Summer update

It's been a busy few weeks at the Palmer home. Elise went to a Lutheran retreat, called Higher Things, and the other kids were in swimming lessons. I have been avoiding the computer somewhat and trying to finish up some projects before we start full-time school mid-August. Stan is in Hebrew, which ends the first week in August; his vicarage begins the following day.

Historical "Church Mission Statement"

Yesterday a man showed up in our driveway who was interested in seeing the church. He told us that his father was the pastor here before WWII, and that his older siblings were born in the parsonage. There is a lot of history here, and I find it fascinating. Here is another bit of history that I find very relevant to the discussions about "Church Mission Statements". The church has recently printed this in its bulletin, regarding handbills that were posted to advertise the church services during the Depression years:

English Services-First, Third, and Fifth Sundays

German Services-Second and Fourth Sundays

English Bible Classes-Sunday 9:00

This seems quaint and far away from us today-but one part of the handbill is as relevant to us today as it was when it was published, probably about 1930. It says:

The Lutheran Church

*Recognizes the preaching of the Word as its only business

*It proclaims to man, without fear or favor, the whole counsel of God

*It avoids sensationalism and practices plain Gospel preaching

*Its service does not aim to entertain but to lift up the heart to God

*It leads you to know your sins and your Savior from sin, Jesus Christ


The parts that really got my attention were the statements about avoiding sensationalism and entertainment, since that is such big part of many American churches today. There really isn't anything new under the sun, and the church's mission will never change, no matter how much "new-fangled" technology is available. Technology is a gift from God, but the church must not let the technology lead it away from the ministry of Word and Sacrament.

Wedding Photos

We recently attended our nephew's wedding and enjoyed seeing family and friends. Bethany was a flower girl, along with her cousin. Elise played preludes and postludes on the organ.

Money-saving Laundry Tip

Here is something I do to save money on laundry-I make my own fabric softener. I thought it sounded weird when I first heard of it, but decided to give it a try. It works as well as store bought softener, is way cheaper, and I always have the ingredients on hand!

1 1/2 cup white vinegar
1 c hair conditioner
3 cups water

I shake it up in an empty softener bottle, and voila! Instant softener. I even use blue conditioner, which makes it look like Downy.

Emotion-Driven Worship

Here is a great soundbite from Pastor Jon Sollberger, called, "The 'Liturgy' of Emotion-Driven Worship." It is several minutes long.

Wedding photos

In June we went to our nephew's wedding. Bethany was the flower girl, along with her cousin, and Elise played the preludes and postludes on the organ. We had a great time with family and friends.

Pentecost Prayer

Today we observe Pentecost, the day God sent the Holy Spirit to establish the New Testament church (see Acts 2). We prayed the following prayer in church this morning, called the Introit; this text is based on Psalm 104:24, 27-28, 30, and an antiphon from a Liturgical Text.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.
O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
These all look to you,
to give them their food in due season.
When you give it to them, they gather it up;
when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
and you renew the face of the ground.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.