The 1st Article of the Apostles Creed

We spent two weeks thinking about what it means that God, is our Creator and the Creator of the universe.

The first article of the Apostle's Creed says, "I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth."

When we think of creation we often think of Genesis chapters 1 and 2. Genesis 1 is the first of the creation texts and describes God creating the universe in 6 days. Genesis 2 is the narrative of Adam and Eve and the creation of humans. Both, of these texts are rich with meaning, questions, and glimpses of God's grace and provision for all of creation.

This video above tells the Genesis 1 story through pictures and The Message  paraphrase of the text. It reminds us at the end that we, all of God's people, are created in the image of God.

Last week we grappled with what difference does it make that we are created in the Image of God. How does the effect the way we think of ourselves, how we treat others, how we approach strangers and those we don't know?

Continue to ask these hard questions. Parent, think about them yourself-how do you treat others? Do we love until it hurts? Do we talk about ourselves in loving way? How do our kids see us do these things?

The Trinity!

So sorry this is a week late! On September 11th we struggled and grappled with The Trinity. The Trinity is one of the theological doctrines we follow as Lutherans. Basically, we believe God is 3 in 1! Remember we're talking God's math here...not ours! So God is: Father, Son, Holy Spirit, our Creator, our Redeemer, and our Sustainer. Three beings...yet ONE GOD!

Understand it yet? :)

For many, many, many years Christians have tried to use human understanding and words to explain the Trinity. Water is one often used: Water, Ice, and Vapor...all water but three forms of water...it kind of works, but is not perfect. In confirmation we used other examples too-and even made punch to try and think through the mystery of The Trinity.

Though, I think the best way we understand it is through keeping our eyes and hearts open as we live our lives-to watch and dare to see God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) at work!

We're Trinitarian-which is AWESOME because we believe God is beyond our reason and transformative and transcendent and yet is intimate and close and full of love and grace.

Keep your eyes open for the work of God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Confirmation Sept. 11, 2013                                                                                               

Today, the youth got into their small groups for the first time this year and began the confirmation journey for 2013-2014! I simply love this day and try to take lots of mental snapshots of it, so I can revisit them when the same kids are 9th graders...It's fun (and quite holy) to see the growth and maturity...physically for sure, but more importantly spiritually.

We began to grapple with "Who God is"...such light and easy conversation for a Wednesday afternoon.  :)

How do we picture God? What does God look like? Is God male...female...or neither!? How did we form our image of God? Is there anything troubling for you about how some people picture God? What are some of the ways the Bible describes God. What are names people throughout scripture have used for God.

So, confirmation families I invite you to think about those same questions!

Godspeed! Jen