The Narrative Arc

“‘What did you expect?’” a friend responds.“Howard ponders this. ‘I suppose—this sounds stupid, but I suppose I thought there’d be more of a narrative arc.’”So what does that mean, a narrative arc?  

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The ELCA Youth Gathering 2018 – we each had a part

When you start watching videos from the ELCA Youth Gathering, it’s hard to stop. Tonight at 6 pm our FLY (Faithful Lutheran Youth) group who attended the Gathering in Houston will be our featured speakers as they tell all of us about their trip, and what they learned. I hope you will join us at Holy Cross Lutheran church, 1998 Lansing Ave NE,Salem, OR 97301 at 6pm = Dessert will be served (Gluten free and healthy options available) God bless you all! – Pastor Patricia+

A Story of Abundance, Loss and Love

This summer, read the book of Ruth in the Bible. If you want the full experience, read the book of Ruth 4 times in the bible. At an average pace, it takes 25 minutes to read the book through, and there just happens to be four chapters. At Holy Cross this summer, we will read one chapter a week as part of the worship, and the sermon will be focused on that chapter. So, of course, you could read one chapter a week and keep up! No, I’m not trying to add to your prodigious to do list! I am wishing the best for you, and yearning for this summer series to enrich your life. Because nearly all of our lives are stories of abundance, loss and love – Like the story in the book of Ruth. ruth 1 Continue reading “A Story of Abundance, Loss and Love”

Greater is the One

When we talk about the ‘voices inside our heads’ I wonder how the hearer takes that. I mean the voice that tells you you aren’t good enough, the voice that tells you that your life has not counted for anything, and reminds you of EVERY, SINGLE MISTAKE, yes every one. My angry button gets pushed when I hear Christian preachers yammering on about our sin so long that we, the hearers, go directly to that place where the voices live, and cannot get out.

Jesus does not want that for us. Period.

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The Truth is in us

1 John – that epistle which brings the love of God into bas relief is our subject this week, and truth is the center of the passage. The hymn in the video I have attached is an old favorite of mine – and I think, to be honest, its because its one of the first hymns I learned the alto part for! I felt so powerful knowing my part of the hymn – without even looking at the hymnal. I wish I could say I was 8 when this happened but I think it was more like 28! Continue reading “The Truth is in us”