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On the cross, we see that God enters the darkness in which we live.  He doesn’t reign over creation from afar.  He enters our world.  In Christ, he puts himself physically into the pain and fear which afflicts our lives.  He knows and feels and suffers as we do.  He dies as we do.  He does this so that he can be physically with us, and by his physical presence he brings forth his new life in us. Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday April 13, 2014 Matthew 27:11-54 Peder Stenslie About a... more»

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6, 2014, Year A Ezekiel 37.1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8.6-11; John 11.1-45 Pastor Renee Splichal Larson   Grace and peace to you from the One who is the resurrection and the life, Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen. Our two readings today are two of my favorite stories in all of Scripture.  I know them by heart and I never tire of hearing them.  In Ezekiel God asks him in verse 3, “Mortal, can these bones live?”  What a question!  If I could rephrase it, it would... more»

Very many want to believe that through religion, we can gain some kind of ultimate knowledge about life and God that gives us control over life.  But we can’t.  According to scripture, what we are meant to gain through faith are the promises and gifts of God that give us hope and help us live as simple, but compassionate and strong people of God (strong like the blind beggar).  To understand that is what it means to see. Fourth Sunday in Lent March 30, 2014 John 9:1-41 Peder Stenslie If... more»

Third Sunday in Lent; Year A Exodus 17.1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5.1-11; John 4.5-42 Pastor Renee Splichal Larson   Grace and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen. God is bigger than: Your past; Your pain; Your fear; Your scars; Your hate; Your doubt; This world.  I saw these words in an ELCA post on facebook as I scrolled down my home page.  I stopped and stared at the words for quite some time noting how true and relevant they were in relation to... more»