More and more our world is getting to be a place where we are meeting people and learning new things online.  The internet has opened the door to many new and wonderful ideas.  It’s been this way for quite some time now; in reality, it’s been years.  The fact that I’m writing an article like this in 2012 is an indication of how far behind the church really is in connecting online.

Augsburg is doing its best; we have a lovely new website and a Facebook page.  Perhaps if you had a pastor who was more tech savvy than me, Augsburg may also be on Twitter, and who knows how many other social media sites.

The reason I am writing about all this is because I have recently engaged in some online Bible reflections.  During Advent, I went to an online Advent Calendar that had an image to reflect on, a scripture verse and some music, all of which helped me to ponder God and God’s presence. I thought this scheme might be a good thing to share with those of you who are connected all the time.

If you are one who lives through your smart-phone, can you imagine how much more convenient it is to receive daily bible reflections right at your finger tips?   The Canadian Bible Society has created a Lenten devotional that will be sent electronically.  The CBS writes that “Research has shown that the more people engage with God’s word, the more their lives change and so these 46 day devotions help people begin the habit of meeting God daily.” You can sign up for this by going to www.biblesociety.ca/40Days_lent. Alternately, if you have a Facebook account, you can join our own, Toronto based, Lutherans Connect, in the series “Sacred Space in Lent.”

There are so many options for keeping close to God this Lent.  We can’t use the excuse of being too busy, because the Bible can come with us now, wherever we go.

Blessings and peace,

Pastor Nadine

During the year, each partner sends birthday and anniversary greetings, seasonal cards and perhaps little tokens to a secret prayer partner. The latter does not know the identity of the former. Participants will gather at 12 noon on Sunday, February 12  after the annual meeting, for a pot-luck lunch and, at which time, identities are revealed.

Current participants, mark your calendar and try your best to be at this gathering. Bring a small token (no more that $5) as a way to reveal your identity.  You might also personally invite another to participate this year.

Do you want to be a prayer partner?  Just show up and you too can put your name in the hat for 2012.  All are welcome.

I can’t remember when I first read the Dr. Seuss quote, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”.  Without much thought, I’ve always accepted the quote as a truism.  Then, this past Christmas, I received a special gift from a fellow parish nurse – a small paperback devotional book which has caused me to reflect on the ‘say what you feel’ part of the quote.

The book is called – Thirty Days to Taming Your Tongue: What You Say (and Don’t Say) Will Improve Your Relationships.  I had no idea that the Bible had so much to say about mouths, lips and tongues but as the title suggests, the author, Deborah Smith Pegues, describes 30 negative ways of speaking and recommends that we eliminate one per day for 30 days.  Half-truths, argumentative language, gossiping, slander, belittling, self-absorbed or doubting words, rude or cynical talk, and intimidation are just some of the verbal transgressions described.  Each reading has short stories, anecdotes, soul-searching questions and a scripturally based affirmation.

Day Four is all about the Hasty Tongue.  The scripture lesson is above.  Pegues points out that God gave us two ears and one mouth.  She suggests that, “perhaps we are to spend twice as much time listening than talking.”

The book concludes with a list of 33 positive ways to ‘engage our tongues’.  My plan is to include them in my goals for the coming year.  Some of these positive actions include praying, expressing gratitude, apologizing, telling the truth, offering assistance, keeping a secret, confronting a personal conflict, defending someone against negative criticism, applauding someone’s achievements – and many more.

Blessings,

Lynn Franklin, Parish Nurse

Christmas Eve – 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Christmas Day – 10:00 am

Sunday Services resume at 10:30 am in 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

What are some ways we can reduce some of this landfill?  Well, first off, we can buy paper that doesn’t have any metallic in it, then it can be recycled (although, you may be able to throw all your paper in your blue box.)  Another way is to buy recycled wrapping paper paper or paper that is made from post-consumer products.  You could buy plain brown craft paper and make your own design.  What grandparent wouldn’t enjoy a wrapped present with lovely creations from the young ones on it?  How about using a hand sewn bag to be reused over and over?  I’ve even seen people use tea towels to wrap their presents.  Use a Christmas theme one or a just a plain colour.  I’m sure that you can come up with a few more ideas too.

My point is that we all need to do our part to help the earth.  God gave us a precious gift; God continues to be generous with gifts to us.  God gave us life, God gave us this beautiful world and God gave us Jesus.  What wonderful gifts!  The least we can do is be conscientious with how we use these resources.

I wish all you a very blessed Christmas and bright and healthy 2012.

Blessings,

Pastor Nadine

During this Advent season, why don’t you take some time to spread some light to those who desperately need some hope.  All are welcome.