Pastor Messages Archive
July 31, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Special Event: First of all...there will be a special event taking place on Saturday, August 8 from 6:30-8:30pm! Lynne and Dave Denne and their band, “Lynn and the Wave” will be performing in the gazebo on the church lawn! They are inviting our church family to come, bring lawn chairs or blankets spaced out at a safe distance and enjoy an evening of music. For those of you who don’t know them, Lynne and Dave have been members at Kure Memorial for many years and they wanted to spend an evening sharing their music with you all! For many years, “Lynne and the Wave” spent their evenings performing at various restaurants and events throughout the area. So…come on out to the church…gather on the lawn around the gazebo and have an enjoyable evening together. You just may see folks you haven’t seen in months!! Please remember to bring your face covering…just to be on the safe side! See you all here!
Sunday Morning Worship: We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday beginning at 10am as we continue to worship via Facebook Live and Zoom! We are so appreciative of your faithfulness in worshipping with us each week!
We want to remind you to join us for our beach service on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7pm out on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach where there is (almost) always a cool breeze and the soothing sound of the surf to bring a sense of peace in the midst of an otherwise crazy week!
Also, we want to remind you of the various ways to contribute to our ministry...either drop off your offering in the offering plate at the entrance of the church or in the church office; mail to us at PO Box 1 in Kure Beach; set up the church as an automatic withdrawal from your bank account or donate online...simply go to our website, kmlc.org and click the "online giving" button. We appreciate your continued financial and support of our ministry together!
As a reminder...This Sunday, August 2 is the 20th week we are worshiping together via Facebook Live and Zoom! And your faithfulness to our worship ministry and God's faithfulness to us through extending his love, joy and strength during this time is worth celebrating! So be sure to join us via Facebook Live and/or Zoom for a service of celebration! We invite you to have a candle lit during our worship time to remind you of the presence of Christ in your life. The theme verse for worship next week is: "The joy of the Lord in your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
You will find the worship outline for Sunday's worship here! Hope to see you here!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Special Event: First of all...there will be a special event taking place on Saturday, August 8 from 6:30-8:30pm! Lynne and Dave Denne and their band, “Lynn and the Wave” will be performing in the gazebo on the church lawn! They are inviting our church family to come, bring lawn chairs or blankets spaced out at a safe distance and enjoy an evening of music. For those of you who don’t know them, Lynne and Dave have been members at Kure Memorial for many years and they wanted to spend an evening sharing their music with you all! For many years, “Lynne and the Wave” spent their evenings performing at various restaurants and events throughout the area. So…come on out to the church…gather on the lawn around the gazebo and have an enjoyable evening together. You just may see folks you haven’t seen in months!! Please remember to bring your face covering…just to be on the safe side! See you all here!
Sunday Morning Worship: We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday beginning at 10am as we continue to worship via Facebook Live and Zoom! We are so appreciative of your faithfulness in worshipping with us each week!
We want to remind you to join us for our beach service on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7pm out on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach where there is (almost) always a cool breeze and the soothing sound of the surf to bring a sense of peace in the midst of an otherwise crazy week!
Also, we want to remind you of the various ways to contribute to our ministry...either drop off your offering in the offering plate at the entrance of the church or in the church office; mail to us at PO Box 1 in Kure Beach; set up the church as an automatic withdrawal from your bank account or donate online...simply go to our website, kmlc.org and click the "online giving" button. We appreciate your continued financial and support of our ministry together!
As a reminder...This Sunday, August 2 is the 20th week we are worshiping together via Facebook Live and Zoom! And your faithfulness to our worship ministry and God's faithfulness to us through extending his love, joy and strength during this time is worth celebrating! So be sure to join us via Facebook Live and/or Zoom for a service of celebration! We invite you to have a candle lit during our worship time to remind you of the presence of Christ in your life. The theme verse for worship next week is: "The joy of the Lord in your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
You will find the worship outline for Sunday's worship here! Hope to see you here!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
July 29, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
With the uncertainty of the weather tonight...storms around...rain to the north and some sprinkles here in Kure Beach...plus the satellite shows rain moving toward us...we decided to cancel the service for tonight. 😢
I look forward to seeing you all next week!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
With the uncertainty of the weather tonight...storms around...rain to the north and some sprinkles here in Kure Beach...plus the satellite shows rain moving toward us...we decided to cancel the service for tonight. 😢
I look forward to seeing you all next week!
Dan
July 25, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
God's richest blessings on this glorious Saturday!
We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday beginning at 10am as we continue to worship via Facebook Live and Zoom! We are so appreciative of your faithfulness in worshipping with us each week!
We want to remind you to join us for our beach service on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7pm out on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach where there is (almost) always a cool breeze and the soothing sound of the surf to bring a sense of peace in the midst of an otherwise crazy week!
Also, we want to remind you of the various ways to contribute to our ministry...either drop off your offering in the offering plate at the entrance of the church or in the church office; mail to us at PO Box 1 in Kure Beach; set up the church as an automatic withdrawal from your bank account or donate online...simply visit our website, kmlc.org and click the "Online Giving" button. We appreciate your continued financial and support of our ministry together!
A reminder...next Sunday, August 2 is the 20th week we are worshiping together via Facebook Live and Zoom! And your faithfulness to our worship ministry and God's faithfulness to us through extending his love, joy and strength during this time is worth celebrating! So be sure to join us via Facebook Live and/or Zoom for a service of celebration! The theme verse for worship next week is: "The joy of the Lord in your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
You will find the worship outline for Sunday's worship here!
Links for our Sunday streaming services were sent in an email.
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
God's richest blessings on this glorious Saturday!
We hope you will join us for worship this Sunday beginning at 10am as we continue to worship via Facebook Live and Zoom! We are so appreciative of your faithfulness in worshipping with us each week!
We want to remind you to join us for our beach service on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7pm out on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach where there is (almost) always a cool breeze and the soothing sound of the surf to bring a sense of peace in the midst of an otherwise crazy week!
Also, we want to remind you of the various ways to contribute to our ministry...either drop off your offering in the offering plate at the entrance of the church or in the church office; mail to us at PO Box 1 in Kure Beach; set up the church as an automatic withdrawal from your bank account or donate online...simply visit our website, kmlc.org and click the "Online Giving" button. We appreciate your continued financial and support of our ministry together!
A reminder...next Sunday, August 2 is the 20th week we are worshiping together via Facebook Live and Zoom! And your faithfulness to our worship ministry and God's faithfulness to us through extending his love, joy and strength during this time is worth celebrating! So be sure to join us via Facebook Live and/or Zoom for a service of celebration! The theme verse for worship next week is: "The joy of the Lord in your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10)
You will find the worship outline for Sunday's worship here!
Links for our Sunday streaming services were sent in an email.
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
July 17, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
A blessed day to all of you! As I prepared to send this out to everyone...I am realizing that this is our 18th Sunday of worshiping together online! I know it is probably getting old for many of us and we are anxious to see each other again and to worship together. But here we are...and so many of you continue to be so faithful in joining us each Sunday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I know our staff and church council are very appreciative as well! Because God is faithful and continues to be in our midst in powerful ways!
We encourage you...and hope you will join us on Sunday morning once again for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church. It's always great to see your comments scrolling during the service to let us know you are out there!
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is included in your email.
If you are craving to worship with other people...outside your family...come join us on the beach for our Wednesday evening beach service each Wednesday beginning at 7pm at the end of Ave F in Kure Beach, about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out to enjoy the beautiful setting God has blessed us with!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
A blessed day to all of you! As I prepared to send this out to everyone...I am realizing that this is our 18th Sunday of worshiping together online! I know it is probably getting old for many of us and we are anxious to see each other again and to worship together. But here we are...and so many of you continue to be so faithful in joining us each Sunday. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I know our staff and church council are very appreciative as well! Because God is faithful and continues to be in our midst in powerful ways!
We encourage you...and hope you will join us on Sunday morning once again for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church. It's always great to see your comments scrolling during the service to let us know you are out there!
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is included in your email.
If you are craving to worship with other people...outside your family...come join us on the beach for our Wednesday evening beach service each Wednesday beginning at 7pm at the end of Ave F in Kure Beach, about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light. Bring your beach chair or blanket and spread out to enjoy the beautiful setting God has blessed us with!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
July 10, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
God's richest blessings on this sunny Friday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday on our website, kmlc.org. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church. It's always great to see your comments scrolling during the service to let us know you are out there!
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation was sent in your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
God's richest blessings on this sunny Friday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday on our website, kmlc.org. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church. It's always great to see your comments scrolling during the service to let us know you are out there!
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation was sent in your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
July 7, 2020
God's richest blessings on this July afternoon! As you may have seen in our July Newsletter (if you don't receive it by email, please let us know and we'll make it happen!), we are still waiting until a safe time when we can gather in person for worship again, most likely phase 3 of the state's reopening plan.
I have heard from so many of you how eager you are to see one another and to worship together again. And then I see things like this that make me wonder how many of you fall into this camp! 😁
Seriously though...Our worship team and council have worked hard on making a plan to gather safely once we are able to worship together which we are very comfortable with. It even includes safely including Holy Communion during the service, which I know so many of us have missed! The plan is included in the July Newsletter.
Part of the plan includes worshiping outside, so family units can safely keep their distance between one another (our sanctuary is so small, we wouldn't be able to accommodate many people at one time). Everyone will need to wear their face coverings and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for seating. We will continue to livestream our services via Zoom and Facebook Live for those who either cannot come, or choose not to come. On rainy Sundays, we will continue to hold worship exclusively via Facebook Live and Zoom like we have been doing.
***Here's where we need your help! For worshiping outside, we will need a support team of about 10-12 people each Sunday, in addition to ushers, readers, assisting ministers and acolytes. These roles include extra help for Gayle setting up and facilitating Holy Communion, setting up some chairs for attendees who are visitors and others who did not bring their own, setting up the sound system, bringing the keyboard out to the gazebo from the sanctuary, helping with our technology devices, and setting up a couple of canopies for extra shade. If you are interested, willing and able to help out with any of these tasks, please let me know. Also, please let me know how often you would like to help out.
I realize that the illustration above looks quite enticing...as well as a lot less complicated than what we have planned! But nothing will compare to gathering together once again as a community, praising God as a body of Christ together and sharing his love with one another in a more personal way! It will be so worth the effort! And as an integral part of our church family, those of you tuning in from home will hopefully feel even more connected by seeing other members of our church family.
Psalm 100 says, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." As we come together as a community, both those gathered in person and those joining in via computer, we together will worship the Lord with gladness and joyful songs and praise!
I look forward to gathering with everyone when the time is right! It will be here before you know it!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
God's richest blessings on this July afternoon! As you may have seen in our July Newsletter (if you don't receive it by email, please let us know and we'll make it happen!), we are still waiting until a safe time when we can gather in person for worship again, most likely phase 3 of the state's reopening plan.
I have heard from so many of you how eager you are to see one another and to worship together again. And then I see things like this that make me wonder how many of you fall into this camp! 😁
Seriously though...Our worship team and council have worked hard on making a plan to gather safely once we are able to worship together which we are very comfortable with. It even includes safely including Holy Communion during the service, which I know so many of us have missed! The plan is included in the July Newsletter.
Part of the plan includes worshiping outside, so family units can safely keep their distance between one another (our sanctuary is so small, we wouldn't be able to accommodate many people at one time). Everyone will need to wear their face coverings and are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs for seating. We will continue to livestream our services via Zoom and Facebook Live for those who either cannot come, or choose not to come. On rainy Sundays, we will continue to hold worship exclusively via Facebook Live and Zoom like we have been doing.
***Here's where we need your help! For worshiping outside, we will need a support team of about 10-12 people each Sunday, in addition to ushers, readers, assisting ministers and acolytes. These roles include extra help for Gayle setting up and facilitating Holy Communion, setting up some chairs for attendees who are visitors and others who did not bring their own, setting up the sound system, bringing the keyboard out to the gazebo from the sanctuary, helping with our technology devices, and setting up a couple of canopies for extra shade. If you are interested, willing and able to help out with any of these tasks, please let me know. Also, please let me know how often you would like to help out.
I realize that the illustration above looks quite enticing...as well as a lot less complicated than what we have planned! But nothing will compare to gathering together once again as a community, praising God as a body of Christ together and sharing his love with one another in a more personal way! It will be so worth the effort! And as an integral part of our church family, those of you tuning in from home will hopefully feel even more connected by seeing other members of our church family.
Psalm 100 says, "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." As we come together as a community, both those gathered in person and those joining in via computer, we together will worship the Lord with gladness and joyful songs and praise!
I look forward to gathering with everyone when the time is right! It will be here before you know it!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
July 4, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Saturday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday on our website, kmlc.org.. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is is in your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Saturday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday on our website, kmlc.org.. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the "online giving" button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is is in your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 27, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Saturday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here.
For your offering online, click here.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation was sent to your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Saturday!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here.
For your offering online, click here.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation was sent to your email.
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 19, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine of the last couple of days!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here on our website, kmlc.org. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the donate button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is in your email for your convenience, just click on the link.
With our internet upgrades, both through Spectrum as well as our internal service, we should have greatly improved service from now on to make it so much better and more enjoyable...and hopefully...less frustrating!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine of the last couple of days!
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning for worship!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here on our website, kmlc.org. If you want to make your offering online, go to the website and click the donate button.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is in your email for your convenience, just click on the link.
With our internet upgrades, both through Spectrum as well as our internal service, we should have greatly improved service from now on to make it so much better and more enjoyable...and hopefully...less frustrating!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 16, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I wanted to send along a reminder that we will be out on the beach, at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach for our weekly beach service, every Wednesday evening beginning at 7pm! Our next one is tomorrow evening (June 17)! So come on down and join us! Bring your beach chair or blanket...there is lots of room to spread out to keep our distance! Please pray for a calm, dry evening! Those have been hard to come by lately!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I wanted to send along a reminder that we will be out on the beach, at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach for our weekly beach service, every Wednesday evening beginning at 7pm! Our next one is tomorrow evening (June 17)! So come on down and join us! Bring your beach chair or blanket...there is lots of room to spread out to keep our distance! Please pray for a calm, dry evening! Those have been hard to come by lately!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 15, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I'm reminded of a familiar bible story:
"And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood... And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth...on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights." (Genesis 7:7-12)
I think the weather over the last several days have us all wondering if we should be collecting lumber and starting our own building project! Anyone have any experience building boats? 😁
You may remember, I've mentioned how rain can make us think about our baptisms. And how water is a sign of life and it gives life to all things. Water certainly is a blessing to us and that is one thing that can help us weather the storm, so to speak!
But on the other hand...This over abundance of rain...as much as it is a little extreme for us...is quite devastating to others. I think about the number of people who live in flood prone areas and those who live in low lying neighborhoods...even in our own communities.
I think about the farmers who lose acres upon acres of crops during times like this. We used to live in Ohio, which was very flat and the ground did not drain well...in fact, that area in the 1800s was known as the "Black Swamp" before they built railroads through it and developed it. So, weeks like we are experiencing now would be devastating to the farmers. One of our members, whose family has a farm in Minnesota most likely has experience with early season rains like this.
So, during these rainy days...and nights...let us remember God's blessings in our lives through water, and at the same time, let us lift up in prayer, those who are severely impacted in negative ways.
God's richest blessings to all of you...and may there be drier days ahead!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I'm reminded of a familiar bible story:
"And Noah and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood... And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth...on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights." (Genesis 7:7-12)
I think the weather over the last several days have us all wondering if we should be collecting lumber and starting our own building project! Anyone have any experience building boats? 😁
You may remember, I've mentioned how rain can make us think about our baptisms. And how water is a sign of life and it gives life to all things. Water certainly is a blessing to us and that is one thing that can help us weather the storm, so to speak!
But on the other hand...This over abundance of rain...as much as it is a little extreme for us...is quite devastating to others. I think about the number of people who live in flood prone areas and those who live in low lying neighborhoods...even in our own communities.
I think about the farmers who lose acres upon acres of crops during times like this. We used to live in Ohio, which was very flat and the ground did not drain well...in fact, that area in the 1800s was known as the "Black Swamp" before they built railroads through it and developed it. So, weeks like we are experiencing now would be devastating to the farmers. One of our members, whose family has a farm in Minnesota most likely has experience with early season rains like this.
So, during these rainy days...and nights...let us remember God's blessings in our lives through water, and at the same time, let us lift up in prayer, those who are severely impacted in negative ways.
God's richest blessings to all of you...and may there be drier days ahead!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 12, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
How is everyone on this fine...albeit...rainy day?
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning as we recognize our high school and college graduates. We have a surprise in store for you all, so we hope you will be tuning in!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here. If you want to make your offering online, you can find that here.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is in your email for your convenience, just click on the link.
We have been working on internet upgrades this week, with Spectrum and the Satellite Army to improve our speed and wifi connections. We are still in the process of working out the kinks to the system...but hopefully Sunday will be a big improvement over the past several weeks!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
How is everyone on this fine...albeit...rainy day?
We encourage you to join us on Sunday morning as we recognize our high school and college graduates. We have a surprise in store for you all, so we hope you will be tuning in!
You will find the worship outline for Sunday here. If you want to make your offering online, you can find that here.
Our Sunday morning livestream will be coming to you through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church.
You will also find us on Zoom...the invitation is in your email for your convenience, just click on the link.
We have been working on internet upgrades this week, with Spectrum and the Satellite Army to improve our speed and wifi connections. We are still in the process of working out the kinks to the system...but hopefully Sunday will be a big improvement over the past several weeks!
Hope you tune in and see us on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 10, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I love keeping our sanctuary open for people to wander in, rest, reflect on life, pray...and then go on their way, hopefully feeling a little bit more lighter in spirit.
I don't think we will ever know the impact that it truly makes. I've shared touching stories in the past of some of the notes I've found and the people who have shared with me.
I went to lock up the church this evening and in the offering plate was a prayer request. Simple. Impactful. Honest. There was something about it that I could just feel the emotion speaking through it. When I read this, it made me wonder, "What is going on in this person's life?" "What has this person experienced?" "How has this person been impacted by what is going on in the world?"
You know...in the times we are living in...with the violence, anger, division and hate swirling all around...I imagine it is a prayer which I think all of us have prayed at one time or another recently. It is a prayer that flows from Jesus' final commandment to his disciples: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another." (John 13:34)
It is a prayer...maybe even a plea that, I think is safe to say, is from all of us that I share from the guest who left this with us today:
"Please help us all to love each other. Please help us to be kind. Please help all hurting hearts today. Amen."
What more can be added?
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Join us at Beach Worship tonight at 7 as we reflect on the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all who are weary and carrying burdens...and I will give you rest." I'm sure this includes all of us! Hope to see you then!
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I love keeping our sanctuary open for people to wander in, rest, reflect on life, pray...and then go on their way, hopefully feeling a little bit more lighter in spirit.
I don't think we will ever know the impact that it truly makes. I've shared touching stories in the past of some of the notes I've found and the people who have shared with me.
I went to lock up the church this evening and in the offering plate was a prayer request. Simple. Impactful. Honest. There was something about it that I could just feel the emotion speaking through it. When I read this, it made me wonder, "What is going on in this person's life?" "What has this person experienced?" "How has this person been impacted by what is going on in the world?"
You know...in the times we are living in...with the violence, anger, division and hate swirling all around...I imagine it is a prayer which I think all of us have prayed at one time or another recently. It is a prayer that flows from Jesus' final commandment to his disciples: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must also love one another." (John 13:34)
It is a prayer...maybe even a plea that, I think is safe to say, is from all of us that I share from the guest who left this with us today:
"Please help us all to love each other. Please help us to be kind. Please help all hurting hearts today. Amen."
What more can be added?
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Join us at Beach Worship tonight at 7 as we reflect on the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all who are weary and carrying burdens...and I will give you rest." I'm sure this includes all of us! Hope to see you then!
June 9, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Please remember our next beach worship service will be this Wednesday, June 10 beginning at 7pm at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light in Kure Beach.
This week, Pastor Phil Tonneson and his wife, Deb will be making the trip from Hickory to join us for their annual summer worship time with us! Many of you will remember Pastor Phil is an assistant to our Bishop in the North Carolina Synod. He loves to spend time with you all! They are looking forward to seeing you! Hope you can join us.
Surfin' on God's grace,
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Please remember our next beach worship service will be this Wednesday, June 10 beginning at 7pm at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile south of the traffic light in Kure Beach.
This week, Pastor Phil Tonneson and his wife, Deb will be making the trip from Hickory to join us for their annual summer worship time with us! Many of you will remember Pastor Phil is an assistant to our Bishop in the North Carolina Synod. He loves to spend time with you all! They are looking forward to seeing you! Hope you can join us.
Surfin' on God's grace,
Dan
June 5, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Another week has flown by and we are ready for another Sunday morning worship service! Attached you will find the worship outline for the service. You can also access it from our church website.
I also wanted to update you on "regathering" for in-person worship: Based on where we are with the state of North Carolina's "phasing plan", the synod office recommends that we wait for "phase 3" to begin regathering again for worship. So we will wait a little longer before we gather in person on Sunday morning. Our worship team came up with recommendations for re-gathering together and it has been reviewed by our council. We continue to work on a plan that will be safe and meaningful for everyone!
The current limit for outdoor gatherings, based on the state's current phasing plan is 25 people or less...so we did begin our beach worship service, since our attendance is typically less than that and...we can spread out so much more on the beach! We meet at 7pm on Wednesdays at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile from the traffic light.
We look forward to you joining us online:
Facebook Live: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
Zoom: check your email for details
Have a great day!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Another week has flown by and we are ready for another Sunday morning worship service! Attached you will find the worship outline for the service. You can also access it from our church website.
I also wanted to update you on "regathering" for in-person worship: Based on where we are with the state of North Carolina's "phasing plan", the synod office recommends that we wait for "phase 3" to begin regathering again for worship. So we will wait a little longer before we gather in person on Sunday morning. Our worship team came up with recommendations for re-gathering together and it has been reviewed by our council. We continue to work on a plan that will be safe and meaningful for everyone!
The current limit for outdoor gatherings, based on the state's current phasing plan is 25 people or less...so we did begin our beach worship service, since our attendance is typically less than that and...we can spread out so much more on the beach! We meet at 7pm on Wednesdays at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach...about 1/2 mile from the traffic light.
We look forward to you joining us online:
Facebook Live: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
Zoom: check your email for details
Have a great day!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
June 2, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
You know...the outpouring of love and concern that you all have for the people in the church and community is very inspirational. People are constantly checking in to see how folks are doing...if anyone needs anything...how they can help. There has been a great deal of generosity from so many donating to our "covid-19" fund so that there are funds available for folks who are really struggling during these difficult economic times. (please let me know if you are in need of some help for you and your family during this time!)
Seeing the comments on Facebook live during our live stream of our worship along with seeing the joy on people's faces on Sunday mornings on "Zoom" when they can converse and interact with others tuning into the worship service. This past week was great...Isabell, who sang for Pentecost was really excited to see and talk with those who were on the Zoom "worship"! She had not experienced that before, so that was quite a treat for her.
I talked with one of our teenagers yesterday about prayers for peace in the midst of all the violence and riots taking place, along with peaceful demonstrations as a result the senseless police brutality and other racial tensions...and how troubled she is about what is taking place in the country...as are many of us.
All of these things speak to the love our community of faith has for one another and for everyone else...that there would be love, peace and justice being lived out in our world in powerful ways! I mean...isn't that our ongoing prayer??? Isn't that an image of the Kingdom of God we long for? We continue to seek out ways to bring about the kingdom of God in our community with so many things going on in the world around us...there seems to be a new and different opportunity to do that every day!
I came across this verse from 1 Thessalonians: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:12) It seems to me that this verse is what inspires and motivates us in our lives of faith, and opens our hearts to the needs of others in so many situations. It's what draws us to seek ways that we can be a part of the solutions to the problems that exist in the world, rather than to be part of the problems themselves. And remembering that God is walking with us as we engage in making the world a better place. That, in itself, reminds me of words to a song written by a friend of ours from upstate New York, years ago...who is a priest in the Episcopal Church along with being a musician. I don't remember the title of the song, but the verse went something like this: "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem"!
So...how can we be part of the solution of bringing about the Kingdom of God in our world as our "love increases and overflows for each other and for everyone else"?
Have a great day!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
By the way...remember beach worship...Wednesday evening at 7pm at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach! Bring a beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach and join us!
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
You know...the outpouring of love and concern that you all have for the people in the church and community is very inspirational. People are constantly checking in to see how folks are doing...if anyone needs anything...how they can help. There has been a great deal of generosity from so many donating to our "covid-19" fund so that there are funds available for folks who are really struggling during these difficult economic times. (please let me know if you are in need of some help for you and your family during this time!)
Seeing the comments on Facebook live during our live stream of our worship along with seeing the joy on people's faces on Sunday mornings on "Zoom" when they can converse and interact with others tuning into the worship service. This past week was great...Isabell, who sang for Pentecost was really excited to see and talk with those who were on the Zoom "worship"! She had not experienced that before, so that was quite a treat for her.
I talked with one of our teenagers yesterday about prayers for peace in the midst of all the violence and riots taking place, along with peaceful demonstrations as a result the senseless police brutality and other racial tensions...and how troubled she is about what is taking place in the country...as are many of us.
All of these things speak to the love our community of faith has for one another and for everyone else...that there would be love, peace and justice being lived out in our world in powerful ways! I mean...isn't that our ongoing prayer??? Isn't that an image of the Kingdom of God we long for? We continue to seek out ways to bring about the kingdom of God in our community with so many things going on in the world around us...there seems to be a new and different opportunity to do that every day!
I came across this verse from 1 Thessalonians: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:12) It seems to me that this verse is what inspires and motivates us in our lives of faith, and opens our hearts to the needs of others in so many situations. It's what draws us to seek ways that we can be a part of the solutions to the problems that exist in the world, rather than to be part of the problems themselves. And remembering that God is walking with us as we engage in making the world a better place. That, in itself, reminds me of words to a song written by a friend of ours from upstate New York, years ago...who is a priest in the Episcopal Church along with being a musician. I don't remember the title of the song, but the verse went something like this: "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem"!
So...how can we be part of the solution of bringing about the Kingdom of God in our world as our "love increases and overflows for each other and for everyone else"?
Have a great day!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
By the way...remember beach worship...Wednesday evening at 7pm at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach! Bring a beach chair or blanket and spread out on the beach and join us!
May 28, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Pentecost Sunday is upon us! Here is all the information you will need to join in our worship celebration! I am so excited...for all the families, tell the children we will have an extra fun children's time this week! I'm looking forward to seeing you all!
The worship outline is on our church website, kmlc.org!
If you know of someone who wants to be on our email list, please have them contact the church office by visiting our Contact Us page under More... at our Website.
To access Facebook Live click on the link: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church .
To access the service via zoom, you will find the invitation in your email. We know we have been having some issues with the music and the sound on Zoom...we continue to try to work through those. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
I hope everyone has a blessed day and we'll see you on Sunday morning!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Pentecost Sunday is upon us! Here is all the information you will need to join in our worship celebration! I am so excited...for all the families, tell the children we will have an extra fun children's time this week! I'm looking forward to seeing you all!
The worship outline is on our church website, kmlc.org!
If you know of someone who wants to be on our email list, please have them contact the church office by visiting our Contact Us page under More... at our Website.
To access Facebook Live click on the link: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church .
To access the service via zoom, you will find the invitation in your email. We know we have been having some issues with the music and the sound on Zoom...we continue to try to work through those. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
I hope everyone has a blessed day and we'll see you on Sunday morning!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 28, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With Pentecost coming on Sunday (remember to wear your red pajamas to church!), I got to thinking about the gospel reading from John a couple of weeks ago, and during my message, how we talked about Jesus sending the "Advocate", or Holy Spirit. You may remember the Greek word that is translated as "Advocate" is "Paraclete" which literally means, "to come along side". You may also remember some of the other words that "Paraclete" is translated as: Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, Helper, Strengthener, and Intercessor. I invited you all to send me stories of times you felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit or "Paraclete" in your life in either or any of these ways.
I did hear from a couple of you and I want to share at least a brief part of their stories:
Here's one story:
Your translation of the word as "to come alongside," took me back 20 years when a toddler ran out into the road in front of my car. I didn't see him until the last minute, because he came out between 2 parked cars. I swerved off to the right and he glanced off my driver side wheel well. It was winter. He was wearing a jacket with the hood up over his head. An ambulance took him to the hospital. His mother was actually an employee of the hospital, and met the ambulance. This happened about an hour away from where we were living. A police officer asked me if I was okay to drive home. I don't remember that drive. The whole incident felt surreal. That answers Part 1 of your question. Part 2 came the following day when I contacted the mother. Amazingly, this little 4 year old was released home after being checked in the ER. He didn't suffer any injuries. I'll never forget the relief that I felt after getting that news, because it easily could have been a life altering incident. Fortunately, I had someone "alongside" me!
Here's another:
Another time that I have been contemplating on since your sermon, is 4 years ago when Aris was born. I had prayed so long for a healthy grandchild, and there she was, though far from healthy. Her first 3 months she fought for her life, as her mother sat by her side at Chapel Hill. I had a room at The Ronald McDonald House and after long days of torment, fear, watching Aris teeter totter between life and death, I prayed continuously and sat on the bed at night taking notes from the Bible. I stayed as strong as I could, but I didn't do it alone. I can't explain it really but there was always a presence. I felt it mostly when I held tight the pocket cross someone gave me while I sat in the gazebo praying. I felt it when a mother who was gathering meals up to bring to the hospital for her own long day ahead, stopped to ask if I'd like to pray with her. I felt it when Amber and I were drawn somehow to attend the Church service at the corner of the street, where everyone learned of Aris and prayed for her. I felt it when I watched Amber dry her tears and stand up strong to fight her daily battles.
I have to believe that it was the Holy Spirit working through others, embracing us and moving us forward.
I'm still confused sometimes whether it is God, faith, or the Holy Spirit. But I am thinking that it's ALL of it. A big wonderful package, the best gift life can offer.
You all have many stories of your own, I'm sure, as to how the Holy Spirit has worked in your lives! I think often, we think of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit as an historical event to remember and celebrate. But really...that was just the beginning! It was just the beginning of something that continues to empower our lives in amazing ways each and every day!
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting...All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:1-2, 4)
So...how are you being filled with the Holy Spirit? And what difference is that making in your life? Hmmmmmm.....
God's richest blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
PS...A special thanks to those who let me share their stories!
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With Pentecost coming on Sunday (remember to wear your red pajamas to church!), I got to thinking about the gospel reading from John a couple of weeks ago, and during my message, how we talked about Jesus sending the "Advocate", or Holy Spirit. You may remember the Greek word that is translated as "Advocate" is "Paraclete" which literally means, "to come along side". You may also remember some of the other words that "Paraclete" is translated as: Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, Helper, Strengthener, and Intercessor. I invited you all to send me stories of times you felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit or "Paraclete" in your life in either or any of these ways.
I did hear from a couple of you and I want to share at least a brief part of their stories:
Here's one story:
Your translation of the word as "to come alongside," took me back 20 years when a toddler ran out into the road in front of my car. I didn't see him until the last minute, because he came out between 2 parked cars. I swerved off to the right and he glanced off my driver side wheel well. It was winter. He was wearing a jacket with the hood up over his head. An ambulance took him to the hospital. His mother was actually an employee of the hospital, and met the ambulance. This happened about an hour away from where we were living. A police officer asked me if I was okay to drive home. I don't remember that drive. The whole incident felt surreal. That answers Part 1 of your question. Part 2 came the following day when I contacted the mother. Amazingly, this little 4 year old was released home after being checked in the ER. He didn't suffer any injuries. I'll never forget the relief that I felt after getting that news, because it easily could have been a life altering incident. Fortunately, I had someone "alongside" me!
Here's another:
Another time that I have been contemplating on since your sermon, is 4 years ago when Aris was born. I had prayed so long for a healthy grandchild, and there she was, though far from healthy. Her first 3 months she fought for her life, as her mother sat by her side at Chapel Hill. I had a room at The Ronald McDonald House and after long days of torment, fear, watching Aris teeter totter between life and death, I prayed continuously and sat on the bed at night taking notes from the Bible. I stayed as strong as I could, but I didn't do it alone. I can't explain it really but there was always a presence. I felt it mostly when I held tight the pocket cross someone gave me while I sat in the gazebo praying. I felt it when a mother who was gathering meals up to bring to the hospital for her own long day ahead, stopped to ask if I'd like to pray with her. I felt it when Amber and I were drawn somehow to attend the Church service at the corner of the street, where everyone learned of Aris and prayed for her. I felt it when I watched Amber dry her tears and stand up strong to fight her daily battles.
I have to believe that it was the Holy Spirit working through others, embracing us and moving us forward.
I'm still confused sometimes whether it is God, faith, or the Holy Spirit. But I am thinking that it's ALL of it. A big wonderful package, the best gift life can offer.
You all have many stories of your own, I'm sure, as to how the Holy Spirit has worked in your lives! I think often, we think of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit as an historical event to remember and celebrate. But really...that was just the beginning! It was just the beginning of something that continues to empower our lives in amazing ways each and every day!
"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting...All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:1-2, 4)
So...how are you being filled with the Holy Spirit? And what difference is that making in your life? Hmmmmmm.....
God's richest blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
PS...A special thanks to those who let me share their stories!
May 27, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With the weather so unpredictable today, pop up downpours, and seeing many patches of rain on the radar moving this way later in the day, I've talked with John Shalanski, our musician for the evening, and we have decided to cancel the beach service tonight.
We look forward to gathering next Wednesday, June 3...weather permitting!!! Thank you for understanding!
Have a great afternoon/evening!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With the weather so unpredictable today, pop up downpours, and seeing many patches of rain on the radar moving this way later in the day, I've talked with John Shalanski, our musician for the evening, and we have decided to cancel the beach service tonight.
We look forward to gathering next Wednesday, June 3...weather permitting!!! Thank you for understanding!
Have a great afternoon/evening!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 26, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Beach worship will begin tomorrow evening, May 27 at 7pm! Since we will be at the beach and able to spread out as much as we need to, we invite you to bring your beach chairs or blankets, spread out and join us! There will be plenty of room for all of us to keep a safe distance apart...yet still be together!
After some consideration, we will not have Holy Communion just yet. We will be sure to get our feet wet, so to speak and see how things go. We just want to have a safe and joyful time of worship together where everyone feels comfortable.
We will be gathering on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach, about 1/2 mile from the traffic light in Kure Beach. In the event of rain, which I understand to be a possibility, we will wait until next week!
Please note, that because our beach services are beginning, we will not be meeting on Wednesday evenings for our zoom bible study. Those will resume in some fashion, in October.
Blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Beach worship will begin tomorrow evening, May 27 at 7pm! Since we will be at the beach and able to spread out as much as we need to, we invite you to bring your beach chairs or blankets, spread out and join us! There will be plenty of room for all of us to keep a safe distance apart...yet still be together!
After some consideration, we will not have Holy Communion just yet. We will be sure to get our feet wet, so to speak and see how things go. We just want to have a safe and joyful time of worship together where everyone feels comfortable.
We will be gathering on the beach at the end of Ave. F in Kure Beach, about 1/2 mile from the traffic light in Kure Beach. In the event of rain, which I understand to be a possibility, we will wait until next week!
Please note, that because our beach services are beginning, we will not be meeting on Wednesday evenings for our zoom bible study. Those will resume in some fashion, in October.
Blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
May 22, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I know we've had some difficult news to share today, and I encourage you to keep praying for Nick, Kirk and Gayle! And through our prayers...we continue to be reminded of the hope and promise of God's love, care and grace in our lives through the presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. So it's only proper that we remember the importance of what today is!
Does anyone know what today is? It's a day in the life of the church...that we don't really talk about or celebrate...at least like we probably should! We talked about it at our bible study last night.
I'll give you a hint:
This is one of my favorite images! It is a figure of Jesus...probably life-size or bigger...hanging above the altar in a Catholic church in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Did you guess it? I knew you would! Today is the Ascension of our Lord! You know... I love this image, because it depicts one of the key moments in the life of Christ...and one of the key moments that brings to life the promises and mission Jesus has in store for us. Jesus says, "...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes...and a cloud hid them from their sight. (Acts 1:8-9)
If we think about it, Jesus' Ascension is an important event in the church that sets into motion his plan for the future of the church and his mission for the world. His teaching, miracles, suffering, death and resurrection each play important roles in his salvation for the world, in their own ways. However, without the ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit to empower our witness of his love, grace and forgiveness...as well as to empower the ministries of today, tomorrow and beyond...God's plan wouldn't have unfolded in the way he intended!
So...on this day of Ascension...rejoice and be glad in all that Jesus has done for us because of it...as we wait for the day that "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven...will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I know we've had some difficult news to share today, and I encourage you to keep praying for Nick, Kirk and Gayle! And through our prayers...we continue to be reminded of the hope and promise of God's love, care and grace in our lives through the presence of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. So it's only proper that we remember the importance of what today is!
Does anyone know what today is? It's a day in the life of the church...that we don't really talk about or celebrate...at least like we probably should! We talked about it at our bible study last night.
I'll give you a hint:
This is one of my favorite images! It is a figure of Jesus...probably life-size or bigger...hanging above the altar in a Catholic church in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Did you guess it? I knew you would! Today is the Ascension of our Lord! You know... I love this image, because it depicts one of the key moments in the life of Christ...and one of the key moments that brings to life the promises and mission Jesus has in store for us. Jesus says, "...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes...and a cloud hid them from their sight. (Acts 1:8-9)
If we think about it, Jesus' Ascension is an important event in the church that sets into motion his plan for the future of the church and his mission for the world. His teaching, miracles, suffering, death and resurrection each play important roles in his salvation for the world, in their own ways. However, without the ascension and the sending of the Holy Spirit to empower our witness of his love, grace and forgiveness...as well as to empower the ministries of today, tomorrow and beyond...God's plan wouldn't have unfolded in the way he intended!
So...on this day of Ascension...rejoice and be glad in all that Jesus has done for us because of it...as we wait for the day that "This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven...will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
May 18, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Monday afternoon! Last fall, for continuing education, I did a remote book study with a group of other Lutheran pastors from around the state. The book we discussed was entitled, "Canoeing the Mountains". It was a book about the expeditions Lewis and Clark, and how they were looking to find a waterway from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. They were paddlers...that's what they knew and that's how they did much of their exploring. After months and months of paddling and portaging (carrying their canoes and other supplies over land) going upstream...they had crossed the continental divide. They thought they would find a river flowing downstream to the Pacific Ocean..."Ahhhh...almost there!" What they actually discovered was not a gently flowing river running to the Pacific Ocean...but rather...the Rocky Mountains! Stretching out for miles and miles as far as the eye could see was one set of mountain peaks after another. They were entering uncharted territory. And...they were paddlers...not mountain climbers. They had to change up everything they knew! They had to exchange their canoes for climbing equipment!
The book compared the experience of those explorers, with the life of the church! It was about how the church, in many ways is also entering uncharted territory when we think about how the culture is changing so quickly around us, how families are changing and we can't really do the same things the same way anymore because of so many factors in life that impact our life together! It was a really great book and study.
Little did anyone realize last fall, just how we would need to navigate the uncharted territory that we have found ourselves in over the last couple of months and for the foreseeable future!
We have all been navigating this uncharted territory together...day by day...week by week...and working together to figure things out along the way. Figuring out how to worship together...from our own homes...how to do bible study together. How to encourage one another and care for one another without much physical contact. And as I've said to many people, we, as a church have weathered this experience quite well! This "uncharted" territory we find ourselves in really hasn't been as scary as I initially thought it might be...and I think we have learned a few things along the way!
In the Gospel reading from yesterday, Jesus said, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever." (John 14:6)
Yesterday I mentioned, that the word, "Advocate" comes from the Greek word, "paraklete", which literally means, "to come along side". Well...the Holy Spirit has certainly come along side us and walked with us through this journey we've had together! And it has been an amazing journey for sure!
So, I want to thank each of you for coming along on this expedition with me! And for "canoeing the mountains" with me! We make a great team!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this Monday afternoon! Last fall, for continuing education, I did a remote book study with a group of other Lutheran pastors from around the state. The book we discussed was entitled, "Canoeing the Mountains". It was a book about the expeditions Lewis and Clark, and how they were looking to find a waterway from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. They were paddlers...that's what they knew and that's how they did much of their exploring. After months and months of paddling and portaging (carrying their canoes and other supplies over land) going upstream...they had crossed the continental divide. They thought they would find a river flowing downstream to the Pacific Ocean..."Ahhhh...almost there!" What they actually discovered was not a gently flowing river running to the Pacific Ocean...but rather...the Rocky Mountains! Stretching out for miles and miles as far as the eye could see was one set of mountain peaks after another. They were entering uncharted territory. And...they were paddlers...not mountain climbers. They had to change up everything they knew! They had to exchange their canoes for climbing equipment!
The book compared the experience of those explorers, with the life of the church! It was about how the church, in many ways is also entering uncharted territory when we think about how the culture is changing so quickly around us, how families are changing and we can't really do the same things the same way anymore because of so many factors in life that impact our life together! It was a really great book and study.
Little did anyone realize last fall, just how we would need to navigate the uncharted territory that we have found ourselves in over the last couple of months and for the foreseeable future!
We have all been navigating this uncharted territory together...day by day...week by week...and working together to figure things out along the way. Figuring out how to worship together...from our own homes...how to do bible study together. How to encourage one another and care for one another without much physical contact. And as I've said to many people, we, as a church have weathered this experience quite well! This "uncharted" territory we find ourselves in really hasn't been as scary as I initially thought it might be...and I think we have learned a few things along the way!
In the Gospel reading from yesterday, Jesus said, "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever." (John 14:6)
Yesterday I mentioned, that the word, "Advocate" comes from the Greek word, "paraklete", which literally means, "to come along side". Well...the Holy Spirit has certainly come along side us and walked with us through this journey we've had together! And it has been an amazing journey for sure!
So, I want to thank each of you for coming along on this expedition with me! And for "canoeing the mountains" with me! We make a great team!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 15, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this beautiful day! "This is the day that the Lord has made...Let us be glad and rejoice in it"! (Psalm 118:24).
I can't believe another week has passed already and we are gearing up for Sunday worship again! Please join us on Sunday morning at 10am via Facebook Live or Zoom! Information to connect to both of those will be found at the end of this email! Also you will find the worship outline attached for your use for Sunday's service! You will also be able to find it on our church website: kmlc.org!
A reminder...Your offerings continue to be extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
As much as I miss everyone in person, it has been such a joy to worship with you in this way as well! I can feel the presence and joy of the Spirit in our time together...even through the "airwaves"...when it works right! God bless you all and I'll see you on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings on this beautiful day! "This is the day that the Lord has made...Let us be glad and rejoice in it"! (Psalm 118:24).
I can't believe another week has passed already and we are gearing up for Sunday worship again! Please join us on Sunday morning at 10am via Facebook Live or Zoom! Information to connect to both of those will be found at the end of this email! Also you will find the worship outline attached for your use for Sunday's service! You will also be able to find it on our church website: kmlc.org!
A reminder...Your offerings continue to be extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
As much as I miss everyone in person, it has been such a joy to worship with you in this way as well! I can feel the presence and joy of the Spirit in our time together...even through the "airwaves"...when it works right! God bless you all and I'll see you on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 14, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
At our church council meeting on Monday, we were commenting on how awesome it has been, that our "online" worship attendance has been very consistent over these last few weeks that we have been worshiping from home. Each week we have had between the mid 90s to over 100 people joining us for worship from home, with a couple of weeks in the 80s! It has been encouraging, inspiring as well as energizing! Thanks to those who so faithfully have worshiped with us in this unusual time.
Worship is important to so many of us. First of all...because God is worthy of our worship and praise...but also because it's inspiring to us, and it's a way we praise and give thanks to God for all of God's blessings in our lives...especially during these days of uncertainty.
During our bible study last night we studied Psalm 100. Verse 2 goes like this: "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." And I think we, as a congregation do this very well and joyfully!! I know many of us are looking forward to the time we can re-gather together for worship. And little by little we will get there! The North Carolina Synod of the Lutheran church, of we are a part is strongly recommending we follow along with the states phasing plan for reopening things in our state. The last word from our bishop's office is that we "tentatively" plan to wait until the beginning of June, to worship together, which is when "phase 2" of the state's reopening plan could possibly take effect.
This certainly will come with lots of planning and instituting safety precautions, which our worship team is working on to keep everyone safe and healthy, while being able to "worship the Lord with gladness"! Our initial plan will be to have worship outdoors when the weather cooperates! But we are also developing plans for worship in our sanctuary.
I am also anticipating that many folks may need some time to get out of the habits they've gotten used to, while worshiping from home...
But I trust that won't take too many Sundays! 😁 Then again...we are a "come as you are" kind of place...so you are more than welcome to come in your bath robe and bunny slippers! (I wear a size 11 if you plan to bring me some bunny slippers!) Just kidding!!! I couldn't resist!
At this time we are tentatively planning to worship together for the first time on June 7 if we are in phase two of the state's plan and can gather up to 50 people. Again...we are working on how that will look! One option under consideration is having 2 services to accommodate everyone. Details will come soon. Those in the "high risk" categories of age and health, are encouraged to stay home for now and worship with us from home as you have been.
I have had conversation with the Kure Beach mayor about our beach worship service and because the beach is open...and we can spread out safely on the beach, he sees no reason why we can't begin on May 27 as we originally planned! Yay!
Many of you have been wondering about these things and now as we are getting closer to the possibility of worship together, I wanted to let you know the tentative time frame we are looking at as well as to assure you, that we will take precautions very seriously! We will keep you updated as things continue to unfold!
Surfin' on God's unending grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
At our church council meeting on Monday, we were commenting on how awesome it has been, that our "online" worship attendance has been very consistent over these last few weeks that we have been worshiping from home. Each week we have had between the mid 90s to over 100 people joining us for worship from home, with a couple of weeks in the 80s! It has been encouraging, inspiring as well as energizing! Thanks to those who so faithfully have worshiped with us in this unusual time.
Worship is important to so many of us. First of all...because God is worthy of our worship and praise...but also because it's inspiring to us, and it's a way we praise and give thanks to God for all of God's blessings in our lives...especially during these days of uncertainty.
During our bible study last night we studied Psalm 100. Verse 2 goes like this: "Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." And I think we, as a congregation do this very well and joyfully!! I know many of us are looking forward to the time we can re-gather together for worship. And little by little we will get there! The North Carolina Synod of the Lutheran church, of we are a part is strongly recommending we follow along with the states phasing plan for reopening things in our state. The last word from our bishop's office is that we "tentatively" plan to wait until the beginning of June, to worship together, which is when "phase 2" of the state's reopening plan could possibly take effect.
This certainly will come with lots of planning and instituting safety precautions, which our worship team is working on to keep everyone safe and healthy, while being able to "worship the Lord with gladness"! Our initial plan will be to have worship outdoors when the weather cooperates! But we are also developing plans for worship in our sanctuary.
I am also anticipating that many folks may need some time to get out of the habits they've gotten used to, while worshiping from home...
But I trust that won't take too many Sundays! 😁 Then again...we are a "come as you are" kind of place...so you are more than welcome to come in your bath robe and bunny slippers! (I wear a size 11 if you plan to bring me some bunny slippers!) Just kidding!!! I couldn't resist!
At this time we are tentatively planning to worship together for the first time on June 7 if we are in phase two of the state's plan and can gather up to 50 people. Again...we are working on how that will look! One option under consideration is having 2 services to accommodate everyone. Details will come soon. Those in the "high risk" categories of age and health, are encouraged to stay home for now and worship with us from home as you have been.
I have had conversation with the Kure Beach mayor about our beach worship service and because the beach is open...and we can spread out safely on the beach, he sees no reason why we can't begin on May 27 as we originally planned! Yay!
Many of you have been wondering about these things and now as we are getting closer to the possibility of worship together, I wanted to let you know the tentative time frame we are looking at as well as to assure you, that we will take precautions very seriously! We will keep you updated as things continue to unfold!
Surfin' on God's unending grace!
Dan
May 11, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
There is a sticker on my office window that caught my eye today. It is a sticker that was given to me by our last mission trip group who traveled to Costa Rica. The sticker says, "Pura Vida". If you're not familiar with that term, it is a very common greeting that simply means, "Pure Life"...or "simple life". One of the things I've heard is that the reasoning is that it is not just a saying...but is truly a way of life in Costa Rica...my interpretation of this: enjoy life and take each day as it comes.
It brings to mind a passage from Matthew's gospel where Jesus says,
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
Jesus is saying there are going to be challenges we will have and struggles for us to navigate...but to trust that God will be there to help us get through it all...however it's going to look...and however things are going to turn out. He wants us to trust in God's care for us because we are more valuable in God's eyes than all these other creatures God created...because remember...we were created in God's image?! So, I think essentially...Jesus is saying, "Pura Vida...Enjoy life and take each day as it comes...and...I will be there for you in the midst of everything you are going through!"
So everyone...until next time...Pura Vida!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
There is a sticker on my office window that caught my eye today. It is a sticker that was given to me by our last mission trip group who traveled to Costa Rica. The sticker says, "Pura Vida". If you're not familiar with that term, it is a very common greeting that simply means, "Pure Life"...or "simple life". One of the things I've heard is that the reasoning is that it is not just a saying...but is truly a way of life in Costa Rica...my interpretation of this: enjoy life and take each day as it comes.
It brings to mind a passage from Matthew's gospel where Jesus says,
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
Jesus is saying there are going to be challenges we will have and struggles for us to navigate...but to trust that God will be there to help us get through it all...however it's going to look...and however things are going to turn out. He wants us to trust in God's care for us because we are more valuable in God's eyes than all these other creatures God created...because remember...we were created in God's image?! So, I think essentially...Jesus is saying, "Pura Vida...Enjoy life and take each day as it comes...and...I will be there for you in the midst of everything you are going through!"
So everyone...until next time...Pura Vida!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 9, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's blessings on a beautiful Saturday! I hope you are doing well!
Please join us for worship tomorrow morning at 10am via Facebook Live or Zoom! Information to connect to both of those will be found at the end of this email! Also you will find the worship outline attached for your use for tomorrow's service! You will also be able to find it on our church website: kmlc.org!
A reminder...Your offerings continue to be extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
Also, with the state's phasing plan of reopening beginning to take shape, we will be able to begin "re-gathering" in the very near future! We will be discussing it at our council meeting coming up on Monday and our worship team will be putting into place a plan to regather for worship with the necessary precautions and restrictions that are being recommended. More to come on that in the coming week! Even as we "re-gather", we will continue offering our worship services through Facebook Live and Zoom, providing a variety of ways for us to worship together!
Beach worship should be able to start up again on the Wednesday after Memorial Day as scheduled, with recommended precautions as well.
The link to our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
For the Zoom information for Sunday Service please check your email.
See you all tomorrow!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's blessings on a beautiful Saturday! I hope you are doing well!
Please join us for worship tomorrow morning at 10am via Facebook Live or Zoom! Information to connect to both of those will be found at the end of this email! Also you will find the worship outline attached for your use for tomorrow's service! You will also be able to find it on our church website: kmlc.org!
A reminder...Your offerings continue to be extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
Also, with the state's phasing plan of reopening beginning to take shape, we will be able to begin "re-gathering" in the very near future! We will be discussing it at our council meeting coming up on Monday and our worship team will be putting into place a plan to regather for worship with the necessary precautions and restrictions that are being recommended. More to come on that in the coming week! Even as we "re-gather", we will continue offering our worship services through Facebook Live and Zoom, providing a variety of ways for us to worship together!
Beach worship should be able to start up again on the Wednesday after Memorial Day as scheduled, with recommended precautions as well.
The link to our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
For the Zoom information for Sunday Service please check your email.
See you all tomorrow!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 5, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Don't forget our Wednesday Bible study beginning at 6:30pm tomorrow night (May 6)!
We will talk about 1 Thessalonians 5:9-18. We'll also have some time to visit and catch up with each other! Hopefully we've got all the "kinks" worked out with this "Zoom" thing...but, at this time I don't have anything fancy I am planning...so we'll see! That could change!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Don't forget our Wednesday Bible study beginning at 6:30pm tomorrow night (May 6)!
We will talk about 1 Thessalonians 5:9-18. We'll also have some time to visit and catch up with each other! Hopefully we've got all the "kinks" worked out with this "Zoom" thing...but, at this time I don't have anything fancy I am planning...so we'll see! That could change!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 4, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
One of my favorite lessons that I do with our confirmation students, is when we go to the beach and make sand castles! You are probably wondering...How is that a lesson?? Let me explain. Actually we have a sand castle building contest! And then we splash them with water to see which one holds up the best. As part of this experience, we talk about the story of the foolish builder who built his house on sand and the wise builder who built his house on rock. We talk about faith and how our strong faith can stand up to struggles and difficulties and challenges of our lives...and even help us come out even stronger on the other end!
The last several weeks are a great example. Because I think for a lot of people, our faith is what has helped us to be patient, caring, understanding and helpful as we tread through all the unknowns that are happening right now, with the hope of what is to come. Having a solid faith to draw on can be a great comfort, not just now...but in every aspect of life. The sand castles that get washed away are a great image of those who are continuously looking for something to make their lives wonderful and care free. When difficulty comes...their hopes get washed away and they move on to something else and try to rebuild again.
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)
May God continue to strengthen us all as we make our way through whatever storms come our way...and may we experience his joy in the midst of it all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
One of my favorite lessons that I do with our confirmation students, is when we go to the beach and make sand castles! You are probably wondering...How is that a lesson?? Let me explain. Actually we have a sand castle building contest! And then we splash them with water to see which one holds up the best. As part of this experience, we talk about the story of the foolish builder who built his house on sand and the wise builder who built his house on rock. We talk about faith and how our strong faith can stand up to struggles and difficulties and challenges of our lives...and even help us come out even stronger on the other end!
The last several weeks are a great example. Because I think for a lot of people, our faith is what has helped us to be patient, caring, understanding and helpful as we tread through all the unknowns that are happening right now, with the hope of what is to come. Having a solid faith to draw on can be a great comfort, not just now...but in every aspect of life. The sand castles that get washed away are a great image of those who are continuously looking for something to make their lives wonderful and care free. When difficulty comes...their hopes get washed away and they move on to something else and try to rebuild again.
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25)
May God continue to strengthen us all as we make our way through whatever storms come our way...and may we experience his joy in the midst of it all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
May 1, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings to you all! I can't believe another week has passed!
After last week, when our Zoom connection got cut off, we are back on track and have no time limits for our worship time. Actually we do...the maximum time limit is 24 hours. But with that restriction, I think we should be done in time! 😁
Anyway...we invite you to worship with us on Sunday morning! Either through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
Or through Zoom. Below you will find the invitation information. Please don't share this on social media, although if you would like to forward it to friends/family/neighbors via email, that would be great!
You will also find the worship outline attached. This can also be found on our website: kmlc.org.
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
God's richest blessings to you all! I can't believe another week has passed!
After last week, when our Zoom connection got cut off, we are back on track and have no time limits for our worship time. Actually we do...the maximum time limit is 24 hours. But with that restriction, I think we should be done in time! 😁
Anyway...we invite you to worship with us on Sunday morning! Either through our Facebook page: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
Or through Zoom. Below you will find the invitation information. Please don't share this on social media, although if you would like to forward it to friends/family/neighbors via email, that would be great!
You will also find the worship outline attached. This can also be found on our website: kmlc.org.
Hope to see you all on Sunday!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
April 30, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Wow! That wind has been something else lately, hasn't it? More than once over the last couple of weeks, our portable basketball hoop has blown over...backwards...which really takes a powerful wind! And last night and this morning...it was really howling again.
This afternoon, on the other hand...there is a very gentle breeze that is barely noticeable, yet it brought a feeling of calm and peacefulness.
If we think about how the Spirit is described in the bible, we have a variety of ways! For example, Acts 2:2, "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." Here is an image of the Spirit getting our attention and moving in powerful ways through God's people to do some pretty amazing things! Images of the wind blowing the last couple of days!
Then...there is Psalm 139:7, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" This verse describes more the imagery of the Spirit being a comforting and caring presence, bringing a sense of calm and peace and reassurance. That pleasant breeze we experienced this afternoon brought to mind this peaceful characteristic of the Spirit.
It makes me think of the Holy Spirit and how, at different times...it works in different ways depending on what is going on in our lives! The Holy Spirit. God's presence with us. It's always intervening in our lives in ways we need it the most!
God's blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Wow! That wind has been something else lately, hasn't it? More than once over the last couple of weeks, our portable basketball hoop has blown over...backwards...which really takes a powerful wind! And last night and this morning...it was really howling again.
This afternoon, on the other hand...there is a very gentle breeze that is barely noticeable, yet it brought a feeling of calm and peacefulness.
If we think about how the Spirit is described in the bible, we have a variety of ways! For example, Acts 2:2, "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." Here is an image of the Spirit getting our attention and moving in powerful ways through God's people to do some pretty amazing things! Images of the wind blowing the last couple of days!
Then...there is Psalm 139:7, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" This verse describes more the imagery of the Spirit being a comforting and caring presence, bringing a sense of calm and peace and reassurance. That pleasant breeze we experienced this afternoon brought to mind this peaceful characteristic of the Spirit.
It makes me think of the Holy Spirit and how, at different times...it works in different ways depending on what is going on in our lives! The Holy Spirit. God's presence with us. It's always intervening in our lives in ways we need it the most!
God's blessings to you all!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 27, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
The beaches in our area finally opened today, for walking, jogging, swimming, surfing...anything exercise oriented. So Chris, Andro and I went out to the beach around 12noon, when it opened to take a walk. We were down by the Kure Beach Retreat Center, figuring there wouldn't be many people. There were a few, but not too many.
What was striking to me was that there were almost no footprints in the sand. I mean, sure it stands to reason, since no one has been allowed on the beach for weeks! But at the same time, it was quite odd. With that said, as we walked along, there was only one other set of footprints in the sand, that I noticed in the area where we were walking.
As I sit here thinking about that, I am remembering the poem, "Footprints in the Sand", which was always one of my mom's favorites. That poem is a reminder of Jesus' presence with us and his promise to always be with us. It brings to mind those words from Jesus from Matthew's Gospel, "Surely, I will be with you always to the very end of the age." It also reminds us of God's promise from the Book of Joshua, where he tells Joshua, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
All of these are great reminders for all of us that, no matter what...God's got us! Here is the "Footprints in the Sand" poem:
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
My prayers for a blessed week for all of you!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
The beaches in our area finally opened today, for walking, jogging, swimming, surfing...anything exercise oriented. So Chris, Andro and I went out to the beach around 12noon, when it opened to take a walk. We were down by the Kure Beach Retreat Center, figuring there wouldn't be many people. There were a few, but not too many.
What was striking to me was that there were almost no footprints in the sand. I mean, sure it stands to reason, since no one has been allowed on the beach for weeks! But at the same time, it was quite odd. With that said, as we walked along, there was only one other set of footprints in the sand, that I noticed in the area where we were walking.
As I sit here thinking about that, I am remembering the poem, "Footprints in the Sand", which was always one of my mom's favorites. That poem is a reminder of Jesus' presence with us and his promise to always be with us. It brings to mind those words from Jesus from Matthew's Gospel, "Surely, I will be with you always to the very end of the age." It also reminds us of God's promise from the Book of Joshua, where he tells Joshua, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
All of these are great reminders for all of us that, no matter what...God's got us! Here is the "Footprints in the Sand" poem:
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
My prayers for a blessed week for all of you!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 24, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Hope you are all doing well on this Friday morning! Attached is the worship outline for this Sunday. A reminder for families...we will have a children's sermon for the kiddos!
We will be on Zoom as well as on Facebook Live again this week. Please feel free to share the zoom link with people you know, but please do not post it on social media. I've been told to be careful of security issues with Zoom, so we will just use with caution! Last week we had 19 people tune in via Zoom and it was fun to see and hear everyone visiting after the service! That was one benefit that I didn't think about. Actually one person said that was their favorite part of the service...sharing the peace and being able to see and talk with people they haven't seen in a while! Zoom was also a great way for me to see so many of your faces...especially the children during the children's time!
One of the lessons we learned last week...it didn't work to have people unmute themselves on Zoom to sing the songs! There ended up being too much background noise and it didn't work out like we had hoped, from what I was told. So if you do tune into Zoom, please mute yourselves for the songs!
A reminder...Your offerings are extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
Prayers for you for today...and we'll see you Sunday!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
Hope you are all doing well on this Friday morning! Attached is the worship outline for this Sunday. A reminder for families...we will have a children's sermon for the kiddos!
We will be on Zoom as well as on Facebook Live again this week. Please feel free to share the zoom link with people you know, but please do not post it on social media. I've been told to be careful of security issues with Zoom, so we will just use with caution! Last week we had 19 people tune in via Zoom and it was fun to see and hear everyone visiting after the service! That was one benefit that I didn't think about. Actually one person said that was their favorite part of the service...sharing the peace and being able to see and talk with people they haven't seen in a while! Zoom was also a great way for me to see so many of your faces...especially the children during the children's time!
One of the lessons we learned last week...it didn't work to have people unmute themselves on Zoom to sing the songs! There ended up being too much background noise and it didn't work out like we had hoped, from what I was told. So if you do tune into Zoom, please mute yourselves for the songs!
A reminder...Your offerings are extremely important to the ministry we share together...especially during this time when we can't gather to worship together. We thank you in advance for your generosity...we have been blessed in so many ways! Ways to contribute: Drop off your offering in the church or church office; mail them directly to the church at PO Box 1, Kure Beach, NC 28449; set us up as a payee in your bank "bill pay" option; or contribute online through our website kmlc.org! Lots of options that fit your lifestyle!
Prayers for you for today...and we'll see you Sunday!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 23, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
This is my first email through Google Groups, in an effort to solve my mysterious email sending problems! Hopefully you will all get this!
Anyway...as many of us...especially me...mourn the fact that we are not able to come together on Sunday mornings or for regular gatherings of some sort...we continue to think of ways to connect and reconnect...to strengthen our relationships...making them "new" again, as we shared a couple of days ago. But one positive side of what is going on right now...in spite of "not" being able to worship together... is the opportunity to nurture our faith and the faith of our families in our own homes! It can be challenging and we hope we are doing something to help that (if we can do more, please let me know!)...but it's important. The following cartoon is one that Chris saw on Facebook...which many of you may have seen as well:
It reminded me that our own homes are important places to nurture the faith of our families, whether it be through home devotions, meal and evening prayers, fun bible learning activities with our children, email devotions...Whatever it might be to tell the stories of God's love and grace in our lives! It made me think of this passage in the Book of Deuteronomy, in reference to the commandments God gave along with the guidance he gave for us to live in community together. These are words Moses shares with the Israelites:
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 11:18-19)
This talks about the importance of teaching and living the faith as part of who we are as God's people. Talking about God's love for us as we go about our day to day activities. What an awesome opportunity we have to allow God to work in our lives in spite of not being able to come together!
And speaking of nurturing our faith from home...we will have our first "Zoom" Bible study coming up next Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm on "Zoom". I will send an invitation link to everyone early next week!
God's richest blessings as we take this one day at a time!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
This is my first email through Google Groups, in an effort to solve my mysterious email sending problems! Hopefully you will all get this!
Anyway...as many of us...especially me...mourn the fact that we are not able to come together on Sunday mornings or for regular gatherings of some sort...we continue to think of ways to connect and reconnect...to strengthen our relationships...making them "new" again, as we shared a couple of days ago. But one positive side of what is going on right now...in spite of "not" being able to worship together... is the opportunity to nurture our faith and the faith of our families in our own homes! It can be challenging and we hope we are doing something to help that (if we can do more, please let me know!)...but it's important. The following cartoon is one that Chris saw on Facebook...which many of you may have seen as well:
It reminded me that our own homes are important places to nurture the faith of our families, whether it be through home devotions, meal and evening prayers, fun bible learning activities with our children, email devotions...Whatever it might be to tell the stories of God's love and grace in our lives! It made me think of this passage in the Book of Deuteronomy, in reference to the commandments God gave along with the guidance he gave for us to live in community together. These are words Moses shares with the Israelites:
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 11:18-19)
This talks about the importance of teaching and living the faith as part of who we are as God's people. Talking about God's love for us as we go about our day to day activities. What an awesome opportunity we have to allow God to work in our lives in spite of not being able to come together!
And speaking of nurturing our faith from home...we will have our first "Zoom" Bible study coming up next Wednesday beginning at 6:30pm on "Zoom". I will send an invitation link to everyone early next week!
God's richest blessings as we take this one day at a time!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 22, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With all my email issues...I'm going to be trying something new. Which hopefully will be in place tomorrow...so stay tuned! Wahoo!!
Anyway...Something new. That concept of "new" got me to thinking! As we continue to navigate the world as we know it right now...There many things that are new for us...whether they will be for the short term or some for the long term.
You know...as we struggle with keeping our personal relationships "connected" through new and maybe not so new methods, ie computer technology...I think it's important for us to take a moment to think about what those relationships really mean to us in new, more powerful ways! Because I will say...not being able to see you all on a regular basis...has certainly made me appreciate my relationship with all of you in new, more important ways!
I remember hearing a saying a long time ago...my mom used to say it, but I haven't heard it much since, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." You may have heard it before...maybe you've even said it. But these last few weeks has made me realize just how true that statement is!
And as hard as we work to stay connected with each other, as much as we try to share our lives with one another over the "internet waves"...I am realizing that in our personal relationships...and the physical ways we share them... of seeing one another regularly, shaking hands, giving hugs from time to time, sharing the peace with each other, giving high fives...I have gotten a new appreciation for those relationships and the way we show the importance of them! And maybe you have too! My heart certainly has grown fonder! (Thanks for that, mom!)
Who knows how long this current state of being will last...hopefully not too much longer...but whatever the case may be, I long for the day we can "renew" our relationships with each other in new ways and maybe we will even see them in a new light!
As we continue to celebrate the Easter season and continue to keep the joy of the resurrection in front of us...let us remember all that Jesus makes new in our lives because of the resurrection! New life, new relationships and seeing old relationships in new, special and meaningful ways ways...especially this year!
"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
This is talking about us as people of God, but I also think this is talking about our relationships with one another and how those, too, can become new creations through the presence of Christ in our lives each and everyday! So I invite you to think about this...What new ways of living out our relationships together as a community of faith do you envision when we are able to come together again for worship, fellowship and praising God for his mercy and love? What a great thing to think about...as we wait for that new day to come!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
With all my email issues...I'm going to be trying something new. Which hopefully will be in place tomorrow...so stay tuned! Wahoo!!
Anyway...Something new. That concept of "new" got me to thinking! As we continue to navigate the world as we know it right now...There many things that are new for us...whether they will be for the short term or some for the long term.
You know...as we struggle with keeping our personal relationships "connected" through new and maybe not so new methods, ie computer technology...I think it's important for us to take a moment to think about what those relationships really mean to us in new, more powerful ways! Because I will say...not being able to see you all on a regular basis...has certainly made me appreciate my relationship with all of you in new, more important ways!
I remember hearing a saying a long time ago...my mom used to say it, but I haven't heard it much since, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." You may have heard it before...maybe you've even said it. But these last few weeks has made me realize just how true that statement is!
And as hard as we work to stay connected with each other, as much as we try to share our lives with one another over the "internet waves"...I am realizing that in our personal relationships...and the physical ways we share them... of seeing one another regularly, shaking hands, giving hugs from time to time, sharing the peace with each other, giving high fives...I have gotten a new appreciation for those relationships and the way we show the importance of them! And maybe you have too! My heart certainly has grown fonder! (Thanks for that, mom!)
Who knows how long this current state of being will last...hopefully not too much longer...but whatever the case may be, I long for the day we can "renew" our relationships with each other in new ways and maybe we will even see them in a new light!
As we continue to celebrate the Easter season and continue to keep the joy of the resurrection in front of us...let us remember all that Jesus makes new in our lives because of the resurrection! New life, new relationships and seeing old relationships in new, special and meaningful ways ways...especially this year!
"If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has gone and the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
This is talking about us as people of God, but I also think this is talking about our relationships with one another and how those, too, can become new creations through the presence of Christ in our lives each and everyday! So I invite you to think about this...What new ways of living out our relationships together as a community of faith do you envision when we are able to come together again for worship, fellowship and praising God for his mercy and love? What a great thing to think about...as we wait for that new day to come!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
April 20, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
God's richest blessings to you all as we begin another week! I'm so sorry....I'm still having email problems! Anyway...I wanted to share a little something with you today!
We've talked about how Easter and the Resurrection gives us hope in new life that we have now and in the future! One of the verses from 1 Peter, from yesterday's worship, really struck me! It's 1 Peter 1:3..."Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." I love that phrase, "a living hope". I think of "living hope" as the hope that is...well... "living" in us! It's a hope that's not static...it's not a "one and done" kind of thing. It continues to live in us... inspiring us, comforting us, reminding us of God's peace in our lives...especially when things aren't all that peaceful for us or in the world around us! And that living hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus...that we can always hang on to! And it's in that living hope that we have, that can keep filling us with joy, as we live into the future that God has in store for us!
This all made me think of the Holy Week/Easter activities we provided for the families with young children in our church as a resource to help them walk with their children through Holy Week! There were activities for Palm Sunday as well as for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday before Easter, Easter day and Easter Monday! Each one was specific to what happened on that day in the life of Jesus.
They were reminders of the "living hope" that we have in all that transpired through those events that took place so long ago and that the "living hope" we have will continue to hold us up, even in the most difficult times!
So to bring a smile to your face...please check out the pictures that I attached to your email! They are photos that our families provided for us of their children as they were completing their activities during Holy Week. Also included, is a short narrative explaining what the activity is that you are seeing!
May the "living hope" of the resurrection continue to inspire you all in the days, weeks and years ahead...and may that hope bring God's peace and joy into your lives!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
God's richest blessings to you all as we begin another week! I'm so sorry....I'm still having email problems! Anyway...I wanted to share a little something with you today!
We've talked about how Easter and the Resurrection gives us hope in new life that we have now and in the future! One of the verses from 1 Peter, from yesterday's worship, really struck me! It's 1 Peter 1:3..."Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." I love that phrase, "a living hope". I think of "living hope" as the hope that is...well... "living" in us! It's a hope that's not static...it's not a "one and done" kind of thing. It continues to live in us... inspiring us, comforting us, reminding us of God's peace in our lives...especially when things aren't all that peaceful for us or in the world around us! And that living hope comes through the resurrection of Jesus...that we can always hang on to! And it's in that living hope that we have, that can keep filling us with joy, as we live into the future that God has in store for us!
This all made me think of the Holy Week/Easter activities we provided for the families with young children in our church as a resource to help them walk with their children through Holy Week! There were activities for Palm Sunday as well as for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday before Easter, Easter day and Easter Monday! Each one was specific to what happened on that day in the life of Jesus.
They were reminders of the "living hope" that we have in all that transpired through those events that took place so long ago and that the "living hope" we have will continue to hold us up, even in the most difficult times!
So to bring a smile to your face...please check out the pictures that I attached to your email! They are photos that our families provided for us of their children as they were completing their activities during Holy Week. Also included, is a short narrative explaining what the activity is that you are seeing!
May the "living hope" of the resurrection continue to inspire you all in the days, weeks and years ahead...and may that hope bring God's peace and joy into your lives!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 18, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
We will continue streaming our worship services through Facebook Live, AND IN ADDITION...beginning tomorrow, we will also be streaming our service on "Zoom"! That way folks have a choice or if they are not on Facebook, they can worship with us via Zoom! So feel free to pass this info along to whoever you think would like to tune in, the invitation has been sent to all in email! As a reminder...you can find the worship outline on our website: kmlc.org!
BE AWARE: do not post the Zoom invitation you received on ANY social Website such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.. I'm sure you've been reading about "Zoombombing" where miscreants are able to join a private video service and cause problems.
If you have any questions, as always...don't hesitate to contact me.
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
We will continue streaming our worship services through Facebook Live, AND IN ADDITION...beginning tomorrow, we will also be streaming our service on "Zoom"! That way folks have a choice or if they are not on Facebook, they can worship with us via Zoom! So feel free to pass this info along to whoever you think would like to tune in, the invitation has been sent to all in email! As a reminder...you can find the worship outline on our website: kmlc.org!
BE AWARE: do not post the Zoom invitation you received on ANY social Website such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.. I'm sure you've been reading about "Zoombombing" where miscreants are able to join a private video service and cause problems.
If you have any questions, as always...don't hesitate to contact me.
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
April 17, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I hope you are all doing well on this glorious day that Lord has given us!!!
Just an fyi...I finally figured out how to lead a "Zoom" meeting through the computer! I've been a part of them before, but never was the "administrator"! Which means...we will plan some more "interactive" things for those of you who want to engage with us! Very exciting stuff!!!
Attached is the outline for Sunday's worship service. Please print it out and have it available for our worship time together on Sunday! Also...please be sure to pass it along to anyone you know who may want to join in the service! Again...the link to the KMLC Facebook page is: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
You will also be able to find the service outline on our website: kmlc.org.
As always...we appreciate your generous support of our ministry together! You can either mail in your offering to the church office at: PO Box 1, Kure Beach NC, 28449! Or you can drop it off in the church office if you are out and about or leave it in the offering plate in the sanctuary! Our sanctuary is open each day from 8ish AM until 8ish PM! You can also make us a payment option on your "bill pay" through your bank. Online giving is also an option! Go to our website and you will see a "donate" link. Our weekly giving has remained very good in the midst of what is going on these days and we so much appreciate it and can't thank you enough! Thank You!!!!!
Blessings on your day and the weekend to come!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I hope you are all doing well on this glorious day that Lord has given us!!!
Just an fyi...I finally figured out how to lead a "Zoom" meeting through the computer! I've been a part of them before, but never was the "administrator"! Which means...we will plan some more "interactive" things for those of you who want to engage with us! Very exciting stuff!!!
Attached is the outline for Sunday's worship service. Please print it out and have it available for our worship time together on Sunday! Also...please be sure to pass it along to anyone you know who may want to join in the service! Again...the link to the KMLC Facebook page is: Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
You will also be able to find the service outline on our website: kmlc.org.
As always...we appreciate your generous support of our ministry together! You can either mail in your offering to the church office at: PO Box 1, Kure Beach NC, 28449! Or you can drop it off in the church office if you are out and about or leave it in the offering plate in the sanctuary! Our sanctuary is open each day from 8ish AM until 8ish PM! You can also make us a payment option on your "bill pay" through your bank. Online giving is also an option! Go to our website and you will see a "donate" link. Our weekly giving has remained very good in the midst of what is going on these days and we so much appreciate it and can't thank you enough! Thank You!!!!!
Blessings on your day and the weekend to come!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 15, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
Many of you pick up a copy of the "Christ in Our Home" quarterly devotional that we have available in the church entryway during the year. (There are plenty of them there currently for the quarter beginning in April...along with some in the church office if you would like a copy!) Anyway..I was flipping through it today...I know, I should go in order...and I came across one that is actually coming up in a couple of weeks. But it really captured my attention.
It referred to the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection. You may remember the story...the disciples...still not sure what this whole resurrection thing meant...still not sure about what they were supposed to be doing or what it all meant for them...went out fishing...back to their old way of life. Jesus shows up on the lakeshore...asked them if they caught any fish...of course they didn't...he says, "throw your nets on the other side of the boat"...they do...and they catch a bunch of fish. At once they know it's Jesus, since he was always good for a miracle or two! Once they bring their boats and nets full of fish to shore, Jesus has breakfast prepared for them.
In the devotion for that day, there are two sentences that made me think about what our world is going through now and the weeks ahead...relating to the story, it said, "It's back to normal, and yet it's not. Resurrected life isn't the same as life before death."
We've talked about how, in the midst of a sort of "passion story" we are living in...this time of anxiety, worry, fear, unsettledness, isolation, uncertainty... we are looking forward to a "resurrection" of sorts...looking forward to a new life dawning once this crisis has passed. This new life that Jesus will give us as we worked through the current challenges we face, and come out on the other side...may look different...it may feel different than what life was like before...but you know, I have confidence that with Jesus' presence in the midst of it...it's going to be good...and maybe even better than ever! Because isn't that the hope of a new life in Christ that we have? That it will be better than before?
"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast'" (John 21:12)
You know...Breakfast is (typically) at the start of a new day, isn't it? So these words make me think that a new day is coming...so let's get ready to celebrate and plan to have some breakfast together!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
Many of you pick up a copy of the "Christ in Our Home" quarterly devotional that we have available in the church entryway during the year. (There are plenty of them there currently for the quarter beginning in April...along with some in the church office if you would like a copy!) Anyway..I was flipping through it today...I know, I should go in order...and I came across one that is actually coming up in a couple of weeks. But it really captured my attention.
It referred to the story of Jesus appearing to the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection. You may remember the story...the disciples...still not sure what this whole resurrection thing meant...still not sure about what they were supposed to be doing or what it all meant for them...went out fishing...back to their old way of life. Jesus shows up on the lakeshore...asked them if they caught any fish...of course they didn't...he says, "throw your nets on the other side of the boat"...they do...and they catch a bunch of fish. At once they know it's Jesus, since he was always good for a miracle or two! Once they bring their boats and nets full of fish to shore, Jesus has breakfast prepared for them.
In the devotion for that day, there are two sentences that made me think about what our world is going through now and the weeks ahead...relating to the story, it said, "It's back to normal, and yet it's not. Resurrected life isn't the same as life before death."
We've talked about how, in the midst of a sort of "passion story" we are living in...this time of anxiety, worry, fear, unsettledness, isolation, uncertainty... we are looking forward to a "resurrection" of sorts...looking forward to a new life dawning once this crisis has passed. This new life that Jesus will give us as we worked through the current challenges we face, and come out on the other side...may look different...it may feel different than what life was like before...but you know, I have confidence that with Jesus' presence in the midst of it...it's going to be good...and maybe even better than ever! Because isn't that the hope of a new life in Christ that we have? That it will be better than before?
"Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast'" (John 21:12)
You know...Breakfast is (typically) at the start of a new day, isn't it? So these words make me think that a new day is coming...so let's get ready to celebrate and plan to have some breakfast together!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
April 14, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
It's interesting...this morning...this passage was rolling through my mind! Maybe it's because children provide such inspiration and energy...maybe because their giggles and unconditional love are so infectious. Maybe they remind us that the future is bright! Anyway...
"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16)
This passage reminds me of the hope we have before us and that life is going to be okay. We just need to be patient!
You know...I'm sure many of you are going "stir crazy" by now! So...to give us all something to look forward to beyond our current state of separation...looking to a new day when we can be together again...Vacation Bible School...it's coming up the week of July 20-24! Now I know that no one can predict when life will provide us with opportunities to gather again...but I, for one am being optimistic! Plus...we need to be proactive and at least get some things planned...and really...just to have something fun and exciting to look forward to!
As we have for the last several years, summer staff from Camp Agape will be in town to lead Day Camp for students entering grades 1-5. Day Camp will run from 9am to 3pm each day that week.
Our children ages 3 through entering kindergarten, will gather for VBS from 9am-11:30am each day. We finally selected a curriculum for this year! This year it will be "Knights of North Castle" and include some great bible stories: Shadrach, Meshack and Abadnego in the fiery furnace, David and Goliath, Mary's journey to Bethlehem, Jesus Walking on Water and Paul and Silas praising God in prison!
If you would like to know more about how you can help...anything from helping to decorate to providing snacks to teaching a lesson on one of the days to leading a craft to playing games with the kids...there are all kinds of opportunities...please let me know! There is no opportunity to small or too great!
I really think, one of the best things we can do to as we navigate the situation we are currently in, is to look forward to ways we can share the love of Jesus using the gifts we have been given with the children in our midst!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
It's interesting...this morning...this passage was rolling through my mind! Maybe it's because children provide such inspiration and energy...maybe because their giggles and unconditional love are so infectious. Maybe they remind us that the future is bright! Anyway...
"People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16)
This passage reminds me of the hope we have before us and that life is going to be okay. We just need to be patient!
You know...I'm sure many of you are going "stir crazy" by now! So...to give us all something to look forward to beyond our current state of separation...looking to a new day when we can be together again...Vacation Bible School...it's coming up the week of July 20-24! Now I know that no one can predict when life will provide us with opportunities to gather again...but I, for one am being optimistic! Plus...we need to be proactive and at least get some things planned...and really...just to have something fun and exciting to look forward to!
As we have for the last several years, summer staff from Camp Agape will be in town to lead Day Camp for students entering grades 1-5. Day Camp will run from 9am to 3pm each day that week.
Our children ages 3 through entering kindergarten, will gather for VBS from 9am-11:30am each day. We finally selected a curriculum for this year! This year it will be "Knights of North Castle" and include some great bible stories: Shadrach, Meshack and Abadnego in the fiery furnace, David and Goliath, Mary's journey to Bethlehem, Jesus Walking on Water and Paul and Silas praising God in prison!
If you would like to know more about how you can help...anything from helping to decorate to providing snacks to teaching a lesson on one of the days to leading a craft to playing games with the kids...there are all kinds of opportunities...please let me know! There is no opportunity to small or too great!
I really think, one of the best things we can do to as we navigate the situation we are currently in, is to look forward to ways we can share the love of Jesus using the gifts we have been given with the children in our midst!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 13, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
See...I knew I was forgetting something...from my previous email...I am, along with our entire council and ministry team are also very grateful for your generous giving during this time as well!
Your generous contributions are very encouraging and we appreciate your continued support for our ministry together!
Surfin' on God's grace...and until I think of something else...
Dan
April 13, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I hope you are all having a blessed Easter Monday! As odd as the time has been, I have been so blessed by the engagement by so many of you through our livestream worship services! So many of you make comments during our livestream as well as after, which are great to read and to see that we still are living as our community of faith in many ways!
I also want to thank those who have helped out either preparing for or assisting with our livestream worship services...either "behind the scenes" by helping to improve our internet connection, changing the paraments (those colorful cloths that beautify the altar), operate the Ipad for the livestreaming for each service, lighting the fire for Good Friday's service, assembling and delivering Palms for Palm Sunday, counting the offering each week, offering/providing their back yard for our Easter Sunrise service...or up front by leading our music, reading the lessons, stripping the altar on Maundy Thursday. As much as I would like to name names...I don't want to embarrass anyone or forget anyone! I also want to thank those of you have shared with me, encouraging emails and phone calls. You know...as I think about it...There are also those who helped put together Holy Week activities for our families for each day during Holy Week which were delivered last week...activities to do Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday! Each activity was based on the theme for the day! Then there are those who continue to prepare and distribute our Sunday Lunches, with added precautions to our neighbors in Carolina Beach, as well as delivering food from the sanctuary to the Help Center for distribution and getting supplies and funds to the Good Shepherd Center in Wilmington. Hmmm...what am I forgetting...oh yea...those who are doing the gardening, watering, mowing and keeping the grounds nice. There has to be something else...Please forgive me if I forgot something you are involved in!
I feel like I am rambling today...but needless to say, in what seems to be this period where things almost seem like they are standing still...there is still a lot of ministry going on through our body of Christ to impact the world around us! And for all of this...and for all of you...I am very thankful!
The passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians comes to mind:
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..." (Philippians 1:3-5)
Chris and I are both so thankful for your partnership in the ministry we share together in our community as well as the love you all have for those in our community who are in need of support and encouragement!
I do thank God every time I remember you...because without you all...without our partnership in the gospel...we wouldn't be the light in our community that we continue to be! Nor would be continue to be the strong family of faith we continue to be!
So...from the bottom of my heart...Thank You!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
See...I knew I was forgetting something...from my previous email...I am, along with our entire council and ministry team are also very grateful for your generous giving during this time as well!
Your generous contributions are very encouraging and we appreciate your continued support for our ministry together!
Surfin' on God's grace...and until I think of something else...
Dan
April 13, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I hope you are all having a blessed Easter Monday! As odd as the time has been, I have been so blessed by the engagement by so many of you through our livestream worship services! So many of you make comments during our livestream as well as after, which are great to read and to see that we still are living as our community of faith in many ways!
I also want to thank those who have helped out either preparing for or assisting with our livestream worship services...either "behind the scenes" by helping to improve our internet connection, changing the paraments (those colorful cloths that beautify the altar), operate the Ipad for the livestreaming for each service, lighting the fire for Good Friday's service, assembling and delivering Palms for Palm Sunday, counting the offering each week, offering/providing their back yard for our Easter Sunrise service...or up front by leading our music, reading the lessons, stripping the altar on Maundy Thursday. As much as I would like to name names...I don't want to embarrass anyone or forget anyone! I also want to thank those of you have shared with me, encouraging emails and phone calls. You know...as I think about it...There are also those who helped put together Holy Week activities for our families for each day during Holy Week which were delivered last week...activities to do Maundy Thursday through Easter Monday! Each activity was based on the theme for the day! Then there are those who continue to prepare and distribute our Sunday Lunches, with added precautions to our neighbors in Carolina Beach, as well as delivering food from the sanctuary to the Help Center for distribution and getting supplies and funds to the Good Shepherd Center in Wilmington. Hmmm...what am I forgetting...oh yea...those who are doing the gardening, watering, mowing and keeping the grounds nice. There has to be something else...Please forgive me if I forgot something you are involved in!
I feel like I am rambling today...but needless to say, in what seems to be this period where things almost seem like they are standing still...there is still a lot of ministry going on through our body of Christ to impact the world around us! And for all of this...and for all of you...I am very thankful!
The passage from Paul's letter to the Philippians comes to mind:
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..." (Philippians 1:3-5)
Chris and I are both so thankful for your partnership in the ministry we share together in our community as well as the love you all have for those in our community who are in need of support and encouragement!
I do thank God every time I remember you...because without you all...without our partnership in the gospel...we wouldn't be the light in our community that we continue to be! Nor would be continue to be the strong family of faith we continue to be!
So...from the bottom of my heart...Thank You!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 11, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
We know the story...Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. We celebrate the joy of his resurrection on Easter Sunday!
But what happened in between? When we recite the Apostle's Creed, we say: "...he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. On the third day he rose again..."
He descended into hell (or "to the dead" as it is sometimes stated). Have you ever wondered where that phrase comes from? There are very few passage in the bible that refer to his descent into hell. One of those passages is 1 Peter 3:18-19: "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison..."
Pastor Tom, the pastor I served with when I was in family ministry in Ohio, before I became a pastor, shared with me a reflection he had written on this article of the Apostle's Creed..."he descended into hell." In his reflection he quoted words from the book, "An Explanation of Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism" written by Dr. M. Reu: "This was (Christ) first step on the way to glory. Not merely did his soul enter the abode of the dead (Acts 2:27-31); but, coming to life again, he also appeared to all his enemies in hell and showed himself as victor over them (Ephesians 4:7-10; 1 Peter 3:18-19)"
I think verses 9 and 10 of Ephesians 4 are especially helpful in giving us some insight into his descent into hell: "What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all heavens, in order to fill the whole universe."
Can we ever really understand how this all worked? Absolutely not! But rather, I share this so that as we proclaim our faith each week in the words of the Apostle's Creed, and say these words, "he descended into hell"...we have a little bit better insight into where this phrase comes from, what it means as well as more insight into the fullness of his death and resurrection.
God's richest blessings during this most Holy Weekend!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
We know the story...Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. We celebrate the joy of his resurrection on Easter Sunday!
But what happened in between? When we recite the Apostle's Creed, we say: "...he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended into hell. On the third day he rose again..."
He descended into hell (or "to the dead" as it is sometimes stated). Have you ever wondered where that phrase comes from? There are very few passage in the bible that refer to his descent into hell. One of those passages is 1 Peter 3:18-19: "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison..."
Pastor Tom, the pastor I served with when I was in family ministry in Ohio, before I became a pastor, shared with me a reflection he had written on this article of the Apostle's Creed..."he descended into hell." In his reflection he quoted words from the book, "An Explanation of Dr. Martin Luther's Small Catechism" written by Dr. M. Reu: "This was (Christ) first step on the way to glory. Not merely did his soul enter the abode of the dead (Acts 2:27-31); but, coming to life again, he also appeared to all his enemies in hell and showed himself as victor over them (Ephesians 4:7-10; 1 Peter 3:18-19)"
I think verses 9 and 10 of Ephesians 4 are especially helpful in giving us some insight into his descent into hell: "What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all heavens, in order to fill the whole universe."
Can we ever really understand how this all worked? Absolutely not! But rather, I share this so that as we proclaim our faith each week in the words of the Apostle's Creed, and say these words, "he descended into hell"...we have a little bit better insight into where this phrase comes from, what it means as well as more insight into the fullness of his death and resurrection.
God's richest blessings during this most Holy Weekend!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 8, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I imagine, most people would agree there is a lot of "tension" in the air. "Tension" in that people are on the edge of their seats waiting for the next report to come out. "Tension" when we think of when this will all end. "Tension" when we think of all of the effects this time in our lives will have on us and the people around us...thinking in terms of school, financial situations, jobs...you know...all that important stuff we have come to rely on and trust in on a daily basis.
I was thinking about this same week in history in the life of Jesus. The time between his Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday and the days of his passion/crucifixion/resurrection. I was imagining the "tension" that hung in the air when Jesus was giving his prophecies of the destruction of the Temple and the signs of the end times were were coming...you can read about those in Matthew 24. And then there were Jesus' comments about himself in Matthew 26: "As you know, the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." Can you imagine the disciples reaction? "What are you talking about, Jesus?" And then later in that chapter when the woman came and poured expensive perfume all over him...and Jesus tells them, "she did it to prepare me for my burial." Again...their reaction..."Okay...this is getting too weird! What is that all about?" See what I mean? There must have been a great deal of "tension" in the air...and this is all before what takes place at the Last Supper and in the Garden of Gethsemane!
But if we think about it...on the other side of that "tension" in Jesus' day...was a joy-filled resurrection and hope and promise of new life for all people! They didn't know it at the time...but that's what came to pass.
In the midst of whatever "tension" we may be living with...a joy-filled resurrection and hope and promise of new life is on the other side for us as well! And Easter Sunday morning and hearing again the story of the resurrection will remind us of that!
I know we like to try and live out holy week day by day as we walk the steps of Jesus through the Last Supper, the passion and crucifixion and then celebrate the resurrection on Easter morning...but this year...I encourage us all to "cheat" a little bit...and in the midst of our sadness and anxiety and isolation...when we are feeling down...let's look ahead to the new life we have to look forward too...that is just on our horizon once this crisis is behind us!!
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that your are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, he has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28:5-6)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
I imagine, most people would agree there is a lot of "tension" in the air. "Tension" in that people are on the edge of their seats waiting for the next report to come out. "Tension" when we think of when this will all end. "Tension" when we think of all of the effects this time in our lives will have on us and the people around us...thinking in terms of school, financial situations, jobs...you know...all that important stuff we have come to rely on and trust in on a daily basis.
I was thinking about this same week in history in the life of Jesus. The time between his Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday and the days of his passion/crucifixion/resurrection. I was imagining the "tension" that hung in the air when Jesus was giving his prophecies of the destruction of the Temple and the signs of the end times were were coming...you can read about those in Matthew 24. And then there were Jesus' comments about himself in Matthew 26: "As you know, the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified." Can you imagine the disciples reaction? "What are you talking about, Jesus?" And then later in that chapter when the woman came and poured expensive perfume all over him...and Jesus tells them, "she did it to prepare me for my burial." Again...their reaction..."Okay...this is getting too weird! What is that all about?" See what I mean? There must have been a great deal of "tension" in the air...and this is all before what takes place at the Last Supper and in the Garden of Gethsemane!
But if we think about it...on the other side of that "tension" in Jesus' day...was a joy-filled resurrection and hope and promise of new life for all people! They didn't know it at the time...but that's what came to pass.
In the midst of whatever "tension" we may be living with...a joy-filled resurrection and hope and promise of new life is on the other side for us as well! And Easter Sunday morning and hearing again the story of the resurrection will remind us of that!
I know we like to try and live out holy week day by day as we walk the steps of Jesus through the Last Supper, the passion and crucifixion and then celebrate the resurrection on Easter morning...but this year...I encourage us all to "cheat" a little bit...and in the midst of our sadness and anxiety and isolation...when we are feeling down...let's look ahead to the new life we have to look forward too...that is just on our horizon once this crisis is behind us!!
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that your are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, he has risen, just as he said..." (Matthew 28:5-6)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 8, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
After much discussion and planning, we have come up with a plan for our annual Easter Sunrise Service! It will be, like our other services, livestreamed through our Facebook page. Unfortunately this is the first year in probably over 20 years, First Baptist Church of Kure Beach will not be joining us.
Our service will begin at 6:30am on Sunday, April 12. Sunrise is at 6:42ish. It will be livestreamed from one of our gracious KMLC family's home on the Intracoastal Waterway, where the sunrise is beautiful this time of year, hopefully we'll have a clear morning! We will be emailing the worship outlines for all of our services for Holy Week and Easter...so keep a look out. Once again, here is the schedule:
April 9: Maundy Thursday at 7pm
April 10: Good Friday at 7pm
April 12: Sunrise Service at 6:30am
April 12: Easter Resurrection at 10am
Please join us for some or all of them! And please be sure to let us know you are worshiping with us!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
After much discussion and planning, we have come up with a plan for our annual Easter Sunrise Service! It will be, like our other services, livestreamed through our Facebook page. Unfortunately this is the first year in probably over 20 years, First Baptist Church of Kure Beach will not be joining us.
Our service will begin at 6:30am on Sunday, April 12. Sunrise is at 6:42ish. It will be livestreamed from one of our gracious KMLC family's home on the Intracoastal Waterway, where the sunrise is beautiful this time of year, hopefully we'll have a clear morning! We will be emailing the worship outlines for all of our services for Holy Week and Easter...so keep a look out. Once again, here is the schedule:
April 9: Maundy Thursday at 7pm
April 10: Good Friday at 7pm
April 12: Sunrise Service at 6:30am
April 12: Easter Resurrection at 10am
Please join us for some or all of them! And please be sure to let us know you are worshiping with us!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 7, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
A week or 2 back we planted a few tomato plants, some basil, a few potatoes, a bunch of scallions and some banana peppers in our community garden. For those of you who don't know...or have forgotten...we have 10 raised plant beds on the north side of our playground that are available for planting...especially if you don't have room in your own yard to grow vegetables! And now...with a lot of free time since we can't really go anywhere or do anything...there's no better time to start your garden! So come on over! We like to designated part of the "harvest" for the Help Center or to be distributed to our guests of our Sunday Lunch ministry! It's the idea of giving back to God for what he gives us!
Anyway...back to my story... although some of the plants were already growing when we planted them, the scallions, potatoes and banana peppers were planted as seeds. It has been fun to watch them sprout...every night we'll go out to see what is coming up. "Oh look...another potato plant is peaking through!" Or, "Look at how those scallions are growing!"
It reminds me of the gift of new life that comes from the difficult times of our lives. Thinking about how we are a new creation in Jesus and he can lift us out of the dark times of our life...when sometimes things can worry us or overwhelm us to a point we feel we are buried in the fear and anxiety of all that is happening in our world and in our lives! Times like now that, for many, seem so bleek and depressing. But then new life sprouts...giving us the hope that everything will be okay and better yet...we are not only going to "sprout"...but we will flourish together...and produce an abundance of "good fruit" so that our community can see the hope that we have!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
So...I encourage you to "sprout" and "flourish" in your own neighborhoods, especially during this time, in new and creative ways so that those around you can see the hope we have in Jesus... to be a little light in their lives, especially when things get a little discouraging!
Have a fantastic evening and a blessed day tomorrow!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
A week or 2 back we planted a few tomato plants, some basil, a few potatoes, a bunch of scallions and some banana peppers in our community garden. For those of you who don't know...or have forgotten...we have 10 raised plant beds on the north side of our playground that are available for planting...especially if you don't have room in your own yard to grow vegetables! And now...with a lot of free time since we can't really go anywhere or do anything...there's no better time to start your garden! So come on over! We like to designated part of the "harvest" for the Help Center or to be distributed to our guests of our Sunday Lunch ministry! It's the idea of giving back to God for what he gives us!
Anyway...back to my story... although some of the plants were already growing when we planted them, the scallions, potatoes and banana peppers were planted as seeds. It has been fun to watch them sprout...every night we'll go out to see what is coming up. "Oh look...another potato plant is peaking through!" Or, "Look at how those scallions are growing!"
It reminds me of the gift of new life that comes from the difficult times of our lives. Thinking about how we are a new creation in Jesus and he can lift us out of the dark times of our life...when sometimes things can worry us or overwhelm us to a point we feel we are buried in the fear and anxiety of all that is happening in our world and in our lives! Times like now that, for many, seem so bleek and depressing. But then new life sprouts...giving us the hope that everything will be okay and better yet...we are not only going to "sprout"...but we will flourish together...and produce an abundance of "good fruit" so that our community can see the hope that we have!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
So...I encourage you to "sprout" and "flourish" in your own neighborhoods, especially during this time, in new and creative ways so that those around you can see the hope we have in Jesus... to be a little light in their lives, especially when things get a little discouraging!
Have a fantastic evening and a blessed day tomorrow!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
April 6, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
Many of you know, back in February I went to a church conference entitled "Ignite the Church". It was a really good conference as I was affirmed in many things we are doing to grow, as well as to get some new ideas for our ministry together!
One of which is a bible app for our phone or ipad, which looks like this:
I learned that this bible app has lots of possibilities for us to stay connected as a community of faith...or at least for those who have it...including receiving the weekly bulletin over your phone! (I would love for one of you "techy types" to help me figure it out one of these days!)
Anyway...all that to say...I've been getting short devotions via email from this bible app each day and the one that came today was an Easter prayer. It seemed so appropriate for where we are in life today as well as in terms of the week we have ahead as we prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
The part of this prayer that really spoke to me today was in the middle paragraph: "There is no pain you cannot conquer, no hurt you cannot heal, and no life you cannot transform. Your death and resurrection proved that noting is impossible for you, and that we are more than conquerors because of you." I invite you to read that over a couple of times and let it sink into your whole being for awhile. Sometimes we feel we are so alone in the difficulties we experience...maybe in the "isolation" we are currently feeling because we are staying home and away from others...even those we love. But this reminder that there is nothing Jesus cannot overcome in our lives...and knowing/having confidence in that... can be comforting, empowering, encouraging and maybe even freeing!
As we begin this most Holy Week...may God's blessings overflow from your lives into the lives of others!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
Many of you know, back in February I went to a church conference entitled "Ignite the Church". It was a really good conference as I was affirmed in many things we are doing to grow, as well as to get some new ideas for our ministry together!
One of which is a bible app for our phone or ipad, which looks like this:
I learned that this bible app has lots of possibilities for us to stay connected as a community of faith...or at least for those who have it...including receiving the weekly bulletin over your phone! (I would love for one of you "techy types" to help me figure it out one of these days!)
Anyway...all that to say...I've been getting short devotions via email from this bible app each day and the one that came today was an Easter prayer. It seemed so appropriate for where we are in life today as well as in terms of the week we have ahead as we prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
The part of this prayer that really spoke to me today was in the middle paragraph: "There is no pain you cannot conquer, no hurt you cannot heal, and no life you cannot transform. Your death and resurrection proved that noting is impossible for you, and that we are more than conquerors because of you." I invite you to read that over a couple of times and let it sink into your whole being for awhile. Sometimes we feel we are so alone in the difficulties we experience...maybe in the "isolation" we are currently feeling because we are staying home and away from others...even those we love. But this reminder that there is nothing Jesus cannot overcome in our lives...and knowing/having confidence in that... can be comforting, empowering, encouraging and maybe even freeing!
As we begin this most Holy Week...may God's blessings overflow from your lives into the lives of others!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 4, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
One of my favorite Psalms is one that is simple...a total of 2
verses...which makes it the shortest chapter in the bible...Psalm 117:
*"Praise to the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For
great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures
forever. Praise the Lord."*
I thought of this Psalm, as I thought about the number of people who
providing necessary services to all of the communities, not just here, but
throughout the country and throughout the world, during this virus crisis.
There are the obvious ones...all of the medical professionals who provide
care for, not only those who have been infected by the virus, but also for
those who provide everyday care to people, who may or may not be carriers
of the virus. Then there are those who work at the grocery stores,
building supply stores and other retail establishments who provide much
needed services during this time. All of these are the ones who have been
mentioned on the news.
But then...I think about the folks who continue to serve at the homeless
shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries, who are now providing services
to even more people than normal...and from what we know from our own local
organizations...they are serving with less supplies...and by all means
utilizing the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their clients
safe. Then I thought about our own folks who continue to provide our
Sunday Lunch ministry to those in need in our own community. They have
been coming together each Sunday...now with additional care and precautions
to continue to provide for a growing number of individuals on the island
who have recently lost their jobs.
So, for all of these folks...please join me in "Praising the Lord", because
if you think about it...all of these people are great examples of the
verse, "For great is his love toward us..." because by putting people like
this in our lives to provide the things we need...especially in challenging
and worrisome times like we are living in today...we are extremely
blessed!
By the way...just a reminder to tune into our Facebook livestream tomorrow
morning at 10am for our Palm Sunday service! The worship outline will be
coming to you shortly! Have a blessed day!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
One of my favorite Psalms is one that is simple...a total of 2
verses...which makes it the shortest chapter in the bible...Psalm 117:
*"Praise to the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For
great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures
forever. Praise the Lord."*
I thought of this Psalm, as I thought about the number of people who
providing necessary services to all of the communities, not just here, but
throughout the country and throughout the world, during this virus crisis.
There are the obvious ones...all of the medical professionals who provide
care for, not only those who have been infected by the virus, but also for
those who provide everyday care to people, who may or may not be carriers
of the virus. Then there are those who work at the grocery stores,
building supply stores and other retail establishments who provide much
needed services during this time. All of these are the ones who have been
mentioned on the news.
But then...I think about the folks who continue to serve at the homeless
shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries, who are now providing services
to even more people than normal...and from what we know from our own local
organizations...they are serving with less supplies...and by all means
utilizing the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their clients
safe. Then I thought about our own folks who continue to provide our
Sunday Lunch ministry to those in need in our own community. They have
been coming together each Sunday...now with additional care and precautions
to continue to provide for a growing number of individuals on the island
who have recently lost their jobs.
So, for all of these folks...please join me in "Praising the Lord", because
if you think about it...all of these people are great examples of the
verse, "For great is his love toward us..." because by putting people like
this in our lives to provide the things we need...especially in challenging
and worrisome times like we are living in today...we are extremely
blessed!
By the way...just a reminder to tune into our Facebook livestream tomorrow
morning at 10am for our Palm Sunday service! The worship outline will be
coming to you shortly! Have a blessed day!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 2, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
You may remember a week or two back I encouraged all of us to support local restaurants with take out or delivery orders.
Tonight we decided to order from the new New York pizza place in Carolina Beach, "Fentonis"..... Which made me think of God's love for us. I know...seems odd...plus there are lots of other foods that can remind us of that...simply because they are yummy and make us happy! But bear with me...
First of all...pizza is (usually) delicious and certainly a gift from God! 😁 Not quite like Manna was for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, I'll admit...but you know what I mean. Secondly...pizza is round...symbolic of God's love for us! A circle has always been a symbol of God's love...because it doesn't have a beginning or an end, just like God's love...it's never ending. Thirdly...pizza has a seemingly endless variety of toppings...which makes me think of the variety of cultures and races that are represented in this amazing world God created!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
And because God loves us so much, we can trust that whatever happens during this very strange time we are living in together...God will continue to help us navigate all the trials and struggles and fears we are having, giving us peace in our hearts, even in the most trying of times.
May God's love continue to be in your hearts, especially now that we can't extend that love to one another in physical ways!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial
You may remember a week or two back I encouraged all of us to support local restaurants with take out or delivery orders.
Tonight we decided to order from the new New York pizza place in Carolina Beach, "Fentonis"..... Which made me think of God's love for us. I know...seems odd...plus there are lots of other foods that can remind us of that...simply because they are yummy and make us happy! But bear with me...
First of all...pizza is (usually) delicious and certainly a gift from God! 😁 Not quite like Manna was for the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, I'll admit...but you know what I mean. Secondly...pizza is round...symbolic of God's love for us! A circle has always been a symbol of God's love...because it doesn't have a beginning or an end, just like God's love...it's never ending. Thirdly...pizza has a seemingly endless variety of toppings...which makes me think of the variety of cultures and races that are represented in this amazing world God created!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him may not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
And because God loves us so much, we can trust that whatever happens during this very strange time we are living in together...God will continue to help us navigate all the trials and struggles and fears we are having, giving us peace in our hearts, even in the most trying of times.
May God's love continue to be in your hearts, especially now that we can't extend that love to one another in physical ways!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 1, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Most of you know that one of my favorite verses is from Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says, "I will be with you always...to the very end of the age." It's a promise that, I think is so crucial to our existence because, in this world so many things can happen and we need to hang onto that promise of God's presence in our lives.
But there is another place...and I'm sure even more places throughout scripture...where we read about God's promise to be with us. It comes in the Book of Joshua, when the Israelites were ready to cross the Jordan River into Jericho... the Promised Land. Moses has led them this far through the wilderness...but he died before that arrived here ready to cross the Jordan River. So much uncertainty for them and seemingly so much to overcome! So now Joshua takes over and the Lord is giving him a pep talk: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
We too are faced with uncertain things in our lives...in our communities. This whole virus thing is really bringing people down...people are discouraged...they are worried...they are unsure. And the situation for many seems insurmountable...maybe a feeling similar to that of the Israelites getting ready to face Jericho! Then comes the "pep talk": "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Those words of encouragement for us to not be discouraged...not to be afraid...that God will be with us wherever we go. We are not in this alone...God is with us to encourage us in so many ways as we live our faith in a world that is on edge and fearful; encouraging one another, supporting one another...but by all means...taking our precautions and keeping our physical separation from one another even as we do keep spiritually connected! And that spiritual connectedness is so important especially in times like this.
"The Lord our God will be with us wherever we go".
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Most of you know that one of my favorite verses is from Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says, "I will be with you always...to the very end of the age." It's a promise that, I think is so crucial to our existence because, in this world so many things can happen and we need to hang onto that promise of God's presence in our lives.
But there is another place...and I'm sure even more places throughout scripture...where we read about God's promise to be with us. It comes in the Book of Joshua, when the Israelites were ready to cross the Jordan River into Jericho... the Promised Land. Moses has led them this far through the wilderness...but he died before that arrived here ready to cross the Jordan River. So much uncertainty for them and seemingly so much to overcome! So now Joshua takes over and the Lord is giving him a pep talk: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
We too are faced with uncertain things in our lives...in our communities. This whole virus thing is really bringing people down...people are discouraged...they are worried...they are unsure. And the situation for many seems insurmountable...maybe a feeling similar to that of the Israelites getting ready to face Jericho! Then comes the "pep talk": "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Those words of encouragement for us to not be discouraged...not to be afraid...that God will be with us wherever we go. We are not in this alone...God is with us to encourage us in so many ways as we live our faith in a world that is on edge and fearful; encouraging one another, supporting one another...but by all means...taking our precautions and keeping our physical separation from one another even as we do keep spiritually connected! And that spiritual connectedness is so important especially in times like this.
"The Lord our God will be with us wherever we go".
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
April 1, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
For some strange reason, the beginning phrase of our Sunday morning worship service was going through my mind today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." This verse comes from Psalm 118:24. It's a reminder for us of where the gift of life comes from...This is the day the Lord has made...God makes each and every day and gives the gift of life to us and everything around us. Sure, each day has its challenges and struggles...especially lately...but each day also includes joys and celebrations...whether they are significant or very simple...each one reminding us of God's presence and care for us!
So, you know...the more I thought about it... the more I kept thinking that every day is a gift...beginning with the beautiful sunrises in the mornings...to the beautiful (and colorful!) sunsets in the evenings...the blue skies...at least most of the time,the birds chirping, the trees and flowers blooming all around us... and the gift of life God gives us.
So...this is the day the Lord has made...with its joys and its challenges...and everything in between...so let's rejoice that God gave us this day...and be glad in it!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
For some strange reason, the beginning phrase of our Sunday morning worship service was going through my mind today. "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." This verse comes from Psalm 118:24. It's a reminder for us of where the gift of life comes from...This is the day the Lord has made...God makes each and every day and gives the gift of life to us and everything around us. Sure, each day has its challenges and struggles...especially lately...but each day also includes joys and celebrations...whether they are significant or very simple...each one reminding us of God's presence and care for us!
So, you know...the more I thought about it... the more I kept thinking that every day is a gift...beginning with the beautiful sunrises in the mornings...to the beautiful (and colorful!) sunsets in the evenings...the blue skies...at least most of the time,the birds chirping, the trees and flowers blooming all around us... and the gift of life God gives us.
So...this is the day the Lord has made...with its joys and its challenges...and everything in between...so let's rejoice that God gave us this day...and be glad in it!
Surfin' on God's Grace,
Dan
March 31, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Psalm 100 is one of my favorites. It starts out, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:1-2)
Yes, I know...worshiping these days has certainly become a bit more complicated! Since our togetherness is more of "virtual" presence than it is a "physical" presence. But no matter how it happens...I really feel that we are connected together through the strong, "Spiritual" presence of our Lord! This week, as best as we could estimate based on people who signed in and made comments on Facebook as well as told us in person that they worshiped with us on Sunday morning...our webcam attendance was around 88 people! I think that is remarkable! It was encouraging to me to see the sign ins and the comments and to know our weekly worship together is so important to you as well as many people from out of town! I truly feel that even as we isolate ourselves in our separate places, we still worship the Lord "together" with gladness, as the Psalm indicates. And that is such a powerfully important thing for us, especially in this time of physical separation.
Oh...and here's the really cool thing...our worship together this week included one of our partners in ministry from Costa Rica! Ana Yensi Rivera, one of our micro loan recipients as well as the director of Casa Abierta, the daycare center in San Jose, run by the Lutheran Church of Costa Rica (whom we support and visit each time we go to Costa Rica) "liked" our livestream church service during the service yesterday morning! What an amazing thing to think about, that in this time of isolation, we can still be connected with sisters and brothers in Christ from so far away!
So...as I think about all of this...I invite you to, "Shout for joy to the Lord" along with me as we give thanks to God for his faithfulness, love and care...and not only now...but always!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Psalm 100 is one of my favorites. It starts out, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs." (Psalm 100:1-2)
Yes, I know...worshiping these days has certainly become a bit more complicated! Since our togetherness is more of "virtual" presence than it is a "physical" presence. But no matter how it happens...I really feel that we are connected together through the strong, "Spiritual" presence of our Lord! This week, as best as we could estimate based on people who signed in and made comments on Facebook as well as told us in person that they worshiped with us on Sunday morning...our webcam attendance was around 88 people! I think that is remarkable! It was encouraging to me to see the sign ins and the comments and to know our weekly worship together is so important to you as well as many people from out of town! I truly feel that even as we isolate ourselves in our separate places, we still worship the Lord "together" with gladness, as the Psalm indicates. And that is such a powerfully important thing for us, especially in this time of physical separation.
Oh...and here's the really cool thing...our worship together this week included one of our partners in ministry from Costa Rica! Ana Yensi Rivera, one of our micro loan recipients as well as the director of Casa Abierta, the daycare center in San Jose, run by the Lutheran Church of Costa Rica (whom we support and visit each time we go to Costa Rica) "liked" our livestream church service during the service yesterday morning! What an amazing thing to think about, that in this time of isolation, we can still be connected with sisters and brothers in Christ from so far away!
So...as I think about all of this...I invite you to, "Shout for joy to the Lord" along with me as we give thanks to God for his faithfulness, love and care...and not only now...but always!
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
March 28, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
It was amazing!! This morning, Chris and I went to Publix in Carolina Beach. I wanted to make sure to get there early before any recent shipments of toilet paper were already off the shelves! I had gotten to the store just after 8 on Tuesday morning only to see the last package being taken from the shelf! So today we were ready! So we get there...and oh my...There were shelves upon shelves on toilet paper and paper towels! Just like before the paper products shortage became a reality!
You know...food supplies, paper products and other necessities may be a little more difficult for us to find on a regular basis...but I am learning that people who are really in need and count on places like the Help Center and the Good Shepherd homeless shelter for their needs are really struggling! It made me think about a couple of conversations I've had yesterday and today. The Help Center, for example, is really struggling to provide for their guests because with congregations not meeting, people are not providing food like they usually do! The Help Center...by the way... was very appreciative of our food delivery this week...(thanks for taking it over, Harriet!!). They also usually collect around $4000 between the 2 Easter Sunrise Service offerings...one in Carolina Beach and the other in Kure Beach. Without those...which will be the case this year...they will lose out on those funds as well! The Good Shepherd Homeless Shelter, who KLMC supports on a regular basis, is also struggling as their funding and food supplies are low as well.
Now...this isn't meant to be discouraging...it is meant to help us realize how we can be the lights in the world around us, as Jesus talks about...in the midst of the struggles of our community!
All of this got me to thinking of the story of the Good Samaritan! Where the Samaritan takes care of the man who was attacked by robbers. The Samaritan takes care of him and then asks the innkeeper to care for him and offers to reimburse him for whatever expenses he incurs. Remember that story? Then Jesus tells his listeners..."Go and do likewise". Go...and help our neighbors when they are in distress and are struggling and need help.
What an awesome opportunity for us...instead of worrying about what the next news report will bring...maybe...if we are able and comfortable doing so...we can take a drive and drop off a few items at the church anytime during the day for the Help Center or the Good Shepherd Center! Those items might be things we have around the house and are able to share... or extra things we get the next time we or someone shopping for us picks up from the store. If you don't want to go outside of your home...leave them on your doorstep and contact me...someone will come get them and deliver them for you! The other thing I invite you to do is pray for these and all ministries who serve those who are struggling! Just a few thoughts of ways to feel productive during this time...that in so many ways...seems to be at a standstill!
"'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers... "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, 'the one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:30-37)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
You will find the needs list ---->>>!
Help Center needs...normal food items!
Needs for the Good Shepherd Center...we will provide a bin in the sanctuary! If you plan to bring milk...please let me know so I can get it into a refrigerator
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
It was amazing!! This morning, Chris and I went to Publix in Carolina Beach. I wanted to make sure to get there early before any recent shipments of toilet paper were already off the shelves! I had gotten to the store just after 8 on Tuesday morning only to see the last package being taken from the shelf! So today we were ready! So we get there...and oh my...There were shelves upon shelves on toilet paper and paper towels! Just like before the paper products shortage became a reality!
You know...food supplies, paper products and other necessities may be a little more difficult for us to find on a regular basis...but I am learning that people who are really in need and count on places like the Help Center and the Good Shepherd homeless shelter for their needs are really struggling! It made me think about a couple of conversations I've had yesterday and today. The Help Center, for example, is really struggling to provide for their guests because with congregations not meeting, people are not providing food like they usually do! The Help Center...by the way... was very appreciative of our food delivery this week...(thanks for taking it over, Harriet!!). They also usually collect around $4000 between the 2 Easter Sunrise Service offerings...one in Carolina Beach and the other in Kure Beach. Without those...which will be the case this year...they will lose out on those funds as well! The Good Shepherd Homeless Shelter, who KLMC supports on a regular basis, is also struggling as their funding and food supplies are low as well.
Now...this isn't meant to be discouraging...it is meant to help us realize how we can be the lights in the world around us, as Jesus talks about...in the midst of the struggles of our community!
All of this got me to thinking of the story of the Good Samaritan! Where the Samaritan takes care of the man who was attacked by robbers. The Samaritan takes care of him and then asks the innkeeper to care for him and offers to reimburse him for whatever expenses he incurs. Remember that story? Then Jesus tells his listeners..."Go and do likewise". Go...and help our neighbors when they are in distress and are struggling and need help.
What an awesome opportunity for us...instead of worrying about what the next news report will bring...maybe...if we are able and comfortable doing so...we can take a drive and drop off a few items at the church anytime during the day for the Help Center or the Good Shepherd Center! Those items might be things we have around the house and are able to share... or extra things we get the next time we or someone shopping for us picks up from the store. If you don't want to go outside of your home...leave them on your doorstep and contact me...someone will come get them and deliver them for you! The other thing I invite you to do is pray for these and all ministries who serve those who are struggling! Just a few thoughts of ways to feel productive during this time...that in so many ways...seems to be at a standstill!
"'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers... "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, 'the one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'" (Luke 10:30-37)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
You will find the needs list ---->>>!
Help Center needs...normal food items!
Needs for the Good Shepherd Center...we will provide a bin in the sanctuary! If you plan to bring milk...please let me know so I can get it into a refrigerator
March 26, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I have heard from so many people, how "cabin fever" is setting in...and folks bemoaning the fact we can't get out like we used to...and maybe so many of you are alone in the house by yourselves without that personal interaction that is so much a part of who you are! And I know what you mean! I am certainly a personal interaction type of person! And although I have my family in our home, one of my joys of serving here, is the daily interaction with preschool children, parents and teachers! I actually received a phone call from one of our KMLC folks who is also a preschool mom. She called to check in on me, because she knows how difficult it must be for me to not have that contact with the preschoolers and families on a daily basis! It was so sweet and thoughtful!
It made me think of this story in Mark's gospel...about Jesus welcoming the little children. Inviting the children to come and gathering them in his arms and blessing them. I got to thinking...in those times when we feel alone...claustrophobic...isolated...in need of human interaction and touch...to remember the gentle embrace of Jesus as we read about in this passage...Jesus holding us in his arms, blessing us, caring for us, giving us a sense of belonging and calling us his children. It's an embrace that can help us remember that we are not alone...that we are part of the family of God who cares for one another, loves one another and we are there to help keep each other stay sane...even in these times of isolation! Please forward this to others you know that may be feeling a sense of loneliness...especially during these times that we are in!
"People were bringing their little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:10-13
God's richest blessings to everyone!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Also...we wanted to let everyone know that the April/May/June edition of Christ in Our Home is available for pick up in the church entryway! It's the quarterly devotional we receive. If you would like a copy and are able to stop in to pick it up, that would be great! If you would like one, but are not able to get out, please contact me and we will get one to you!
Also, Also...The Help Center of Federal Point food pantry needs continue! So if you are in the neighborhood or are returning from the grocery store...feel free to drop by the church and leave some food in the help center baskets in the sanctuary! In this time where churches are not meeting on a weekly basis, the Help Center is still counting on churches like us to help provide for the most vulnerable in our community! Thank you so much for your continued generosity!
During these trying times they are in urgent need of food donations!
Anything you can provide is appreciated!
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial,
I have heard from so many people, how "cabin fever" is setting in...and folks bemoaning the fact we can't get out like we used to...and maybe so many of you are alone in the house by yourselves without that personal interaction that is so much a part of who you are! And I know what you mean! I am certainly a personal interaction type of person! And although I have my family in our home, one of my joys of serving here, is the daily interaction with preschool children, parents and teachers! I actually received a phone call from one of our KMLC folks who is also a preschool mom. She called to check in on me, because she knows how difficult it must be for me to not have that contact with the preschoolers and families on a daily basis! It was so sweet and thoughtful!
It made me think of this story in Mark's gospel...about Jesus welcoming the little children. Inviting the children to come and gathering them in his arms and blessing them. I got to thinking...in those times when we feel alone...claustrophobic...isolated...in need of human interaction and touch...to remember the gentle embrace of Jesus as we read about in this passage...Jesus holding us in his arms, blessing us, caring for us, giving us a sense of belonging and calling us his children. It's an embrace that can help us remember that we are not alone...that we are part of the family of God who cares for one another, loves one another and we are there to help keep each other stay sane...even in these times of isolation! Please forward this to others you know that may be feeling a sense of loneliness...especially during these times that we are in!
"People were bringing their little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." Mark 10:10-13
God's richest blessings to everyone!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Also...we wanted to let everyone know that the April/May/June edition of Christ in Our Home is available for pick up in the church entryway! It's the quarterly devotional we receive. If you would like a copy and are able to stop in to pick it up, that would be great! If you would like one, but are not able to get out, please contact me and we will get one to you!
Also, Also...The Help Center of Federal Point food pantry needs continue! So if you are in the neighborhood or are returning from the grocery store...feel free to drop by the church and leave some food in the help center baskets in the sanctuary! In this time where churches are not meeting on a weekly basis, the Help Center is still counting on churches like us to help provide for the most vulnerable in our community! Thank you so much for your continued generosity!
During these trying times they are in urgent need of food donations!
Anything you can provide is appreciated!
March 25, 2020
Who remembers the pages in Readers Digest entitled, "Laughter, the best medicine"? I don't know if Readers Digest is still around, and if so, if they still have this section in the magazine...but I remember growing up, reading the jokes that filled those pages regularly! And I think in so many ways, there is a great deal of truth to it! Humor, laughter, is such a healthy thing for our overall well being, including our emotional, mental and physical well being! It can make us feel good all over. Laughter is a gift from God. We can read way back in the book of Genesis, in the story of Abraham and Sarah...do you remember the name of their child? Right, Isaac. And do you remember what the Hebrew name "Isaac" means? "One who laughs"!. As Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." (Genesis 21:6)
And I think now, laughter is more important than ever! Because in this time where fear is paralyzing so many people, including so many people of faith...we need an outlet of healthy laughter and joy to remind us of God's presence and comfort and care for us. And that God intends for us to laugh and be joyful because has done and continues to do great things for us in so many ways! So let's celebrate those things!
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." (Psalm 126:2)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Who remembers the pages in Readers Digest entitled, "Laughter, the best medicine"? I don't know if Readers Digest is still around, and if so, if they still have this section in the magazine...but I remember growing up, reading the jokes that filled those pages regularly! And I think in so many ways, there is a great deal of truth to it! Humor, laughter, is such a healthy thing for our overall well being, including our emotional, mental and physical well being! It can make us feel good all over. Laughter is a gift from God. We can read way back in the book of Genesis, in the story of Abraham and Sarah...do you remember the name of their child? Right, Isaac. And do you remember what the Hebrew name "Isaac" means? "One who laughs"!. As Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." (Genesis 21:6)
And I think now, laughter is more important than ever! Because in this time where fear is paralyzing so many people, including so many people of faith...we need an outlet of healthy laughter and joy to remind us of God's presence and comfort and care for us. And that God intends for us to laugh and be joyful because has done and continues to do great things for us in so many ways! So let's celebrate those things!
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." (Psalm 126:2)
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
March 24, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
One of my favorite hymns is "On Eagle's Wings". It is the words of Psalm 91 set to a beautiful musical arrangement. You will find a link to the song below...I'm sure you remember singing it in worship with us from time to time!
This song came to mind after I received a text message from Marion Wyman last Thursday. She had been in the office visiting and we were discussing the current health crisis and all that has transpired in recent days and weeks, as well as talking about the comfort and care we receive from God in the midst of all that is going on in the world. Her text message to me simply said, "I'm reading Psalm 91 today!"
Psalm 91 begins:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
These are very comforting words...not just for now...but in all that life has to offer us. It's a great reminder that all kinds of things are going to happen to us in this world...but God's love, grace and protection will shelter us in a spiritual way, strengthening our faith and empowering us to navigate whatever challenges we face knowing we aren't alone.
I encourage you to take a few moments to listen to the song! It's a beautiful song...and the images are pretty powerful!
On Eagles Wings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY
There is also a link to Psalm 91 in its entirety.
Psalm 91: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91&version=NIV
God's blessings!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
One of my favorite hymns is "On Eagle's Wings". It is the words of Psalm 91 set to a beautiful musical arrangement. You will find a link to the song below...I'm sure you remember singing it in worship with us from time to time!
This song came to mind after I received a text message from Marion Wyman last Thursday. She had been in the office visiting and we were discussing the current health crisis and all that has transpired in recent days and weeks, as well as talking about the comfort and care we receive from God in the midst of all that is going on in the world. Her text message to me simply said, "I'm reading Psalm 91 today!"
Psalm 91 begins:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
These are very comforting words...not just for now...but in all that life has to offer us. It's a great reminder that all kinds of things are going to happen to us in this world...but God's love, grace and protection will shelter us in a spiritual way, strengthening our faith and empowering us to navigate whatever challenges we face knowing we aren't alone.
I encourage you to take a few moments to listen to the song! It's a beautiful song...and the images are pretty powerful!
On Eagles Wings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY
There is also a link to Psalm 91 in its entirety.
Psalm 91: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+91&version=NIV
God's blessings!
Surfin' on God's Grace!
Dan
March 17, 2020
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
I conferred with our church council folks today about what to do about Sunday worship. At this time we have decided to cancel "in person" worship, but will still be offering our worship through our Facebook Livestreaming. We encourage you to join us beginning at our normal 10am worship time. We also encourage you to continue to support our ministry through your offerings, so that we can continue to do the things God is calling us to do! You can mail them into the church office at:
Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
PO Box 1
Kure Beach, NC 28449
We will also be making online giving available beginning this Sunday through both our website and our Facebook page! More information on that will be coming in the next couple of days! You can also make us a payment option through your Bill Pay through your bank!
I know... and certainly understand there is a lot of anxiety these days over precautions, news reports and lack of toilet paper! And rightly so, since this is something new that none of us have dealt with before. But as people of faith, we have the promise that God is with us always through all things! We hear it said in scripture many times, "Do not be afraid".
This morning, these words from Psalm 46 kept going through my mind...maybe because I referred to this passage on Sunday morning...but these words of hope in God being our "refuge and strength"...and the reminder that through everything that happens, no matter how troubling it may be...The Lord is with us to bring us comfort, peace...and to be an ever-present help in trouble.
God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.
The nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortresss. (Psalm 46:1-7)
Hang onto these words of hope and comfort...
Surfin' on God's Amazing Grace...now more than every!!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
I conferred with our church council folks today about what to do about Sunday worship. At this time we have decided to cancel "in person" worship, but will still be offering our worship through our Facebook Livestreaming. We encourage you to join us beginning at our normal 10am worship time. We also encourage you to continue to support our ministry through your offerings, so that we can continue to do the things God is calling us to do! You can mail them into the church office at:
Kure Memorial Lutheran Church
PO Box 1
Kure Beach, NC 28449
We will also be making online giving available beginning this Sunday through both our website and our Facebook page! More information on that will be coming in the next couple of days! You can also make us a payment option through your Bill Pay through your bank!
I know... and certainly understand there is a lot of anxiety these days over precautions, news reports and lack of toilet paper! And rightly so, since this is something new that none of us have dealt with before. But as people of faith, we have the promise that God is with us always through all things! We hear it said in scripture many times, "Do not be afraid".
This morning, these words from Psalm 46 kept going through my mind...maybe because I referred to this passage on Sunday morning...but these words of hope in God being our "refuge and strength"...and the reminder that through everything that happens, no matter how troubling it may be...The Lord is with us to bring us comfort, peace...and to be an ever-present help in trouble.
God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar
and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day.
The nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortresss. (Psalm 46:1-7)
Hang onto these words of hope and comfort...
Surfin' on God's Amazing Grace...now more than every!!
Dan
March 16, 2020
I know many people are anxious, with all the news we are hearing and precautions we are asked to take...but I invite you to take some time to be with the Lord in prayer. Remembering his hold that he has on us and the peace he can give us in anxious times. There are many scripture passages that can bring us a sense of peace and calm in our lives. One of my favorites is Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This passage reminds us to rejoice that the Lord is with us in and through everything we experience in life. And to allow God's presence to give us peace as we navigate the challenges and fears that we experience. God's richest blessings to all!
Sufin' on God's amazing Grace!
Dan
I know many people are anxious, with all the news we are hearing and precautions we are asked to take...but I invite you to take some time to be with the Lord in prayer. Remembering his hold that he has on us and the peace he can give us in anxious times. There are many scripture passages that can bring us a sense of peace and calm in our lives. One of my favorites is Philippians 4:4-7: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This passage reminds us to rejoice that the Lord is with us in and through everything we experience in life. And to allow God's presence to give us peace as we navigate the challenges and fears that we experience. God's richest blessings to all!
Sufin' on God's amazing Grace!
Dan
November 22, 2019
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Facebook Live!!! Beginning this Sunday, we will be broadcasting our worship services live through our Facebook page for those who are unable to be present with us in worship! This will begin this Sunday, November 24! Please let your family and friends know who may not be able to come to church and would want to tune in! Check out our Facebook page to view the introduction video! If you are friends to our Facebook page, I think you will get a notification it is happening...or tune in and scroll until you see it. (at least I think that's how it will work! I'm not a Facebook guru!)
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan
Hello Family and Friends of Kure Memorial!
Facebook Live!!! Beginning this Sunday, we will be broadcasting our worship services live through our Facebook page for those who are unable to be present with us in worship! This will begin this Sunday, November 24! Please let your family and friends know who may not be able to come to church and would want to tune in! Check out our Facebook page to view the introduction video! If you are friends to our Facebook page, I think you will get a notification it is happening...or tune in and scroll until you see it. (at least I think that's how it will work! I'm not a Facebook guru!)
Surfin' on God's grace!
Dan