Peace Lutheran Church
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August 2008 From the Pastor: I love the Psalms. For worship, for private devotions and there is no better way to connect to the timelessness to God’s church. The language and the poetry to the Psalms connects me to God in a way that ordinary words never could. The Psalms were the hymn book of the Hebrew people and when we sing or say the Psalms we are a part of what St. Paul calls that "great cloud of witnesses" to the work and love of God. As I get older I resist change and yet I have come to appreciate our new worship book the ELW. While my personal tastes tend to the traditional in worship and liturgy I understand the need to update our worship language. However, I find it difficult to do that with the Psalms so I tend to prefer (especially for worship and private devotions) to read them from the NRSV or the RSV. Here is an example of what I am talking about. Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou are with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Wonderful uplifting words for worship, for meditation for comfort: Then listen to this modern paraphrase from Eugene Peterson: Psalm 23: God my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. You beauty and love chase me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life This version is probably not one that I would want for worship or for meditation but it is great for another reason. I goes to the heart of the feelings that the Psalm expresses. It gives us a look into the heart-felt emotion that the Psalm expresses. So, read them both! Use the wonderful poetry and hymnody of the Psalms for worship and devotion and use the modern versions to get a sense of the feelings the Psalms express. But what ever you do, read, pray and sing them wherever you are this summer! Pastor Stratton
July 2008 A Note From Pastor Dave: This is the last newsletter before my sabbatical/renewal leave begins on July 1st. A list of “Frequently Asked Questions” was published in the May edition and also may be found in this issue. If you have other questions or comments about my leave, please feel free to put them to me, to the Congregation Council, or to the Sabbatical Advisory Committee (their names are listed in the “FAQ.”). I want to thank them – and you – for allowing me this time away for study and reflection. I think that, when we review our mutual reports in the Fall, we’ll find this will have done us some good. Pastor Terrance Stratton has agreed to cover my responsibilities while I am on leave. He’ll be in the area a time or two before July for some orientation to life at PLC. At this time, no formal events are planned for his welcome. Perhaps a time of welcome can be set aside at the July 12/13 worship and for fellowship following the service (July 6th is our joint annual outdoor service with Christ and Our Saviors at Wilson Park). Pastor Stratton will not be in the area on a fulltime basis. Sometimes he’ll be working from his home in Trego, Wisconsin, when preparing sermons, reports or other presentations and engaging in professional study and reading. However, he will be available by telephone at those times. Pastor Dave
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