Sisters of Katie Luther

On Queens and Vocation – Sisters of Katie Luther

Today is a monumental day in England, as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria’s record as longest reigning British Monarch. As American Lutherans, we may not recognize her as our Head of State or Head of Church, but we can learn from the example she has set in the last 63 years, seven months, and three days (and counting), as she has lived out her Christian vocation in a way that is rarely seen so publicly. The Sisters of Katie Luther kindly indulged me, and allowed me to write on this topic on this historic day:

Today, September 9th, 2015, Queen Elizabeth II surpasses Queen Victoria’s record as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Why should we, as Americans who have no queen, or as Lutherans, who do not answer to the head of the Church of England, pay attention to this, or care about it at all? Does it even matter to us? I think it matters a great deal. Why? Because the Queen, more than any other modern person I can think of, not only understands the concept of Christian vocation, but lives it out fully, every day of her life.

Source: On Queens and Vocation – Sisters of Katie Luther

Vivat Regina Elizabetha!

Easter Vigil – Sisters of Katie Luther

Today there’s an article on the Sisters of Katie Luther about my favorite church service of the year, the Great Vigil of Easter. If you’re unfamiliar with this service, or you’ve just always wanted to learn more about it, I encourage you to take a few moments on this Holy Saturday to read about what makes it such a beautiful, unique bridge between Good Friday and Easter Sunday!

So, what does the Great Vigil of Easter look like? What is a vigil, anyway? (That one is easy…it’s a devotional watching, often the night before a church festival.) Why should you go to a service on Saturday night (sometimes quite late, although often in the early evening instead), when you’re going to be up early on Easter Sunday morning anyway? What is the benefit of this service?

Now, I may be biased, but the Great Vigil of Easter is my favorite service of the church year, and the one I have learned the most from over the years. The service is divided into four main parts: The Service of Light; Readings; The Baptismal Remembrance; and The Service of The Lord’s Supper. (Some churches also count the Service of Prayer, and the Service of The Word as unique parts). Each part of the Easter Vigil has a unique purpose, and the totality of the service bridges the gap from Good Friday to Easter morning.

via Easter Vigil – Sisters of Katie Luther.

Christian Fiction – Sisters of Katie Luther

Christian fiction looks great on the surface. The material is clean—no foul language or smut to worry about. As a matter of fact, it can be very easy to grow complacent and assume that just because something is sold in a Christian bookstore, or has the imprint of a Christian publisher, that it’s great material for us, or for our children, to read and enjoy.

via Christian Fiction – Sisters of Katie Luther.

I had another post published on the Sisters of Katie Luther site today. While you’re there, take a look at some of the other great articles that have been published recently!

Special Needs Parenting – Sisters of Katie Luther

As parents, we are blessed to be able to share the Gospel with our special needs children. We may grow frustrated with them, and the world may condemn them for things that are out of their control, but we can share always God’s love with them. We can daily remind them of their baptism, and the fact that Jesus died for them. We can gently correct them where correction is needed, but always remember what a privilege we have in sharing the Gospel with them every day of their lives!

via Special Needs Parenting – Sisters of Katie Luther.

I will (hopefully) occasionally be writing posts for another site, the Sisters of Katie Luther. Today my first article, which is about parenting special needs children, was published. Feel free to drop by and take a look around!