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So far Colleen Maki has created 114 blog entries.

November Diabetes Awareness Month

November 1, 2023

November is Diabetes Awareness month, and the focus this year is on preventing diabetes health problems. Heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, vision loss and neuropathy are among the most common potential long-term consequences of diabetes. The good news is that it is believed that the better blood sugar is controlled for people with diabetes the lower the risk of these complications.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is thought to be an auto-immune disease where your body attacks the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. All people with type 1 diabetes take insulin to control blood sugar. There isn’t a way to prevent this type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes typically involves inadequate amounts of insulin and a poor response by the cells to insulin. Treatment for type 2 may involve dietary changes & lifestyle changes to control blood sugar, oral medication, insulin or a combination of approaches. Lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2 or halt progression of the disease.

Diabetes is a chronic disease. Being diagnosed with a chronic disease can be physically and emotionally challenging. As with many diagnoses, it can feel as though your body is out of control. And although we may not be able to control the diagnosis, we can control our response to it. It’s important to be involved in a plan and follow treatment and lifestyle changes in addition to seeking help when feeling overwhelmed. Maintaining hope can be a powerful factor when facing any chronic disease and reminds me of a few favorite bible verses in Romans. “And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.

Peace,
Janet, Director of Pastoral Care

November Diabetes Awareness Month2023-11-08T12:47:36-07:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 18: Promises for the Future

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 18: Promises for the Future
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 28, 2023

The Church has grown and changed and split and united many times over the years.  While the church is guided by the Holy Spirit, it is also lead by flawed human beings and so there is much that happens in churches that isn’t in line with God’s hope for the world.  But still, Christians continue to try and live in the best ways they know how.

Since the very beginning, God was looking for a way to be present on earth, so that all the world would know God and show God’s love to one another.  The Israelites – God’s chosen people – had moments of faithfulness and moments of forgetfulness.  In the same way, Christians today have moments where they make God’s love known in the world, but also moments where their actions fail to express God’s message of love, hope, and life.

The cycle that began thousands of years ago continues today.  But what hasn’t changed over the years is God’s presence and patience with us.   Jesus’ life and death and resurrection remind us that nothing is impossible with God, and the Holy Spirit still rests upon us, calling us forth to share God’s message with all the world.

We will fail and forget, just as so many have before, but God forgives and we are invited to try again.  And ultimately, we believe that the future always rests in God’s hands – that in the end all of creation will be redeemed and restored and made whole by the God who is love, hope, and life eternal.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 18: Promises for the Future2023-11-02T16:05:50-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 16: Pentecost

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 16: Pentecost
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 26, 2023

One day, not long after Jesus rose from the dead, a group of disciples was gathered in Jerusalem when suddenly a rush of mighty wind swept through the room where they were staying.  Tongues of fire rested upon the heads of each disciple and they began to speak in different languages.  This wind and fire were the Holy Spirit.  Jesus had promised the disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would one day soon come to guide and strengthen them, and now those words were fulfilled.

The disciples went out, into the city, and in many different languages, they began to proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection– the Good News of God’s plan for love and hope and life.

Now, in Jerusalem at that time there were many other people who had traveled from all over the world and they were amazed to hear the disciples speaking to them in their native language.  Something amazing was happening and no one was entirely sure how to explain these wonders.   Peter, one of Jesus’ first disciples, stood up and loudly addressed the crowds of people who were gathered.  Peter told them about an ancient prophecy that many in the crowd heard before.  Peter told them that this prophecy was now being fulfilled.  He told them that Jesus had died and risen from the dead and that this Jesus was the promised Messiah that so many were waiting for.

The crowds of people were overwhelmed by the wonders they were seeing and Peter’s compelling words.  Thousands of people were baptized that day and the movement that Jesus had started with his words and miracles was now taking on a new form.

This moment when the Holy Spirit descended and thousands committed their lives to Jesus, this moment is seen as the beginning of the Christian Church– a movement that began thousands of years ago and that still continues today.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 16: Pentecost2023-10-17T15:40:57-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 15: Resurrection

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 15: Resurrection
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 25, 2023

On the Sunday after Jesus had died on the cross, a collection of women went to the tomb to anoint the body.  But when they arrived the stone had been rolled away and the tomb was empty!  An angel appeared to them and said, “Why do you look for the living amongst the dead? Jesus is not here, he is risen!”

Soon, word spread amongst the disciples and Jesus himself appeared to them in different ways.  And when he appeared he brought messages of hope greetings of peace, and reminders of God’s power and love.  In other words, Jesus brought the same messages after his death as he had before.  The only difference was that he was risen!  The leaders had tried to put a stop to Jesus’ message, but his message was now stronger than ever!  The disciples had seen him die and thought all hope was lost, but now he was alive and so hope and joy were now overflowing.  Jesus’ resurrection showed the world that nothing is impossible with God!

And Jesus’ resurrection taught the disciples something else, about God’s character.  God cares about life.  God cares about making all things new.  God will not stop working until all of creation is restored and renewed and whole again.

Jesus resurrection renewed the hope and the passion of the disciples.  They began to understand that hatred and despair and death were not God’s will.  No, God would always find a way to bring more love, and more hope, and more life to this world.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 15: Resurrection2023-10-17T15:37:17-06:00

Storytellers of Bethany: Kris Carr

Tell us about yourself: My name is Kris Carr. I am been a member of Bethany for over 30 years. I am married to Tim and we have two adult children, Michael and Ryan, who live and work in the Denver area. Tim and I moved to the Denver area shortly after graduate school. We love living here!

Tim and I each have a brother and a sister. Tim’s mom lives in Denver in a Senior Living Community.

I am a CPA and have a small accounting practice. Bookkeeping as well as tax planning and tax preparation are my areas of interest. I am looking at reducing my workload so Tim and I can begin our retirement years. I am originally from Oklahoma and we return there often to be with family and friends. Our favorite spot is Kauai, Hawaii and hope to spend most of the month of February there in the future.

Tell us about what you do on your day off: I have learned that I am a Jack of All Trades, Master of None. In other words, I love to do a lot of different things, but I don’t do any of them especially well!

You will see me around Bethany a lot. I have been a lifelong volunteer and have worn many hats as a Bethany member. Currently I service as the Hospitality Co-Chair on Ministry Council. It is a joy to share my passion with the people of Bethany. Being with my Lois Circle friends on the second Tuesday of the month is such a special time. I try to get to Pastor Nate’s great yoga class as often as possible.

In all my activities, I love being with Tim and my friends. The best are outdoor activities. I ski in the winter, play golf in the summer and Tim and I have recently picked up Pickleball. Five years ago I started playing bridge and made the most wonderful friends. We meet weekly to laugh and sometimes play bridge, outside if possible! Working in my garden is both fulfilling and is my quiet time. Tim and I have beautiful backyard and enjoy hosting social events and being on the back patio with family and friends. I love to entertain at home!

I round out my days with an occasional book club meeting and a sorority alum gathering (which I often share with several Bethany ladies). There are 24 states that I have never visited so I need to retire to I can start exploring!

Tell us the story of how you came to Bethany: I grew up in the Episcopal church and Tim was raised Lutheran. When Tim and I first moved to Denver, we lived near Bethany. After checking out several Episcopal churches in the area I decided to see how Lutherans worship. Lutheran worship is very similar to the Episcopal Church worship so I felt right at home at Bethany. I saw the announcement in the bulletin for MOPS (now The MomCo) and was excited to join! Several years later, Michael was born and I joined MOPS and made lifelong friends. Bethany really felt like home.

Tell us about your faith journey: I was born and raised in the Episcopal church. It was part of life. My uncle was an Episcopal priest so we always had the church and sacraments as part of our family. I grew up in Oklahoma where the Episcopal church was not big. When I was young I was a bit jealous of my Baptist and Methodist friends as they had large youth groups and fun activities. There were three of us in my confirmation class. In looking for a church as an adult, I wanted a big, vibrant church! So here I am at Bethany!

Many here at Bethany have a similar story, Rit Vogel asked me to teach Sunday School. She and Joni Grundman were huge faith formers for me. I loved learning Bible stories through the eyes of a child and their lesson plans made it so easy and enjoyable to teach. The family camps Joni planned at Rainbow Trail were very special times for our family.

I would never wish this on anyone, but the death of my 18 year old nephew changed my faith forever. I learned to “let go” because I realized that I was not in control. As I have continued to “let go and let God” life has been much less stressful. I have learned that my faith and prayer life can lift me from despair. In sermons I often hear the message to slow down, enjoy life, be free, love one another and be thankful for the beauty around us. That is the faith life I try to live.

Tell us about your favorite experience or opportunity you’ve had at Bethany: After 30 years, it is difficult to have a favorite. We have been blessed with a family Baptism and two Confirmations. I have always loved the Faith Milestones here. The graduation recognition is one of my favorites. It is always powerful to me, not only when my children graduated but when we celebrate the graduation of all the great Bethany kids.

At Bethany we have the opportunity to learn about the wonderful non-profit work going on in our community and the world. Our experience at Bethany led Tim and me to volunteer and financially support Metro Caring and Habitat for Humanity.

A truly faith filled experience came on a long ago Sunday of Labor Day weekend. That year Bethany was doing a blessing of the hands. At that time, motherhood was challenging and I was very moved to have my hands blessed to help me to carry on in the tough task of motherhood.

Many of my favorite times were witnessing the involvement of our children. Both participated in the choirs, went on youth trips and camped at RTLC. Christmas Eve is always special. A favorite memory is the year I attended the late service with Tim’s dad. Now Tim and I enjoy serving in Hospitality. Tim helps me on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings and he assists with the Tuesday Senior Lunch. Serving in this way is my current favorite thing!

Tell us about how you are growing in your connection with God these days: Although I love worshiping in our beautiful sanctuary, I see God outside. As I move closer to retirement, I love having the time to work in the garden. I catch myself singing “Lord Let My Heart Be Good Soil”. Every time I drive west on Arapahoe and see the fabulous Rocky Mountains, I feel more in touch with the Creator. And being on Kauai, one can’t help but be filled with awe at God’s work while watching waves crash and the sunset over the ocean.

I also grow in my connection with God through connection with other people. Loving and supporting one another is what it is all about.

Bethany is actively looking at social justice issues and I think that is what I am wrestling with now. What needs to be done and how can I help? Jesus has taught us so much about loving our neighbor. I pray for guidance to put that into action.

Want more stories? Listen to Kris’ podcast here!

Storytellers of Bethany: Kris Carr2023-10-25T08:46:02-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 14: The Passion

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 14: The Passion
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 24, 2023

While Jesus’ teachings and miracles did communicate the character of God to the world, not everyone liked what they were hearing.  Many leaders and authority figures became upset with Jesus because he was spreading a message that ran counter to their message of control.

Eventually, some of these leaders conspired against Jesus and he was arrested and sentenced to die on a cross.  Many of Jesus’ closest followers deserted Jesus during this most difficult moment in his life.  The disciple Peter denied even knowing Jesus.  The disciple Judas worked with the leaders to organize Jesus’ arrest.

Jesus’ death was painful and unjust and tragic.  Yet, even this dark moment was part of God’s plan.  Jesus experienced some of the very worst situations that a human can face.  He was betrayed, he was abandoned, he was killed, and he did all of this for us.

The last days of Jesus’ life show us that there is nowhere that Jesus will not go for those he loves.  In fact, even death itself was forever changed by Jesus’ sacrifice.  Death became a place that Jesus had been; a place now infused with the presence of God.

And so we know, that Jesus is with us in the most difficult moments of our life.  And we know that Jesus will be with us in our death and beyond.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 14: The Passion2023-10-17T15:32:11-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 13: Teachings and Miracles

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 13: Teachings and Miracles
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 23, 2023

During his earthly life, Jesus did all that he could to show people what God is really like.  He was often critical of the religious leaders of the day, who were sometimes teaching people that they had to say the right prayers, or do all the right steps in order to be good enough for God to love them.

But Jesus didn’t teach like this.  Jesus told the people that God was gracious, and merciful, and always willing to give people a second chance.  Jesus would say things like “blessed are those who mourn” or “your faith has made you well” or “Are you envious because God is generous?”  He was constantly turning people’s assumptions upside down so that everyone might see the openness and expansiveness of God’s love.

But Jesus didn’t just communicate this message with his words.  His actions also showed the world the power and healing and wholeness of God.  Jesus performed dozens of miracles.  He healed the sick, he calmed the storms, he fed thousands with just a few fish and loaves of bread.  His miracles all showed God’s true desire for the world: for people to be fed, for people to be healed, for the world to be calm and at peace.

Jesus’ entire life is a message to people of all times and all places.  It’s a message that shows us what God most wants us to know: that God is powerful AND merciful; compassionate AND infinitely loving.  Peace,

Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 13: Teachings and Miracles2023-10-17T15:27:45-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 12: Emmanuel

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 12: Emmanuel
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 22, 2023

Throughout history, God has been trying to form a relationship with God’s people.  God was always looking for humans to carry forward God’s ways of compassion and mercy and justice.  But the cycle kept repeating.  God’s people would be faithful and then forgetful.  God was looking for a group of people to bring forth the message of God to all people, but so often God’s people turned inward and focused only on their own prosperity.  God had been looking for people to do this work and so finally, to change the story and break the cycle, God became a person.

God became human in the person of Jesus and this event, was not just the breaking of the cycle of faithfulness and forgetfulness; it was also the embodiment of so many of God’s promises.

Jesus was born in a lowly stable, to unwed parents, in a small, unassuming town called Bethlehem because humility and vulnerability are the ways of God.  God became human in the person of Jesus because God wanted us all to understand that relationship with God can be deeply personal.  God became a fragile human being so that we would know that there is no part of our human existence that is not connected to the presence of God.

When Jesus was born and God became human for our sake, some used the title “Emmanuel” which means, “God is with us”.  God is with us when we are faithful, God is with us when we are forgetful, God is with us during every moment of our fragile human existence.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 12: Emmanuel2023-10-17T15:24:30-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 11: The Cycle Repeats

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 11: The Cycle Repeats
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 21, 2023

The Restoration of Israel was not the end of the story though.  The cycle of unfaithfulness and forgetfulness would repeat itself and the next time an Assyrian army would come through and force the Israelites into exile again.   The story of Israel is one of God’s guidance and blessings followed by forgetfulness and unfaithfulness followed by God’s gracious forgiveness and restoration.  It’s a cycle the repeats over the course of hundreds of years and yet it is also the cycle that lives in the heart of every human being still today.

The story of the Israelites that we find in scripture, has always been our story as well.  We are blessed and loved by God; called to be God’s people at work in the world; caring for the vulnerable; but we often forget.  We don’t just forget our call, we forget that God is God and we are not, and in our pride and arrogance we often are led to our own destruction.

But God is merciful and abounding in love and forgiveness.  Despite our unfaithfulness, God still reaches out to restore us.  God calls us back and once again sends us forth to be the presence of God in the world.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 11: The Cycle Repeats2023-10-19T14:58:18-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 10: The Return from Exile

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 10: The Return from Exile
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 20, 2023

After many long years in Exile, the Israelites were eventually returned to their homeland.  It wasn’t the same as before, but as you may well know, the joy of coming home is a special kind of jubilation.

However, along with the return to their homeland also came the difficult work of rebuilding.  The People of God not only had to rebuild their villages and their Temple, but they also had to rebuild themselves as the gathered community of the One True God.  A man named Ezra led the efforts to rebuild the community.  He reminded them of the commandments and the rituals and the practices that had once been the distinguishing factor of the people of Israel.

The rebuilding process took lots of hard work and lots of prayer, but with God’s help and Ezra’s guidance, The People of God were able to live once again as God hoped they would live; as people of compassion, care, and commitment to God.  They were restored, not just to their homeland, but in their souls as well.  Ezra had helped to remind the people of the essential practices of their faith, so that they could once again live as God’s People and show the world God’s hope for all of humanity.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 10: The Return from Exile2023-10-19T14:59:22-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 9: Exile

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 9: Exile (Prophets’ Hopefulness)
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 19, 2023

The fall of Israel and the forced exile of God’s People was a time of great suffering and pain.  It was as if the Israelites were back in Egypt once again.  In exile, they could not worship God fully.  They could not live freely.  They were treated as less than human; cut off from their families and their homeland.  From their exile in Babylon, the people of God called out– and God heard their cry.

God sent prophets who brought messages of hope to the people in the midst of their suffering.  The prophets told not just of God restoring God’s people; not just of celebrations and feasts of rich food; but the prophets even told of God’s ability to defeat death itself.  The message of the prophets gave the struggling people of God a reason to look toward the future with hope in their hearts, because the prophet’s words reminded them all of the goodness and the power of God.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 9: Exile2023-10-17T15:19:37-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 8: Forgetfulness

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 8: Forgetfulness (Prophets’ Warnings)
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 18, 2023

Unfortunately, the Great Nation of Israel soon became splintered and divided.  Under King Solomon the Kingdom expanded greatly, but with that expansion and power also came a loss of commitment to the commandments of God.  The people began to think that they no longer needed God; they had become so powerful, so privileged, so great that they forgot about the God who had brought them to this point.  Worst of all, in their forgetfulness, the People of God failed to care for those in need.  They were so focused on preserving and expanding their own power that they neglected those amongst them who needed help.   This is what angered God most of all; the people had not only forgotten God’s command to care for the orphan and the widow, but the people had also forgotten their own history; they had forgotten that God saved their ancestors when they were most vulnerable; when they were slaves in Egypt.

God sent prophets to try and steer the Israelites back but people rarely listen to the words of prophets.  Remember you were slaves in Egypt once, the prophets shouted.  Remember God’s command to care for the orphan and widow, the prophets said.  Remember that God is God and you are not, the prophets said.  But the Great Nation of Israel was too focused on its own greatness; too focused on all the things power and riches could provide them.

Eventually a greater power rose up.  The Babylonian Empire conquered the nation of Israel and many of God’s people were captured and taken away from their homes and forced to live in exile in Babylon.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 8: Forgetfulness2023-10-17T15:19:18-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 7: The Great Nation

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 7: The Great Nation
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 17, 2023

Eventually, God guided the Israelites to the Promised Land.  The space that God had told the Israelites about many, many years ago.   There was so much joy amongst the people- it was as if a fairy tale were coming true.  Those that entered the Promised Land could remember hearing their parents and their parent’s parents, and their parent’s parent’s parents speak wistfully about this holy place pledged to them by God.

But arriving in the Promised Land is not the same as living together in the Promised Land.  There were many years of difficulty and struggle as the Israelites learned how to live together as free people in one place.  For a time the land was governed by judges, but the people wanted a King.  Some argued that God was the King; but still most of the people longed to be like the other nations and so eventually, God relented and the judge and prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first King of Israel.

After Saul, David became King, and then David’s son Solomon, and the Kingdom of Israel expanded and grew and Solomon built a magnificent Temple where the people could worship their True King – God.  And this was why Israel was a Great Nation, because God had blessed them and because they remembered the promises and commandments of God.  They were a Holy Nation that was established by God so that all the people of the world might know The One True God of Israel.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 7: The Great Nation2023-10-17T15:54:31-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 6: The Ten Commandments

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 6: The Ten Commandments
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 16, 2023

God’s Chosen people were now free, but they needed to learn how to be God’s people for the world. For 40 years they wandered in the wilderness and God guided them, God provided for them. Every morning manna would appear on the ground, bread from heaven that sustained the Israelites on their journey. It was always easy to trust and follow God, but this time of wandering helped form the Israelites into a community who knew to trust in God for all of life’s needs.

One day, Moses climbed to the top of a mountain called Sinai to speak with God. And as they spoke, God provided Moses with 10 Commandments, 10 clear instructions for the Israelites so that they could live in the ways God hoped they might live.

Still today, billions of people point to these Commandments as important rules for living in community with others. These Commandments that were given thousands of years ago to God’s people as the wandered in the wilderness; still today they can help us live as God’s people. They instructed the Israelites and they instruct us today to live as the blessed people of God who are called to be a blessing to others.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 6: The Ten Commandments2023-10-17T15:54:11-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 5: Led to Freedom

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 5: Led to Freedom
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 15, 2023

God kept the promise to Abraham and Sarah.  They had a son named Isaac who had two sons named Jacob and Esau and Jacob had 12 sons which would become the 12 tribes of the great nation of Israel; God’s chosen people.   But before they could became a great nation, the Israelites experienced over 400 hard years of oppression as slaves in Egypt.  They worked everyday in the hot desert Sun, crying out to God for a change.

And God heard their cries and God chose a man named Moses to lead the chosen people out of their slavery.  Moses had grown up in the Pharaoh’s house, but he was a Hebrew.  Moses had seen the suffering and pain of his people and fled Pharaoh’s palace to live and work as a shepherd in the wilderness.

But God spoke to Moses and called him to shepherd the Israelites out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the promised land.  Moses and his cousin Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “Let my people go.”  But Pharaoh said no. And so God sent great catastrophes upon the land called plagues: rivers of blood, clouds of locusts, colonies of lice, armies of frogs, fiery hail, and more.  But still Pharaoh said no.

And so God sent the angel of death to the land, to kill the first born son in every family.  But God also instructed the Israelites on how to spare their families.  All the Israelites placed lambs’ blood on the top of their doorposts.  And that night, the Angel of Death passed through Egypt, but it passed over every house marked with lamb’s blood.

And so finally, Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to go free, although he quickly changed his mind.  Moses led God’s Chosen people out of Egypt and he parted the waters of the Red Sea so that they could cross through the waters to freedom on the other side.  And Moses closed up the sea so that Pharaoh’s army could not pursue them any further and God’s people sang and danced with joy for now they were free.  And Moses’ sister Miriam led the dancing.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 5: Led to Freedom2023-10-17T15:53:32-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 4: Abraham

The Entire Story of Scripture
Part 4: Abraham – Chosen People, Great Nation
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 14, 2023

Many years later, there was a man named Abraham and his wife Sarah. They were faithful people who believed strongly in God. Some people in Abraham and Sarah’s day believed that there were many gods but Abraham and Sarah believed that there was one God in every place. And so Abraham and Sarah traveled from place to place and everywhere they went– God was there.

When Abraham was 75 years old, God spoke to him and said, “Abraham, you are going to leave this place and go to the land that I show you and I will bless you so that you can be a blessing to others. And not just you, but your family as well; you will all be blessed so that you can carry that blessing forward and be a blessing to other people.”

And so Abraham and Sarah journeyed a long way and trusted God to show them where they would live. One night, God came to Abraham to reassure him and remind him of God’s promise. “I will be your shield,” God said, “and your reward will be great.” But Abraham was filled with doubt, he did not understand how God could fulfill his promises. Abraham said to God, “I do not have any children, and I am an old man, how will my family be blessed if I have no family?”

And God chuckled a little and told Abraham to look up into the night sky. Millions of stars burned brightly overhead, a beautiful and vast scene of God’s power and glory stretched out before Abraham.

“Do you see all these stars?” God asked, “Count the stars Abraham, truly I tell you, your family will be more numerous than the stars in the sky. From you Abraham, I will create a great nation. You will be my people and I will be your God and the world will be blessed through your great nation.

Peace,
Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 4: Abraham2023-10-17T15:52:44-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 3: Babel

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 3: Babel
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.

Oct 13, 2023

Many years later, the world was filled with established communities. Groups of people who lived and shared life together and work together.

One day, the people came across a level place on the land, the perfect spot to build a large, important structure. And so they said, “Let’s build something so large and so grand that it reaches up to heaven. Let us build a tower so impressive that everyone will know who we are because of what we have accomplished.

And so the people set to work and built a power up towards the heavens and as they worked they congratulated one another on being such important, talented people.  But God realized that these people were only focused on themselves. They thought that they could work their way up to God; they thought that they were equal to God. They had used their power in order to build a tower that only honored themselves.

And so God came down and confused the languages of the people and scattered them throughout the world because the people needed to learn to care for each other; they needed to learn that God was God and they were not. And so this is why the world is filled with different languages and different people. Our differences are an invitation from God to look beyond our own goals and to care for other people…

Peace,

Pastor Nate

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 3: Babel2023-10-17T15:52:21-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 2: Fall

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 2: Fall
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.
Oct 12, 2023

There is another old, old story about how the world began that would often be shared around campfires. It was a story that tried to explain why humans can become so lost. It’s the story of the first two humans and even though they lived long, long, ago, their struggles are not that different than what people still struggle with today.

Their names were Adam and Eve and they lived in a beautiful garden. They spent their days enjoying the perfect green grass, the lush foliage, the pleasant rivers and streams, and the big blue skies. Their only job was to watch after all the animals and to enjoy this beautiful world that God had made for them.

In the Garden there were many trees and Adam and Eve were invited to eat the fruit of any of these trees, except one. God told them that if they ate the fruit that comes from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil then they would die. At first this was not a problem for Adam and Eve, they happily ate from all the other trees and enjoyed their life in the garden. But one day, a serpent tricked Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of

Good and Evil. The serpent told them that if they ate the forbidden fruit then they would become like God. And it was as if those words had a magical hold on Adam and Eve.

Suddenly the fruit looked so ripe, so sweet, so irresistible. And so they ate it– not because they were hungry but because they wanted to become like God.

After biting into that forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve saw the world in an entirely different way. They saw parts of themselves as bad and they saw God as someone to be feared. The Knowledge of Good and Evil had changed them; their longing to become like God had changed them; now they saw the world and themselves as divided. Gone was the paradise where everything simply existed in unity with God.

God sent Adam and Eve out of the Garden but continued to care for them. Adam and Eve ate the fruit so they could become like God, but only God can truly see what is good and what is evil. Still today, humans will call something good evil and something evil good, and this fracture, which began with Adam and Eve, continues to fracture and divide us. But, despite Adam and Eve’s mistakes; despite our mistakes; God will never tire of reaching out to heal and unite us…

Peace,
Pastor Nate
The Entire Story of Scripture Part 2: Fall2023-10-17T15:51:49-06:00

The Entire Story of Scripture: Creation

The Entire Story of Scripture Part 1: Creation
Pastor Nate shares the entire story of scripture in 18 parts.
Oct 11, 2023

The Bible is one long story. It’s the story of all the ways that God has been trying to rescue and bless and love God’s people since the beginning of time. It’s the story that has been passed down and shared with billions of people. It’s a story that was written for everyone to hear, and at the same time it’s a story written specifically just for you. Our story begins, as all stories do, in the beginning.

Long, long ago, at the beginning of everything there was nothing. Nothing except for God.  The earth was nothing. The universe was nothing. Just a formless void. A vast and deep emptiness was everywhere.

But the Spirit of God hovered over the nothingness. Take a deep breath in and slowly breath it out, and notice how the Spirit of God is here with you now, as you drift off to sleep. As the Spirit hovered over the void, God spoke for the very first time. Only the words of God are

so beautiful, they didn’t sound like words at all, it sounded more like a song. God sang and creation began.

First God sang and there was light, bursting, joyous light that would live in all parts of God’s creation. God went on to sing about the earth and the sea and the birds and fish and all the animals of the world and God looked at all that had been created and said that it was very good.

And then God created humans like you and me. We were the last and most important creation and God filled each and every person with creativity and compassion and light and love.  All the best qualities of God were placed in us. That’s how much God loves us. God gave us the very best of Godself.

And after all of this, God rested, and God to discover this rhythm as well. The balance of creation and sabbath.

Peace,
Pastor Nate
The Entire Story of Scripture: Creation2023-10-17T15:51:37-06:00

Truth and Healing Movement

Coffee with Colleen

Oct 9, 2023

I am very fond of rituals because they keep me grounded. They center me when the world is feeling a little too chaotic. One of my most important rituals is drinking my coffee in the morning. Recently, I have been adding a dash of cardamom to my coffee in the mornings. I protect my time in the mornings so that I can drink my coffee slowly and thoughtfully. It is one of the truly calm and peaceful times of my day where I connect with the Creator. I invite you to grab your favorite beverage and spend some time connecting with God the Holy Parent this morning.

Today we celebrate Indigenous People’s Day. From the ELCA, “this day is an opportunity to celebrate our Indigenous siblings and the many gifts they offer the world, and to learn more about the Tribal nations that continue to impact church and society. The church is called to be about the work of justice through the Truth and Healing Movement, through our resolve to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery, and through our call to respond to Christ’s love with even more love.”

As you drink your morning coffee, take time to learn more about Native Tribes that continue to thrive today. Support a Native owned business by making a purchase. Read a book written by a Native author. Check out the some of the interactive online exhibits at the National Museum of the Native American. Learn more about the Pope’s decision to renounce the Doctrine of Discovery in March. Honor America’s first inhabitants by exploring and learning about the interactive map Native-Land.ca.

How are you called to faithfully love and celebrate your Indigenous neighbor today and everyday?

In faithful solidarity,

Colleen

Truth and Healing Movement2023-10-12T16:01:18-06:00
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