New ELCA In the SCV!

It was a wonderful meeting last night with Bishop Nelson and Pastor Tan from the ELCA synod leading a fruitful discussion towards seeding a new congregation in the Santa Clarita Valley. With some well selected scripture and thoughtful prayer to begin, Bishop Nelson candidly informed us of our options as a gathering group of Christians, gave us the business side of running a church, an overview of the processes ahead. He then introduced Pastor George Tan, Director of Evangelical Ministries who will be working with the steering committee, a wonderfully enthusiastic speaker.

A steering committee was selected as was a facilities committee. There were talented musicians and teachers of all age groups present, expressing desire to actively participate in running the educational programs.

Questions from the gathering ranged from practical - expected costs and funding sources - to simple outpourings of pain. There is still much healing needed for many. While it was rightly called out that we need to move ahead, we also need to help those forward from where they are. Talking about it does help everyone realize they weren't the only ones to feel as they did and there is peace in that.

With 50 people present and at least that many again of family members and others that couldn't be there, there is no doubt that this is a viable congregation, moved to gather and serve in God's name.

Amazing times. Amazing God. Give Thanks.

New ELCA In the SCV?

ELCA Southwest California synod bishop Dean Nelson will lead a meeting to discuss the possibility of seeding a new Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregation in the Santa Clarita Valley.

All interested persons are invited to attend a meeting to be held:

Monday, February 22nd, 7:00pm

at:

Valencia Methodist Church
25718 McBean Parkway

Please share this information with friends that may be interested and invite all to attend!

Sunday Morning: 1 Cor 13

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Governor Jerry Brown

Don't run yet, Jerry! Let the republicans eat a few of their young before diving into the fray.

If you, dear reader, weren't here when Jerry was governor, you missed a pretty good time. He rejected the governor's mansion for a mattress on the floor of a rented apartment with Linda Rondstadt, a hot platinum-selling singer, and married wasn't part of the equation. He partied with The Eagles, ate at cheap Mexican restaurants, and drove a crappy car. Governor Moonbeam was the first partying pragmatist and he got stuff done.

Maybe that's what we need again.

Your delay past the melting of the snow on the Sierra's is wise, with the claws and teeth and saliva of rabid desire showing up in ads like this one, from Carly Fiorina, Republican desiree -



But don't wait too long, Jerry. Those of us that remember you, love you, but we aren't who you care about in this election. I'd love to see your numbers in the under-40 crowd, or actually I wouldn't, they may be a little worrisome. Coming in for the lone-needed knockout punch is risky. Totally killer when timed right, but fraught with the possibility of an unexpected uppercut taking you down in mid-stride.

This really is your last shot, and I think your up for it, dude. Do you?

Rock On.

ELCA/LCMC Wrapup

An incredible thing happened as the church I belonged two split sadly along hardly divisive lines with many of us (yes, the minority) voting against the LCMC, some of those leaving the campus for good. But, as I said, incredibly ...

There was an outpouring of love, of pain and caring and sharing and healing, and thanks, and excitement and it all really happened in about three days.

And there is peace.

Amen. Thank you, Lord. Amen.

Who knows what is ahead? A group of us are staying nicely in touch, will worship together and apart at different places and see what fits for who. Maybe a bigger plan is in store for us.

Maybe?

Thank you again, Lord. Amen.