Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

During a recent chapel service at the Lutheran Center, Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for Global Mission, shared his favorite Bible verse with us: “Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1).

Jesus was in Jerusalem in the upper room praying with his disciples, modeling selfless service as he washed their feet, and preparing them for his glorification that would take place on the cross.

“He loved them to the end.” To his bitter end on the cross, but to the end of so much more—to the end of the deadly grip of sin, to the end of everything that would try to mar the image of God borne by every human being, to the end of death.

And Jesus loved them, 12 flesh and blood human beings who carried all the “stuff” people carry—passion and humor and courage, fear and doubt, the need to be seen and affirmed, great faith and quaking uncertainty. Jesus did not love the concept of disciples or the theory of people— Jesus loved them, Jesus loves us.

Jesus loved. How does one describe that? At my cousin’s wedding, the priest noted in his sermon that human language is too small for God. All the poetry in the world can’t express the love for one’s beloved or for a new baby or for family. All of the hymns ever written or sung can’t convey the love we have for God. Neither can words convey how much God loves us. It’s almost incomprehensible how much we are loved by God. It is too much to take in. But it is true.

This is the message that the Lutheran movement still has to speak to the rest of the world. God loves us. God means well for us and for the world. God’s love is deep and constant. And God’s love is not sentimental. The Incarnation was not a whim. Emmanuel, God with us, was a deliberate immersion into human brokenness in order to bring about healing and wholeness. “For while we were still weak … while we still were sinners … while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son …” (Romans 5:6-10).

The Lutheran movement presents an alternative face of Christianity to the world. Too often the image of Christianity seen in popular culture is of a judgmental transactional God demanding perfection from an imperfect people, a people who, in desperation, work harder and harder to save themselves. Rules for purity are erected—pure theology and pure morality. Stark lines are drawn defining who is in and who is out. Faith becomes work. Righteousness is our righteousness achieved by ourselves.

Grace—God’s love freely given—is God’s work. It is not our doing. It is a gift. It is freedom. This is not for a minute to deny the truth of our sinfulness or that God does judge us and finds us falling seriously short. Grace doesn’t give us a free pass, nor does grace gloss over the reality of suffering and evil in the world. This grace, this freedom, makes it possible for us to realize the love of God in Christ in the world and in our own lives. And no human can set bounds on God’s grace.

Jesus loves his own and loves us to the end. Jesus doesn’t expect us to do the same—Jesus makes it possible for us to do the same. Therefore, we have nothing to fear and nothing to lose when we reject the notion of racial supremacy, when we welcome the stranger, when we confess that God alone is first. We can tell that story.

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton,

Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

You can read a monthly message from Bishop Eaton at www.livinglutheran.org.

And we’re off! This Saturday, Trinity Lutheran Seminary’s graduation will cap a four-year journey of learning about Scripture, theology, and the Church. As I am gearing up to receive my diploma this weekend, I am realizing that I have just barely scratched the surface of mastering all things divine. So, what does this Masters of Divinity mean for me? It means that my journey is just beginning. Placing a degree in-hand feels a lot like winning the Kentucky Derby. Although this is a cause worth celebrating, God continues to call us into something more. The Preakness and the Belmont Stakes lie ahead.

The training required to live more like Christ is a lifelong process that requires endurance, intentionality, and a supportive team that will work to carry us through. I am always amazed by the amount of people invested in one horse. Everyone from the trainer, to the owner, to the jockey, it takes a village to get a horse across the finish line with a victory. As I graduate, I recall all the people who have molded me into the person that I am today. The list of teachers is countless, the number of mentors is endless, and the abundance of support is overwhelming.

I’m not sure what the upcoming race will look like. All I know is that God will be present every step of the way. Finally, when it’s all said and done, God will lead us to that Triple Crown. Until then, God will delight when we live into our calling to love one another with a full heart. God will lead all of us to that place where “justice rolls down like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). It is through Christ alone that we are made victorious. We are all made Triple Crown winners because God emphatically loves us and passionately cares for world.

I’ll meet you at the track,

Lucas McSurley

Spring fever is everywhere. Swings and slides are full at area parks. Bicycles and sports equipment have migrated back into the yard. Co-workers spend part of their lunch outside and then look for any excuse to blow out of the office early.

Nowhere is the itch of the season more pronounced than when you talk to a teacher. Students and teachers alike are counting down the days to the end of the school year. Final projects and papers are in the queue. Field Days are scheduled, not to mention year-end parties and graduation celebrations. Both children and adults lost focus weeks ago and they are marking time until summer release.

Just because class will be in recess doesn’t mean that learning will cease. Often, our greatest lessons come from beyond the traditional classroom.

We have a miniature chalkboard on our kitchen counter where we leave inspiring quotes, Bible verses, and notes for each other. This week, our 6^th grader wanted a turn sharing some wisdom, so he grabbed a chunk of sidewalk chalk and scribbled,

“Thinking is not doing.”

BAM! What a word of challenge! I’m really good at thinking and contemplating. I’m a pro at praying and making plans. But too often that is where my response ends.

We’ve seen the backlash around these kind of impotent well wishes. When disaster strikes, some send “thoughts and prayers,” but are unwilling to send assistance or work for reform.

Jesus spent much of his time in thought and prayer. He was frequently found praying and connecting with God in quiet moments, but that was only part of his formula for loving. Equally as often, Jesus was in motion. He talked, healed, comforted, accompanied, led, equipped, and taught.

He even told one follower the importance of a holistic approach to ministry. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

What if this summer, in addition to thinking about doing something, you would actually do something? What if you tapped into your passions and put something in motion?

We’re doing it at church. We aren’t just thinking about loving and serving God, but we’re leveraging dollars, muscle, and prayers for what God is up to in our corner of the world. We’re not only thinking about being drawn into a deeper relationship with God, but we make the effort to get out of bed and make worship a priority in our busy lives. We’re not only thinking about making our campus more welcoming and hospitable, but we’re committing three year pledges to a capital campaign for renewal and expansion. We’re not only thinking about making a difference for those with food insecurity, but we’re planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting vegetables for those who would otherwise go without. We’re not only thinking about helping the homeless population in Butler County, but we’re making beds, preparing meals, and spending the night with new friends. We’re not only thinking about the importance of equality, but we’re marching as allies with the LGBTQ community in the Cincinnati Pride Parade. We’re not only thinking about making disciples, but we’re sending twenty people to Houston for a transformational week of serving and learning.

For more than a month, now, we’ve been praying, “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” It’s time. Let’s step forward in faith and join Jesus in the restoration of the world.

Pastor Lowell

Ever wonder what God’s speed has to do with bidding farewell? Turns out, it comes from the Old English word “spede,” which means success. So, whenever we say goodbye in the form of “Godspeed” we are essentially saying, “May God grant you success.” As I prepare to step out into the world of pastoral leadership, it is with a grateful heart that I wish the Lord of Life community, “Godspeed.”

Before I did a Google search of Godspeed’s etymology, I conjured up a theory of my own about the meaning of Godspeed. Maybe the speed of God has something to do with bidding farewell. God’s pace is slow. Rushing through life is one of hardest temptations to avoid, but when we slowdown to appreciate all that God has done, we can begin to more fully live. Leaving an internship congregation is unlike many other departures in life. For starters, the end date was predetermined and it has been understood that eventually I would step away to use all that I have learned these last two years. You all have prepared me well to share what I have learned with the world.

Although I am excited to lead a congregation in Northeast Ohio, I have an overwhelming desire for time to operate at a snail’s pace for this final month. I want a God-like slowness so that there is enough time to reminisce on all the meaningful moments here. I want so badly for God to come swooping in and slow things down. I want time to say long-winded goodbyes to those who have changed my life, all of you. As the clock continues to tick, it is my prayer that the Lord of Life community intentionally lives in a God-like slowness. I hope that you never pass up an opportunity to slowdown and admire all the amazing things that God is up to in this place.

Speaking of slowness, I have begun the process of cleaning out my office. While digging through my things, I was reminded of how often I have seen God at work while on internship here. Although cleaning out my office is going incredibly slow, it is a God’s speed kind of slowness that I greatly enjoy. Each cabinet and drawer that I went through contained items that brought back amazing memories with all of you. For instance, I have an entire cabinet over my desk filled with children sermon props, everything from a potato to a Ziploc bag of green slim. There has truly never been a dull moment of God-inspired joy and creativity during these years.   

The cabinet next door is filled with a random collection of bits and pieces of the many costumes I have worn in ministry moments, from the Preschool Easter Bunny to a Vacation Bible School robot named Ian. Learning and growing with the youth has been a highlight of my two years here. The image of littles ones dancing in the center aisle will forever be implanted in my memory when I recall serving with this vibrant place. Although most of us could never muster the courage to go twirling in front of anyone during worship, I have always felt the spirit of the congregation dancing alongside the children. This community full-heartedly understands that God’s Resurrection promise is a gift worth sharing and celebrating. I have never underestimated this community’s ability to have a good time.

As I opened my cabinet doors to clear them out, all kinds of random goodies came pouring onto the floor. This abundance reminded me of the ongoing generosity that I have witnessed and been a part of here. As the intern, not only have I personally been showered by your kindness, but I have seen God change lives through the goodness of your giving hearts. Getting to witness the multitude of vibrant outreach ministries, I have learned how much good God can do through the power of rallying people together to serve those in need. I can’t tell you the number of times your generosity has left me in jaw-dropping astonishment. The Christ-like kind of sharing that I have seen throughout my time here fills me with enthusiastic hope that we can create the world God intended.  

As I continued to slowly rummage through my office, I was amazed by how many things that didn’t originally belong to me. While thumbing through the shelves, I noticed how many books originated on Pastor Lowell’s shelves. This serves as a literal representation of how readily Pastor Lowell has passed down his knowledge and wisdom. Throughout everything that we have been through together, there has always been an eye toward teaching. Pastor Lowell has taught me so much more than the tactile side of ministry. He has demonstrated what it looks like for pastors to holistically love the people they serve. I am able to move on from internship with confidence in my ability because I know I have been shaped by one of the best pastors in the church today.

As I long for God’s speed to kick-in, I am reminded of the long list of people to which I owe words of gratitude. Among that list is an encouraging staff, a supporting internship committee, a live-giving choir, an inspiring group of Stephen Ministers, and an entire congregation filled with Christ’s love. As the days of serving as your intern continues to dwindle, I pray these days ahead slowdown. I know I will not have enough time to say “thank you” to each of you, as my heart desires, but I hope you feel my sincerest gratitude.

Although our time together is short, this month will offer multiple opportunities to bid farewell. Graduation will take place at Trinity Lutheran Seminary on Saturday May 19 at 2:00pm. All are welcome to join the celebration. My final Sunday of worship will be May 27, which will be followed by a picnic outside after 9:30am worship. And of course, I am more than happy to grab lunch or coffee in the weeks ahead.

It is with a thankful heart that I wish you “Godspeed.” Until our paths cross again somewhere along the way, may God bless you and keep you and the Lord’s face shine upon you always.

With overflowing love,

Lucas McSurley

We’ve had a phenomenal start! Since January, your Stephen Ministers have been serving as Christ’s hands and feet within one-on-one care giving relationships. We are striving to remain confidential and Christ-centered while continuing to develop our skills in listening. Being a part of the reigniting and growth of Stephen Ministry has truly been a Christ-inspired blessing.

In the book of Acts, Stephen was chosen to provide care to those in need within the ancient Christian community. Since the time of the Apostles, caring ministry has been considered a hallmark of the Christian faith. Stephen Ministers follow the example of Stephen and are called respond to the needs of a community in a loving and compassionate way. One care receiver said about their relationship, “the time spent with my Stephen Minister is like one hour of sanity in a week that feels turned upside down.”

This fall, Intern Lucas McSurley and myself recruited, trained, and coached eight Stephen Ministers in how to cultivate distinctively Christian care giving skills. We spent fifty hours together over two months to build a team of compassionate and non-judgmental listeners. There was such a need for effective listeners that it only took three months after training for all eight Stephen Ministers to be assigned to a care receiver.

We are thrilled to announce that Cindy Campbell has responded to God’s call to serve as a second Stephen Leader. She says about feeling called into leadership that “God has continually placed the right people in my life, and now I want to pay forward the same care and wisdom I have been given over the years.” Cindy will attend a week-long Stephen Ministry leadership training workshop soon. With Intern Lucas heading into a first call congregation, it is our hope that we will continue to have at least two Stephen Leaders. Together, Cindy and I will work with Pastor Lowell to provide leadership for this impactful ministry. We are always looking for people interested in becoming Stephen Ministers, so if that is you please let us know, and we will get you plugged into our next training session in the near future.

Stephen Ministers typically meet for about an hour on a weekly basis with their assigned care receiver. Additionally, the team of Stephen Ministers meet twice per month for supervision meetings and continuing education. Even among Stephen Ministers, the identities of care receivers are kept strictly confidential. Care receivers can be from within or outside of the Lord of Life community.  Those currently serving as Stephen Ministers include: Cindy Campbell, Helen Funk, Marie Jurkiewicz, Becky Mastalerz, Barb Mackey, Aleen Miller, Jenny Smith, and Bonnie Tremayne. You can be in touch with them through the church office. They are all here to listen any time life throws you a curve. Please continue to keep the Stephen Ministry team in your prayers. Thank you for your support!

With love,

Ava Fiebig

What does the future hold? We can fill our calendars, make our lists, and plan ahead, but no one can ever know for sure. Without a crystal ball, envisioning what is to come can bring anxiety that is laced with agonizing uncertainty.

This past Sunday, commotion and energy filled the halls as we began our Share the Light Campaign. Although plans are in place, the future ultimately belongs to God. Our dreams and goals are an important part of the process, but God will work through us in ways we could never initially imagine. What a gift it is to experience where God will lead us even though we might still be hesitant to lean fully on God.

Thinking about my own future has recently taken up the majority of my brain space. I am also headed into an unknown future. In just over a month, I will be headed into my first call congregation. Alex and I are not exactly sure where we will be living, what community we will be a part of, where we will be employed, or how far we’ll be to the nearest Skyline Chili, but God is about to shake up our world whether we are ready or not. The future can be scary and it can be difficult to place our trust in the Lord.

If there is anyone in Scripture that knows a thing or two about the anxieties of the future, it is Paul. He was shipwrecked, beaten, and jailed. Still, he mustered the courage to continue his ministry of preaching the Good News to people all over the ancient world. I am comforted by the insight that he writes to the Philippian church, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6).

God invites us to let go of our fears of the unknown and lay our worries at Jesus’ feet. My response to anxiety is always prayer. This coming Sunday, we will focus on prayer and hear more about Paul’s journey. There is no better way to step into the Share the Light campaign than by praying for the church, its people, and those in our neighborhood. Like Paul, we will persevere through the hardships and God will do extraordinary things when we let go of fears and cast aside our worries. When thinking about the unknown future, I am compelled to shout “God’s got this!”

With trust,

Lucas McSurley