Pop the Bubble

[Jesus prays], ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-John 17:20-22


Historically American Lutheran Churches have been populated by folks of German and Swedish heritage.  There may even be a few still around that perform the service in their home language.  I can't speak for all Lutheran churches, but I know that Holy Cross has become quite a melting pot of people raised in various denominations.  Some have joined through marriage to a "life-long" Lutheran.  Some have heard and embraced the wonderful message of God's grace that Lutheran theology excels in.  Some don't really care so much about the theology, but love the folks who make up Holy Cross Lutheran Church and wanted to become a part of that.


The result is something a little different from the typical Lutheran Church.  We have people that come from other churches that bring a different emphasis to ministry... evangelism, service, prayer, worship.  We have the advantage of using all those different viewpoints to make us a better church.


The world is such a small place in these days of internet and cell phones and FaceBook.  We can't live in a bubble and expect to be effective in our ministry.  We need to use every tool at our disposal and that might very well mean borrowing what works from other Christian traditions.


Lord,
Help us to "pop the bubble" any of us might be trying to live in and embrace the whole world with your love, using any tools you have made available to us.  Help us all to work together as your Church in the world.  Amen.


Joys:  rain; short work week; getting some more things organized at home