This last week I've spent time working my way through a book by Ishmael Beah entitled A Long Way Gone: reflections of a boy soldier. Beah recounts his teen years of being on the run from rebel forces in Sierra Leone and how he became a teen soldier in a very bloody civil war.
The passages of this book that struck me very deep and hard were his descriptions of killings he witnessed or was part of carrying out. He describes the gruesome deaths of friends and other soldiers during the course of his odyssey of war.
As I read this book I wondered how it was possible for such awful torture and killing to take place. The rage and anger toward enemies certainly drove Beah and his superiors as they sought to avenge the killing of family and friends. Spurring on his actions were drugs-cocaine and marijuana that were supplied by his fellow soldiers and commanders. The drugs propelled him into a craziness and sleepless existence that one can only begin to imagine.
Rescued out of the war by international agencies Beah began his road to healing in his life physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
As difficult a book as this is to read I would recommend it as a way to enter the life and world of a young man living through the horrors of war and how this affected his growing up during his teen years.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
My Daughter Being Confirmed...
This last Saturday my daughter, Laura, was confirmed here at Maple Grove Lutheran Church. It was a very emotional day for me as she knelt before the font with my wife, Susan, and relatives all laying hands on her. In honor of her confirmation I would like to share the sermon I gave at the service. Please find it below.
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
Claiming Grace!
Confirmation Sermon 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Matthew 13:44-46 The Parable of the Treasure and the Pearl
A good friend of mine, who serves a church in Waupaca, WI once called me crazy. Right my face. He said, “You’ve got to be crazy if you love teaching confirmation.” Well, call me crazy or a bit out of my mind because I love teaching confirmation. Today I want our confirmands to know how much I enjoyed my time with them teaching them the great stories of the Old Testament and Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament and old Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. And, I’ve enjoyed seeing them build relationships with one another and with our youth and adult guides.
For a few minutes this afternoon I would like to turn our attention to two short parables of Jesus. The parables you just heard read. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says that living in the kingdom, living under Christ’s reign, is like a man who found a treasure hidden in a field. Filled with joy, he then hides it and goes and sells all that he has and buys the field and claims that treasure. Next, Jesus says that living in the kingdom is like a merchant in search of fine pearls who upon finding one pearl of great value is filled with joy and then goes and sells all he has a buys the pearl.
You may have noticed in both parables that there is joy and action. There is joy at the find. Joy at the discovery. Joy in seeing something of tremendous value. And, there is action. The action of claiming the item. I would ask our confirmands this afternoon, are you filled with the joy of the Lord? And, are you ready to claim the treasure or to buy the pearl? To claim the grace given to you freely the day you were baptized?
Now, it may be hard to see and express this joy and action that Jesus is teaching. But, there is a kind of joy and action our young people here can wrap their arms and minds around. It is this- the keys to the car. How many of you now have your permit to drive? How many of you have your license or will be getting your license within the next year? You know the feeling when you ask for and receive the keys. The keys to the car. No matter what kind of car it is…there is joy, isn’t there?… and there is action…and there may be fear among other drivers including your parents!! You suddenly find yourself driving down the streets and freeway to an event or out with some friends. Joy and Action.
Back to Jesus, and your faith. I hope you’ve experienced the deep and rich joy of Christ. The joy of Christ that comes with living in the kingdom. My hope is that by claiming God’s grace, you are motivated to serve Christ and your neighbor because of this joy. To step up and now take on more leadership and more responsibility for your life of following Christ. Being confirmed is like getting your license to drive and going out to drive. You say yes to the keys, your baptism, and you are given the freedom and responsibility to make decisions on where you will go. Decisions on how you will live out your faith or where you will drive.
Back to the dynamic or what is going on in this parable. In this part of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is teaching about kingdom living. What does it mean or look like to live in the kingdom of Christ. Now, it may strike us as a bit odd to talk about joy and action in our lives in light of “living under Christ in the kingdom of God.” This means as God’s baptized children we live under the rule, under the authority of Christ. How can this be joyful and full of such great action for our lives in Christ?
In the world all of us live under authority, under the power and rule of someone or an institution. For our youth the power and authority would be your parents, for example. Whether you admit this or are willing to live with this, your parents are in charge. Your parents are called by God to love you, to provide for you, to disciple you, and to teach you about life. Talk about a huge calling!!
I want to take a short break now in my sermon to thank the parents of our confirmation students. For helping them get to the point of saying yes to their baptism in Christ, for getting the keys to drive in the kingdom. Would all the parents please stand and remain standing for a minute….. For most of you, one day 15 or 16 years ago or later you brought your child to a church where he or she was baptized in Christ. On that day you made promises to God. You promised God to raise your child in the Christian faith. To teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Creed, and 10 commandments and to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures. You also promised God to be a role model of the Christian faith for your son or daughter. Then the pastor poured the water over their head and the Holy Spirit entered their life and your child became God’s child. Part’s of God’s family. So, right now, I want to thank you for that you’ve done for your child in helping them to grow up in the Christian faith. (please be seated) Let’s give them a round of applause.
Our youth here today who are affirming or saying yes to their baptism in Christ. You are called to live in the kingdom under the rule of Christ. At the same time you live under rule of many people. In this world, on a day by day basis who is in charge of you?
· At school, it is your teachers and school administrators who are in charge of your life.
· At home your parents are in charge. Telling you what you can and cannot do.
· At church as your pastor and other staff members are in charge of you, especially throughout our confirmation program and all its requirements.
· On the practice or game field or on the court, your coach is in charge of you.
· While you are on the street driving, the police are in charge of you enforcing the traffic laws
· On a youth retreat or mission trip the church staff and adult chaperones are in charge of you and your behavior.
Not only do you live under the rule of others, but you are also pulled to move toward living under the rule of temptations. You are now and will be tempted or pulled to live under the rule or influence of unhealthy and hurtful things and situations- whether sexual, financial, peer pressure, drugs or alcohol. There are many material things in our world that you may be tempted to be defined by. Today, we celebrate how you are identified and defined by Jesus in your baptism. And, by the gifts and talents God has given you use to benefit our world and others.
Confirmands, I would suggest that you are living during an in-between time. On the one hand you are still dependent upon your parents and in need of their disciple and guidance. On the other hand you are gaining freedom and independence. You can choose your friends, how you will spend your free time, what you will wear to school, when and how you will accomplish your homework, what you will do for fun and enjoyment with your family and friends. Who will be your friend on Face Book or My Space. How you will earn and spend money. And, to a certain extent where you will drive your car.
This in-between time is also a time of rebellion- pushing the limits, testing boundaries, fighting with parents, challenging authority, and, yes, questioning your faith in Christ and the whole church thing. For example some of you have said or will say, now that I am confirmed I am done with church. If your parents give you the option you may been done with church for a while or a long period of time. If, on the other hand your parents insist that you worship as a family, you will continue to be in church. If you decide on your own that worship is important and you want to get involved in the youth program, your life in the kingdom will grow and flourish.
On this day I am remembering a young man named Chris. He was in one of the first youth groups I worked with in the ministry. Chris started coming to confirmation and youth group events with his friend Bobby. Well, half-way, through confirmation one year Bobby and his family moved to another city. I thought for sure Chris would drop out. But, he kept attending every week. Then, Chris was confirmed and I was guessing he would drop out of church. Much to my surprise Chris showed up in church almost every Sunday. One day I pulled him aside and asked Chris how he felt about worshiping alone so many Sundays. He replied, “I am not alone, Pastor. I’ve got my friends at church and I’ve got Jesus.” He said this with joy and his actions reflected it.
How will our young people, our confirmands, here at Maple Grove Lutheran live out their faith in Christ? Will you reflect the dynamics of Jesus teaching in the parables of the treasure and the pearl. Can you sense the joy of Christ and the action you are called to in the kingdom? I want to challenge you and pray for you to be filled with the joy of Christ as you say “yes” to your baptism. (at the font) On the day that you were baptized God claimed you. God said that you are my child. I will always forgive you, love you, protect you, and give you the promise of eternal life. Now, it is your chance to respond to this love of Christ. Respond by saying (on your own), “Yes, I know God claims in baptism and accepts me and now I am ready to claim this. Get ready to celebrate the joy of your faith. Get ready to engage in the actions of following Christ.
Back in the 1980s I believe it was a movie came out, The Dead Poets Society movie starring Robin Williams. In one of the opening scenes of this movies Williams stands with his boys, his students before a glass trophy case. He points to a class from the turn of the century and whispers These guys all lived their lives and now, do you know where they are? Pushing up daisies. They are dead. You have a chance to make a difference in the world. Then he chants, “Carpe Deum” or “Seize the Day!” I would say to our confirmands, “Seize your life of as baptized disciple of Christ . Grab on to it. Claim it. Own it. Grow it. Be responsible for it. Seize your life in Christ! The joy is yours. The action is your call.
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
Claiming Grace!
Confirmation Sermon 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Matthew 13:44-46 The Parable of the Treasure and the Pearl
A good friend of mine, who serves a church in Waupaca, WI once called me crazy. Right my face. He said, “You’ve got to be crazy if you love teaching confirmation.” Well, call me crazy or a bit out of my mind because I love teaching confirmation. Today I want our confirmands to know how much I enjoyed my time with them teaching them the great stories of the Old Testament and Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament and old Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. And, I’ve enjoyed seeing them build relationships with one another and with our youth and adult guides.
For a few minutes this afternoon I would like to turn our attention to two short parables of Jesus. The parables you just heard read. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says that living in the kingdom, living under Christ’s reign, is like a man who found a treasure hidden in a field. Filled with joy, he then hides it and goes and sells all that he has and buys the field and claims that treasure. Next, Jesus says that living in the kingdom is like a merchant in search of fine pearls who upon finding one pearl of great value is filled with joy and then goes and sells all he has a buys the pearl.
You may have noticed in both parables that there is joy and action. There is joy at the find. Joy at the discovery. Joy in seeing something of tremendous value. And, there is action. The action of claiming the item. I would ask our confirmands this afternoon, are you filled with the joy of the Lord? And, are you ready to claim the treasure or to buy the pearl? To claim the grace given to you freely the day you were baptized?
Now, it may be hard to see and express this joy and action that Jesus is teaching. But, there is a kind of joy and action our young people here can wrap their arms and minds around. It is this- the keys to the car. How many of you now have your permit to drive? How many of you have your license or will be getting your license within the next year? You know the feeling when you ask for and receive the keys. The keys to the car. No matter what kind of car it is…there is joy, isn’t there?… and there is action…and there may be fear among other drivers including your parents!! You suddenly find yourself driving down the streets and freeway to an event or out with some friends. Joy and Action.
Back to Jesus, and your faith. I hope you’ve experienced the deep and rich joy of Christ. The joy of Christ that comes with living in the kingdom. My hope is that by claiming God’s grace, you are motivated to serve Christ and your neighbor because of this joy. To step up and now take on more leadership and more responsibility for your life of following Christ. Being confirmed is like getting your license to drive and going out to drive. You say yes to the keys, your baptism, and you are given the freedom and responsibility to make decisions on where you will go. Decisions on how you will live out your faith or where you will drive.
Back to the dynamic or what is going on in this parable. In this part of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is teaching about kingdom living. What does it mean or look like to live in the kingdom of Christ. Now, it may strike us as a bit odd to talk about joy and action in our lives in light of “living under Christ in the kingdom of God.” This means as God’s baptized children we live under the rule, under the authority of Christ. How can this be joyful and full of such great action for our lives in Christ?
In the world all of us live under authority, under the power and rule of someone or an institution. For our youth the power and authority would be your parents, for example. Whether you admit this or are willing to live with this, your parents are in charge. Your parents are called by God to love you, to provide for you, to disciple you, and to teach you about life. Talk about a huge calling!!
I want to take a short break now in my sermon to thank the parents of our confirmation students. For helping them get to the point of saying yes to their baptism in Christ, for getting the keys to drive in the kingdom. Would all the parents please stand and remain standing for a minute….. For most of you, one day 15 or 16 years ago or later you brought your child to a church where he or she was baptized in Christ. On that day you made promises to God. You promised God to raise your child in the Christian faith. To teach them the Lord’s Prayer, Creed, and 10 commandments and to place in their hands the Holy Scriptures. You also promised God to be a role model of the Christian faith for your son or daughter. Then the pastor poured the water over their head and the Holy Spirit entered their life and your child became God’s child. Part’s of God’s family. So, right now, I want to thank you for that you’ve done for your child in helping them to grow up in the Christian faith. (please be seated) Let’s give them a round of applause.
Our youth here today who are affirming or saying yes to their baptism in Christ. You are called to live in the kingdom under the rule of Christ. At the same time you live under rule of many people. In this world, on a day by day basis who is in charge of you?
· At school, it is your teachers and school administrators who are in charge of your life.
· At home your parents are in charge. Telling you what you can and cannot do.
· At church as your pastor and other staff members are in charge of you, especially throughout our confirmation program and all its requirements.
· On the practice or game field or on the court, your coach is in charge of you.
· While you are on the street driving, the police are in charge of you enforcing the traffic laws
· On a youth retreat or mission trip the church staff and adult chaperones are in charge of you and your behavior.
Not only do you live under the rule of others, but you are also pulled to move toward living under the rule of temptations. You are now and will be tempted or pulled to live under the rule or influence of unhealthy and hurtful things and situations- whether sexual, financial, peer pressure, drugs or alcohol. There are many material things in our world that you may be tempted to be defined by. Today, we celebrate how you are identified and defined by Jesus in your baptism. And, by the gifts and talents God has given you use to benefit our world and others.
Confirmands, I would suggest that you are living during an in-between time. On the one hand you are still dependent upon your parents and in need of their disciple and guidance. On the other hand you are gaining freedom and independence. You can choose your friends, how you will spend your free time, what you will wear to school, when and how you will accomplish your homework, what you will do for fun and enjoyment with your family and friends. Who will be your friend on Face Book or My Space. How you will earn and spend money. And, to a certain extent where you will drive your car.
This in-between time is also a time of rebellion- pushing the limits, testing boundaries, fighting with parents, challenging authority, and, yes, questioning your faith in Christ and the whole church thing. For example some of you have said or will say, now that I am confirmed I am done with church. If your parents give you the option you may been done with church for a while or a long period of time. If, on the other hand your parents insist that you worship as a family, you will continue to be in church. If you decide on your own that worship is important and you want to get involved in the youth program, your life in the kingdom will grow and flourish.
On this day I am remembering a young man named Chris. He was in one of the first youth groups I worked with in the ministry. Chris started coming to confirmation and youth group events with his friend Bobby. Well, half-way, through confirmation one year Bobby and his family moved to another city. I thought for sure Chris would drop out. But, he kept attending every week. Then, Chris was confirmed and I was guessing he would drop out of church. Much to my surprise Chris showed up in church almost every Sunday. One day I pulled him aside and asked Chris how he felt about worshiping alone so many Sundays. He replied, “I am not alone, Pastor. I’ve got my friends at church and I’ve got Jesus.” He said this with joy and his actions reflected it.
How will our young people, our confirmands, here at Maple Grove Lutheran live out their faith in Christ? Will you reflect the dynamics of Jesus teaching in the parables of the treasure and the pearl. Can you sense the joy of Christ and the action you are called to in the kingdom? I want to challenge you and pray for you to be filled with the joy of Christ as you say “yes” to your baptism. (at the font) On the day that you were baptized God claimed you. God said that you are my child. I will always forgive you, love you, protect you, and give you the promise of eternal life. Now, it is your chance to respond to this love of Christ. Respond by saying (on your own), “Yes, I know God claims in baptism and accepts me and now I am ready to claim this. Get ready to celebrate the joy of your faith. Get ready to engage in the actions of following Christ.
Back in the 1980s I believe it was a movie came out, The Dead Poets Society movie starring Robin Williams. In one of the opening scenes of this movies Williams stands with his boys, his students before a glass trophy case. He points to a class from the turn of the century and whispers These guys all lived their lives and now, do you know where they are? Pushing up daisies. They are dead. You have a chance to make a difference in the world. Then he chants, “Carpe Deum” or “Seize the Day!” I would say to our confirmands, “Seize your life of as baptized disciple of Christ . Grab on to it. Claim it. Own it. Grow it. Be responsible for it. Seize your life in Christ! The joy is yours. The action is your call.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Welcoming Sinners Home: sermon from Sept. 7, 2008
Here is a copy of the sermon I delivered on Sunday, Sept. 7th at Maple Grove Lutheran Church. It points to the hard work required of us when it comes to forgiving others.
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Now for a few minutes I invite you to turn with me to Matthew’s gospel reading. When we hear this gospel reading from Matthew this morning we may have several reactions. First, it may sound like a great, but hard method to go through for reconciliation- how could a person of faith pull this off? Second, we might jump to the conclusion that this is a method for getting rid of a difficult member of the church.
In fact, some may see in this reading support for the Amish practice of shunning. If a person in the Amish community commits a major offense such as adultery or murder, they are banned from the community or shunned. Back in the late 1990s an Amish man in Pennsylvania abused three girls. Instead of being sentenced to jail time the judge put the man on six months probation saying that the punishment he was receiving from his church was sufficient. You see the Amish church decided to deal with him by temporarily excommunicating him, taking his house away from him, and then requiring him to enter a daily program where church leaders would work with him to change his life around so that he could eventually be part of the Amish community again.
Well, we may or may not be surprised to hear that Jesus’ teaching takes us in a different direction than the reactions I’ve just mentioned. In our Matthew reading today Jesus is actually teaching us more about restoring church members into the community of the church. Not kicking out, not treating someone as an outsider, but approaching or confronting or working closely with a member to keep them in the church. So, if you are hurt, injured, or insulted in some way by another member of the church, go directly to that person. In doing so you will work out forgiveness in Christ and may regain that member into the church, the body of Christ.
This act of regaining or restoring is expressed in family life in many ways. For example, if I could highlight my family for a moment…In my family with my wife and our two teenage children life is filled with joy and fun along with challenges that come with disagreements. We do have two teenagers after all! There are those times when we celebrate and so thankful for being together as a family, especially when we agree on something. And, then, there are those times when we disagree and times when someone’s feelings are hurt. We try…and we not perfect here…but we try to approach one another in love and grace to make amends, to apologize and have forgiveness. This is, no doubt true, for many families. Regaining and restoring relationships occur on a daily basis.
Here at MGLC we often refer to our congregation as a family. As a family in Christ we have the joy of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and our faith in Christ. We have times of joy and celebration, moments of success as a congregation, ministries that flourish and take off. Yet, as a congregation, as a family, we also face challenging times. Financial challenges or realities of recent staff cuts. The task of managing our land as an investment- the land we are looking forward to selling. When we face these struggles feelings can be hurt. Questions raised. Egos bruised. Relationship broken. People leaving. Unfortunately, our congregation is not alone. This reality is true for churches everywhere throughout the world. Life in the family, life in a congregation is filled with the wonderful times and the challenging times at the same time. At all times, Jesus teaching and example of forgiveness can give us hope. Give us strength and courage.
If you look back with me to the early church at Matthew’s time you will see a church suffering greatly. Faced huge challenges. Endured strife and division. Egos were on the line. Tension grew between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The direction of the church was continually challenged. For example, just before our reading today the disciples come up to Jesus and are wondering who the greatest is. Really…”Jesus, who is the greatest disciple among us? Jesus says you must be humble like a child to live in the kingdom of God. Jesus then addresses the problem of temptation to sin. He warns against anyone who would tempt another to sin or to fall. And then, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. The kingdom is like the shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to go and find the 1 sheep who was lost. He rejoices more over the one who was lost than the 99 who remained. In all his teachings, Jesus gives correction and direction in living together in the church. Humility and, above all, forgiveness.
One of the huge challenges of the early church centered on sin and forgiveness. There were people in the church who sinned. Who offended or hurt other church members. In response to this Jesus teaches that we need to approach the person who has offended, call that person to repent, and offer forgiveness. He even goes so far as to offer a step by step approach to this: You heard the method read: go one-on-one to confront the offender. If this doesn’t work take two or three witnesses with you. If that doesn’t work, take it to the whole church. Finally, if that doesn’t work, treat that person as a Gentile or tax collector- a person who deserves ongoing outreach, love, and care… Then, you may have noticed, right after this teaching Peter walks up to Jesus and asks him how often he should forgive. As many as seven times. Not seven times, but seventy times seven. Completely.
The late Edna Hong, a writer and translator at St. Olaf College, wrote a book entitled Forgiveness is a Work as Well as a Grace. In her book she says that forgiveness is more than saying “I’m sorry or excuse me or don’t worry about it or it’s OK. It is intentional reconciliation between two people
To bad news this morning is this. All to often we fail to do the hard work. We avoid it or run from it or cut ourselves off from each other. By doing do we withhold forgiveness and even rob the forgiveness that another can offer.
The good news is that Jesus has forgiven us for all our sins. Through his blood and death on the cross and his resurrection and our baptism into his death and resurrection we receive the awesome gift of forgiveness. A gift we are called to use with each other in the church and many, many others outside of the church.
Right now, this morning, I ask you to recall the last time someone approached you and let you know that you hurt or offended them. The last time someone walked right up to you and let you know how you wronged them? How did it go? Did you find yourself repenting, letting them know how sorry you are? And, recall the last time you walked right up to someone and let them know that they had offended or hurt you? How did that go or turn out? No matter how it turns out, Jesus does not want us to give up on the relationship. We should continue to try and reach out to the other person. He wants us to restoring sinners back into the church.
So, here is the challenge today. If you are aware of a broken relationship you have with someone here at church, please by grace of Christ, seek them out and talk and seek forgiveness. If you find yourself approached by someone, please by grace of Christ, listen and humbly be open to reconciliation.
After all, we are family here, right?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Now for a few minutes I invite you to turn with me to Matthew’s gospel reading. When we hear this gospel reading from Matthew this morning we may have several reactions. First, it may sound like a great, but hard method to go through for reconciliation- how could a person of faith pull this off? Second, we might jump to the conclusion that this is a method for getting rid of a difficult member of the church.
In fact, some may see in this reading support for the Amish practice of shunning. If a person in the Amish community commits a major offense such as adultery or murder, they are banned from the community or shunned. Back in the late 1990s an Amish man in Pennsylvania abused three girls. Instead of being sentenced to jail time the judge put the man on six months probation saying that the punishment he was receiving from his church was sufficient. You see the Amish church decided to deal with him by temporarily excommunicating him, taking his house away from him, and then requiring him to enter a daily program where church leaders would work with him to change his life around so that he could eventually be part of the Amish community again.
Well, we may or may not be surprised to hear that Jesus’ teaching takes us in a different direction than the reactions I’ve just mentioned. In our Matthew reading today Jesus is actually teaching us more about restoring church members into the community of the church. Not kicking out, not treating someone as an outsider, but approaching or confronting or working closely with a member to keep them in the church. So, if you are hurt, injured, or insulted in some way by another member of the church, go directly to that person. In doing so you will work out forgiveness in Christ and may regain that member into the church, the body of Christ.
This act of regaining or restoring is expressed in family life in many ways. For example, if I could highlight my family for a moment…In my family with my wife and our two teenage children life is filled with joy and fun along with challenges that come with disagreements. We do have two teenagers after all! There are those times when we celebrate and so thankful for being together as a family, especially when we agree on something. And, then, there are those times when we disagree and times when someone’s feelings are hurt. We try…and we not perfect here…but we try to approach one another in love and grace to make amends, to apologize and have forgiveness. This is, no doubt true, for many families. Regaining and restoring relationships occur on a daily basis.
Here at MGLC we often refer to our congregation as a family. As a family in Christ we have the joy of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ and our faith in Christ. We have times of joy and celebration, moments of success as a congregation, ministries that flourish and take off. Yet, as a congregation, as a family, we also face challenging times. Financial challenges or realities of recent staff cuts. The task of managing our land as an investment- the land we are looking forward to selling. When we face these struggles feelings can be hurt. Questions raised. Egos bruised. Relationship broken. People leaving. Unfortunately, our congregation is not alone. This reality is true for churches everywhere throughout the world. Life in the family, life in a congregation is filled with the wonderful times and the challenging times at the same time. At all times, Jesus teaching and example of forgiveness can give us hope. Give us strength and courage.
If you look back with me to the early church at Matthew’s time you will see a church suffering greatly. Faced huge challenges. Endured strife and division. Egos were on the line. Tension grew between Jewish and Gentile Christians. The direction of the church was continually challenged. For example, just before our reading today the disciples come up to Jesus and are wondering who the greatest is. Really…”Jesus, who is the greatest disciple among us? Jesus says you must be humble like a child to live in the kingdom of God. Jesus then addresses the problem of temptation to sin. He warns against anyone who would tempt another to sin or to fall. And then, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. The kingdom is like the shepherd who leaves his 99 sheep to go and find the 1 sheep who was lost. He rejoices more over the one who was lost than the 99 who remained. In all his teachings, Jesus gives correction and direction in living together in the church. Humility and, above all, forgiveness.
One of the huge challenges of the early church centered on sin and forgiveness. There were people in the church who sinned. Who offended or hurt other church members. In response to this Jesus teaches that we need to approach the person who has offended, call that person to repent, and offer forgiveness. He even goes so far as to offer a step by step approach to this: You heard the method read: go one-on-one to confront the offender. If this doesn’t work take two or three witnesses with you. If that doesn’t work, take it to the whole church. Finally, if that doesn’t work, treat that person as a Gentile or tax collector- a person who deserves ongoing outreach, love, and care… Then, you may have noticed, right after this teaching Peter walks up to Jesus and asks him how often he should forgive. As many as seven times. Not seven times, but seventy times seven. Completely.
The late Edna Hong, a writer and translator at St. Olaf College, wrote a book entitled Forgiveness is a Work as Well as a Grace. In her book she says that forgiveness is more than saying “I’m sorry or excuse me or don’t worry about it or it’s OK. It is intentional reconciliation between two people
To bad news this morning is this. All to often we fail to do the hard work. We avoid it or run from it or cut ourselves off from each other. By doing do we withhold forgiveness and even rob the forgiveness that another can offer.
The good news is that Jesus has forgiven us for all our sins. Through his blood and death on the cross and his resurrection and our baptism into his death and resurrection we receive the awesome gift of forgiveness. A gift we are called to use with each other in the church and many, many others outside of the church.
Right now, this morning, I ask you to recall the last time someone approached you and let you know that you hurt or offended them. The last time someone walked right up to you and let you know how you wronged them? How did it go? Did you find yourself repenting, letting them know how sorry you are? And, recall the last time you walked right up to someone and let them know that they had offended or hurt you? How did that go or turn out? No matter how it turns out, Jesus does not want us to give up on the relationship. We should continue to try and reach out to the other person. He wants us to restoring sinners back into the church.
So, here is the challenge today. If you are aware of a broken relationship you have with someone here at church, please by grace of Christ, seek them out and talk and seek forgiveness. If you find yourself approached by someone, please by grace of Christ, listen and humbly be open to reconciliation.
After all, we are family here, right?
Monday, July 28, 2008
What's On Your Bucket List?
A few weeks ago I went to see a movie entitled "The Bucket List." The movie stars Morgan Freeman as a garage mechanic named Carter and Jack Nicholson as a wealthy businessman named Edward. Both men have cancer and receive the news that they only have 6 months to live.One day Carter starts writing up a list of all the things he would like to do before he "kicks the bucket" or dies.
He puts such things as visiting the Taj Majal and the Great Wall of China. As they share a room Edward is curious about this and adds his own things such Sky Diving and Auto Racing. The rest of the movie chronicles their trip around the world do everything on the "list."
What would include on your list of things you would like to do with the rest of your life? Take a moment now to write down a few things.
Doing this activity can show us and others what we value and what our interests are all about. Enjoy making your list!
-Pastor Durk
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Power of Children
This week our church has been buzzing with the excitement and energy of children. At our Vacation Bible School program, every morning, the children display incredible enthusiasm for our Lord and a deep curiosity about the God and Jesus Christ.
Perhaps this is why Jesus says that we should let the little children lead us for "it is to such as these that belongs the kingdom of God."
Personally,I find the energy of these children contagious. And, I am inspired by their desire to learn. If you find yourself growing apathetic with life and faith in any way, simply turn to our Lord in prayer and to the children.
They truly are a gift from God.
-Pastor Durk
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Great Expectations
I would like to share the sermon I gave in church this last Sunday. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Blessings! -Pr. Durk
Great Expectations
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Matthew 7:21-29
Last Sunday a tornado ripped through Hugo, a town just north of the Cities. Cars were tossed around. Roofs ripped off. Homes leveled. Possessions strewn everywhere. A two-old boy was killed and many injured. One thing I noticed in the video footage is that in spite of home being destroyed, the foundations remained. Unmoved and unharmed. The foundations withstood the storm. Well, in our gospel reading this morning from Matthew, Jesus tells us that those who do God’s will are like the man who built his home on a rock. Those who hear Jesus’ word and act on it are like this man as well. The rains came, the floods hit, the winds blew, but the house did not move because of its foundation.
After church today- in the car on the way home or over lunch- what I hope you remember from today’s sermon is this: When we seek God’s will our discipleship is strengthened. When we hear Jesus’ words and act on them, our discipleship is strengthened. When we don’t seek God’s will, when we fail to act on his words discipleship weakens and ravels and comes undone.
Today Jesus tells us to seek God’s will? Now here is a huge and deep question. What is God’s will for my life, you might ask. What is God’s will for this congregation, we might ask. The other day I was reading a book containing selections from spiritual writings of leaders in the early church. The editor summarized the theme of God’s will be saying this. When most people seek God’s will they are looking for answers, for definite direction. What the early church Fathers and leaders indicate is that seeking God’s will is not about answers, but about growing in our relationship with God in Christ. When we seek God’s will we grow closer to our Lord.
Over the last few months my prayers for our congregation have centered on doing God’s will. That is, I’ve prayed that we will grow in our relationship with God in Christ. Grow in our life of worship. Grow in our life of studying the Bible. Grow in our life of giving financially. Grow in our life of leadership and participation. Grow in our outreach in the community. At the end of our service you will have the opportunity to fill out a Time and Talent survey in this effort. I am curious how you have been praying for your spiritual growth and for our congregation these last few months.
If we turn to Matthew’s gospel for a minute. Our reading comes at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. What we hear in that Sermon is a called to action. It might be summarized with the short phrase; “Act on it!” Act on Jesus’ words. Do God’s will. Act on it! The bar of expectations is raised. The bar is set very high Here are a few things Jesus tells us to do- his words we are to act on : we are to be the salt of the earth…the light of the world…we are not to speak unkindly of our neighbor….we are not to look lustfully upon another person…we are not to divorce…we are to love our enemies…we are to pray and give alms…we are to serve God only…we are not to worry about our lives…we are not to judge others…are to ask God for all that we need… Elsewhere in the gospels, Jesus says we are to love God with our whole being and love our neighbor as ourselves. Our reading brings to a climax what we are supposed to do! Act! Act on Jesus’ words.
Another rich source containing God’s expectations is the Ten Commandments. 1st I am the Lord your God you shall have no other gods. 2nd- Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 3rd-Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. 4th- Honor Your Father and Mother 5- You shall not kill 6th- you shall not commit adultery. 7th-You shall not steal. 8th- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9th- You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. 10th- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or slave, or ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
If you sense that Jesus is putting us on the spot this morning you are right. His words sound a message of judgment. A strong message of accountability. His words put us on the spot to look at how we really are doing in terms of “acting on Jesus’ words.” Today can be a time of soul searching and evaluation. In living under Jesus’ reign, in his kingdom, we are called to do God’s will as well as to hear and act on Jesus’ words. Doing so is like having a solid foundation for our life of discipleship.
This place of Jesus judging us brings to mind an experience that my wife and I have had over the last few months. We have had the pleasure of watching our daughter in synchronized swimming. She is on the Osseo Maple Grove SyncroGators swim team for Osseo and Maple Grove- who went to the State Meet this year. Being new to this sport we have slowly learned about the scoring and evaluating system of this sport. For individual competitions or figures the girls are judged based on artistic merit and technical merit. The scores are announced from the judges. Competitions are based on the judges providing a score for their routine.
Of course, in a much more profound and important way, the Lord our God judges us. Evaluates us. Measures us. Assesses us. God is ever so aware of our hearts and love of Christ and discipleship. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus clearly lays out God the Father’s expectations for us. Only those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who act on the words of Jesus will live under the rule of God. And will be part of that future kingdom of God. Even those who think they are doing good works in the name of God may be judged harshly because perhaps what they were doing do not reflect the will of God.
Now, I think we are all aware that because we are human, we fail. We fall short. We disappoint God. We let God and our neighbor in Christ down. We do not live under the reign of Christ at all times. We fail to meet God’s expectations. Thankfully, with our God in Jesus Christ there is love for us, there is forgiveness in Christ for us. There is grace for us. There is a fresh start for us. So, when we the challenge from Jesus to “act on it!” Do it! Hear and act! We are able to do so because God’s Holy Spirit is moving and working on us at all times.
So this week what challenge will you take on? Maybe it will be Great Commission to reach out in the love of Christ. Maybe it will be in your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure of financial resources. Maybe it will be committing yourself to weekly worship. The Psalm writer proclaims “Come, let us worship the Lord.” May it will be picking up your Bible to read God’s Word. Maybe, just maybe, in seeking God’s will you will grow closer to God in Christ.
My friends we can hear the hard and challenging message of Jesus today because he is our rock. He is our foundation for faith that will not be moved. Standing on the rock or building on the rock we can withstand judgment as well as all the storms of life. As the familiar hymns rings out with: The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation by water and by word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. With his own blood he bought her and for her life he died.
Great Expectations
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Matthew 7:21-29
Last Sunday a tornado ripped through Hugo, a town just north of the Cities. Cars were tossed around. Roofs ripped off. Homes leveled. Possessions strewn everywhere. A two-old boy was killed and many injured. One thing I noticed in the video footage is that in spite of home being destroyed, the foundations remained. Unmoved and unharmed. The foundations withstood the storm. Well, in our gospel reading this morning from Matthew, Jesus tells us that those who do God’s will are like the man who built his home on a rock. Those who hear Jesus’ word and act on it are like this man as well. The rains came, the floods hit, the winds blew, but the house did not move because of its foundation.
After church today- in the car on the way home or over lunch- what I hope you remember from today’s sermon is this: When we seek God’s will our discipleship is strengthened. When we hear Jesus’ words and act on them, our discipleship is strengthened. When we don’t seek God’s will, when we fail to act on his words discipleship weakens and ravels and comes undone.
Today Jesus tells us to seek God’s will? Now here is a huge and deep question. What is God’s will for my life, you might ask. What is God’s will for this congregation, we might ask. The other day I was reading a book containing selections from spiritual writings of leaders in the early church. The editor summarized the theme of God’s will be saying this. When most people seek God’s will they are looking for answers, for definite direction. What the early church Fathers and leaders indicate is that seeking God’s will is not about answers, but about growing in our relationship with God in Christ. When we seek God’s will we grow closer to our Lord.
Over the last few months my prayers for our congregation have centered on doing God’s will. That is, I’ve prayed that we will grow in our relationship with God in Christ. Grow in our life of worship. Grow in our life of studying the Bible. Grow in our life of giving financially. Grow in our life of leadership and participation. Grow in our outreach in the community. At the end of our service you will have the opportunity to fill out a Time and Talent survey in this effort. I am curious how you have been praying for your spiritual growth and for our congregation these last few months.
If we turn to Matthew’s gospel for a minute. Our reading comes at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. What we hear in that Sermon is a called to action. It might be summarized with the short phrase; “Act on it!” Act on Jesus’ words. Do God’s will. Act on it! The bar of expectations is raised. The bar is set very high Here are a few things Jesus tells us to do- his words we are to act on : we are to be the salt of the earth…the light of the world…we are not to speak unkindly of our neighbor….we are not to look lustfully upon another person…we are not to divorce…we are to love our enemies…we are to pray and give alms…we are to serve God only…we are not to worry about our lives…we are not to judge others…are to ask God for all that we need… Elsewhere in the gospels, Jesus says we are to love God with our whole being and love our neighbor as ourselves. Our reading brings to a climax what we are supposed to do! Act! Act on Jesus’ words.
Another rich source containing God’s expectations is the Ten Commandments. 1st I am the Lord your God you shall have no other gods. 2nd- Do not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. 3rd-Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. 4th- Honor Your Father and Mother 5- You shall not kill 6th- you shall not commit adultery. 7th-You shall not steal. 8th- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 9th- You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. 10th- You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or slave, or ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
If you sense that Jesus is putting us on the spot this morning you are right. His words sound a message of judgment. A strong message of accountability. His words put us on the spot to look at how we really are doing in terms of “acting on Jesus’ words.” Today can be a time of soul searching and evaluation. In living under Jesus’ reign, in his kingdom, we are called to do God’s will as well as to hear and act on Jesus’ words. Doing so is like having a solid foundation for our life of discipleship.
This place of Jesus judging us brings to mind an experience that my wife and I have had over the last few months. We have had the pleasure of watching our daughter in synchronized swimming. She is on the Osseo Maple Grove SyncroGators swim team for Osseo and Maple Grove- who went to the State Meet this year. Being new to this sport we have slowly learned about the scoring and evaluating system of this sport. For individual competitions or figures the girls are judged based on artistic merit and technical merit. The scores are announced from the judges. Competitions are based on the judges providing a score for their routine.
Of course, in a much more profound and important way, the Lord our God judges us. Evaluates us. Measures us. Assesses us. God is ever so aware of our hearts and love of Christ and discipleship. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus clearly lays out God the Father’s expectations for us. Only those who do the will of God will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who act on the words of Jesus will live under the rule of God. And will be part of that future kingdom of God. Even those who think they are doing good works in the name of God may be judged harshly because perhaps what they were doing do not reflect the will of God.
Now, I think we are all aware that because we are human, we fail. We fall short. We disappoint God. We let God and our neighbor in Christ down. We do not live under the reign of Christ at all times. We fail to meet God’s expectations. Thankfully, with our God in Jesus Christ there is love for us, there is forgiveness in Christ for us. There is grace for us. There is a fresh start for us. So, when we the challenge from Jesus to “act on it!” Do it! Hear and act! We are able to do so because God’s Holy Spirit is moving and working on us at all times.
So this week what challenge will you take on? Maybe it will be Great Commission to reach out in the love of Christ. Maybe it will be in your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure of financial resources. Maybe it will be committing yourself to weekly worship. The Psalm writer proclaims “Come, let us worship the Lord.” May it will be picking up your Bible to read God’s Word. Maybe, just maybe, in seeking God’s will you will grow closer to God in Christ.
My friends we can hear the hard and challenging message of Jesus today because he is our rock. He is our foundation for faith that will not be moved. Standing on the rock or building on the rock we can withstand judgment as well as all the storms of life. As the familiar hymns rings out with: The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. She is his new creation by water and by word. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy bride. With his own blood he bought her and for her life he died.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Remembering Laurie Whitt
On April 28th Laurie Whitt of Maple Grove died after a 12 year battle with breast cancer. Laurie was a member of our congregation, a woman with a very strong faith in Christ. She was heavily involved in the Race for a Cure, an annual fundraising walk to benefit the Sue Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.
Laurie's husband Mike and daughter, Michelle and Ashley, gathered with hundreds of friends and other family members for her funeral held May 5. In the service we thanked God for her life and the huge difference she made in the fight against breast cancer.
I thank God for her life and pray that God's comforting Spirit will be at work with her family, friends, and all of us who will miss her in the years ahead.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Laurie's husband Mike and daughter, Michelle and Ashley, gathered with hundreds of friends and other family members for her funeral held May 5. In the service we thanked God for her life and the huge difference she made in the fight against breast cancer.
I thank God for her life and pray that God's comforting Spirit will be at work with her family, friends, and all of us who will miss her in the years ahead.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Friday, April 11, 2008
The War
It seems that not a day goes by when we do not turn on the TV or radio or go to a news web site that we hear about the war in Iraq. U.S. military deaths, Iraqi deaths, and deaths of terrorists are announced with regularity.
I'm not writing on war today to argue for one political solution to the war over anothers. Rather, as a pastor of the church I want to lift up how much God hates war. The Lord our God is a God of life for the world in Jesus Christ and wants humanity to be honored and well cared for no matter what.
Unfortunately, sin and destruction are always at work in the world and military solutions are needed to protect humanity from each other. It is in respone to our personal sin and the sins of nations and organizations that God sent Jesus to this world to bring healing, forgiveness, and new life.
Please pray for an end to all wars in our world. Please pray for the well-being of all humanity.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
I'm not writing on war today to argue for one political solution to the war over anothers. Rather, as a pastor of the church I want to lift up how much God hates war. The Lord our God is a God of life for the world in Jesus Christ and wants humanity to be honored and well cared for no matter what.
Unfortunately, sin and destruction are always at work in the world and military solutions are needed to protect humanity from each other. It is in respone to our personal sin and the sins of nations and organizations that God sent Jesus to this world to bring healing, forgiveness, and new life.
Please pray for an end to all wars in our world. Please pray for the well-being of all humanity.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
Thursday, March 27, 2008
God's Victory
Last Sunday the church I am serving was packed with worshippers! Two of three services were filled to the walls with people gathered to worship God and give God thanks for the resurrection of Jesus.
On that awesome Sunday and for the next 50 days the church celebrates the resurrection. In a sermon series for the next five Sundays my colleague, Pastor Chiles, and I will explore the theme "Taking It With You." How do we live the resurrection? How do we apply it to our every day lives?
In our age that commonly talks about reincarnation and the here and now, the resurrection takes us to the present and future that God has for us in Jesus Christ. It is a radical message for our world. It is radical call to live in the light of the resurrection.
He is Risen!
-Pastor Durk
Monday, March 10, 2008
Book Reflection: Where will the current take you next?
Last week I finished reading a novel by Nathan Jorgensen entitled "Mulligan." In the story a Rochester, MN, dentist named Joe Mix reaches a point in his life when he discovers he really doesn't enjoy his dental practice and starts to seek a change in his life. At about the same time his marriage ends and one day he gets in his old truck and leaves town.
He drives for several days- days filled with pain, reflection, and hope for his future. He spends a few months working on a ranch in Montana and then ends up working as a fishing guide on a beautiful river in Montana. While working there he falls in love with a woman who works for the same outfitter. He also makes a few new friends and truly starts to enjoy himself. The novel ends with an opened ended question, "He wondered where the current would take him next."
This novel is a story of self-discovery and adventure in life. As Joe Mix starts to discover himself I found my self reflecting on how God is the One who discovers us in Jesus Christ. The Lord our God who created us is the one who saw our sin and brokenness and discovered us- no, found us- and has saved us in the waters of Holy Baptism.
Where do think the current of the waters of baptism will take you next?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Friday, February 29, 2008
Have you seen the movie Juno?
Last week my wife and I saw the movie "Juno." Based on the screen play by Diablo Cody, this is a delightful and refreshing movie. It tells the story of a teenage girl, named Juno, who got pregnant and decided not to get an abortion but have the child and let a young couple adopt the child.
Filled with quirky, yet very realistic comments made by Juno about her pregnancy, I found the film provides new insights into the world of teens as they discover their sexuality and the meaning or lack of meaning in relationships.
On her way into the abortion clinic, Juno runs into an acquaintance who is protesting outside the clinic. "It has fingernails!" she exclaims to Juno. Juno goes into the clinic for a brief moment and then rushes out with her mind made up to have the baby.
In a rather surprising and unique angle, her boyfriend is in the picture the whole way. He doesn't disappear from the scene as is most often the case in our world. Juno loves him and after she gives birth, they are together.
Since not everything in life goes the way we might expect, I am always confident that our faith in Christ gives us the strength and courage to meet those unexpected twists and turns of life.
-Pastor Durk
Filled with quirky, yet very realistic comments made by Juno about her pregnancy, I found the film provides new insights into the world of teens as they discover their sexuality and the meaning or lack of meaning in relationships.
On her way into the abortion clinic, Juno runs into an acquaintance who is protesting outside the clinic. "It has fingernails!" she exclaims to Juno. Juno goes into the clinic for a brief moment and then rushes out with her mind made up to have the baby.
In a rather surprising and unique angle, her boyfriend is in the picture the whole way. He doesn't disappear from the scene as is most often the case in our world. Juno loves him and after she gives birth, they are together.
Since not everything in life goes the way we might expect, I am always confident that our faith in Christ gives us the strength and courage to meet those unexpected twists and turns of life.
-Pastor Durk
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Travel Channel Reflections
During the course of any given week I try to carve out a little time to watch the travel channels. I love going on tours around the world with the hosts of these programs. From Egypt to France to Chine to Argentina and more the programs bring you along to see the people, sites, and historical landmarks of these lands.
The Christian religion has travelled around our world many times over with still more places to go with the gospel. I am always in awe of God's great love and power that has gone out to the world through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The next time you travel or watch a travel channel imagine all those touched by the love of God in Christ and all those who are still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Blessed and inspiring travels to all of you!
The Christian religion has travelled around our world many times over with still more places to go with the gospel. I am always in awe of God's great love and power that has gone out to the world through Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The next time you travel or watch a travel channel imagine all those touched by the love of God in Christ and all those who are still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
Blessed and inspiring travels to all of you!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ashes to Ashes
Last night I walked into my son's basketball practice with the cross of ashes still fresh on my forehead from our Ash Wednesday service at church. Embarrassed, he ran up to me and said, "Dad, get that thing off your forehead!!" To alleviate his being uncomfortable I turned and wiped it off.
Even though the cross of ashes is wiped off, the cross of Christ still remains on my forehead. On the day I was baptized the pastor made the sign of the cross of me and said, "You've been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."
This cross identifies me as God's child. What identifies you? What marks you for the world and the world to come?
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
Even though the cross of ashes is wiped off, the cross of Christ still remains on my forehead. On the day I was baptized the pastor made the sign of the cross of me and said, "You've been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."
This cross identifies me as God's child. What identifies you? What marks you for the world and the world to come?
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
Monday, January 14, 2008
What are you hoping for this year?
We are well into the new year. As you look ahead to the year what are your personal goals? The goals of your family? The goals of your school?
The congregation I serve, Maple Grove Lutheran, has a couple of ambitious goals for the year:
+ Grow our worship attendance
+Create more small groups
Both of these are ambitious and will take a lot of work and effort on behalf our congregation and staff.
It is only by God's power at work in the Holy Spirit that we are moved individually and as a congregation. In serving my congregation I am always confident and hopeful in the power of the Spirit at work among us.
As you dive into this year and focus on your hopes and dreams, you can trust and know that you are not alone. Jesus, Immanuel, God-with-us, will give you all the hope, power and motivation you'll ever need.
Blessings for 2008!
Pastor Durk
The congregation I serve, Maple Grove Lutheran, has a couple of ambitious goals for the year:
+ Grow our worship attendance
+Create more small groups
Both of these are ambitious and will take a lot of work and effort on behalf our congregation and staff.
It is only by God's power at work in the Holy Spirit that we are moved individually and as a congregation. In serving my congregation I am always confident and hopeful in the power of the Spirit at work among us.
As you dive into this year and focus on your hopes and dreams, you can trust and know that you are not alone. Jesus, Immanuel, God-with-us, will give you all the hope, power and motivation you'll ever need.
Blessings for 2008!
Pastor Durk
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