As I write, the church is a buzz of activity with nearly 300 people gathered for the annual Senior Health & Faith Day. Our Savior's is blessed to host this event and share with our community the wonderful hospitality of our staff and volunteers. A special word of appreciation and affirmation belongs to our Parish Nurse, Becky Hulden, this day. She has devoted much time and energy to this event, for which we, as a congregation, are very grateful! Thanks, Becky!
It's seems Our Savior's is a buzz of activity most days, doesn't it? This is good. There is much ministry and mission happening in such a variety of ways among the people of this community of faith. Last Sunday I am grateful once again for the beautiful baptism of little Valerie Rose Koepke at our 10:30 service. She was such a little angel, grinning from ear to ear as I poured the waters of grace over her head. She smiled as one who has just been eternally forgiven and set free as I introduced her to new family of God. What a joy! I was also delighted to see the very good turnout for our guest speaker from our local Youth Services Bureau, Emily Johnson. She shared during Adult Education hour helpful ways for parent to communicate with their children. I hope this was helpful for our members who were able to attend. I continue to encourage our members who are interested to attend the "My Neighbor is Muslim" study at Saint Andrew's Lutheran in Mahtomedi on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. You can find out more details on their website.
This Sunday we look forward to celebrating Earth Day at both of our worship services which are entitled, "All Earth Is Hopeful". Our service will highlight the gift of Creation given to us to tend and enjoy by God. We will consider the ways Our Savior's is responding to that call to be faithful stewards of the Earth and ways we could be better. Watch for a nice article about Our Savior's efforts in this area in local papers this week!
This coming Sunday we will also be celebrating our 2 year-old Faith Marker as well as another baptism at 10:30 for little Marcie Jo McCarthy.
Adult Education this Sunday will be the first of a four-week study of the book, The Phoenix Affirmations: A New Vision for the Future of Christianity. You do not need to read the book in order to participate in the conversation. Study guides will be provided at each session. This coming Sunday we'll study the first of twelve affirmations entitled, "Affirming Diversity of Paths to God" This conversation will highlight how Christian love of God includes walking fully in the path of Jesus, without denying the legitimacy of other paths God may provide humanity. We hope you'll be able to join the conversation.
At our Wednesday night worship this week we'll be exploring Psalm 8 as we consider "A God's-Eye View" of life and creation.
Lastly - our MN Twins are back on the winning track, it seems! Go Twins! :)
