The word church has been tossed around and given different meanings over the generations. When hearing the word “church,” some think of: * The building where they worship. * The denomination the community affiliates with (Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, etc.) * Membership. That is, being on the roll as an active participant and one who worships and gives regularly. * The universal church – that is, all believers across the world. Succinctly stated, Lutherans hold

Did you know that on the church calendar, Easter is more than one day? In fact, Easter lasts for seven weeks! So the last Sunday in Easter is May 28? I tell you this to encourage you to pick a week during the season and worship … if not with us, at a house of worship of your choosing. There are many, common-sense reasons you might resist: I can worship God anywhere. This is true. Worship ing with a congregation offers support and encouragement, especially in times of doubt

You may not remember that the final straw leading to Jesus’ arrest and criminal accusations was when he raised his friend, Lazarus from death. Quite the triumph over death! Resurrection and life win the day. But do you remember that the passage begins with Jesus delaying his trip to see Mary and Martha by two days. Do you remember how they greeted him? “Lord, if you had only been here, my brother would not have died.” And how many times do you cry the same thing? “God if

It seems that death surrounds us. Almost 200 million children are in danger of starvation in Africa. About 250 died in a recent landslide in Bogota, Colombia. In Russia, 10 died in a metro blast. Two have died in a storm in Louisiana. Recent memory includes Tennessee wildfires, and photos showing countless dead in the streets in Aleppo. And none of these examples include recent or pending funerals in your own life. As world news swirls around us, St. James joins countles