A Gathering of Hope Reflection
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I would like to share with you a Reflection on A Gathering of Hope! which took place last week.
The Blessing of the Animals,… and Plants, and…
It is that time of year when word of a Blessing of the Animals service is heard in many congregations. Saint Francis of Assisi is known as the patron saint of animals, and his commemoration takes place on October 4. Hence, if a congregation hosts a Blessing of Animals service, they typically plan their event near this date. There is, however, more for us to know about this blessing and about Saint Francis.
St. Philip, Myrtle Beach takes part in God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday
Members of St. Philip Lutheran Church, along with members of Messiah Episcopal Church who share worshiping space, honored local Fire Departments #2, #5, & #6 on 9/9 by hosting a breakfast to say “thank you” for their service to our community.
A Multitude at the Seaside
During our annual assembly I received an invitation to visit and worship with Pastor Greg Van Dyke and the members at St. Peter’s Lutheran in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Faith Habits
Recently in The State newspaper, there was a series of articles exploring why churches in South Carolina were declining. It was a thoughtful series that basically focused on the difference between churches who meet and worship in traditional ways and those who worship in untraditional ways and places.
Dominion Over the Earth
The creation story is one we are taught from an early age. We learn that God created everything in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. We learn how God called up everything, from nothing. However, sometimes we miss the first mission that God ever gave us, humankind.