Wednesday, November 30, 2016

God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

Genesis 9:12-15

Storms can cause a variety of problems, ranging from minor disruptions and inconveniences to major destruction and even death. While nobody likes poor visibility on the roads or loss of electrical power, we often enjoy the postludes to storms, including picturesque sunsets and vibrant rainbows.

In Genesis 9, God reminds us of His presence and promise during and after storms. Similar to weather patterns, storms in the various seasons of life are inevitable. How reassuring it is to remember the eternal promises we have, as described in both the Old and New Testaments. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus provides the assurance of His presence through life’s metaphorical storms, saying, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (NIV).

At Liberty Lutheran, we help navigate the storms of life for vulnerable individuals. It is a privilege and blessing to witness their appreciation in what otherwise may be difficult and stormy seasons. One family noted our approach to service to be a “wonderful combination of professional and personable, capable and caring.”

This advent season, let us not fear the storms we may see on the horizon, but instead rely on God’s promise and covenant with us, and allow His light to shine through as colorful rainbows to all those we encounter.

Lord, assure us of your presence, especially in the difficult seasons of our lives. Help us not to be overwhelmed, but instead to trust in you and your promise to guide us through these storms. Let us be a reminder and example to others of your ever-present love and care. Amen.

Brandon Frank is Manager of Financial Reporting for Liberty Lutheran.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:1-4

A parishioner shared her story of when her house and everything in it was destroyed by a devastating flood. The family, including two preschoolers, evacuated to a local shelter. The only possessions they still had were the clothes they wore that day. Then, a shelter worker brought them personal care kits containing basic hygiene supplies. Through this small gesture, she felt that God hadn’t deserted her and her family. She began to sense that all would be okay. There would be renewal and hope in their lives.

When disaster strikes, it is as if our whole world falls apart. People who’ve lost everything they own because of fire, floods or other disasters often feel lost themselves, not knowing where to begin. It would be so easy to wallow in their sadness and give up.

In these verses, Paul calls out to us, “Wait a minute! Don’t you remember that through your baptism you’ve been incorporated into Christ? And, because you are bound up with him, you share in his destiny. Not just tragedy and death, but more than that. For, he’s given you resurrection and newness of life.”

Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA, a ministry of Lutheran Congregational Services, seeks to do just that – to live out the meaning of baptism by being bound to those who suffer disaster – and walk with them into recovery and renewal of life.

Merciful God, in the darkest of moments, when I’m ready to wallow in fear and self-pity, your Spirit calls me to new life and helps me find ways to start again. Amen.

The Rev. Paulette Obrecht serves as a hospital chaplain, disaster case manager for Lutheran Congregational Services and a member of the LCS Advisory Board.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.” For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

Psalm 122:6-9

One of the most holy moments of this past year was our blessing of the hands ceremony for the employees at Paul’s Run Retirement Community. We stood together, sometimes amid the hustle and bustle of busy nurses’ stations, kitchens, laundry rooms or front desk areas. The circle of employees would grow and expand as, one by one, staff members took a few minutes to join the circle.

For a moment, we were quiet and listened as Pastor Stephen Weisser, Chaplain, talked about the ancient Biblical tradition of anointing with oil. After his explanation, we bowed our heads as he blessed the circle. Some residents of Paul’s Run were moved to join the silent circle of staff. Then we anointed the palms of each individual with olive oil scented with peppermint. As we put oil on each person’s outstretched palms, we uttered a blessing over each pair of gentle hands.

There were many silent tears of joy and humble gratitude for that moment of appreciation and inner peace. Here is the blessing we said to each person that I think applies to everyone: May God bless the sacred work you do.

Remember, God loves you.

Loving God, bless us with hearts of gratitude and generosity. Remind us of your love. Amen.

Rabbi Anne Feibelman serves as an Associate Chaplain at Paul’s Run Retirement Community.

November 27, 2016 First Sunday of Advent

"But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”… Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Matthew 24:36, 42

Wake up! Be ready! Be alert! Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the season of preparation. In Romans 13:11 the apostle Paul writes, “Besides this, you know what time it is, now is the time to wake from sleep.” And the Gospel of Matthew reminds us, “But about that day and hour no one knows.” Both passages implore us to be prepared, for we don’t know when the Son of Humanity will return. Paul reminds us that now is the time to wake up, for we don’t want to be sleeping when Jesus comes.

Even as we understand these lessons to be about the second coming of Jesus, we also understand them to be about our daily lives, today. How are we ready for whatever comes our way? Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is always ready to respond when disaster strikes. Whether it is a flood, a fire, a rock slide, or any other disaster that people may find themselves in, Lutherans are often the first ones in after the first responders are done and we are the last out after the long road of rebuilding. When all others have gone, LDR is there.

I am always moved when I see stories of people helping people, and I am particularly moved when I read about our local friends and neighbors responding to the needs of others. Whether mucking out houses, preparing cleaning buckets with supplies, or providing manual labor to assist, Lutheran Disaster Response-Eastern PA is always ready. They are present after local disasters large and small. They are the epitome of being awake and ready, a model of what we are to be in our lives. Wake up! Be ready! Be alert!

Dear Jesus, help us to be ready for whatever you would have us do. Keep us awake and alert to your presence in our lives. Amen.

The Rev. Sandra Brown is pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Bensalem, PA.