This time of year is an incredible and joyous time as we prepare for Christmas- programs, musical events, shopping, eating Christmas goodies, and making plans for time with family and friends.
At the same time during this time you may be feeling stretched thin or pulled in too many directions. You might feel like the winds of December are blowing you around and throwing you off-balance.
Last week I finished reading a book written by Chuck Swindoll entitled Embraced by the Spirit. This book pulled me back to the center of faith and life during this mad December rush. Swindoll turns our attention to the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit can and does move in our lives and families to renew and refocus on Christ. The Spirit can and does calm us and restore balance in our lives.
We all know people who exude peace and confidence, don't we? Maybe you have this or know someone near you who does. As you talk or interact with this person you sense calm and a collected disposition.
My hunch is that many of you will be able to take a deep breath and relax a bit during the week after Christmas. My hope and prayer is that during that time as well as now God's Holy Spirit will be at work in your life to give you peace and an inner calm.
Jesus calms our fears and softens the hardened edges of lives when he says this, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear...But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:25,33)
And, our risen Lord says this to his disicples who are trembling with fear and anxiety about their future, "Peace be with you!"
Joy in the Journey,
Pastor Durk Peterson, Alleluia! Lutheran Church
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Shocked, Yet Thankful
Last week shock spread through the STMA school system and our communities. The news of Tim Larson's murder hit the ears of many with disbelief and disgust.
If you experience a strong physical and emotional reaction to eath, you may also experience a time of questioning God. Where is God when a death like his occurs? What does God have to do with this? Can God help us accept and work through the news of a loved one or friend's death?
During dark and hard times our Lord brings family and friends to our side- people with whom we can share our feelings, questions, and memories.
Right into the very heart of times of grief God says to us, "I am with you. I love you. Your are my child and I will always care for you."
Our congregation hosted a Prayer Gathering in Tim's memory and honor last week. The hard part of that evening for me that night was including the murderer and his son in my prayers. I prayed for God to transform their hearts in Christ. This is so difficult when vengeance and disgust are so raw in our hearts.
John 3:16 reminds us of God's love for every single person in this world and what God has done for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross and to be raised for us. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, though he die, will live..."
My hope is that when you face the sudden loss of a friend or family member or co-worker you will be aware of God's loving presence of you. And, because of this, there is.....
Joy in the Journey,
Pastor Durk K. Peterson, Alleluia! Lutheran Church
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Are you being lifted up and carried?
Do you recall the last time someone went out of their way to help you? To lift you up? To carry you?
Just as Josh lifted the injured runner and carried him, so we are called at times to simply stop- stop, respond, and help- immediately. At other times we may find ourselves injured and crying out in pain and someone will stop to lift and carry us.
Lutheran Church
A couple weeks a cross country runner from Andover
A freshmen from Lakeville had a gash in his foot from a running spike that was bleeding and inflicting him with pain. In a very surprising and amazing move, Josh stopped. He walked right over to the injured runner, picked him up and carried him 100 yards to a place where he could receive medical attention.
Just as Josh lifted the injured runner and carried him, so we are called at times to simply stop- stop, respond, and help- immediately. At other times we may find ourselves injured and crying out in pain and someone will stop to lift and carry us.
I am convinced that God loves us in every step of our journey of faith. Ultimately, He is the one who lifts us through Jesus. He is the one who carries us. All out of sheer love.
So, whether you find yourself doing the lifting or being lifted, know that it is all possible through the living and loving presence of God.
Joy in the Journey,
Pastor Durk Peterson, Alleluia! Friday, August 5, 2011
Refreshment!
The other night the temperature cooled down and a soothing breeze was flowing. As I spent some time doing yard work I hardly broke a sweat. You know the feeling don’t know? When there is a break from the heat and refreshment comes rushing in?
In our journey of faith the Holy Spirit comes as a soothing breeze that refreshes us. Through the heat and challenge of living out our faith in Jesus the Spirit rushes in to revive and refresh.
When you feel overwhelmed, tired, and sluggish in your personal, family, or community of faith, you can rest assured that the Lord our God gives love and grace through Christ to fill you with renewed hope and energy.
Joy in the Journey,
Pastor Durk Peterson, Alleluia Lutheran Church
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A Young Girl's Surprise!
A Young Girl's Surprise
A few years ago drought conditions developed in the southern states of our country. People were growing wearing and frustrated, with no apparent end in site.
The fields were parched and brown from lack of rain, and the crops lay wilting from thirst. People were anxious and irritable as they searched the sky for any sign of relief. Days turned into arid weeks. No rain came.
Members of the local churches called for an hour of prayer in a small Kansas town one Saturday. Everyone was asked to bring an object of faith for inspiration.
At noon on the appointed Saturday the people turned out en masse, filling the
square with anxious faces and hopeful hearts. The people were touched to see
the variety of objects clutched in prayerful hands - holy books, crosses,
and rosaries.
When the hour ended, as if on magical command, a soft rain began to fall.
Cheers swept the crowd as they held their treasured objects high in gratitude and
praise.
From the middle of the crowd one faith symbol seemed to overshadow all
the others. A small 9-year-old girl had brought an umbrella. An umbrella as her
object of hope.
What is your object of hope these days? What is your source of hope?
Jesus is the Living Water from heaven who has the power to refresh our lives that might otherwise be like the dried and cracked ground of parched land.
Peace,
Pastor Durk Peterson
Alleluia Lutheran Church, St. Michael, MN
The fields were parched and brown from lack of rain, and the crops lay wilting from thirst. People were anxious and irritable as they searched the sky for any sign of relief. Days turned into arid weeks. No rain came.
Members of the local churches called for an hour of prayer in a small Kansas town one Saturday. Everyone was asked to bring an object of faith for inspiration.
At noon on the appointed Saturday the people turned out en masse, filling the
square with anxious faces and hopeful hearts. The people were touched to see
the variety of objects clutched in prayerful hands - holy books, crosses,
and rosaries.
When the hour ended, as if on magical command, a soft rain began to fall.
Cheers swept the crowd as they held their treasured objects high in gratitude and
praise.
From the middle of the crowd one faith symbol seemed to overshadow all
the others. A small 9-year-old girl had brought an umbrella. An umbrella as her
object of hope.
What is your object of hope these days? What is your source of hope?
Jesus is the Living Water from heaven who has the power to refresh our lives that might otherwise be like the dried and cracked ground of parched land.
Peace,
Pastor Durk Peterson
Alleluia Lutheran Church, St. Michael, MN
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Sudden Changes...
Sudden Changes…..
What kinds of change have you experienced lately?
Perhaps you’ve heard one of the following messages:
“You have cancer.” or “This is your last day of work here.” or “I want a divorce.” or “Your home is going into foreclosure.”
On a more positive side of things perhaps you’ve received these messages:
“We’re pregnant!” or “Will you marry me?” or “Congratulations, the job is yours!When you hear any of these messages or others, your world can change immediately.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever more” is message shared in the letter of Hebrews (Hebrews 13:8).
If there is one constant in our world of change and transitions, it is the grace of Jesus for you. The love of Christ is a rock, unmovable and permanent. His love for you is forever and can never be it taken away.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Summer's Coming!
How’s Your Summer Family Calendar Looking These Days?
Peace,
Summer is finally here! The sun and warmer breezes and longer days have arrived. Thanks be to God! This is the time of year for us to appreciate the beauty and growth in God’s creation.
Summer is also the time schedules change. Children are home from school. They are involved in soccer or lacrosse or baseball or softball. Adults play in softball, volleyball, and golf leagues. My guess is that for most families summer is as busy as ever, only busy with a different set of activities.
Worship at Alleluia this summer continues with worship services at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. I want to encourage and challenge you to keep worship a priority this summer. If you need to “go radical” and work with a coach on keeping your family free for church on Sundays. As a parent and father of a son and daughter involved in athletics in Maple Grove
As you know we show our priorities very clearly in the decisions we make in terms of how we utilize our time. So, please keep your worship life alive and well along with your financial giving during these summer months.
I hear the word on the street every spring that summer is coming and worship attendance goes down and financial offerings go down. Though Alleluia has trended downward slightly in the summer Alleluia does not dip down like many other churches.
Together at Alleluia let’s shout down the word on the street for summer being a “down time” Let’s kick it up a notch here and continue to grow our attendance and offerings and building fund commitments.
Remember, our church operations continue through the summer with staff and facility needs as well as our giving outside our walls toward ELCA mission support.
For Jesus’ sake, we come together to worship and serve. See you in church this summer,
May your summer be filled with fun and joy as we follow Jesus together.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Friday, April 22, 2011
Life Passages
Our daughter, Laura, will graduate from High School on June 12th. My wife and I just can’t believe this day is fast approaching! As cliché as it may sound, it seems just like yesterday that our daughter was a young girl and now she has matured into a young woman of 17 yrs. We are looking forward to celebrating her accomplishments as she begins to anticipate starting her college studies at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in the fall. Her graduation is a significant “life passage.”
The Passage of First Communion: Here at Alleluia there are a several significant life and faith passages that will take place in May. First Communion happens for our third graders on May 1st. After a workshop for preparation they will be joining in the full celebration of the Lord’s Supper, receiving the bread and the wine, the body and blood of Jesus. This is such an exciting time for these children!
The Passage of Confirmation: On May 15 we will celebrate the Confirmation of our 8th graders. On this day they will be entering a new stage of involvement in the church. Once confirmed they become adult “voting” members of the congregation. This is also an important opportunity for our young people to say “yes” to their baptism in Christ and “yes” to their faith in Jesus.
The Passage of Marriage: One of my pastoral duties I enjoy immensely is presiding at weddings. There are 10 wedding taking place through Alleluia’s ministry this year alone. Working with couples getting ready for their marriage is so important and so rewarding. Transitioning into a life of marriage is a wonderful time for couples as they make their life long commitment to each other.
The Passage of Baptism: Here at Alleluia we continue to have many baptisms! We are blessed with many children and also a few youth and adults who have moved into a whole new life in Christ through baptism. Baptisms are always an incredible way in which to celebrate God’s forgiveness, grace, and love for us in Jesus Christ.
Please keep our children and youth in your prayers in these days ahead as they go through grace-filled and wonderful life passages!
Pastor Durk
The Passage of First Communion: Here at Alleluia there are a several significant life and faith passages that will take place in May. First Communion happens for our third graders on May 1st. After a workshop for preparation they will be joining in the full celebration of the Lord’s Supper, receiving the bread and the wine, the body and blood of Jesus. This is such an exciting time for these children!
The Passage of Confirmation: On May 15 we will celebrate the Confirmation of our 8th graders. On this day they will be entering a new stage of involvement in the church. Once confirmed they become adult “voting” members of the congregation. This is also an important opportunity for our young people to say “yes” to their baptism in Christ and “yes” to their faith in Jesus.
The Passage of Marriage: One of my pastoral duties I enjoy immensely is presiding at weddings. There are 10 wedding taking place through Alleluia’s ministry this year alone. Working with couples getting ready for their marriage is so important and so rewarding. Transitioning into a life of marriage is a wonderful time for couples as they make their life long commitment to each other.
The Passage of Baptism: Here at Alleluia we continue to have many baptisms! We are blessed with many children and also a few youth and adults who have moved into a whole new life in Christ through baptism. Baptisms are always an incredible way in which to celebrate God’s forgiveness, grace, and love for us in Jesus Christ.
Please keep our children and youth in your prayers in these days ahead as they go through grace-filled and wonderful life passages!
Pastor Durk
Thursday, March 17, 2011
God is NOT an app!
As you may aware I enjoy technology and how it can be a tool for ministry. Whether facebooking or blogging or emailing or skyping, technology has its benefits for communication.
One of the latest developments in technology comes in the forms of applications or “apps” that can be downloaded to your phone or computer. There are thousands of apps to choose from- everything from games to reference resources to calculators and even Bible readings. Nearly every day I read from the Eugene Peterson’s Bible translation that I downloaded as an app a few months ago.
Do you ever feel as if you treat God and His power as an “app?” That is, do you find yourself seeking out God and wanting to download his power and grace only when you think you might need it?
The other day I finished reading a book about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was German pastor and theologian who was executed on April 9th of 1945 for being in involved in a plot to kill Hitler. Obviously, he was not spending time with technology, but he did study the scriptures and write theology to help us live out our life in Christ, even during the last couple years of his life while in prison.
One of Bonhoeffer’s writings addresses the human tendency to “compartmentalize “ God or to keep God at arms length until we really need him. We might divide up our life into work, marriage, family, friends, community, religion, etc. This would lead us to have God part of our life only one Sunday mornings at church or whenever we worship. And, the rest of the week keep God off to the side and draw upon his love in Jesus only when we need it.
Bonhoeffer reminds us that God wants all of our life to follow Jesus. Every part of our life! God is at work in our family life, work, friendship, finances, activities, etc. Yes, after our baptism in Jesus’ name the Spirit is moving through every part of our life, not just one “religious compartment.”
So, whether you download a religious “app” or not, know that God constantly calls on us to follow Jesus- to follow Jesus everywhere we go and all that we do. After all, God wants all of our life- every dimension, not just one or two.
Your Jesus loving and tech loving pastor,
Pastor Durk
As you may aware I enjoy technology and how it can be a tool for ministry. Whether facebooking or blogging or emailing or skyping, technology has its benefits for communication.
One of the latest developments in technology comes in the forms of applications or “apps” that can be downloaded to your phone or computer. There are thousands of apps to choose from- everything from games to reference resources to calculators and even Bible readings. Nearly every day I read from the Eugene Peterson’s Bible translation that I downloaded as an app a few months ago.
Do you ever feel as if you treat God and His power as an “app?” That is, do you find yourself seeking out God and wanting to download his power and grace only when you think you might need it?
The other day I finished reading a book about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was German pastor and theologian who was executed on April 9th of 1945 for being in involved in a plot to kill Hitler. Obviously, he was not spending time with technology, but he did study the scriptures and write theology to help us live out our life in Christ, even during the last couple years of his life while in prison.
One of Bonhoeffer’s writings addresses the human tendency to “compartmentalize “ God or to keep God at arms length until we really need him. We might divide up our life into work, marriage, family, friends, community, religion, etc. This would lead us to have God part of our life only one Sunday mornings at church or whenever we worship. And, the rest of the week keep God off to the side and draw upon his love in Jesus only when we need it.
Bonhoeffer reminds us that God wants all of our life to follow Jesus. Every part of our life! God is at work in our family life, work, friendship, finances, activities, etc. Yes, after our baptism in Jesus’ name the Spirit is moving through every part of our life, not just one “religious compartment.”
So, whether you download a religious “app” or not, know that God constantly calls on us to follow Jesus- to follow Jesus everywhere we go and all that we do. After all, God wants all of our life- every dimension, not just one or two.
Your Jesus loving and tech loving pastor,
Pastor Durk
Thursday, February 17, 2011
It's Time To Journey
Get Ready, Get Set…….GO WITH LENT!
As I’ve mentioned in a light-hearted way as of late in church, “So, we’re going to have Lent again this year!” Yes, Lent is an annual part of our life as a church. For 40 days (not counting Sundays) prior to Easter we journey through Lent with Jesus to the cross.
Historically, Lent is a time of repentance and reflection on our sin and need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Traditionally, Lent is also a time many Christians will give something up for Lent or, in some cases, take something on. That is, as an act of Christian discipline some people will sacrifice meat or chocolate or another food item to focus on the cross. Others will add a discipline like pray and midweek worship.
This year at Alleluia we will journey through Lent by entering the world of Jesus’ last week of life by way of dramas. Volunteers from our congregation will portray characters like Peter, Caiaphas, and Mary Magdalene. These biblical characters will be interviewed by a news anchor to bring their message and involvement with Jesus to life. I am grateful to Mike Frickstad who is coordinating and directing the dramas this year.
Something new will happen at Alleluia during Lent as well. We will worship on Wednesday evenings during Lent by singing the Holden Evening Service of Prayer. This beautiful, very lyrical liturgy was written originally for Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state. I am hopeful this will be a very powerful and inspiring mid-week worship service for everyone.
As we look to the last days of Jesus’ earthly life during Lent, we can experience renewal in our faith in Christ. Lent is at times referred to as the “spring-time” of the soul. Lent can enliven our faith and can refocus our faith in Christ.
Ash Wed. and Wed. Midweek Lenten Services:
Please plan on beginning the Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, March 9th at 7 p.m. (no soup supper that night) and then on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m (Mar. 16, 23, 30, Apr.6 and 13 with a Soup Supper served at 6 pm and child care provided. Donations for the Soup Supper will go towards the summer Sr. High Youth Mission Trip.
Holy Week: We will hold a Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. on April 21. We will have the symbolic Washing of Hands and Holy Communion that night. The Good Friday Service at 7 pm. will be held on April 22 with a reading of the passion according to John’s gospel.
Easter Celebration Worship Services! Easter Services will be held at 9 and 10:30 am. On April 24th with Holy Communion, special music and inspiring worship for our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
As I’ve mentioned in a light-hearted way as of late in church, “So, we’re going to have Lent again this year!” Yes, Lent is an annual part of our life as a church. For 40 days (not counting Sundays) prior to Easter we journey through Lent with Jesus to the cross.
Historically, Lent is a time of repentance and reflection on our sin and need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Traditionally, Lent is also a time many Christians will give something up for Lent or, in some cases, take something on. That is, as an act of Christian discipline some people will sacrifice meat or chocolate or another food item to focus on the cross. Others will add a discipline like pray and midweek worship.
This year at Alleluia we will journey through Lent by entering the world of Jesus’ last week of life by way of dramas. Volunteers from our congregation will portray characters like Peter, Caiaphas, and Mary Magdalene. These biblical characters will be interviewed by a news anchor to bring their message and involvement with Jesus to life. I am grateful to Mike Frickstad who is coordinating and directing the dramas this year.
Something new will happen at Alleluia during Lent as well. We will worship on Wednesday evenings during Lent by singing the Holden Evening Service of Prayer. This beautiful, very lyrical liturgy was written originally for Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state. I am hopeful this will be a very powerful and inspiring mid-week worship service for everyone.
As we look to the last days of Jesus’ earthly life during Lent, we can experience renewal in our faith in Christ. Lent is at times referred to as the “spring-time” of the soul. Lent can enliven our faith and can refocus our faith in Christ.
Ash Wed. and Wed. Midweek Lenten Services:
Please plan on beginning the Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, March 9th at 7 p.m. (no soup supper that night) and then on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m (Mar. 16, 23, 30, Apr.6 and 13 with a Soup Supper served at 6 pm and child care provided. Donations for the Soup Supper will go towards the summer Sr. High Youth Mission Trip.
Holy Week: We will hold a Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. on April 21. We will have the symbolic Washing of Hands and Holy Communion that night. The Good Friday Service at 7 pm. will be held on April 22 with a reading of the passion according to John’s gospel.
Easter Celebration Worship Services! Easter Services will be held at 9 and 10:30 am. On April 24th with Holy Communion, special music and inspiring worship for our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
Friday, January 14, 2011
What Are Your Reasons For Giving?
These past weeks I spent time with an incredible book by Miroslav Volf entitled Free of Charge: giving and forgiving in a culture stripped of grace. In this amazing book on Christian giving he explores the reasons we give.
+ Some gifts given are coercive in nature- we give in order to manipulate others.
+ Some gifts are sales-like in nature- we give in order to get something back from the receiver of the gift.
+Some gifts are given freely- we give with no strings attached and nothing expected in return.
God gives us the gift of Jesus and his grace freely and generously. We can choose to model the giving of God when we practice giving freely.
The next time you give an offering or make a donation or give a gift of any kind consider your motives. Trust me, the Lord our God will show the way of selfless and generous giving.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
+ Some gifts given are coercive in nature- we give in order to manipulate others.
+ Some gifts are sales-like in nature- we give in order to get something back from the receiver of the gift.
+Some gifts are given freely- we give with no strings attached and nothing expected in return.
God gives us the gift of Jesus and his grace freely and generously. We can choose to model the giving of God when we practice giving freely.
The next time you give an offering or make a donation or give a gift of any kind consider your motives. Trust me, the Lord our God will show the way of selfless and generous giving.
Blessings,
Pastor Durk
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