Today's News

Today's news: cyclone in Myanmawr, tornadoes in the heartland, fires in Florida, and an earthquake in China. Did anyone else place all of this in context of last Sunday's (Pentecost) sending hymn? It was #400 and addresses "God of tempest, God of whirlwind. . .God of blazing. . .God of earthquake. . ." I'm not saying God was in these natural disasters. I know there are those who view natural disasters as God's punishment on individuals. (I think if God wants to take a person or a few people out, his aim could be a lot better than a cyclone that wipes out tens of thousands or a tornado that is a mile wide.)

You're probably asking, "Okay Tony, so does this hymn have anything to do with the natural disasters?" I think it does. Look at the last stanza. We often expect God to do something to help those in harm's way, but this hymn calls on God to "stir in US loves restlessness! Where the people cry in anguish (Myanmawr, Oklahoma, China), may we share your heart's distress. Rouse us from content with evil; claim us for your kingdom's work."

Let us pray for those who have been in the path of these disasters, and let us pray for those who now lead the efforts of rescue and relief. Even the non-Christians among them, though perhaps unwittingly, are doing the kingdom's work.

"God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind" is a text by Herman G. Steumpfle, b. 1923. The copyright is held by GIA Publications, Inc.

Scandinavian Vespers on May 4th at 6:00 p.m.

My Grandfather, Ellef Johannes Everson, was confirmed at Bad Axe Lutheran Church in Vernon County, Wisconsin in 1924 by the Reverend O.J. Nesheim (bottom photo). His father was John Everson and John's father was Jens Iverson (James Everson) who came to Wisconsin with his parents and sisters in the 1860's. They were one of the families that helped to build the church at Bad Axe. (The other picture is from my own confirmation at the same church, about 52 years later.) When Norwegians, Swedes, Danes, and Finns came to America they brought their musically-rich religious heritage with them. We'll be celebrating the music of these peoples as part of a vespers service. There will be Scandinavian hymns and handbell and choral music by Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American composers. A reception will follow. (I don't want to give away any surprises, but my krumkake griddle is warming up. . .) Musical selections will include Finlandia (Be Still, My Soul), Thy Holy Wings, and How Great Thou Art. I hope to see you there! By the way, Grandpa Ellef is in the middle row, third from the left.