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Weekly Devotional

May 11, 2009

God’s peace be with you all.

Psalm 126:1-6 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. ² Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." ³ The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. ⁴ Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! ⁵ May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! ⁶ He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

From the newsletter of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Springfield, VA:

“Tom B. will address Lenten fasts and the practical points of fasting and Linda R. will bring the doughnuts.”

A Bulletin note from Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson, SD:        

“7:30 Lenten Service.  The final Lenten Service these is ‘Why doesn’t God do something?’ with Pastor Meidinger.”

And finally, readers of Centre View, a local newspaper in the northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., were startled by the following article title:

“Holy Spirit Now Officially Lutheran.”  The story went on to discuss the organization of a new congregation, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, in Centreville, VA.

            The ELCA, along with the Missouri Synod, produced a "Wholeness Wheel" several years ago for pastors and other rostered leaders. (Click here for the link)  While it has been around for about 10 years, it is just now beginning to catch on, mainly due to a push within the individual synods.  One of the important parts of the wholeness wheel is emotional wellness.  It is connected on each side by Social/Interpersonal Wellness and Physical Wellness. 

            Laughter is one of those important emotions that helps us get through our everyday lives.  The word “Laugh” and its variations appear about 50 times in the Bible.  From the Sarah saying that God provides laughter, to the psalm listed above, to the Gospels, and even into the apocrypha, laughing is an important part of the Bible.  I hope that you are able to find times to laugh in your life, and to benefit from laughter.

            Later this summer, I hope that we as a congregation can start utilizing the wholeness wheel.  I know many of you already do many aspects that it includes (such as excising, studying the bible, continuing education, financial aspects, etc).  Perhaps we can start helping each other set some goals and then follow through on these goals.  As a congregation, I think Springs of Grace is very healthy.  But there is always room for growth, and always ways in which we can help each other.  For the next few weeks, please be praying about your involvement in this challenge.  If you would like to help me get it started, please let me know.  I pray this can be a congregational initiative that will help us grow closer and stronger in our ministry together.

In our prayers this week: 

Jane, Norm, Irene (Jane’s mom), Ann, Joseph, St. John’s Lutheran Church

God’s Peace

Pastor Judson