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Redemption

re·demp·tion
rəˈdem(p)SH(ə)n/
noun
  1. 1.
    the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
    “God’s plans for the redemption of his world”
    synonyms: saving, freeing from sin, absolution

    “God’s redemption of his people”
     
  2. 2.
    the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.
    synonyms: retrieval, recovery, reclamation, repossession, return

    Redemption is such a churchy word – and one of those words that shut people down. The only other place I remember using the word Redemption is when my mother and I would redeem Green Stamps.

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The problem of Ruth, chapter 3

this kind of loveMy daughter texted me this week as she arrived at her Book Club. “We are sick of love stories where people know they are in love 3 seconds into the relationship”  Yes, of course they are. Because life is not a Harlequin romance or a Hallmark Channel Love story. Why spend another minute of your life on drivel designed not to uplift our thoughts but rather to let us stay in that smushed zone, where our emotions are slip sliding all over the newly waxed floor of life!  Ok, enough of that. Continue reading “The problem of Ruth, chapter 3”

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The Narrative Arc

“‘What did you expect?’” a friend responds.“Howard ponders this. ‘I suppose—this sounds stupid, but I suppose I thought there’d be more of a narrative arc.’”So what does that mean, a narrative arc?  

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The ELCA Youth Gathering 2018 – we each had a part

When you start watching videos from the ELCA Youth Gathering, it’s hard to stop. Tonight at 6 pm our FLY (Faithful Lutheran Youth) group who attended the Gathering in Houston will be our featured speakers as they tell all of us about their trip, and what they learned. I hope you will join us at Holy Cross Lutheran church, 1998 Lansing Ave NE,Salem, OR 97301 at 6pm = Dessert will be served (Gluten free and healthy options available) God bless you all! – Pastor Patricia+

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A Story of Abundance, Loss and Love

This summer, read the book of Ruth in the Bible. If you want the full experience, read the book of Ruth 4 times in the bible. At an average pace, it takes 25 minutes to read the book through, and there just happens to be four chapters. At Holy Cross this summer, we will read one chapter a week as part of the worship, and the sermon will be focused on that chapter. So, of course, you could read one chapter a week and keep up! No, I’m not trying to add to your prodigious to do list! I am wishing the best for you, and yearning for this summer series to enrich your life. Because nearly all of our lives are stories of abundance, loss and love – Like the story in the book of Ruth. ruth 1 Continue reading “A Story of Abundance, Loss and Love”