Tooltime!

 April 05: I was at camp rummaging through a toolbox when something I read during my Lenten devotions came to mind.  It reminded me of the work we do together here at Holy Trinity.

      Seems someone has imagined the Carpenter's tools holding a conference.  Brother Hammer presided.  Several suggested he leave the meeting because he was too noisy.  Replied Hammer, "If I have to leave this shop, Brother Screw must go also.  You have to turn him around again and again to get him to accomplish anything."

      Brother Screw then spoke up.  "If you wish, I'll leave.  But Brother Plane must leave too.  All his work is on the surface.  His efforts have no depth."

      To this, Brother Plane responded, "Brother Rule will also have to withdraw, for he is always measuring folks as though he were the only one who is right."

      Brother Rule then complained against Brother Sandpaper: "You ought to leave too because you're so rough and always rubbing people the wrong way."

      In the midst of all this discussion, in walked the Carpenter of Nazareth.  He had arrived to start His day's work.  Putting on His apron, He went to the  bench to make a pulpit from which to proclaim the Gospel.  He employed the hammer, screw, plane, rule, sandpaper, and all the other tools.  After the day's work when the pulpit was finished, Brother Saw arose and remarked: "Brethren, I observe that all of us are workers together with the Lord."

      As I think about the ministry of this congregation, I thank God I do not hear the bickering mentioned above.  I also thank God, that we have been blessed with "the tools" that enable the Gospel to be proclaimed here in this place.  Thank you for your ministry.. for letting the Master use your special gifts for service.  God be praised!

Pastoral Pondering

February 05: Here we sit all safe and sound in the far frozen north of Michigan .  February is bearing down on us like a polar express whistling over the big lake.  ( Superior that is.)   Today I look out the front window of the parsonage and see snowflakes as big as duck feathers falling gently out of the sky.   I listen to the news…. I take time to think… its quiet.

But not everywhere… elections are coming up… in Iraq .  Daniel is in harm’s way.  So are lots of others….so young they are.

            It was nine years ago, in Wise Virginia, this string bean of a boy was my acolyte while I served my intern year at Christ Lutheran Church .  I can still see his mother making last minute adjustments to his alb, and whispering in his ear about not picking his nose or doing anything foolish while he was sitting up front.  All energy and instincts were held in check as he did his duty.  Walking with precision… slowly… then an altar bow… light the candles one-by-one.  Then…. sitting almost patiently until the service was finally done
          As I look at the “flaming stick” he carries now, I can see the times have changed.  I pray the boy (now a man) has learned his lessons well.  “Don’t do anything foolish.”  Do your “duty” with precision and listen to your instincts. 

I wonder what becomes of a young man’s faith when the earth shakes and fragments fly?  Oh Daniel do you cling to Christ like your little sister Sara used to cling to your mother’s knee?  Then I see a picture of him playing chess with the Chaplain during a break in the action.  J I smile.  Fear not!  He’s heart smart, and hanging with a Holy Man!  My Acolyte is all right!

Do your duty.  Cling to Christ.  Remember your training, especially when the whole earth shakes and also during those quiet breaks.     Thanks for this morning’s lesson Daniel.  God bless you and all those who are in harm’s way.

                        Come Lord Jesus

                                                Prince of Peace

                        Bring Light to the darkness

                        Make the wars to cease

Pastor Ted