May 3 is Good Shepherd Sunday

Sun Apr 26 20:00:23 EDT 2009

Dear Gulf Coast Leaders,

May 3 – Easter 4B (Good Shepherd Sunday)

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts4a.htm> Acts 4:5-12 – Peter questioned for healing. There is no other name by which we must be saved.

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm23.htm> Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/1john3b.htm> 1 John 3:16-24 – All know Jn. 3:16. 1 Jn 3:16 important too: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for one another… Little children let us not love in word or speech, but in truth and action.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn10b.htm> John 10:11-18 – The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand runs away. I know my sheep. I have other sheep not of this fold.

In Our Prayers

Roxana Saberi, 31, of Fargo, Miss North Dakota 1997, has dual Iranian/American citizenship.  A graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, she was scheduled to be their commencement speaker this year.  For the past 6 years she has lived in Iran and worked as a free lance journalist for NPR and the BCC. In January she was arrested by Iranian authorities and accused of espionage. She has been in prison since then, and now after a one-day, closed-door trial, she was sentenced to eight years in prison. US officials, including Secretary of State Clinton are fighting on her behalf.  Please pray that she be freed to return home safely, and that the people of Iran stand up for justice, peace and the deepest ideals of their faith and ours.

Day of Prayer for Protection from Hurricanes

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has declared June 1 a day of prayer for protection from hurricanes. I attach a pdf of the Proclamation, which is advanced signed for April 29, the date of the upcoming Governor’s Prayer Breakfast. It might be nice for LA congregations to put this in your May newsletter and mention it on May 31. 

Build with the Bishop

Build with the Bishop day is May 16 (8 a.m. 1111 Cedar Creek Dr, Conroe). This is the first of four homes that Thrivent is funding in the Houston area this year at $50K/pop. Even if your congregation can’t afford to fund a Habitat home, you can be a part of something like this. Your congregation will make a difference for José and Madelen Chacón and their three children. Do evangelism by inviting friends, family, coworkers, church visitors, and unchurched neighbors to take part. Lunch is provided for free. Sign up by contacting Tiffany Darst at 281-807-2634 or tiffany.darst at thrivent.com. 

Music this Month

Please consider using Day of Arising, ELW 374 several times during the Easter season. We’d like to learn this one as a synod. 

Houston-area Continuing Ed Ops in May – www.contemporarytheology.org, 713-668-2345 or fct at contemporarytheology.org for more info.

1.       James M. Robinson, Internationally Acclaimed Jesus Scholar, Professor of Religion, Emeritus, Claremont Graduate University will speak on The Real Jesus Behind the Halo at St. Paul’s Methodist in Houston: 5501 South Main.

a.       Friday, May 1, 2009 - 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

b.      Saturday, May 2, 2009 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

2.       David Capes will lecture at the Forest Club on Religious Tolerance,  Wednesday, May 13, 2009 - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. David's focus on inter-religious dialogue, New Testament theology and early Christianity give him a broad base for his subject. He has authored many books from 1992 to the present, the latest being "The Voice of Romans: the Gospel according to Paul". David is Dean of the Honors College and Professor in Christianity at Houston Baptist University.

Owner or Hired Hand?

At the 2007 Willow Creek Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels, in his talk Vision to Die For, quoted from this week’s gospel. The verse was John 10:12. 

12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away…

Do you own the sheep of your flock, or are you a hired hand? The hireling is just doing a job. So when the wolves come, the hired hand takes off. “They don’t pay me enough for this!” On the other hand, the owner is not going to give up his or her livelihood so easily. There’s a bit more at stake with an owner. Being a shepherd, by the way, is not just about loving the sheep – petting them, being nice to them. It’s about protecting them. Shepherds have to be fierce. I’m a fairly congenial person, but if you start messing with my kids you will see a completely different side of me. 

Are you willing to die for the vision God has given you? Jesus was willing to die for God’s vision: the new creation, the kingdom breaking into our world. He was willing to give his very life to the work God had called him to do. MLK was willing to die for his vision of racial equality, where the children of former slaves and former slave-owners would play together. Gandhi was willing to give his life for his vision of a peace forged by non-violent resistance. The more you are willing to sacrifice for the mission, the greater the odds that you’ll make headway. So, how about you? Is the mission that you are on one that you are willing to give your life for? Is your congregation’s mission statement one you’d die for? Does is reflect God’s mission for the world? Do you have a God-sized vision? “Are you willing to die for the vision God has entrusted you” asks Hybels, “or are you a hireling?”

Are you preaching that vision? Vision leaks. It must be preached at least monthly to catch on. “Write the vision, inscribe it on tablets, so that a runner may read it…” (Hab. 2:2) It must stir hearts and make them burn as with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Without vision the people will perish. It must reflect the full depth of the vision of God. As my preaching professor used to say, “Did Jesus really have to die for this sermon to be preached?” 

Are you living that vision? What is your life’s mission? What is your congregation’s mission? Are either of them worthy of total sacrifice? Are they worth giving your life? If not, then what are we doing? To what have we pastors, church professionals, AIMs, deacons, deaconesses, diaconal ministers given our lives? 

Do you own that vision? Are you an owner? Or a hired hand? 

שלומ سلام Peace,

Mike Rinehart 

Michael Rinehart, bishop

The Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

12707 I-45 North Frwy, Suite 580

Houston, TX 77060-1239                

281-873-5665

www.GulfCoastSynod.org <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/> 

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Easter 2009

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy God has given us new birth into a living hope

 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... – 1 Peter 1:3

May 3 – Easter 4B (Good Shepherd Sunday)

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts4a.htm> Acts 4:5-12 – Peter questioned for healing. There is no other name by which we must be saved.

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm23.htm> Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want

 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/1john3b.htm> 1 John 3:16-24 – All know Jn. 3:16. 1 Jn 3:16 important too: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for one another… Little children let us not love in word or speech, but in truth and action.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn10b.htm> John 10:11-18 – The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand runs away. I know my sheep. I have other sheep not of this fold.

May 10 – Easter 5B

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts8b.htm> Acts 8:26-40 – Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza reading the suffering servant from Isaiah. 
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm22.htm> Psalm 22:25-31 - All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD. (Ps. 22:26)
 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/1john4.htm> 1 John 4:7-21 – Beloved let us love one another for love is of God… whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn15a.htm> John 15:1-8 – I am the vine; you the branches, that you might bear fruit. By this my Father is glorified: that you bear fruit.

May 17 – Easter 6B

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts10b.htm> Acts 10:44-48 – Holy Spirit falls on unbaptized Gentiles. So they baptize them.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm98.htm> Psalm 98 - Shout with joy to the LORD, all you lands. (Ps. 98:5)

 <http://www.textweek.com/epistlesrevelation/1john5a.htm> 1 John 5:1-6 – The love of God is obeying God’s commandments.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn15b.htm> John 15:9-17 – This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. I have said these things that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. You did not choose me; I chose you, and appointed you to bear fruit.

May 24 (or Thursday, May 21) – Ascension 

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts1a.htm> Acts 1:1-11 – Ascension. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm47.htm> Psalm 47 - God has gone up with a shout. (Ps. 47:5)

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm93.htm> Psalm 93 - Ever since the world began, your throne has been established. (Ps. 93:3)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph1b.htm> Ephesians 1:15-23 – With the eyes of your heart enlightened, may you know the hope to which God has called you.
 <http://www.textweek.com/mtlk/lk24c.htm> Luke 24:44-53 – I am sending what the Father promised, so stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.

May 31 – Pentecost

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts2a.htm> Acts 2:1-21 – Day of Pentecost. Rushing wind. Tongues of flame. Multi-lingual, multicultural event. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

or    <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/ezek37.htm> Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Valley of the Dry Bones. I will put my spirit in you and you shall live. You shall know I am the Lord when I open your graves…

 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm104.htm> Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104:31)

 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom8c.htm> Romans 8:22-27 – Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness… intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/acts2a.htm> Acts 2:1-21 – Day of Pentecost. Rushing wind. Tongues of flame. Multi-lingual, multicultural event. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn15_16.htm> John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 – When the Advocate comes, he will bear witness to me… lead you into all truth.

Time after Pentecost 2009

June 7 – Trinity

 <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/isaiah6.htm> Isaiah 6:1-8 – Call of Isaiah. Six-winged seraph. Holy, holy, holy.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm29.htm> Psalm 29  - Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. (Ps. 29:2)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/rom8b.htm> Romans 8:12-17 – Life in the Spirit. Present suffering incomparable to the glory to be revealed. Creation eagerly waits… in labor?
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/jn3a.htm> John 3:1-17 – Nicodemus. Being born of the Spirit, which blows where it wills.

June 14 – Pentecost 2B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam15_16.htm> 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13  – Samuel anoints David and the Spirit falls mightily upon him.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/ezek17.htm> Ezekiel 17:22-24 – I will dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. The high tree will be brought low, and the low high.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm20.htm> Psalm 20  – Some take pride in horses and chariots, but our pride is in the name of the Lord God. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm92.htm> Psalm 92:1-4, 12-15 - The righteous shall spread abroad like a cedar of Lebanon. (Ps. 92:11)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/2cor5a.htm> 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17 – We walk by faith and not by sight, at home in the body and away from the Lord. 

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark4a.htm> Mark 4:26-34 – The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which so small, yet grows and provides branches for the birds to make nests.

June 21 – Pentecost 3B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam17.htm> 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 – David and Goliath: The Lord who saved me from the lion and the bear will deliver me from this Philistibeatne.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/history/1sam17_18.htm> I Samuel 17:57 - 18:5, 10-16 – Jonathan loved David. Saul tries to kill David.
                or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/job38b.htm> Job 38:1-11 – The Lord answers Job out of the whirlwind: Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm9.htm> Psalm 9:9-20  – The Lord judges the nations.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm133.htm> Psalm 133  – How good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm107.htm> Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 - God stilled the storm and quieted the waves of the sea. (Ps. 107:29)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/2cor6.htm> 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 – Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation. We have endured beatings, riots, hunger, imprisonment…
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark4b.htm> Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus asleep in the boat, wakes and calms the sea: Peace. Be still.

June 28 – Pentecost 4B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam1.htm> 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27  – David mourns for Saul, the glory of Israel, and for Jonathan: Your love to me surpassed the love of women.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/apocrypha/wisdom1_2.htm> Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24 – God did not make death. God does not delight in death. Death came into the world through the devil.
Psalm 130  - I will exalt you, O LORD, because you have lifted me up. (Ps. 30:1) 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm30.htm> Psalm 30  – God’s anger is for a moment; his favor for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes in the morning.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/lament3c.htm> Lamentations 3:23-33 – The steadfast love of the lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.

 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/2cor8.htm> 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 – During a severe ordeal of affliction, the Macedonians joy and poverty overflow in a wealth of generosity.

 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark5.htm> Mark 5:21-43 – Inclusio: Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the 12-year hemorrhage. 

July 5 – Pentecost 5B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam5.htm> 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10  – The elders make a covenant with David and anoint him. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/ezek2.htm> Ezekiel 2:1-5 – Call of Ezekiel: Whether they hear or not, they shall know a prophet has been among them.
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm48.htm> Psalm 48 – The city of Zion is established forever.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm123.htm> Psalm 123 - Our eyes look to you, O God, until you show us your mercy. (Ps. 123:3)
  <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/2cor12.htm> 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 – Paul’s out of body experience, and his thorn in the flesh. My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark6a.htm> Mark 6:1-13 – A prophet is not without honor except in his own country. Jesus sends the twelve two-by-two.

July 12 – Pentecost 6B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam6.htm> 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 – David dances before the ark in a linen ephod. 

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/amos7.htm> Amos 7:7-15 – Amos’ vision: God sets a plumb line amist the people of Israel
 <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm24.htm> Psalm 24  – The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm85.htm> Psalm 85:8-13  - I will listen to what the LORD God is saying. (Ps. 85:8)
 <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph1a.htm> Ephesians 1:3-14 – The sentence that never ends: Blessed be God who chose us before the foundation of the world, destined us for adoption, as a plan for the fullness of time to gather all things in him…
 <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark6b.htm> Mark 6:14-29 – Herod, Herodias and John the Baptist’s head on a platter.

July 19 – Pentecost 7B

 <http://www.textweek.com/history/2sam7b.htm> 2 Samuel 7:1-14a – David wants to build God’s house, but God will establish David’s house, his offspring.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/prophets/jer23a.htm> Jeremiah 23:1-6 – Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! The days are coming when I will raise up from David a righteous branch.
  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm89.htm> Psalm 89:20-37 – I anointed my servant David, and my hand will always be with him.

or  <http://www.textweek.com/writings/psalm23.htm> Psalm 23 - The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. (Ps. 23:1)
  <http://www.textweek.com/pauline/eph2b.htm> Ephesians 2:11-22  – You uncircumcized were once strangers to the covenant, without hope, without God. You who were far off have been brought near. He has abolished the law with its commands and ordinances, that he might create one humanity out of two. No longer strangers. 
  <http://www.textweek.com/mkjnacts/mark6c.htm> Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 – Jesus to his disciples: “Come away to a deserted place and rest for a while.” 

Hymns: No Longer Strangers (David Haas, from Gather)

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