Manna and Mercy
Ever wonder what the larger story the Bible tells? Or who God of the Bible is?
What do we do with that Old Testament or the four different Gospels?
How do we read and incorporate the stories of the Bible into our lives?
Well siblings in Christ, as we begin to gather this fall for our programmatic year, we will try to tackle and perhaps even answer some of these questions. I have been deeply encouraged by your stories sharing how throughout these last few years, many have found ways to connect more deeply with God, their faith and scripture. As a spiritual leader it is easy to take these conversations, stories, and insights for granted. So, this fall and winter, I invite you to ask the questions, reconnect to God, your faith, the scripture and deeper knowing, and sharing with this community.
As we turn back towards our Sunday School routine and traditional worship practices, we will also tread slowly and together into Manna and Mercy: A Brief History of God’s Unfolding Promise to Mend the Entire Universe by Daniel Erlander. This book and the congregational resources, for all ages, made available through Augsburg Fortress will guide us through a deeper understanding of “the God of the Bible who is present and active in human history and in all creation.”
As we gather, we will hear the biblical stories and we will be guided to wonder, praise, share and proclaim God and God’s story in perhaps new and reinvigorated ways. As you come to worship you are invited to bring a bible with you. Give yourself this opportunity to refamiliarize yourself with the Good Book as we explore God’s promises and dreams. You will also be offered a booklet and/or handout that you will be invited to reference throughout worship. You are welcome to take the handouts home, but please leave the booklets in the sanctuary.
This shift will take us to Advent and then from January to Ash Wednesday on February 22nd and the start of Lent. I am inviting the community to show up, be vulnerable, compassionate, and understanding in a new and unfamiliar way. I ask it because Jesus has gifted us with this community of faith, gifted us with wisdom, insight and faith that doesn’t reside simply in me as pastor, but in us as the body of Christ. I ask it, because we have been thrown for a loop, shuffled around and scattered in a myriad of ways so let us take some time to remember and re-member this body of Christ.
-Pr. Hannah
