Current Newsletter, Lutherans come home

They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and to the Fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)

            Not long ago the Roman Catholic Church launched an ad campaign entitled: “Catholics Come Home.” It’s been a while since I’ve seen the commercials on tv, but they were so well done, so thought-provoking, and so relevant, that even though I’m not a lapsed Catholic I practically felt the pull to “come home” to Rome!

            And then I began thinking…the most relevant points that apply to lapsed Catholics would most certainly apply to lapsed Lutherans—and I use the word ‘lapsed’ in the broadest possible sense. Some of you reading this have been away for weeks; some, for months; some, for years. But you’re LUTHERAN. And this is YOUR HOME. The door is open. Your place at the table is right here. Lutherans…..I invite you to come home.

            But maybe you’re wondering WHY BOTHER? What’s in it for ME? In order to [hopefully] answer these questions I intend to shamelessly borrow what the ‘other guys’ have to say on the matter—making minor tweaks where appropriate. I’ll entitle this:

TOP TEN REASONS FOR LUTHERANS TO COME HOME.

            #10 Because we want meaning in life. Sooner or later the pursuit of the “American dream” and the relentless emotional pummeling brought about by today’s current economic climate all take their toll. Is this really what life is all about? Is this what we were meant for? Here at home in the Lutheran Church we offer a beacon of light; an alternative vision based on life in relationship with God through his crucified and risen Son.

            #9 Because of childhood memories. This is the time of year of family reunions. Sometimes this means being reminded of how quirky your family may be! And yet, even if you think your family has its quirks, you probably have warm nostalgic feelings for them. Here at home in the Lutheran Church, you can still find that same familiar mixture of religious AND mystical experiences that feed both heart and soul.

            #8 Because we’ve all made mistakes. It’s pretty easy to become burdened by the weight of accumulated sin. We ask ourselves, “Will God ever forgive me?” You can always tell God that you're sorry, but here at home in the Lutheran Church you can hear the pastor pronounce the words of Absolution out loud, with your own ears, and know that he speaks on Christ’s behalf. This is a gracious and liberating experience.

            #7 Because we need to forgive others. Sin is rarely a simple matter of something private between us and God. Usually others are involved. And just as our mistakes, pride and selfishness have harmed others, no doubt we have been harmed by the sin of others. Our modern culture condones and encourages anger and revenge. But hatred and bitterness are spiritual cancers that eat at the heart of a person. At home in the Lutheran Church, you will always find an emphasis on GRACE and the opportunity to seek God's help in forgiving others, even when the other person does not ask for forgiveness or does not deserve it.

            #6 Because we want to be spiritually healed. Life is random and chaotic. Sometimes this randomness and chaos invades our life in tragic ways: a terminal illness, debilitating injury, broken relationship, etc. These cause deep spiritual wounds and profound questions about the nature and love of God. At home in the Lutheran church we do not arrogantly suppose that we can answer questions of WHY about God; we cannot change these situations or explain why they happened. But there are people in the Church who can assist in the process of spiritual healing and help you find and reclaim peace in your life.

            #5 Because Word AND Sacrament are held together in their fullness at home in the Lutheran Church. The story of the Reformation is that for all of its rich tradition and sacramental emphasis, the Church of Rome has erred in placing God’s Holy Word under its own human authority. Sadly, at the Protestant extreme one can find immense emphasis on God’s Word, but no mention at all of Sacraments. The Lutheran Church stands alone in avoiding these extremes. We have bound ourselves to no human authority, but only the Word of God. Yet, we maintain the wonder and mystery of the Sacramental life of the Church.

            #4 Because we want our children to have a foundation built on The Faith. Raising children in a culture that promotes "doing your own thing" can lead to disaster. At home in the Lutheran Church God’s LAW as well as God’s GOSPEL are clearly taught. Our children are given a structured system of belief and a firm moral foundation that goes beyond the world’s standards of ‘looking out for #1’ and succumbing to peer pressure. Coming home means giving our children the solid foundation upon which they can build their lives.

            #3 Because we want to be part of a faith community.  Remember the jingle for the old tv show “Cheers?” Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name… It’s natural to want to seek a sense of belonging. But community is more than just friendly people, good sermons and interesting activities. At home in the Lutheran Church, community is a group of people who gather around the person of Jesus Christ. The Spirit calls us into the sacramental life of the church--around the font and holy table; to parish activities and to pray; to celebrate joys, to mourn losses, to serve others, to provide support and to receive strength for daily life. Here, we live and walk together, toward union with God.

            #2 Because we want to help other people. Yes, life is busy and we all have a lot going on. But we sense the Spirit’s work in our lives; we know that the greatest joys imaginable are found in helping others. At home in the Lutheran Church, specifically THIS Lutheran Church, opportunities abound to make a difference in the lives of others. You can receive training to become a Stephen Minister; you can participate in Packages-4-Patriots or Nancy’s Project; you can volunteer to help at Grace International Preschool. You can join the choir and so minister to others with the gift of music. The list of possibilities is endless!

            #1 Because we hunger for the Eucharist. Often a person may leave the Lutheran Church because the worship format down the street is more entertaining, or because the non-stop emphasis on the End Times up the road seems more interesting. Or, maybe sleeping in on Sundays just got to be a habit! But over time some begin to feel a longing for the Eucharist. They may be reminded of it at a Lutheran wedding, funeral, or baptism, etc. Sometimes it happens when people are alone or facing difficulties in life. Regardless, they’re reminded of their soul’s deep hunger for the spiritual nourishment that comes when they receive the Body and Blood—the very real presence of their Savior, Jesus Christ. So many are looking for a ‘personal relationship’ with Jesus; so many want to sense the reality of Christ in their lives, but they’re looking to this or that nuevo experience to try to make it happen. Coming home to the Lutheran Church is all about recognizing that in the 2,000 year old mystery of the Eucharist, Jesus is never more real, never more personal, and never more active in our lives than when we receive him in the bread and wine of the Holy Table.

            Lutherans come home. Our Savior Jesus Christ is here, and he’s “left the light on for ya.”

In the name of the Father, and of the +Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.