Receive the Best Gift of All

This article was originally written for the December 24th edition of the Knoxville Journal Express.

Receive the Best Gift of All

The Christmas season is filled with joy and many activities. Most people have family traditions that they enjoy each year such as Christmas tree decorating, baking, holiday parties and family meals. Many of us have traditions around gift giving.

When I was a child, we all gathered at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve. My grandma had presents for all of us which included eight adults and eleven grandchildren. Once the presents were all passed out then someone would give the OK and the kids would quickly tear into the Christmas wrapping to see what gift we received. But my grandma would just sit there with her pile of gifts on her lap, not opening a single one until the rest of us were done. Grandma put a lot of thought into her gift buying, trying to get the perfect gift and she enjoyed seeing our reaction as we opened our gifts.

As we had children we began our own traditions. One of which was a visit by a dear friend just a few days before Christmas. She would come for the evening with gifts for our children. One year she gave them a copy of her favorite Christmas movie, A Charlie Brown Christmas. This year as we celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Charles Schultz’s classic, I read a blog about a small detail that many of us miss when we watch this delightful show.

It’s in the scene where Linus answers Charlie Brown’s question of frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus, who is always shown carrying his blue security blanket, takes center stage and recites Jesus’ birth story as told in the bible, Luke 2:8-14. When Linus gets to the line “and the angel said ‘fear not’” he drops his security blanket and finishes the monologue with both hands free, as he proclaims the Good News of Jesus’ birth.

Fear is real and can be a stumbling block for receiving the goodness that God offers. With recent terrorist attacks in California and Paris, some fear for their or their family’s safety. Many people are dealing with a loss of a loved one, a relationship or a job and fear what’s next or how they will make it through another day. When we hold on to fear, we can’t receive the gifts that God gives, namely the gift of God’s son, Jesus who came to us as a baby born in Bethlehem.

Here in America, we are known to be some of the busiest people in the world. We will often ask, “What can I do?” or “What should I be doing now?” The gift that God gave in the birth of Jesus is freely given through God’s grace and love. In faith all we need to do is drop our insecurities and open our arms to receive the best gift of all. As Linus proclaimed “glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill towards men. That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”

I invite you to begin a new tradition or return to your childhood tradition of worshiping on Christmas Eve where you’ll hear through song, scripture and a faith community what Christmas is all about. Worship in your faith tradition or join us at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1506 S. Attica Rd., Knoxville at 5:00pm or 8:00pm. We will have special music, a children’s message and candle lighting at both services. Merry Christmas and may you receive and trust in the best gift ever given, the gift of Jesus.

Pastor Kristine Dohrmann
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Unity in Christ

This was written for the Devotion Page of the 08.21.2015 edition of the Knoxville Journal Express.

Oct. 31, 2017, will mark the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation when Martin Luther, priest and college professor posted his 95 Theses in Germany. Our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is making plans to celebrate this milestone as an opportunity to bear witness to the hope and joy we have through Jesus Christ.

The 500^th anniversary of the Reformation also makes us aware of the differences that have separated Christians. People will often ask, “Why are there so many different denominations?” With a smile on my face, I usually respond “because we couldn’t get along.” Although there is truth to this statement, it is a pretty simplistic answer. In reality it’s more complicated than this. When I studied church history, we learned about the social and economic conditions of the time, the kings in power, the territories trying to be won and the specific theological argument that was being made by the conflicting sides.

After almost 500 years of division, the Catholic and Lutheran Christians have come together for a common commemoration of the Reformation in 2017 and published From Conflict to Communion, a report of the Lutheran-Roman Catholic commission on unity. The forward states “Catholic and Lutheran Christians will most fittingly look back on events that occurred 500 years earlier by putting the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center. The gospel should be celebrated and communicated to the people of our time so that the world may believe that God gives Himself to human beings and calls us into communion with Himself and His church. Herein lies the basis for our joy in our common faith.”

The desire to have all know the joy of Jesus Christ is what moves us forward in Christian unity. We know that it is the cross, the life, death and resurrection of God’s Son, Jesus that unites us. “ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling,  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6.

On one hand we understand God’s desire for us to be united but what happens when there are real differences in the interpretation of scripture and our understanding of God’s desires for God’s children? As an example, last Saturday many faithful Christians attended the Truth Exposed Rally at the State Capitol hosted by Iowa Right to Life in response to undercover videos that show employees from the Planned Parenthood organization discussing the sale of fetal tissue for medical research. Later that same afternoon Senator Joni Ernst spoke at Hormel in Knoxville where she discussed her efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and other issues. Also present at Hormel were faithful Christians who protested the senator’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Two different groups of Christians both trying to be faithful in living their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

In 2009, the ELCA adopted at their churchwide assembly a social statement on sexuality titled, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. The statement acknowledged that “consensus does not exist concerning how to regard same-gender committed relationships, even after many years of thoughtful, respectful, and faithful study and conversation.” With the recent Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, it is clear that there is still no consensus within our denomination.

In my research for a Christian Ethics paper, I came across an essay by Nancy Duff, How to Discuss Moral Issues Surrounding Homosexuality When You Know You Are Right. Duff refers to 19^th century philosopher John Stuart Mill as to why we should listen to opposing points of view, even when we know that our position is the correct one. First, Mill challenges us to admit that because we are fallible, if we silence an opposing opinion we may indeed be silencing the truth…Second, Mills points out that even if the opposing opinion is clearly in error, it may contain a portion of the truth…Finally, Mill contends that even if the opinion we hold is not only true, but represent the whole truth, it risks becoming no more than prejudice or recitation if it refuses to be in conversation with other opinions.

The unity of the church comes in acknowledging Jesus Christ as the one who brings life and this truth is greater than the differences that divide us. We need to take seriously the words of Pope John XXIII, “The things that unite us are greater than those that divide us.”

Christ in Community

          In my public vocation as a pastor, I’m privileged to do many things on behalf of the church. One of my favorites is leading the blessing rite in worship. Our congregation has the tradition of blessing and honoring the high school seniors. This past Sunday, as part of our “Youth Sunday” we blessed two young men graduating from high school.

          The rite began with a reminder of this milestone in life and that their community of faith wished to show their support as fellow believers in Jesus Christ. Then we heard words from scripture read by two other high school students. As the leader, I addressed the graduates to let them know we celebrate with them and to remind them that we will pray for them during this transition in life. Then we prayed for God’s guidance and for the Holy Spirit to go with them into the future. I asked the community if they would promise to keep the graduates and their families in their prayers and to help the graduates as need and opportunity arise. They responded with “we will.”

          In our baptismal rite, the congregation also made a similar promise “do you promise to support and pray for them in their new life in Christ?” The blessing of graduates is an opportunity to be reminded that we are a community of faith, bonded together as God’s children, no matter what our age. The blessing of graduates’ rite ends with the best part, speaking a blessing upon the graduates:

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord watch over you and keep you safe.
May the Lord guide your every step.
May you always know of our unending love for you.
Amen.

          I have only been a pastor for two years but both times I've led this rite, my voice has cracked and the emotion has arose in me at the words, “May you always know of our unending love for you.” I think it’s because these words match so closely to the authentic Christian Community that is present in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Knoxville, Iowa. I fight back tears saying these words because I have seen this community embrace people with a loving “welcome home” mentality not a “where have you been?” condemnation.

          As we near the end of the season of Easter and approach Pentecost Sunday, I am reminded that through the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ we have an embodied faith. That we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit so we, in our lives, may also embody the faith. 1 John 1:1 reads, “We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.”

          As my worship professor stated numerous times, “God calls us individually into community.” Authentic Christian communities embody the faith and through the encouraging words, the hand shakes and pats on the back, and the weekly gathering at the table sharing bread and wine, the very presence of Christ is made known. Just like the travelers on the Road to Emmaus, some youth may not recognize Christ in their midst but someday they will look back and recognize that Christ was there truly present in the authentic Christian community of their youth.

          In what ways do you experience Christ in community?

Peace in the Midst of the Storm

I really love a big snow storm like the 10 inches that we had this past weekend. Yes, you read that correctly, I love it when we get a storm with a significant amount of snow. Despite the work it takes to clean the driveway and walks there is just something about a good snow storm.

I know there are many that don’t agree with me. Some of you have jobs where you have to work outside in the elements which makes your job tougher. I am grateful for the hard work of our police officers, road crews and other service workers that keep us safe in the midst of a storm. I’m also aware that a storm can cause extra strain on agencies that help low income families and those without adequate housing. I am grateful for a warm house where I can enjoy the beauty of the snow through my window without having to worry about having enough money to pay this month’s heating bill.

Some agree with me that the snow is pretty but then also make the point that two inches of snow is just as pretty as ten but a lot less work. This is true but what I like about a big snow storm is the peace that comes with the storm. You see, a big snow storm makes us all stop our normal routines. Instead of running two or three errands after work or driving the kids from this event to that one, we stay home. In the midst of a storm, we get a reprieve from the expectation that we can do all and be all. We get a moment of peace.

When I opened the back door last Sunday morning to let our dog outside, I was struck not just with the beauty of the fresh snow but also by the sound. The blanket of fresh snow had made an acoustical foam over nature. It was so quiet and peaceful, I was in awe of God’s presence in the stillness. In John 14:27a Jesus said to his disciples “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” The world gives us many demands, brokenness and pain but God, through the gift of the resurrected Jesus, gives us peace.

Sometimes life is going full speed and we feel like we’re in the midst of a storm. It is in those times that we have a hard time feeling God’s peace. The big snow storm helped me to see, hear and know the peace of Jesus Christ. But we don’t need a big snow storm to know God’s peace. God has given us peace through the gift of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. If you want to know more about “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” and are not already active in a church then come visit Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for Sunday morning worship at 9:00 am or visit one of the many vibrant churches in our community. There is peace in the midst of the storm.

Pastor Kristine Dohrmann
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Knoxville

Joy to the World...Bah, Humbug!

(This was written for the December 19, 2014 edition of the Knoxville Journal Express)

One of my favorite things to do this time of the year is to listen to Christmas music. There are so many great songs that can put me in the Christmas spirit. I find myself singing along…”It’s the most wonderful time of the year” ♫ “Joy to the world” ♪ “Have yourself a merry little Christmas.” Despite my pleasure of these songs and the whole Christmas Season, I know this time of the year can be really difficult for some people. Instead of singing along to Christmas carols or wishing people, “Merry Christmas!” some people just want to shout “Bah, Humbug!”

It’s not that the “Bah, Humbuggers” are rude or mean people. It’s just sometimes life can be hard and the Christmas season reminds us of the things we’ve lost. We are reminded of the pain we have from the death of a loved one, or the distance between our family members, or the sorrow over a broken relationship, or the crushed hope of a dream that never came true. When we are experiencing some of life’s lows, we may feel more like Ebenezer Scrooge than we want to admit. We want to know what we can do to get rid of our grumpiness.

You see that is part of the problem, we are always thinking about what we can do. There is already so much to do this time of the year that the last thing we need is to put additional pressure on ourselves to do even more. The true joy of Christmas is that we have been given a gift from God in the form of a baby named Jesus. It’s a gift just waiting to be received.

If there is one thing we need to do this time of the year it is to hear the Christmas Story. Not the story written by Charles Dickens where Mr. Scrooge changes his attitude out of fear but the story written out of love, by God. You see God so loved the world that he sent his Son into the world for us, all of us! This is a gift indeed! “’Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

The gift of God always being with us is what helps us through the lows of life. The miracle of God coming to earth as a baby helps us to know that God has experienced life’s pains, disappointments and losses just like we experience. Knowing that God is with us keeps us from feeling alone when everyone else seems so joyful.

If you have never heard the true Christmas story or if it has been a while, then please join one of our local churches on Christmas Eve to hear and experience the joy of God’s greatest gift. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will have two Christmas Eve services, 6:00pm and 8:00pm, both with candle light and communion. The 6:00pm worship will include a children’s message and both services will have special music along with singing some of our favorites like “Joy to the World.” All are welcome!

God’s Peace to you and your family. Pastor Kristine Dohrmann

Fitting In

            As we grow older, we often look back and share memories from growing up. Things like our family size, where we lived, and the schools we attended. What do you remember most about school? Was it a favorite teacher? Maybe it was a sport you played, a subject you enjoyed or the friends you made. Most of us have fond memories of school but we can also remember those times that were just plain awkward. You know, like standing there in your gym clothes waiting to be picked for a team. Or how about walking into the crowded lunch room searching for a familiar face, desperately looking for someone to invite you to join their lunch group.

            We often think that “fitting in” is just a middle school problem, but it’s not. Last week I attended a conference with other Lutheran pastors in my synod. The event started Sunday evening with a delicious BBQ dinner on the lawn of the hosting church, just across the street from a beautiful city park. I was a little late arriving so others were already sitting at tables eating their dinner, enjoying the weather, music and each other’s company. I got in line, filled my plate and then found myself searching the tables for a familiar face. I had a flashback to middle school and that awkward feeling of wondering where I fit in. On my way to the food line, I had seen my friend and former pastor but her table was already full. So now what? Was I brave enough to approach a table of people I didn’t know? If I stood there too long people may begin to notice and start talking about the “new girl.” Finally, I spotted a colleague from my conference and sat down at an open seat at his table. No matter how old we are, we still get uncomfortable in new situations. We like things to be familiar, we want to feel like we fit in.

            The situation of wanting to fit in with my colleagues made me think about church and being a part of a Christian community. God has created us to live in community. We have several books of the bible written by leaders like Paul, Peter and John, to the early church. These are letters of encouragement to Christian communities who are struggling with many things but generally they are just trying to figure out what it means to be the church, you could say they are feeling like they don’t “fit-in” with the world around them.

When we’ve strayed away from church or have never attended a church worship service before, it can be really hard to walk into that church building. We wonder if we’ll know anyone. Will people stare at me and know that it’s been a really long time since I’ve worshipped? Will I know what to do or the songs that they sing? These are all legitimate concerns based out of our desire to fit in. But the desire of God wanting us to be together in Christian community, can override our fears and concerns.

Yes, walking into a church for worship can be a little awkward but what I continually hear from visitors is that they felt welcomed here in this Christian community. If it’s been a while since you’ve attended church, I invite you to join us or a Christian community that is familiar to you. Here in this place, you’ll feel the love of a community that doesn’t have all the answers but finds joy in walking together in faith as we try and “fit in” to the world around us. Come join us, all are welcome! “We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” (1 John 1:3-4)

Reflection on my 1st Year as Pastor

       June 1^st was the one-year anniversary of my call to public ministry as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. As I was attending our annual Synod Assembly this past weekend, I was reminded that last year at Assembly, I was nervous about starting my First Call. This year I was more relaxed as I participated in the election of our synod bishop and lead one of the forums. Over the weekend and as we heard from our guests like ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, I was reminded about our oneness in Christ. I began to think about and reflect on my first year in public ministry.

       My journey of preparation for public ministry was longer than most. It was 10 years from the time when my pastor said, “I think you’re being called into ministry” and I was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Because I originally discerned the call to ministry as a lay professional, I spent extra time in school and have both a Master of Arts and a Master of Divinity degree. What I learned in the classroom from my church history, bible, theology, preaching, pastoral care and Christian education courses were important in helping to prepare me for public ministry. But what I rely on most is not something that was taught in the classroom, read in a book or even learned during my internship. What I rely on most is my own relationship with God.

      It is my trust in the Triune God that allows me to proclaim God’s grace to others. It is God’s strength that I draw upon while ministering to a family who is saying good-bye to their loved one. It is God’s wisdom that has given me the words that others need to hear as I sit at my dining room table on Saturday night desperate to finish Sunday’s sermon. It is God’s abiding presence that comforts me when lonely and calms me when anxiety arises. It is knowing God’s promise in my own baptism that gives me the courage to speak with boldness to another, “As God’s beloved child, you are loved and forgiven.”

     During the Synod Assembly, what I noticed was the Holy Spirit at work in and through those assembled. We sensed the Holy Spirit’s presence in worship, in the re-election of Bishop Michael Burk and in Bishop Eaton’s voice as she passionately presented and preached. As we prepare to celebrate Pentecost this Sunday, I am reminded of the Holy Spirit uniting us into one body. During my year at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, I had a couple of memorable encounters with the Holy Spirit. One of those encounters occurred while doing exegetical work on Ephesians 1:15-23. As I reflect on my 1^st year as a pastor, I again hear Paul’s words of thanksgiving and prayer in this passage as the church’s corporate prayer for not only me, called and ordained as pastor, but for all of Jesus’ disciples who are called to proclaim and worship the crucified and risen Christ. “The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.” Ephesians 1:23 taken from The Message.