Pilgrimage means different things to different people.

For some, it’s a return to the stomping grounds of their childhood. Meeting up with friends for the homecoming football game or celebrating and reconnecting at a class reunion can bring back a flood of memories and create new ones.

For others, pilgrimage might mean visiting a place you’ve always yearned to go and see. For the art student, you might land in Paris or Florence to connect with the masters. For the musician, you might grab a seat in a European cathedral or dance on the lawn at a bluegrass music festival as your favorite artists take the stage.

For a group of us this week, pilgrimage finds us in the Holy Land filling up on sites and sounds where biblical heroes walked and three major religions continue to call this area home.

We’re six hours ahead of Cincinnati, so we’ve already wrapped up our first day with stops in Caesarea, Megiddo, and Nazareth. We strolled along the Mediterranean and saw ruins of the ancient theater and palace. Perched on Tel Megiddo, we stood atop thirty layers of cities that had been destroyed and reconstructed, one atop another. 

Exploring the ruins of Jesus hometown, we celebrated the announcement from Gabriel to Mary and lingered over excavated first century homes and buildings.

Over and over, our tour guide has reminded us that we’re not here to look at rocks but to be enveloped by the stories and follow in the footsteps of Jesus and pilgrims throughout the centuries.

Join us this week as we tell stories and post images during our Holy Land pilgrimage. You can see photos from our second day on our Facebook page and other social media.This is a shared journey. Keep following along to share with us.

On the journey with you,

Pastor Lowell and John Johns

Who determines what is beautiful? And while we’re at it, let’s talk about ideals of beauty that perpetuate toxicity, such as unrealistic ideas of being fit or skinny, which can easily lead to eating disorders. And can we also discuss beauty standards being eurocentric, as blonde is the most popular hair dye for women in the United States?

Song of Solomon 1:1-9 causes us to ask “what is beautiful?” Song of Solomon is love poetry, written with two characters, a man and a woman. And a controversial verse, “I am black, but lovely,” (NASB, v.5), raises eyebrows. 

“Black, I am, but lovely,” the verse stands out because the word “but” was a choice of many when translating. In Biblical Hebrew, all conjunctions, that is “and” “or” “but,” whatever binds two clauses together, is the same word, technically the same letter. The conjunction, a “vav” is placed in front of the word lovely. Thus, this text can also be translated as “I am black and lovely.” 

We are not foreign to the idea of “black but lovely,” because we live in a predominately white society, in which whiteness is the beauty standard. Black curly hair is straightened, and school dress codes say, “no dreads,” as they are viewed as unprofessional. 

“Black” is another choice, as “dark” is also common in translations. It is clear from the sixth verse, “Do not stare at me because I am dark, For the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, But I have not taken care of my own vineyard. (NASB)” that the original author of the text is not talking about race, as our character is dark from working in the sun. The character is not saying, “My ancestors are from Africa, but I am beautiful.” She is saying, “I am dark from working out in the sun, and I am beautiful.”

But again, translators chose to make a statement, as “black.” along with “but,” makes a rancid assertion about black women that is not in the text. 

King James Version: I am black but comely.

New International Version: Dark I am, yet lovely.

American Standard Version: I am dark, but comely.

New American Standard Bible: I am black, but lovely.

But we know who our God is, who created all persons in their divine image, for it says in Genesis 1, 

“God created humanity in God’s own image,

in the divine image God created them,

male and female God created them” (CEB, Genesis 1:27).

And once the Creator Almighty made humanity, God blessed them, blessed all people of all races and all sex, and then looked upon creation and saw that it was very good as God put the divine image into all of whom God made.

Created in the image are the thick curls of black girls. Dreads of black boys. Beautiful and lovely are black women as they are created in the image of God. Created in the image of God are working-class women darkened by their labor in the sun; they’re beautiful as dirt lingers under their nails. 

Redeeming the opening verses of Song of Solomon is not simply for black women and working-class women. We can find solidarity in the reality that all of us are subjected to standards of beauty as we apply retinol over our wrinkles, cover up parts of our body that we deem as unflattering, and as I place whitening strips on my teeth. We may find it hard to believe, but the psalmist is right when they proclaim you are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Sometimes, our beauty is hard to see, as we feel shame and are uncomfortable in our own skin, but God isn’t giving us an unrealistic beauty expectation. God made you and saw that you were, “supremely good” (CEB, Genesis 1:31).

Your sibling in Christ,

Pastor Alec Brock, Seminary Intern

It is easy to forget from week to week just how much we accomplish as a congregation. Watch this video and see the immense impact Lord of Life had on the community and the world in 2021. The video will open in a new window.

This past Tuesday, 22 February 2022, was both a palindrome and an ambigram. The date read the same from left to right and from right to left, as well as upside down. No matter how you look at it, the number is the same.

So it is with God’s love. No matter how we look at it, experience it, and wrestle with it, God’s love and action are consistent.

Early this month, Catholic priest Rev. Andres Arango resigned following what is being called a “pronoun malfunction.” For more than 20 years - ever since he had been ordained - Arango had been saying “We baptize you” instead of “I baptize you” when performing the sacrament of baptism. Any baptisms he performed using the “we” pronouns have been deemed invalid. Various sources agree that this is likely how he was instructed to say the baptismal words at the time of his training - before it was against church laws.

Catholic theologian Mary E. Hunt, frustrated by the indictment, pushes back against the Vatican ruling in an NBC (www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/invalid-baptisms-arizona-point-something-very-wrong-catholic-church-ncna1289612) report, saying, “the intention of people to be baptized and to have their children baptized remains fairly constant - to give public expression to their welcome, membership, and responsibility in a faith community. The words are decidedly secondary to the actions of using water, blessing, and welcome as visible signs of the grace of belonging.”

Thankfully, our Lutheran thinking agrees that God’s action is the primary in baptism. No matter how you look at it, God is the one doing the baptizing. More than once, I have called a child by the wrong name, forgotten to anoint ahead with oil, and even jumbled the words in the splashing moment. Oops! Despite my errors, God still shows up and claims that baptized one as a child of God, marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever.

Isn’t it strange that we think our missteps can undo God’s favor? God is not an adversary, lurking in the shadows, waiting for us to slip up so we can be censured. Instead, time and time again, God uses language of friend and companion when we speak of enemy and opponent. Jesus talks about seeking and finding where we see idleness and loss. The Spirit of God demonstrates abundance and generosity where we name scarcity and selfishness. Jesus talks about flipping the world upside down, turning lives around, and bringing life out of death.

Lent is a good season to remember that God is love, no matter how you look at it. On Ash Wednesday, March 2, we begin our forty-day season of reflection as we prepare for the death and resurrection of Jesus, consider Christ’s sufferings, and rethink how we are called to take up our own crosses. 

Some of us give up things like chocolate or television during this season as a sort of fasting. Others try to integrate something new into their lives, like visiting folks in prison, sewing clothes, exercising, or praying. It is a good season to rethink how we live and to let some things go, or maybe even to develop some new holy habits. A variety of Lenten resources are available at Lord of Life to accentuate your journey.

Looking back on your life, how do you see God’s loving activity? Dreaming of what is ahead, how can you imagine God using you to change the world? Any way you look at it, God’s love is a constant presence of redemption and hope.

Come Lord Jesus, come!

Pastor Lowell

Who Dey! Excitement filled our city as we anxiously awaited the big day. Buying Bengal swag and stocking up on super bowl snacks. My husband searched the boxes in the basement for a sweatshirt he purchased in 1988 along with a 6-pack of Hudy Special Edition Bengals beer (don’t worry, we did not drink it!). Everyone talked non-stop about our pride for the team and our love for Joey B. It has been a long, long road for Bengals fans. Even after so many disappointments, we were all in and had hope of a Super Bowl win.

On the same weekend as the big game, I attended the Extravaganza in Minneapolis. It is the annual ELCA youth and family ministry conference (https://www.elcaymnet.org/ext22 ). On the year of the summer Youth Gathering*, it is held in the city of the Gathering so leaders can preview the city. Sadly, two weeks before the conference, we found out the gathering was canceled due to concerns about COVID and the challenges of the past years.

As I settled into the conference, there was sadness and disappointment but also the resilience of long, suffering fans. This was the group that has never given up on their team. Tired from the past few years, you bet. But their love for Jesus and sharing that love with children and families has never wavered. Ready to learn, re-evaluate, build their community, pray, and praise.

We opened our hearts and minds to new and challenging ideas but also left space for recognizing the good that already surrounds us. How is the Holy Spirit working in our faith community during COVID and beyond? Presiding Bishop Eaton reminded us that the reason we invite anyone into “this Jesus movement is because we want them to experience the same boundless, infinite love poured into us by the Holy Spirit that we have experienced.” Can I get an Amen!?

Do you need to reach out and receive this love? Can you give it? We need our community more than ever. I have much to process from the past weekend, but it was evident that building relationships of support and unconditional acceptance is key to laying the foundation of a lifelong faith. Can we have the same enthusiasm for our Bengals in the Super Bowl as for caring for each other and spreading love in our walls and beyond? I have faith that we can embrace this challenge. We know there will be ups and downs but God is always with us.

We couldn’t control the outcome of the game last Sunday but with God’s help and guidance, we can be on team Jesus and be the community that wins in Christ’s love…and still love the Bengals!

God’s peace always,

Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation

*The Youth Gathering happens every 3 years for high school students. Crowds of 30,000-40,000 head to a city such as Minneapolis, Detroit, or Houston to serve in local communities, learn, and worship together. Since our trip was canceled this summer, we are focusing our energy on building relationships and serving in the Appalachian Community.  Anyone 13+ is welcome to come. Email me for more information (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different languages, and to still another the interpretation of languages. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and the Spirit distributes them to each one, just as the Spirit determines.” 1Corinthians12:4-11

I just spent ten days with my husband Ken in the hospital as he underwent major heart surgery and recovery. What a helpless feeling to have his heart and its repair and his first days of recuperation in the hands of individuals who until the 19^th of January I did not know. These individuals – surgeons, PAs, NPs, nurses, therapists, nursing assistants, and nursing students have been gifted by God the skills necessary to heal. In addition, I saw the gift of teaching, as nursing students trailed Ken’s nurses. Therapists worked with Ken to strengthen him to return home. The doctors and PAs spoke patiently with us on what we needed to do as Ken returned home. 

I felt the gifts of love and concern from our families and friends. Support from Pastor Lowell and Pastor Alec was there when I most needed it and most especially, I could feel the prayers being lifted up daily for Ken’s recovery. I know that there are times when I forget that faith in the love, support, and prayers are the foundation for our lives.

We all have our gifts that are given to us by the Holy Spirit. The expectation is that these gifts would then be used in service to others. Of course, I saw the gifts of healing first hand but I know that we have a number of medical professionals within LOL that use this gift as a daily service to others. We have within our congregation teachers who share their gifts of knowledge and wisdom with the community but also within our congregation. Within our congregation, we have other professions such as scientists, computer specialists, business leaders, and service providers who use their Spirit-given gifts to serve others. For those of us who have retired, we take the time to impart our wisdom from our many years of service. 

What are your gifts? Do you hide them under a basket? Do you let them shine forth and share with others in the community and within our congregation? Our mission statement sends us forth to live, share, and celebrate God’s love through Jesus Christ. Do you use the gifts that the Spirit has bestowed on you to follow our mission?

As we begin this new year, the church council will be asking our members to participate in various areas as we continue to actively work on our strategic goals in the areas of Worship, Faith Formation, and Outreach. Each of us has gifts that will lift up the LOL mission through these strategic goals. 

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!

Denise Krallman, Council President