This weekend the New Testament Lesson comes from Ephesians 4:1-16. In this letter, St. Paul addresses the issue of unity in the church.  Ephesians is quite clear on this reality of this unity in the "one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God." Within the "body of Christ" there are often disagreements and differences in opinion that can affect that sense of unity. But when we look at the fundamental message of the Gospel, we place those disagreements and differences in the proper priority and reference. There are always controversial issues which surface in the life of the church. Very often they come up as members of "the body of Christ" gather together in assembly . . . church-wide, synod, or at congregational level. In the most recent issue of The Lutheran magazine, editor, Daniel Lehmann reminds all of us of this truth . . . “We are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus. We are not saved by our sexuality, our opinion about abortion, gun ownership, economic policy, or any of the other hot button topics. Secure in the foundation that is Jesus, we can engage in civil, respectful, and honest debate with one another, free from personal attacks and without thinking we have to pick up our hymnals and go to another church where people agree with us.” 

My personal prayer, as the delegates gather for the Church-wide Assembly in Minneapolis later this month, is expressed best in this prayer, which we have been asked to pray for these 50 days leading up to the assembly: "O God, you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us the light of the Holy Spirit. Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the light of that Spirit, as this church prepares to gather in assembly, that we might have a right judgment in all things and rejoice at all times in your peace. In the name of Jesus, AMEN." 

Finally, an important reminder from Vicar David Bruner . . . This fall is a great time to get involved with a small group at St. John's. There are a few reasons for this:

• People’s schedules settle down in the Fall.  Like me, you probably did a lot of traveling over the summer—but when Fall gets here, you’re more likely to stick around. It’s easier to make everyone’s schedules work in the Fall. 
• Fall is a time for new beginnings.  Your kids are starting a new grade, your favorite TV show is starting a new season, your favorite football team still has time to make it to the Super Bowl—why not connect with a group of friends in a new small group? 
• We’re reading an awesome book at St. John's.  If you’re anything like me, you hate it when church is boring, confusing, and irrelevant to your life.  Well, John Ortberg’s book The Life You’ve Always Wanted is pretty much the total opposite of that: engaging, funny, clear, and relevant. I can’t think of a better way to start a small group than grabbing a few friends and sitting down to discuss this book together. Small groups are a great way to grow your faith and make friends at St. John's. Want to know more? Talk to Vicar Dave. Bring on the Fall!