Random Seeds for Thought

Via de Cristo

Recently I had the opportunity to participate in what is referred to as a Via de Cristo/Cursillo weekend at one of our Lutheran churches in St. Paul. Beginning on a Thursday evening about 40 men gathered, some of who were on the team and others who were going through the weekend. Our time together centered on worship, listening to an assortment of talks, and then discussing in small groups what those talks meant in light of our call to faith and discipleship. The term Via de Cristo is a Spanish word meaning “Way of Christ” and the goal is to provide an opportunity for faith renewal and greater awareness of what living in God’s grace is all about. 

That’s a formal description of the weekend. Now let me tell you what really happens! It is an opportunity to have your spiritual eyes opened. It is a chance to step away from the daily grind and really reflect upon your faith and what’s all this talk about grace? It is a weekend that is both exhausting and uplifting. It has been my observation that it is not uncommon for some individuals to attend somewhat reluctantly on Thursday night and then by Sunday, wishing they had done this long ago. I have seen lives changed as a result of a Via de Cristo weekend and I have seen individuals who came in beleaguered and beat up leave with a spirit of joy and peace. So, if your faith life is in need of a boost, if you desire to go deeper in your relationship with Christ, or if you have a need to get back on track in your faith walk…perhaps a Via de Cristo is just what you need. If so, I would love to talk to you about this wonderful ministry.

Giving Thanks

One of the things I have admired about Zion’s Annual Meeting is the emphasis of taking to time to formally give thanks to all the folks who contribute to Zion’s mission and ministry.  So, in keeping with that tradition I want to extend my appreciation to Zion’s Church Council and the leadership they have provided this past year. Together they have addressed some challenging issues in regards decisions made at our recent Church Wide Assembly, the economic struggles that many are facing, the maintenance of keeping up an older building and the ever changing world we are called to serve and minister to. In each case your church council has given thoughtful and prayerful consideration as they discern the route God might be calling us to follow. For this I am grateful. I would also have to say that I am appreciative of Council Chair Dave Manoleff’s ability to keep us on task and focused. For anyone who has ever sat through some of those 3-hour church council meetings, Dave has the gift of moving us along and out the door with expediency. For this all of us are grateful.

I would also like to publicly give thanks to Karen Edmison, Zion’s Office Manager. Karen is the one who graciously takes your calls, makes sure our bulletins, newsletters, and all other publications are printed and distributed. She is the one who keeps track of all our comings and goings as she keeps the church records in order. But more importantly, she is a joy to work with. Zion is richly blessed to have Karen at the center of things, quietly making sure that which needs to get done, does in fact get done.

I would also like to thank Charlie Moe and April Carlson for their role in enhancing Zion’s music and worship. I have great appreciation for their musical talents and their flexibility and their willingness to try something new every once in a while. We are truly blessed by both of these wonderful musicians.