The Blog

I love this week’s gospel story where Jesus calls disciples to follow him as they are there with their nets and boats at the Sea of Galilee.  I always imagine a warm and sunny day with the brothers working together on the shore.  They are taking and joking while they work to feed their families like they have every day …

O God, You call me to follow you. Help me to see what that means. Help me to learn how you will use me. Show me how my presence, my work, and my whole life is part of bringing your love the world . Reassure me that your call is to follow, not to be perfect. Remind me that your …

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus …

There is a comfort in being known.  While there are many different kinds of people in our lives, there is something about the ones who truly know us. Someone who really gets you.  Maybe you’ve shared important experiences together, or simply been in one another’s lives for a long time.  You may have similar ways of working or joking or …

Knowing God, You see me. You understand me. You know everything in my history, how I’ve come to this place in my life. You comprehend my fears and my shortcomings. You understand my abilities and my strengths. You discern my motivations and my goals. You have been with me each day of my life and you will be with me …

 1Lord, you have searched me out; O Lord, you have known me. 2You know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You trace my journeys and my resting-places and are acquainted with all my ways. 4Indeed, there is not a word on my lips, but you, O Lord, know it altogether.  5You encompass me, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it …

As last month drew to a close, we heard lots of people commenting about how glad they were to see 2020 end.  We were all hoping that the start of the new year would offer a reset of sorts; a chance to shake off the struggles and difficulties that had filled the outgoing year and begin anew.  Perhaps we should …

God of the stars, As you guided the magi to Jesus, guide me. Set a star in my life that shows me where to find you. Show me your wisdom, your love, your peace. Empower me to follow your light toward justice, generosity, and forgiveness. Use me to shed light in the shadows of our world. Fill me with light …

1In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” 3When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with …

Scott Schul, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, visited natural and historic places in and around Concord, Massachusetts.  “Concord is one of my very favorite places on the planet, not only because of the sheer beauty of nature, but because of all the overlapping stories and histories that converge there.”   Read More Below I took this photo while my wife Linda …