“Beyond Rituals: A Modern Lutheran Perspective on Psalm 50”

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New Hope Lutheran Church’s mission statement is “We share our faith in Christ by treating all with respectful compassion.” Part of our work to meet the goals of this statement involves unraveling the depth of God’s word together. Today, we’re diving into a conversation with Psalm 50:7-15, seeking inspiration and divine wisdom.

As we delve into the passage, it’s clear that it’s not just a sermon or a rebuke, but rather a divine dialogue. Here, God addresses us, not as a distant deity but as an intimate ally. This conversation begins with a call to attention: “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel, I am God, your God.” (Psalm 50:7). It’s a divine summons, a reminder of our sacred covenant with God.

Diving deeper, we encounter a curious statement: “I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me” (Psalm 50:8). This suggests a shift from rituals to a more profound form of worship. While traditional offerings were crucial, God is pointing to the importance of a more intimate, personal connection with the divine.

“I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens” (Psalm 50:9). Here God refutes the misconception that He depends on our sacrifices. Instead, it reminds us that God is the creator and owner of all that exists; our material offerings are less significant than our humble devotion and commitment.

When God states, “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:9-10), it serves as a testament to His abundant provisions. As stewards of God’s creation, we should foster respect and compassion for all beings and things in our care.

The passage concludes with a beautiful yet profound call to action. “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). This final verse invites us to rely on God during our trials, to seek His divine aid in times of need. It suggests a reciprocal relationship, one of mutual honor and respect, much like our mission as a congregation in Great Falls.

In light of our shared mission, this interpretation of Psalm 50:7-15 invites us to embody our faith in Christ, not just through traditional acts of worship, but by living a life of ‘respectful compassion.’

In the words of Psalm 50, we find God inviting us into a deeper relationship, one that transcends ritual and beckons us towards love, compassion, and honor. As ELCA Lutherans, we are called not merely to observe our faith but to live it – to serve all with respectful compassion, just as Christ served us.

In-Person Worship: The Heart of Our Spiritual Journey

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In the past three years, we’ve all had to adapt to new ways of connecting, communicating, and worshiping. The advent of live-streaming has been a blessing, allowing us to continue our worship from the safety of our homes. But as we navigate the post-pandemic world, it’s crucial to remember the irreplaceable value of physical attendance at church. The heart of our spiritual journey, in-person worship, should always be Plan A.

While caution is still necessary, the national emergency related to COVID has ended, and there’s no longer a compelling need to consciously stay away unless you’re feeling unwell. It’s important to remember that our church is not just a building; it’s a community, a family. And like any family, we thrive on being together, supporting each other, and sharing our experiences.

One of the central facets of our worship is participating in the sacrament of Holy Communion. This sacred ritual, a cornerstone of our faith, cannot be performed at home without a qualified and licensed member of the clergy. It’s a communal act of worship that binds us together, reminding us of the sacrifice made for us and the love that unites us.

Moreover, face-to-face fellowship is a vital part of our spiritual growth. Sharing the peace over Zoom has been a good alternative, but it’s just that—an alternative. Nothing can replace the warmth of a handshake, the comfort of a hug, or the joy of seeing a fellow worshiper’s smile.

Live-streaming isn’t going away! It has its place and its purpose. It’s a valuable ministry for those who can’t attend on a particular Sunday due to illness, travel, or other unavoidable circumstances. It’s a lifeline that keeps us connected to our faith and our community, even when we’re physically apart. However, as we move forward, let’s remember that attending in person is almost always better. It’s about being present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It’s about being a part of something bigger than ourselves, a community of faith that uplifts, supports, and loves.

Let’s embrace the post-pandemic world with open hearts and open minds. Let’s cherish the technological advancements that kept us connected during the crisis, but let’s also remember the importance of physical presence in our spiritual journey. After all, our church is not just a place we go; it’s a family we belong to, a community we build, and a faith we live.

Let’s make in-person worship our Plan A, always.

Embracing Our Calling as Jesus’ Legacy

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Sermon Snippet for May 21, 2023

Text:  John 17:1-11

Today’s reading continues Jesus’ work of preparing his disciples for their role in the ultimate “left behind” story.  He knows that his time with them is short.  Once he has died and been raised, Jesus will not be with his closest friends and followers for long.  He will ascend to heaven, from whence he came.  His disciples, however, will be left behind.  Left behind, as theologian David Lose reminds us, “to continue the work God first entrusted to Jesus.”  

We are to be Jesus’ “living legacy” in the world, and to do this we will need Another Advocate to teach, guide, and empower us in this work.  Jesus promises to give his followers this Advocate (aka the Holy Spirit); as Lutheran Christians we believe this promise is fulfilled when we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.    So how and when does this work take place, given that even the most regular church attenders only spend about 1% of our time each week at church?  I’m guessing you spend more time at it than you think – every single day.

• Making order from chaos:  cleaning, laundry, taking out the trash, clerical/admin. work

• Feeding the hungry/thirsty:  making Kool-Aid, fixing dinner, donating to the food bank

• Mending what’s broken: drying a child’s tears, applying a band-aid, saying “I’m sorry”, fixing a flat tire/damaged toy, public advocacy, legal work, construction trades, etc.

• Inspiring hope/dreams/discoveries:  story tellers, teachers/coaches, artists of all kinds

• Caring for creation: caring for pets, recycling, gardening, mowing/watering the lawn

• Honoring each person’s dignity – saying “please/thank you”, actively listening

• Caring for the needy, working for justice & peace, prayer/praise/worship

These are only a few of the many, many ways that the work of Jesus – God’s work – continues to be carried out by regular folks like us with the help of the Holy Spirit.  In leaving us behind, Jesus prays for us, and honors us with an invitation to participate in the glory of the Trinity.  Imagine that!

Unveiling the Relationship at the Heart of Jesus’ Words

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Sermon Snippet for May 14, 2023

Text:  John 14:15-21

It’s often tempting to take passages of scripture out of context.  The first two verses of today’s reading from John’s gospel is a prime example:  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” (John 14:15-16 NRSV) If we just consider these two verses, Jesus seems to be saying that IF we love him, and IF we keep the commandments, only THEN will we receive the Advocate/Holy Spirit to be with us forever.   Such an interpretation fits really well with the “balance sheet” mentality we human beings so easily default towhere everything’s cut and dried… black and white.

Jesus, however, has something else in mind.  For Jesus, it’s always about the relationship.  When we take these verses and restore them to their proper place in the discussion Jesus is having with his disciples, the meaning is very different.  Something more like:  “BECAUSE you love me, you will keep my commandments, and [because I love you]  I will ask the Father to send you another Advocate to be with you always.”   

Jesus turns our usual way of thinking upside down.  Instead of having to earn our place in Jesus’ inner circle, he gives his all to welcome and love us unconditionally right from the start.  In God’s gift of Holy Baptism, the Holy Spirit comes to us to be with us forever as our Helper, Advocate, and constant companion on the life-long journey of faith.  The obedience that Jesus desires is a direct result of being in a transformative relationship of love and trust – not one of fear or dread.  As we practice living the way of Jesus in the company of other disciples, we find that we also become advocates, helpers, and companions – for each other, and for the world Jesus died to save.  Thanks be to God!  

Beyond Compass Points

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Sermon Snippet for May 7, 2023
Text:  John 14:1-14

In the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion, the disciples are worried and confused.  It’s clear Jesus will be going away, and they want to know where he’s going so they can follow him.  They are thinking literally in terms of compass points and highway mile markers when they ask Jesus to show them the “way”.  Jesus answers them metaphorically, saying that he is not only the Way, but also the Truth, and the Life.  

The Greek word for “way” can mean “road”, “journey”, or “way of life”.  Likewise, the word used for “truth” has several meanings.  As expected, it can mean the opposite of a lie or deception.   It can also be understood to mean “a true event” or a “realized dream or omen”.   Which begs the question:  What if we understand Jesus as the realized or embodied “dream and hope of God”?  

By virtue of Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection sin and death no longer have the last word for any of us.  We are no longer strangers and outcasts on the basis of our sin.  We are joined to God and to one another through the irrevocable promises of our baptism into Christ.  WE are freed to live our best life right here and right now – life that’s filled with gratitude toward God, generosity toward each and every one of God’s children, and the joyful care of God’s amazing world!

If Jesus IS the incarnate dream and heart of God, then to follow in his way is to live as people of hope.  Hope that is not just some “pie in the sky in the sweet by and by” kind of hope – but hope that is real in the midst of life’s challenges.  This kind of hopefulness sees and responds to the world as Jesus sees it:  one individual, one human need at a time.  It’s abundant life that flows from the very heart of God.  And it changes EVERYTHING!  Thanks be to God!

The Good Shepherd

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Sermon Snippet for April 30, 2023 — “Good Shepherd” Sunday

Suggested Reading:  John 10:1-10

The ideal of a self-less shepherd-leader was common across cultures in ancient times and can be found not only in Hebrew writings, but in the 4th century BCE writings of Aristotle, and in other places as well.  Jesus’ “lofty teaching” therefore, can be applied to religious and political leaders of many times and cultures, including our own.

Modern Americans don’t live under a monarchy, but there are those among us who see themselves as royalty by virtue of the real (or imagined!) power they hold over our society.  They individually or collectively wield power on the basis of financial wealth, personal charisma, intellect, or fear.  Jesus warns us about these individuals or groups – sheep rustlers, if you will – who are up to no good.  They have only their own interests at heart, not the well-being of the whole.  They are thieves, Jesus says, who are only there to steal and kill and destroy.  A true shepherd will care for and build up the WHOLE flock, so that everyone can enjoy more and better life together.  

Jesus’ point is that self-examination on the part of those who want to lead and discernment by those who follow them is required.  Authentic discipleship affects every facet of our daily life.  How can we claim to be “good Christians” on Sunday and then go out and vote on election day for leaders or laws that have only the best interests of some at heart?  We must look beyond what a social or political action group can do for us individually – to ask the broader-reaching questions of the kinds of policies and leaders those groups support.  Will they be “good shepherds”?  

Practicing such discernment enables and empowers us to speak out when a few become rich at the expense of many.  We can weep with and for children who suffer and die at the hands of those who are meant to love them.  We learn to see other “sheep” as Jesus sees them, treating them with compassion and dignity, and holding our elected leaders accountable for doing the same.  We begin to care for the earth, our pasture, in sustainable, life-giving ways.  When our Good Shepherd guides and directs us every day – not just on Sunday – lives are changed, and the world is a better place.

Beyond Expectations: Rediscovering Jesus in Unexpected Places

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Sermon Snippet for April 23, 2023

Text:  Luke 24:13-35

In this odd resurrection story about Jesus meeting two disciples on the road, it’s not really that surprising that at first they failed to recognize Jesus:  he wasn’t where he was supposed to be – dead or alive.  The tomb was empty, but these two hadn’t seen him alive in Jerusalem either.

Which raises a question for us here today:  when we imagine (if we imagine) Jesus, where is he?  And what is he doing?  Do we picture him as still being on the cross; or teaching, healing, and feeding people; or in heaven, whatever that looks like?

If we see him on the cross… can we recognize him among those who suffer injustice?

If he is still teaching… will we see him among those who are seeking?

If he is still healing… do we find him among those who are broken in body, mind, or spirit?

If he is still feeding… will we recognize him among the poor?

If we have difficulty recognizing Jesus in the places we MOST expect him to be, what will it take to open our eyes and our hearts so that we can recognize and follow Jesus intocircumstances and among people we LEAST expect him to be?  

Jesus is alive… and he is on the move!  Thanks be to God!

From Your Social Concerns Team

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Giant Springs and Morningside Schools continue to need a supply of clothing items for the youngest kids as they start school. They request sweat pants of neutral colors and boys and girls underwear. Supplies can be brought to the bins at church or an alternative is to send a check to New Hope (3125 5th Ave S, GF, MT 59405) designating it for these supplies and we will be happy to do the shopping for you. Thank you! Dona Shehan and your Social Concern Committee

Instructions for Celebrating Holy Communion during Covid19

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Since March 2020 we have not been able to gather together for our weekly “family meal” – the Lord’s Supper. For many of us, it’s the longest time we’ve ever gone without receiving the strengthening, nourishing, refreshing real presence of our Lord. It’s also the longest time we’ve gone without being together with the whole “communion of saints” at this shared meal. I hope you are feeling just a little bit hungry and thirsty for this means by which Christ comes to us!


That’s not to say that Christ has not been among us throughout this time of separation. Jesus is the living, incarnate, Word of God who continually meets us in the written and proclaimed Word of God. This includes the public reading of Scripture, preaching, teaching, the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, confession & absolution, music, arts, prayers, Christian witness, and service. Whew! As you can see, the Lord’s Supper (aka Holy Communion) is only one of the ways we experience the real presence of Christ.


The communion meal is unique, however, in that it is the ONLY meal we share together with the whole body of Christ – and it spans the limits of space and time. Differing from any meal we have with our immediate or extended family, this meal combines real food and drink with the real promises and presence of our living Lord. And so we take this meal seriously.


Covid19 has affected many aspects of our lives: how we greet each other, how we work, how we learn, and how we worship. Out of love and respect for each other- especially the most vulnerable among us – we have held off from sharing this meal. We want people to feel safe in giving and receiving the bread and the wine/juice of communion. We want – as much as possible – to have this be an inclusive experience for all the baptized, and that’s important in a world where people are so easily left out or left behind. In such exceptional times as these, the teachings of Martin Luther and others affirm that we have some flexibility – even where the Lord’s Supper is concerned. Still, we must remember that it is a community meal, where Jesus is the host, and not an activity that we do in private whenever and however we want. After consulting with Bishop Jungling and other leaders and colleagues throughout the ELCA, we will begin celebrating this meal together on the last Sunday of each month, beginning on July 26th.


INSTRUCTIONS

  1. We ask each individual or household to provide their own bread and wine or grape juice.
    If you are worshiping with us on-line, set out a plate with sufficient bread on it for each person to have some. Set out small cups or glasses and pour some wine or grape juice in each one. Get this ready before worship begins.
    If you are worshiping with us in-person, pack a reusable container with enough bread for those in your household and bring it with you to church. You may or may not choose to bring small juice boxes or similar containers with grape juice for each person in your family. We discourage everyone from transporting open containers of wine either to or from church. Even if you have only bread, Jesus is 100% fully present with and for you in the bread of communion!
  2. After the Sharing of the Peace and the Offering, we will take a few minutes together (at home and in-person) to prepare ourselves for Communion. One person from each family should be designated to distribute the bread/wine/juice to others in their household. It is recommended that this role be reserved for older youth and adults. Then we will speak the words of the Great Thanksgiving, and the Pastor will begin the Words of Institution:
    P: Please pick up and hold the plate or container with your bread. “In the night in which he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus took the bread. He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying “Take and eat. This is my body which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.” At this time, give each person in your household a piece of the bread, while you say: “The body of Christ given for you.” (If you are communing yourself, say: ‘The body of Christ given for me.’)
    (a brief pause will be observed to give people time to do this)
    P: Now pick up and hold the container with the juice/wine. “Again, after supper, he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it for all to drink, saying “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin. Do this for the remembrance of me.” Give each person in your household a portion of the wine/juice, while you say: “The blood of Christ shed for you.” (If you are communing yourself, say: ‘The blood of Christ shed for me.’)
    (a brief pause will be observed to give people time to do this)
    When all have communed, we will say The Lord’s Prayer together. The Pastor will give the post-Communion blessing and prayer, and the service will conclude with the Blessing, Sending Song, and Dismissal.

Communion is Making a Comeback July 26!

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Since March 2020 we have not been able to gather together for our weekly “family meal” – the Lord’s Supper. For many of us, it’s the longest time we’ve ever gone without receiving the strengthening, nourishing, refreshing real presence of our Lord. It’s also the longest time we’ve gone without being together with the whole “communion of saints” at this shared meal. I hope you are feeling just a little bit hungry and thirsty for this means by which Christ comes to us!
That’s not to say that Christ has not been among us throughout this time of separation. Jesus is the living, incarnate, Word of God who continually meets us in the written and proclaimed Word of God. This includes the public reading of Scripture, preaching, teaching, the celebration of the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, confession & absolution, music, arts, prayers, Christian witness, and service. Whew! As you can see, the Lord’s Supper (aka Holy Communion) is only one of the ways we experience the real presence of Christ.
The communion meal is unique, however, in that it is the ONLY meal we share together with the whole body of Christ – and it spans the limits of space and time. Differing from any meal we have with our immediate or extended family, this meal combines real food and drink with the real promises and presence of our living Lord. And so we take this meal seriously.
Covid19 has effected many aspects of our lives: how we greet each other, how we work, how we learn, and how we worship. Out of love and respect for each other- especially the most vulnerable among us – we have held off from sharing this meal. We want people to feel safe in giving and receiving the bread and the wine/juice of communion. We want – as much as possible – to have this be an inclusive experience for all the baptized, and that’s important in a world where people are so easily left out or left behind. In such exceptional times as these, the teachings of Martin Luther and others affirm that we have some flexibility – even where the Lord’s Supper is concerned. Still, we must remember that it is a community meal, where Jesus is the host, and not an activity that we do in private whenever and however we want. After consulting with Bishop Jungling and other leaders and colleagues throughout the ELCA, we will begin celebrating this meal together on the last Sunday of each month, beginning on July 26th.

Because circumstances have changed so radically, instructions are necessary to help this go smoothly and safely. Watch this space for more information in the coming days.