Tag Archives: community

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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June 5, 2012 · 6:09 pm

Christ-bearers 24/7/365

Recently, we added clip art to our online calendar showing a small church on a tropical island. The caption reads, “Don’t take a vacation from church.” This does make some sense. Our spiritual needs and the needs of others don’t stop just because it is summer. We all need to be cared for, built up, strengthened and fed – sometimes in concrete ways. Coming together as the people of God – where we share our time, treasure, and talent, as well as our own needs – changes our lives along with the lives of others. These always remain important and sacred times where we will encounter the Risen Christ in some way, because as Jesus taught, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20).

Yet note, Jesus said “where two or three are gathered.” Wherever we go, Christ awaits to meet us. Wherever we gather, Christ is. We are reminded that we are the church, not some building. Our brothers and sisters in Christ live well beyond Mechanicsville and Virginia and wish to welcome us in his name. No building or denomination can contain them. Some of our family members even wait to be discovered, as they will finally learn of Christ’s great love for them through us.

Wading in our faith and baptism, we are no longer our own. We are a new creation and part of a growing family. We always remain Christ’s, and we can never truly take a vacation from whom we are or who’s we are. As Christian’s, we are only asked to hold on to the hand of grace while we journey; trying to live up to our sacred family name.

Yes, we discover that we are “Christ-bearers” created, called, and sent into the world. This summer wherever we find ourselves – at home or away – I hope we all get the rest and relaxation we need, but also recapture, embrace, and come to better understand our true identity. As the communion of saints, let us remain the church that always recognizes Christ’s presence in our lives and makes his love known.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

 

The above pastoral letter was adapted from Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (June 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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March 28, 2012 · 7:00 pm

Growing as God’s Children

For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. (Isaiah 61:11)

Something has been growing in our county. Sure the annual Tomato Festival is right around the corner, but something much more important is at work. Christ’s church has been growing in grace. I see signs of this all around us, and I am not alone.

The FCA coordinator at our county high schools recently noted, “What does Heaven on earth look like? Churches from various denominations coming together to make God known.” He was excited by so many of our congregations coming together after recent shootings involving local students. Despite any historic or current differences, we have come together as one to try to better meet the needs of our youth and nurture their growth. As a result, a new ecumenical youth program will be starting this fall on our high school campuses. It will be providing much needed mentors to our students and volunteers for our school staff. This effort will help facilitate students being the body of Christ in our schools; seeking to bring the miracle of God’s mercy and justice into daily life through ordinary lives in relationship. Now, I doubt paradise will be fully restored, but imagine the lives that will be touched and hope shared. It will surely provide our youth a glimpse of heaven.

Our own congregation is used to working with others. For over 35 years, the local food bank we helped start with two Episcopal and Roman Catholic congregations has grown and thrived. Today, many of our neighbors are provided with much needed food, but also assistance with clothing and other practical needs such as their utilities. This year, our frequent partner in ministry, All Souls Episcopal Church, has invited Messiah members to start a new community garden initiative on their property. The hope is to provide fresh vegetables to area food banks like our own which often have only canned goods. We long for this garden to become a truly community initiative – joining members of the food bank’s (now thirty-seven and growing) congregations and recipient volunteers hand in hand in the field as we harvest the crop together.

Closer to home, Messiah announced on the Feast of Joseph, Guardian of Jesus that we are a partnering church with the Change Who Waits program in Richmond. Remembering that we are adopted by God, we will study and talk about the adoption and foster care system in Virginia. Along with a growing number of local congregations, we will be invited to gather on May 5th to reflect upon the biblical mandate to care for orphans in our midst. Joining together in partnership the Virginia Department of Social Services (who are the legal guardians of the children in Virginia), foster care agencies (such as Lutheran Family Services, who recruit and train potential adopting and foster parents) and participating churches, we hope to help find many children new forever homes.

Yes, spring has sprung all around us as evidenced by the flowering trees on our church property and in our neighborhoods, but so has the Spirit…and it seems the Spirit is doing something spectacularly beautiful. I hope you will come and see for yourself!

Peace,

Pastor Lou

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

To learn about , visit:

To support or participate in the Change Who Waits Rally in Richmond, VA, visit: http://www.changewhowaits.com/

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

MCEF’s website is http://www.mcefva.org. They support our neighbors with food, clothing and in some cases shelter.

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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March 1, 2012 · 10:56 pm

Building Us Up in Love

If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil, if you offer your food to the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.  The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.  Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in. (Isaiah 58:9b-12)

As we began our Lenten journey together, we heard from Isaiah about false and true worship. Like so many other places in scripture, we were reminded that our Lord doesn’t want shallow words and empty works, he longs for our hearts. Jesus desires for us to join him in ushering in the Kingdom of God with its peace, justice and mercy offered to all. For in living out the gospel in relationship with others, we will encounter the risen Christ in our lives and the lives of those we serve.

Over recent weeks, I have tried to share with our congregation members many diverse opportunities for service within our congregation and the greater community. These can become part of our Lenten disciplines and offerings of love to our Lord.

It doesn’t matter if the opportunities to serve are directly related to church or not. Whenever as a believer we do something in love of God or neighbor, we can be sure that Christ is there. Often, our preexisting passions and gifts intersect our sacred call to service. Just as each of us have unique gifts, there exist endless ways to share the love that we have already received from God.

Never doubt that even the smallest actions done in love can become part of Christ’s greater mission. At a recent meeting of Hanover Habitat for Humanity supporters, I heard a participant family share about their experiences. The single mother shared her frustration and circumstances prior to becoming a home recipient, but she also spoke with great love about all the many people who inspired her throughout the process. Through her contacts with each and every one, she had come to understand how Christ was reaching out to her to heal her life and change her lot, not just provide her a home.

This Lenten journey and beyond, I encourage all of us to share our gifts abundantly. Discern what actions you can take in faith, both big and small, that might be used by God to help break into someone’s darkness and struggle.

Make no mistake. Each of us are called to something, we only need discern what it might be. God has created all of us as a blessing to the world, and as we seek to build up one another in love, we, too, shall be called blessed.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

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

To learn about Hanover Habitat for Humanity, visit:  http://www.hanoverhfh.org/

To support Habitat for Humanity in your community: http://www.habitat.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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October 1, 2011 · 4:29 pm

Hope in God

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

I admit it. I have had a pretty difficult couple of months: often too much work, and too little time; my uncle’s death, and the death of my wife’s grandfather; as well as the ordinary challenges and frustrations of everyday existence. I have found myself deeply challenged. During such periods (periods that happen to every human at some time or other), it is easy to feel burned out and empty. I find myself singing with the Psalmist, “Like a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.” (Psalm 42:1)

Yet at such times, I have learned to strive to find God in the “little things” all around me. Such sightings bring joy to my heart and help sustain me: our family and friends as they came together during loss; the expectant joy of youthful friends as they began their college adventures; as well as the many moments of beauty and times of silence found in our Virginia fall. These are only a few signs of God’s love at work in my life.

Still, sometimes God is hard to see when life gets hard, no matter how hard we try. Sometimes the little things just don’t seem enough when our souls are so tired. Yet through the difficulties of my past, God has given me wisdom. I have discovered trusting my senses is never enough. I find ultimate strength and renewal outside of myself and the powers of our world. Time and again in scripture, we hear that despite our sin, God loves us. Despite our doubts, God loves us. Despite our struggles, God loves us. Through faith, new life is always within reach, for God is always at work for our welfare and reaching out to us. Trusting in Christ and his promises is all that is ultimately required of us. Our periods of difficulty might pass only to come again. That’s life in a fallen world. Yet on our journey, step by step and one day at a time, Jesus will never pass us by or leave us on our own. In our heart of hearts where Christ is everything, and within our loving, supportive relationships with one another as church, we will surely find the oasis we need to make it through all our days and into eternity. We will find reasons to praise our God without end.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (October 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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September 7, 2011 · 6:57 pm

Always remember. Always love.

Ten years later, many continue to mourn the loss of loved ones on September 11, 2001. Lives were changed, war spread, the world’s economy suffered, and many remain afraid about what tomorrow might bring.

As Christians, we grieve with them, but we need not grieve without hope (1 Thes. 4:13). Our God may seem hidden at such times, but God promises us and our world a future full of hope, not woe (Jer. 29:11-13). All things, we are told, will work for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28). You see, even in the darkest of times – even though life is never easy – God loves us, and the Son and Spirit will not leave us orphaned. Our Triune God is at work for us, in us, and through us to make all things new.

Trusting in this truth empowers us: to love and forgive others when all seems lost, to accept our own crosses as they come, even to become Christ’s presence in a very troubled world. In the aftermath of 9/11, many of us witnessed God’s power at work in both heroic ways and small acts of kindness. Today, it is that same power which draws us together for worship, only to send us out again to fearlessly love in Christ’s name. Despite any threats, no matter what happens – even death – we will remain Christ’s own.

Yes, we should remember September 11th. Yet as we grieve our losses, let us also never forget the love that was made manifest through such a terrible time. For the God who is love was not only present on that day but at work – through us and people like us, as well as in seen and unseen ways. God still remembers us. Christ remains with us. The Spirit always guides us. Despite any darkness we might face (or might find even within ourselves), the Kingdom of Heaven will most certainly come. We need never be afraid to love.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The Chickahominy Volunteer Fire Department invites all members of our community to attend a 9/11 Memorial Dedication on September 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm in front of their fire station at 10414 Leadbetter Rd, Ashland, VA. The monument includes an artifact of the World Trade Center and is being dedicated to all those that died, as well as all those who sacrificed their lives in the conflicts which followed.

This letter was originally written for the worship bulletin of Messiah Lutheran Church (Mechanicsville, VA), September 11, 2o11.

© 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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August 27, 2011 · 12:01 pm

Living God. Living Water. Living Faith.

…but I am speaking about genuine faith, which after it has justified, will not go to sleep but is active through love. – Martin Luther

This summer has proven to be another hot and dry one in our region, but one wouldn’t know it by looking at our busy shared life and ministry. The refreshing fruit of our faith was tasted throughout the summer as we gathered for fellowship and worship, continued to serve others in our community, and shared the good news and joy of God’s love with all those we met (both near and far from home). This reflects our life in Christ. We are often told that what makes us Christians is our trust in Jesus as the Son of the Living God. That was Peter’s confession, the confession of the early church, and it is now our inheritance and gift. We did not invent this heartfelt belief. God used ordinary people, places, and events to break our hearts open and invite us into this sacred life-giving relationship through the Spirit. It is a faith that calls us into new life together. Through our faith and baptism, we are made new. We discover who we truly are and whose we really are. Each and every day, new life is possible – the chance to forgive, the opportunity to reconcile, the blessing to be of service. We come to understand that our faith just isn’t meant as a gift for us. We have been given as a gift to a dry and weary world in desperate need of Christ’s love. Attempting to live our faith, we will be renewed and strengthened. Seeking to love our neighbor, new life will spring forth. Our ordinary and sometimes difficult lives will prove to be just as Jesus taught (John 7:38), “As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” We and our world will be made new.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (September 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.

Photo used by permission © Marcuso/FreeDigitalPhotos.net: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1913

© 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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August 18, 2011 · 7:59 pm

Happy reading!

Members of my congregation often ask me for book recommendations or about what books I am currently reading. Following the recent demise of a Facebook application to facilitate this, I have migrated my reading list to Goodreads.com. What is Goodreads? According to their site, “Goodreads is the largest social network for readers in the world. We have more than 5,400,000 members who have added more than 170,000,000 books to their shelves. A place for casual readers and bona-fide bookworms alike, Goodreads members recommend books, compare what they are reading, keep track of what they’ve read and would like to read, form book clubs and much more. Goodreads was launched in December 2006. ” You can find my account and reading lists by searching for my name.

I have also created a book list  there which YOU can help shape and create:

Best Lutheran Related Books
A list of “best books” helpful in nurturing the Lutheran expression of faith or reflecting Lutheran people and culture as recommended by the Goodreads Community. Not all books need be “Lutheran” or by Lutheran authors to be included. Find it here:
This is a public list, so it will change and grow as people vote on the books included or add their own favorites. I hope this proves helpful to you and members of the Goodreads Community.

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June 30, 2011 · 12:32 pm

The Root of Freedom

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)

True freedom isn’t found through political struggle, economic independence, or rugged individualism. Freedom comes ultimately through the heart alone. When we honestly look at ourselves, we find some level of both brokenness and beauty. Despite any of our gifts, we can’t be complete on our own. Realities of the world limit us. We need help. We need others. We need Christ. It might not seem to make sense, but rooted in relationship, we discover the meaning of true freedom.

In a healthy (not perfect) community founded on the love of Christ, we best discover a glimpse of who God created us to be. Whether or not we come from troubled homes or seem to have no one to call our own, we discover ourselves as part of a larger human family and purpose. Love, trust and mutuality help us mature and flourish. Forgiveness received and given makes us and others new. Shared service brings healing. We are never the center of the universe, but we discover our uniqueness can be used to bless others and our world. Best of all, through such a loving communion, we are drawn more deeply into the heart of all life and love, Jesus Christ himself.

Yes, we will all remain human, weak, and imperfect. The social structures that surround us will likely continue to reflect the brokenness inherent within each human heart. Yet despite these “realities”, Christ makes us free to love. Trusting him, we can therefore choose to bravely claim and embody the love given us first. Imperfect as we are, right now, no matter the risk or cost, we can seek to establish heart to heart relationships in his name. Within these relationships, we live out the gift of reconciliation, accept differences, and are empowered to help address any doubts and darkness within ourselves and our world. Miracles will happen. Hand in hand and guided by grace, we will experience the true freedom and transforming power found uniquely within the communion of saints. Rooted together in Christ, new life will most certainly grow.

Peace to you, and Happy Independence Day!

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (July 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 are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) translation.

© 2011 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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