Un-decorating
It’s an odd thing that every time the New Year comes, one of the first things we do is take down our Christmas decorations. On January 8th, the season of Christmas is over, and Epiphany begins. We take down our ornaments, and trees, and (strangely enough for “the season of light”) the lights. Our living rooms shine a little less and our walkways get a little darker. And the nights continue to stay long as we approach the coldest time of the year here in Pennsylvania.
Out of the East (likely Parthia - an enemy of the Roman Empire that conquered and administrated Jesus’ earthly homeland), three Magi journeyed to Jerusalem. The Gentile Zoroastrian-priest-magician-astronomer-astrologers-all-rolled-into-one had noticed a strange star that no one else did. They understood it as a sign that a new, divinely important King had been born. Being representatives of a foreign court, they wished to bring an offering of good will, with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
King Herod understood this as a direct threat to his power - Rome’s enemies, and thus his enemies, were up to something dangerous. He consulted his scribes, found out what they were talking about, welcomed the Magi in, and sent them as inadvertent spies towards Bethlehem. After meeting Mary and Joseph, the Magi were warned of Herod’s ill will in a dream. They returned home by different roads. Mary and Joseph were also warned, and fled to the land of their ancestors’ captors - Egypt. And they would be back. Dark roads, and uncertain futures for all of them - but they walked by faith.
I wish we knew what happened to the Magi - also called the Three Kings or the Three Wisemen. I wish we knew which roads they took, or if they ever came back, or if thirty some years later they would hear what happened to that child. Whether their Zoroastrian faith developed into an early form of Christianity. We have a handful of folk tales and non-canonical writings with a few details: that there were three of them, that they were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, that they came from three different lands. But St. Matthew didn’t think we needed to know anything else about them - but that by faith they arrived, and in faith they left.
They knew what they saw, they knew what they heard, and they went home changed. And I don’t think that Herod’s evil machinations changed their opinion about the little one to whom they gave a great treasure. They left their gifts with Jesus, and departed with a still greater one: God has come.
It’s the New Year. The decorations are coming down, as well they are meant to. We’re hitting the road of 2022 together. We might not know everything that comes next. We might even need to watch our steps. But let us depart from 2021, with all of its lessons and challenges, firm in the faith that the Messiah has come. To us has been born a savior. Whatever comes along, we are loved and sent out with that love. Let this good news warm our hearts, and send us forward with good courage.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Kaegler
It’s an odd thing that every time the New Year comes, one of the first things we do is take down our Christmas decorations. On January 8th, the season of Christmas is over, and Epiphany begins. We take down our ornaments, and trees, and (strangely enough for “the season of light”) the lights. Our living rooms shine a little less and our walkways get a little darker. And the nights continue to stay long as we approach the coldest time of the year here in Pennsylvania.
Out of the East (likely Parthia - an enemy of the Roman Empire that conquered and administrated Jesus’ earthly homeland), three Magi journeyed to Jerusalem. The Gentile Zoroastrian-priest-magician-astronomer-astrologers-all-rolled-into-one had noticed a strange star that no one else did. They understood it as a sign that a new, divinely important King had been born. Being representatives of a foreign court, they wished to bring an offering of good will, with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
King Herod understood this as a direct threat to his power - Rome’s enemies, and thus his enemies, were up to something dangerous. He consulted his scribes, found out what they were talking about, welcomed the Magi in, and sent them as inadvertent spies towards Bethlehem. After meeting Mary and Joseph, the Magi were warned of Herod’s ill will in a dream. They returned home by different roads. Mary and Joseph were also warned, and fled to the land of their ancestors’ captors - Egypt. And they would be back. Dark roads, and uncertain futures for all of them - but they walked by faith.
I wish we knew what happened to the Magi - also called the Three Kings or the Three Wisemen. I wish we knew which roads they took, or if they ever came back, or if thirty some years later they would hear what happened to that child. Whether their Zoroastrian faith developed into an early form of Christianity. We have a handful of folk tales and non-canonical writings with a few details: that there were three of them, that they were named Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, that they came from three different lands. But St. Matthew didn’t think we needed to know anything else about them - but that by faith they arrived, and in faith they left.
They knew what they saw, they knew what they heard, and they went home changed. And I don’t think that Herod’s evil machinations changed their opinion about the little one to whom they gave a great treasure. They left their gifts with Jesus, and departed with a still greater one: God has come.
It’s the New Year. The decorations are coming down, as well they are meant to. We’re hitting the road of 2022 together. We might not know everything that comes next. We might even need to watch our steps. But let us depart from 2021, with all of its lessons and challenges, firm in the faith that the Messiah has come. To us has been born a savior. Whatever comes along, we are loved and sent out with that love. Let this good news warm our hearts, and send us forward with good courage.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Kaegler
Home for the Holidays
On the borders of Belarus - there’s a conflict stirring. In response to growing sanctions by the European Union, the Belarusian government has been bringing in refugees from Iraq, Syria, Turkey and more - and forcing them onto marches led by the army to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. Poland and Lithuania have not been able to figure out how to welcome all these people - who have been turned into pawns in a wider struggle. The weather in central Europe is cold at this time of year. The children are in the most trouble. The Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (our partners in the Lutheran World Federation), is advocating for their entry and for a safe home for those who come in. What will the future of these refugees look like? Will their children’s children find Christ in our friends’ churches?
A new pastor started at St. Bart’s Lutheran Church in Trenton not too long ago - Pastor Erich Kussmann. Seeing that he already had a place to live and did not need a parsonage, the congregation transformed the now empty parsonage into a couple of apartments for Haitian immigrants who had been unemployed due to the Covid-19 lockdown. They have a home this Christmas. I wonder what their future will hold as they grow up right next to that little church that has worshiped together for over 100 years.
Just down Route 309 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton, Pastor John Heidgerd noticed that he also was not in need of a parsonage. The congregation had a hard time deciding what to do with this extra, unused, uninhabited building. They had even considered tearing it down. But then they heard about a need: an organization devoted to sheltering and rehabilitating the victims of sex-trafficking needed to find a new place for women to get a fresh start. If all goes according to plan, “Meleny’s House” will open next year, and women and children who are escaping a grave evil will have a clear place to be, and a home if only for a season of their lives. What will they come to say of the congregation next door?
Just last week, the Bush House was condemned, and families were sent away with only the barest of essentials. They have shelter for the immediate future, but the wider scope is unclear. As the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Bucks County Housing Authority, and the Allies of the Homeless in Upper Bucks scramble to find ways to help and support these folks (consider donating through www.quakertown.org) - I know that our church, and the many like us in Upper Bucks, will play a positive role in their future. Keep an ear out for ways to help. We are lucky to help them.
Why do I say this? Because around 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph, of the house of David, were on the road to Jerusalem. Mary was pregnant, but they could find no shelter. But eventually - far from temple or palace where you would expect God’s Son to be found - in a simple stable of an inn, they were welcomed in and Jesus was born. Then they were received by Simeon and Anna. On a divine warning - they fled to Egypt and years later returned to Nazareth, where Joseph could work as Jesus grew in age and wisdom. How blessed are they who helped the Holy Family? How blessed are those who remember that God called an Aramaean to wander, that their ancestors were strangers in a strange land, that God has called them to welcome the stranger, and that some entertain angels without knowing it. (Matthew 2, Luke 2, Deuteronomy 26, Exodus 22, Hebrews 13).
Jesus Christ has found a home in your heart. There are many who struggle with finding shelter these days. Can you imagine the joy and the deep relief they feel when they finally have a place to rest, to recover, and to call home? There are many ways and opportunities to help in the month ahead. Blessed are those who will receive your help in the last days of 2021.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Kaegler
On the borders of Belarus - there’s a conflict stirring. In response to growing sanctions by the European Union, the Belarusian government has been bringing in refugees from Iraq, Syria, Turkey and more - and forcing them onto marches led by the army to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. Poland and Lithuania have not been able to figure out how to welcome all these people - who have been turned into pawns in a wider struggle. The weather in central Europe is cold at this time of year. The children are in the most trouble. The Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (our partners in the Lutheran World Federation), is advocating for their entry and for a safe home for those who come in. What will the future of these refugees look like? Will their children’s children find Christ in our friends’ churches?
A new pastor started at St. Bart’s Lutheran Church in Trenton not too long ago - Pastor Erich Kussmann. Seeing that he already had a place to live and did not need a parsonage, the congregation transformed the now empty parsonage into a couple of apartments for Haitian immigrants who had been unemployed due to the Covid-19 lockdown. They have a home this Christmas. I wonder what their future will hold as they grow up right next to that little church that has worshiped together for over 100 years.
Just down Route 309 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Souderton, Pastor John Heidgerd noticed that he also was not in need of a parsonage. The congregation had a hard time deciding what to do with this extra, unused, uninhabited building. They had even considered tearing it down. But then they heard about a need: an organization devoted to sheltering and rehabilitating the victims of sex-trafficking needed to find a new place for women to get a fresh start. If all goes according to plan, “Meleny’s House” will open next year, and women and children who are escaping a grave evil will have a clear place to be, and a home if only for a season of their lives. What will they come to say of the congregation next door?
Just last week, the Bush House was condemned, and families were sent away with only the barest of essentials. They have shelter for the immediate future, but the wider scope is unclear. As the Bucks County Opportunity Council, the Bucks County Housing Authority, and the Allies of the Homeless in Upper Bucks scramble to find ways to help and support these folks (consider donating through www.quakertown.org) - I know that our church, and the many like us in Upper Bucks, will play a positive role in their future. Keep an ear out for ways to help. We are lucky to help them.
Why do I say this? Because around 2,000 years ago, Mary and Joseph, of the house of David, were on the road to Jerusalem. Mary was pregnant, but they could find no shelter. But eventually - far from temple or palace where you would expect God’s Son to be found - in a simple stable of an inn, they were welcomed in and Jesus was born. Then they were received by Simeon and Anna. On a divine warning - they fled to Egypt and years later returned to Nazareth, where Joseph could work as Jesus grew in age and wisdom. How blessed are they who helped the Holy Family? How blessed are those who remember that God called an Aramaean to wander, that their ancestors were strangers in a strange land, that God has called them to welcome the stranger, and that some entertain angels without knowing it. (Matthew 2, Luke 2, Deuteronomy 26, Exodus 22, Hebrews 13).
Jesus Christ has found a home in your heart. There are many who struggle with finding shelter these days. Can you imagine the joy and the deep relief they feel when they finally have a place to rest, to recover, and to call home? There are many ways and opportunities to help in the month ahead. Blessed are those who will receive your help in the last days of 2021.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Kaegler
November 2021
It’s not you who should solve my problems, God,
but I yours, God of the asylum-seekers.
It’s not you who should feed the hungry,
but I who should protect your children
from the terror of the banks and armies,
It’s not you who should make room for the refugees,
but I who should receive you,
hardly hidden God of the desolate.
You dreamed me, God,
practicing walking upright
and learning to kneel down
more beautiful than I am now,
happier than I dare to be
freer than our country allows.
Don’t stop dreaming me, God.
I don’t want to stop remembering
that I am your tree,
planted by the streams
of living water.
This past month, our friends in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland released a statement on the border crisis. (https://www.lutheranworld.org/news/polish-church-speaks-out-situation-poland-belarus-border, https://www.luteranie.pl/w-sprawie-wsparcia-dla-osob-na-granicy-z-bialorusia/)
Not the America one, of course - but their own border with Belarus (often called Europe’s Last Dictatorship). You might not know exactly what’s going on there (and I wouldn’t blame you! This sort of news is hard to come by in the United States!) but under the orders of Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko - Belarus has been flying refugees from the Middle East (mainly Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan) into Minsk, and then using their armed military and police forces to “escort” refugees to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. It’s reported that Lukashenko is doing this as reprisal against sanctions by the European Union against Belarus for its brazen disregard for human rights. The EU, in return, is accusing Belarus of “weaponizing” refugees - and is trying to force airlines to stop running between Iraq and Minsk. (https://www.politico.eu/article/belarus-migrant-flights-eu-sanctions-iraq-turkey/, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58255448)
Those who need a new home in foreign lands are still in danger. This is of course, above and beyond Belarusian natives who are seeking asylum away from Belarus, which you may have heard about during this year’s Olympic Games. (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01/)
It’s a terrible thing to treat a person as a thing, even worse to treat a person as a problem, and worse still as a weapon. We should be wary every time we read such rhetoric in the opinion pages, or hear it on television or the radio. But our church friends in Poland are not playing Lukashenko’s game, and they’re not buying into the nativist fears that we know nations can so easily fall into - fears that Lukashenko is banking on to forward his own agenda. Our church friends in Poland acknowledge the guilt that they only noticed the refugees when they came to the Polish borders, but just as importantly - now they’re looking to these new residents with the eyes of Christ, citing our Lord’s own words: “I assure you, what you did to the least of these, my brothers, you did to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
We are preparing for Thanksgiving in the United States. A holiday that remembers the mostly Pilgrim migrants (and a few non-Pilgrim merchants), who left England under duress for a place that wasn’t home. And after they landed on what became known as Plymouth Rock, they nearly didn’t make it. But they were aided and protected by a people they did not know - the Wampanoag who had made a home here before them. And it was good. If their relationship remained so based in compassion and care for the desperate - I believe we would have a kinder world. We, through Christ who loves us, can be centered in that compassion and care, and recognize it as godly.
As we give thanks, and hold onto our collective memory of ages gone by this year - we should remember the place of migrants in the modern world. We should learn from what Jesus teaches us in the Scriptures. And we should remember that the descendants of those who come to us in need will remember us. Let us look to our borders, and treat refugees, and asylum seekers as new friends in Jesus Christ’s name. Jesus knows who is coming to Poland, Lithuania, and even those who are coming to America with empty hands in a way that they never wanted. His Church shall welcome them and embody the good news.
In Christ our comfort and eternal home,
Pastor Kaegler
It’s not you who should solve my problems, God,
but I yours, God of the asylum-seekers.
It’s not you who should feed the hungry,
but I who should protect your children
from the terror of the banks and armies,
It’s not you who should make room for the refugees,
but I who should receive you,
hardly hidden God of the desolate.
You dreamed me, God,
practicing walking upright
and learning to kneel down
more beautiful than I am now,
happier than I dare to be
freer than our country allows.
Don’t stop dreaming me, God.
I don’t want to stop remembering
that I am your tree,
planted by the streams
of living water.
- Dorothee Sölle (1929-2003)
This past month, our friends in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland released a statement on the border crisis. (https://www.lutheranworld.org/news/polish-church-speaks-out-situation-poland-belarus-border, https://www.luteranie.pl/w-sprawie-wsparcia-dla-osob-na-granicy-z-bialorusia/)
Not the America one, of course - but their own border with Belarus (often called Europe’s Last Dictatorship). You might not know exactly what’s going on there (and I wouldn’t blame you! This sort of news is hard to come by in the United States!) but under the orders of Belarusian President Aleksander Lukashenko - Belarus has been flying refugees from the Middle East (mainly Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan) into Minsk, and then using their armed military and police forces to “escort” refugees to the Polish and Lithuanian borders. It’s reported that Lukashenko is doing this as reprisal against sanctions by the European Union against Belarus for its brazen disregard for human rights. The EU, in return, is accusing Belarus of “weaponizing” refugees - and is trying to force airlines to stop running between Iraq and Minsk. (https://www.politico.eu/article/belarus-migrant-flights-eu-sanctions-iraq-turkey/, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58255448)
Those who need a new home in foreign lands are still in danger. This is of course, above and beyond Belarusian natives who are seeking asylum away from Belarus, which you may have heard about during this year’s Olympic Games. (https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01/)
It’s a terrible thing to treat a person as a thing, even worse to treat a person as a problem, and worse still as a weapon. We should be wary every time we read such rhetoric in the opinion pages, or hear it on television or the radio. But our church friends in Poland are not playing Lukashenko’s game, and they’re not buying into the nativist fears that we know nations can so easily fall into - fears that Lukashenko is banking on to forward his own agenda. Our church friends in Poland acknowledge the guilt that they only noticed the refugees when they came to the Polish borders, but just as importantly - now they’re looking to these new residents with the eyes of Christ, citing our Lord’s own words: “I assure you, what you did to the least of these, my brothers, you did to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
We are preparing for Thanksgiving in the United States. A holiday that remembers the mostly Pilgrim migrants (and a few non-Pilgrim merchants), who left England under duress for a place that wasn’t home. And after they landed on what became known as Plymouth Rock, they nearly didn’t make it. But they were aided and protected by a people they did not know - the Wampanoag who had made a home here before them. And it was good. If their relationship remained so based in compassion and care for the desperate - I believe we would have a kinder world. We, through Christ who loves us, can be centered in that compassion and care, and recognize it as godly.
As we give thanks, and hold onto our collective memory of ages gone by this year - we should remember the place of migrants in the modern world. We should learn from what Jesus teaches us in the Scriptures. And we should remember that the descendants of those who come to us in need will remember us. Let us look to our borders, and treat refugees, and asylum seekers as new friends in Jesus Christ’s name. Jesus knows who is coming to Poland, Lithuania, and even those who are coming to America with empty hands in a way that they never wanted. His Church shall welcome them and embody the good news.
In Christ our comfort and eternal home,
Pastor Kaegler
Why I Wear My Mask
I’ve had a few parishioners ask me over the last month why I continue to wear my mask in Church when I’ve been fully vaccinated. I came to this decision by listening to the sources I trust, consulting with doctors, in conversation with my family during the pandemic, and of course in prayer and with a heart on discipleship. This is how I got there.
What I’ve heard from better scientists than I is that COVID-19 is here to stay for now. It’s going to be part of our lives together. There are lots of reasons this has happened, but there are ways we can mitigate its effects. Researchers have consistently shown that vaccinations, masks, and sanitation accompanied with social distancing are effective. Masks are better at preventing transmission to others than infection of the self (infection protection varies from as low as 15% for lower quality cotton masks to 90% for a tightly fitted N-95). Social distance helps mitigate both. Vaccinations seem to considerably - but not entirely - limit infection and transmission. Vaccines have been better at limiting the amount of harm that the disease does to the infected. Fewer people who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are hospitalized for COVID-19. Fewer doesn’t mean everyone. Breakthrough cases happen, and sometimes they are deadly. And still - you can catch COVID-19, not know that you’re sick, and spread it to someone else who may have a very different reaction. I don’t want to get others sick, and a layer of protection for myself is a good thing. So I wear a mask.
A good acquaintance of my wife recently died of COVID-19, even though he had been fully vaccinated, was in generally good health and was 38 years old. It is suspected that he caught the disease at the Church he was pastoring. I hate that for him, for his family, and for his congregation. No one intended to get him sick - but I wonder if his family will never see that congregation, or perhaps even the Church in a positive light. I wonder how the disciples there see themselves. I pray that my family will never see the Church as something other than a blessing, and the same for you. I want to take as many responsible precautions as I reasonably, and personally can. And I want to encourage others to do the same. So I wear a mask.
We’ll never live in a world that has 0% risks. That would be unrealistic - even outside of a pandemic. There is always going to be danger in life. Living well isn’t about -% risks, it’s about risk-tolerance, risk-acceptance, and risk-mitigation as we return to old patterns of life, and begin new ones. I’ve found masks indoors to be a reasonable and manageable thing to do in these times, especially when I’m surrounded by larger groups of people. It’s not always fun, and it’s not always easy. But it’s reasonable, it’s honestly never been too inconvenient, and it helps. So I wear a mask.
That brings me to my next rationale - my family. I didn’t come to this decision on my own - but also through listening to my family over the course of the pandemic. My wife has a pre-existing medical condition that puts her at a higher risk if she contracts COVID. When she preaches across the Synod, she wears a mask and has started asking everyone in the congregation to wear one as well. As some of you know, my brother caught COVID last Spring, and while he wasn’t hospitalized - he was close to it. It could have gone a lot worse. His girlfriend has ongoing medical conditions that put her at high risk as well. My mother has mercifully been spared COVID. But every now and then she needs some help up in New Jersey - and I’m geographically the closest between my brother and I. I would hate to bring something to her. If I want to spend time with them, I think it's important for me to take these things into account. So I wear a mask for them.
This brings me to my last point - I think that wearing a mask is an exercise in discipleship. Consider the following passages: Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this command: love your neighbor as yourself.” Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” I get the sense from Paul and Jesus in Matthew that freedom puts the needs of others, particularly our vulnerable neighbors, over the comfortable wants of the self. Wearing a mask, I can have some sense that if I am sick, and don’t know it - others are better protected as I go about my day. I think that’s a better way of welcoming people in these times. And it better protects those who I will never meet, who they will. So I wear a mask.
As other congregations in our area discern what to do next in the middle of the most recent spike in COVID - some going back outdoors, some remaining unchanged, I know that for now I’m going to consistently wear my mask indoors - whatever our congregation decides. I can encourage everyone to do the same.
In Christ,
Pastor Kaegler
I’ve had a few parishioners ask me over the last month why I continue to wear my mask in Church when I’ve been fully vaccinated. I came to this decision by listening to the sources I trust, consulting with doctors, in conversation with my family during the pandemic, and of course in prayer and with a heart on discipleship. This is how I got there.
What I’ve heard from better scientists than I is that COVID-19 is here to stay for now. It’s going to be part of our lives together. There are lots of reasons this has happened, but there are ways we can mitigate its effects. Researchers have consistently shown that vaccinations, masks, and sanitation accompanied with social distancing are effective. Masks are better at preventing transmission to others than infection of the self (infection protection varies from as low as 15% for lower quality cotton masks to 90% for a tightly fitted N-95). Social distance helps mitigate both. Vaccinations seem to considerably - but not entirely - limit infection and transmission. Vaccines have been better at limiting the amount of harm that the disease does to the infected. Fewer people who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 are hospitalized for COVID-19. Fewer doesn’t mean everyone. Breakthrough cases happen, and sometimes they are deadly. And still - you can catch COVID-19, not know that you’re sick, and spread it to someone else who may have a very different reaction. I don’t want to get others sick, and a layer of protection for myself is a good thing. So I wear a mask.
A good acquaintance of my wife recently died of COVID-19, even though he had been fully vaccinated, was in generally good health and was 38 years old. It is suspected that he caught the disease at the Church he was pastoring. I hate that for him, for his family, and for his congregation. No one intended to get him sick - but I wonder if his family will never see that congregation, or perhaps even the Church in a positive light. I wonder how the disciples there see themselves. I pray that my family will never see the Church as something other than a blessing, and the same for you. I want to take as many responsible precautions as I reasonably, and personally can. And I want to encourage others to do the same. So I wear a mask.
We’ll never live in a world that has 0% risks. That would be unrealistic - even outside of a pandemic. There is always going to be danger in life. Living well isn’t about -% risks, it’s about risk-tolerance, risk-acceptance, and risk-mitigation as we return to old patterns of life, and begin new ones. I’ve found masks indoors to be a reasonable and manageable thing to do in these times, especially when I’m surrounded by larger groups of people. It’s not always fun, and it’s not always easy. But it’s reasonable, it’s honestly never been too inconvenient, and it helps. So I wear a mask.
That brings me to my next rationale - my family. I didn’t come to this decision on my own - but also through listening to my family over the course of the pandemic. My wife has a pre-existing medical condition that puts her at a higher risk if she contracts COVID. When she preaches across the Synod, she wears a mask and has started asking everyone in the congregation to wear one as well. As some of you know, my brother caught COVID last Spring, and while he wasn’t hospitalized - he was close to it. It could have gone a lot worse. His girlfriend has ongoing medical conditions that put her at high risk as well. My mother has mercifully been spared COVID. But every now and then she needs some help up in New Jersey - and I’m geographically the closest between my brother and I. I would hate to bring something to her. If I want to spend time with them, I think it's important for me to take these things into account. So I wear a mask for them.
This brings me to my last point - I think that wearing a mask is an exercise in discipleship. Consider the following passages: Matthew 25:40 “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Galatians 5:13-14 “You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this command: love your neighbor as yourself.” Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.” I get the sense from Paul and Jesus in Matthew that freedom puts the needs of others, particularly our vulnerable neighbors, over the comfortable wants of the self. Wearing a mask, I can have some sense that if I am sick, and don’t know it - others are better protected as I go about my day. I think that’s a better way of welcoming people in these times. And it better protects those who I will never meet, who they will. So I wear a mask.
As other congregations in our area discern what to do next in the middle of the most recent spike in COVID - some going back outdoors, some remaining unchanged, I know that for now I’m going to consistently wear my mask indoors - whatever our congregation decides. I can encourage everyone to do the same.
In Christ,
Pastor Kaegler
September 2021
The other day I walked by the pavilion and had a vivid memory. When I first interviewed at St. John’s in the Summer of 2014, the first person I met was Bob Boardman. He was taking some boxes out of the pavilion in order to prepare for a rummage sale. He greeted me so warmly that I knew that I was really welcome. And I looked into the pavilion and I offered to help him with a few on my way in before I met the call committee.
I think a lot about the pavilion. Most of you who’ve been on council know that - I’ve pitched its restoration probably at least once a year each year. On multiple occasions I’ve spoken about how beautiful I think the pavilion is - how with some love, effort, and elbow grease it could actually be a really great space for us to gather, to worship, and to hold activities by firelight. I can imagine lights strung around the inside - with friends in the congregation and beyond, and glasses full of lemonade and iced tea on a summer evening, and hot chocolate on a cool fall night. I think of weddings there. I think of singing Holden Evening Prayer- with the windows open and the frogs and crickets joining the choir as an extra accompaniment. I think of our congregation’s voices and laughter being heard by those around us - and bringing a smile to their faces too.
We haven’t done that yet. That makes me sad. We’ve swept the pavilion up a few times, and cleaned it. We’ve made use of it for an event or two. But we get to a few questions about “how,” and “when” and conversations start shutting down. To me, that indicates that you all haven’t seen quite the same potential as I have. That’s okay. If it’s only my vision, it has no business happening. Sometimes a vision that no one else can see is little better than a hallucination. But I sure do hope for days when the congregation will gather together for authentic fellowship and recognize the beauty and the gift of our space. Whether it’s a pavilion, or a playground, or a community garden, or a baseball diamond. The question is if we see it, share that vision, and work together to make it happen for us and the community around us.
I think there is something to be seen among us here. Maybe it’s not with the pavilion, but I believe that God is calling us to do ministry in this space and in this time. We are gifted. We have a great love for one another. We have a beautiful space to do ministry. Our food drives show tremendous care for our community. Our prayer chains are true. Our worship is faithful. We can do really cool things in Jesus’ name, as Jesus’ Church.
But we’re struggling right now. That’s the nut that I’m having such a hard time cracking. Our Council has had seven members on it for most of the pandemic (normally it’s twelve members and the pastor). Our giving has declined substantially. But perhaps most troubling - we hear very little feedback or collaboration around the Church’s vision and mission.
Sometimes we get demands. Some of those demands we can do. Some of them we can’t. But we don’t get a lot of folks who want to take part in the process, and to do the work it takes together.
So I have to ask - what do you believe in so much for our Church, that you’ll think we’re called to make it happen? What do you believe in so much that you want to make it a reality, and will bring your friends in and beyond Church along for it? Thank God for that vision, and talk with us about it. We have ways of doing things - but they won’t get done without your hands, your feet, your ears, and your voice. Our ministry has a lot to do with your visions, your hopes, and your dreams for the congregation.
I want you to believe in the mission at St. John’s. I want you to believe that you have been called to be a disciple. And I want you to look at our church’s current struggles in that light.
In Christ,
-Pastor Kaegler
The other day I walked by the pavilion and had a vivid memory. When I first interviewed at St. John’s in the Summer of 2014, the first person I met was Bob Boardman. He was taking some boxes out of the pavilion in order to prepare for a rummage sale. He greeted me so warmly that I knew that I was really welcome. And I looked into the pavilion and I offered to help him with a few on my way in before I met the call committee.
I think a lot about the pavilion. Most of you who’ve been on council know that - I’ve pitched its restoration probably at least once a year each year. On multiple occasions I’ve spoken about how beautiful I think the pavilion is - how with some love, effort, and elbow grease it could actually be a really great space for us to gather, to worship, and to hold activities by firelight. I can imagine lights strung around the inside - with friends in the congregation and beyond, and glasses full of lemonade and iced tea on a summer evening, and hot chocolate on a cool fall night. I think of weddings there. I think of singing Holden Evening Prayer- with the windows open and the frogs and crickets joining the choir as an extra accompaniment. I think of our congregation’s voices and laughter being heard by those around us - and bringing a smile to their faces too.
We haven’t done that yet. That makes me sad. We’ve swept the pavilion up a few times, and cleaned it. We’ve made use of it for an event or two. But we get to a few questions about “how,” and “when” and conversations start shutting down. To me, that indicates that you all haven’t seen quite the same potential as I have. That’s okay. If it’s only my vision, it has no business happening. Sometimes a vision that no one else can see is little better than a hallucination. But I sure do hope for days when the congregation will gather together for authentic fellowship and recognize the beauty and the gift of our space. Whether it’s a pavilion, or a playground, or a community garden, or a baseball diamond. The question is if we see it, share that vision, and work together to make it happen for us and the community around us.
I think there is something to be seen among us here. Maybe it’s not with the pavilion, but I believe that God is calling us to do ministry in this space and in this time. We are gifted. We have a great love for one another. We have a beautiful space to do ministry. Our food drives show tremendous care for our community. Our prayer chains are true. Our worship is faithful. We can do really cool things in Jesus’ name, as Jesus’ Church.
But we’re struggling right now. That’s the nut that I’m having such a hard time cracking. Our Council has had seven members on it for most of the pandemic (normally it’s twelve members and the pastor). Our giving has declined substantially. But perhaps most troubling - we hear very little feedback or collaboration around the Church’s vision and mission.
Sometimes we get demands. Some of those demands we can do. Some of them we can’t. But we don’t get a lot of folks who want to take part in the process, and to do the work it takes together.
So I have to ask - what do you believe in so much for our Church, that you’ll think we’re called to make it happen? What do you believe in so much that you want to make it a reality, and will bring your friends in and beyond Church along for it? Thank God for that vision, and talk with us about it. We have ways of doing things - but they won’t get done without your hands, your feet, your ears, and your voice. Our ministry has a lot to do with your visions, your hopes, and your dreams for the congregation.
I want you to believe in the mission at St. John’s. I want you to believe that you have been called to be a disciple. And I want you to look at our church’s current struggles in that light.
In Christ,
-Pastor Kaegler
August 2021 - Welcome
Greetings, St. John’s!
Just like last month, I’m going to be talking a little bit about Thom Rainer’s Post-Quarantine Church and a few of the insights our Church Council thought were worth reflecting on as a congregation. Last time I brought up the subject of prayer, but this time I’m going to talk about being intentionally welcoming - both to one another and to visitors.
One of the stories Rainer focuses on is that of a congregation that had just finished a massive renovation project - designed to completely update and expand their sanctuary, their kitchen, fellowship hall, offices, classrooms, etc. They even installed a full gym! Then they started waiting for people to show up. No one came.
As the congregation reflected on what had happened - they hired Thom Rainer and his consulting program, and the first thing he noticed apart from the incredible renovation was a thick document entitled “Policies and Procedures for the Use of Church Facilities.” The booklet was filled with restrictions, regulations, and countless ways of letting people know that they might not be welcome. In fact, they even had one specific rule that “Nonmembers of the church are not allowed to use the building unless they are guests of a member. Church members must accompany nonmembers at all times.” When Rainer asked about the document - a church elder responded that people were coming around who were “really messing the place up.” And instead of creating some simple guidelines to follow, the congregation had decided to make it much more difficult to feel like you’re at home. And before long - the wider community had known that they weren’t really welcome.
To contrast - Rainer brings up a story of a congregation that did its best to welcome both members and nonmembers. In exploring the demographics of a local community - the congregation recognized that they lived in an area with twice the national average of under-12 year olds. They recognized that so many kids have parents as well. Parents need time away, kids need time to play. They felt it was a naturally good idea to have a “Parents Night Off” where kids would have a movie or play night, and parents - be they couples, or single parents, grandparents or whatever, would get a date night, a time with friends, or even just time alone, all because of the congregation. And the kids would know that they have a safe and important place at church. Just because a couple of grandparents thought that they could give local families a hand.
As the old saying goes - the building is not the church. The people are. As a council and as a whole congregation, it’s important for us to be thinking in these terms about our Church Building. It’s more than the place we worship, but it is an asset, a gift, and a trust for being God’s people and providing rest, grace, and comfort for tired, burdened, and hopeful people. Everyone wants a Church that welcomes people like Jesus did. We can always ask ourselves how we can be more welcoming to those who are around us.
In Christ
-Pastor Kaegler
Greetings, St. John’s!
Just like last month, I’m going to be talking a little bit about Thom Rainer’s Post-Quarantine Church and a few of the insights our Church Council thought were worth reflecting on as a congregation. Last time I brought up the subject of prayer, but this time I’m going to talk about being intentionally welcoming - both to one another and to visitors.
One of the stories Rainer focuses on is that of a congregation that had just finished a massive renovation project - designed to completely update and expand their sanctuary, their kitchen, fellowship hall, offices, classrooms, etc. They even installed a full gym! Then they started waiting for people to show up. No one came.
As the congregation reflected on what had happened - they hired Thom Rainer and his consulting program, and the first thing he noticed apart from the incredible renovation was a thick document entitled “Policies and Procedures for the Use of Church Facilities.” The booklet was filled with restrictions, regulations, and countless ways of letting people know that they might not be welcome. In fact, they even had one specific rule that “Nonmembers of the church are not allowed to use the building unless they are guests of a member. Church members must accompany nonmembers at all times.” When Rainer asked about the document - a church elder responded that people were coming around who were “really messing the place up.” And instead of creating some simple guidelines to follow, the congregation had decided to make it much more difficult to feel like you’re at home. And before long - the wider community had known that they weren’t really welcome.
To contrast - Rainer brings up a story of a congregation that did its best to welcome both members and nonmembers. In exploring the demographics of a local community - the congregation recognized that they lived in an area with twice the national average of under-12 year olds. They recognized that so many kids have parents as well. Parents need time away, kids need time to play. They felt it was a naturally good idea to have a “Parents Night Off” where kids would have a movie or play night, and parents - be they couples, or single parents, grandparents or whatever, would get a date night, a time with friends, or even just time alone, all because of the congregation. And the kids would know that they have a safe and important place at church. Just because a couple of grandparents thought that they could give local families a hand.
As the old saying goes - the building is not the church. The people are. As a council and as a whole congregation, it’s important for us to be thinking in these terms about our Church Building. It’s more than the place we worship, but it is an asset, a gift, and a trust for being God’s people and providing rest, grace, and comfort for tired, burdened, and hopeful people. Everyone wants a Church that welcomes people like Jesus did. We can always ask ourselves how we can be more welcoming to those who are around us.
In Christ
-Pastor Kaegler