Pastor Jim’s Blog | Trinity Lutheran Church

Walking in Darkness

Aug 25, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Deacon Amy…

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

My family is taking a little time away before busy schedules resume in the fall. We had originally planned to travel east toward Montana, but wildfires and pandemic news changed our plans and we, instead, headed west and then south. We spent a few days on the Olympic Peninsula enjoying the beauty and quiet, and then continued south to visit family for a while.

Yesterday, we toured the Ape Cave at Mount St. Helens. This is something that I’ve wanted to do for some time, and I’m so glad that we took the opportunity to go. The Ape Cave, named for the scout troop that first explored it in the early 1950s, is a large tunnel formed by lava around 2,000 years ago. Scientists estimate that the lava flowed for several months, perhaps even a year, creating a tunnel over 13,000 feet long. Today, the tunnel is open to tourists to explore on their own; it is suggested that you bring at least two light sources with you, as there is no natural or artificial light in the cave.

We began our tour by descending a metal staircase and walking into the cavernous opening before us. At first, there was plenty of light shining from the large entry. Very quickly, though, all light vanished and we found ourselves in complete darkness. For over an hour, we walked through the cave, marveling at the natural wonder that we were experiencing. The walls, ranging from as close as 3 feet apart to 12 feet or more, sparkled with mineral deposits. The ground was uneven and unpredictable, formed by the last traces of lava that cooled in place around the time that Christ was walking on the other side of the planet. Water occasionally dripped on us from above. Shining our lights upward, the top of the cave reached nearly 20 feet at places. Other times, I had to duck to avoid hitting my head.

At one point, we all stood together and turned our lights off. The darkness was immediate and complete. There was no light source in any direction; it would have been easy to panic. We didn’t, though, because we knew that we were not alone. I knew that if my headlamp failed, my daughter’s lantern would shine. If that didn’t work, my nephew’s flashlight would lead the way. We didn’t panic, because we were not alone.

Even in the darkest of times, even when we cannot see the light, or don’t feel strong enough to lift our own light source, we are reminded that we are not alone, and that the darkness will not last.

“It is you who light my lamp; the Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.” Psalm 18:28.

Sometimes we just need to take a moment to remember that the light is there. And sometimes we need to remember that it’s ok to ask someone else to hold the light for us.

Keep seeking the light. It is always there.

Deacon Amy

Do You Believe in God?

Aug 24, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…

.“I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how a man could look up to the heavens and say there is no God.” Abraham Lincoln.

“If there is no God, nothing matters. If there is a God, nothing else matters.” HG Wells

Since the dawn of human history people have tried to find their place in the universe, to find meaning in everyday life, and hope in death. People have gazed heavenward, looked on mountaintops, and searched deep into their hearts in the pursuit of the author and giver of life. Some would argue that God is the invention of frail, delusionary humans; others would argue that it takes more blind faith to believe that everything came together by accident, without intelligent design.

I believe in God, but I also believe that my capacity to understand God is such that I will never be truly able to grasp even a miniscule fraction of God’s complexity. We only know what has been revealed to us; we see in a mirror dimly. The greatest theologian and the greatest scientist stand humbly ignorant before the Master of the Universe. This takes a lot of pressure off of me and gives me great comfort. The last thing that I want to believe in is a God so small that I could understand Her.

We sat together in the cool of the evening; it had been a beautiful Northwest Summer Day. We talked of this and that. My companion knew very well my profession. At one point he stopped me and said, “I don’t believe in God. There is no God.” I took a sip of red wine and let the words hang in the air for a while. “There is no God.” He repeated. I replied, “It does not matter what you believe.” “What is that supposed to mean?” “To put it quite simply, what you believe will not change reality. There is or there is not a God and your opinion or mine will make little difference.” “I do not believe. There is no God.”

After a few moments I asked, “Do you believe in gravity? If you don’t believe in gravity, will you still fall back to earth if you jump out of a tree?” “I believe in science; I don’t believe in God.” “You need not believe in God, because guess what? God believes in you.”

We enjoyed dinner and when the night was over, we embraced before parting. To me, that was another sign that God was present. I do not claim to be an expert on God. There are no experts when it comes to God; the topic is too grand for the human mind. It is enough for me to know that I need not fear God, that God is love, and that whether I live or die I am safe.

Does it matter what we believe? In the eternal equation, probably not. But if my belief informs my earthly behavior, then yes, it does matter. If I believe that God has called me to love, forgive, and be faithful to my family, then that belief should inform my behavior. A good rule for Christians is to be humble and loving. We were never called to judge, exclude, or condemn. Christians do not have a corner on the market of truth; we see only a tiny fraction of God.

Your belief will not change reality, but it could change your life. Me? I am one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. Not a lot of room for bragging there.

One day closer,
Pastor Jim

Speak the Words of God

Aug 20, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…

I thought this morning that I would start by telling you a lie and the truth. I am counting on you to determine which statement is the lie and which is the truth.

1. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

2. “Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.”

Wounded people come to my office, send me emails, call me for counsel or consolation. Ten years ago today, I officiated at a funeral for a parishioner who had died by suicide; there have been half a dozen more since then. I have muddled along trying to be faithful to this pastoral gig for a very long time. I have seen pretty much everything, but no one has ever come into my office with an ax in their leg, or a sword in their side, or a sharp arrow in their head. Our culture has evolved to be a little more civilized than that.

The wounded who seek me out have almost always been disabled by words. Saying number one above is an absolute lie. Saying number two is from the Bible; it is one of a hundred verses that warn us about the use and misuse of words.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

“With their mouths the godless would destroy their neighbors, but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.”

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

“Let your conversation always be full of grace.”

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up.”

“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

All quotes from the Bible. In a day of uncivil rhetoric and dysfunctional social media, we would do well to recognize the power of the spoken and written word. Might we pause before speaking, and ask if the words that we are about to utter will be helpful or hurtful; will they build up or tear down?

I will end with words that I read at a wedding last Saturday; the words were chosen by the bride and groom.

“Whoever speaks must do so as one who is speaking the very words of God.” I Peter 4

Perhaps if we dig down deep, we can memorize that simple verse and focus upon it each day. What would it mean for us to speak the very words of God? A God who is defined by love, forgiveness, new beginnings, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.

It is a difficult season to be a human; let’s not make our neighbors’ burdens greater with insensitive or unhelpful speech. Online, or in-person, if you are not going be their friend, please do not be their enemy.

One beggar telling another where to find bread, I am your…

Pastor Jim

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Grief and Joy

Aug 18, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word by Karl Olsen…

It is a human dichotomy, that we can experience joy and grief in close proximity, both exceedingly real and life-impacting. One sometimes influencing the other, but ending up perhaps in gratitude, giving thanks for the good that is, living with hope for what can yet be. It is such a time for me.

I just finished reading Sandy Tolan’s The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East. It is a story of a Jewish, newly-Israeli woman who was raised in the home built by a Palestinian family that was forced out of their home at the creation of the state of Israel. They meet in their 20’s at the inspiration and courage of the Palestinian man, Bashir, and begin a life-long discussion, founded in respect and the desire of each to share their “truth” with the other.

Bashir’s grief at past and present injustices and Dalia’s joy at the new Jewish state, intersect and inform the other’s understanding. Bashir is grateful for Dalia’s ability to live in a safe space, but not at the expense of his people. Dalia is dedicated to the new Jewish state, but comes to recognize the catastrophe that has happened to the Palestinians as a result. Living in the tension between joy and grief.

This past week our world has watched with joy as soldiers came home from a long war, and with horror at the tragedy that has come to the long-suffering people in Afghanistan. God has not caused this, and God surely weeps. I claim to have no answers or solutions, but that many are living in the grief and the joy is an undeniable reality.

In our neighbor, Haiti, the joy of the people many of us played with, worked with and prayed with on our two mission trips there was clear. Life was hard. Life IS hard, but people keep on and so often with a sense of joy mixed with the challenges. Last Saturday a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, 11 years after they lost 250,000 people to another earthquake.

Centered in southwest Haiti, devastated by Hurricane Matthew in 2016, they have been in the path of Tropical Storm Grace the past three days. Grace. Hmm…. So earthquake recovery with a death toll rapidly climbing past 2000. More than enough to bring you to grief. Finding joy can be tough, but we Samaritans can help. ELCA disaster relief is a good way to contribute to the joy.

And then, a family reunion, a wedding of good friends, young sons contemplating their future with great possibilities and, today, our 21-month-old grandson celebrates the birthday of his wonderful mama, Sandra! Celebration and joy—we are so fortunate.

To these two conditions, I bring two hymns. The first, with a text by noted Lutheran text writer Susan Palo Cherwien, In Deepest Night.* You’ll find the text in our hymnal, #699. I took the text and set it to a different tune and harmony for the service of our friend Karen Gervais. The text is bookended by the lines “in deepest night…there is the love of God.” Give a listen here.

Then, an old favorite, hymn #836 is Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee. It is a hymn with text from 1911, inspired by the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts, penned by Henry van Dyke. In it van Dyke lifts up hearts unfolding like flowers before God and God, the giver of immortal gladness. It talks of a giving and a forgiving God, and that “all who live in love are thine!” A no-holds-barred hymn of joy.

He insisted that his hymn be set to Ludwig van Beethoven’s Hymn of Joy, from his 9th symphony. The text that is sung in the symphony by the chorus and the soloists is primarily a poem called An die Freude, by Friedrich Shiller, praising and wishing peace for all people. It’s played a bit faster than we typically sing it on Sunday morning. Here’s a simple version of verse one. Note the one small difference, then listen to the symphony below!

May your grief inform the joy and the joy inform the grief, always finding ways to give thanks to our loving God.
Karl

Here the orchestra plays the tune a few times.

Here’s a more complete version with soloists and chorus.

Karl

*Susan’s text was Used by Permission. OneLicense.net #A706892

Scholarship Thank Yous

Aug 17, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…

Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland — who are we and what are we about? We are followers of Jesus. Jesus — who cared for the marginalized, ate with sinners, and touched the untouchable. We are pilgrims on a journey of faith. We do not possess all the answers. We recognize that we have been blessed in so many ways, but we are never blessed in isolation. We are blessed to be a blessing to others.

Therefore, we support more than 36 nonprofits on Whidbey Island and across the globe. We provide rent-free and utility free office space to Helping Hand. This Fall 32 students will go to college, community college, or trade school on TLC Scholarships. All told we will be providing $180,000 in scholarships for the academic year 2021-2022.

Of those 32 students, 17 are TLC members and 15 have no affiliation with the church. Blessed to be a blessing.

I wanted to share two thank you notes from non-TLC students. Thank you all for supporting the work and outreach of your church.

Pastor Jim

Dear Endowment Fund Committee:

Thank you for the generous Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund in the amount of $7,000. I am very pleased and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of this scholarship award. Words simply cannot express the depth of my gratitude.

I will be attending Washington State University in the fall. I am currently enrolled in the WSU Honors college and the Voland College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I will be pursuing a major in Electrical Engineering. Along with my major, I will be participating in the USAF ROTC with the goal of commissioning in the Air Force as an officer upon graduation. Thanks to your generous scholarship, I am now one step closer to achieving my goals.

Coming from our small school district, the opportunities for awards are limited, so I am very proud of the ones that I have earned. I was named outstanding student at South Whidbey High School, and I am also proud to have been named captain of my tennis team. I will also be receiving my Eagle Scout, which has been a goal of mine since I was a tiger scout 13 years ago. The award I am most proud to have received was the CTE student of the year at my high school. For the past two years I worked very closely with our tech teacher. I spent this time learning how to run the sound, lighting, and live-stream systems. The mentoring I received was of the highest caliber and I will always strive to live up to the potential Mr. Greene saw in me.

By awarding me the Trinity Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, you have reduced my financial burden, which allows me to focus on my schoolwork and ROTC without as much worry with how I am going to pay for school. I hope one day that I will also be able to help recent high school graduates reach their goals in higher education by assisting them in the same way you are helping me. Thank you so very much for your generosity.

Sincerely,
Ian Maddux

Dear Trinity Lutheran Church:

I am sending this letter as a sincere thank you for your generous donation towards my college education. This scholarship has enormously lightened my load and will allow me to pursue my education on a deeper level. The other recipients of the Terry Lee Otey Scholarship and I are thoroughly thankful for the impact the Trinity Lutheran Church has made on upcoming college-bound kids. Hearing that I was selected to receive the scholarship filled me with great relief, and I thank you for the time, energy, and funds that went into this year’s scholarships.

In the fall, I plan on majoring in biology to be on track for PA school. I have always had an immense curiosity about the medical field as well as caring for others. This education path will allow me to feel content knowing that I will be alleviating others’ pain. Along with my biology major, I plan on minoring in psychology. Mental health is such an essential part of life that is often neglected in the medical field. By minoring in psychology, I hope to grasp a better understanding of people and their mental health in order to provide better care. Your scholarship will make my future career path more attainable and help me be one step closer to making a difference in life.

This organization’s generosity has been vital to so many young students and has inspired me to take steps to give back to my community. With the funds from the Terry Lee Otey Scholarship, I will work hard in my intended major with the hope that one day I will be in the position to give back to my community and make a difference just as the Trinity Lutheran Church has.

Best regards
Leanne Robbins

It Hurts When They Leave

Aug 14, 2021 | Pastor Jim's Blog

Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…

“By the waters of Babylon we sat and wept.” Psalm 137

It hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

The most painful part of parish life and ministry is when they leave, and they always leave. We buried Tom Bast two weeks ago. After a very touching service and graveside committal someone commented to me that they were surprised to see me so emotional. That’s right; it hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

Felicia and I arrived at TLC 32 years ago; we were welcomed by strangers who would become friends. They longed for a new beginning and a better future for the little church that they loved. There are now just 11 people left who were members of the church in 1989. It hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

Some of those dear people moved away, to be nearer children or grandchildren, to assisted living, or warmer climates. Most of them died and were buried here. There have been more than 800 funerals in those 32 years, 800 slow walks to graveside, shocking and merciful deaths, violent and peaceful deaths. It hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

Equally painful are those who leave because of a slight or offense, because their church had become too liberal or too conservative. Dear members left the TLC family because I had Karl sing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Others left because I did not speak out boldly enough about social political issues. One member of more than 20 years made an appointment to come to my office, arrived with an extensive folder documenting my failures in both Biblical faithfulness and congregational leadership. Forty minutes later, a period in which I had not uttered a word, he announced that he was leaving. I wished him well and thanked him for 20 years of shared life. Twenty years which included the burial of his mother and wife, ministry to his children and grandchildren, countless shared meals, and travel across the world. It hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

Human relationships are fragile, fleeting, and fickle. Human bodies and minds are fragile, fleeting and fickle. It hurts when they leave, and they always leave. Children go off to college never to return, cancer robs us of our friends, dementia leaves the familiar body intact as our loved one disappears slowly, devoid of treasured memories.

Today, I have two weddings and two funerals. We will say goodbye to Dale Josephson. Dale was one of our 39 charter members in November of 1953. There were seven in the family of Nora and Harry Josephson. Only two of the seven are still alive. It hurts when they leave, and they always leave.

The journey of every human takes us down a path that was watered by the tears of those who have gone before us. May we learn to live, love, forgive, and serve as Jesus did.

I will see you in church or online tomorrow.

Much love,
Pastor Jim