Church guide

Today's devotion from Meggie Bjertness... "But First..."* As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But that one replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still, another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” ~Luke 9:51, 57-62 NIV “But first.” Such a quick and easy answer, isn’t it? We utter it without thinking, even, and to so many requests for our time and our attention. Every day is full of “but firsts” and so I begin to consider how much I have missed over the years when I uttered these words: “Sure, but first, l need to finish this article.” “That sounds great! But first, I have to prepare more lessons.” “I would love to! But first, let me finish this.” In Luke’s Gospel, “but first” will not do anymore. And why? Jesus is headed to Jerusalem. And we all know what Jerusalem means. This story invites us to consider our “but first” responses. How many times have are we asked to serve and we say, “Sure! But first…?” How often do we think about spending time with the poor and needy and we say, “But first…?” How often do we feel called to take care of God’s creation and we say, “But first…?” How often is someone sick or in need and we promise to respond and say, “But first…?” How often does God call us to spend time with him as we say, “But first…?” Our lives are full of “But firsts,” stalling and suspending the urgent issues of what it means to be a Christian. There are way more “but firsts” than we are willing to admit. We rationalize them as strategic, best practices, following protocol. We justify them as necessary decisions, just balancing life, or keeping sanity. How often does “but first” come before “of course” or “I’m ready?” One of the Psalmists knew exactly what we need to let the "but firsts" go. Remember the promise of Psalm 16 and hold it close to your heart. “I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” May you be strengthened in faith today. There are many things that cry for your attention, but first, consider the Lord. Peace, Meggie Bjertness Middle School Youth Director *Adapted from Rev. Karoline Lewis, workingpreacher.org.

Hey First Lutheran Friends: This Summer on Wednesdays (now through August 14; no class July 3) at 6 p.m. we have an awesome summer series for kids (preK-grade 4) teaching them about God's Good Creation. Attendance is exceeding our expectations (YAY! Kids and families are coming to church in the summer!!!). We sure could use a teaching assistant to help Katie with the class. If you (or a friend) enjoy mentoring young ones and helping them learn about Jesus, please volunteer. We would love to have you as member of the children's ministry teaching team! Contact Katie, [email protected], to learn more.

Today's devotion from Rollie J... Snapping Turtle Passing the sewage domes on north Broadway, I turned right heading for the Broadway Bridge. As we swung down the curve heading northward, I noticed a very out-of-place object lying in the middle of the bike path. It was quite obvious what it was. I gave Shane, who had been all eyes glued to his phone, a quick backhand to the chest, and then pointed out the front windshield and excitedly shouted out; “Check it out, a huge snapping turtle!” Pulling the truck off to the side of the road, we jumped out and proceeded to get up close and personal with our newest bestest buddy. Shane stayed cautiously a ways back, and I laid down right in front of her to get some tight shots and to experience this primitive dinosaur face to face. This muscular and compact mini tank had apparently crawled herself up the sixty yards from the bank of the Red River. I assumed she must be a female moving uphill to find a sandy area to lay her eggs. This was June and prime time for snapping turtles to be on the move. I was thrilled to have this unique encounter. Reaching for a nearby long stick, I held it out in front of her nose. Most snappers will act on their namesake and extend a very long neck out to chomp down in lightning-like reflexes to bite the stick. They are normally very aggressive on land. This little lady must have been a bit more shy and timid, as she would not bite on my proposition. She did, however, do the classic behavior of backing up onto her rear haunches, with her front held low, retracted her head inward, and began hissing. Intimidating to be sure! A few passersby came over curious about the spectacle, and then skirted around us on their walk, giving our little miss turtle plenty of breathing room. Shane begged me several times to not bring it home, as I have done on many previous occasions to show off to the neighborhood kids. I promised to leave her here. Shane showed visible relief. Laying down on the sidewalk, I was able to spend a few intimate and chummy moments with this magnificently odd creature. The deep moss-covered shell or carapace provided both excellent protection and wonderful camouflage. She must have looked like a true creature from the black lagoon as she clawed her way up the bank out of the muddy river. It appeared as though she’d never spent a day in her life grooming or cleaning her hood. Today was definitely “Come as you are.” Her beady eyes and shortened nose with two nostrils holes spoke of both intimidation and age. Her sagging, flexible, and accordion-like skin reminded me of “Jabba the Hut” of Star Wars fame. Her powerful legs and shoulders were covered in plate-like armor that extended outward to five, pointed and distinctively intimidating claws. Everything about this Red River submarine spelled out; “Don’t mess with me!” Much like the turkeys I’d been pursuing all spring, this beast evoked in me a sense of beauty and ugliness all in the same glance. I couldn’t stop staring! She was positively prehistoric! Somewhere inside of this wretchedly beautiful walking RV, were some twenty to forty eggs that will soon be deposited into a sandy bank nearby. Then mom, with zero innate maternal instincts, will simply slide and crawl her way back down to the river and disappear forever. No nursing, no teaching, no feeding, no cuddling, and no protection will be offered by this mom. Each hatchling will have to fend for and feed themselves from the moment they leave the egg. Local raccoons, mink, fox, coyote, herons, otters, bitterns, snakes, owls, hawks, and skunks will all be opportunistic predators looking for an easy meal of turtle eggs or tiny turtlettes making their way back to the river. Survivability odds are most likely equal to that of the Minnesota Vikings winning the Superbowl. As I drove home, I pondered, what it must be like to live the life of a local snapping turtle. In particular, I wondered what it must be like to be buried under the water and mud for almost six months of the year in the most-strange state of hibernation. To be in a suspended state between life and death, and then miraculously wake up one day in the spring as temperatures rise. I’m guessing many Minnesotans and North Dakotans would sign up for this program if possible! I wonder if we’re all not a little, unlike this snapper. Beautifully ugly. Fascinatingly grotesque. Filled with many wonderful, positive and good qualities, while at the same time filled with sin, brokenness and darker, human, basic instincts that move us away from God. I know that for me, I have many positive, good attributes many of which appear publicly and on the surface. Especially when much of the life I lead is in the fishbowl of public service in the church. I can be compassionate, caring, self-sacrificing, a strong leader, creative, encouraging and enthusiastic. That’s the beautiful side. I thank God for those qualities. But I know that the totality of who I am has much that is ugly. I can be manipulative, self-serving, selfish, a people pleaser, judgmental, someone who enjoys being the center of attention, and I certainly wrestle daily with many of the classic sins of jealousy, envy, lust, and pride. Just because we pray to and follow Jesus, doesn’t mean those darker instincts go away or don’t affect us. Maybe the danger lies in believing or recognizing only one or the other. Believing you’re “super-human” and only acknowledging the good and best qualities leaves you more vulnerable to the sinful nature inside you and places you on a pedestal of superiority. If you lean into and emphasize only the lowest parts of yourself you will believe yourself to be “sub-human,” lesser than others and you will wallow in an untruthful well of despair, negative self-esteem and self-pity. Neither super-human nor sub-human will lead you closer to God. Both are ego based and take you further from God. Maybe the middle ground returns us to our snapping turtle. She is just beautifully ugly. Fascinatingly grotesque. We are all, every one of us pure sinner and saint. We are filled with the Holy Spirit, yet so humanly filled with sin and selfishness. Even the great preacher, writer, evangelist, and adventurer Paul wrestled constantly with this tension. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I found this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:15-25 Maybe today you can count your blessings and give thanks and gratitude for the many good qualities, positive attributes and talents you have been given by God. May you also be honest with yourself and God about the many areas of sin and brokenness that make up your life. Bring those to Him, Surrender them again and again, today, tomorrow and the next. When you surrender and trust in Him…God can and will take your ugly and weave it into something beautiful. Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! -- Rollie J. Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion… Philippians 1:6 For we are God’s workmanship, created (by God) in Christ Jesus, to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 No temptation has come to you that has not come to others. But God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Today's devotion from Katie Kringstad... Strengths & Weaknesses Strengths and weaknesses are things that we all have and we spend time looking into. We are all trying to figure out what they are. Pastor Dave had a great devotional last week that included a strength finder test you can take. It’s fun to see on paper what some of your personality strengths are and then compare them to that of others. I think almost every job interview asks, “What are your weaknesses?” But do they all ask, “What are your strengths?” A professor of mine, Rolf Jacobsen, made a statement in our class that stuck with me. He said, “I don’t like to think of them as weaknesses, I like to think of them as things I suck at.” It made me laugh but also was a refreshing way of looking at it. We can’t be good at everything in life! So many times, we focus on our weaknesses and trying to improve them instead of focusing on our strengths, the things we are already good at. Another professor, Terri Elton, stated that “When we focus on our weaknesses, we are telling God that we know best and that God somehow made a mistake in gracing us with our unique mix of talents.” Wow, I needed to hear that. We should be focusing on and growing the strengths, gifts and talents that God gave us instead of looking at what we are lacking, wishing that we had the strengths of others. Another thought that I found impactful was, “One day in heaven we will get to have a conversion with God and he just might ask, “Why were you not Katie?” So please be you! Be the person God perfectly created you to be. Use your gifts and talents to help the kingdom of God. You were created with a purpose in mind and that purpose has to do with your strengths not your weaknesses so focus on how amazing you are; created perfectly in God’s image. “But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11 Have a blessed week! Katie Kringstad Director of Children's Ministry

Today's devotion from Michael Olson... Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark. Psalm 8:2 The least among all of you is the greatest. Luke 9:48 A BULWARK As I read the text from Psalm 8, one of my favorite Psalms of all, I did not remember that it talked about a bulwark in verse 2. (You really DO learn something every day, to which I alluded last week in my devotion...) I consulted good old Google to check on the definition for a bulwark -- it is a defensive wall. Synonyms for bulwark are as follows: wall; rampart; fortification; parapet; stockade; palisade; barricade; embankment; earthwork; breastwork; berm. When I think of "a bulwark" I am immediately reminded of one of my favorite hymns, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." This hymn is traditionally sung twice a year -- on the first Sunday of Lent (when the Gospel lesson talks about the encounter between the devil and Jesus), and on Reformation Sunday in late October (when we talk about God being our refuge and strength, and that hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 46). Since we probably won't be singing this hymn in worship for a few months, perhaps the text will bring different meaning to you as summertime begins: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal. Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, Were not the right Man on our side, the man of God's own choosing: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He; Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same, And He must win the battle. And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him. That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth: Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still; His kingdom is forever. The prayer accompanying today's Daily Texts does a nice job of combining the two texts: Lord God, you love the very least -- infants and vulnerable ones. You welcome them and make them great. Amazingly with their words, you make a wall to protect. With you, small is big. But your thoughts are not my thoughts. Let me not discount the least among all, and inspire and encourage me when I feel small. Amen. Michael Olson, Minister of Music [email protected]

Today's devotion from John Riley Holmen... MOVING ON... Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say goodbye till it be morrow... William Shakespeare It has been quite a ride! I never gave thought to how much fun and rewarding it would be when I signed up to be your Giving Consultant six years ago. Six years…they have flown by and the relationships and friendships I have gained are my rewards. Thank you for accepting me and welcoming me into your homes, your hearts and into your circles of friendship. Thank you for trusting in me to represent First Lutheran and your interests when it came to sensitive matters of money. Thank you for your generosity of sharing your valuable time, talents and resources. Thank you for demonstrating with your actions the ‘joy of giving!' I have witnessed first-hand countless examples of dedicated folks at First Lutheran demonstrating that kindness is evident in all walks of life-representing different income levels, professions, family circumstances and passions. Your stories represent the very best that humanity has to offer. Because of your indelible love of life, concern for others in their circumstances and your love of Jesus, you make a difference. You make a difference with your reaching out, your caring and your generosity. Thank You! First Lutheran is home to many of us. It will continue to be home for Betty and me after I leave this job. Although I am saying goodbye as your Giving Consultant, it is not a goodbye to First Lutheran. There are many reasons why First Lutheran is so special, among them the congregation and the staff. But more than that, First Lutheran actively fulfills its mission of bringing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them grow in the Christian faith. As Bryan Jacobson, a dedicated member of First Lutheran and follower of Christ so aptly stated: God is thriving here…Everyone lives and breathes what the Church is about and helps build your relationship with Christ. It just makes you want to be a part of it! I offer the following as my parting words: I cannot say goodbye to those whom I have grown to love, For the memories we have made will last a lifetime, And will never know a goodbye… In Friendship, John Riley Holmen Giving Consultant First Lutheran Church [email protected] Editor's note: John Riley Holmen is retiring from work at First Lutheran effective June 30, 2019. Our referee is hanging up his whistle! Please join us Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall for coffee fellowship and treats to celebrate John Riley!

We made another 20 pairs of shoes yesterday! 52 pairs made so far this year for Sole Hope! Thanks to all who came. More service nights to come July 10 and Aug 14, 7pm. Hope to see you there! #ZEROjiggers #SoleHope #hopeiswinning

Today's devotion from Rollie J... Unexpected Blessings A beautiful day was birthing as I walked quietly through the oak forest north of town. Sunshine was already pouring down and blessing both me and the terrain with light and warmth. The greenery of full spring foliage was refreshing to both my sense of sight and smell. The woods and I had mutually agreed upon terms. We had settled on a symbiotic relationship, a mutually beneficial arrangement. I silently and effortlessly breathed out carbon dioxide, which the trees, bushes and grasses gratefully took in and kindly returned to me as fresh, clean, pure and sweet-smelling oxygen. I smiled, grateful for both the deal and the gift of refreshing air. T’was the final day of the spring turkey season, and though I knew a small band of gobblers loved to frequent these woods, they were not to be seen nor heard. I had walked this little acreage along the Red River, calling now and again and keeping my eyes open. With my portable blind strapped over my back, my longbow in my left hand, and my backpack filled with plastic thespians in the other, I wandered the little field road that cuts through this copse of trees. Finding no turkeys to cooperate with me, I threw down my gear and meandered over into a nearby field. It’s a beautiful and hidden farm field that no one can see from the road and I’ve always thought it would have made a fabulous and protected camping site for the Native Americans of years gone by. I had wanted to check it out and look for signs of an encampment. Many of these bends in the river hold hidden treasures; broken pottery, buffalo bones or arrowheads. After a brief perusal of the area, and finding no clues, I moseyed my way back to my gear. As I moved quietly and contentedly through the peace-filled forest, movement caught my attention from the periphery of my vision. At first, I thought maybe deer, possibly a turkey? I froze, eyes homing in on the last spot of movement. It moved again and to my delight and surprise, I knew what it was. How awesome! I quickly threw down my gear, fumbled for my phone and clumsily punched up my camera app. The creature had ducked down into a small depression and I couldn’t see it now, plus it was moving tangentially away from me. I began lip squeaking for all I was worth. Pursing my lips together and sucking in, I hoped to imitate a mouse or rabbit in distress. This rarely seen and little-known predator of the north woods might just come towards me if he was hungry and on the prowl for some rabbit jambalaya! Within seconds the critter came on full speed like a heat-seeking missile. It was if I was pulling it on a string! Lip squealing for all I was worth, the creature kept coming and coming. Several times, he stopped to stand on his rear haunches to get a better look at his potential dinner. Then he’d skootch ever so closer. Now mind you, I’m a full six feet tall and dressed in black, standing in pure bright sunshine. I’m not exactly camouflaged in any way, shape or form. As he closed the distance to eight to ten feet away, he paused. As much as he was hoping for an easy meal of a tiny mouse or meadow vole based on the sounds, his eyesight warned differently. Caution prevailed, and he skirted reluctantly to my side. I was absolutely giddy with delight in having such an up-close and personal encounter with this awesome and intriguing beast. He continued to look back, hoping that the size of the prey had changed, and then disappointed in this strange alien encounter, he bounded off into parts unknown. Here is the actual video. Take a look! https://vimeo.com/341346674 My strange little forest guest is an American fisher. A highly secretive, and elusive furbearer. The fisher is a larger look-alike to his cousin the mink and included in the same family of mustelids, who give off a noxious scent from their anal glands. Weasels, badgers, pine-martins, otters and skunks are all related. Fishers prefer deep and heavy forests especially those of the northern coniferous variety, but I have been witnessing one or two a year here locally along the hardwood forests of the Red and Buffalo Rivers. Fishers can climb trees and prey upon local rodents, and snowshoe hares. They are also famous for being able to kill and eat porcupines. This was the largest fisher I’ve ever seen in the wild and less than a mile from my house! I’m guessing that if I’d said the word “fisher” prior to writing this devotion, most folks would not be able to conjure up an image. They are a little known and yet fascinating creature. My encounter with this fisher was a simply pure gift. I had entered the forest in search of turkeys. As per the rest of my season, they were uncooperative. Plan B, had me searching for possible arrowheads. Skunked on both accounts. But because I was actually in the woods, I was blessed beyond measure by this unique encounter with this ghost-like fisher. This could have never happened from the safety and comfort of my sofa. I had simply showed up and kept my eyes and ears open to that which was around me. A fisher encounter and sighting were not my primary quest. It was an unexpected blessing. God rarely blesses someone from the safety and comfort of their sofa or recliner. (Think about the name of the most common recliner; a “Lazy Boy!”) And rarely have I witnessed God’s blessings by sleeping in, other than catching up on rest. But it seems that when we just “show up,” whether it be in the woods, or for worship, or being present with our family, or in our marriage, or for a service event, or for our daily quiet times, we make ourselves more available for encountering God’s obvious and often hidden blessings. Son-shine cannot fall upon those glued to their computer, TV or sofa. I’ve used this superb little video clip from Evan Almighty in several sermons, where modern-day Evan Baxter, is asked to build an ark by God, played by Morgan Freeman. Everyone, including Evan’s wife, thinks he’s going crazy and losing his mind. Evan’s distraught wife unknowingly encounters God, who appears as her waiter in a local restaurant. In this little minute-long encounter, some great truth is revealed about how God often answers our prayers in unexpected ways. Pray For The Opportunity https://vimeo.com/341346674 Maybe you’ve come to read this devo today hoping for an answer, and yet God may instead bless you with peace. Maybe you’ll go to worship this Sunday hoping for direction, and instead, God will bless you with increased trust. Maybe today you will seek certainty about your life and instead, God will bless you with patience in waiting. Maybe you’ll be asking God for something new, and instead, God will renew what is already in your midst. Maybe you crave security and knowing, and instead, God will provide wisdom and hope. May you simply “show up” with God as much as you can. He will often pour out His many unexpected blessings. -- Rollie J. I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessings; happiness is up to you. I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful. I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things. I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said...Ahhhh, finally you have the idea. ~ Author Unknown

Today's devotion from Katie Kringstad... Starting Something New Life is full of changes and change can be scary. We like to know what is ahead and when we start something new, whether it be a job, a relationship, a move or so many other things, we don’t know what will happen. We can start to get anxious and maybe even change our mind because we think it is better to be safe than risk disappointment or failure. I was given this poem on the first day of seminary and I wanted to share it with you all. Read it as though God is speaking to you. The Shimmering Hours There is so much I want to say, as if the saying could prepare you for this path, as if there were anything, I could offer that would make your way less circuitous, more smooth. Once you step out you will see for yourself how nothing could have made you ready for this road that will take you from what you know now to what you cannot perceive except, perhaps, in your dreaming or as it gives a glimpse in prayer. But I can tell you this journey is not about miles. It is not about how far you can walk or how fast. It is about what you will do with this moment, this star that blazes in your sky though no one else might see. So, open your heart to these shimmering hours by which your path is made. Open your eyes to the light that shines on what you will need to see. Open your hands to those who go with you, those seen and those known only by their blessing, their benediction of the road that is your own. ~Jan Richardson Circle of Grace My favorite part of the poem is, “It is all about what you will do with this moment, this star that blazes in your sky though no one else might see.” What will you do with this moment of your life? We are each on our own journey and God has plans for our lives. We are the only ones who feel the internal pull toward where God is leading us. No one can tell you that but you, no one else has the answers. God has a blazing star in your sky, no one can see it but you. Will you follow it? Will you open your heart, open your eyes, and open your hands so that the road that is your own can become clearer? “Lift up your eyes and look around, they all gather together, they come to you.” - Isaiah 60:4 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 Have a blessed week! Katie Kringstad Director of Children's Ministry

Today's devotion from Michael Olson... I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Psalm 51:15 God our Savior...desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. I Timothy 2:3-4 KNOWLEDGE I remember it well, even though it happened nearly forty years ago -- At one of my group organ lessons in graduate school, my organ teacher said to our group one day, "I know everything and so should you!" I will never, ever forget him saying that to us! But, I figured, if he knew everything, then I really didn't need to know everything... I think about James Holzhauer who recently completed a long stint on Jeopardy on TV. I believe I watched him three or four times, and he seemed to know nearly every answer every day. I did not happen to see the episode where he finally lost -- on Monday, June 3. I heard about it on the news later that evening as it was truly a newsworthy event! I think back to the time when Ken Jennings won many episodes on Jeopardy. What would be fun now is to have a game of Ken versus James to see who has more knowledge -- or who can master the signaling button faster! Knowledge is acquired so much quicker these days with the use of computers and smartphones and other electronic devices. Maybe my graduate school organ teacher was correct -- maybe I should know everything! At least, these days, it is far more possible to find ways to acquire knowledge. I am excited to be teaching organ lessons to five students this summer. One of these students has studied with me for quite a few years. One of the other students has transferred to me from another teacher who recently moved out of town. And the three other organ students are brand-new organ students; two of them used to take piano lessons from me, actually. I don't begin to pretend to know everything about the organ, but it's fun to impart knowledge to these five students on a weekly basis. When you play the organ, you are reading three lines of music simultaneously -- one line for your right hand, another line for your left hand, and yet another line for your feet! Figuring all of that out is challenging in and of itself. And then deciding what different sounds you want to use is fascinating as well. As I've told these three beginners, a piano can only sound like a piano but an organ can sound like a variety of instruments! Each of us has knowledge about various topics and subject matter. Do not keep that knowledge to yourself, but share it!! Even though it's summertime and knowledge seems to take a summer vacation, you can learn something new each and every day if you set your mind to it. I was getting ready to sign my name to this devotional when I really, truly just thought of this stanza from the hymn "Earth and All Stars" -- Knowledge and truth! Loud sounding wisdom! Sing to the Lord a new song! Daughter and son! Loud praying members! Sing to the Lord a new song. God has done marvelous things. I too sing praises with a new song! Michael Olson, Minister of Music [email protected]

Today's devotion from Shelly Erickson... We Need Each Other "To know pain is human. To need is human. And, no amount of money, influence, resources, or sheer determination will change our physical, emotional, and spiritual dependence on others. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both. Need is the most beautiful compact between humans." Brené Brown One of life’s great truths - we need each other. We were created for connection and to be in community. Jesus gave us the perfect example of the need for connection. He himself (Our Savior!) reaches out and asks his own disciples to stay with him in Gethsemane and in a moment of utter vulnerability shares with them that he is full of sorrow knowing what was about to happen. Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." - Matthew 26:36-46 (NIV) Last night I received the text message shown below in the photos. This faithful woman gets it. We need each other. It was in her strength, faith and ability to be vulnerable that she was able to reach out and ask for prayer. God has gifted us to each other, so we don't have to go it alone. He created us to be in community. To love, support others and to ask and reach out when we need help. How beautiful is this need for human connection! Stay with me. Sit with me. Be with me. Don’t go it alone. You were never meant to. With love, Shelly Shelly Erickson Director of Nursery Ministries Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Proverbs 17:17 The Message (MSG) Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be there. Matthew 18:20 The Message (MSG)

Today's devotion from Meggie Bjertness... The Housepainter There once was a housepainter who was always looking to save a buck. So, he would often thin his paint to make it go further. One day, a local church decided to do a big restoration and this painter put in a bid. He got the job because his price was so competitive. Just as he was finishing the job, the painter was up on a scaffold when suddenly there was a horrendous clap of thunder. The sky opened and rain poured down, washing the watery paint off the church and knocking the painter down onto the lawn, surrounded by puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Fearing this was judgement from the Almighty, he got on his knees and cried, “Forgive me! What should I do?” “And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke: “Repaint! Repaint and thin no more!”[1] What does your Christianity look like? Is it thick, vibrant, and full of life? Or, like the paint, is it thinned and useless? Has it been watered down so much that the rain, wind, and storms of life blow it away? Or can it withstand the brokenness of the world? Either way, our gracious God calls us to “repaint.” We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God, but through repentance God will always wash away our sins and restore us to new life once again. Peace, Meggie Meggie Bjertness Middle School Youth Director “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:8-9 (NRSV) [1] Story courtesy of Dad Jokes: The Punniest Joke Book Ever by Portable Press.

5th & 6th Graders: Rollie and Meggie are taking students to Camp Wilderness again this summer for a Go Wild Camping Adventure! Here's the link to register: http://bit.ly/GoWild2019 Check out our flyer for more details!

Just a small update from our Ethiopia Mission Trip team: They arrived safely in Ethiopia on Friday night, May 31st. They have so many stories to share with you, but here's just a few photos of the team giving out Prayer Shawls from FLC ladies. These ladies who received the shawls were so honored! Thank you for all your prayers and support for this trip! Our Ethiopia team made it back home on Saturday, June 8th.

Today's devotion from Rollie J... Any Given Sunday On any given Sunday I have a unique vantage point from the stage where I lead worship, to witness and watch people. I can often see written in their facial expressions, posture, or tears the turmoil, stress or trial that they are facing. When I’m not preaching, I sit on the sideline and can watch the audience. I enjoy observing the crowd and can see how, when or where a sermon is connecting to different people, and often witness when a message intersects with a point of struggle, hurt or pain in someone. Seated halfway in the back is Candice, whose adult daughter has not spoken to her for over two years. Heartache and sorrow weigh heavily upon her shoulders for this broken relationship. Then there is Raymond sitting up front. At 40 something he’s most likely walking his last weeks on this planet having exhausted all forms of treatment in his long battle with cancer. His wife Laurie sits two chairs away, and there is no masking her sadness, sense of fear, and uncertainty as she stares vacantly into the unknown future. Their young daughter Lucy, eight years old, sits between them curled in her father’s arm, staring up at him with searching eyes, not fully comprehending what is or what will be. And then there’s Tommy, a retired musician. Just diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fear and worry furrow his brow with the unknown of waiting for test results and treatment options. He’s trying hard to be faith-filled, but anxiety still rears its ugly head. Down the row is Sandra, caught up in an ugly court battle. Her life is filled with angst and confusion pondering her uncertain future. She wonders why God is so silent. On the other side of the aisle sit Lenny and Carol, who talk the talk, put on the Sunday smiles, dress nicely and even hold hands during the service. Yet behind the smiles lies the truth of an empty, lifeless, dispassionate marriage that could crumble at any given moment. A few rows back sit Danny and Maggie. Their twenty-something son Alex died a year earlier from complications due to substance abuse. Grief still clings heavily to their hearts and getting through a worship service and sentimental songs without tears is difficult. They grieve silently, alone, together. Sitting near the back at the second service is the young couple Tanya and David, who just miscarried for the fourth time. The empty stare and sunken eyes on Tanya betray heavy sorrow, deep sadness and a nagging sense of failure. Her posture cries out silently; “What is wrong with me?” Sitting in front of them is Steven, whose back pain increases daily. He’s done everything he is supposed to do, but it doesn’t get better. He feels old, and at wits end. Then there is Paul. Paul lives two lives; Jekyll and Hyde. Dr. Jekyll shows up Sunday morning, all smiles. Mr. Hyde is a raging alcoholic. He hides it well on Sunday morning, but the rest of the week is a giant blurry fog of inebriation, loneliness, isolation, anger and sense of shame. He is in a cycle he cannot break. Fourteen-year-old Sarah simply struggles to fit in and belong somewhere, to someone, somehow. She feels invisible and alone. School is torture due to the mean girls and constant teenage drama. It feels as if depression and anxiety are her only two loyal companions. Samuel just turned 92. He has been alone for 12 years since his wife died. The clock in his tiny apartment ticks slower and slower as time marches on. He wonders how much time he has left. He often wonders; “what’s the point?” This is any given Sunday in Celebration Hall worship service. The stories are real. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. And these are just some of the stories that have crossed my path in recent days. Imagine all the other stories out there, hidden behind a church smile, on any given Sunday. Welcome to the funnel. As a member of a large church staff, much of the ugly, difficult, tragic, and painful in life funnels in through us. Much of it brushes us indirectly, but some of it clings, and attaches itself like an unwanted virus, and can often be weighty and heavy. At times, the funnel can become overwhelming when we face the volume of hurt, pain, and suffering from those we are called to love and care for. But this is not the point of our story. Any given Sunday, just toss a pencil. Within the radius of that distance, you will most likely find a person who is suffering and wrestling with an issue or major struggle. They may not show it. They most likely won’t speak about it when you habitually ask; “Morning! How are you doing?” You’ll most likely get the polite nod, slight smile and a maybe the complimentary; “Fine,” or “Good.” But know that pain and suffering are all about us lurking just below the surface. We live in an imperfect and broken world. That is just the simple, hard truth about life. Being a believer in Jesus doesn’t really change this fact of life. Sunshine and storm, triumph and tragedy land equally upon believer and non-believer. You don’t receive a “Get Out of Suffering Pass” just because you love Jesus or go to church regularly. Jesus never really sugar coated anything. He just laid it out there bluntly and truthfully. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV Or try out the Message version: “I have told you all this so that you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 MSG Knowing that on any given Sunday there are those who are hurting all around us, ought to bring us to a couple of hidden truths. One, if you are going through a difficulty in your life’s journey, you are not alone. Sometimes, if you have just a tiny sliver of courage, you can share your pain or suffering with another. By doing this, you become vulnerable, and that is a mysterious key that can often unlock the same sharing in another. And when two people share their suffering or sorrow, the pain and confusion often become lessened. The old saying “Grief shared, is grief lessened,” is never so true. Second, being aware that on any given Sunday there are people all about us who are hurting, ought to make us more sensitive, more compassionate, more encouraging, more understanding and more Christlike towards others. People need you. People need your compassionate listening ear. People need you to sit, and be still in their presence, and just listen. People need the warmth of your touch or a heartfelt hug. People need you to simply be present and available. People need to experience Jesus through the vehicle of you. If not you… then who? Jesus was blunt and did not mince words. But in His words above, he places hope, and encouragement and a positive outlook. To be sure, grief, sorrow, sadness, confusion, pain, suffering, worry, anxiety, hurt, struggle and conflict do not win in the end. They are only temporary. They do not have the last say. Jesus has overcome. Take a listen to some of these truth-filled, promise-packed scriptures. May God Bless your Journey! -- Rollie J. And the God of Grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 1 Peter 5:10 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; Trust also in me! John 14:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up out of the slimy pit, Out of the muck and mire. He set my feet upon a rock, And gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, A hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, And put their trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40: 1-3) Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you! 1 Peter 5:6-7 Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, and you are mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. For I am the Lord your God. Isaiah 43:1-2 For God did not give us a spirit of fear and timidity, but a spirit of power of love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Today's devotion from John Riley Holmen... On the Road Again I was on the road a lot during my refereeing years. This was before the advent of the cell phone and many of the country roads were gravel, not pavement. In the middle of winter, the weather didn’t always cooperate and the roads weren’t always in the best of condition. My refereeing partners and I had some interesting, and yes, sometimes harrowing experiences ‘on the road.’ But we were relatively young and invincible. Nothing bad would ever happen to us because we were in control…NOT! One night, in particular, comes to mind. Ken picked me up in his run-down rattle trap jeep and off we went to the town of Pettibone to officiate a high school basketball game between Pettibone and Fort Totten. After traveling for about 30 miles in that ‘air-conditioned’ jeep (heater didn’t work and the side window on the passenger side was taped up with a piece of cardboard), I smelled an odor akin to the smell of booze and heard what I thought was the sound of snoring coming from the back of the jeep. I turned around, and sure enough, there on the floor under some dirty blankets was Johnny, Ken’s obviously intoxicated friend. That scene of drunken Johnny was a bad omen for the night ahead of us. Ken and I dropped off Johnny at the local bar in Pettibone and we headed over to the high school to get dressed and prepared for the high school basketball game between two rivals. We were very fortunate to have the significant opportunity to dress in the boiler room, because that, of course, was designated as the referees’ headquarters…hmmmmmmmmmm. The crowd was quite rowdy, especially the folks from Fort Totten. One gentleman, wearing a Native American headdress, decided to run out onto the middle of the floor during a time-out and proceeded to dance and whoop and holler around the center circle. He then did the same at both free circles. When he decided to try the center circle again, we asked security to remove him from the gymnasium…not the most popular decision according to the Fort Totten crowd. We were finally able to regain some semblance of order and the game was played without any major incidents from that point to the final buzzer. Fort Totten won the game, so the crowd was somewhat appeased and left the gym peacefully when the game was concluded. After showering and getting into our civilian clothes, we picked up Johnny and headed for home-Jamestown. By then, the weather had turned nasty…cold with heavy snowfall and heavy drifting across that isolated rural gravel road. Luckily, I had remembered to bring my parka, so I huddled up and mentally prepared myself for the long bumpy cold ride home…only, we didn’t make it home until much much later than anticipated. Wouldn’t you know, Ken had forgotten to fill up on gas before leaving Jamestown for the game, so the jeep stalled 5 miles west of Woodworth, ND. After dang near freezing our butts off, a truck finally showed up and the driver, our good Samaritan, hooked a chain from his pickup to Ken’s jeep and proceeded to pull both vehicles into the ditch. Hello! After unhooking the chain, we piled into the Samaritan’s truck and out of the ditch we proceeded and headed into Woodworth where the only place open was the town bar. Being it was a Saturday night, the bar was packed with very happy and loose-lipped patrons. Johnny, Ken’s intoxicated friend, was somewhat belligerent and we had to restrain him before a bar fight commenced. Finally and thankfully, Ken’s wife arrived with her car to rescue us early Sunday morning and I got home just in time to shower and head out to church on Sunday morning. I didn’t remember much of the sermon that day but thanked the good Lord for protecting Ken and Johnny and me on that fateful eventful Saturday night in the middle of winter on a desolate treacherous rural road and guiding us safely home to our families. I will never forget that night so long ago and continue to be so grateful to this day for God’s protective and guiding hand throughout all of the craziness and scariness we experienced. I, along with my refereeing partners, took many more trips over the years to referee in remote towns all over North Dakota, but none ever matched that strange trip to Pettibone with Ken and Johnny on that cold and wintry night so long ago. In the past, we have experienced some wintry times, some conflicted times, some lean times at First Lutheran. However, we have also experienced summery times, together times and some plentiful harvest times, and God has always been there for us…guiding, prompting, leading and protecting. And here we are now, as a community of believers, on the road again at First Lutheran. We are on the road to seeing amazing tangible results of the construction of our new worship center and the renovations taking place throughout our existing church home. We are on the road to expanded and visionary ministry and mission outreach. We are on the road to bringing even more opportunities to our friends and neighbors to join us on this journey of faith and love and forgiveness in Christ. Being on this road, together as believers, is a blessing and a privilege. There is no better opportunity. There is no better journey. Even though we sometimes veer off the road and stray from our path, we can’t wait to get on the road again, with our friends, making music, and praising God all along the way… On the Road Again Just can’t wait to get on the road again The life I love makin’ music with my friends And I can’t wait to get on the road again. On the road again, Goin’ places I’ve never been Seein’ things that I may never see again, And I can’t wait to get on the road again. Praise God for the road He is leading us down, for the joy of celebrating Christ’s resurrection during the Easter Season and always, and for the road that leads to the revelation of God’s dream for the future of First Lutheran! Your traveling companion, John Riley Holmen

Today's devotion from Michael Olson... The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him. 2 Chronicles 30:9 Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19-20 TIMES OF REFRESHING June is bustin' out all over, and the weather has been quite lovely. The kids are finally out of school, and it's time to have fun! What do times of refreshing look like for you this summer? I'm planning to do the following: I'm driving to Milwaukee to attend the North Central Regional Convention of the American Guild of Organists. I will break up the trip a bit by staying in the Twin Cities on the way there and attending a baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals. There are no home baseball games for the Milwaukee Brewers while I'm at the convention, so I'll have to try and get to Miller Park on another trip! On the way back from Milwaukee, I'm going to make a stop in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin which is where I served at Trinity Lutheran Church there before coming to First Lutheran Church. I haven't been back to the community or the church except for one time soon after I moved up here to play for a wedding of good friends. Later in July, I will be attending the annual Augsburg Fortress Church Music Clinic at Roseville Lutheran Church. It's always fun to hear new music, re-connect with other music colleagues and meet new people, and go to a wonderful Mexican restaurant not too far from the church. While down in the Twin Cities, I will actually attend several Minnesota Twins baseball games, including one game against the New York Yankees. Target Field has indeed provided me some times of refreshing over the past nine summers, and now for the tenth consecutive summer. In mid-August, I'll be taking another pilgrimage to the Twin Cities where I will attend a preseason football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. That stadium has provided times of refreshment for me the past two summers, and again this summer as well. Whatever you choose to do this summer for your times of refreshing, remember that God is with you each and every day. Bask in the beauty of the earth! Enjoy God's creation and give thanks for his great goodness to us every single day. Michael Olson, Minister of Music [email protected]

Today's devotion from Erik Carlson... On Wednesday, Meggie and I took 49 young students along with a few other adult chaperones to Valleyfair (a roller coaster theme park in the Twin Cities). As I was walking around the park every single face that I saw had a smile on it. It was an extremely happy place, a place that most certainly brings joy to people. When you purchase a ticket to enter the park and go on all the rides, you are purchasing joy. It’s interesting when you really look at what companies and places are really trying to sell or give to you, and it really boils down to joy. It doesn’t matter what the item is that they are selling; the advertisements we see always say “this item will bring you joy.” Whether it is an amusement park, a mattress, food at a restaurant, car, or even clothes, they are all trying to sell joy in their product/service. My wife watched a series on Netflix called “Tidying up with Marie Kondo,” and Miss Kondo always asks her clients, “does this bring you joy?” If the answer is no than they get rid of it. The word Joy can be found in the Bible one hundred forty five times. One would think it is a pretty important topic for us to understand. I think God longs for us to have a very deeply rooted, enduring joy. Now, finding joy in an amusement park or items is great and can be quite a bit of fun (especially while riding a roller coaster), but the joy that is spoken about in the Bible, is on a completely different level. The joy God offers and wants us to have is not fleeting, it does not waiver. God offers a joy that does not fade, that will be with us in all times and all places, including and especially, the difficult and dark times in our lives. There is so much hope to be found in the joy God gives us. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (I Peter 1:8-9 ) This is such a wonderful piece of scripture, which really encapsulates how we have joy in God. Having faith in God gives us this hope that no matter what happens in life with faith we experience this “Joy, unspeakable Joy.” The next time you experience a joyful moment or happiness in some way, whether it is from a new car, ice cream cone, or roller coaster ride, I hope it is also a reminder to you about the incredible joy that we have in Christ. Erik Carlson Youth Director

Today's devotion from Rollie J... Daily Miracles Whhssssh … Smack! Whhsssh… Smack! Whhsssh… Smack! Warm, early evening sunshine filtered through our backyard oak and ash trees bringing beauty to the end of the day. The baseball whizzed through the air and met with a solid smack upon meeting leather glove. Back and forth it flew between my son Shane and me. I was savoring one of my favorite father-son pass-times; a simple game of catch. Growing up with a loving dad, who invested so much face-to-face time with me, brought a smile to my face, as I remembered a thousand such games of throwing the ball with him. It was never really about baseball, i.e. getting better at pitching or throwing as one might think. It was really all about relationship, connecting, and being together. It felt good to be outside enjoying the beauty of the day and more importantly the simplicity of face to face conversation with Shaner. I smiled on the inside and grinned on the outside for the treasure of time and connectivity with my son. With a cumbersome glove in one hand, and throwing the baseball with the other, it was impossible for him to engage in his favorite hobby/addiction of our time; being on his phone. As we loosened up, the pace and intensity amped up. The “smacks” grew louder, and that seemed to release the flow of conversation as well. We talked of school, sports, family, his current soccer team, friends, grades and touched lightly on girls. When I queried if he had any homework for the night, he paused, dropped his gloved hand to the side, and sighed. “Yeah, I have to finish up this stupid orchestra assignment.” I prodded for more. “Well, Mr. Neill and Mr. Cole have us do this journal thing. We have to write down a daily miracle that we witness for the whole month! It’s such a pain!” He paused, shrugging his shoulders. “Dad, I mean really… I lead a pretty boring, normal life. I don’t really see anything miraculous happen, let alone every day.” And with those simple, honest words of Shane came the truth of our generation; the tragedy and curse of modern-day, suburban, first-world lifestyles. We have lost the ability to see God in the ordinary. We’ve lost touch with a sense of the Godly in our midst. Mystery, awe and wonder have slipped through our fingers and been exchanged along the way for clarity, certainty, and bells and whistles. Having our eyes continually and habitually glued to screens, we have lost our sense of awareness. We’re losing the wide-angle vision to look around, pay attention, and notice. If a screen doesn’t speak to us and tell us where God is and who He is… we’ll never witness Him on our own. We, that are drowning in abundance, rarely can see it, nor do we verbalize gratitude for that all that has been given. Kudos to you Mr. Neill and Mr. Cole. What a fantastic and practical assignment, particularly gutsy and bold from the secular world of public school. Well done my good sirs! Never mind your eighth grade, raging hormone-filled adolescents, what about us? How sad and sobering that we who actively participate in daily faith life and are active in a church, would most likely struggle with or fail this assignment. Even now sitting down to write this devo, I sit comfortably in the shade of my peace-filled deck. Previously I had clicked open my iPad, chosen my “contemplative music” playlist, grabbed my Bluetooth speaker and hit play to put me in the mood to write. Instantly, I realized I was missing the point. I shut them both down. Miracles were happening all about me. A symphony was already quietly playing all around me. First to grab my attention were the poplar trees which hem in two sides of my back yard. The leaves of these poplar trees are the first to shimmy and shake even with the slightest breeze. With today’s moderate winds their beautiful and gentle songs were a soothing and comforting white noise that relaxed my spirit. The fact that a thousand leaves shaking in the breeze could send out sound waves that my ears could perceive, and then send electrical signals to my brain that produced a sense of calm and peace is really quite miraculous. Adding their own voices to the orchestra were the dozens of birds brightly chirping and singing their songs all around me. Often their chattering becomes the unnoticed background to a typical and ordinary day as I go about the business of life. I know not the many different voices of each species, let alone the nuances and variety of calls for an individual bird. I seem limited to English and some poor Spanish. Soon I hear a voice that I do recognize and can call by name, the subtle and quiet cooing of the mourning doves. The soft-spoken sound of the mourning dove reminds me of the Holy Spirit. Always here, always present, but rarely acknowledged. The tranquil voice calling me to be still and quiet my spirit, to listen and pay attention. I realize what a wide variety of instruments, and tones, and inflections are being spoken all about me. Grace, beauty, peace, abundance and generosity are spread all about me, yet I rarely pay attention to or recognize these free blessings. It’s really quite miraculous. An opening in the canopy of trees allowed pleasing warm sunlight to splash upon my bare thighs and calves. Imagine that these invisible rays, sent from a glowing orb a gazillion miles away in outer space, have landed upon my body to bring warmth and satisfaction. I must admit, that’s pretty miraculous. With the warming of the afternoon, I soon grow thirsty. I head to the kitchen, grab a glass and some ice cubes, and fill it with clean, cool water from the tap. It is refreshing, and soothing and satisfies my body’s thirst. I didn’t have to walk five miles to get it. I didn’t have to boil it or purify it. It’s clean and I have been given it in abundance. It is what gives and sustains life! And my cup… so to speak… runneth over. I often take this little big miracle for granted. Thanks to the miraculous gifts of sunlight, warmth and abundant rains, the grass is growing fully in my yard. (And this is truly a miracle!) Carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorophyll and photosynthesis are working together in harmony in the two divided worlds of earth and atmosphere to bring life and greenery to my yard. Later today I have been given the gift and privilege of being able to go out and mow my lawn. Having visited a friend last week in a nursing home who can barely move on his own, and having friends who have suffered illness or stroke who can no longer do these menial tasks, I know that to be able to work and move freely and independently is a gift. From my perch here on the deck, a young songbird flits from a nearby tree to enter a tiny two-inch hole in our south facing siding, compliments of our local Woody Wood Pecker Local 404. For a couple of weeks now, we’ve been hearing constant chirping in the walls next to our two bathrooms. Well, it’s too late now to kick them out, we’ll have to wait till they’re ready to fly the nest so to speak. How crazy to think that this pair of songbirds has most likely migrated a couple thousand miles from their southern wintering grounds, made eggs and hatched these little baby chicks in our humble walls! There’s a whole pile of miracles in there for you to sort out! The wonderful, fresh, and sweet scent of my neighbor’s lilacs bushes have just wafted over me. That mixed with the pleasing smell of freshly cut grass causes me to breathe deeply and smile. Invisible, intoxicating aromas to be sure. Pure gift, a pure miracle given to us from above, our sense of smell. Now don’t get me wrong. All is not bliss, rainbows, unicorns and butterflies from the Johnson deck. I’ve got my issues, my anxieties, my worries, my struggles, my sins, my failures, my dysfunctions and my own baggage. I assume you have a pile of your own as well. But just because we are in a difficulty about our way, doesn’t mean we can stop recognizing the Godly, and the miraculous in our midst. And I firmly believe that the more we can recognize and give gratitude for what we do find, our struggles and difficulties will be lessened. I’m a big fan of the devotional book Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. I’ve read it each day consistently for about three years now. If I could sum up what I get from this book it would be these two words. Trust and gratitude. Trust that Jesus is enough for whatever you are going through today. Jesus has the strength, wisdom and power to guide you through today’s journey. Then, give thanks for every blessing that you can recognize along your path. Even the blessings found in your difficulty or struggle. Listen in to Sarah’s devo (March 22): Rejoice and be thankful! As you walk with Me through this day, practice trusting and thanking Me all along the way. Trust is the channel through which My Peace flows into you. Thankfulness lifts you up above your circumstances. I do My greatest works through people with grateful, trusting hearts. Rather than planning and evaluating, practice trusting and thanking Me continually. This is a paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life. May you take some purposeful time to slow down, open your eyes, breathe deeply, and appreciate the daily miracles all around you. -- Rollie J. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5NIV Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 ESV Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 RSV “Holy Now” by Twin Cities folk artist Peter Mayer: “And I remember feeling sad, That miracles don t happen still, But now I can’t keep track, Cause everything’s a miracle… So the challenging thing becomes, Not to look for miracles, But finding where there isn’t one.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiypaURysz4

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO SIGN-UP FOR THE TWINS GAME DAY-TRIP! Join Pastor Dave for a day-trip to Minneapolis for a Twins game. Thursday, June 27, depart FLC 7 a.m., $110 Game time is 12:10 p.m. versus the Tampa Bay Rays. Registration deadline is TODAY. Registration link: http://bit.ly/flc_mntwinsgame2019 Register at flcfargo.org or at the church office. Questions? Call the church office at 701.235.7389. http://bit.ly/flc_mntwinsgame2019

First Lutheran Family & Friends: Here is a special message and invitation from Pastor Corey... (watch the video clip) We are here to SIGN YOU UP! Take action and sign up here. http://bit.ly/flc_register Questions? Contact Shirley, [email protected], or 701.235.7389.

More fun with Every Move I Make!

1-4th Grade Choir

Our Wednesday PreK singers did a great job last night!