Holy Week by CLB Network

Faith Fellowship

Church of the Lutheran Brethren

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March/April 2013

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Vol. 80, No. 2

Holy Week

Palm Sunday • Good Friday • Easter

www.ffmagazine.org

In This Issue 4 6 8

11 12 14 15

A Parade with a Point Troy Tysdal

Good Friday?

FAITH & FELLOWSHIP

Removing Obstacles

Director of Communications: Tim Mathiesen tmathiesen@clba.org | twitter: @ffmag

Shawn Bowman

Volume 80 - Number 2

Chris Priestaf

Editor: Brent Juliot bjuliot@clba.org

Regeneration of a Daffodil Dean & Linda Bengtson

F cus CLB

ROY HEGGLAND

In Need of Pastoral Care Ron Fletcher A Need for Volunteers Brian Abrahamsen Live the Vision! Cheryl Olsen

16 18 20

Notoriously Faithful Christine Lawson CLB News

re:Think Tim Mathiesen

Publisher/Graphic Designer: Troy Tysdal ttysdal@clba.org Photos: Strom Studio: p.16, p.17 All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Pray On!

Holy Week DANNY BRONSON

Lord, as we approach holy week, we thank you for coming to us as one of us. We praise you with the words of those who cried out as you entered Jerusalem, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” We worship you as king, and we are humbled that you came to us not to be served, but to serve. As we celebrate the meal that you shared with your disciples, thank you for giving your body for us. Thank you for your blood, poured out for us for the forgiveness of sins. The suffering you endured, Lord Jesus, was not for your own sin, since you had done nothing wrong. We confess with the thief on the cross that if we were punished justly, getting what our deeds deserve, we would receive death. 2

We pause as we hear your words on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” It is we who should be forsaken. But, oh, what comfort as we hear you declare, “It is finished.” The penalty for sin has been removed! In your death you took death for all of us. And what joy as we hear the angel say at the empty tomb, “He is not here; he has risen!” You are alive again, and everyone who believes in you will live again, because you are the resurrection and the life. Help us to believe and trust your words, and help us to pass on this news of joy and life. Amen. Danny Bronson is pastor of Birch Hills Community Church in Birch Hills, SK and Saron Lutheran Church in Hagen, SK. The CLB Prayer Team is on-call to pray for requests from our family of churches. E-mail the team at: pray@prayclb.org

Faith & Fellowship

Glimpse Invitation to the Mountain-Top

BRENT JULIOT

Is it possible to know something, but maybe not really know it? To think we understand something, only to realize later that we didn’t understand it as well as we thought we did? Is it possible to believe something sincerely, but when new understanding comes, to subsequently confess that we believe it in a newer, fuller way? In Luke 9, after the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Jesus asked his disciples an important question, “Who do you say I am?” In response, Peter gave his Great Confession, “You are the Christ of God!” Certainly Peter stated his sincere conviction. It was the best answer that could be given. It was the “right” answer. But did he really understand what he professed? LUKE 9:28-35 About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” We call this the Transfiguration of www.ffmagazine.org

Christ. Three of Jesus’ disciples literally shared a mountain-top experience with him. They saw him as never before—with heavenly glory. With Moses and Elijah representing the Law and the Prophets, i.e. the Holy Scriptures, Peter and friends began to understand “the Christ of God” in a fuller way than they had before. Their master talked with Old Testament saints as if he knew them—because he did! The disciples began to see Jesus as the Eternal One. They spoke of Jesus’ departure, and the nature of Jesus’ work on earth became clearer. They heard the voice of God from heaven, and they knew the Deity of Jesus Christ. Many years later in 2 Peter 1:1619, Peter wrote of his mountain-top experience and drew a significant conclusion for those Christians who would never see Jesus on earth with their own eyes: “We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this

voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” How can the “morning star” rise in our hearts? I believe that Jesus invites us to a mountain-top experience with him, that we may know more clearly, understand more fully, and believe more certainly than we know, understand, and believe in him at this moment. Where is this mountain-top? It could be anywhere. But it begins with prayer (Luke 9:38), and it most certainly is grounded in the Scriptures. Rev. Brent Juliot is Editor of Faith & Fellowship Magazine, teaches math at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, and serves as senior pastor at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN.

A Parade with a Point TROY TYSDAL

remember being in a parade when I was six or seven years old. The parade stretched the length of two city blocks, wrapped around a corner, and finished in a large parking lot. At the start of the parade, I remember the excitement. Music from the high school band filled the air. There were trailers decorated as floats, people in costumes, clowns passing out candy, and cowboys riding horses. As we made our way down the street, I imagined we were heading toward an awesome party. The small street was 4

packed with people, and they cheered us on as we marched toward our destination. However, when my small float arrived at the end of the parade I was filled with disappointment. People were leaving as fast as they could. The cowboys were loading up their horses. The candy was all gone. The band had stopped playing. You see, at the time, I failed to grasp the concept of a parade. I thought we were going somewhere amazing. But this parade, like most parades, led nowhere. On our drive home, I remember thinking, “That was pointless!” and to

this day, I have trouble appreciating parades because they lead nowhere. I’m a guy who wants a destination. Maybe it’s the cheering crowd, the palm branches, the cloaks in the road, or the line of disciples, but Palm Sunday has always reminded me of a parade. But not just any parade; this was a parade with a point, a parade with a destination. Jesus was going to Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her (Matthew 23:37). Five hundred and fifty years earlier, the prophet Zechariah had promised Faith & Fellowship

“As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Luke 19:29-31

Jerusalem a new King. He had prophesied, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey... He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:9-10). On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey—one never before ridden. It was during the Passover celebration, and Jews from all over the world were gathering in Jerusalem to celebrate. The crowds heard the news that Jesus was coming and they gathered in the street, waving palm branches and cheering, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” This colt, this foal of a donkey had never been ridden before, and yet in the midst of a cheering crowd, with palm branches being waved over its head, it kept moving at a pace so gentle a child could have ridden it. The Pharisees in the crowd heard the cheers, “Blessed is the king” and they said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” He replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” The donkey seemed to know, even the stones on the ground seemed to know, that this was a parade with a point, a parade with a destination. Jesus was on his way to the cross. A few months after my disappointing experience at the parade, my brothers and I were beating each other over the heads www.ffmagazine.org

with an empty two-liter Pepsi bottle. We were using the plastic bottle as a club. My father was downstairs working in his office when he heard the violence begin to escalate. He quickly came upstairs and peered around the corner to see what we were doing. He decided to wait, watch and listen, crouching down on the stairway hidden from our view. Just as he got into position, I wrestled the bottle away from my younger brother. This was my big moment! I turned and saw my older brother, but instead of trying to club him with the bottle, I threw it at him as hard as I could. My older, wiser brother ducked, and the bottle crashed into our living room window, shattering the window into pieces. Immediately I knew I was guilty! I knew judgment was coming, but rather than confess, I fled. My only exit was down the staircase. So I ran as fast as I could. Turning the corner I crashed full force into an angry father and there was no one standing between us. We had a policy in our home, it didn’t have a definition at the time, but later I found one for it: “If you fly with the crows, you get shot with the crows.” I was the one who threw the bottle, but all three boys were found guilty of the crime. In something that looked less like a parade and more like a prison march we were sent off to our rooms. According to the Scriptures, the verdict is already in. Our Father in heaven has found the entire human race guilty of sin, and sin must be punished. But there was a purpose to the parade that took place that first Palm Sunday.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem to stand between you and an angry Father. The prophet Zechariah said the Messiah would bring peace from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. Jesus stands between you and judgement. At the cross he took your guilt upon himself and the wrath of God was satisfied. Confess your sins and you will be forgiven. Believe and you will be saved. That is a promise from Scripture, and that means it is a promise from God himself. The Bible tells us that every time a sinner receives Jesus as Lord and Savior all of heaven rejoices. The trumpets sound and the angels sing (Luke 15:10). It is a celebration you don’t want to miss. Rejoice and shout! Your King proclaims peace to the nations and eternal life for all who believe. Rev. Troy Tysdal is Church Resource Coordinator for the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, and serves as Publisher for Faith & Fellowship Magazine.

Visit Faith & Fellowship Magazine online at www.ffmagazine.org

Good Friday? SHAWN BOWMAN

ood Friday? That phrase reminds one of Charlie Brown, whose favorite saying was “Good grief!” Both statements sound like an oxymoron. Yet in light of human depravity and our need for redemption, Christ’s sufferings are the only means of clearing sin’s debt. “Good” becomes an apt description. Still, suffering seems the farthest thing from good. No matter who you are, suffering is an unwelcome condition. Even Jesus felt this way. In the account of our Lord’s suffering in Matthew 27:46-54, we see the Savior doing three things: Jesus cried out in agony, Jesus felt the abandonment of the heavenly Father, and then Jesus died. He had to walk this course of pain so that we could see the glory of Easter Sunday. It was a Friday night about 8:30 p.m. when I got a call from a man in my community whom I had never met. He wanted to meet with me that very 6

evening. I responded with immediate action, grabbed my Bible, and off I went. I will never forget walking into an office and seeing a grown man weeping, helpless and hopeless. His employment had been terminated after his company computer indicated that he had frequented homosexual pornography sites. His employer was so concerned that this man would go home and possibly do harm to himself, that he decided to call a pastor— the first one he found in the phone book, I guess. The employer left the office when I arrived and the broken man (I’ll call him Ted) told me his story. The agony of pain in his face was so deep I felt a desperate need to pray and cry out to the Savior under my breath as I listened. Ted was so broken and ashamed. He told me he was going to get a book and learn how to be a better Christian. I asked Ted if this was the worst day of his life and he said, “YES.” I then replied,

“Ted, this could be the best day of your life. I hope that soon you will agree.” “How could you say that, Pastor?” said Ted. I told him that today he received a gift from God. I asked Ted if he was feeling abandoned by God, and he said he felt abandoned by everyone in his life, even God. Life can become so lonely when we choose to live in darkness and push people, or even God, out of our lives. I explained to Ted that today his secrets were exposed to the light, with nothing left to hide. “Ted, your greatest gift is going to be the opportunity to die to your secret life, expose those secrets and cry out for help.” Ted confessed his sin. I then brought the forgiveness of God’s Word to Ted and assured him that he was completely washed and forgiven. I explained to Ted there was a good chance he would struggle with homosexual desires the rest of his life, just as all men struggle Faith & Fellowship

with sinful sexual desires. I then assured Ted that when he took those desires to the cross, he would be forgiven as any repentant sinner. In the days that followed Ted wondered why he had never felt before this freedom in Christ that he was now experiencing. I told Ted that Christians can grow in their understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection as the Lord leads them through the valley of the shadow of death, pain, and suffering. Easter is hard to understand without the story of Good Friday. Good Friday was the day when Jesus cried out, felt abandoned and died because of the sin that had entangled the whole human race. Sin forces us to a place of bondage. Faith leads us to a place where we see that Christ hung on a cross of his own free will. The One who was perfect and sinless understands the human struggle with sin. He was thirsty, yet he pushed www.ffmagazine.org

away the sour wine while on the cross so that he could give himself for those who are thirsty. Christ knew that the ultimate spiritual thirst-quencher would be Easter—the resurrection; but first he must be abandoned by God the Father. Jesus felt the cold, empty abandonment of God, as God unleashed his fury over our sin at his Son and rejected him. It should have been us feeling God’s rejection and abandonment. But instead Christ took our sins—past, present, and future. He yielded up his spirit. Christ destroyed the power of death for you and me. He removed the barrier between God and man when the curtain in the temple was torn in two. In our personal suffering, abandonment issues, and dying to self, we may feel a lot like Charlie Brown uttering, “Good grief!” In our hopeless and helpless condition God produces faith through his Word so that we may know that

Good Friday is truly good. It is in our brokenness that we find God delivering us through the agony, abandonment and death of Jesus. Then we can believe the Easter miracle. How good is that! Rev. Shawn Bowman serves as senior pastor at Victory Lutheran Brethren Church in Jamestown, ND.

Visit Victory Lutheran Brethren Church online at www.findvictory.org

Removing Obstacles CHRIS PRIESTAF

he night had gotten late. Life as both a teacher and a student made such nights the norm. Final exams only heightened the intensity. Writing, correcting, studying, teaching. There were simply not enough minutes in the day. Perhaps this is why the phone startled her so much. It didn’t usually ring past 9:30. Sarah picked it up cautiously, fearing the news that frequently comes at this hour. Her mom’s voice met her hello: “Sarah, it’s your Grandpa…he’s not doing well.” Her painful words were met with a lengthy, tearful silence. 8

Sarah’s mind couldn’t help but travel back in time. She remembered bouncing on Grandpa’s lap as a little girl, and going fishing with him as a young girl, and just sitting and talking to him as a grown girl. She always called him when a decision needed to be made, or better yet, a story had to be told. He was always there to listen, always there to advise, and always good for a laugh. He meant the world to Sarah, and now he was almost gone. Sarah had an insatiable desire to see him one more time. She wanted to hold his hand, to kiss his brow, to let him know how much he meant to her. But doing so

seemed impossible. For one thing, it was finals time. She was both a giver and a taker of the exams. How could she be gone? More than that, she lived on the opposite coast. Not only was time an issue, there was the money. She barely made rent, let alone enough for a crosscountry flight on short notice. All she wanted to do was see him, but she couldn’t. There were too many obstacles, too many miles, too much stuff in the way. Obstacles. Barriers. Walls. The title you give them doesn’t really matter; their effect does. They are the things that keep Faith & Fellowship

“Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’ But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” Mark 16:2-4

us from going where we desire to go, seeing whom we desire to see, partaking of that which we desire to partake. And they show up when they’re least welcomed. Sarah knew it, you know it, and I know it. Fortunately, two women named Mary knew it, too, and so did their friend Salome. The three women were close with Jesus. Having witnessed the gruesome events of Friday, and then having endured history’s longest Saturday, the women were ready to do what they could on Sunday. Mark, in chapter 16, records it this way: “When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?’” It’s a good question, isn’t it? They want to see Jesus. They plan to see Jesus. But there is a really big stone in the way. Who’s going to move it? Who’s going to deal with the massive obstacle between them and Jesus? I wonder how many people share the same question as these women. Perhaps you know some of them. Perhaps they are you. There is a great desire to see Jesus, but a really big stone stands in the way. I think about the young college student home for break. She has discovered that there really is a lot more freedom at school, and the choices are all hers to make. Unfortunately, she hasn’t made them well. She is embarrassed, even ashamed. She knew better, and did it anyway. To her, those nights, those choices, remain really big stones. Or the family that has been in and out of the church for years. Nothing bad has www.ffmagazine.org

happened; they’ve just been “busy.” It feels weird to come back, to church and to Christ. Yet they want to. It just seems like there is a really big stone in the way. Or the alcoholic who drinks again. Or the individual in the relationship that fails again. Or the dad who works too much too late again. Or the mom who gets angry and snaps again. Or…or…or. Again and again and again. Obstacles. Barriers. Really big stones. All standing between us and Jesus. Who’s going to move it? Who’s going to move them? The question is probably more prevalent than we realize. I love how Mark recounts this event. He says that the women were asking this question on the way to the tomb. It appears they didn’t know how they were going to get to Jesus, but they trusted they would. And sure enough, “…when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” The obstacle had been removed. The one thing they thought needed to be done had already been done. There was literally nothing left to do. Amazing, isn’t it? The wonder of the Gospel tucked neatly into three little verses about three loving women: Everything we think needs to be done has already been done. The obstacle has been removed. The barrier is gone. Mark had already hinted at this a few verses earlier, writing, “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Mark 15:37-38). The one obstacle between God and man was gone. Completely gone. Forever. And man didn’t do a thing. Remember all the big stones we mentioned above, those obstacles that seem to stand between us and Jesus? It turns out we’ve given them more

credence than they deserve. Like that really big stone that only reported to work for two days—a bitterly dark Friday and a seemingly endless Saturday—our obstacles too went home on Sunday. And God hasn’t called them back to work since. Everything that needed to be done was done—for three hopeful women and for you. This is why the author of Hebrews encourages you in your time of greatest need—when the stones seem the biggest and your sin is most obvious— to “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace” (4:16). The barriers have been removed. It’s Easter. Enjoy it. And Sarah? Her story ended better than anyone imagined. Grandpa not only made it through finals’ week, he also bought Sarah a ticket home. It just so happened that he, too, wanted to be with her one more time. So he removed all the obstacles. Rev. Chris Priestaf serves as senior pastor at Mount Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Mount Bethel, PA.

Visit Mount Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church online at www.mountbethelchurch.org

Lutheran Brethren

International Mission

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BRINGING THE GOOD NEWS TO UNREACHED PEOPLE

Regeneration of a Daffodil DEAN & LINDA BENGTSON

t is God’s desire to “...comfort all who mourn... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair” (Isaiah 61:2-3). Following God’s lead after the 2/11 disaster in Northern Japan, our family has been taken on a rather unpredictable journey. It is not a journey we could have imagined, or sat down and planned. We never would have chosen the circumstances that threw thousands of lives into turmoil and despair. But almost two years later, here we are, ready to move right in. Up until now we have been working closely with Samaritan’s Purse (SP), which helped over 190 families in Ishinomaki rebuild their homes. The program phased out about the same time Super Storm Sandy hit the east coast, and SP is currently ministering to those victims in very similar ways. Through the tragedy we have already developed many relationships and, together with volunteers, we’ve had many opportunities to begin sharing the hope we have in Christ. Christian-style home dedication services for families in the SP Rebuild Program, and regular events with Christian musicians and artists have laid some solid pre-churchplanting groundwork. As we actually move into the community, we are excited to further deepen relationships and begin some one-to-one or small group Bible studies with people. Our new neighbors, many of whom we know quite well, already equate our presence with hope. Recently, our artist son created a piece that illustrates both our journey 10

Joshua Bengtson working on his cell phone mosaic, “Regeneration of a Daffodil”

and our desire for the future of the area. Last year many volunteers joined us in cleaning up a large vegetable field in the neighborhood. The field was next to a cell phone factory which got wiped out in the tsunami. Along with all the oily muck and larger pieces of rubble, the soil was also full of thousands of metal cell phone parts. Our son, Joshua, washed a bag full of those parts, separated them by color, and made a six-foot high, oriental-style mosaic screen using only cell phone backs. They are in the design of the first flower he saw blooming amidst the rubble of the field some time ago. The title of his piece is “Regeneration of a Daffodil.” The Japanese word for regeneration also means rebirth. While the physical aspect of regeneration has come a long way in

two years, many hearts are still mourning and spirits are still in despair. While the effects of the tragedy remain incomprehensible, we look forward to the next phase of the journey and the spiritual rebirth of many hearts. Dean and Linda Bengtson serve as missionaries for Lutheran Brethren International Mission.

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Faith & Fellowship

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The Preposterous Exchange

or you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV). The word “preposterous” means contrary to nature, reason, or common sense. During this Easter season, we remember and celebrate the Preposterous Exchange that Jesus made possible for us by living, dying and rising again. The exchange of our poverty for his riches is truly preposterous because no one could ever have come up with such an unreasonable, unnatural idea—to our way of thinking—except God himself. To better understand this Preposterous Exchange, consider some ways in which Jesus was rich before he became poor for us. 1. His Power. The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 1:16a, says this about Christ: “For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities….” Jesus is the creator of everything, not just the material things we can see, but everything in the spiritual realm. He is life itself! His power is beyond imagining. 2. His Possessions. Colossians 1:16b adds this: “…all things were created by him and for him.” Jesus owns everything. It was all made for him. His wealth is beyond imagination. 3. His Preeminence. According to Ephesians 1:20b-21, Jesus is seated “in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Jesus is far above even those rulers of the spiritual realm we can only speculate about. His position is unimaginable. What did Jesus get from us in this preposterous bargain?

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1. Our Powerlessness. Ephesians 2:1 says this about us: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins.” Is there anything more powerless than someone who is dead? 2. Our Poverty. Romans 3:12a says, “All have turned away; they have together become worthless.” We’re not just poor; because of our sin we’ve become worthless. 3. Our Position. Romans 3:23 says of us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our position is one of condemnation and judgment. The truly amazing part of this exchange: Jesus not only took upon himself our powerlessness, our poverty, and our position, but he replaces it all with his riches—his righteousness before the Father—as we trust in him as Savior. As a result of this Preposterous Exchange, we are invited to exchange our little talents, resources, and time for unimaginable blessings. We give back to ONLINE:

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Jesus out of what he has given us when we love our brothers and sisters and give ourselves for them. “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11, ESV). It is now our privilege to give so that others can experience this Preposterous Exchange. One of our generous donors has given $100,000 to our CLB ministries with the prayer that it will encourage others to match that gift before April 30. Will you give to the joint ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren so that others may hear the Good News that is so good, we could never have imagined it? Thank you for your faithfulness. Roy Heggland serves the CLB as Associate for Biblical Stewardship.

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In Need of Pastoral Care RON FLETCHER

ne of the times a congregation is most in need of pastoral care is when it has no pastor. As a charter member of Good Shepherd Ministries in Buda, Texas, I find myself in the middle of my fourth transition between pastors. Let me share with you how the Church of the Lutheran Brethren’s recent reorganization into Regions has made this transition the easiest one to date for our flock down here “deep in the heart of Texas.” We were still a home mission church during our first two transitions, which meant that our source of pastoral care was the CLB’s Director of Home Missions. Our problem was that our now-departed pastor was the only member of the flock with any ties to the CLB. That was particularly stressful the first time around when I was a rookie congregational chairman new to the Lutheran Brethren denomination. I felt lost, alone and very much afraid, and was so grateful when we found a new pastor with deep roots in the CLB. The next transition went much smoother, thanks in large part to the relationship we had developed with our Home Missions Director. Knowing the distress and division surrounding the departure of our pastor, the Director arrived in Buda in time to preach a healing message the very next Sunday. He then stayed on as our pastor until he could arrange for an interim pastor, and then helped us find and call our new pastor. Our third transition was the only “normal” one under the old organization of the CLB. Our “pastor” was the special assistant to the president charged with ministering to congregations in distress, which included pastoral transitions. He was a good and caring man, but his portfolio was just too broad. Despite 12

Buda, TX

his best efforts, it was difficult to know enough detailed information about each congregation in the synod to help match them with a good fit in a new pastor. Our current transition is our first under the new organization. Our Regional Pastor, Stan Olsen, had been pastoring our now-departed pastor, and was already familiar with our flock and our leadership team. He immediately began pastoring our elders, advising us on the calling process and identifying potential candidates who might meet our unique needs in a new pastor. He came to Buda even before our pastor left to preach a message of encouragement, educate the flock on the process and meet with the call committee for the kind of frank discussion that is impossible by long distance. One of the greatest benefits of the reorganization is the regular conference calls between the CLB President and the Regional Pastors. Because each Regional Pastor knows his pastors and their congregations, this sharing of

information enhances the probability that a great match can be found between a congregation needing a pastor and a man with the gifts and talents to meet their needs. This “personalized” approach to identifying candidates is a product of the reorganization, but I still believe that we at Good Shepherd are doubly blessed because our Regional Pastor is a man named Stan Olsen. God’s hand was visible in orchestrating the call that our previous pastor answered, and I am confident that God is now working on something equally wonderful for Good Shepherd! The CLB’s reorganization has made it easier for God’s workers to match us with the pastor he has already picked to lead us into a new phase of ministry in one of the fastest growing communities in America. Ron Fletcher is an Elder at Good Shepherd Ministries in Buda, TX.

Faith & Fellowship

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THE DIGITAL AGE PERFORMING IN CONCERT

On the heels of their ďŹ nal project with the David Crowder*Band, Mark, Mike D, Bwack, and Jack sought to continue writing, performing, and producing music together for the Church. Out of this desire, The Digital Age was born.

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A Need for Volunteers BRIAN ABRAHAMSEN

he morning after Hurricane Sandy, I walked around the grounds and was so thankful for God’s hand of protection over Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center. We lost many trees, had two damaged roofs and we lost power, but this was very minimal compared to the loss suffered by so many to the east of us. As we watched the scenes of devastation in the areas where many of our guests live, it became apparent that this would have a lasting impact on Tuscarora because people would not be attending retreats anytime soon. Groups cancelled or they came with many less people than they booked for and this continued for months after the storm. This was certainly a difficult ending to the year in which we celebrated our 40th anniversary of ministry. Although money has been very tight and some employees have had their hours cut, we know that God still has work to do in people’s lives here at Tuscarora and we are looking toward the future with optimism. Despite the slowdown, work continued on the new Staff Building, which will house our teens that serve during the busy summer months. The project has been in the works for nine years and it is very exciting to see the building shell completed. Finishing the interior must be done by volunteers and staff. It is such a blessing to have Gunvall Viksnes from East Hartland, Connecticut here as our volunteer General Contractor. We desperately need this building and with Gunvall here on the job, getting the needed money and volunteers to complete the project is a top priority. Even though things are a bit quieter here in the winter, weekend youth retreats like the Eastern Region Winter Weekend Retreats (Junior High and Senior High) 14

are highlights. Not only are they exciting, but also an encouragement to the staff as we hear about all of the young people who come to faith and commitment their lives to Christ. It makes all of the work and occasional struggles worthwhile. We are also busy planning for the spring and summer months. Check out the details of our weekend and week-long retreats for all ages as well as our youth camps, like Junior and Teen Week, on our website at www.tuscarora.org. This is also the time of year when we begin selecting our volunteer counselors for Junior and Teen Week as well as hiring our summer staff. I encourage you to pray about serving in one of these lifechanging roles. Tuscarora has always relied on volunteers and with the present economic situation the need is even greater. Maybe you have some time to help with the new building project, whatever your skill level. Possibly you are in a position to contribute to this project either financially or through gifts of materials or

furnishings. Please get in touch with me if you are able to help in any way. Most importantly, we ask for your prayers for the ministry. We look forward to seeing what the Lord will do in people’s lives during their time at Tuscarora over the coming months and years. Brian Abrahamsen is Executive Director for Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center in Mount Bethel, PA.

Visit Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center online at www.tuscarora.org To volunteer or help contribute to the construction of the Staff Building please contact Brian Abrahamsen at brian@tuscarora.org

Faith & Fellowship

Women’s Ministries Church of the Lutheran Brethren

Live the Vision! CHERYL OLSEN

o west, young man!” was a slogan from the younger days of our continent. Jobs! Visions of treasure in the gold rush days; vast tracts of timber to be logged from unspoiled forests; strong men and brave women joining wagon trains with their families, walking through prairie grass and mountain passes for the chance to fulfill their vision of a better future out west! What is your vision? What is our collective vision as Lutheran Brethren women? What is God’s vision for us? And are we living each day with that focus? “Live the Vision!” will give shape to our time together during our National Women’s Ministries Event, June 2830, 2013. The theme comes from 2 Corinthians 5:7, “We live by faith, not by sight.” We hope you’ll join us—waaaaay out west, at Warm Beach, Washington! We’ll meet in conjunction with the Biennial Convention of the Pacific Region North that weekend. You’re even welcome to attend the whole week of Family Camp, Tuesday-Sunday! Two years ago WMCLB joined the Eastern Region’s Biennial Convention, making it a weekend event by painting the youth rooms of 59th Street Church in Brooklyn on Friday, and staying to tour New York City Monday. This year, we are hoping that you will come (or send some) to the West coast for a similar event! Plans are being made… Friday June 28: “Vision in action”—We arrive and roll up our sleeves to work. • We will spend a few hours assisting New Life at the Well (the Lutheran Brethren Church in Mount Vernon, Washington) by serving food from their church kitchen to the homeless and working poor of their community, sorting clothes in the rooms for clothing distribution, assisting with children’s activities, or conversing with those who are eating dinner. www.ffmagazine.org

• Back to camp for Evening Worship, we’ll hear dynamic speaker and evangelist, Pastor Shawn Bowman from Victory LBC, Jamestown, North Dakota.

year, while sharing a delicious meal together! We’ll also elect a new Women’s Ministries Chairman this year, as Janet Spencer passes on the leadership “torch.”

Saturday June 29: “Live the Vision!”— Our Women’s Ministries Event day.

Sunday June 30: “Sharing the Vision”— Worship and Sights.

• We’ll begin the morning focused on God’s Word, with others from Family Camp and Pacific Region North, hearing Bible Teacher Dave Sjoding from Olympia, Washington.

• After a rousing morning of Bible teaching, worship with Family Camp, and evangelist Shawn Bowman, we leave for home, processing and sharing the Vision of what God wants to do in and through us.

• Next, a jam-packed hour of short heartfelt presentations—testimonies showing a vision of God at work in the Pacific churches. • An assortment of workshops follows after lunch, including a group of women whose vision of God’s work has been through the lens of trial, and a call to God’s vision for us by Ruth Vallevik. • Afternoon free time includes swimming, mini-golf, thrift-store shopping, hiking, and ballgame options!

• But wait! There’s more! Sharing Seattle sights awaits our eyes as well! Sunset at the Space Needle will be our destination, after a tour of many fun spots such as Pike Place Market, Troll under the Bridge, Waterfront Ferris Wheel, the Locks, and Golden Gardens Beach. We already have women from several Regions who will be at Warm Beach June 28-30! Will you join us? Cheryl Olsen is Information Coordinator for Women’s Ministries of the CLB.

• At 5:00 pm we gather for a special banquet, just for women! Trisch Johnson, of Cutting Edge Ministries will share a vision of practical ministry to Africa. We’ll see and hear what God has done in the past year, and plans for the coming 15

The Lawson Family: Isaiah, Christine, Isabelle, Dan and Benjamin

Notoriously Faithful CHRISTINE LAWSON

ince January 2012 our threeyear-old son, Isaiah, has been battling stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer, which is a cancer of the nervous system that infiltrates the bone marrow. We have watched Isaiah endure rigorous cancer treatments. Over and over again, his body has been beaten down, as he has fought his way through six months of chemotherapy, tumor removal surgery, a stem cell transplant, twelve radiation treatments and then six more months of immunotherapy. It is only by God’s GREAT mercy that Isaiah has persevered. God chose Isaiah for this trial in his infinite wisdom, and he has used it to ripen our hearts (and many others) towards him. Devastated, heartbroken 16

and completely helpless, we clung to the Scriptures that we had learned as children. Verses would pop into our minds in moments of desperation, sorrow and loneliness. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). We could barely get through a verse without our lips quivering and eyes swelling, as we were overwhelmed by God’s promises to never forsake us. God’s Word was like fire to our souls, burning, impressing on our hearts his unfailing love toward us and Isaiah. We

didn’t need to ask why. We knew our answer. God had ordained this chapter in Isaiah’s life before he was born. He had been preparing us for this long before our children were even born. As we walked through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, we gleaned hope and life from the Word of God. We allowed his promises to wash over us as cancer beat against Isaiah. God’s presence never once left us. He overwhelmed the spaces we were in, the places we walked and the people to whom we talked. He was literally in all, through all and above all we did. We asked him to take captive our hearts and minds, barricading us in the palm of his hand—and he did. His gentle whispers, tender forgiveness Faith & Fellowship

and unwavering presence were recycled in us daily. We made a choice to trust in God’s Word. We believed God would be faithful in healing, protecting, sustaining and uplifting Isaiah as he endured cancer treatment. We recall November 12, 2011, before this journey started, when Isaiah saw an angel sitting with us at our breakfast table. The angel was only visible to Isaiah—meant just for him. We only knew of this heavenly being because Isaiah later asked, “Who was that man at the breakfast table with us?” Taken aback and thinking his imagination was in high gear, I playfully asked him, “Was it Jesus?” “No,” he said. Then he promptly told me that the “man” was all white, huge, had big bright blue eyes and didn’t say anything. I was speechless as the Spirit of God gently reminded me of countless ways he ministered to people over time. That particular day, the Spirit of God had chosen to minister to Isaiah. Not knowing what lies ahead for our sweet one, November 12 will forever be tucked in our hearts. That day God made Isaiah aware of the ever-present, watchful eye of God. Our faith experience the last year and a half has been like a road trip from western North Dakota through Montana. At first it was like the great expanse of North Dakota’s flat lands, speckled with grassy knolls and rolling hills; spiritually www.ffmagazine.org

comfortable, pops of “spiritual highs,” yet low maintenance. However, our souls desired more. Countless times we prayed, asking God to use us. Then, with a crash, cancer struck and we found ourselves plunging into the Badlands. The massive canyons, full of rocky, unfamiliar boulders hit us hard as we struggled to hold on to anything. Hitting rock bottom was scary, but God was there. He was the Rock at the bottom, the firm foundation we clung to. We fell prostrate before him, begging him to get us out of there! And he did. He began healing Isaiah and building our confidence in him. God took us out of that valley, but he didn’t take us back to the grassy plains. We were placed on a winding road with dips and valleys and an outstanding view of the heavens above—like heading towards Billings, Montana. Then came the months of aggressive chemotherapy. Like the Rims surrounding Billings, the family of God surrounded us, prayer warriors on their knees, strong and resilient, fortified in the Word of God. Isaiah was doused in prayer and championed through chemotherapy. Nearing August 2012, with Isaiah’s stem cell transplant on the horizon, it was like approaching the Rocky Mountain range. The massive expanse of rock overwhelmed us as we got closer. On the day of transplant, with God as our

harness, we began the climb. Many difficulties arose during Isaiah’s twentyfour days at Mayo, but by the grace of God Isaiah overcame that mountain, using it as a stepping stone for radiation and immunotherapy. Peering out now over miles of jagged mountain ridges, we can hardly see those grassy plains of North Dakota. Our journey with Isaiah’s cancer has changed us, making us more confident in whom we believe. God is real, vibrant, active and relevant in all parts of our lives. Today God’s presence still burns deep within us. He is on top of the Rocky Mountains with us, directing our steps, providing all we need. To God be the glory for all the things he has done! Christine Lawson is a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN.

Fellowship with one another Purifies us from all sin

Walk in the light

The blood of Jesus

1 John 1:7

Nordlund Ordained

ch u rc h pl a n t i ng Elders: Geremy Olson, John Berdahl, Craig Schmidt, Rev. Ryan Nordlund, Regional Pastor Gary Witkop, Rev. Al Shaner, and Elder Doug Glur

Pastor Ryan Nordlund was ordained on Sunday, December 9, 2012, at Grace Lutheran Brethren Church in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Solberg Installed

summit

APRIL 13, 2013 Presented by

The CLB Regional Pastors Register in advance at www.clba.org /churchplanting

Sorensen Installed Elders: Marvin Nelson, Tim Johnson, Pastor Gregory Solberg, Elder Emeritus Bob Martinson, Regional Pastor Gary Witkop, and Elder Lonnie Anderson

Pastor Gregory Solberg was installed at Ebenezer LB Church in Rolette, ND, on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Regional Pastor Gary Witkop officiated at the installation service.

On Sunday, January 27, 2013, Bethany Lutheran Brethren Church in Staten Island, New York celebrated the installation of Pastor Erick Sorensen. Rev. Warren Geraghty, Regional Pastor, officiated over the service.

Obituary

Canadian Region Church of the Lutheran Brethren Canada

APRIL 5-7, 2013 BIENNIAL CONVENTION 18

Rev. Otto Trygve Valder passed away at 90 years of age on January 5, 2013. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ossie. Together they served as missionaries in Taiwan for 35 years. Rev. Valder also served Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Aitkin, MN, and upon retirement he served as visitation pastor at Ebenezer Lutheran Brethren Church, Minneapolis, MN. Faith & Fellowship

MARCH/APRIL 2013

BRINGING GOD’S WORD TO OUR NEIGHBOR

DOWNLOAD SESSIONS NOW

J-TERM

Choosing a Bible Translation for the Church and Neighbor

Prof. Thomas Nass

Professor of Biblical Hebrew Martin Luther College New Ulm, MN

Islam: a Neighbor not Acknowledged, a Mission Failed, a Vocation to be Fulfilled

Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali Director of Islamic Studies Luther Seminary St. Paul, MN

The Art of Neighboring

Rev. David Runyon Executive Director CityUnite Denver, CO

www.LBS.edu Faith & Fellowship is the official publication of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, 1020 W. Alcott Ave., P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655, issued six times a year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December) by Faith and Fellowship Publishing, 1020 W. Alcott Ave., P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655. Phone (218)736-7357. The viewpoints expressed in the articles are those of the authors and may or may not necessarily reflect the official position of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America (CLBA). Periodicals Postage Paid at Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56538.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS: Faith & Fellowship is offered to its readers at no charge. We would encourage your continued support with a donation and if you would like to be on our mailing list, please contact our office. Periodicals Postage Paid at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please give both old and new addresses and allow four weeks. Direct all correspondence, including submission of articles, to: Faith & Fellowship, P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655; Telephone, (218)736-7357; e-mail, ffpress@clba.org; FAX, (218)736-2200. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Faith & Fellowship, P.O. Box 655, Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56538-0655

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FF 19

t can be discouraging to see church membership dropping, young adults leaving their faith, and churches closing. Our culture is changing, and we can no longer assume the church is an appreciated part of the community. However, that doesn’t mean that we should give up or change our message. We are sent by God into our communities with a promise! The promise of a risen Lord and the guarantee that not even the gates of hell will prevail against his Church (Matthew 16:18). As God’s Church, do we live as if we believe this promise, or are we constantly worrying about the future? Why do we hesitate to take steps of faith? Why do we hold on so tightly to our money, time and self-worth? The responsibility is great. We are talking about the eternal destination of our neighbors, family, and friends, but the good news is that Jesus himself carries the weight. He carries the weight of budgets, evangelism, raising our children, caring for the needy, calling a pastor and the dayto-day responsibilities of the Church. Jesus himself promises to be builder of his Church. Jesus Christ is our cornerstone, and we can rest in the promise that he bears the crushing burden of this mission (Ephesians 2:19-20). He carries the responsibility to build us as his Church, to prepare us as his bride, and we live in response to that joy. We have been redeemed from darkness, set free from sin. As believers, we live in mission, not as a burden, but as God’s chosen instrument in proclaiming his Gospel promise to the world. We are his Church in fellowship with one another, sent to our neighbors and into our communities, impacting this world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. What a joy it is to know that we are free to be faithful in this calling, knowing that our failure, our sin, and our human nature can’t mess it up! Tim Mathiesen is Director of Communications & Prayer for the CLB.

“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:17-20

Periodicals Postage Paid at Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56538

The Cornerstone

For change of address: Faith & Fellowship P.O. Box 655 Fergus Falls, MN 56538-0655

by: Tim Mathiesen

Faith Fellowship

Church of the Lutheran Brethren

•

March/April 2013

•

Vol. 80, No. 2

$60,000

FF Holy Week

Palm Sunday • Good Friday • Easter

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Circulation: 7,000 Annual Cost: $60,000

Faith & Fellowship Magazine is a free publication funded by the ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. Our desire is to help the ministries by covering the cost of this magazine (pre-press, printing, and postage) with additional giving, that is, giving above and beyond what is normally received.

$45,000

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If you have a heart for this publication, and the ability to contribute, we ask for your support.

Contribute at: www.CLBA.org/giving or by mail at: PO Box 655, Fergus Falls, MN 56538