06/18/2026
June 18, 2026
Dear Christ Lutheran Church Member and Friends,
It was good to be away last week on a family vacation. But it is still a pain in the rear taking a vacation. Literally a pain. The first day in Florida I went to sit down on the front porch of the rental home and am certain I broke my tailbone.
The step up to the porch was extended, larger than a standard step by about six inches. Expecting a normal size step, I backed my heels up to the first step, and sat with my full weight and my tailbone hit the porch surface exactly on the edge, not the flat surface. Pain seared through my body.
There was nothing that could be done except Tylenol, ibuprofen and try not to let the pain ruin the week. To that extent I am grateful for how well things went. To the extent I could manage my pain responses, attitude and awareness I did.
It was already a new situation for Sue and I, as this was the first family vacation ever taken with adult children and grandchildren. The planning, finances, schedule, activities were not the sole responsibility of mom and dad, it was a new group effort. The focus centered on 21/2 year old Parker, and 8 month old Nora.
When we are not certain what the focus is, or who the focus is about, it can be difficult. What is the goal, objective and purpose of our faith? Is it about personal salvation, us, or about others? Is it about the coning of the kingdom of God for all creation as we pray in the Lords prayer?
Both last Sunday, and this Sunday coming the readings call for great sacrifice, and warn us of difficulty in serving and following Jesus. One epistle even said we are to boast in our afflictions. The gospel reminds us we are servants, and encouraged to take up our cross, which will also cause division.
I have no easy answer or words to explain the meaning and purpose of the church in the world because it all depends on our present life circumstances, pain, woundedness, age, maturity and personal understanding and circumstances.
Thank you for all of you who understand the complexity of the church and serve, support and give of your time and money unconditionally.
Thank you for all of you that are wounded, seeking healing of yourself, the organization of the church, doing what you think is best patiently waiting to feel better, or the church to get better.
Thank you all for understanding everyone is wounded in one way or another, and for some overcoming personal pain and frustration is easier than others.
Jesus will again remind us Sunday, take up your cross and follow me.
What is on your cross and how do you carry it?
The image of carrying a cross is one of sacrifice, torture, control and punishment. In our culture the closest thing we have is the death penalty imposed upon others for their crimes after a trial, We seek justice through a process of investigation, trial and just punishment.
The cross lead to death for Jesus. And we are invited to take up the cross... and follow Jesus, whatever that means to us, and carry that cross willingly.
What is on your cross?
I think that will vary based upon how we understand scripture, gifts of the Holy Spirit, and meaning and purpose of the church. But the cross ALWAYS leads to death. Something needs to die. We need to die. That is the invitation of Jesus.
Death is NOT the final word. Reresection, healing, restoration, hope. Grace is the final word. New life, healing, promise. These all come through the cross.
My tailbone still hurts. It is slowly healing.
I wish it was that easy for our faith.
May death, the cross, reresection and new life find you today as needed as we journey together.
Jesus himself invites us to such gifts as we carry our cross.
Written in pain, with love, sometimes even carrying my cross. But always seeking a better understanding of unconditional love and grace.
Pr. Rob
989-297-1611
Special Invitation to Worship June 28th to meet and greet assistant to the bishop Kate Van Valkenburg who will be here to preach and preside for our worship service.
