-Jesus Luke 12:51-52

It has been an amazing summer! Not a blade of brown grass to be seen. It‘s been hot. And when the heat is turned up, we lay low, have a glass of iced tea and bask in the wonder of air-conditioning.

But what if, when the heat is up, you can‘t lay low?

Jesus says, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!" As he speaks, I can see the disciples looking for a way to become inconspicuous. But Jesus is passionate. "Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two, and two against three, they will be divided."

I don‘t think it‘s any secret in the city of Tomah that we have been living this division the past number of months. After the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed the new policy on human sexuality, a shockwave hit us. It hit churches in French Island, Onalaska, Eau Claire – churches across our nation. The ELCA is now at odds with Lutheran Christian‘s in Africa, Asia and in the Hispanic community.

We are not alone. With churches around the globe, this dividing caused us to re-establish what Christians across the centuries have always held to be true: The Bible as the Word of God is the final authority in all matters of faith and life. As we make that stand, we understand we are divided from those who are dear to us, those who have had a prominent role in our congregational life but who feel (with the ELCA) that current human knowledge finds the Bible in error. Jesus brings division - bringing us to points where we must make hard decisions.

We decided that changes needed to be made that reflect the high regard we have for the Bible. We joined Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). We also pursued to end our relationship with the ELCA. Unfortunately, that effort was met with a failed second vote. Thus, we have had to endure these past months as a divided house – most of us continuing to worship at Gloria Dei and others dear to us wanting to remain with the ELCA worshipping apart from us.

What are we to do with this awful experience of division?

Pray. Pray for those who have carried the yoke of leadership during this difficult time. Pray for those who feel separated from those they love. Pray for those who have been injured by comments ill-spoken. Pray for God‘s healing and God‘s wisdom.

Take responsibility. Since the second vote to end our affiliation with the ELCA failed, we have the opportunity to complete our duty to those of our congregation who desire to remain loyal to the ELCA. As I write, the substance of an agreement to fully separate Gloria Dei into two congregations – Gloria Dei as a congregation of LCMC and Peace as a congregation of the ELCA – has taken solid shape. The Exploratory Group, the group charged with finding a way to amicably part, has worked long hours to forge this agreement. You‘ll be hearing more about it in the very near future as you will be called upon to affirm it.

Participate. New opportunities will open in the Fall as Rally Sunday begins with IMAGINE, a series that will cause us to open the Bible to discuss what is important about being a family of faith and following Jesus in all we do. Opportunities will open to join ministry teams, mission efforts, prayer teams, Bible studies, small groups, etc. that will deepen your understanding of God working in your life and other‘s lives.

When the heat is up, don‘t lay low. Difficult times and division lead to new beginnings. We desire to be radically committed to Jesus Christ and reflect what He accomplished on the cross: to be a family where people experience acceptance and forgiveness, whose lives are changed as the Scriptures are opened and as God‘s love works through us. We can do this and much more through Christ our Lord.

Keep and Live the Faith!

Pr. David Dahl