Interruptions Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayThis week as I thought about the Gospel of Mark, I was struck by often Jesus’ ministry happens in the interruptions. His preaching and teaching frequently are interrupted. Also his moments directed at rest and restoration are interrupted by the pressing needs around him. Urgent interruptions disrupt his plans. Yet some of the most holy […] Read More
Contact your legislators on behalf of the Foundation UncategorizedDear Grace Lutheran Foundation Members, We are following up on a conversation that took place during our Grace Lutheran Foundation Annual Meeting. Long-term care is woefully under-funded by the state. Currently, the legislature’s Joint committee on Finance (JFC) is considering Governor Evers’ proposed 2021-23 state budget. We are asking that you communicate with your legislators […] Read More
Holy Week Links UncategorizedThursday Service (Click here for link): Maundy Thursday, Jesus commands us to love. This service ends with the stripping of the altar preparing for the grief ahead. Good Friday noon service (Click here for link): The eight ELCA churches of Eau Claire join together to reflect on the seven last words of Jesus. Good Friday […] Read More
Eau Claire ELCA members devotions for Lent Uncategorized40 devotions written by Lutherans in Eau Claire to accompany you through Lent! 2021 Lenten Devotions Read More
Lessons and Carols 2020 UncategorizedChristmas Eve Lessons and Carols Program (click here to open pdf ) Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Program Prelude O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Cecelia McDowall Carol Once in royal David’s city stood a lowly cattle shed, where a mother laid her baby in a manger for his bed: Mary was that mother mild, Jesus […] Read More
Gifts that Keep on Giving Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayWho were the people who made you who you are? Who loved you so much that your life unfolded in fulfilling directions? With All Saints Day yesterday we remembered those whom our church entrusted into God’s hands during this past year. The number was so high this year. But we remembered them and reclaimed the […] Read More
Out of the Boat Summer Sermon SeriesOut of the Boat This week our guest preacher will be the CEO of Grace Lutheran Communities, Raymond Weiss. He will be preaching on Matthew 14:22-33, the story where Peter steps out of a boat in the middle of a storm and walks toward Jesus until he sinks. I am not sure where Raymond will […] Read More
George Floyd. Listen to his name. Say his name aloud. Hear yourself saying his name. Pastor Phil's Thoughts for the DayGeorge Floyd. Listen. Listen to his name. Say his name aloud. Hear yourself saying his name. The spiritual practice I am working hardest on right now is listening. Specifically I’m listening to the pain expressed in the voices of black people. I am attempting to hold what I think I know about things as lightly […] Read More