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November 3, 2012 · 12:55 pm

One fish. Two fish. Lutherans catch fish…and people too.

by Pastor Lou Florio with lots of help and inspiration from Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat and OldLutheran.com

Due to continued requests, I am sharing the following Seuss-like poem about the Reformation. Inspired by Old Lutheran’s 2012 Reformation Party Kit theme (Luther in the hat), our intern, Vicar Nathan Huffman, and I participated in a short skit and then recited this poem. It was all part of our children’s sermon at Messiah Lutheran (Mechanicsville, VA) on Reformation Sunday, October 28, 2012.

The sun did not shine.
It was too wet to play.
The church was adrift.
The pope lost his way.

Though many saw problems,
Others did not.
Forgiveness was sold.
Salvation bought.

So the people in their houses did nothing at all.
They assumed it was just life,
at least since the Fall.

“Oh, how could this be?”
The people did say.
“It seems oh so wrong…
But in the church we must stay.”

So all they could do was
Sit sit sit sit.
But God did not like it;
not one little bit.

And then something went bump.
How that bump made us jump.
We looked and we saw him
step on the church mat!
We looked and we saw him
– Luther in his old monkish hat!

Knock knock went his hammer
on that old church door
He posted 95 theses
and then wrote much more.
He wrote and he wrote.
Oh what was Luther to do?
The church was so sick. It had spiritual flu.

Luther sat there and pondered, “How can one be saved?
…oh how, how, how, how?”
He studied and read, then it came to his mind
“Grace alone, faith alone, word alone – That’s a new find!”

Well, not really new.
It was as old as the bible.
Jesus called us to be one
And not at all tribal.

We should love with our hearts
And serve with our hands
We should teach about Jesus
And catch fellow-man.

It’s never for credit.
It’s never for pay.
It’s just out of love.
That’s Jesus’ way.

Yes, a Reformation of sorts had truly begun.
Led by God’s Spirit, honoring God’s Son.
But the pope and his friends said,
“No, no, no, make that cat go away.
Tell that Luther in his hat you do not want to play.
He should not be here. He should not be about.
He should not be around while indulgences cast out.”

Yet, it was just far too late.
A new day begun.
The people excited.
To be Lutheran found fun.

Yes, long, long ago
In a place far away
The Reformation did come and decided to stay.

There is no need to bribe God.
No need to hide.
Christ’s cross is enough
and the bible our guide.

Some call us Lutheran, together we’re church,
Sinner-saints all, yet in baptism, given new birth.
“We study and learn, it’s most certainly true!
Together as Lutheran’s we have some fun too.”*

“It’s Fun to be Lutheran, this much we know now.
It’s fun to be Lutheran and I’ll show you how.
Follow me, follow me we’ll have all kinds of fun.
Sing songs and tell stories and dance in the sun.
Follow me, follow me said a cat from the steeple.
We’ll teach and we’ll preach”*
and catch lots of people.

“Look at us! Look at us! Look at us now!
It’s fun to be Lutheran
You just have to know how.” *

Grace, word and faith, we need nothing more.
It’s just such as these that sends us out the church doors.

“It’s fun to be Lutheran
so let others know.
Wear this red and white button
The message will show!”*
(Holding up the OldLutheran.com “Fun to be Lutheran” button. These were shared with those present.)

There is plenty of fun. We won’t use it up.
Love God,
love your neighbor,
and share in Christ’s cup.

Together, be Christ
Together, we’ll serve.
Stick to Christ in faith,
and try never to swerve.

The Reformation ain’t over.
The church…it is we.
This is most certainly true,
because Christ set us free.

* Indicates quotes from OldLutheran.com

To get your fix of Lutheran fun, be sure to visit http://www.oldlutheran.com  –  Its “the Center for Lutheran Pride (but not too proud).”

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All contents not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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September 25, 2012 · 1:44 pm

Sharing Faith

And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)

As September ended, Messiah Lutheran began a new adventure. We became a “teaching parish” for a Lutheran student currently attending Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. Nathan Huffman is a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church (Richmond), but he comes to Messiah to be further nurtured in his faith and developed in his pastoral knowledge and skills. This is an unpaid internship where he will serve seven to ten hours per week during the fall and spring semesters of his first year at seminary. Primarily he will observe and try to learn about our life together, but he will also be asked to conduct a few classes, teach, and assist with some pastoral duties. Later in his seminary career, Vicar Nathan will be required to serve in a full-time internship with many more responsibilities prior to his being approved for ordination. His time with us is intended only to get his feet wet.

It is indeed an honor for Messiah Lutheran to be asked to serve in such a capacity. Certainly, the bishop’s staff and the seminary hope I will prove a worthy mentor appropriate for Vicar Nathan’s background and needs, but you also have been chosen. Our community is deemed a welcoming and healthy place with vital ministry, and you are being trusted to help shape Vicar Nathans theological and pastoral understandings, sense of call, and future ministry.

In many ways, we are simply being asked to share our lives and faith in a way that will help encourage Vicar Nathan and build him up. If problems or concerns are noted, we are asked to help him start to work through them. We all are to serve as his mentors, teachers, and guides – sharing our insights and understandings of God and church along with any of our own lingering questions – as best as we are able. We are to invite him to share in our tasks and help him discern his unique call from God.

In the early church, our scriptures make clear that people sensed an urgent but attainable call for them to actively share in the building up of Christ’s church, for faith in Christ is best shared through honest and loving relationships in the context of our ordinary lives. Each helped in the ministry as they were able in such a way that faith in Christ would be made known in temple, home and marketplace. All had something to offer.

Just as Vicar Nathan will share his faith, pastoral gifts and learning with us, we are asked only to share our lives and faith with him; such as they are. And when it comes time for Vicar Nathan to move on, we will remain in communion with one another – we part of his future ministry and he part of ours – teaching and proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah no matter what may come. Finding ourselves thoroughly wet and reminded once again of our shared baptismal mission, we will all walk on into the future better able to make Christ known.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

If you think you are perhaps being called to ordained ministry or another leadership roll within Christ’s church, I encourage you to speak to your pastor and explore the vocations links of the ELCA website: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation.aspx

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (October 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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September 13, 2012 · 9:05 pm

We are family!

I am the pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mechanicsville, VA. We are continually blessed by a creative and active relationship with the local Lutheran Family Services of Virginia staff. We have cooperated on many projects like the Change Who Waits Rally in Richmond (see my entry below).

This past spring, we hosted our second annual LFS Family Celebration Picnic at Messiah. Our special guests included LFS staff and their families, along with children, family and volunteers of their adoption/foster care programs and autism programs. Fun is always had by all – both Messiah members and our guests – as evidenced by this wonderful video shared with us on our recent Rally Day. (Many of the pictures are from this year’s picnic.)

Our theme for Rally Day 2012 was “We are family!” And thanks be to God, we can always strive to live like one. We are already looking forward to our next LFS picnic! You should come…

To learn more about Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, visit: http://www.lfsva.org

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September 8, 2012 · 6:03 pm

Help push this pastor Over the Edge for Special Olympics Virginia!

As many of you know, my aunt was born with an intellectual disability, and I have been assisting people with intellectual disabilities and causes that serve them since high school. As a former police officer, the Special Olympics is near and dear to my heart. So now, I’m hoping to rappel off a 25-story building in downtown Richmond in October 2012! In order to take on this challenge and join other fearless Special Olympics fans on the roof, I must first reach my fundraising goal.

With your help I’ll be dangling from 400 feet up in no time!

Donating through the secure site is the easiest and most efficient way to contribute to my fundraising efforts. (If you don’t like to donate over the internet,  contact me to work something out.) Your support is greatly appreciated—and don’t forget to forward this to anyone who you think might be interested in making a donation as well!

Please visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/pastor-lou/2012richmond

Your donation will assist Special Olympics Virginia in reaching our total fundraising goal of $75,000. And with your help, I hope to surpass my own fundraising goal and rappel down one of the tallest buildings in Richmond. It’ll be an extreme adventure that we hope will generate extreme impact for Special Olympics Virginia.

www.OverTheEdgeVA.com

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August 23, 2012 · 4:13 pm

The ministry of hospitality

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7)

Is hospitality limited to a heartfelt greeting on Sunday morning or in providing tasty food to share after the service? Certainly, that is all part of it, and I am especially thankful to our ushers, greeters and fellowship team members that intentionally try to make Messiah a joyful home for so many. Yet when I ask our newest families why they felt called to join Messiah, nearly all have the genuine, open hearted nature of our people at the top of their list. Members take the risk to introduce themselves to strangers. Members wanted to know about the visitor and seek to meet their needs, as much as welcome them into our facility and church family. They report that there was no pressure to join us as members, but instead, we met them as they were and desired only what was best for them in their search for God. Our mission has been to build up Christ’s church not just our congregation, and this has been appreciated. So I also thank those who reach out informally to others they meet at church, as well as those who invite others in person to visit or through working on our website, newsletter, or evangelizing team. These practices are among our greatest and easily recognized assets in our evangelizing efforts, as they help people feel at home with the Christ in their lives. Even many members of our guest congregation, All Souls Episcopal, openly marvel at the welcome they have received on Sundays and in the gracious sharing of our facility.

Still, I see our hospitality in many other things; things perhaps easily overlooked. I remember as a volunteer with the Taize’ Community in France that much of the hospitality work was behind the scenes and in anticipation of potential visitors. The prepping of food, the making of beds, even the cleaning of rooms and tents were important acts of welcome, not drudgery. If our guests were hungry or uncomfortable, certainly they would be distracted from their spiritual quest needlessly. Multiple programs and small groups were common along with casual fellowship opportunities. These all helped build honest relationships. Those who had come initially because of the thousands of young adults already present but hesitated to join us in worship or service were intentionally invited by a team of young people sent as “the welcome in the fields.” People were approached no matter what nationality, race, gender, economic status, faith (or lack of faith), or any other divisive descriptor. Folks with tattoos, nose rings, and bright pink hair, along with those with disabilities or other differences were as welcome as anyone else. Yet, our own dress or common practices might be adjusted when amidst those of a different, stricter faith or culture, not out of obligation or political correctness, but so as to make them feel comfortable in being with us. Everything done was focused on welcoming people in the name of Jesus Christ, and thousands – many of them unchurched – came each week. Of those, many discovered new friendships and a faith they never expected.

Among the many things I learned from Br. Roger, the founder of that community, is that simple things matter. The mowing and care of our landscaping, the recent painting and woodwork on our old but beloved building, our fellowship times and cleaning days, those who volunteer to serve in altar guild, our health ministries or other ministries and nonprofits out in our community, along with those who might not have time but have funds to support our ministry, or those who offer prayers, hopes, ideas for new programs or groups, questions or a simple hello – whatever is done in Christ’s name can prove to be faith-building miracles in the making. In France, I discovered even the “ministry of toilet cleaning” (what I called one of my commonly assigned tasks) can become a loving, sacred experience. I see similar sacredness growing in the life that surrounds us here in Mechanicsville.

Christ is encountered through those “small” acts of love done in his name. Friendships form, and faith is shared or deepened as the Gospel comes alive through our ordinary lives. We have already seen the truth of this at Messiah as we and our shared ministry has grown. I expect more blessings are yet to be discovered. Rather than worrying about what you cannot do, I invite you only to consider what you can do, no matter how small it seems or infrequently. How can you help in or add to our welcoming ways? For Jesus has welcomed all of us to be part of his life, his ways, and his church.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

 

 

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (September 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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August 9, 2012 · 12:35 pm

New Worship Times for Messiah Lutheran!

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

[Jesus said,] I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power ofyour name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. (John 17:11)

Dear members and friends of Messiah Lutheran:

As announced in our newsletter and at worship, we have the great opportunity to concretely live out Paul’s hope for unity among believers and Christ’s prayer that we live as one. Our brothers and sisters of All Souls Episcopal (a mission congregation) will begin worshiping at 9:30 AM on most Sundays as our regular guest while they work toward establishing their own facility. This required we set new worship times of 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM starting this Sunday, August 12th.

Please join me in welcoming them, as I am confident they will welcome you, as one family in Christ. Along with our worship space, we will be sharing in some ministries to build up the body of Christ and share Christ’s love within our community. We hope this sets a firm foundation for when they have their own building; that this cooperative relationship continues to the glory of God.

The early Lutheran Reformers did not see themselves as fracturing the church, but rather hoped to repair divisions while living consistent with their individual understandings of scripture. Thus, the vast majority of Lutheran bodies throughout the world have been open to ecumenical efforts from the beginning. To learn more about the special cooperative relationship of the ELCA and Episcopal Church as well as with five other denominations in the United States, follow this link:

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Presiding-Bishop/Ecumenical-and-Inter-Religious-Relations/Full-Communion-Partners.aspx

A “full communion” relationship does not indicate a merging of these denominations with the ELCA, but it instead declares our intention to live as one as much as possible (repairing historic wounds while helping one another through the sharing of pastors, ministries and assets whenever deemed appropriate).

Thank you for your willingness to try to live out this unity in Christ. If you note any problems or concerns, or you have ideas of how to do something better while the All Souls community remains our guest, please be sure to speak with me or a council representative. See you Sunday!

Peace,

Pastor Lou

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May 3, 2012 · 3:08 pm

Adopted to be Family

[I invite you to watch the very special video which immediately follows this post, or even better, share it with your friends.] 

He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

Many who know me might also know that one of my sisters is adopted, but many more do not. You see, I don’t introduce her or refer to her as my adopted sister. She is just my sister. I always think of her and love her that way. The fact that she has different birth-parents or that one of them is of a different race doesn’t matter. The fact that she was part of other families until thirteen years old doesn’t matter. Even if we don’t always see eye to eye, she remains my sister. God called our family to embrace her as family, and she us, just as God embraced us all in love. We are called to be family, and that’s all we ultimately need to know and remember. So, that’s how we live.

Throughout the Easter season and beyond, our Sunday readings often remind us that we are adopted by God. We were spiritual orphans in need of God’s love and grace, so Jesus was sent to us. Through faith in his cross and resurrection, we become now (not just in the future) the children of God. Jesus freely names us his family, his children, even his brothers and sisters because he longs to be in such a loving relationship with each one of us individually and together in community. He does this as a free gift, not because we deserve it. He lives this way with us, because he wishes to bless us and others through relationship.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once rightly noted that Christ exists in community. If we daily seek to live out our call to be his family, we will most certainly get to know Jesus better, but also others will get to know Jesus through us. In embracing one another, we will be embraced by and embrace Jesus. We will celebrate together, mourn together, grow together, and others will join us. In this communion, we will come to experience firsthand the love which is God and be used to make it known in our world.

This isn’t naïve idealism or a dream. It is a promise from God the Father, the good pleasure of his will. It is a prophecy of which we play a small but important part. It is a reality we are empowered to seek out and live today. It is our sacred call and blessing. That’s all we ultimately need to know and remember. Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10), and this is how he has chosen to help us truly live.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

In May, Messiah along with the Richmond office of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia is supporting the Change Who Waits Rally on May 5th. Local congregations, nonprofits and state agencies hope to change who waits in the foster care system in Virginia. Please watch this video to learn more:

Visit http://www.changewhowaits.com/ to reserve your space at the rally.

To support or learn about the adoption, foster care and many other services of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, visit http://www.lfsva.org/

The above pastoral letter was adapted from Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (May 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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January 27, 2012 · 10:07 pm

Living is Believing

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? (James 2:14)

As you read this month’s newsletter for our congregation, you will see many opportunities. Most of us won’t be able to take advantage of them all, but I encourage all of us to participate as we are able and feel called. For by more intentionally living out our faith, we are more apt to notice Christ already present in our lives. We meet him in the people we serve. We find him on our way during worship and fellowship. We learn from him as we seek to follow more earnestly. Our work for daily bread can even become a sacred calling as God intends.

Yet, Lent is not a time for making extra credit toward heaven. We can never earn our salvation, for Christ’s life, death and resurrection have secured for those that believe that victory already. Still, Lent can be a time used by God to help our faith and love grow.

Jesus will use the people, places, and events encountered to help us experience new life in him. Through these experiences shared, our faith will move further from just being “head knowledge” toward a concrete, deeper trusting of the heart. Jesus will become more real to us. Our relationship with him and his church will become more intimate. Within this new reality, we will be empowered to more easily believe with our lives. As a result, others may come to believe as well.

I pray our Lent proves to be a path to such blessings.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (February 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2012 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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November 30, 2011 · 8:10 pm

Highly Favored

“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” These words spoken by the angel Gabriel to Mary so long ago have echoed throughout the centuries. They now speak to us.

For her part, Mary was called to give birth to and raise a son, and her life and the life of others would change in unimaginable ways for eternity. One might rightly wonder what she did to deserve such an honor – to play such an important part in this divine plan. Although Christians often debate this question, scripture doesn’t explicitly say that she in any way earned anything. Perhaps it isn’t worth arguing about. Mary was ultimately “favored”, chosen by God despite any real or imagined weaknesses. Like us, she was created and called. In response, she answered despite any initial fear, doubt or darkness within herself, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” She trusted that, indeed, nothing is impossible where God is concerned. In faith, protected and empowered by God’s Spirit, and in humble thanksgiving, Mary would seek to live out her vocation as best she could.

Our Orthodox brothers and sisters call Mary, Theotokos. This title is commonly translated from the Greek as “the one who gives birth to God” or more simply “God-bearer.” As we selected music for our Advent and Christmas services, I meditated upon an old, favorite carol of mine, The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came (ELW #265). It struck me once again how Gabriel’s greeting is in a way spoken to each of us who believe, for we are most favored as well. By grace through faith, the Lord is truly with us, and we have been chosen to bear Christ into the world as part of God’s plan.

Like Mary in scripture, we might at times prove afraid. We might sell ourselves and our God-given abilities short. We might even misunderstand Jesus’ roll and his plans. Yet despite any sin or failures on our part, or any challenges we face, Jesus promises the Spirit will dwell within us, protecting and empowering us to share in a miracle of new life. We are only asked to trust and respond – through loving God and others – as best we can. God will see to the miracles that will surely flow from there.

May the blessings of Christmas be with you now and always,
Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (December 2011-January 2012 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2011 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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November 5, 2011 · 9:41 pm

Living Our Thanksgiving

“Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Each year as Thanksgiving approaches, I tend to recall the period of my “conversion.” It isn’t that I didn’t understand Christ came as our Savior, nor that my baptism mattered. Intellectually, I had made that connection. Yet as a younger man, I just didn’t trust that Christ’s mission could possibly, truly include me – no matter what anyone said. Troubles within my family of origin, heartbreaks that too often come with life, and what I saw and experienced as a police officer had hardened my heart. Some inroads had been made into my life where seeds were planted for future spiritual growth, but in both word and deed, I fought the Spirit the entire way. As often happens in such a life, I became more isolated and felt empty. Many of the choices I made only served to hurt myself and others.

Fortunately, Christ reaches out to us even when we can’t see him; or even when we turn from him in our lives. When it seemed my life was crashing down around me, I discovered signs of his love and faithfulness, not only through the promises of my own baptism, but through those faithful and baptized Christians he had already sent into my life. Their example, guidance, prayers, and support showed me a new way to live. I became ready to trust in their testimony about Christ’s grace at work in their own lives, and as I delved into God’s word, I heard a message of love I hadn’t previously been ready to fully grasp. In forgiveness, I found joy, and my life began to reflect it.

One day when I had a flat, I was forced to change the tire in a heavy, nearly freezing rain. My fingers got stiff, and as I fumbled, began to bleed. Still, I caught myself singing a song of praise based upon Habakkuk’s own trust and joy. This surprised me for, only a few month’s earlier, other words would have certainly flowed from my mouth but no longer. My heart knew that my difficulties were a passing thing, and God’s love endures forever. Even in that moment, my heart found cause to trust Christ, remember the signs of his love active in my life, and give thanks for his protection and care.

Just as the great Psalm of praise, Psalm 113, is book-ended by the words “Praise the Lord”, I came to understand that so my life should be. For Christ is with us always, and in every moment (not just November or when times are good), he is worthy of our trust, praise and thanks.

Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (November 2011 edition). To view the entire issue of The Messenger or to see the full calendar of events, visit: http://www.mlcas.org

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this article are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2011 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

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