Pastor's Blog

I’m re-starting something this week that I haven’t done in 40 years. I’ve played guitar for many years, mostly perfecting the five chords that will play any campfire song or children’s chapel service, but finally I am ready to get serious.

I have loved our sermon series “None of Your Business and Other Words of Grace.” First, because saying, “None of your business,” is fun to say, but also because the tag line reminds us that these words are a big relief off our shoulders.

Come and hang out with other families of Christ Lutheran and deepen your relationship and the relationship of our children. 

I remember my confirmation in 1976. I was in ninth grade. Pastor Knutson had the words taped to the back of his hands as he laid his hands on my head and recited the prayer, “Father in heaven, for Jesus’ sake, stir up in Scott the gifts of your Spirit. . .”

I find that even in the midst of storms and/or troubles, helping others always brightens the day. We get outside of ourselves and remember what blessings God has bestowed upon us.

The National Youth Gathering was a blast! It was truly a great event and a wonderful time to share with our youth! I would like to say a huge thank you to our leaders and adults who helped make the trip possible.

Nineteen high school students in the Xperience recently returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.

When I walk with new Christians, people who, for the first time, are learning about God in their life, they are bombarded by miracles. I have no other way of saying it.

Instead of putting Christ Concord on the market through a broker, the Council decided instead to seek out specific organizations like Habitat for Humanity as a partner for affordable housing.

There is power in naps…I know what you might be thinking. Power naps, right? Power naps are great. You can take 15-20 minutes to rest and feel completely rejuvenated once you wake up.

On a cerebral level I understand that once upon a time Christians had it rough. Like, literally, being killed for the faith rough. I appreciate those Christians.

Have you ever heard a sermon and thought, “Yeah, but. . .”  You had questions, you wanted to go deeper on a certain point, you needed clarification on a topic?

I had always heard of “Southern hospitality” while growing up in Buffalo NY, but I was struck by the warm smiles and “bless your heart’s” that abounded upon my arrival to Charlotte more than 30 years ago.

A few years ago, I stopped watching the news. I had thought that being a grown up meant I needed to watch the 11 o’clock news before bedtime so I was informed for the next day, but eventually I stopped when I realized it was disrupting my sleep.

Unless you are the Unibomber, living in a shack in the middle of nowhere, embedded in the woods of Montana wearing tinfoil on your head, can you really, truly be off the grid?