People of Hope: Earlier this week, I attended the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, where all pastors and deacons currently serving in calls meet for retreat and continuing education organized by the synod office. This year, among others, we learned from and …
Prayer of the Day O Lord God, you are the holy lawgiver, you are the salvation of your people. By your Spirit renew us in your covenant of love, and train us to care tenderly for all our neighbors, through …
People of Hope: By now, you are probably familiar with what Peter Steinke writes about change. He believes healthy change happens in three stages. Redefine Problem Redefine Self Define Specific Changes First, Steinke challenges congregations to redefine the problem without …
Prayer of the Day Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, …
People of Hope: Two weeks ago, I shared wise words from Peter Steinke, who coaches congregations as they work through change. He believes healthy change happens in three stages. Redefine Problem Redefine Self Define Specific Changes First, Steinke challenges congregations …
Prayer of the Day Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform …
Prayer of the Day Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through …
People of Hope: Over a decade ago, I would begin each day listening to these words from Bob Dylan: Come gather ’round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown And accept it that soon …
Prayer of the Day God of love, giver of life, you know our frailties and failings. Give us your grace to overcome them, keep us from those things that harm us, and guide us in the way of salvation, through …
Prayer of the Day Almighty and eternal God, you show perpetual lovingkindness to us your servants. Because we cannot rely on our own abilities, grant us your merciful judgment, and train us to embody the generosity of your Son, Jesus …
Prayer of the Day O Lord God, merciful judge, you are the inexhaustible fountain of forgiveness. Replace our hearts of stone with hearts that love and adore you, that we may delight in doing your will, through Jesus Christ, our …
People of Hope: Deacon Connie serves Esperanza as our Family Ministry Coordinator. In that role, she coordinates Vacation Bible School and Sunday Funday, leads monthly preschool chapel services and builds relationships with all the kiddos and their families who make …