Our Ministry Together

Speaking of Jesus? 

We know that, since the Resurrection, sharing our faith in Jesus Christ is something we need to do. It’s part of the deal when you believe that Jesus really is your Savior. You want to share that for the good of others.

But, so many of us are a bit shy or cautious when it comes to sharing faith. Our culture discourages it, along with talk of politics. We don’t want to offend, or we don’t want to seem self-righteous, and so we often stay a bit quiet about our faith. Yet, there is so much that can make life more hopeful with faith in Jesus that we know that this is something we really should talk about. We would recommend a great new product with enthusiasm or a new recipe or an entertaining movie, so why not recommend the faith that brings joy and hope through the grace of Jesus Christ?

The question of evangelism is one you and I are going to have for the rest of our lives as we try to be faithful Christians. So, allow me to suggest one way you can live your faith and share it this Lenten season. We, at St. Paul Lutheran, are intentionally sharing solid reasons to both believe in and trust Jesus in our mid-week Lenten service with the series, “Let’s Talk About Jesus”. All you need to do is invite someone to come with you at either 11:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. r service that will end the evening worship.

Our biggest need at St. Paul Lutheran right now is to find ways to share this faith in Jesus that gives us life. We can do this together, but we need you to bring someone and share the joy. Now is your best opportunity and I think this is one of those things you do because you will have been glad you did.

In Christ, 

Pastor Becker

The Intern’s Corner
Nathaneil Christman (Intern Pastor) 

How I often feel when I try to talk with someone about what might be a touchy topic….

What I want to say, "Well John… Your sermon was a little dull it; didn’t have the fire – the pizzazz that it normally has. It lacked the “one, two punch” – the drive – the energy that I have come to expect from you.  Frankly it wandered through the woods and dumped me off so that I had to find my way back in the dark all alone."

What comes out:

Well John – your sermon… it was… fine.

A thought:

I have from time to time “spit the truth” but experience has taught me that it rarely goes over well.  As such, I find myself caught between saying what I really feel or playing the diplomat.  It is difficult to know what is best (especially when there is a power differential) – if I had told John the truth I would have likely hurt his feelings or even made him upset, however, when John does give a great sermon and I tell him how great it was wouldn’t he know that I meant it?

What do you think?

Is it best to tell the truth all the time or are little white lies acceptable “to keep the peace”?

Email me at nchristman002@luthersem.edu or swing by my office.

“NEWS YOU CAN USE”
FROM OUR PARISH NURSE, MALI BOD 

Here are 4 quick ideas that can help keep you in good health (all from the February 2010 Prevention magazine)…

Need more sleep? Here is a plan to help you get to sleep earlier.

1.  Gradually move your bedtime up by 15 minutes each night.

2.  Dim the lights around the house about an hour before bed, and start a routine that tells your body it’s time to sleep. (Put on your PJ’s, wash your face, brush your teeth)

3.  Avoid the distraction of the TV and computer.

4.  Meditate or do light stretching. Pick a favorite short Bible verse or phrase to repeat in your mind.

People who relax before bedtime are able to fall asleep a half-hour earlier than those who do not, and get up to an extra hour of sleep.

New Rule for Spotting Skin Cancer

Current guidelines used to detect abnormal moles state that people should look for moles only greater than 6mm (larger than a pencil eraser). “But size is increasingly arbitrary and irrelevant”, says researcher Stuart Goldsmith, MD. One study estimates that 22% (more than 1/5^th) of invasive melanomas are less than 5mm – so don’t overlook smaller moles that appear abnormal (dark colored, with irregular borders), he stresses.

Your breakfast may be contributing to raising your blood pressure?

Your toast or cereal could be hiding excessive salt, the additive known to jack-up blood pressure. Research says bread and cereal are among the top contributors of sodium to your diet. Getting more than 2300 mg per day – a teaspoon of table salt – increases your risk of high blood pressure. Registered Dietician, Dave Grotto, recommends choosing 100% whole grain bread and cereals that contain no more than 150 mg per serving.

My Laundry has what…?We know that germs like wet areas to thrive, so to cut down on germs, remove your laundry from the washer within 30 minutes of its completed cycle. With folks saving money by using cold water, germs can survive the wash cycle. Charles Gerba, PhD, professor of micro-biology at the University of Arizona, states that research found that 25% of home washing machines contain fecal bacteria (from undergarments). To reduce germs: don’t overload the washer, so detergent can penetrate the fabric; wash the undergarments in a separate cycle; once a week, run an empty cycle with only a cup of bleach to kill bacteria; and yes, your dryer will also kill lingering bacteria.

That it may be well with you,

Mali