I have been asked to describe how my faith in God and my spiritual journey has contributed to my employment. I have held the same job, Materials Engineer for The U.S. Army Research Laboratory for the past 27 years, ten in Boston, Massachusetts and 17 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Aberdeen. I have done research for 22 of those years and have been an instructor of week-long seminar-type courses in nondestructive testing and corrosion prevention for five years.

       On the technical side my faith gives purpose and meaning to my work, providing direction to what I do. But on the people said, it provides even more. Even in a research position, one’s relationships with peers, colleagues, and superiors are extremely important. Following Jesus’ example of tolerance, sacrifice, and forgiveness makes those relationships strong, useful, and worthwhile.

       Working for the Federal Government requires acceptance of all races and religions. The Christian faith does not force anyone to adhere to its precepts, so I can be accepting of all.

       There have been conflicts and disagreements during my 27 years but turning them over to Jesus has helped to work them out. Science and religion have been at odds for some people and in some places over the years, but I have continued to be both a scientist and a Christian, always being a Christian first. God has helped me in my employment as in every aspect of my life and I am very thankful to Him for that. All that we have is His alone, a trust from Him.

Why I Go to church by Joanne Bahl

   When asked to write my thoughts on this, I realized the question seems simple, but it turns out the answer is not as simple as I thought it would be.  Why I go to church..why I go to this particular church…why I started going to church as a child which is part of the reason I go to church now….. 

So, I’ll start with the basics.  I go to church to join other Christians in worshiping God, singing praise, praying together, and studying the bible.  I get my spirit renewed on that day.  

   I go to Lord of Life Church because the people there are truly a church family.  While my brother and sisters live out of state, I can feel the love and support of a family here at Lord of Life.  

My week just “doesn’t feel right” if I am not worshipping on Sunday morning.

Four years ago in May I met my fiance, Tyler.  After dating for a while we decided to meet the parents.  When I met his mom Shirley, I really liked her.  She was everything I missed in a mother.  In conversation it was clear that church was an important part of her life.  Especially since she had recently lost her husband.  The next Sunday, I asked to come along with her.  Shirley brought me to “Lord of Life.”  I was super nervous becuse it had been years since I attended a regular Sunday service and I really didn’t know much about the Lutheran church community.  I was pleasantly surprised.  The greeting was warm and welcoming.  I didn’t feel judged.  I felt accepted.  Soon I was coming with her every chance I had and beore long Shirley introduced me to the “Quilters.”  Although I was the youngest, they accepted me and made me feel a part of the group.  When I was pregnant with my son Landon, Tuesday night quilting was a weekly thing.  We sewed and talked… about life, love, God, and baby names.  The more I came, the more I liked.  So, I decided to become a member.  So what started as a wy to make a good impression on my boyfriend’s mom turned into the beginning of my spiritual journey as an adult.  And I couldn’t ask for a better church family.

Shared on January 29th at our Annual Meeting:

Matthew 14:22-33

…Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus… 

I know a song by Lost and Found based on this passage.  It’s called, “Take a Chance.”

Take a chance sometimes, take a chance sometimes… If you step out of the boat, you just might float.

You took a chance when you called a fresh out of the wrong seminary, high energy, and hopelessly optimistic new mom to be your pastor.

You take a chance when you write a check each week or month to this church – that good will come of it.

You take a chance when you share your stories, your prayers, your energy with a community full of people who are just as imperfect as you are.

You take a chance when you trust that the Holy Spirit can work through such clearly broken vessels.

And yet, that is what we are called to… individually and collectively.  The vision laid out in this annual report, as passed by the 2011 congregational council is bold… optimistic… it may be as crazy as Peter stepping out of that boat to join Jesus, walking on water.  But my hope and prayer is that we step out together, knowing that whatever happens, God will catch us.

Let us pray – O God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown.  Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Today we read the beatitudes from Matthew 5 and tried to figure out why we read about God blessing the meek, mourning, those hungry for righteousness, etc. on All Saints Sunday. We eventually came to what it is that makes anyone a saint, which is God’s blessing. In particular, God’s blessing is often revealed in the midst of our weakness, when we most need God. Finally, we talked about saints in our own lives, saints for how they, in small or large ways witness to the power of God in their lives. So, who are those people for you?

Stewardship dinner. We celebrate how much God has blessed us by promising to give back with our pledges. We also celebrate our God-given gifts for making lots of food and chowing down while gabbing. Lots of food. Lots of fun. Lots of blessing. Thanks be to God!

Awesome sail with Lord of Lifers: Becca, Sarah, Jessie, Jae, RoseMarie, Tom, Amanda, Sam, Captain Carl, And me

Partial natl anthem by Edgewood High marching band.

The awesome muffins at our youth breakfast at Lord of Life

Why do people hide? Eating yummy muffins