On Sunday, this community will gather around three of our young members and celebrate as they affirm the baptismal promises God made to them long ago. As they are confirmed, the congregation too will reaffirm its promise to support of them in their lives of faith. As is the case again this year, we conduct this ritual on Reformation Sunday, remembering our Lutheran heritage for embodying a church that is always being made new.
Even when we can’t see the full outcome of our efforts, God is working through us, extending promises that reach beyond our lifetime. To align our lives with this divine legacy, we can practice three key actions…
After spending 27 years in prison, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first democratically elected president. He didn’t use his position to secure power for himself or his allies. Instead, he focused on reconciliation, knowing that the work of healing a nation couldn’t be achieved in his lifetime.
This Sunday we’ll turn to the story of Hannah, a woman who is challenged by the realities of a society that values her only as far as her ability to create progeny. To be called out as “childless,” whether thousands of years ago or even still today, is an attack that is especially cruel and deeply misguided. But God’s commitment to Hannah stands in defiant contrast to the world’s expectations and highlights the power of divine role reversals.
Yesterday, we reflected on the story of Exodus 32:1-14, where God changes course in response to Moses’ intercession, choosing mercy over destruction. This powerful moment reminds us that God is not distant or unmoving but deeply involved in our lives. We are invited to embrace our identity as co-creators with God, actively participating in shaping the world.