Tag Archives: mechanicsville

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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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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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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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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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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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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June 7, 2011 · 4:22 pm

Rest, relaxation, and restoration

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.(2 Cor. 13:11)

After the work of creation, God rested. In the Law of Moses, both people and animals are granted a day of rest (a sabbath day, from the Hebrew meaning “to cease”). Despite the urgency of his mission, Jesus often models healthy self-care by worshiping on the sabbath, spending time in fellowship with those he loves, and taking time away from his responsibilities for prayer and rest in the mountains alone. He does all this while never losing sight of his purpose. Yes, God’s plan for us includes rest, relaxation, and restoration – alone as well as together in relationship with others – for our call although sometimes difficult is always meant to lead to new life.

In our society, we can too often lost sight of this. As a result, we can confuse our work with who we are. We can become addicted to our work or wrongly believe everything is up to us. We hesitate to take time to rejuvenate and keep ourselves and our relationships healthy, including our relationship with Christ and his church. We can become perfectionist or selfish, reaping rewards of status or wealth while ignoring the needs of others. If we do go on a vacation, we can come back more tired than when we left, or the opportunity can be mistakenly seen as all about us and our needs. In short, we can become less than the children of God we were created and called to be.

All of us are asked to share in Christ’s sacred work of restoration. In our shared ministry, through our daily vocations, and even as we seek to relax or fellowship, we remain the children of God. We are to practice and demonstrate a healthy self love and care, but that time should also help prepare us for the gospel work before us. There is a time to work and a time to rest, but each time of our life should seek to glorify God. Our choices should aim to build up ourselves and others; intending to better love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. Summer is a holy opportunity for rest and fun to be sure. It is a great time to celebrate the gift of our life and our relationships. I pray this summer helps restore us all, so that we might better attend to our call to help Jesus restore the world around us. Yes, Jesus still calls us, even in summer, for there is much work left to do and many blessings for us to share.

Peace,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (June 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 Today’s New International Version 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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March 29, 2011 · 3:44 pm

A new beginning

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28: 5-7)

In the midst of Lent, we continue to watch, wait and pray for the very special celebration of Easter. Many of us have participated in diverse spiritual disciplines to help us grow in faith and service. These are wonderful and often quite helpful, but Lent really isn’t about those disciplines in and of themselves. We should never forget that these disciplines and special worship experiences are not meant as an end for us but a new beginning.

Approaching Christ’s tomb, his women followers found it empty. The angel invited them to investigate and ponder what they experienced, but finally it was enough. It was time to act. They weren’t to stay in the tomb. They were to go and tell others the good news with joy. They certainly didn’t understand everything that had happened. They had much more to learn and experience, but they were to go and share what they had seen and heard as best as they could.

As we leave Lent for the springtime which is Easter, we are asked to do the same. Share the good news through word and deed. Invite others to share in our fellowship, service and worship. In doing so, we will experience the Resurrection in our lives more intimately and be used by God to share this new beginning with others. The miracle of Easter will continue throughout our lives.

I wish you and your extended family members an Easter season filled with blessings and new life,

Pastor Lou

The above pastoral letter was originally published in Messiah Lutheran Church and School’s newsletter, The Messenger (April 2011 edition). You are invited to join us at any of our remaining Lenten gatherings and for our celebration of Easter on April 24th. To view the entire April 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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