Dear people of the Northwest Intermountain Synod,
One of the most formative experiences during my internship at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN, came on Epiphany in 2009. I had preached during that evening’s festival worship. While shaking hands after service, one parishioner said, “Very nice lecture on Epiphany, Vicar. Next time, make it happen.” To clarify for the non-preachers out there, to be told that a sermon is a “nice lecture” is not a compliment. While this comment did little to boost my ego, it did get me thinking—especially the second part about making “it happen.” The “it” was in reference to Epiphany, which is the commemoration of visit of the Magi as the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles (i.e. all peoples of the world). In two brief sentences, that parishioner taught me the whole point of the sermon—any sermon, not only an Epiphany one—was to strive to reveal Christ himself as present, active, and alive in the world and in that particular place bringing the grace that is the love of God. All sermons should “make it happen;” should reveal Christ.
I Saw Christ's Presence
Fast forward 15 years to Epiphany 2024. On this most recent Epiphany I found myself 1,352 miles away from my internship site at Lutheran Church of the Master, Coeur d’Alene, ID. On that evening people from four different congregations gathered for food, worship, fellowship, and to be reminded once again that Christ is present, active, and alive in the world and in our lives. I saw Christ’s presence in the meal of chili and corn bread we shared while joining our voices in conversation, prayer, and song. I saw Christ’s presence as many of us gathered outside the church building around a bonfire. Some held Christmas tree branches while others s’more sticks gooey with marshmallows. As we prayed the litany proclaiming Christ as light to the world, the tree branches were cast into the fire creating enough light to illumine us and the grounds of Lutheran Church of the Master. And I saw Christ’s presence in the joy and delight of those who were tossing snowballs at and with one another, reveling in the best aspects of this winter season. That evening, I couldn’t help but notice those four congregations—Calvary Lutheran, Trinity Lutheran, Holy Spirit Ecumenical Catholic, and Lutheran Church of the Master—made “it” happen. Together they revealed Christ as present, active, and alive.
Where has Christ been revealed to you? What was that experience like? I encourage you to share the stories with others. Perhaps you may “make it happen” for someone else. And may we all have abundant epiphanies throughout 2024 and beyond!
God’s peace be yours,
Rev. Phil Misner, Assistant to the Bishop