Tag Archives: Lutheran

November 21, 2012 · 3:22 pm

A belated thanksgiving…

On October 18, 2012, I experienced one of the highlights of my life – literally and figuratively. I went Over the Edge of a 25 story skyscraper in downtown Richmond for Special Olympics Virginia. Thanks to the wonderful staff and volunteers of the Over the Edge event. We had clear skies, lots of great fellowship, and super fun. Best of all, we broke some overall giving records for the event. Many more Special Olympians will benefit as a result.

Also, thanks to all those who helped me achieve the rank of top individual fundraiser and establish a new record for any individual participating in the event. I had signed up late due to concerns with my schedule. So when I started, I wasn’t sure that I could raise the $1000 minimum required to rappel. You certainly taught me a thing or two about faith. To think we raised $6000 in only four weeks is humbling to me. Yet both I and the event staff well exceeded our goals. Over $120,000 was contributed overall which well exceeded the $100,000 goal and established a new event record.

I would like to encourage you to do this next year (or as soon as you can make it happen). You won’t regret it personally, and it is a great gift to our community. Perhaps you can even nominate your own community faith leader to take this leap of faith. It has been highly rewarding experience for us at Messiah Lutheran Church and School to “Push the Pastor over the Edge”, and we made many new connections and friends in our community. In addition, we have helped Special Olympics Virginia serve more than 11,000 athletes through seven regional offices and 30 area programs. If heights scare you, consider joining their network of over 20,000 volunteers. I think you will find your volunteering blesses you and others.

To add to the fun, I promised a party for our preschoolers and elementary age after school students to thank them for their support and prayers. In addition, I promised I would share some pictures and videos of the event. It took me awhile to get the time to edit and upload them all, but you can find them below.  Through the photo, you can access a complete photo gallery of the event. I also am posting a series of three YouTube videos: a birds eye view of the entire rappel from my head cam, a view from the ground as I started my descent, and my arrival back on the ground. I am afraid the video isn’t as exciting as actually doing it, but you’ll get an idea of my experience.

Due to the great fun and success of my efforts, I have told Special Olympics Virginia that I would try to recruit other pastors to participate next year.  Already, I have a few that have expressed interest, so stay tuned. If you would like to nominate your faith leader to be “pushed Over the Edge”, feel free to contact me about how I went about things, and be sure to check out the Over the Edge website.

Special thanks for supporting me and my efforts to help the intellectually disabled as well as spreading the news about this event goes to: Sheriff David Hines & the men and women of the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office; members of the Virginia Crime Clinic – Central Virginia Chapter; Hanover Adult Center & my friends in their Linking Lives Program;  Friends of L’Arche Central Virginia; the faithful servants of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (Richmond Office); the always awesome & helpful FaithInRichmond.com, the VCU Alumni Association and my fellow alumi at VCU (Go Rams!), my BRs from the Class of 1986 and many other fellow alumni from VMI (I hope I made Coach King proud in putting my Rat Training to good use), and of course my wonderful family of faith, friends, students & staff at Messiah Lutheran Church and School in Mechanicsville, VA.

In the 1930’s, my Aunt Theresa was born with an intellectual disabilty. My grandmother told me that many of her relatives and friends encouraged her to institutionalize my aunt. Although this was more common than not during that time period, my grandmother refused. Despite any disability, my Aunt Thesea grew into a beloved and active family member who worked and contributed to the greater community in many ways. My grandmother’s love and wisdom remains a testimony to me, as does the love and friendship of the many people I have been in relationship with over the years who had intellectual disabilities. They were and remain much more than any disability that challenged them, and I dedicated this effort to all of them. They have done more for me than I have ever done for them. Thanks again to the Special Olympics, Lutheran Family Services, Linking Lives, and L’Arche for loving so many people well. I am truly your fan. I remain also the biggest fan of my wife, Kristine, who puts up with all my crazy ideas and long hours with both patience and love.

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November 9, 2012 · 9:13 am

A sturdy shelter

Our church isn't this building (Messiah Lutheran, October 1991)

Our church isn’t this building
(Messiah Lutheran’s “new” sanctuary, October 1991)

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3)

Over the last several years, we have spent much time working on and worrying about our aging building (much of which dates to 1968). It sometimes seemed that once one problem was addressed, another would turn up. It is remarkable to see how much has been done to improve our grounds and facility, especially during such difficult economic times. Messiah has physically become a more safe, beautiful and welcoming place, and so I am thankful for the council, property team, and all those that help with painting, fixing, mowing and more. People have been very generous with their time, treasure, and talent; blessing both us and the greater community we serve.

Yet as vitally important as such work remains, I don’t lose sleep over the challenges we face. Our strong foundation and cornerstone has and will remain Christ. It is a joy to be among so many Christians who are willing to take time to participate in Christian formation classes so that they and others can grow. Dr. Paul Hinlicky recently shared at a Virginia Synod ACTS class, “The more educated the laity is, the more powerful the ministry is.” This has proven true as more and more members have discerned that they should participate in existing ministries at church and within our community, or have felt called to initiate new ones. It is also seen in the thoughtful and prayerful way our council approached the refinancing question or the welcome of All Souls Episcopal to share our building on Sundays and beyond. The conversations were thoughtful, biblical, challenging, and sometimes quite passionate, yet always, those involved went away secure in their love for one another and more committed to sharing in the mission placed before us by God. It is quite a testimony to the reality of the priesthood of all believers that James Anderson, Jake Addair, and Tripp Dillard conducted our congregational meetings about our financial challenges with such honesty, compassion, and vision. Few congregations exhibit such strong leadership across the board as I witness time and time again here at Messiah. It inspires me, and it builds up Christ’s church.

All this reminds me that it isn’t our building or the hierarchy of the ELCA that is ultimately the church. We are the church together in the way we love God, each other and our neighbors – not perfectly yet certainly well. “Your cooperation with the Richmond staff of Lutheran Family Services is a model for the entire state,” commented the CEO of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia on a visit a few weeks ago. As Thrivent Financial for Lutherans reviewed our church life, assets and vitality, the loan officer noted one of the greatest assets we have is one another. He said, “Amazing. I’ve looked at congregations ten times your size that don’t seem to have as much going on.” One recent visitor commented without any solicitation, “I felt the presence of God in your worship today.” A member of Messiah who travels many miles to worship with us told his surprised friends why he travels so far instead of finding an assembly closer by his home. He said, “I just can’t accept not seeing the people here at this church.”

We are a smaller congregation than many. We face many challenges – financial and otherwise. Yet Jesus is most certainly among us as our Lord and our friend. We are sincerely seeking to be faithful witnesses to him by living as loving friends to one another and our community, and your participation at any level has blessed many others whether you realize it or not. The ancient wisdom of Sirach proves true here:

“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter:
whoever finds one has found a treasure.
Faithful friends are beyond price;
no amount can balance their worth.
Faithful friends are life-saving medicine;
and those who fear the Lord will find them.”

In you, I have found friends, and even more so, brothers and sisters in Christ, a true treasure. In this season of thanksgiving, I offer mine to you and my God. Kristine and I will continue to celebrate your love and faithfulness in our lives. We pray that you and your families be blessed not just this Thanksgiving but always.

Peace,
Pastor Lou

 Messiah began on November 3, 1968 (All Saints Sunday). To see pictures of our history together, visit the heritage page of our website’s gallery. (Complete photo gallery available through http://www.mlcas.org)

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (November 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 7, 2012 · 4:38 pm

Politics aside, all will be well

I woke up this morning to a brand new day, yet it was sadly much like yesterday: split executive and legislative branches, split senate and congress, split populace (almost a 50-50 vote), split country (the heartland states look like a bloody knife through the US, splitting the east and west coast blue states), split urban v. rural (in many cases, the majority of any state voted for Romney geographically but the few, heavily populated areas went for President Obama), split white male voters versus (seemingly) almost everyone else, and split young versus old. I hear cries of despair with some angry insults from “the losers.” I also have witnessed arrogant blustering over victory. Some wrongly make the President appear to be the answer to every ill known to humankind, yet he is human and not the Messiah. That isn’t fair to neither him nor the country, and to me, it seems to diminish God’s role in our public affairs. Despite a few boasts of a mandate, there is clearly a risk of a Divided States of America if we don’t watch ourselves, repent of our wrongs, and seek to love one another.

On both the Left and Right and among many inbetween, we need to change our ways. Policies shouldn’t be thrust down the throat of others, and any movement shouldn’t be log jammed mechanically. We should demand our leaders talk to one another rather than isolate themselves in their Congressional chamber or executive mansion. We all should practice some self-reflection and restraint. In addition, “We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way” (Luther’s Large Catechism, section on the 8th Commandment).

Pastors and people should remain cognizant that faithful Christians can and do disagree on serious topics regarding loving God and neighbor. The pulpit shouldn’t be a place of personal, one-sided political agendas passed off as being “prophetic,” but rather the ministry of Word and Sacrament should prove a source of healing, reconciliation, and new life. We should think and pray hard before speaking and seek to engage and comfort those who have perhaps been thought of as our political enemies.

As with many times before in our fallen world, the difficult work of reconciliation lies before us. If we are ever to move forward to discover beginning signs of a true new day, we must intentionally seek to embrace this call from Christ. In times like these, I remember the words of Br. Roger of Taizé: “Human beings are sometimes severe. God, for His part, comes to clothe us in compassion. He weaves our lives, like a beautiful garment, with the threads of His forgiveness. He buries our past in the heart of Christ and He had already taken care of our future.”

We need no longer react in fear or self-interest. Jesus has freed us to act in love. Still being true to our faith and ideals; still calling out what we think to be sin, political wrongs, or violations of law  (even if seemingly in our favor or fitting our world view); still demanding true transparency and not just promises of it – we can seek to be gentle with one another, as Christ is always and will forever be so gentle with us.  We can recall that at our best, we are sinner-saints, imperfect, and thus, we can humbly acknowledge that we might just be the ones in error in the end. First and foremost, we must remember we are called to be one in Christ, and we need to try to view others as Jesus does.

No matter what happens politically or economically, I remain confident – not in the powers of this world, or even in myself, but in Jesus Christ alone. God’s will will be done, and all will be well.

I invite you to reflect upon 2 Cor. 5, as I will be, over the days ahead. In addition, consider enacting a practice at your congregation started by our Mennonite brothers and sisters right here in Virginia – Election Day Communion. Learn more here:

http://electiondaycommunion.org/

Peace,
Pastor Lou

© 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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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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November 1, 2012 · 2:49 pm

The Christian’s great lie: “I’m no saint.”

Can you see yourself here?

Do you struggle believing yourself to be a saint? Well, we probably don’t look much like the popular artwork depicting saints. Our lives often lack color amidst our many mundane affairs, and they certainly can prove messy at times.

Yes, Christians are fully human living in a real world. They experience real problems and pain, temptation and torment. In a fallen world, we tend to make fallen choices. We are “bent inward upon ourselves” as Martin Luther used to say; tending to care for ourselves more than God or our neighbour. Our lives are far from picture perfect.

Yet by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, looked upon and declared as righteous, fully and savingly loved. We are simultaneously sinner and saint, one of Christ’s sheep who will never be truly lost. If you trust in Jesus and his promises, you are indeed a saint – called and chosen for a particular purpose. He declares it is so, no matter what you might believe, no matter how lost you might feel, no matter what your doubts and darkness might say. You and I are part of “a holy little flock and community of pure saints under one head, Christ” (Martin Luther, Large Catechism). Jesus is calling us now and waits to lead us.

Today, All Saints Day, isn’t about some musty artwork. Saints aren’t really those stoic statues and stained glass figures we see so often in churches. No, this day is about people like you and me; as well as people before us, around us and yet to come. We are an imperfect people, yet a people assembled (a church) and called (ambassadors) to risk living a bold trust in God’s grace. This is otherwise known as a life of faith. Through grace alone, we are the communion of saints. We are and remain Christ’s, never out of his loving reach.

So saints, enjoy your day and celebrate the love of God active in your life, even as you might remember with thanksgiving the saints Christ used in the past to make his love known to you. Your life will never be picture perfect, but it remains framed by the love of Jesus Christ. That’s what truly makes it beautiful and gives it meaning.

Happy All Saints Day!

 

© 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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October 28, 2012 · 12:27 am

The Reformation: It isn’t just for Lutherans anymore. (It never really was.)

Today at worship, we remember the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. More important than that, we celebrate with thanksgiving that the Holy Spirit worked through Luther and other reformers to bring a renewal to Christ’s church – one still playing out today. Even during that difficult time of misunderstanding, false (and some valid) accusations and critiques against Luther and Protestants, regrettable divisions, and outright war, the Roman Catholic Church did reform itself in many areas through what they call their own Catholic Reformation. This was partly a direct response to true abuses identified by Protestant Reformers. Never expected when Luther hammered his 95 Theses on that church door in 1517, the entire church grew in its faith understanding as it argued about and searched for God anew. Even some alternative faith expressions have been born (such as the Anabaptist traditions, pietistic faiths and more). Although plenty of missteps have been made by human believers, this movement of the Spirit has enriched Christ’s church, and it indicates God is still speaking to us – still transforming us by grace through faith in his Word, Jesus Christ.

True, all remained imperfect in our fallen world. Mutual condemnations continued primarily until the aftermath of WWI and later WWII. Yet through the horrors of war and genocide, many Christian began to ask why we should hate one another. It could not please God. Within this spirit of repentance, the Holy Spirit worked to help heal and address divisions. Using ecumenists such a Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Roger of Taize’, along with many others (some remembered and some not), and partly through the leadership of Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council, another renewal of the Church began – not unrelated to Luther’s own actions in 1517 and later. In fact, many of his historic arguments were revisited with a new openness of heart. Resulting changes have proven so profound that the Roman Catholic Pope John XXIII and other Roman Catholics, along with Christians of other faith traditions are included in the Evangelical Lutheran Worship’s calendar of commemorations. The World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, full communion agreements between denominations, and ecumenical dialogues remain signs that we hope and actively seek to move that process forward.

Ecumenical discussions continue despite any mistakes arguably made at times and the reality that some Christians still reject any such talks and cooperation. One result has been the recent agreement of what it means to be justified through faith. Although some historic differences might remain in practice, Catholic and Lutheran reforms over the last century have resulted in denominations remarkably similar even amidst their differences. The current Pope Benedict often speaks well of Luther even if he doesn’t fully agree with everything Luther said or did. He agrees with Luther’s “burning question”, as Benedict puts it: “what is God’s position towards me, where do I stand before God?” As a Roman Catholic publication recently noted, this remains the central question of life today, even though many people don’t realize it. He also applauds Luther’s Christ-centered spirituality. Last echoing Vatican II, Pope Benedict remarks, “It was the error of the Reformation period that for the most part we could only see what divided us and we failed to grasp existentially what we have in common in terms of the great deposit of sacred Scripture and the early Christian creeds. For me, the great ecumenical step forward of recent decades is that we have become aware of all this common ground, that we acknowledge it as we pray and sing together, as we make our joint commitment to the Christian ethos in our dealings with the world, as we bear common witness to the God of Jesus Christ in this world as our inalienable, shared foundation.” (See Brumley, M. The Pope, Martin Luther, and our time. The Catholic World Report. Posted September 25, 2011 at catholicworldreport.com)

It is truly remarkable that the Roman Catholic, Lutheran and recently Methodist denominations have agreed on a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification over the last 10 or so years. This remains yet another sign that the Spirit is still at work, that God will make all things work for the good as scripture promises, and that Jesus’ prayer that we be one need not remain a dream forever.

As we remember Martin Luther and the Reformation and perhaps seek to celebrate all things Lutheran, let us also look kindly upon all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I believe we must seek to actively and intentionally listen for God’s guidance together, living in Christ’s love and the hope of what is yet to come through the Spirit’s work in our midst.

To read this historic document, Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, visit the link below:

http://archive.elca.org/ecumenical/ecumenicaldialogue/romancatholic/jddj/index.html

 

© 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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