A decade ago, I was attending a leadership summer camp called Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership Disciplining Event (Wiylde) at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. This leadership camp was geared towards high school students, and we spent a week learning about God, about being a Lutheran, and about the ways that we could live out our faith. On one of the last nights of the camp, we were in a common area outside singing, praying, and listening to music. As I found myself more immersed in the moment, I suddenly heard a voice clearly telling me that one day I was going to go to Luther College and go into ministry.

This voice caught me completely off guard because it was so unexpected, and I had no idea where the voice was coming from. A couple of years later, when I was attending Luther College, I told a pastor about my experience, and they excitedly told me, "That was the voice of God, Nicole." Hearing those words changed my entire perspective on that experience, and suddenly I was looking and listening for the ways God was working in my life.

I have been thinking about this experience a lot the last few weeks, especially through many conversations that I have had with friends and people at Lord of Life. It is always fascinating to hear about the ways people have heard God speaking in their lives. It may not be an experience like I had, or perhaps you have heard God that clearly, but you may have experienced God speaking to you in other ways. It may be through other people, the outdoors, meditation, prayer, music, and so much more. Perhaps the way God has spoken to you has led you to new and unexpected places. For myself, hearing the voice of God so strongly led me to go to Luther College and into ministry. One song I am reminded of is "Oceans". The bridge of the song says, "Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters whenever you would call me."

You may not have heard God speak in your life so clearly, but the Spirit is always on the move. I see God at work in the variety of ministries at Lord of Life. I see the Spirit at work through all the people that walk through the doors of Lord of Life. What are the ways God is speaking to you? Is God leading you to new and unexpected places?

Always speaking,
Pastor Nicole

Rev. Dr. Mary Laymon, Executive Director at Tikkun Farm, recently helped lead our Women’s Retreat. In this time of seemingly insurmountable divisions, her recent blog is a reminder that “Jesus invited those listening to him to change the way they saw, so they too could embody Love in the world.” Here’s an excerpt:

The Trump sign in his yard gave me pause. He and his partner had been “married” many years before gay marriage had been made legal. I was curious about his support for a candidate who did not seem likely to be supportive of his life.

Because we had been friendly over the years I risked asking why he supported a candidate who seemed opposed to his marriage. “My mom raised me to take care of myself. No matter how poor we were, we would never be a family who took government handouts. I’ve been a lifelong Republican.”

That was so interesting to me. I had created a narrative, thanks in large part to the media, about Trump supporters. I saw them through a lens focused on culture war issues: DEI, LGBTQ+, gun control. But it was social/economic values that shaped my friend’s choice. Values he learned growing up about independence and integrity.

I shared that I had been raised by a single mom who climbed her way out of poverty because of government support. She fed us using food stamps. She got a free education because the government paid the school expenses for folks willing to go into nursing. These economic supports made it possible for her to get a good job, buy a house, and eventually live on her own means without government support. Because these government economic supports made it possible for our family to grow and thrive economically, I grew up to be a life-long Democrat.

This conversation took courage. I was grateful for my friend’s non-defensive forthrightness. His political choice made sense to me, given his family’s values. He helped me see a bigger picture. It’s a spiritual practice to change the way we see, because it changes how we love. Studies have shown that people take care of the things they learn to love.

At Tikkun Farm, we focus a lot on environmental education, because children who learn to love nature seek to protect it. One of our farm educators tells the compelling story of how quickly and easily people can see differently. As the 2nd graders helped him dig holes for the new cherry trees, they came across a worm in the soil. “Yuck!” they shrieked, “a worm!” And immediately began to stomp on it. He quickly intervened, “No,” he said, “Don’t hurt my friend the worm. We need him to help our trees grow.” And he explained how worms create holes and tunnels in the soil that allow rain to get to the roots of the tree. And how worm poop is some of the best food to help the tree grow.
A few minutes later, the students found another worm in their digging. “Hey there, little wormy,” they said, gently picking him up. “You need to go over here, so I don’t hurt you with my shovel.” And they laid him down in a pile of dirt off to the side.

Changing the way we see, changes the way we love. As a wisdom teacher, Jesus knew this. In fact, Jesus was so clear that seeing was the first step in learning to love that when he was invited to read an ancient text in worship he misquoted it—on purpose. The prophet Isaiah had said, “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.” But when Jesus read this scroll in his synagogue he said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”

Jesus removed the line from Isaiah about “binding up the brokenhearted” and replaced it with “recovery of sight to the blind.” Jesus knew we can’t bind up the brokenhearted, until we see them with compassion—not just some of them, but all the children in the human family. Even, and especially, those we disagree with.

That is why my conversation with my friend who had the Trump sign in his yard, mattered so much. It helped me see him, not as a caricature of a mean bigot given to me by the media, but as a child of God, raised on values I respected, like integrity and independence.

As the embodiment of Love, Jesus invited those listening to him to change the way they saw, so they too could embody Love in the world. Who am I seeing as less than a child of God? Who’s humanity am I overlooking? Who have I dehumanized with name calling? Where does my need to be right keep me from being loving? Where does my fear of what others might think keep me silent?

Like the children could not love the worm until they saw it as an essential part of creation. It will be awkward and uncomfortable sometimes. And that’s ok. I can tolerate some discomfort if holding up a loving mirror helps others to see more fully and, therefore, love more widely.

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I’m grateful for Pastor Mary’s deep conviction for loving and caring for God’s people and all of creation. Her commitment to reflection, learning, and growing is opening my eyes to new ways of seeing.

For Mary’s full sermon: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GanBgj9M5/

God’s peace,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation

There is so much craziness in my life right now: I am entering my second year of internship at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Healthy, I am preparing to submit my annual evaluations to the synod and the seminary, my classes are fully underway for the spring, and I am preparing for my synod approval, which is the next step in my ordination path. Things are beginning to move quickly, and it feels like I am speeding to what feels like something of a finish line.

My path to ordination is winnowing down. A lot has happened since January of 2022. I have grown, found my ministerial voice, and am looking forward to Approval and First Call. Everything in my life is pushing me forward, and that is so very exciting. I feel like a high school senior seeing my time in one season of life wind down as I enter the liminal space of preparation for my next season.

Just like high school seniors, I am also looking forward to Homecoming. This isn’t a Homecoming that involves a dance or a football game or a cheesy way of asking someone to be my date. For me, Homecoming will be returning to you, returning to Lord of Life. I had the joy of being able to get together with Pastor Lowell last week for coffee and left that morning with an invitation to return to Lord of Life as a guest preacher, so I will be coming home to see you all on Sunday, March 30. Mark your calendars!

In the spirit of that homecoming, I’ve been thinking about Mark 5:19, where the healed man from Gerasene is sent by Jesus, with him being told, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” I feel very much like the Gerasene man, coming to share with you how I have been transformed, how the Holy Spirit moves within me, and how I have come to feel the Holy presence in my life.

These last three years have been amazing, life changing, and remarkably challenging. While the process of seminary has resulted in my having to step away as a regular presence at Lord of Life, please know that you all are a regular part of my daily thoughts. You are all in my prayers, and I will always be grateful for the support and love I receive from you. You are my HOME church, and I am extremely excited to be coming home to you all.

See you in March!

Rick Ponton
Pastoral Intern, Trinity Lutheran Church, Cincinnati

Janelle Monáe performs onstage during the 67th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/WireImage)

The GRAMMY Awards always intrigue me. Even in a year when I’m not familiar with the nominated artists, I am drawn to watch the Sunday evening musical marathon in hopes of discovering new music or witnessing a partnership that on any other day would be impossible. It is a musical nerd paradise! This annual evening of elaborate staging and designer outfits is an occasion for new startup groups and solo performers to mingle alongside artists who have been songwriting, recording, and touring for decades.

One of the most thrilling parts of the show year after year are the collaborations that occur, shattering barriers and genres which often segregate both artists and fans. My favorite team up from this past Sunday evening was the All-Star Tribute to Quincy Jones, following his death this past November. Herbie Hancock, Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Jacob Collier, Stevie Wonder, Lainey Wilson, and more led us on a tour de force of several of Quincy’s major recordings! It was a beautiful and transcendent moment when all sorts of musical worlds collided. You can watch the tribute here.

Our lives are equally diverse and beautiful. Although we are surrounded by a full spectrum of people and experiences, all too often our likes and dislikes segregate us. We gravitate toward that which is comfortable and familiar, rather than boldly exploring all that life has to offer us. How refreshing it is, though, when we unite with the unexpected.

We witness this in the church, too. Some people choose a church based on the method or mode of a weekend service. Is there a chanted liturgy, an organ, or a praise ensemble? What about speaking in tongues, weekly Holy Communion, or a community based mission focus? This diversity can be a beautiful expression of the creative variety at work among the people of God. It can also divide us.

As you know, the world of music is so much bigger than the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, or any other celebration of famous people and popular songs. Thousands of singers, musicians, songwriters, producers, and engineers were hard at work this past year composing music and crafting beautiful art. So it is with the church. All sorts of folks are immersed in the mysteries of God as they explore how to work together with and for God’s purposes.

Journalist Thomas Friedman contends, “Several technological and political forces have converged, and that has produced a global, Web-enabled playing field that allows for multiple forms of collaboration without regard to geography or distance - or soon, even language.”

Now, more than ever, these same opportunities have become available to us as the body of Christ, too. We are able to have dialogue and partnerships with people of other cultures and faiths in our own neighborhoods as well as across the continents. Global collaboration is not only a possibility, but a reality for communities and persons of faith as we connect in meaningful ways that we could not have imagined a generation ago.

So many exciting collaborations lie before us as a church. We welcome new families and individuals into the Lord of Life community and are thrilled to share our space as the mission hub for Vida Eterna Iglesia Luterana (VEIL). We continue to forge strong partnerships with the Faith Alliance of West Chester, Family Promise, Tikkun Farm, and several recovery groups. We’re eager to take 35 people to Appalachia this summer to partner with Appalachia Service Project in making homes warmer, safer, and drier. The Holy Spirit is building bridges between communities and people, fueling new partnerships that will give birth to something new.

How is God inviting and guiding you into collaborations in the coming year? Who will we encounter as we travel through 2025? We do not know, but we move forward in hope for our collective melodies and rhythms to become part of a new song.

Let’s sing together,
Pastor Lowell

As I approached a stop light a few weeks ago, I pulled behind a big truck. I couldn’t help but notice the large, neon-green sticker in the back window that said, “Ask me if I give a @*%&”. Ironically, I wasn’t even offended by the language (guess that’s another blog), but it deeply saddened me that this person felt so little care for anything that they had purchased a sticker proclaiming it.

Who was this person that had so little passion or concern for anything? How were they so disheartened or angry with the world that they went out in the community advertising it? Have you ever felt this way? Maybe not to the degree of advertising but others could feel this coming from you, or you put on a happy exterior but apathy is what you were feeling inside?

In the current climate of the world, I do understand that it might be a natural reaction to put your blinders on because confronting the future or comprehending the magnitude of wars, wildfires, the anger that seems to be all around us, family or mental health issues, or the state of our country is too much to bear. Looking into the future feels hopeless and discouraging. There is no joy or pleasure, only pain and difficulty. It’s just easier not to care.

As Christians, there is always good news; we have reason to hope. Paul writes in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Our God is a God of hope which means those who trust Christ always have reason to hope. The Holy Spirit is working to change our hearts and minds. It may not be overnight, but God will guide us on the journey.

My hope is that the person in the truck gets to experience something that brings him hope or his heart is softened (I imagine Grinch style) by seeing that there is so much good in the world. Maybe he will encounter one of our youth that was on our Jr. High retreat who ooze silliness and kindness. They can’t help but make you smile. Or cross paths with one of the hundreds of enthusiastic youth leaders who recently attended our ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) Conference. Their light and energy are infectious.

As Christians and with the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the tools to flip the narrative from apathy and anger to hope. Ann Lamont writes about her friend Father Tom Weston, who reassures people who come to him in despair, with these words, “We do what’s possible. We are kind to ourselves. We take care of the poor. We feed hungry kids. We pick up litter.” Our gestures may not be grand, but they will bear fruit and continue to spread.

Please pray with me for the person in that truck and for all those who may be feeling this anger and despair. May they know hope and find peace.

Serving and hoping with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation

It’s not easy being green. We’ve heard these words through several generations now from Kermit the Frog or one of the many artists who have covered the song since it aired on Sesame Street in 1970. If you listen to it like you’re five years old, it just sounds like Kermit is complaining about being a boring color that blends in with leaves and grass. He wants to be a brighter color, or maybe something sparkly or flashy so he stands out.

With adult eyes and ears, we can take a deeper dive into the lyrics and understand that Kermit felt different from everyone else. He was passed by because his color made him seem unimportant. He didn’t just feel like he was boring - he had been treated poorly by people because he was green.

As someone who has spent my whole life feeling green in one way or another, I’ve always related to Kermit (especially that he wishes he could be sparkly). More often than not, though, I hoped I would blend in and go unnoticed rather than suffer the consequences of being recognized as different. When you are green, It is impossible to know when you walk down the street or into a room full of strangers who might have a reaction to who you are - not just a negative reaction, but potentially a violent one. There were times I thought the world was getting better about this, but the pockets of hate about all kinds of green are still big and loud.

I wish I knew what the answer was. In part, I think it is important to acknowledge that all kinds of hate are still affecting people’s lives. People are being targeted because of their race, gender, sexuality, social status, religion … and they are being targeted both religiously and politically.

During our season of Epiphany, we decorate our church in green as a symbol of growing. We hear of Jesus’ first miracles, which he performs without bias, despite what the church leaders and government would want him to do. Jesus gives us this example so that we, as his followers, will also look beyond the preconceived biases we might have to share his love in the world.

By the end of the song, Kermit realizes that green is also the color of spring, and it can be big like an ocean or important like a mountain. Once he took some time to reflect on what it really meant, he found that he had been tainted by his prejudices.

“I'm green and it'll do fine
It's beautiful, and I think it's what I want to be”

John Johns