The Independent Catholic Christian Church is a very small jurisdiction, but I'm very happy that we are now offering three services weekly, with an additional service each month (see here for a listing). Of course, St. Mary of Grace parish offers Mass each Sunday at 6. Each Monday night at 10:30 EST, the Traditional Liturgy Apostolate offers Vespers and Compline by the innovative method of conference call. Wednesdays, we offer Vespers and Eucharist here at the chapel in my home, as a joint effort of the parish, the AIHM order, and the cathedral chapter. And on the first Friday of each month, the Heart of Jesus Healing Ministry offers a healing Mass.
Through the liturgy of the Eucharist and the Divine Office, we are drawn by Christ into the hidden life of the Trinity, and I am pleased that we are able to offer people these regular opportunities to be so drawn into the divine life.
ICCC Priest Accused of Heresy!
Fr. Chris Tessone is completely orthodox in his adherence to the creeds and ICCC doctrine. He offers insightful commentary at his blog, Even the Devils Believe, and he has recently started the Traditional Liturgy Apostolate of the ICCC, with seminarian Michael Shirk, to provide opportunities for traditional liturgical prayer, including Vespers and Compline from the Monastic rite each Monday. So why is he being accused of heresy, and by whom?
The above committee feel that he has committed a grave offense against both faith and morals by his recent post "Friday Cat Blogging: Canine Edition", defiling the holy and sacred Cat Blogging tradition by the inclusion of profane dogs. This committee is currently deliberating about the penalties they will demand -- my suspicion is that Allie will demand the skinning alive of the dog in question (given her constant fears that I, the phone, random pieces of dust, etc. might skin HER alive), whereas Charles will demand that Fr. Chris feed him cat treats (Charles' solution to most situations -- my putting clean laundry in the sock drawer while he is sleeping there, my leaving for work, Tuesday, etc.).
The above committee feel that he has committed a grave offense against both faith and morals by his recent post "Friday Cat Blogging: Canine Edition", defiling the holy and sacred Cat Blogging tradition by the inclusion of profane dogs. This committee is currently deliberating about the penalties they will demand -- my suspicion is that Allie will demand the skinning alive of the dog in question (given her constant fears that I, the phone, random pieces of dust, etc. might skin HER alive), whereas Charles will demand that Fr. Chris feed him cat treats (Charles' solution to most situations -- my putting clean laundry in the sock drawer while he is sleeping there, my leaving for work, Tuesday, etc.).
Servant Leadership
Jesus exemplified servant leadership, the name being coined from this statement, “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26, Today’s New International Version). Lussier and Achua define it as “leadership that transcends self-interest to serve the needs of others, by helping them grow professionally and personally” (Lussier & Achua, 2007, p. 515). The lack of self-interest distinguishes it from transformational leadership (Winston & Patterson, 2005, p. 26).In challenging the process, enabling others to act or encouraging the heart, the only way to be sure of acting as a servant leader is to be in close communion with God, asking ourselves, “Whose approval are we seeking?” This morning in reading 1 Thessalonians 2, I was struck by these few words “approved by God” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, New Revised Standard Version). Paul’s focus was “pleas[ing] God who tests our hearts” (4b) (Gauvin, 2008).
It must flow from relationship with God because our hearts are not trustworthy (Jeremiah 17:9). Paul struggled (see Romans 7:21-25), as do we. Our only assurance is reliance on God’s grace, not our own efforts. Martin Luther often said we are simultaneously saints and sinners. In Table Talk, he said:
The Holy Scriptures, especially
References
Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version.
Gauvin,
from http://claimedgatheredandsent.blogspot.com/2008/04/kix-politics
-approval.html.
Lussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2007). Leadership Theory, Application, Skill
Development (3rd ed.).
Luther, M. (2004). Table Talk [Electronic version].
Classics Ethereal Library.
Winston, B. E., & Patterson, K. (2005). An Integrative Definition of Leadership.
Working paper. Regent University School of Leadership Studies.
Photo from Flikr
Incarnational Living: How does this play out?
Parts of the lectionary readings from Tues. really got me thinking. I could not decide which reading to meditate on. Something in each one grabbed me. Ps. 149:4 regarding the Lord's pleasure in his people, Exodus 40:38 -- God's presence with the people through each part of the journey, and 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 with its instructions on how to live incarnational lives. So these bits from the readings all seem interconnected.
I had a great diagram of this in Word, but don't know how to add it here, so just imagine a cycle of the above in a circle: 1. God's delight in us. 2. His presence every stage of our journey. 3. Living an incarnational lifestyle--bearing witness of his presence in our lives, and then back to #1 bringing us full circle.
Speaking of full circle, remember what we read from Acts on Sunday? Ah yes, the all too familiar story of Stephen's stoning. Martyrdom was the stage of the journey where Stephen found his Lord's presence. He bore witness to God's presence, behaving properly toward unbelievers by praying for them...which takes him full circle to God delighting in his servant.
We may not be called to martyrdom, but certainly can bear Christ's likeness throughout our daily lives, even through small things. Earlier as I was writing, a neighbor's dog was howling. The neighbors seem generally clueless concerning how to behave as good neighbors. But rather than just being frustrated at their cluelessness, I prayed for them. What about you? What are those times when you have been aware of God's delight, known his presence in your stage of the journey, and found yourself living incarnationally? See my previous post for one woman's journey. Peace.
Picture from flickr.
This Rocked Me
You ever read something and you know you've been nailed--those thoughts, actions, feelings that we don't like to admit to, well...we have to own up to them. Please read this article at Gifted for Leadership and you too may be rocked. What do you think? My husband's reaction was that person should not even be considering ministry. I don't know, I think she was just being very honest about those things we'd like to pretend we wouldn't feel or do.
Picture from klikr.
Another kind of stewardship
Stewardship is frequently equated with giving money at church, but reaches far beyond that concept alone. Often we've heard the three t's: time, talent, and treasure. One of our great treasures is this wonderful earth we live in. Thanks to Mark Daniels for posting this and bringing it to our attention.
from markdaniels.blogspotposted with vodpod
The Reformers and Islam
While working in Bethlehem in the 1980s with Project Redemption, we came to understand Islam as a Christian cult. Mohammad had gotten only a Nestorian view of Christianity. It was an incomplete picture.
Mon. night at a Bible study/study of the Lutheran confessions at Emanuel, we watched a video taped lecture of Tim Wengert, on the confessions. Muslims are mentioned (called Mohammedens) in Article 1 of the Augsburg Confession, along with some other groups. Dr. Wengert explained Islam is considered a christogical heresy. I felt like I was back in Bethlehem! Even Luther and Melancthon viewed Islam as a Christian cult. Though we are divided on the person of Christ, we have numerous commonalities from which to build bridges.
Picture from Photo Galerie German Fulbright.
Finding My Voice
Kouzes and Posner in The Leadership Challenge cite "finding your voice" (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 44) as essential to being congruent and credible in leadership. This is necessary to "model the way,"(Kouzes & Posner, p. 13) one of the "Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership"(Kouzes & Posner, p. 13). They write, "There's the message we want to deliver, and then there's the expression of that message. It's about having a voice and about giving voice" (Kouzes & Posner, p. 44). To find our voices, we must clarify our values and express ourselves. Without fully comprehending "the values, beliefs, and assumptions that drive [us]" (Kouzes & Posner, p. 44), we cannot be credible leaders.
These are concepts we have thought about and discussed a lot in the classes Creating Shared Vision and Personal Leadership for Change. So, when I saw the post Finding Your Voice on Gifted for Leadership, my curiosity was piqued. It is a short, worthwhile post on the matter. The great thing about their blog is it specifically addresses some of the issues women in leadership positions face. Enjoy.
Picture from fotosearch.
These are concepts we have thought about and discussed a lot in the classes Creating Shared Vision and Personal Leadership for Change. So, when I saw the post Finding Your Voice on Gifted for Leadership, my curiosity was piqued. It is a short, worthwhile post on the matter. The great thing about their blog is it specifically addresses some of the issues women in leadership positions face. Enjoy.
Picture from fotosearch.
Reference
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2002). The Leadership Challenge (3rd ed.). San Francisco:
Jossey-Bass.
Jossey-Bass.
Justice Revival
Revival is not something Lutherans discuss much, except with possible disdain when it comes to its seemingly inherent emotionalism. Jim Wallis at Sojourners has a different idea about revival though and is conducting justice revivals. Here is a clip of one in conjunction with a Vineyard Church.
More on good shepherds
Ezekiel 34 hit very close to home for me. A few weeks ago, we heard of a pastor friend, who had married us, and a situation he was involved in. What the repercussions will be, only God knows, but it brought me up short, reminding me of the need for faithfulness in fellowship with Christ so I can be a faithful shepherd to whatever flock I am responsible for now and in future ministry. Good and godly leadership comes from the inside out. Leaders can only lead based on their values and who they are. I do not want to be as the shepherds Ezekiel addresses, indicted by God as faithless, careless shepherds.
Blenkinsopp aptly notes, “Pastoral office is a response to needs that call out for selfless dedication and unremitting solicitude,”[1] leadership being a sacred trust. Leaders must be concerned for the “least of these” (Mt 25). The issue is not orthodoxy or orthopraxy, but compassionate care, as modeled throughout Jesus’ ministry. It is all about God and his people, not about us.
We hear echoes of Ezek 34:16 in Luke 19:10’s Jesus seeking and saving the lost and John 10’s good shepherd passage. Christ’s compassion and love is evident throughout his ministry. May that be the earmark of our ministry as well.
[1] Joseph Blenkinsopp, Ezekiel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, ed. Patrick D. Miller, Jr. (Louisville, John Knox Press, 1990), 157.
Picture from geocities.
I beg to differ with Pr. Jeff
In reading Pr. Jeff's recent post, regarding former President Jimmy Carter's laying a wreath on the grave of Yasser Arafat, we will have to agree to disagree. He was a saint by no means nor was he the worst sinner either. Having lived in Palestine in the 1980s during the first Palestinian uprising, I could see there was more than enough blame to go around for all parties concerned, not just Israeli and Palestinian. Christian Zionists didn't help the situation either with their blanket approval of everything Israel did and their blanket condemnation of all things Palestinian.
It has been wonderful the last five years to be here in the New England Synod, a companion synod to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land because of my time spent there. Bishop Munib Younan was the keynote speaker at last year's New England Synod Assembly. Here is a link to the PowerPoint he presented. A number of visits have been made to the Holy Land by folks from this synod to visit not just the holy places, but the holy people, the living stones, our brothers and sisters in Christ in that place.
"Blessed are the peacemakers" (Mt 5:9). Let us pray for the whole people of God.
Picture from the ELCJHL website.
Kix, Politics, & Approval
How many of us remember the Kix ad with the tagline, "Kid tested, mother approved?" I always felt good about getting Kix for my kids because it was basically healthy, low in sugar etc., not because of the cereal's motto, though I did as a mother approve.
We see political ads ad nauseum at this time of year and we hear plenty of "My name is [insert your favorite (or least favorite) candidate's name] and I approve of this message." One does get some sense of credibility in hearing that statement. At least the candidate knows what's being said of him/her.
One of this morning's lectionary readings was from 1 Thessalonians 2 where Paul is defending his ministry. As I was prayerfully reading this, what particularly struck me was these few words "approved by God." It is God's approval that Paul could look to in defense of his work, his concern: "pleas[ing] God who tests our hearts."
And me? I have a rather high need for approval of others. I may not show it outwardly, but it is there. When a couple of friends weren't comfortable doing a Leadership Trait Questionnaire for my Leadership: Creating Shared Vision class, all I could think of was how bad my traits must be that they would be uncomfortable completing it. Ray thought I was overreacting, which is probably true, but we all like praise.
How can we be effective leaders or pastors of God's people if we keep seeking the approval of others whether they be mothers, candidates or parishioners? I don't know about you, but I want to be God approved, with "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Mt 25:23) being all I need to hear. Lord in your mercy...hear our prayer.
Picture courtesy of Geocities.
Good Shepherd Sunday
For those of us that worship at liturgical churches that use the lectionary, today is Good Shepherd Sunday. This seems especially apropos since in my undergrad Prophets class, my exegesis was on Ezekiel 34 which addresses shepherds who did not look after the sheep, but only cared for themselves. Today's scripture readings were Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10.
God certainly delights in driving a point home to us, doesn't he? The passages from Ps 23 and John 10 went through my mind frequently while studying Ezekiel 34 and reading others' posts. As always, the Lord models the way for us and enables us to follow.
| Bad Shepherds | Good Shepherd |
| Like having no shepherd at all. | God the shepherd. |
| Feed selves. | Feed sheep with good pasture. |
| Did not strengthen the weak. | Strengthens weak. |
| Did not heal the sick. | Heals sick. |
| Did not bind up injured | Binds up injured |
| Did not bring back strays. | Searches for/brings back strays. |
| Did not seek the lost. | God will rescue them. |
| Ruled with force and harshness. | Provide place to lie down and rest. |
| Caused them to be scattered and exposed to wild animals. | Gathers them. |
| Caused them to wander. | Brings them home. |
This is just from Ezekiel 34.
It is written of more poetically in Psalm 23.
In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd who protects and cares for the sheep. Now the issue is not one regarding shepherds and sheep, but leaders and their constituents, pastors and people. What kind of shepherds are we? By the way, the shepherd in this picture is female!
Exemplary Leadership
Leaders must model the way since “People first follow the person, then the plan” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 15). Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6, Today’s New International Version). Jesus modeled the way. Jesus is the way.
Leaders inspire a shared vision by, “…gaz[ing] across the horizon of time, imagining the attractive opportunities … when they and their constituents arrive at a distant destination” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 15). Jesus prayed, “That they may be one as we are one…so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23).
Challenging the process, “Leaders venture out” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 16). Jesus’ entire ministry challenged the religious status quo (John 2:14-15, for instance). He was continually challenged concerning his methods.
“Leaders make it possible for others to do good work” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 18). Jesus sent the disciples out without him (Mark 6:7) and gave the Holy Spirit for empowerment. He prepared them so that they accomplished great things.
“Leaders encourage the heart of their constituents to carry on” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 19). Jesus embodied “Genuine acts of caring [that] uplift the spirits and draw people forward” (Kouzes & Posner, p. 19). A small band multiplied because of this (Matthew 11:28).
Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2002). Leadership Challenge (3rd ed.).
Jossey-Bass.
Promoting Vision
The first step to promoting vision is to align personal values. According to Leading Coherently, “…leadership performance was markedly aligned to values and purpose, both in character and behavior” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 53). One can only lead out of who he or she is. Hesselbein states, “…leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do it … in the end we know that it is the quality and character of the leader that determines performance and results” (Levesque, 2003).
Step two is listening to your followers. “To attract people from divergent backgrounds and interests, you must discover what aspirations, goals, needs, and dreams they have in common” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 161). This can be accomplished in any number of ways: eating lunch with employees, being more visible, and “hanging out” (Kouzes & Posner, p. 168).
Step three is aligning visions which is “…the process of bringing individual visions into agreement with each other so they support and complement each other—creating a larger vision that encompasses all the individual visions” (Stoner, Zigarmi, & Blanchard, 2003, p. 10). Once that is accomplished, the means to bring vision into reality can be devised.
Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2002). Leadership Challenge (3rd ed.).
Levesque, C. (2003). A matter of being. Association Management, 55(1), 63-66. Retrieved
Stanford-Blair, N., & Dickman, M. H. (2005). Leading Coherently: Reflections From
Leaders Around the World.
Stoner, J., Zigarmi, D., & Blanchard, K. (2003). Creating Your Organization's Future:
The Full Steam Ahead! Field Guide.
Crossing Chasms
We have all had those impossible looking chasms to cross while holding on for dear life to God's promises. Gifted for Leadership has a great post concerning that. Check it out.
What do you think? Is this something you can identify with?
What do you think? Is this something you can identify with?
Social Justice Integral To the Gospel
An interesting series is taking place at Jim Wallis' blog. I just read part two of five on social justice. The author is a Vineyard pastor, a group which rightly or wrongly I always associated with typically conservative, charismatic, evangelical convictions. This may be the case generally, but this pastor is well aware of the bigger picture: what the kingdom of God is about. Take a look.
Vision Without Sight
My husband Ray, “used adversity to sharpen … vision for how … to invest in … life.” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, pp. 34-35). Ray is blind. Born prematurely, concerned for lung development, pure oxygen use caused blindness, though he retained sight until 26 years old.
Ray “seized and created leadership opportunities” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35), leading a productive life, making Eagle Scout, serving on student council, and when blind, was assistant scoutmaster. Following college, Ray taught until deteriorating eyesight hindered him. Ray “used early work experiences to refine and clarify [his] leadership purpose” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35). Having completed rehab, Ray started work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for
I hoped … individuals… could use me as a role model; since being blind, I could demonstrate … with training, the necessary accommodations, and …understanding … of an employer… if I could be … earning a living … being …productive … they …could do likewise. (Gauvin, 2008)
Ray leads at church having spearheaded the men’s group, chaired stewardship, etc. Ray “Defin[ed] and articulate[ed] [his] … calling by making the most of challenges,” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35). Ray has led great changes in my life: moving to R. I., continuing school, and preparing for ministry, wanting to be a “future pastor’s spouse.” “We lead from the essence of who we are as a person” (Kouzes & Posner, 2003, p. 43) characterizes Ray’s leadership in church, work, and home.
Gauvin, R. N. (2008, March 20). Retirement Letter.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2003). The Leadership Challenge (3rd ed.).
Francisco
Stanford-Blair, N., & Dickman, M. H. (2005). Leading Coherently: Reflections From
Leaders Around the World.
Grace Upon Grace-reflecting on Ezekiel 20:1-32
Several things are striking about Ezekiel 20:1-32. The first is God’s response via Ezekiel when the elders of the people came to “inquire of the Lord” (Ezek 20:1). It sounds like a good thing that they would want to seek God’s will. We are not told what they wanted to ask and “guesswork is pointless in view of Yahweh’s total repudiation of any right or privilege … to inquire of him about his designs.”[1]He responds with a detailed, painful history of disobedience despite God’s mercy and blessing. Things are not always, as they seem because “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Personally, to discern and not take things at face value is something perhaps we all need to work on.
Repeatedly God blesses his ancient people and bestows grace upon grace, yet they spurn his overtures and rebel against him. He does not let go, however. This is even hinted at after the litany of disobedience and rebellion. “You say, ‘We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone.’ But what you have in mind will never happen” (Ezek 20:32). Like a besotted lover, though they are punished, he will not let go, like the old hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.”
How patient is God? Can we walk in our ways rather than his enough that he will let us go? Do we underestimate the depth and desperation of his love for us? Jesus said, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand” (John 10:29). Does the “no one” include us?
[1] Bruce Vawter and Leslie J. Hoppe, a New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel, International Theological Commentary, ed. Fredrick Carlson Holmgren and George A. F. Knight (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1991), 102.
The Bible. New International Version.
Centered life
Centered Life: Connecting Sunday to Monday on the Luther Seminary website has a short quiz to see how centered your life is. These are my results. How did you do?
Your profile:
Imagine a life of belonging, identity and meaning centered in Christ that is:
-
Awakened to God's presence in your life
-
Called to live your faith in every situation
-
Set free to contribute your unique gifts to God's work in the world
-
Nurtured and supported by a community of faith
Your profile:
Awakened - 35 (7 mean)  Called - 34 (6.8) Set Free - 34 (6.8) Nurtured - 35 (7) |
Exegesis on Ezekiel
This is my most recent Ezekiel exegesis for my class on the prophets.
I. Historical/Cultural Context
This figurative narrative or allegory, from the beginning of the monarchy or earlier, [1]is a striking departure from Amos’ and Hosea’s depiction of
At maturity, Yahweh weds
II. Analysis of the Passage – God’s “Nymphomaniac Bride”[5]
Scene 1 takes place in verses 1-7. Verses 1-2 show the allegory as confrontation. Verse 3 concerns
Scene 2, verses 8-14 find Yahweh again as a passer-by. Verse 8’s spreading the corner of the garment signified a marriage commitment (cf. Ruth 3:9).[13] God is attracted to the physically matured girl. “The allegory is particularly daring in view of
Verses 15-34 provide the turning point, unfaithfulness flowing from pride in her beauty, portraying
Wronged husband Yahweh, verses 35-43, shames unfaithful
III. Synthesis of the Passage
In this poignant allegory, God confronts
IV. Application
God’s rescuing and choosing of one unwanted parallels God’s choosing and calling us. Where others see insignificance, God sees his “chosen ones, holy and beloved” (Col 3:12a). Riches (clothing etc.) bestowed were gifts from her husband, “the result of …unsolicited and unanticipated benefaction”[20] as are God’s riches of his love, grace, and salvation (Eph 2:7). Prideful, we sometimes seek other lovers, wanting that which only the Beloved can provide.
[1] Joseph Blenkinsopp, Ezekiel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, ed. Patrick D. Miller (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1990), 76.
[2] Gordon McConville, A Guide to the Prophets, Exploring the Old Testament, vol. 4 (
[3] Blenkinsopp, 76.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Robert R. Wilson, Ezekiel, The HarperCollins Bible Commentary, ed. James L. Mays (
[7] Blenkinsopp, 77.
[8]
[9] Vawter and Hoppe, 93.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Ibid.
[12] Ibid.
[13] Blenkinsopp, 78.
[14] Vawter and Hoppe, 93.
[15]
[16] Vawter and Hoppe, 94.
[17] Ibid.
[18] Ibid.
[19] Ibid., 95.
[20] Blenkinsopp, 78
Bibliography
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Ezekiel. Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and
Preaching. Ed. Patrick D. Miller, Jr.
McConville, Gordon. A Guide to the Prophets. Exploring the Old Testament. Vol. 4.
The Bible. New International Version.
Vawter, Bruce and Hoppe, Leslie J. A New Heart: A Commentary on the Book of Ezekiel.
International Theological Commentary. Ed. Fredrick Carlson Holmgren and
George A. F. Knight.
Wilson, Robert R. Ezekiel. The HarperCollins Bible Commentary. Ed. James L. Mays.
Faithfulness with unusual results
Over at mission matters, Steve has posted an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness to a 92 year old lady. It's here on YouTube.
It is incomprehensible what God does with simple faith that takes him at his word. Thanks to Kelly for pointing this one out. Great is his faithfulness!
It is incomprehensible what God does with simple faith that takes him at his word. Thanks to Kelly for pointing this one out. Great is his faithfulness!
Lord in your mercy...
We received some troubling news yesterday concerning a pastor friend.
Let us pray.
Ever-living God, strengthen and sustain pastors...that with patience and understanding they may love and care for your people. Grant that together they may follow in the way of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen
Gracious Father, we pray for your holy catholic church. Fill it with all truth and peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it; where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in need, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship, (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006) 73.
Picture from Dawes Fine Art.
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