Pastor’s Column May 27

      Rev. Ole was the pastor of the local Norwegian Lutheran Church, and Pastor Sven was the minister of the Swedish Covenant Church across the road in Minnesota. One day they were outside standing by the road, pounding a sign into the ground that said:

                               Da End iss Near!

                               Turn Yourself Aroundt Now!

                                Before It’s Too Late!

          A car sped past,the driver leaning out his window yelling, “Leave us alone, you religious nuts!”

        As the car disappeared down the road, suddenly there came the sound of screeching tires and a big splash. Rev. Ole said to Pastor Sven, “Do ya tink maybe da sign should yust say ‘Bridge Out’?”  - DJ

Pastor's Column May 20, 2012

    Do you remember that centuries ago there was an index of forbidden books?

   Maggie Ross does not want to embrace an index of forbidden books again, but she sees a legitimate intention behind such a list. “For all of us there are books we wish we hadn’t read, movies we wish we hadn’t seen, activities we no longer care to engage in – all of which can leave residual images in the mind that take time and effort to dissolve.”

   I find what Ross is suggesting helpful. Which movies, TV programs, books, periodicals, columns, events, websites, and activities not only upset you, but which ones have been a big “That was a waste of time!” Based then upon these distasteful experiences, ask ourselves if a repeat is not worth avoiding.

   About any encounter, Ross would have us ponder these questions: “Will this text, experience, or person create an interior storm of pleasurable excitement, or anguish and distress, clouding the mind with noisy distraction? What is the quality of silence in this text, experience, or person?”

   Paul says, “Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8. I.e., there is a whole lot of entertainment and opinion out there not worthy of our time. -DJ

Pastor's Column May 13, 2012

     One of the scriptures used at funerals or memorial services for Moms is Proverbs 31:10-31. Eugene Peterson would certainly not lobby for a woman’s place being confined to the home; but a Mom’s place certainly includes the home. This is his translation from The Message.

      “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

        “She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn’t’ worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silk. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

      “Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: ‘Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!’ Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praise!”

       I get tired just reading the above. No wonder we set aside a day for Mom to take it easy. Tomorrow it starts again. -DJ

Pastor's Column May 5, 2012

      (An allegedly true story.) A bar called Drummond's, Mt Vernon, Texas, wanted to expand their business to attract more patrons. A local Southern Baptist church protested and began a campaign to prevent the expansion - petitions, prayers, etc. The protest was not successful in that the bar got the license to build on.

     About a week before the bar's grand re-opening, a bolt of lightning struck the

bar and burned it to the ground. Afterward, the church folks were rather smug. They bragged about  "the power of prayer". The angry bar owner took all he could and then sued the church on grounds that the congregation... "Was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, through direct actions or indirect means."

        The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the

 building's demise. The judge read carefully through the plaintiff's complaint and the

 defendant's reply. He then opened the hearing by saying: "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but it appears from the paperwork that what we have here is a bar owner who now believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not." - DJ