FYI–32nd Street is closed for blocks around the church due to sidewalk corner replacements. They are putting in handicap curb cuts and also have most of 5th Ave S closed in front of our church. Access to the church is detoured to 31st Street for the next several weeks, and access to the handicap parking spaces on 5th Ave S may not be available.
MINISTRY DESCRIPTION FOR PART-TIME MUSIC DIRECTOR
NEW HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Conduct vocal and handbell choirs in accordance with a seasonal schedule and the groups’ abilities
• Maintain music resource office, music files and choir folders
• Oversee handbell maintenance
• Provide music schedule to choirs, pastor, and accompanist(s)
• Establish and maintain clear communication with Church Musician
• Attend Worship & Music team meetings as called by the committee chair
• Provide Personnel team with a summary of choir activities for annual evaluation
• Ensure musical selections have appropriate copyright permissions
• Facilitate special solo/ensemble music (instrumental and/or vocal)
• Coordinate with Church Musician for tuning and maintenance of pianos and organ
• Coordinate with cantors on weekly schedule and new music/liturgy
QUALIFICATIONS
• Formal training as a music educator/director is required
• Familiarity with Lutheran worship practices is preferred
• Successful applicant will be expected to be present for all regular worship services and special seasonal services during the program year (September – May) when choir/bells are scheduled
SALARY – Dependent upon experience
Psalm 19 sings a dual song of natural revelation and the beauty of God’s law. It opens with a vibrant depiction of the heavens, a cosmic display of God’s glory, segueing into an ode to the perfection of God’s Word.
The psalmist sees the universe as a grand cathedral, its celestial bodies preaching sermons of divine majesty without uttering a single word. This silent testimony resonates across the globe, a universal language of awe. Then, the focus shifts from the skies to the scriptures, from the natural order to the moral law, indicating how both creation and commandment guide humanity towards God.
The law, for the psalmist, is not a burden but a treasure, more valuable than gold, sweeter than honey. It’s a source of wisdom, joy, and enlightenment. The statutes of the Lord serve as a mirror, reflecting the reader’s soul, revealing hidden faults, and offering the promise of redemption.
In the final verses, the psalmist offers a personal prayer, a desire for purity and acceptance before God. This movement from the grandeur of the cosmos to the intimacy of personal supplication encapsulates a journey from the external to the internal, from the universal to the individual.
Psalm 19 teaches us to look up and within, to see the fingerprints of the divine in both the vastness of the universe and the depths of our hearts. It’s a reminder that God speaks to us not only through the majesty of creation but also through the clarity and conviction of His laws.
In this exquisite psalm, we find a blueprint for living a life that is in harmony with the world and the Word, encouraging us to see every sunrise as a symbol of God’s renewing grace and every scripture as a guidepost on the path to righteousness.
In the depths of despair, Psalm 22 starts with a haunting question that echoes through the ages, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet, this psalm takes us on a profound journey from the shadows of abandonment to the light of hope and deliverance. The latter verses, 23-31, shine brightly with a message of unwavering faith, communal praise, and the undeniable sovereignty of God.
Verses 23-31 invite us to shift our gaze from our troubles to the greatness of God. The psalmist calls for those who fear the Lord to praise Him. There’s a communal celebration of deliverance that transcends personal suffering. The psalm reflects a deep understanding of God’s nature — His faithfulness and mercy.
This section of Psalm 22 paints a picture of God’s kingdom, where all are fed, remembered, and called to worship. It’s a prophetic vision where the ends of the earth turn to the Lord, and future generations will be told about the Lord’s righteousness. It’s a declaration that God’s dominion is everlasting, reaching beyond the here and now to touch eternity.
The shift from lament to praise in Psalm 22 mirrors our own spiritual journeys. We often start with questions and doubts, especially in times of trouble. But as we remember God’s faithfulness in the past, our perspective changes. We move from questioning God’s presence in our lives to proclaiming His sovereignty over all circumstances.
Psalm 22, especially verses 23-31, serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope is never lost. It encourages us to praise God, not just for what He has done, but for who He is — the Lord of all, whose love and justice extend to all corners of the earth and through all generations.
In this psalm, we find a blueprint for our response to life’s challenges. It teaches us to turn our lament into worship, to trust in God’s sovereign plan, and to join the community of believers in proclaiming God’s goodness to the world.
Let’s carry the message of Psalm 22:23-31 in our hearts. In moments of despair, may we find the strength to praise. In times of abundance, may our songs of thanksgiving rise. Together, as a community of faith, we declare God’s faithfulness to every generation.
Dear church,
As Lutherans, we are accustomed to holding tension between two truths. Thus the ELCA denounces the egregious acts of Hamas, acts that have led to unspeakable loss of life and hope. At the same time the ELCA denounces the indiscriminate retaliation of Israel against the Palestinian people, both Christian and Muslim.
For the past week we have borne witness to the horrors of the escalating crisis between Israel and Hamas. We also watch a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as Israel blocks food, water, fuel and medical supplies and as airstrikes continue to cause unbearable civilian casualties ahead of a just-announced ground assault. We see Israelis and families around the world in the agonizing wait for word about the fate of loved ones killed or taken hostage by Hamas. We are in anguish, grieving and praying for all people who are living in trauma, fear and uncertainty.
Among us are Palestinian Lutherans who are fearful for their families, their communities and their homeland. In our communities we have Jewish and Muslim neighbors, who are also facing the horrors of this crisis and its impact on their loved ones.
It is difficult to find words that suffice in the complexity of this moment, and in the web of relationships that bind us together, as church, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and our interreligious partners. Yet God has called us to be a people who stand with others amid suffering.
We must also call a thing a thing. The power exerted against all Palestinian people — through the occupation, the expansion of settlements and the escalating violence — must be called out as a root cause of what we are witnessing. We are committed to our long-standing accompaniment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
The God who liberates us calls us to be a liberating witness. May it be so.
In Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Psalm 85:8-13, part of last Sunday’s reading, offers a heartfelt conversation filled with promises that feel both personal and profound.
Verse 8 begins with a declaration and a gentle warning: “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” It’s as if God is leaning in, whispering peace, but also reminding us not to slip back into old ways.
As we move through verses 9 to 11, we encounter an incredible image of salvation, glory, mercy, and truth all coming together. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a deep insight into how everything in God’s character is interconnected and how it plays out in our lives.
Verses 12 and 13 continue with a promise about the land giving its increase and righteousness going before God, guiding us in His steps. This isn’t limited to spiritual matters; it’s about real-world blessings and guidance. It’s a reassurance that God’s goodness reaches into every part of our lives.
What’s particularly striking about this passage is the emphasis on not just receiving but also listening, respecting God, and following His path. It’s a two-way street, where God’s peace, righteousness, and prosperity are there for us, but we also have a role to play.
So, as we reflect on Psalm 85:8-13, we’re invited to consider not just the comforting words but also the rich and thoughtful insights into God’s character and His promises. It’s a gentle nudge, a reminder of God’s peace, righteousness, and prosperity, and how these blessings are intertwined with our actions and choices. It’s something to carry with us, something to ponder and appreciate as we go about our week.
I was reading Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 the other day, and it really got me thinking. These verses are like a gentle reminder of who God is and what He’s all about.
Starting with verses 8 and 9, it says, “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Isn’t that something? God’s not just merciful; He’s gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger. His goodness isn’t limited; it’s for everyone, and His tender care touches everything He’s made.
Then, moving on to verses 14 to 21, there’s this beautiful picture of God’s care and righteousness. He’s there for those who fall, lifting up those who are down, and satisfying the desire of every living thing. It’s not just about providing; it’s about understanding, empathy, and care. God’s not far away; He’s close to all who call upon Him in truth.
What really hit me about this passage is how it balances God’s mercy and righteousness. He’s not just a loving God; He’s a righteous God. He looks after those who love Him and hears their cries. But there’s also this clear line between righteousness and wickedness. It’s a deep reminder that God’s love and mercy are connected with His holiness and justice.
So, if you ever need a bit of reassurance or a reminder of who God is, maybe take a moment with Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21. It’s not just comforting words; it’s a rich and thoughtful reflection on God’s character. It’s like a friend’s gentle nudge, reminding us of God’s compassion, mercy, and righteousness. It’s a pretty amazing thought, don’t you think?
Today, we’re going to take a deeper look at Psalm 65:9-13. This passage, found in the Book of Psalms, is like a vibrant sunrise, illuminating God’s nurturing love and the abundance He provides.
Our journey begins with verses 9 and 10:
“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.” (Psalm 65:9-10, NIV)
Picture God as a loving gardener, caring for the earth. He doesn’t just visit the earth; He waters it, enriches it, and prepares it for growth. It’s like He’s tending to a vast garden, making sure every ridge is watered, every furrow is settled, and every seed is blessed. It’s a beautiful image of God’s nurturing love.
Next, we move on to verses 11 through 13:
“You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” (Psalm 65:11-13, NIV)
These verses are like a grand feast after a successful harvest. God doesn’t just provide; He provides in abundance. He crowns the year with bounty, and His paths overflow with richness. The pastures and hills are not just filled; they’re overflowing, clothed with flocks and decked with grain. It’s a celebration of God’s abundance, and it’s so joyous that even the earth itself seems to be singing!
In a nutshell, Psalm 65:9-13 is like a heartwarming story of God’s nurturing love and the abundance He provides. It reminds us of how God cares for the earth and provides for it in abundance. So, as we go about our day, let’s carry these verses in our hearts, letting them inspire us to appreciate God’s nurturing love and His abundant provisions.
Today’s passage, tucked away in the Book of Psalms, is like a warm cup of tea on a cold day, filled with reminders of God’s love, compassion, and the promise of His eternal kingdom. So, let’s get comfy and dive right in.
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
Imagine the kindest person you know. Now, amplify that kindness a thousandfold. That’s a glimpse of God’s character according to these verses. He’s not just kind, He’s gracious, compassionate, patient, and overflowing with mercy. And the best part? His goodness isn’t exclusive. It’s for everyone, and His tender mercies touch everything He’s made. It’s like a universal hug from the Creator Himself!
“All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”
These verses are like a grand symphony where every instrument is tuned to sing praises of God’s mercy. Everything God created and all His saints join in this cosmic concert, speaking of His kingdom’s glory and His power. And why? To share the good news of God’s mighty acts and His kingdom’s majestic beauty with everyone. It’s like the best viral post, spreading love and awe of God’s kingdom.
Finally, we reach verses 13 and 14:
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”
These verses are like a promise carved in stone. God’s kingdom isn’t a temporary setup. It’s here to stay, forever. His rule isn’t just for now, it’s for all generations. And if you’re feeling low, remember, God’s got your back. He’s there to hold you when you fall and lift you up when you’re down. It’s the ultimate reassurance from a loving God.
In a nutshell, Psalm 145:8-14 is like a love letter from God. It reminds us of His boundless love, the joy of praising Him, and the promise of His eternal kingdom. So, as we go about our day, let’s carry these verses in our hearts, letting them inspire us to reflect on God’s enduring love and His promise of an everlasting kingdom.
