Food, Glorious Food!

Last evening the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in our confirmation program went door to door collecting food for our local foodshelf in Maple Grove. Thanks to adults to help drive them into various neighborhoods, they came back with hundreds of lbs. of food- food that will go to feed individuals and families in need.

I could see by the looks on their faces and the energy for carrying the bags of food back into the church that they were pleased to be part of such an effort.

Who are the hungry in our community? In our nation and world. A book was published recently with the title The Bottom Billion. The author attempts to explain how it is that a billion people go hungry every day in our world and suggests steps to counter this terrible trend.

With all the ways to help others, we might pray and ask God to open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of those who are hungry.

Peace,
Pastor Durk

How Long Will I Have To Wait?

Remember the last time you found yourself tired of waiting?

The other day as I read Psalm 38 I came across a verse that says, "But, it is for you, O Lord, that I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."

I don't know about you but I often find myself asking God in my prayers when something will happen. When will a member of our church experience relief from the pain of cancer? When will a marriage suffering difficulties experience hope? When will someone with an addiction get the help they need?

I trust that God will act in a healing way with all people eventually. I know that the Lord our God has the power and wisdom to answer all our our human questions.

Still, on this side of the resurrection we wait. We wait and pray for God to act and for us to receive answers to our prayers.

Peace,
Pr. Durk

Exciting Pregnancies

The other day I talked with a young couple whom I married two years ago this fall. They announced to me that they are pregnant. Huge smiles came across their faces as they shared this. I expressed how happy I am for them and that I will pray that everything goes well for them.

Pregnancies for a couple are filled with hope, expectations, and excitment for the arrival of the baby. A time of pregnancy is a time to thank God for the miracle of conception. It is a time to be amazed at what God is up to and to plan for the future arrival and well-being of the baby.

Of course, pregnancies happen that are unexpected, out of wedlock, and, at times, filled with pain and discomfort. These are times for pray and hard emotional and relational work. Even during these times God is at work creating and filling us with the promise of new life.

All I can say today is thanks be to God for the gift of human life- life that is always filled with the love of Christ and wonder.