Tag Archives: family

Pastoral Prayer for Thanksgiving Worship Service

Posted on November 27, 2013 by rstaples2013

“Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ.” The God we are worshipping today is the Loving Father Who welcomes His children. Today our Father wants us to come … Continue reading →

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No More Lutefisk

Posted on October 7, 2013 by jroesler728

My Aunt died this week. She was 91 years old and suffering with congestive heart failure.   It is not hard to engage the rational mind and say that this is a blessing, an evidence of the grace of God. … Continue reading →

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The Decision Belongs to Another

Posted on August 26, 2013 by jroesler728

I am sitting on the veranda of Casa Bendariz in northern Spain. The owner is sitting with us. I ask if this hotel has been in the family for a long time. The question prompts this story told through an … Continue reading →

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When Dying Is the “Next Step”

Posted on April 29, 2013 by jroesler728

We live in a time where dying is complex. There are so many options and so many decisions. I remember, as a child, that when people’s bodies stopped working they died at home. It was an expectation for those who … Continue reading →

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Family Members Not Yet Met

Posted on December 31, 2012 by jroesler728

There is something comforting in reading stories and songs written by people of faith from past generations. There is a knowing that warms the heart when a telling of the faith journey is recognized as that which was experienced then … Continue reading →

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Prison, Freedom and Christmas

Posted on December 28, 2012 by jroesler728

I was seated in a pew waiting for the worship service to begin when I saw them walk into the sanctuary. They were a family of three made up of the father and his young adult son and daughter. I … Continue reading →

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Pastoral Prayer for Thanksgiving Worship Service

Posted on November 26, 2012 by jroesler728

“Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ.” The God we are worshipping today is the Loving Father who welcomes His children. Today our Father wants us to come … Continue reading →

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The People in the Box

Posted on November 23, 2012 by jroesler728

My childhood friend called me last night and the conversation led to some of the memorable characters that added color to our rural farm life story. She told me of one of her relatives that spent most of the time … Continue reading →

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Finding Family

Posted on November 7, 2012 by jroesler728

When a person nears 70 and has no biological family, the search for family becomes relevant. As I have reflected on this past weekend, I am recognizing that I am in a family that God has designed. On Thursday night, … Continue reading →

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Because Your Grandma Loved Me

Posted on September 26, 2011 by jroesler728

Tonight there will be a gathering of family and close friends. We will gather to pray for you as you begin the journey toward becoming a cancer survivor.  When your mother, whom I consider my sister, told me of your … Continue reading →

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