Please take the time to read Luke 24:13-24 and Proverbs 4:25-27 It’s a dark and solemn day. Imagine how downtrodden Jesus’s followers are after his death and resurrection. He was to be their savior and save them from oppression. Now all hope is lost. When they last saw Jesus he was dead…gone. They thought he was never coming back. They’d heard rumors that Jesus was alive from several women but doubted it was true. On their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem after the Passover feast, they encounter a stranger who asks to walk along with them. They do not recognize that it is Jesus. They share t ..read more

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things thru Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen”  1 Peter 4: 10-11 Being the hands and feet of Jesus, speaking God’s truth, showing others God’s love, being humbled by the joy in others, smiling faces, tears, fear, healing hands, hugs, handshakes, heat, exhaustio ..read more

Jesus said to Mary Magdalene, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  John 20:17  When I was in college I was part of what was called, The Interfaith Center. Because I went to a small school, we only one group for all expressions of faith. It was really good for me to be exposed to such diversity! As part of that experience, we meditated, because silent, individual prayer is the one, true ecumenical practice. So, we lit candles ..read more

Please take a moment and read the scripture from this weekend: Matthew 21:8-9 As I’m writing this devotion, we just finished celebrating Palm Sunday, the day that begins this sacred Holy Week. It is a week filled with things held in tension. We know that the green branches waved in celebration will turn into the ashes that will begin our Lenten journey next year. We know the joy of laying coats on the road to honor and welcome a King, will end in weeping at the base of a cross watching the horrific crucifixion of our Savior. Psychologists talk about holding the tension of opposites, wher ..read more

Please read the scriptures from the weekend: John 2:1-11 & John 19:25b-29 When Mary tells Jesus, “They have no more wine” at the wedding at Cana, she’s not simply stating a fact. She’s asking Jesus to do something to spare their host the perpetual shame of having entertained his guests poorly. Jesus is reluctant to act: “My hour has not yet come.” He hadn’t planned to make his divinity known by providing refreshments at a banquet. But he acts with compassion and generosity, turning water into choice wine when the First Century equivalent of “Two Buck Chuck” would’ve met the need ..read more

A new candidate has been recommended and Pastor Greg received permission from the Bishop to begin initial conversations.  Another candidate might be considered to interview with the call committee, they are currently discerning their next steps.  Thank you for your prayers over the call process, but please be assured that all is going well and we are in process. The post March Call Committee Update appeared first on Sheridan Lutheran Church ..read more

Please take the time to read Matthew 16:13-26 I’ve had an opportunity recently to reimagine what I want to do when I grow up. When I tell people I’m on this journey, their immediate question is, “what are you looking for?” Good question. I’ve been struggling with a short answer, beyond naming a few areas that I have experience and interest. Until last week. I went to our youth group meeting where Lutheran Center Pastor, Liz Kocher shared with the students the notion of vocation. I thought to myself, “That’s it! That’s what I’m looking for.” Prior to the last three years, I ..read more

Please read the Bible passages from the weekend: John 12:1-8, Matthew 26:14-16, 20-24, Luke 22:47-48 I worried as I began this devotional. What would I say as I contemplated the “bad guy” in scripture? But was Judas’ intent to be bad? I’m not sure. Research tells us, that children will become who they truly are by nature, rather than being nurtured in something or belief or practice. That may be true of some aspects of human nature. But I also believe God is an invaluable source of who we become. Circumstances may change a person’s perspective and certainly, those around us shape and mol ..read more

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25 This year we are celebrating 10 years of Grace Groups at Sheridan. That is God at work in our lives and a cause for celebration! My original Grace Group of 4 lost a member about year 4 due to a diagnosis of Alzheimers. When she could no longer drive, we would occasionally go to her home to encourage her with some of the activities we knew she loved. Event ..read more

 Please take a moment to read  John 11:45-50, Matthew 26:62-66, Luke 23:33-35. Rules! We all live with them, some make our lives easier, some complicate them. I have always been a rule follower. No speeding tickets for me. If you have been in a leadership role, you know how important rules are to the smooth flow of our days. As a teacher, I enforced so many rules, even had them posted in my room, just as a ‘gentle’ reminder.   Caiaphas is a rule follower, too. He was trained to memorize all 613 laws of the Mitzvot. So many rules, that no commo ..read more