Bishop Hoover's Advent/Christmas 2011 Message

Greetings from Bishop Hoover Advent/Christmas 2011 Dear Co-laborers with Christ, We stood at the side of the dusty road waiting to see what would happen next. The mid day sun promised that the day would get hotter and the occasional passing vehicle only churned up more dust in the warm air. We had been on the road for more than three hours when the Land Rover broke down. This was on our recent visit to the Konde Diocese. Bishop Israel-Peter, my wife Sharon, and my assistant, Cliff Eshbach, had loaded our luggage into the Land Rover at 7:30 that morning and left Tukuyu, site of the Diocesan headquarters, to begin the long cross-country drive to Dar Es Salaam, a distance of over 500 miles. We anticipated that the trip on two-lane highway would take about thirteen hours. We planned to spend the night at the Luther House in Dar and catch a 7:30 a.m. flight the next morning to begin the trip home. Now, however, everything had become very uncertain. Some 100 kilometers west of the city of Iringa, with about another ten hours of driving ahead, we were now stuck at the side of the road. Our driver, a man named Job, had raised the hood and inspected the engine. It was clear that some belt had slipped, but the extent of the trouble could not be immediately determined. While local Tanzanian women approached us with produce and trinkets to sell, and school children waved as they trooped by, three or four young men joined Job and clustered around the disabled vehicle. Animated conversation ensued in Swahili. One of the men ran off and returned shortly with some tools. It seemed that a decision had been made that the best means of addressing the situation was to disassemble everything. The hood came off and was laid on the dusty shoulder of the road. Then followed the fan, housing, and various wheels and clamps. The radiator was drained, removed, and joined the other engine parts along the road. Hoses, couplings, whatever, all became part of the growing collection. It was clear that we would not be going anywhere any time soon. The Bishop, meanwhile, paced along the shoulder with his cell phone at his ear. He was trying to reach the bishop of the local diocese to see about the possibility of hiring another car. Success was elusive. Time passed without a clear solution in sight. All we could do was wait. After a while, a car stopped along the road in front of us and a young man got out. He and the Bishop spoke together and the next thing we knew, our luggage was being loaded in the back of the young man's hatchback. "He has agreed to take us as far as Iringa," the Bishop told me. This was good news. There was at least a hotel in Iringa where we might stay, if need be, to wait for the next developments. We began the drive but had not gotten far when the Bishop told me more. "He says he has a meeting at the university in Iringa this afternoon," he explained. "If we are willing to wait for him for an hour or so, he says he will take us the rest of the way to Dar Es Salaam today." The young man's name was Peter. As it turned out, his father is a prominent lay person in the congregation at Tukuyu and Peter stopped his car because he recognized Bishop Israel-Peter at the side of the road. He had not planned to drive to Dar Es Salaam that day, but was willing to rearrange his life to rescue us in our stranded situation. We arrived at the Luther House at 10:30 that night. After a few hours sleep, we made our departure in the morning, as planned. What Peter did was a huge gift. It is as though you had started to drive from Harrisburg to Chicago (on two-lane roads) and had broken down near Pittsburgh. Then, someone stopped and offered to take you to Youngstown, and if you were willing to wait until a meeting concluded there, to drive on to Chicago, all in the same day! And all of this is done out of sheer generosity and grace. On the long flight home it occurred to me that Advent is like that. It is a time of waiting, stranded along a dusty road of life, sensing a total loss of control of events, waiting to see what will happen next. Saint Paul writes about sin being beyond our control: For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing. ... (Romans 7). Our spiritual engines are broken. We cannot reach our intended destination on our own. We need to be rescued from our helplessness of sin. All we can do is wait to see what will happen next. And in the fullness of time, God sent his Son, our savior Jesus Christ into the world to bring about that rescue. To make the greatest sacrifice for our own sakes precisely at the point where we cannot save ourselves. The Child of Bethlehem is the beginning of that rescue that takes us along on a journey to Calvary's cross. And all of this is done by the sheer grace of God. The magnificence of this gift of grace cannot be grasped in all its fullness this side of heaven's line, but sometimes we see flashes of it in the way we treat each other; in the action of a young man named Peter on a remote Tanzanian highway. May the richness of this season give you renewed assurance of God's rescue breaking into the world. Faithfully, your bishop, +B. Penrose Hoover Carings and Sharings is the e-newsletter of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Its purpose is the sharing of news and events which raise up the mission and ministry of the synod and ELCA in our congregations, our synod, and the broader church. It is not intended to be an endorsement of every activity. Comments about this newsletter may be sent to Pam Drenner, editor, pdrenner@lss-elca.org.

Zion Nursery School Students Bring New Light to the Christmas Story

During the Zion Nursery School 3-yr-old Class Christmas program, “One Night in Bethlehem,” the audience was asked to imagine what it would have been like to be in Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.  All the traditional characters of the Christmas story were played by the children: Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Star and Wise Men.  Also included were the animals that may have been present at the manger: a cow and a sheep. 
After each of the characters was introduced in the story, the actor “traveled” around the group ending up at the manger where he or she knelt in an attitude of prayer. Throughout the program, we sang Christmas songs and carols that related to the characters in the story.   

The final character in the Nursery School program was not a traditional one.  Mrs. Fry asked the question, “What if St. Nick was in Bethlehem that night?” At that point, the child dressed as “Santa Claus” came to the manger carrying a gift which he placed beside the manger as he knelt down in adoration and prayer.  The program ended with “Silent Night.” 

It was such a joy to see the reactions of the large group of parents, grandparents and siblings that had come for the program.  Even more wonderful was the message that the children and their teachers brought as their Christmas witness.  Jesus is the true and only reason for the season!  The commercial powers of Santa Claus are worthless in comparison to the treasure of the “Word made flesh.”   “O Come Let us Adore Him!”

The Church that Feeds the Community

Last Thursday, Bob (my husband), and I helped to prepare and serve the Zion weekly community meal.  Since it was Thanksgiving Day, I was concerned that there wouldn't be enough people to help with the set-up, serving, and clean-up.  As usual, the good folks of Zion reminded me of their commitment to being "the church that feeds the community." 

The buffet table was filled with delicious dishes including all the traditonal ones.  There were plenty of people to do all the tasks required to serve the community friends that came.  In fact, there were so  many helpers that some didn't have a lot to do.  Wow!  When I think of how many hands were involved in doing God's work that day and for all of our food ministries, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God for gifting this congregation with these gifts of service. 

Tonight, the Congregation Council members have prepared and will serve the community meal.  It's time for me to go over to the church and help out.  My contribution of cornbread was baked last evening.  Chili, salad and desserts were prepared by other Zion leaders.  We'll be working side by side to feed all who come for a hot, delicious meal.  What a blessing it is to be part of this community of faith and service!  I am humbled to be serving as pastor with the people of Zion.  Pastor JMe

A Letter of Hope from Bishop Hoover

REFLECTIONS AS WE REMEMBER THE EVENTS OF 9/11 September 7, 2011

Dear Co-laborers with Christ, For those of us beyond a certain age, the events of September 11, 2001, are seared into our conscious memories. That day was a defining, or re-defining, moment in our lives. We remember exactly where we were when we first became aware of what was happening, we remember our feelings, our confusion, our fear, our outrage. Many, perhaps most, of us know someone who was directly affected by the events of that day, whether in New York City, Washington, D.C., or western Pennsylvania. But we know that even if we do not know someone who was present or directly involved, we are all involved, for our lives and our view of the world were on that day profoundly changed. In the days following the attacks, there was a genuine sense of being together. A sharing of what was truly bad became the ground for commitment to the common good. Many lined up at blood banks to donate blood, though it soon became clear that there would be few victims who would be saved by transfusions. Churches opened their doors, some around the clock, for prayer, and a sense of common experience was reflected in flags being flown from homes and cars, and displayed in office windows. While some with extreme views denounced any and all persons of the Islamic faith or persons with the speech, dress, and look associated with Islam, others spoke for calm and reason in a spirit of Christian grace. Calm largely became the state of our deep sorrow, rather than violence. Above all, there was a sense of needing to be together and to work together for the good of all. Some months after the attacks, I was asked to participate in a public panel discussion to reflect on the events and the aftermath. One person in the audience asked me: "where was God on 9/11?" I responded that God was where God chooses to be: in the stairwells of the collapsing World Trade Center Towers, in the dark and smoky halls of the Pentagon, in the cabin of Flight 93, in the homes of the bereaved, in the streets of New York, with the children waiting at school to be picked up by a parent who would not arrive at the end of the day. Our crucified God walks with us and shares our sufferings and our sorrow. As Bishop Roy Riley of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA has written: Remember this: all the days of our lives - the best days and the worst days - are lived in God's precious presence, because God chooses to be present and promises to be with us to the end of time. A cross that was lifted up on a hill outside of Jerusalem makes a cross that emerges from the ruins of the World Trade Center Towers mean something to us. We know that we and all those who lost their lives on 9/11/01 mean something to God, something very precious. This gospel holds us in common and bids us to hold one another in love and in mercy - the common good born out of a most uncommon, unfathomable grace. Remember. Faithfully, your bishop, +B. Penrose Hoover

Shining the Light on the Body of Christ

This video was a light for my day and a reminder of the importance of our Zion community.  Take a moment to watch it.  Remember that as a member of the Body of Christ, you are salt and light for all your sisters and brothers at Zion.  We need each other in order to be the healthy, vibrant, joy-filled congregation that Christ wants us to be.  Each person's gift is important to the community.

http://christianitytoday.imirus.com/Mpowered/imirus.jsp?volume=kyria11&issue=5&page=34

Are you salt and light when you're online?

This article reminds us that we are called to be followers of Jesus in whatever we do---even when surfing the web.

5 questions Christians should ask themselves before logging on

  

Nations will come to your Light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. - Isaiah 60:3

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ~John 14:12

by Toni Birdsong
We are God’s beloved. We are heaven’s people; the blood-bought, Calvary claimed sons and daughters of the Most High King. We are the rescued ones empowered by the Holy Spirit to cover even greater earthly ground for the gospel than Christ himself.
But do we really get what that means? Better yet: Do believe it? If so, we should log online each day with the untamable expectation that through our words, ideas, and interactions, Jesus Christ will be seen. When we truly believe and live out Jesus’ words in John 14:12, then The Great Commission stops being an ideal and becomes a personal, burning, reachable charge.
5 questions to consider before you log on today:

1. What’s my plan and purpose for being online? Are you wandering around aimlessly, casually posting minus a biblical filter? Are you chatting on and on without a point? Stop. Be quiet. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint you with a purpose and lead you in a plan for your online time.
2. Am I majoring in the minors? Do you spark conflict, whine, complain, judge, make sarcastic comments, post random nothings, or criticize others? If so, you you’ve lost sight The Great Commission and the amazing opportunity to share the gospel in the online space. Log off. Get into the word. Ask God to anoint your thoughts, eyes, and words.
3. Would Jesus approve of how I spend my online time? Not every click needs to be about sharing your faith, however, every click does need to align with the teachings of Christ. Please—be interesting, funny, creative, diverse, and opinionated—just don’t allow the “you” to clash with holiness and majesty of your King. Yes, the temptation is great so ask God for help.
4. Am I influencing culture or is culture influencing me? Are you fixed in your purpose and standing your ground or are you easily (or subtly) swayed by the cultural banter, music, opinions, news stories, and assortment of morals swirling around you? If you’re confused about the biblical view of a controversial issue or idea—or if you are emotionally charged—don’t post! Log off. Breathe. Search the scriptures. Pray.
5. Does my digital footprint point others toward heaven? If you added up your posts, comments, photos, profiles, tweets and “likes,” would they point others toward heaven or confuse them about who Jesus is and why He came?

Remember, you can’t make a difference in this world unless you are different. Your Sunday worship doesn’t need to end abruptly when you show up in the world on Monday. Don’t hoard the Love that saved your life. Be brave. Stand apart. Be the light in the darkness so that others will be able to recognize and encounter the person of Jesus Christ.
Do you struggle with any of the above questions? Can you add a question/s to our list?
Post/tweet this today:Don’t hoard the Love that saved your life. Be brave. Stand apart. Be a light in the darkness. #LiveSticky


Don’t stop here! Learn how to lead, influence, engage, and share your faith on social networks—like Jesus. Purchase @stickyJesus: how to live out your faith online, today! Check out the buzz on @stickyJesus, here!

Nursery School Graduations

After offering an opening prayer, I watched our Zion Nursery School teachers and helpers line up the children at the ceremonies on Monday evening and this morning.  Each child had a little mortar board on his or her head that threatened to fall off.  It was so cute!

 I couldn't help but wonder what these precious little ones will be like when they line up for their high school graduations.  We can be thankful that they are getting a good start on their educational journey right here at Zion.  The Nursery School is certainly a blessing for the children and their families.  A testimony to the excellent reputation of the school is that many of the siblings of the children celebrating their "graduations" this week have been students or will be students in the future. As we experienced on Sunday, May 15, when the graduates visited worship, the school is, also, a blessing for Zion congregation. 

At today's graduation event, the children of Mrs. Fry's and Mrs. Stone's two-day class provided a musical program reviewing the activities of the past year.  Each child had a speaking part to introduce months and the appropriate songs.  The program ended with several patriotic songs sung in front of a large American flag displayed behind the children.  Monday night, the children of Mrs. Carr's and Mrs. Moore's three-day class also provided a musical program about colors and a photo slide show of their activities throughout the year.  Although I was attending the Planning Council Meeting by then, I was told that there wasn't a dry eye in the nave during the slide show.

The children seemed so proud of their achievements.  It was such a joy to see how much they enjoyed participating with their classes.  At both ceremonies, parents, siblings, grandparents and friends were present, many with video cameras and all with smiles of love and appreciation. 

Let us  pray that the spirit of love and concern for others, of joy in learning, and of curiosity about God's creation being instilled in the children will continue to grow.  May these beautiful children of God continue to be shining lights in our world.  We, also, ask God's continued blessing upon the ministry of education provided through Zion Nurser School, its teachers and staff.

Dancin' in the Street

Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved to dance.  I tried ballet in first grade, but it wasn't for me.  But put me on a dance floor, and I can go all night.  One parishioner called me "the Electric Slide Pastor".  One of my favorite songs that I learned a church camp is "Lord of the Dance."

One of the newer additions to worship services in the Lutheran Church has been liturgical dance.  Done well, these interpretations of music and God's Word can be truly inspirational.
 Although I've never danced liturgically, I have often wanted to break out into dancing during a worship service. Our rather serious Lutheran worshippers aren't too keen on this type of display, however.  Still, most congregations that I've served know that I just can't keep still in worship.  Perhaps I ought to just let go and dance when I feel like it?
What better time to do this than at Easter?  My hope is to gather a big group of adults, youth and children to join in celebrating the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ and in witnessing to our joy in life in His name for Up To Faith Dance 2012.  Won't you join me and members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Landisville, PA next April 8th?  Time and place will be announced.
In Celebration of the Lord of the Dance (and I mean the TRUE one, Jesus!)
Pastor JMe Lowden

Click here to learn more about Up To Faith and the Resurrection Dance.
Up To Faith

Special Easter Message From Bishop B. Penrose Hoover

The proclamation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central message of the Christian faith. It is a message of radical hope and promise, assuring us that God does not abandon us even in times of greatest anxiety and danger. The morning light at the empty tomb dispels the darkness of death and despair and gives us a foretaste of God's assurance of eternal life.  

  

But this assurance is not limited to the future that God gives. The hope it brings sustains us in the face of illness and fear here and now.  And there is much fear and anxiety in the world and in our lives. The economy remains shaky and drastic budgetary cuts in public programs along with the inexorable increase in the price of gasoline renew fears of another economic collapse. We continue to fear the possibility of terrorist attacks and watch the violence spreading across the Middle East with trepidation. We long for renewed hope while we fear what the future may hold for us... wars and rumors of wars... nation rising against nation... famines and earthquakes in various places... In short, we fear death.

This fear is universal and particular. It takes its sharpest focus in our lives and relationships with the diagnosis of critical illness. Even with great advances in medical science, the word "cancer" still has the power to shock and stagger our emotions. Most of us have experienced this in our families or in our families of faith. This gut-wrenching experience challenges our faith and often strains our relationships with one another and with God. It is at such times that the voice of the risen Lord calls us again to hope and gives us strength to face the realities of life in a mortal world. For those who live and walk in faith, our deepest fears call forth our deepest hope.

Some time ago, I saw the following words framed and displayed in a doctor's office. These words, I think, speak directly to the hope and assurance that Easter brings and I share them with you now.

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

Cancer is so limited...

It cannot cripple love,

It cannot shatter hope,

It cannot corrode faith,

It cannot eat away peace,

It cannot destroy confidence,

It cannot kill friendship,

It cannot shut out memories,

It cannot silence courage,

It cannot invade the soul,

It cannot reduce eternal life,

It cannot quench the spirit,

It cannot lessen the power

Of the resurrection.

May Easter's blessed gift of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and sustain us in every circumstance of life. And may our Easter joy be reflected as we welcome one another into each new day that God gives.

Faithfully, your bishop,

+B. Penrose Hoover

Cross Life

Dr. H. can't hear much at all.  He can't go very far from his room on foot, even with his walker.  He has trouble breathing sometimes, and he admits that the aging process sometimes gets him down.  He misses going to the ocean with his family, but he can't maneuver the stairs to and from the condo where they stay. 
He enjoys the many photgraphs of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren that he proudly displays on a shelf in his small room.  And he is clear about what keeps him hopeful, even when he feels frustrated by the health problems that are plaguing him:  the Cross of Christ.

During a recent visit with Dr. H., I gave him a palm cross from our Palms to Passion Sunday observance.  He took it gently in his hand, held it up in front of his face and said, "It is the cross that makes it all possible.  I couldn't live without it."  As we shared Communion together, tears came to his eyes, and he smiled and said, "Thank you. God bless you."

Oh, the Wonderful Cross!

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
Bids me come and die and find
that I may truly live

Oh the wonderful cross (2x)
All who gather here by grace
draw near and bless your name

At the Ecumenical Good Friday Service today, we sang this chorus by Michael W. Smith together with the stanzas of  the traditional hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," by Isaac Watts.  Members of congregations in the Hempfield area filled the nave of the Hempfield Brethren in Christ Church, and we joined in contemplating the Words that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke from the Cross. 

The church was in darkness during the reading of the Seven Words.  The brief comments made by each of the pastors, and the special music provided by three soloists, were all spoken or sung from the back of the worship area. On the stage in front of us, a large, wooden cross draped in purple cloth and a crown of thorns stood in a spotlight as the central focus of our worship.  The effect was stunning. 

Sitting in darkness, gazing at the cross, heariing Jesus' words, contemplating the awesome act of love Jesus offered "for us and for our salvation" through his crucifixion is an experience of worship unlike any other.  It forces one to search deep within one's heart and recognize his or her utter unworthiness of God's grace, freely given through Jesus.  It brings you to your knees in confession and upright again in thanksgiving for the forgiveness offered "once and for all."  It gives light to your heart and soul so that the darkness of suffering, sin and death no longer have power and you can walk out into the daylight filled with peace, hope and purpose.

Oh, the Wonderful Cross!  I pray that all who read these lines will know the power and blessing of the Cross of Christ for their lives.  That is why we call this Friday "Good."

-It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming…

Every preacher dreams of preaching the "perfect" sermon. Sometimes he or she comes close, but most Sundays, because of busy weeks or insufficient inspiration, the message falls way short of "perfect". Here is a great story of a great sermon. Is the sermon "perfect"? I'll let you decide. Enjoy! And have a blessed Holy Week and Easter. -It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming…

Wouldn't it be wonderful to talk with Jesus face to face?

While visiting Anna Mary, one of our homebound members, she responded to the story of the Samaritan woman at the well with the question above.  Just think what a blessing it would be to be in the physical presence of our Lord and to receive the salt, light, and living water of his grace in person! 

I agreed with Anna that this would be a true gift.  Then, I added that I do indeed encounter Jesus "in the flesh" whenever I visit with her and our other elder sisters and brothers.  They minister to me through their stories of life and faith.  Their witness to Jesus' love, grace and forgiveness are salt, light and living water for me. 

Jesus' presence is also seen in the care of the women who come to Anna's apartment to help her and keep her company each day.  On the day I visited, Sue stayed to greet me when I arrived and Chelsea was there to stay for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  Chelsea joined us for Holy Communion.

There are many ways to encounter Jesus in our lives.  Joining the congregation in worship is an opportunity to encounter our Lord through his word and sacrament.  Sharing stories of faith with other members in the congregation at bible studies, or Lenten midweek services or any other congregational gathering are other ways.  Taking a little time to visit one of our homebound elders is another.  By serving the individuals and families that come to the food pantry, the Thursday Community Meal, or the bi-monthly Christ Lutheran dinners in Lancaster City, one can encounter Jesus in many different forms. 

What are some other ways that you encounter Jesus?

"Because I Made a Promise"

Parents, you are "salt" and "light" for your children. Your role in encouraging their faith lives is crucial. This is a wonderful article from LivingLutheran.com giving tips to busy parents as to how to fulfill the promises they made on behalf of their children at baptism.

Because I made a promise - Blogs - LivingLutheran.com

Parade Article: Myths of Living Longer

Here is a link to the article referenced in the sermon on Sunday, Feb. 27.  

http://www.parade.com/health/2011/02/20-the-myths-of-living-longer.html?index=2

Why Worry? ASAP

Matthew 6:24-34

After worship this morning, several commented on the poem that was read at the end of the sermon.  They told me that it was a message that either they or people they cared about needed to hear.  I've printed it below for those who would like a copy to print out as a reminder of a new meaning of ASAP.

We all have worries- some big and some small.  Worry takes the light and energy out of our lives.  It causes us to lose sleep. It wears us down (see Proverbs 12:25).  In large doses, it is bad for our health- physical, emotional and spiritual.  Many things we worry about may never happen or are things that happened in the past that we can't change. When we are anxious, we lose perspective on what really matters. 

As children of God, we have a very special means of dealing with the worries and anxieties of life:  prayer.  Throughout the Holy Scriptures, we are reminded that we have a loving, forgiving God who cares for his children and provides what they need.  We can trust in this amazing God because he promised his people:  "I will not forget you.  See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands." (Isaiah 49:15-16).  To seal this promise, the nails of the cross became tine inscriptions upon Jesus' hands.

During his "Sermon on the Mount" in Matthew, chapters 5-7, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in order to comfort them and give them encouragement for their lives of faith.  The prayer he taught is known as "The Lord's Prayer."   If you can't think of any other words to pray, the Lord's Prayer is a model prayer for "worry warts."

"Why Worry?  A.S.A.P."

"There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
 You've got no time to spare,

 But as you hurry and scurry-
 ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.

 Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is,
He wants to ease our cares,
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP-ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

I hope this brings some light into those dark periods of worry that we all face.  Remember:  "Worry replaced with Prayer equals Trust"

Peace be with you,

Pastor JMe

An Answered Prayer

About 15 or more years ago Zion had a family whose high school age son suffered from extreme headaches.  It was eventually diagnosed as a brain tumor.

The family was put on our prayer chain and there did not seem to be any relief.  The boy’s mother was one of our more charismatic members who maintained a positive attitude about an eventual healing.  She and her son were guests on the 700 Club TV show.

One evening she and the boy attended a Bible study here at Zion and the minister and several of us men adjourned to another room and we prayed and laid hands on the young man.  The following morning the boy became severally ill and was throwing up.  He was rushed to the hospital and his condition began to improve.  The hospital staff examined him and could no longer find the brain tumor.

Eventually the boy returned to school and graduated from Hempfield High School.  Also the family transferred their membership from Zion, and the boy joined the U.S. Marine Corp.  Apparently the brain tumor was gone and the boy was well.

This was an answered prayer.

Burnell Hostetter.

Journal Entry #2- Valentine’s Day Kindness

This morning, I “crashed” the Zion Nursery School Valentine’s Day party.  Imagine my surprise to learn that the director, Diane Fry, was “at a meeting”!   Instead, there was a wonderful “Valentine Lady”  all dressed up in red, pink and white hearts with a crazy hat covered in heart figures.   I think she called herself “The Mystery Mail Person”.

 Mystery Mail Person led the children in learning activities and games all on the Valentine’s theme.  Two of these games were “Jumping Hearts” (a number game) and “Mend a Broken Heart” (a puzzle completion game).  The children had a great time!

My favorite activity was one in which a Valentine with a child’s name was drawn, and the classmates were asked to say “kind things” about the child.  It was obvious that these children were learning to be salt and light for one another through their kindness and caring.

A lot of nice things were said.  The children mentioned how this little girl or boy played nicely with them.  Quite a few were complimented on their shoes and clothes.  Others were told that they were “good at jumping.”  Appreciative and caring comments were given by their teachers and classmates to each child.

Two of these “kind words” were particularly memorable.  One little boy raised his hand when his twin brother’s valentine was shown.  He said, “I love him!”  When a little boy’s name was shown, a girl sitting next to me said, “He’s my best friend.”

Kind words are a valentine’s gift that we can give every day!

Journal Entry #1 - Mark 9:41

For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say onto you, he shall not lose his reward.

On entering church one Sunday morning before the service began, I happened to notice a young boy using a cup to get a drink from the water fountain.  “Did you get that cup of water for me?” I asked him jokingly.  He smiled and shook his head, “No,” and I continued on my way.  When I stopped to talk to another couple for a few minutes, I happened to notice this same young boy standing by my side.  As I looked down at him to acknowledge his presence, he gave a shy smile and reached out his hands.  He was holding another cup filled with cold water.  “Is that for me?” I asked.  He nodded his head, “Yes,” and continued on his way.

From Linda Bear

Epiphany Salt and Light

On Sunday, February 6, I made a request of those attending worship at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Landisville.  I asked them to share stories of ways in which they or others they knew had been "salt" or "light". 

In Matthew 5: 13-20, Jesus says to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anyting, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.  You are the light of the world.  A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on ther lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the sam way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see you good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

Jesus says, "You are salt...You are light", not "be" salt and light.  The salt and light of Christ are who we are as his followers, as those for whom he died.  As Jesus' people, we are the essential salt of the earth that provides seasoning, purification, preservation, healing for humanity and the creation by sharing the grace,mercy and peace of God through our actions and words.  We are the light that brightens the darkness by providing for those who are in need, by assuring the fearful, and by freeing the guilt-laden.  From a friendly smile to sacrificial giving of time, talent and finances in honor of our Lord, all that we do in our lives is a means for God to provide glimpses of the Kingdom's presence for others.  This is what it means to be "salt" and "light".

I will be honest and admit that this "Salt and Light Journal" was not my original idea.  The idea came from a preaching blog from Lutheran Seminary that I read in preparation for writing sermons. 

This is what Dr. David Lose suggests, "Start asking people to collect examples of where God has worked through them to help someone else...[T]he goal is 1) to help people start looking for God in the world (thereby gaining a skill many of us sorely lack) and 2) come to believe that they are vessels through which God is working (thereby growing in the name and identity you have called them)."

"You are salt of the earth."  "You are the light of the world."  Take a few moments to share, via email or a note in my church mail box, the ways in which God has worked through you or someone you know to be salt and light in Jesus' name.  I'll share these stories here.

"If salt has lost its saltiness..."  One way to refresh our own "saltiness" is to find encouragement and inspiration in the testimonies of brothers and sisters who share their salt and light experiences.  In this way, and through this journal, we can be salt and light to one another as we, also, give witness to the amazing ways of God so that others may "see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven."