Let's Talk About ... umm ... You Know

December greetings as we journey through this Advent season, watching and waiting, yearning and hoping.

Confirmation classes are back in session – well, digitally, anyway!  And the topic these next few weeks is the 6th commandment, “You Shall Not Commit Adulter.”  Which means, we get to talk about sex!

You probably did a double take when you read that word in an email from a pastor!  Rest assured, I had to really work up the courage to write it.

Why is that?  Certainly, we don’t like to talk about sex because it is an immensely private matter.  And that’s true.  But I also think we’ve been conditioned to think that sex is dirty and something godly people just don’t do, much less talk about – even though for most adults, it’s a regular part of our lives.

But I think we need to change that.  I’m not suggesting that sex be the nightly topic of conversation around our tables.  But can we at least get to the point that we celebrate the gift that level of intimacy can be to a healthy, committed relationship?

Of course there must be boundaries around sex.  And that’s what this commandment addresses.  We’ll spend a little time talking about the dangers of adultery next time.  But for now, can I encourage you in a couple of ways? First, if you are fortunate to have ever been in a relationship with someone you could trust so deeply and completely with your fears, hopes, dreams and vulnerabilities – and also physical intimacy – give thanks to God today.  If you are currently in such a relationship, please take some time to thank your partner for that gift, too.  If that kind of human intimacy has not been part of your life, give thanks to God for the friendships and other human relationships where hopes and fears have been shared.

Second, commit to guard those human relationships with everything you have.  They are a treasure indeed.


Giving Tree is now up – online, at least!

We are doing our annual giving tree project again this year.  But instead of a literal tree in the concourse, tags can be checked out online.  Elana also has tags in the church office.  You can do the shopping yourself, or check out the tag and donate some money … and we’ll do the shopping for you!  Visit wadenaimmanuel.org and click on the Christmas tree to learn more.  Call the church office 631-2738 with any questions.

 

Advent Evening Prayer on Facebook

Join us each Advent Sunday on our Facebook page at 5pm for a 5- or 6-minute video reflecting on loss, grief, and hope.  Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one – recent or many years ago – or the loss of something this pandemic has taken from you, join us for these brief video moments, which will include candles, psalms, and prayers of lament.  Dates are November 29, December 6, December 13, and December 20.  Visit wadenaimmanuel.org for the link to our Facebook page.

 

Meal Distribution December 15, 4:30-6:00pm

Are you or someone you know in need of food? We will be hosting a free meal distribution event on Tuesday, December 15th from 4:30pm to 6:00pm in the parking lot at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena. The nutritional meals are being prepared by Hilltop Regional Kitchen in Eagle Bend. Each person is eligible to receive up to 5 meals. 3 of the meals will be frozen and 2 of them will be ready to eat "bag lunch" style. We will be handing out 600 meals on a first come, first serve basis. You don't need to qualify or prove eligibility. Meals will be distributed in a drive through style in the parking lot, and we will be following all MDH & CDC guidelines.  This event is sponsored by Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota through a grand from the Minnesota Department of Education. All are welcome, please wear a mask.

 

Check out our news page to learn more and for other important announcements: https://www.wadenaimmanuel.org/announcements

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