this month to think about how you have experienced God’s presence, love, and abundance through the ministry of North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church and consider how you contribute to the continued ministry of God’s mission to join with us through Christ to bear good fruit for the sake of the world.
In Christ’s Peace,
+Pastor Adam
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.”
~ John 15:1, 4 (The Message)
Welcome back!
This September we have some events and programs planned that will highlight how we bear good fruit when we are rooted in the good soil that is our God in Christ.
First we celebrate Rally Sunday on September 12. This is the kick-off of our Sunday School program for the year, and it is also a time to celebrate our plans for ministry this year. YOU are a part of those plans, and you are invited to celebrate with the children of the congregation on Rally Day. Here’s what’s planned:
8:45 – Sunday School begins at the white building
10:00 – Worship at the brick building where we’ll hear from our children
11:00 – Lunch and Ice Cream on the lawn! Stay after worship to have a bite to eat, served by our council.
The return to Sunday School reminds us that to bear good fruit in the world we return to the word of God. We remember that we always have more to learn. When we learn, like the kids in Sunday School, of Christ’s love for us, we are empowered to share that love with our neighbors.
Bearing fruit depends on looking toward the future. Bearing fruit means tending to what we have so that we may give and share of the abundance that God provides.
This fall North Beaver Creek is continuing to look toward the future of bearing witness to God’s abundance by being a part of a program called “Building a Culture of Generosity.”
This stewardship program will allow our congregation to tell the amazing stories about how lives are changed through God’s presence at NBC, and will encourage us all to contribute financially to our congregation so that God’s ministry may continue to change lives in our community.
God has changed many of our lives through the love and support we receive at NBC. God will change the lives of the children of NBC as they continue to learn about God’s word and God’s love for the world in Sunday School and Confirmation class (starting Wednesday, Sept. 15).
Take some time this month to think about how you have experienced God’s presence, love, and abundance through the ministry of North Beaver Creek Lutheran Church and consider how you contribute to the continued ministry of God’s mission to join with us through Christ to bear good fruit for the sake of the world.
In Christ’s Peace,
+Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- August 2021
Faith First in Sabbath
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. ~ Exodus 20:8-11
Then [Elijah] lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. ~ 1 Kings 19:5-6
Immediately [after the feeding of the 5000,] he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray [,alone]. ~ Mark 6:45-46
What do you have planned for this August?
Every year about May, I get excited about having free time in the summer. Then we start to plan out all the visits we will make, realize that we still have to work, and that the kids are home from school. The summer fills up really quickly!
We all have work that needs to be done, even in the summer. There are people to see, projects to get done, trips to take, sports to play, and ministry to do for God and one another. Even in the summer we can feel like all we do is rush and rush until life’s no fun (to quote an Alabama song).
What does scripture tell us about working and resting? Well, surprisingly a lot! It’s easy to focus on the important ministry that we have to do as we model our lives of faith on the love and compassion we see in leaders like Moses, and Elijah and Jesus the Christ. Yet even as they all worked to show the people of their times what God’s love was all about, they all took time to rest.
In the ten commandments God gave to Moses, God reminds the people to take a break once each week and focus on their relationship with God.
After a particularly rough few days as a prophet, Elijah takes a well-deserved nap, and God’s messenger reminds him to make sure he gets a snack for the work ahead.
And Jesus, after performing miraculous signs, goes off into the mountains and prays alone.
This August, take time for Sabbath, and if you start to feel guilty about what you aren’t getting done, remember that you are in great company when you take a break!
+ Pastor Adam
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. ~ Exodus 20:8-11
Then [Elijah] lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. ~ 1 Kings 19:5-6
Immediately [after the feeding of the 5000,] he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray [,alone]. ~ Mark 6:45-46
What do you have planned for this August?
Every year about May, I get excited about having free time in the summer. Then we start to plan out all the visits we will make, realize that we still have to work, and that the kids are home from school. The summer fills up really quickly!
We all have work that needs to be done, even in the summer. There are people to see, projects to get done, trips to take, sports to play, and ministry to do for God and one another. Even in the summer we can feel like all we do is rush and rush until life’s no fun (to quote an Alabama song).
What does scripture tell us about working and resting? Well, surprisingly a lot! It’s easy to focus on the important ministry that we have to do as we model our lives of faith on the love and compassion we see in leaders like Moses, and Elijah and Jesus the Christ. Yet even as they all worked to show the people of their times what God’s love was all about, they all took time to rest.
In the ten commandments God gave to Moses, God reminds the people to take a break once each week and focus on their relationship with God.
After a particularly rough few days as a prophet, Elijah takes a well-deserved nap, and God’s messenger reminds him to make sure he gets a snack for the work ahead.
And Jesus, after performing miraculous signs, goes off into the mountains and prays alone.
This August, take time for Sabbath, and if you start to feel guilty about what you aren’t getting done, remember that you are in great company when you take a break!
+ Pastor Adam
Pastor's Page -- July 2021
Faith First in Using Our Gifts
There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
I love the summer. It’s a time to schedule vacations, a time to get outside, and for me a time to remind myself of what I love to do.
I’ve been reminded lately that I love to act and perform in plays. In high school and in college I participated in plays and found I really enjoyed it. I haven’t been in a play for a long time, but this summer I will be in a musical in Spring Grove, MN, where I went to high school. I’m excited to be reminded that one of my gifts is to be able to sing, and perform and even dance (a very little).
What do you love to do? How can you use your gifts for others?
I know some of you who use your gifts of hospitality to cook for others when they need an extra meal. I know some of you have the gift of listening and are there when others need to talk. I know some of you are encouragers who get people to recognize their own gifts and work to achieve them. I know some of you are social organizers, bring people together in community to be with one another through events and organizations. Some of you are great with numbers and finances.
As you go through this summer, take some time to take note of what you’re good at. And share it with others!
The Apostle Paul recognizes the gifts that God has given to the Corinthians he writes to in his letter. He sees that the gifts of each person have been given to them by the Holy Spirit and the Spirit works with and through them to help the common good.
How can you use your gifts to help the common good?
When you’ve identified your gift, I hope that you will share your gift with the church.
Here are some needs we have coming up:
I hope you’ll consider sharing your gifts in one of these ways, or others! Contact me or the church office and let’s use our gifts together in faith!
+ Pastor Adam
There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
I love the summer. It’s a time to schedule vacations, a time to get outside, and for me a time to remind myself of what I love to do.
I’ve been reminded lately that I love to act and perform in plays. In high school and in college I participated in plays and found I really enjoyed it. I haven’t been in a play for a long time, but this summer I will be in a musical in Spring Grove, MN, where I went to high school. I’m excited to be reminded that one of my gifts is to be able to sing, and perform and even dance (a very little).
What do you love to do? How can you use your gifts for others?
I know some of you who use your gifts of hospitality to cook for others when they need an extra meal. I know some of you have the gift of listening and are there when others need to talk. I know some of you are encouragers who get people to recognize their own gifts and work to achieve them. I know some of you are social organizers, bring people together in community to be with one another through events and organizations. Some of you are great with numbers and finances.
As you go through this summer, take some time to take note of what you’re good at. And share it with others!
The Apostle Paul recognizes the gifts that God has given to the Corinthians he writes to in his letter. He sees that the gifts of each person have been given to them by the Holy Spirit and the Spirit works with and through them to help the common good.
How can you use your gifts to help the common good?
When you’ve identified your gift, I hope that you will share your gift with the church.
Here are some needs we have coming up:
- Sponsoring and preparing a meal for one day of Vacation Bible School: (August 2-6).
- Being a teacher for VBS or Sunday School in the Fall.
- Reading at worship.
- Singing or playing an instrument in worship.
- Being on our Stewardship Team.
- Or another way the Spirit is calling you!
I hope you’ll consider sharing your gifts in one of these ways, or others! Contact me or the church office and let’s use our gifts together in faith!
+ Pastor Adam
