About Nate Preisinger

Rev. Nathaniel Preisinger (he/him/his) earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Olaf College and received his Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries at Wartburg Seminary. Pastor Nate previously served as a Mission Developer for Organic Faith, worked at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia as Director of Admissions, and as the pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA. Nate is married to Amanda and they have three children, Evelyn (12), Solomon (10), and Miriam (6). Together they have fun creating and playing board games, watching movies, hiking around Colorado and doing science experiments. Additionally, Nate enjoys listening to music, running on the High Line Canal, going to the library, reading multiple books at the same time, yoga, and basketball.

“Keep the Cursor Moving” by Justin March

Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

The cursor is
flashing. As I stare at the blank screen of my computer, it blinks with the
impatience and intensity of a bored child. It wants me to write. It signals me
to find the words. And until I begin to type, until I get to work, and until I
send a message, it will not stop flashing.

Do you think God’s
cursor begins to flash when we allow the boredom to set in? Do you think it
blinks with impatience when we allow the mundane to keep us stagnant? And do
you think it will continue to flash until we get to work and send His messages?

The cursor is
flashing, and God is asking us to keep things moving. He is asking us to be his
hands and feet in this world. He is asking us to help the poor, care for the
sick, forgive the wrong, and bring Him the lost. And until we have exhausted
every avenue, traveled every road, and scoured every corner for those that are
forsaken, it will not stop flashing.

What will you do this
week to keep the cursor moving?

“Keep the Cursor Moving” by Justin March2020-08-10T14:45:46-06:00

The Evangelical Lutheran Worship book is not just a hymnal but also a beautiful prayer book.  Every Monday for the week’s moving forward, Pastor Nate will be posting an image like the one above with a quote from one of our great church hymns.  You are invited to use these posts as an opening to prayer– connect with God through these poetic expressions of worship and prayer.

2022-02-11T12:51:39-07:00

This week we look at relationships as part of our Seasons of Life sermon series. This week children’s message talks about how Jesus always looks to be in relationship with us.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
2022-02-11T12:51:39-07:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:51:40-07:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:51:41-07:00

“I asked God for Help” by Justin March

Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

I asked God for help.
As the worries blurred my vision, the regrets pulled me under, and the fears
made me tremble, I felt I had no other choice. I was standing on quicksand, and
the weight of a busy work schedule, coronavirus news, economic uncertainty, and
personal strife, made me feel like the sand was up to my neck. As the granules
inched their way up, I knew I was one setback away from being completely
engulfed.

I asked God for help.
You may or may not know this about me, but asking for help is not in my
wheelhouse. I am a Leo. I am the one who takes the reigns, I am the one who
takes charge, and I am the one who will lead the pack. I am OCD. I will make
sure everything is organized, I will cover every detail, and all will be
perfect. And I am type A. I will be boisterous, I will share my opinion, and I
will make sure the situation never becomes stagnant. When everything in my life
is dominated by strong traits like these, asking for help seems like a weakness
I am not allowed to entertain.

I asked God for help.
After opening my Bible and reading some encouraging messages, I closed my eyes
and tried to let everything out. The burdens were heavy, the responsibilities
crushing, and the tasks ahead daunting. I knew I could no longer do this on my
own. I knew I had to call some friends, sit down with my family, and have some
caring conversations. I had to wave the white flag, admit defeat, and let
everything go. Life was no longer in my control, and it was time to ask for
help.

I asked God for help.
I dropped to my knees, and I let it all go. I asked for the strength to
overcome my fears. I asked Him to take my burdens so the panic could subside.
And I asked Him for clarity so I could live out my mission and be a beacon for
others. That was Thursday night. As I collapsed into bed, His peace overcame
me. I slept better than I had in weeks. I woke up Friday morning refreshed. I
felt like I had purpose, and my drive was positive and clear. It was the best I
had felt in several weeks, and God’s grace and understanding had erased
everything else.

I asked God for help.
It is now Sunday morning, and this weekend has been amazing. I have had
incredible conversations with family and friends. I have slowed down and
enjoyed every moment. And I have felt the peace and love that only God can
bring into my life. My situations at work have not changed. Coronavirus numbers
are still increasing. The economy is still shaky. And I still have unresolved
personal issues to take care of. The difference is that I asked for help. I am
no longer looking at the world through MY eyes. I am looking at the world
through HIS. And when I allow Him to take the reigns and show me how beautiful
life can be, that quicksand solidifies and puts me back on solid ground.

I asked God for help.
We are not weak if we cannot do this on our own. We were not made to carry all
the burdens by ourselves. And no matter how strong we think we are, there are
going to be times in our lives when the weight is crushing. Ask God for help.
He will surround you with those that will lift you back up. He will encourage
you to move forward and keep your head high. And He will forgive you, love you,
and give you the peace you need to carry on. We all have a mission to carry out
in this world, but we need to remember to ask for help. And when we do, God
will make your mission clear. He will provide you with everything you need. And
as you pick up His tools, as you follow His instructions, and He illuminates
your path, you become equipped to go out and do His work.

I asked God for help.
This world is hungry for your leadership. This world is thirsty for your
guidance. And if you ask God for help, you will see things differently through
His eyes. Your perspective will change, your mission will become clear, and
your light will shine bright. Others will be drawn as they see you transform.
They will want to know what has changed. And you will have opened the door to
evangelize and let others know how amazing God can be in their lives too. So,
do not try to live this life on your own. Ask God for help. And as the Holy
Spirit enters your body, allow it to engage you in everything God wants you to
experience. Then, and only then, will you become the disciple He needs you to
be in these troubling times!

“I asked God for Help” by Justin March2020-08-05T11:00:55-06:00

Pastor Gary’s full sermon for July 26, 2020.  This sermon is based on readings from Acts 8:24-39 and Luke 2:25-33.

This sermon deals with the theme of Birth and Baptism.  It’s part 1 in a 6 part series on the Seasons of Life.  Listen as Gary discusses the ways that in Birth and Baptism God instills a mission and identity into each of us.  

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
2022-02-11T12:51:53-07:00

“Stay with Me” by Justin March

Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here. 

“Don’t ever let them use you. They will bring you to your knees. I’ll try to lead you for a while. But every time I talk to you your’re too afraid to see. I don’t know if you’re ready. You should see where I have been. I don’t know if you’re ready. And I don’t where to begin. Open your eyes, breathe in life. Open your eyes, breath in, breathe out. Oh I, I can see the light….Stay with me. Away from the darkest of nights…Stay with me.”      – Stay with Me by the heavy metal band In Flames 

The past few weeks,
our sermons have focused on Jesus’ twelve disciples. Broken, but chosen men,
these twelve gave up their lives to follow the person they believed to be the
Messiah. And although their faith was strong, there were still times of fear,
doubt, arrogance, hatred, and betrayal. They gave Jesus many reasons to cast
them aside, but that was not who Jesus was. He understood their imperfections,
He forgave them when they were weak, and He was gracious when they were wrong.
Some days were bad, and some were good, but through it all, Jesus kept
reminding the twelve to “Stay With Me.”

 Don’t you think this
is Jesus’ message for our lives as well? We too are broken and given the
freewill to choose as we please. Sometimes we make the right choices, but
sometimes we make the wrong ones. Sometimes we are full of fear, doubt His
plans, allow pride and arrogance to get in the way, and even hate and betray
one another. It would be easy for Jesus to cast us aside, but He has promised
He will never betray us. He understands our imperfections, He forgives us when
we are weak, and He is gracious when we are wrong. Some days are bad, and some
are good, but Jesus keeps reminding us to “Stay With Me.”

 I know our world is
making it difficult to “Stay With Him.” The spreading virus, the political
upheaval, the racial tension, the media influence, and the breeding of violence
can test our faith. But most of the issues that bring us into the trenches are temporary.
They are just another chapter in the Book of Life. And just when we think we
cannot bear the suffering anymore, the page has turned and another chapter
begins. Some chapters are going to be glorious, full of love and appreciation
for the miracles Jesus brings into our life. But other chapters are going to be
stormy, and we will need to hunker down and brace ourselves for the attack.

 It does not matter
what chapter you are currently living. There have been chapters before, and
there are chapters yet to come. Yes, some will be bad, and some will be good.
But, if you remember to open your eyes, breathe in the life Jesus is providing,
and breathe out the negativity this world wants you to hold in, you will find
blessings in every part. And as you turn each page, embrace every moment, and
experience each episode, just remember that all is good if you listen to Jesus’
three little words…”Stay With Me!”

“Stay with Me” by Justin March2020-08-03T16:12:15-06:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:51:57-07:00

The Evangelical Lutheran Worship book is not just a hymnal but also a beautiful prayer book.  Every Monday for the week’s moving forward, Pastor Nate will be posting an image like the one above with a quote from one of our great church hymns.  You are invited to use these posts as an opening to prayer– connect with God through these poetic expressions of worship and prayer.

2022-02-11T12:51:56-07:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:51:57-07:00

Pastor Nate’s Children’s Message for this week is based on the story “Son of Laughter” from the Jesus Storybook Bible

This is part of our series on The Seasons of Life.  This week we are thinking about Faith and Doubt and so our Children’s Message focuses on the story of Abraham and Sarah and the doubts they had about God’s incredible promises.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
2022-02-11T12:51:58-07:00

“Control” by Pastor Nate

image

My friend told me a story the other day about the worst experience he ever had participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange.  Just like with all Secret Santa gift exchanges, each person in my friends class put their name on a piece of paper and tossed it into a hat.  Then, one by one, they drew names to find out whom they would secretly be buying gifts for.  

Apparently, in order to help people out, all the participants were asked to also write on the piece of paper a few items that they might like to receive, or some of their interests, this way the Secret Santa’s had information to help them in their shopping.

When my friend drew a piece of paper from the hat he was shocked to discover that the only suggestion the individual offered; the only thing written on the piece of paper besides the boy’s name was “gift cards”.  

Now don’t get me wrong– gift cards can be a wonderful present– but something about putting “gift cards” down as the only thing on your Christmas list strikes me as the epitome of needing to be in control.   I do not believe for a second that this persons’s only interest is gift cards– they put down “gift cards” because they wanted to be in control, because they didn’t trust their Secret Santa to actually buy them anything worth while.

We see this longing for control in our lives of faith as well.  We want to prove that God exists.  We want the church to cater to our preferences in music and style of worship.  We want God to be an active presence in our lives… but only when it is convenient for us.  

I think if we are really honest with ourselves we have to admit that, at times, we aren’t really that interested in knowing God or grow closer to God.  Rather, what we really want is to be a god ourselves– we want to be in control.

“The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.“ – John 1:43

Here is the hard truth: living a life of Christian faith ultimately means relinquishing our need for control.  Jesus calls us to leave our normal lives behind and discover a new way of life in him.  When we try and control everything, when we try and play the role that only God can fill, we will always fail.  

But when we let go of our need for that all-encompassing control and we simply follow Jesus and let God be God that’s when we discover peace and hope and life abundant.    

May we be released from our need for control and learn to follow Jesus into a new way of life.  Amen.

“Control” by Pastor Nate2020-07-31T11:00:42-06:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:52:00-07:00

Pastor Gary’s full sermon from July 19, 2020 based on Ecclesiastes 3.  

In this message, Gary talks about the way our life moves through different seasons; seasons that can last for a short time or stretch on for longer than we like.  Gary invites us to consider the current season we are living in and how we can use this time for the good of future generations and serving the mission of God today. 

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
2022-02-11T12:52:01-07:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:52:02-07:00

“The Unworthy Disciple” by Justin March

Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

Am I worthy? Have I
put in the efforts needed to be deserving of the position I have at work? Have
I loved my children and taught them what it means to be a good Father? Have I
shown my spouse the respect needed to make this a lifelong companionship? Have I
been a good brother? Have I been a good uncle? Have I been a good son? Have I
been a good friend? So many “Have I” questions and if I am honest with myself,
the answers are not always clear.

 So, if I am unsure of
the answers to the questions above, what makes me think I am worthy to be a
disciple for Christ? What makes me think I can be His hands and feet in this
broken world, when I have no idea if I am doing enough in my own life? These
are questions I ask myself more often than I would like to admit, but when I am
feeling unworthy, all l need to do is take a quick look at the 12 disciples
Jesus chose when He spent His time on Earth.

 Jesus’ “chosen” 12
were not the educated, noble, or kings of the lands. They were ordinary people,
flawed in character, with many questions just like the ones above. There was
arrogance, doubt, denial, fear, and betrayal among them. They were a group of
sinners who were not “worthy” when being chosen by Jesus. Yet, these are the
men Jesus chose to walk with Him during His short time on Earth. The men He
trusted to spread His word. And the men He used to bring others closer to God
despite the flaws and failings each one of them exhibited.

 Am I worthy? A fair
question to ponder, but not one Jesus asks. He understands we are not perfect,
and He knows we have flaws, yet He asks us to be His disciples anyway. He asks
us to go out in this broken world and spread the good news. He asks us to love
each other, take care of one another, and reach out to those that are hurting and
lost. Even when we are unsure of the answers to the questions above, even when
we feel unworthy, and even when we do not think we can be His hands and feet in
this world, Jesus tells us we can! He knows we can, and he empowers us with His
Holy Spirit to be the disciples He needs us to be!

 Am I worthy? The
answer is yes! We just need to pray, spend time in His word, and be ourselves.
We need to take His hand, listen to what He has to offer, and be bold in these
trying times. He will give us the armor needed, He will shine His light through
us, and He will protect us as we go out and do His work. Have faith, show
grace, and love like your life depends on it. Jesus has chosen us and nothing
makes us more worthy than when we do His work and bring others to find their
paths that lead to Him!

“The Unworthy Disciple” by Justin March2020-07-27T17:38:07-06:00

The Evangelical Lutheran Worship book is not just a hymnal but also a beautiful prayer book.  Every Monday for the week’s moving forward, Pastor Nate will be posting an image like the one above with a quote from one of our great church hymns.  You are invited to use these posts as an opening to prayer– connect with God through these poetic expressions of worship and prayer.

2022-02-11T12:52:04-07:00

Affirmations have been proven to provide great emotional and psychological benefit. The Bible is filled with hundreds of powerful passages that can be read as God’s affirmation of you. Take a quiet moment to read the above passage several times. Imagine God sitting with you and speaking the words directly to you. Let this affirmation rest in your heart and mind today. Return to these words from God again and again throughout your week.

2022-02-11T12:52:05-07:00

Our summer series on “seasons” now shifts to look at seasons of life. We begin at the beginning, with Birth and Baptism.  The children’s sermon also begins at the beginning with the story of God creating the world.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
2022-02-11T12:52:05-07:00
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