Musings about Faith

TEXT: St. Mark 9:38-50 John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us. For truly I tell you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ will by no means lose the reward. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, te...

Monday, September 14, 2009 – Holy Cross Day Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ at Peace Lutheran Church, I am writing to you to address some of the concerns that some have expressed regarding the actions taken at the ELCA national assembly in August. The actions themselves are as follows: 1. The Social Statement on Human Sexuality was adopted by 2/3 of the assembly. 2. The church affirmed that in the future implementation of any changes and commitments adopted, it will make decisions so that all in this church bear the burdens of the other, and respect the bound consciences of all. This means that nothing will be imposed on any synod or congregation that go against its understanding and will. 3. This resolution committed the church to finding ways “to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” 4. The assembly was asked whether, in principle, this church is committed to findin...

I found this (and everything) Pastor Marty writes to be very meaningful and filled with a profound understanding of grace.  He has agreed to let me share it.... Sexuality in the Headlines By Peter W. Marty The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made headlines last week, and it wasn’t for its commitment to try and wipe out malaria in sub-Saharan Africa by 2015. It was for actions taken regarding the eligibility or fitness of homosexual persons who may have gifts for ministry. Specifically, the buzz emanating from the Minneapolis Convention Center revolved around Resolution 2: “Resolved, that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.” The resolution passed 559-441. It was an affirmation that didn’t come as a surprise to many. For one thing, the church has studied and deliberated over the issue for years, much of it very considerate ...