Don't Give Up
Small as a seed
This past week, Pastor Franklin Pudas (a retired pastor and member of First Lutheran) shared a short poem with me, which he wrote himself, based on several parables featured in this weekend’s gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.
It's as
Small as a seed
And active as leaven,
One great pearl, or best of the catch.
Heaven.
Come to worship this weekend and be blessed by the activity of God manifested in Christ Jesus. Don’t overlook the way God is bringing us unexpected shelter (v. 31-32) in times of trouble and sustenance in times of want (v. 33) through his son Jesus. Christ gave up everything to search for his own and save us—you are of much value to him, a treasure, or “catch,” of great value indeed (v. 44-52). These verses underscore God’s love for us, active in Christ. I look forward to celebrating this love in worship with you on Sunday!
Join us live at 8 a.m. on KELO-FM and YouTube or at 11 a.m. on KSFY. We will also have a Parking Lot Worship Service at 7 p.m. on Sunday that celebrates God’s faithfulness to First Lutheran’s high school graduates.
See you in church!
Pastor Katherine Olson
p.s. On Wednesday, we shared a video of Pastor Pudas’ poetry set to music. Be sure to check it out!
Pastoral Message Concerning Racial Injustice and Civil Unrest
Dear Members and Friends of First Lutheran Church:
The worship service for this Sunday (May 31) was recorded on May 28 (Thursday morning). Regretfully, in this worship service we do not address the expressions of grief, anger, and protest that have emerged in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the recent deaths of other black Americans. For the church to stay silent on these matters would not be right. I urge you to watch the video below, which I hope offers a faithful response on behalf of our community.
With this video, we’re also including two resources—one is an infographic that I’ve found especially helpful, shared with me on social media. This infographic helps me examine personal and societal attitudes that can contribute to racial inequality and harm. The second is a link to a recent statement provided by our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This statement also includes links for further reading and reflection.
Today we also pray for the safety of those who live and work in the neighborhoods where there is unrest—not just in Minneapolis, but all across America. We pray for the safety of those who protest in peace, and we pray for police officers, members of the National Guard, and first responders who serve in communities where there is strife today.
Prayerfully yours,
Pastor Katherine Olson
Associate Pastor of Caring Ministry, First Lutheran Church
Click here to read the response from the ELCA.