Welcome to Higher Things!

by the Rev. Rich Heinz

A new sectional topic at Amen has been leaked. We have just confirmed that Anakin Skywalker (the former Darth Vader) will host a catechesis sectional entitled: “What is Thy Bidding, My Master: Genuflection and the Art of Body Language in Prayer.”

by the Rev. Mark Buetow

St. Mark 16:14-20

The most important thing we can learn about our Lord's Ascension is that even though He has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father, He IS NOT GONE. Most people seem to think that after Jesus' ascension, He's not around anymore. He's far away. Wherever the "right hand of God" is, it's not nearby. People suppose that Jesus is gone and that they're just sort of on their own, maybe with some help from the Spirit, until He comes back. But this is exactly what the Scriptures do NOT teach.

by Kimberly Grams

The Big Give is now given. You have had time to ponder the show, if you watched it. And now, the Big Questions: Was it “big?” Was it “giving?” Is giving always good – or does it depend on motive? What about those so-called “good works” that are not done out of faith in the true God?

Kim Grams comes to some harsh conclusions, with Christian reasoning on why the show was not that great. We invite you to read further, and let us know if you agree or if you feel quite differently!

by the Rev. Rich Heinz

The earth shook! But it was not the first time. It trembled as in the day of Elijah. “And he said, “And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12 ESV

by Glenda Mumme

Lately my husband, David, and I have been watching HGTV’s “House Hunters” show in the evenings after our children go to bed. Many of the commercials are various HGTV stars promoting and encouraging viewers to “change the world…start at home.” Of course they want me to do this by changing my light bulb, turning off unused appliances (or buy new, more efficient ones), or some other such “green” thing. But I change the world more by being a mother who stays home, fulfilling my role as a woman.

Glenda Mumme, a pastor’s wife in Minnesota, finds great fulfillment in her vocation of motherhood. On this national holiday, we reflect on the gift of this vocation which is often overlooked or degraded by society.

by the Rev. Rich Heinz

Pentecost. It is the Israelite Festival of Weeks – a “week” of weeks since the Passover. Pentecost is when God was thanked for the gift of processed grain. Yet now it took on a whole new meaning.

Just over a week earlier, Jesus had ascended. He had promised to send the “Helper” – the “Counselor”/“Comforter” – the Holy Spirit. Indeed, He would process the “grain” that He harvested through the ministry of the apostles!

Pastor Rich Heinz reminds us of the reality that the Holy Spirit really does not work in mysterious ways. Rather, He works through the Lord’s Mysteries – His Holy Sacraments!