Bethlehem Lutheran Church

It has been nearly 2 weeks since returning from NY.  Some days I feel as though it was years away.  But then I check facebook and am quickly reminded of the remaining energy and relationships created in NY.  Our students are talking about it, getting together to relive it (as best as possible), and already asking questions about next summer's trip to the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area). 

What about the space between July 21, 2008 and July/August 2009?  Do we simply live from trip to trip, or is there something more going on?

In Mark's gospel, we find Jesus taking some of his disciples high up on a mountain, apart from the crowd.  While there, Jesus becomes dazzling in color and form and with him appeared Elijah and Moses.  Jesus' disciples are in amazement.  They are energized.  They grew in deeper relationship with each other and Jesus.  So it is no wonder that Peter asks if they can simply create a permanent residence on that mountain - stay there, keep this wonderful feeling moment alive!!  His answer comes in the form of cloud that suddenly returns the normal surroundings - Jesus is once again alone and looking no different than a normal Jewish man.  And then they all descend and go back to the "real world" - crowds, expectations, surrounded by the needs of those sick, neglected.

It's easy to want to maintain those euphoric feelings.  While in NY, we were strong in number - all together with a common goal - to minister to New Yorkers, learn from New Yorkers and share together the grace and mercy offered through Jesus Christ.  And it felt good.  Even in the moments where we were stretched outside our comfort zones, we were certain that this mountain top was big enough for all of us.  Through daily devotions, VBS curriculum and worship, Jesus dazzled - all colors of the rainbow.  It was't hard to answer the daily question, "Where did you meet Jesus today?"  Jesus appeared to us constantly and consistently in the faces of Harlem kids, behind the stroke of a paint brush or in a story told by a local New Yorker.

Yet, we have descended the mountain, and unlike the disciples, we disperse and find ourselves enveloped into a variety of communities - family, friends, neighborhoods, camps, training, vacations, etc.  Is our mountain top experience meant to teach us something, to inform us as we delve back into "real life"?  Is it meant to give us the endurance and strength to part until we meet again?  I would say, yes.  But it was also meant to transform us, as individuals and as a community that is blessed to stay connected between mountain tops. 

Together on that mountain, we discovered the unique gifts represented by each.  We witnessed together the grace and love of Jesus.  We hold together a story - a story that cannot be told without each voice.  A story that has not ended, but rather has gathered momentum, enough to spill us into the metro area, serving and ministering as we did in NY.  But to do that, we need to commit to one another, to our experience, to our story.  Just as the disciples headed back to crowds needing the mercy and healing of Jesus, we walk with Jesus to meet the needs of crowds here at Bethlehem, in South Minneapolis, in Minnesota. 

Opportunities to serve and to stay connected abound:

SH Lock In, Friday - Saturday, September 20-21

Twin Cities Marathon Volunteer Sunday, October 5

WCN: Peer Ministry Training begins Wednesday, September 10, 6:30-7:45pm

WCN: Trained Peer Ministers needed to be confirmation leaders

SH Parent Connecting Night (Adults only event): Wednesday, September 17, 6:30-7:45pm

Confirmation Faith Walk volunteers needed: Saturday, October 25

Confirmation Sunday volunteers needed: Sunday, October 26