tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-347580042011-07-08T00:09:35.516-05:00on the journey of discernment and answering God's callingsJoy McDonald Coltvethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473426736425059735noreply@blogger.comBlogger851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-72893582551580827932011-04-15T21:51:00.000-05:002011-04-15T21:51:36.284-05:00

They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the LORD, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. - Jeremiah 31:12

Joy McDonald Coltvethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473426736425059735noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-5884733341562513252009-09-22T10:59:00.004-05:002011-04-15T21:32:26.059-05:00

Check out Cafe: Stirring the Spirit Within where I wrote a faith reflection and study questions on "Transitions."

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-40806853161144077362009-09-10T21:36:00.006-05:002011-04-15T21:54:06.265-05:00

Today, I had the opportunity to reflect with my spiritual director on an image that I've loved for a long time--"Tree of Life" by Kristin Gilje. I have a copy of Kristen's beautiful painting in my office and a photo of that painting on my laptop so I see it nearly every day. The image shows the tree of life with its roots firmly planted in the river of life. There's a rainbow in

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-65198224144202926822009-08-26T17:22:00.003-05:002011-04-15T21:55:02.648-05:00

This lush tree is across the street from my home and as we walk by it each night, we've imagined that its name is "Elwood." We speak to it--hang in there through the winds of stormy nights; thank you for your shade; you are beautiful and grand. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to read a moving article in the most recent edition of Spiritus--by Mary Frolich called "Under the Sign of Jonah:

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-77800147694861152002009-08-15T13:18:00.004-05:002009-08-15T13:56:24.509-05:00

In the midst of our church making decisions together, I pray for each of you who contemplate seminary and leadership/service in the church. I turn again and again to the story of Esther and her mentor/uncle Mordecai's call and question to her to step up on behalf of her people, "Who knows? Perhaps you are in this place and this time for just such a time as this."Her response? In paraphrase: I

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-53292219050873999522009-07-24T06:53:00.005-05:002009-08-15T13:18:02.551-05:00

To prepare for the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, I attended a film showing of "Trouble the Waters," an independent film. It showed not only the hurricane and breaking of the levees at the time of hurricane Katrina but the aftermath over the course of two years. Some of the things that I learned in this film, I had not heard before.The prison was not evacuated. Workers took the TVs out

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-10877129783161789442009-05-12T22:19:00.001-05:002009-05-12T22:21:29.574-05:00

"Dignity"Trinity Lutheran ChurchVolunteers serving the homelessFirst course: dignityRead the story behind the ad.

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-50741742136669498052009-05-07T17:26:00.002-05:002009-05-07T18:14:56.094-05:00

Today, I had reason to remember that conversation years ago on my NE Iowa Candidacy Committee when they asked, "What's the gospel in a nutshell?" I gave an answer somewhat similar to the words in John 3:16... God loves us and because God loved us so much, God gave us Jesus who gave his life for us. My answer didn't meet their expectations and they encouraged me to work on it. Somehow, by the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-7757368153912637372009-05-04T08:23:00.003-05:002009-05-07T15:14:25.341-05:00

You have come down to the lakeshore... I love this hymn about how Jesus seeks not necessarily who we might expect but the one who has just a little, just a small boat, and who is willing to leave even that little to follow Jesus wherever Jesus calls.Recently, I had the opportunity to be in the great northwoods of Wisconsin, and to sit at this lakeshore and admire the light of the setting sun on

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-75610637320889768952009-05-03T11:00:00.000-05:002009-05-04T17:20:25.149-05:00

Psalm 23 - words from Bobby McFerrinThe Lord is my Shepherd, I have all I need,She makes me lie down in green meadows,Beside the still waters, She will lead.She restores my soul, She rights my wrongs,She leads me in a path of good things,And fills my heart with songs.Even though I walk through a dark and dreary land,There is nothing that can shake me,She has said She won't forsake me,I'm in her

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-12878353764083718412009-03-26T10:00:00.000-05:002009-03-26T10:00:01.125-05:00

"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit... those who love their life lose it... now my soul is troubled." Jesus as described in John 12:24, 25, 27It's heart-wrenching. It's true. Creation and even the One who according to John "was in the beginning with God" dies in order that new life/fruit might spring up.But

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-27355345713688121982009-03-25T09:38:00.003-05:002009-03-25T10:01:55.362-05:00

Today is the day of the Annunciation of Our Lord. I've read so many good nuggets about this day when an angel messenger, Gabriel, came to Mary with the words, "Greetings, favored one. The Lord is with you!"And she pondered what kind of greeting this might be.Smart girl. People of faith sometimes look at Mary as simply an obedient servant, acquiescing to God's will. However, I notice her

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-60098552949825746182009-02-27T10:00:00.001-06:002009-03-25T10:18:08.525-05:00

Mark 1:9-14Preached at Bethany CollegeI’m not sure there is any gospel more like a film than Mark. And this is one meant to change your life.Mark’s gospel reads like an action-thriller and you can read the whole thing in about the same time as you could watch an action film. The first scenes feature John—a wild man—in the wilderness, plunging his hand into the beehive and plucking critters off

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-31328362210592785592009-02-22T11:00:00.002-06:002009-03-25T10:11:26.614-05:00

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see you. To see you high and lifted up, shining in the light of your glory. Pour out your power and love while we sing holy, holy, holy…I would not call this one of my favorite songs.Maybe it’s because it seems so individualistic or because I trust earthy visions of Jesus, son of man, a bit more than visions of Jesus “high and lifted up”—but on the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-73158292920776667072009-01-19T16:24:00.004-06:002009-01-19T16:37:11.802-06:00

This image graced the bulletin cover at St. Paul and the Redeemer this weekend and it struck me--this is what HOPE means... it is not when victory is certain but when you pray from the jail cell.I am continually challenged by the discipline of those who have gone before us--today, I remember especially the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.--in prayer, in clinging to hope, in envisioning God's

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-37751227728751209102008-12-08T13:29:00.001-06:002008-12-08T13:32:15.866-06:00

Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime;therefore we must be saved by hope.Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith.Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we must be saved by love.No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-19382929040983756262008-11-26T09:14:00.002-06:002008-11-26T10:18:15.064-06:00

Meister Eckhart wrote, "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough."Blessings,Pastor Joy

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-44466711187464859632008-11-21T13:43:00.002-06:002008-11-21T13:53:57.297-06:00

This week, I had the opportunity to be grateful again for my summer with the "Serving Christ in the World" immersion program, part of LSTC's Youth in Mission programs.On Wednesday we had a Youth in Mission "Fiesta," complete with great food, music and conversation. We shared quotes, stories, a video, photos and even a sermon from the youth who have been involved in these amazing programs. Their

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-43727237304535586662008-10-17T10:33:00.006-05:002008-10-17T10:40:35.055-05:00

Will you please let us know if you receive this "taste" of my newest blog entry? We're testing a new way of sharing postings with you who are subscribers--in an effort to draw you to the blog sight--and we'd like to know what you're receiving. The whole entry, the photo, just a taste?Thanks for your comments and suggestions!Blessings,Pastor Joy

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-70547939278248970872008-10-01T17:45:00.000-05:002008-10-01T18:09:23.222-05:00

My friend and mentor Rochelle once told me that whenever she needs to make a big decision, she goes to the lake shore. Somehow, the immensity of Lake Michigan helps clear her head... puts things in perspective... gives a feeling of immensity that is clarifying. Me too. Calm to the waves, calm to the wind, Jesus whispers, Peace be still. Balm to our hearts, fears at an end, be still and hear God's

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-74890372331410669502008-10-01T17:43:00.004-05:002008-10-01T18:03:06.823-05:00

This past Saturday, I was part of Women's Day 2008 at LSTC with the theme "Fertile Ground: Women, Spirit & Sustainability." It was an amazing day with conversation about urban gardening, reminders to do no less than what helps you come alive (even in cases where you didn't know you were dead), and annointed singing from the LSTC gospel choir. My workshop was around themes of Creation & Vocation.

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-91991164080014152192008-10-01T17:30:00.000-05:002008-10-01T18:17:24.758-05:00

I thank thee(from the book Graces)For diamond-studded velvetbehind a silver moonFor music of the nightwinds,A nightingale's sweet tune--For whispering treesAnd darkening peace--I thank thee.For mountains carved of sea pearlsFor clouds that shroud their heightsFor pristine air like nectarAnd ghostly northern lightsFor misty valesAnd secret dales--I thank thee.For fiery fuchsia ribbonsThat stream

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-49115194883231053482008-07-10T09:51:00.002-05:002008-12-09T12:02:38.635-06:00

The summer of seminarians visiting camps as "Outdoor Ministry Ambassadors" (OMAs) has begun! Read the reflections of Adam and Rebecca at our partner blog "The Seminarian's Sojourn."Henry David Thoreau wrote, "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-89884090000186118362008-07-08T17:40:00.003-05:002008-12-09T12:02:38.914-06:00

I have done a lot of walking these past months... through Germany and Switzerland, walking where the Reformers walked, and then in Mexico and Texas with the "Serving Christ in the World" Youth in Mission program. It has been a tremendous journey. And, today, I had the opportunity to talk with a prospective student who has just been in Jordan, Israel/Palestine and Egypt and now finds Jesus

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-60382078879391437052008-07-01T18:14:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:39.201-06:00

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-52533888897716864672008-06-28T18:00:00.001-05:002008-12-09T12:02:39.375-06:00

A poem by Julian of Norwich -I understood thatour sensuality is groundedin Nature, in Compassionand in Grace.This enables us to receivegifts that lead toeverlasting life.For I saw that in our sensualityGod is.For God is never out ofthe soul.photo taken outside the Church of Reconciliation, Berlin, Germany

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-19692759905103700592008-03-23T08:55:00.002-05:002008-12-09T12:02:39.698-06:00

Alleluia! Jesus is risen! We have been on a journey. And now, the journey of Lent—with its powerful encounters, with its building drama of challenges and conflicts—is finished. Now, the journey through Holy Week and the Three Days—the final walk through Jesus’ turbulent life, betrayal, cross and burial—is complete. But the celebration of new life and resurrection has just begun.Weather-permitting

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-91925102530001855332008-02-20T09:00:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:39.851-06:00

I wish that God's call was as easy to hear as the photo I have of officially receiving the call to serve Galilee Lutheran Church in Pewaukee, WI (my first call). In that photo, I'm standing in the classic red phone booth of the UK. I happened to be in Nottingham, England the day the congregation voted. So, there I am, in the red phone booth, on the phone, "called." It's a fun photo. I'm smiling.

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-24882917060955223332008-02-14T10:00:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:40.114-06:00

Meant to shine—2 Timothy 1: 1-7 a sermon preached at Gustavus on February 14, 2008To make a long story very short, there was a big snow storm in Chicago last week so a short flight home from San Antonio, TX became a 13-hour travel day where I flew to Denver then to Minneapolis and never actually did make it home to Chicago. It was Ash Wednesday. I had the opportunity at the beginning of the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-89014820752220733742008-01-22T17:53:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:40.324-06:00

I've been reading this collection of sermons and essays on saving the planet, edited by David Rhoads (professor of New Testament here at LSTC). So far, the richest words I've read have come from Wendell Berry, describing what makes for "good work.""It does not dissociate life and work, or pleasure and work, or love and work, or usefulness and beauty. To work without pleasure or affection, to make

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-28586080929751383542008-01-18T14:40:00.001-06:002008-12-09T12:02:40.592-06:00

When pressed to make a new year's resolution, I could only think of one--get blogging! So, after a long absence, I'm again committing to this once a week practice of sharing with you why I am blessed to be a witness.I've noticed that's how God's call can be, too. Sometimes, there are periods of silence. Or, as is more often the case for me, there are periods of such constant activity that we get

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-82219337384123634272007-11-02T15:23:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:40.779-06:00

Today, I am especially remembering the great cloud of witnesses who surrounds us and gathers with us at Holy Communion. I think of Louise's father, who died just a few days ago. I think of Bob, who was so kind to us while we lived in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. I think of the three students who have died this fall at Luther College--and the whole community there who mourns them so deeply. I think of the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-82658957977186053992007-10-19T15:09:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.161-06:00

It happened around the supper table at the University of Iowa. I was talking with Laura, a student who was there because she is interested in exploring where God is calling her to go next. Suddenly, as she told me about her parents and dreams, something clicked and I really SAW her. "O Laura," I said with surprise, "We know each other!" She said back, "You're Joy!"Both of us had aged quite a bit

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-11246954518162299672007-10-03T16:43:00.001-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.332-06:00

ELCA Seminary Admissions Directors, Jonathan Strandjord (ELCA Vocation and Education Unit) and Paul Hanson (ELCA Fund for Leaders in Mission)In the autumn of each year, the seminary admissions directors gather for an annual meeting hosted by one of the seminaries of the ELCA. Why? So that we might work together as collaboratively as possible in connecting with pontential leaders of the church.

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-71444915536723582942007-09-25T20:37:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.424-06:00

August passed in a blur with so many activities and trying to squeeze in the last working and playing of summer. Did anyone else feel like that?Now, though, we are into full-fledged autumn. Now is the time when some of you from various places are wondering--where will my path lead next? I remember (and still experience) the feeling of looking into the misty future and wondering where I will be

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-86012402002760009552007-07-23T15:50:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.630-06:00

Here's a photo from a night around the campfire at "Inspiration Point" and words from Bernadette Farrell, New Hymns and Songs, R127:Longing for light, we wait in darkness.Longing for truth, we turn to you.Make us your own, your holy people,light for the world to see.Christ, be our light!Shine in our hearts. Shine through the darkness.Christ, be our light!Shine in your church gathered today.Shine

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-15632618483870395882007-07-11T15:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.822-06:00

I'm not the first to go this summer--in fact, we have a group of folks going as "Outdoor Ministry Ambassadors" from LSTC to camps this summer. So far, they've been to Nebraska, Wisconsin, Colorado... and they will also go to camps in Iowa. Tim, Holly, Tom, Matt, Jennie... they go as a "living commercial" for the partnership we share in Christ. Some will be informal "camp chaplains" for a week,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-40513093609589795672007-07-11T15:24:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:41.988-06:00

This summer has already been so lively and full of opportunities for hearing God's call that it's hard to know where to begin... but let me start with the "Serving Christ in the World" Youth in Mission program which just ended last Saturday.It was an incredible three weeks. Eighteen high school youth, mostly "rising juniors," gathered from all over the USA at LSTC for a program of immersion first

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-55912307883489686142007-06-09T07:50:00.001-05:002008-12-09T12:02:42.229-06:00

The campus minstries of Marquette and UWM reported to the Greater Milwaukee Synod Assembly that campus ministry is a place where we sit under the question marks of life (just above the directional arrows you see in this photo) and 1) figure things out, 2) sit with the tensions, 3) try things, 4) learn and grow...It's so true. But not only college students need a place to do this. Throughout life

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-75530416110508146502007-05-13T19:33:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:42.415-06:00

This was the last week of classes at LSTC so we had one sending service after another as we sent people to internship, to CPE (clinical pastoral education), to graduation, to retirement, to sabbatical, to many and various places, to summer...In the midst of all these partings, we walked through the baptismal waters. We remembered together that we are washed as we go from here--whether we go far

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-64560110936704602052007-04-27T22:41:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:42.598-06:00

Shared in chapel at Luther College todayText: Revelation 6:1-7:4When I was a student here at Luther and lived in Larsen, I had a sticker posted beside my desk, chosen because of its earth-friendly scripture verse, “Hurt not the earth or the sea or the trees.” Revelation 7:3a – a very tiny portion of the reading for today.You might almost miss this verse in the larger reading describing death and

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-31913987773744132982007-04-16T19:36:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:42.936-06:00

Keep in mind that Jesus Christ has died for you and has risen from the dead. Today we sang these words in worship and it reminded me of the first time I heard this canticle. I was traveling for a month through Europe and it was New Year's Eve. We didn't have any supper that night, we were both sick and my best friend sang this song. Kind of like comfort food that fills you up and makes you feel

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-14760319561722309542007-04-09T21:47:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:43.054-06:00

Day of arising, Christ on the roadway, unknown companion walks with his own. When they invite him, as fades the first day, and bread is broken, Christ is made known.When we are walking, doubtful and dreading, blinded by sadness, slowness of heart, yet Christ walks with us, ever awaiting our invitation: Stay, do not part.Lo, I am with you, Jesus has spoken. This is Christ's promise, this is

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-21476769618491473172007-04-07T13:00:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:43.256-06:00

STEPS TOWARD NEW LIFESo now, as we take the next steps into the wilderness into which God is sending us now; as the human creature has moved from being the hunter/gatherer to the land-worker to the city-dweller to the trveller in the skies, we must move on to a way of life where we are so much God's one people that warfare is no longer even a possibility. It is that, or dis-aster, and we must not

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-18117563048534492512007-04-06T09:42:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:43.600-06:00

LOVE, THE SURVIVAL KITHere it was August, but I found myself thinking of Holy Week. Lonely week. The most painful part of the story. Jesus, at the end of his earthly mission, facing failure, abandonment, death.What kept Jesus going? What keeps us going when we're in the middle of the worst of it? The knowledge that we are loved by our Creator. Everybody else left Jesus. The disciples, those he

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-41017672632217456062007-04-05T06:51:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:43.781-06:00

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Heaven is not a place name. Heaven is wherever God's will is being done. When, occasionally, it is done on earth, then there is heaven. It is the most difficult thing in the world for most of us to give up directing our own story and turn to the Author. This has to be done over and over again. Time and again I know exactly how a certain situation

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-70861243893898363182007-04-04T19:00:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:43.838-06:00

Whether I kneel or stand or sit in prayerI am not caught in time nor held in space,But, thrust beyond this posture, I am whereTime and eternity are face to face;Infinity and space meet in this placeWhere crossbar and upright hold the OneIn agony and in all Love's embrace.The power in helplessness which was begunWhen all the brilliance of the flaming sunContained itself in the small confines of a

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-89964055261080042752007-04-03T18:20:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:44.034-06:00

All I have to know is that I do not have to know in limited, finite terms of provable fact that which I believe. Infallibility has led to schisms in the Church, to atheism, to deep misery. All I have to know is that God is love, and that love will not let us go, not any of us. When I say that I believe in the resurrection of the body, and I do, I am saying what I believe to be true, not literal,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-19278421445560899152007-04-02T20:48:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:44.366-06:00

If I can learn a little how to die,To die while body, mind and spirit stillMove in their triune dance of unity,To die while living, dying I'll fulfillThe purpose of the finite in infinity.If God will help me learn to die today,Today in time I'll touch eternity,And dying, thus will live within God's Way.If I can free myself from self's iron bands,Free from myself not by myself, but throughChrist's

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-40040372215706205812007-03-26T15:00:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:44.649-06:00

Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. - John 12:3What I love about this image this year is the extravagance. There have been Lenten seasons where I have needed things to be spare, lean, full of discipline, even somber... but this has not been one of them. This year, I've

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-76565086153220019612007-03-18T20:13:00.000-05:002007-03-18T20:17:55.541-05:00

Hey women (and men, too) -If you haven't yet seen the online women's magazine of the ELCA, "Cafe: Stirring the Spirit Within," please check out this month.http://www.boldcafe.org/0407/hottopic.htmlIn addition to a fabulous article by Karris Golden, pastor and Harley rider, you'll find biblical reflections on the sounds of faith.Blessings,Pastor Joy

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-51646024753642633352007-03-18T20:02:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:44.757-06:00

Yesterday in Chicago at 10:45 a.m., the Chicago river was dyed green in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Who knows what Patrick would have thought of such things... but here is some of his beautiful poetry.I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the three in one and one in three.I bind this day to me forever by power of faith Christ's incarnation, his

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-37723798887562679732007-03-18T19:59:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:44.903-06:00

Yes, we [Admissions Directors of the ELCA Seminaries] really do travel together and work collaboratively! It's so unusual that people can hardly believe it, but it's true! Pictured here are colleagues from the ELCA seminaries with the campus pastors at California Lutheran University, Pastors Scott and Melissa Maxwell-Doherty, in Thousand Oaks, CA.It's a joy to be able to do this work of

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-22236138759377252352007-03-11T21:10:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:45.093-06:00

O God, eagerly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you. - Psalm 63:1Every morning during this dry season, I wake up... parched. The first thing I do after rolling out of bed is make my way to the kitchen and drink water. Just as my body cries out for water after the night's fast, my soul is thirsty this Lent.I read this today - Jesus is our rock, our water, our food, our drink.I heard this today -

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-43019331926478651832007-03-11T20:54:00.000-05:002008-12-09T12:02:45.665-06:00

It was Lent and we sampled chocolate in the spirit of that great film about abstinence and desire, judgment and compassion, solitude and community--Chocolat. It was cold outside but we gathered in warm conversation. Students, faculty and staff gathered to welcome guests--come one, come all, come and see if this is the place God is calling you next.Enjoy!

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-4797974669482905062007-02-21T20:47:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:45.843-06:00

One cold, winter night around ten or ten-thirty, I was sitting in the living room of our house in Wisconsin, reading a magazine when I heard sirens. I looked outside as the volume grew and watched as fire truck after fire truck - eventually four or fire - pulled into the church parking lot across from our house. I looked at the steeple and a great cloud of smoke was rising from it. I called out,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-37010563344831900332007-02-19T10:07:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:49.471-06:00

From the Fresh Fire Metro Chicago Synod Youth and Youth Leaders Event on Saturday, February 17, hosted at LSTC

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-23696881219715346482007-02-19T08:53:00.000-06:002007-02-19T09:31:35.999-06:00

"The Lord brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1170348706930115142007-02-01T10:50:00.000-06:002008-12-09T12:02:49.707-06:00

We've come this far by faith,Leaning on the LORD,Trusting in God's holy word,God's never failed us yet.Oh... can't turn around,God's never failed us yet.Pictured here:Metro Chicago Anti-Racism Team

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1170348613418402072007-02-01T10:42:00.000-06:002007-02-01T10:50:13.420-06:00

As I was driving past this high school, I had to stop and take a photo of this quote:"Hatred and bitterness can never cure fear, only love can do that." - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.In this month of love, this is the kind of love we really need... the love that transforms our hearts, our homes, our communities, our world. This is the kind of love that is necessary to follow God's calling for

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1170347154826867702007-02-01T10:19:00.000-06:002007-02-01T10:25:54.836-06:00

The fabulous people in these photos were at the Greater Milwaukee Synod's Invitation to Serve event. Generously sponsored by the Siebert Foundation, pastors and youth leaders are asked to bring a high school youth who they have identified as someone who would make a good leader in the church. We shared a meal, worship and heard many stories of God's call to step up in this place and in this time

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1169822748102411332007-01-26T08:35:00.000-06:002007-02-01T10:41:57.226-06:00

Last week, I had the opportunity to be with people from Marquette's Lutheran Campus Ministry at an event called TASTE. We met at a coffee shop. Some ate brownies, some shared conversation, some did art, some formed a plan for another event, some meditated on scripture in a room filled with candles.Words from God like these:"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1168923811371818152007-01-15T22:54:00.000-06:002007-01-15T23:03:31.383-06:00

In honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., from "I have a dream:"With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1168922569262486562007-01-15T22:16:00.000-06:002007-01-15T22:42:49.273-06:00

"Everyone serves the good wine first and then the inferior wine...but you have kept the good wine until now." Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. --John 2:10-11Tonight, I had the opportunity to eat a fabulous meal. It began with a glass of wine, then bread with a pesto and tomato sauce. Then, there was an antipasto

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1168287741344262802007-01-08T14:08:00.000-06:002007-01-08T14:22:21.356-06:00

Epiphany – when a shaft of light shines on the place where Jesus lays, when strangers from a great distance bring gifts to pay homage, when angels speak to us in dreams –I would like Epiphany to be that clear, that obvious, that indisputable.But Epiphany seems to happen in my life in a more twisting and turning way:when a story fills me with renewed faith, when a journey teaches me something,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1167837571335383022007-01-03T08:57:00.000-06:002007-01-03T09:19:31.346-06:00

What is God's call right now? God's purpose for my life?As I contemplate these questions again at the beginning of a new year, I've come across this reflection by John Stendahl. In it, he voices some of the problems of our notions of "vocation" - insider/outsider language, the challenge of many callings, the tendency to base our worth on our tasks and duties. In Jesus' baptism, Stendahl senses a

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1166732621354017332006-12-21T14:18:00.000-06:002006-12-21T14:23:41.363-06:00

Day of light,Day of birth,Here is GodCome to earth.- Joanna M. Weston in Graces

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1165878685166576892006-12-11T17:07:00.000-06:002006-12-11T17:11:25.166-06:00

There are storiesembedded in our skinand words enfleshed in us,and so may you bless uswith those who by tender touchrelease the tales,trace the lines,free the wordsone by one.Give to us thosewho will listen usinto our own languagetill we are hoarse with the tellingand with the laughterat being releasedfrom the silences we had keptso long. - Jan Richardson, Night VisionsMany blessings,Pastor Joy

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1165207170481880462006-12-03T22:38:00.001-06:002006-12-07T20:35:19.273-06:00

Not to onebut to many you have called:come on the dancing windcome from the deepest forestcome from the highest placescome from the distant landscome from the edge of darknesscome from the depth of fearand become the bearer or God.- Jan Richardson, Night VisionsOn the first Sunday of Advent, Jubilee Faith Community, the newest ELCA congregation in Metro Chicago, called Pastor Michael Russell to

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1165207127038603472006-12-03T22:38:00.000-06:002006-12-11T17:01:03.490-06:00

We are coming close to the celebration of Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican Advent celebration meaning "the inns." In this celebration, the whole community follows children dressed as Mary & Joseph who go from house to house asking, "In the name of God we beg: will you let us enter?"The party moves from house to house, turned away at every door, until at last they come to a place where they can

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1165207084987716512006-12-03T22:36:00.000-06:002006-12-11T17:12:22.370-06:00

Move over the face of my deep,my darkness,my endless restless chaos,and create, O God;trouble me, comfort me,stir me up, and calm me,but do not cease to breathe your Spiritinto my wakening soul.- Jan Richardson, Night Visions

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1164596881764814432006-11-26T20:34:00.000-06:002006-11-26T21:32:18.973-06:00

As I watched in the night visions, I saw.Daniel 7:13aWe're coming again to the season of more night than day - Advent - what a perfect time for night visions. Today we have ended the church year, looking to the Ancient One, the Lord who is forever and forevermore, the Alpha and the Omega.And at this ending, there is a new beginning - an opportunity to hear the truth once again, an opportunity to

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1163129177479054962006-11-09T21:11:00.000-06:002006-11-09T21:26:17.490-06:00

In memory of husband and wife team, Pastors Carillo, who were murdered last Saturday in El Salvador and are remembered in a Memorial Service in Milwaukee tonight.For all who suffered on this night years ago in the events of Kristallnacht and throughout the Shoah, remembered and mourned in chapel today at LSTC.For all who suffer and die because of faith and that our grief, fear and anger may be

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1162440516705092912006-11-01T21:55:00.000-06:002006-11-09T21:28:59.046-06:00

Lately in several of my classes I've had the opportunity to talk about vocation from several different perspectives. It seems that normally when we talk about vocation it appears somewhat detached from the rest of our liturgical life. Where does it connect in our theology? Perhaps it connects in our baptism, in our very (re)creation. It connects in the first article of the creed when we proclaim

Bennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1162419610523714502006-11-01T15:49:00.000-06:002006-11-09T21:27:18.013-06:00

All Saints' DayToday, the admissions directors of the ELCA seminaries joined in worship at Augsburg College. The flames from many, many candles flickered and glowed as we participated in a service of rembrance on this All Saints Day.President Pribbenow remembered one of those saints who, near to the end of her life, drank down the communion wine offered to her in one joyful gulp... and smiled.

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1162307986264312102006-10-31T09:08:00.000-06:002006-10-31T09:19:46.273-06:00

On this hallowed eve, I remember how God has created both light and darkness, each a gift. Without one, how would we experience the other?Jesus comes in surprising ways, sometimes not unlike the child jumping out in a costume and shouting "Boo!" We look and wonder, "Who are you? Is that you?"In this night of hidden identity, flashlights and jack o'lanterns, may you see the hidden and revealed

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1162263575424066792006-10-30T20:47:00.000-06:002006-10-30T21:03:28.866-06:00

Here are a few of the people who gathered to share conversation, learnings and abundant good food over the weekend at LSTC.Discernment is not always easy - so we pray for each one who gathered, those who have come this fall and those who are still coming - that each one will experience Jesus' presence in word, along the way, and in the breaking of the bread.My heart was burning within me at the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1161652428423443712006-10-23T19:49:00.000-05:002006-10-23T20:19:32.293-05:00

This week, I was reminded of my love for the dancing and wisdom of Martha Graham, who revolutionized modern dance.Read how she articulates the value of each one of us coming to know our calling:"There is a vitality, a life-force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1161055314163252082006-10-16T21:46:00.000-05:002006-10-16T22:21:54.170-05:00

This past week, it was my privilege to host admissions directors from all eight seminaries of the ELCA right here in Chicago. We meet together annually to plan how we can work collaboratively throughout the year because even though we each believe in the unique wonderfulness of the place where we are inviting people to come, our goal is the same... to be inviters of people into ministry, in all

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1160421670135179122006-10-09T14:00:00.000-05:002006-10-09T14:21:10.143-05:00

Today I bought a card that features this quote from Louis L'Amour,"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.That will be the beginning."This reminds me of an email I read today from a prospective student who is trying to imagine, in spite of the calling he senses to come to LSTC, how he can uproot from the life he knows and make such a dramatic change. How can he move to

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1160057142260171082006-10-05T08:27:00.000-05:002006-10-09T13:59:29.133-05:00

"Vocation does not come from willfulness. It comes from listening."~Parker Palmer, Let Your Life SpeakI remember going to my advisor in college week after week, trying to figure out what I was going to do with my life. Communications, Computer Information Systems, Theatre, Toxicology/Chemistry-I was all over the place; I was working so hard to find the right major. Then my advisor, an agnostic

Bennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1159797089633467432006-10-02T08:33:00.000-05:002006-10-02T08:51:29.710-05:00

With her permission, I want to share with you the sermon Elaina Salmon, one of our LSTC seniors, proclaimed last week. Notice what she did first. She invited everyone to change their seating. We all gathered and sat around her and she shared the gospel from the middle of the huddle. What a change of perspective! Suddenly, the energy and connection in the room changed. There was excitement and

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1159549293436767592006-09-29T11:31:00.000-05:002006-09-29T12:01:33.466-05:00

This morning, I sat around the table with a phenomenal group of students who are speaking together with Pastor Ray Legania about African Descent Spirituality and we tuned in to the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.He spoke of an instance in the beginning of the movement when he was awakened by a threatening and abusive phone call, one of many he received. But on this night, however,

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1159219939640993972006-09-25T16:29:00.000-05:002006-09-25T16:32:19.643-05:00

It’s September, the beginning of the harvest season, time to make a fresh start, a time for remembering all that has been and dreaming of the future. During this beautiful month, we are so glad that you are considering God’s call to the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.“Me, a leader in the church?” My call from God to be a pastor came very gradually, step by step, day by day, throughout the

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34758004.post-1159194179606660512006-09-25T09:19:00.000-05:002006-09-25T16:29:05.190-05:00

“I am blessed, I am blessed… I am blessed to be a witness.”Ben Harper sings these words in one of my favorite songs – and this is my job at LSTC.I am blessed to be able to experience the gifted people who make up LSTC, the gifted people who are thinking of coming here and the wider church that keeps raising up leaders. Then, I get to tell the story of what I’ve seen – I am blessed to be a witness

Blog Creatornoreply@blogger.com0