Author Archives: joyocala

        I know folks who suffer with fears and anxiety. I find myself reading and searching for memes, scripture verses, devotionals and such to forward to them.  I’m hoping something will “stick” in their minds and jar the anxiety and fear enough … Continue reading →

Bishop Trout was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1921. He graduated from Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus. He also received a Doctor of Divinity from Wartburg College in Iowa. After ordination, he pastored congregation in Eau Claire, … Continue reading →

Many Christians, but particularly American Protestants, have an extremely limited understanding of church history. They know about Paul, of course, and Martin Luther, and then not much of anything until they get to dear old pastor Bergdahl who confirmed them. … Continue reading →

“By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”  Genesis 3:19. With these words a smudge … Continue reading →

February is Black History Month. I want to share with you the story of Daniel Alexander Payne, the first black ordained Lutheran pastor in America. He was born of free parents in Charleston in 1811. Orphaned at the age of … Continue reading →

Today we celebrate Presidents’ Day.  We pause to observe the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington.   Both were strong leaders among men, serving our country during difficult times.   It’s fitting that we remember them and their contributions to our … Continue reading →

        I will share that sometimes when reading Genesis or similar Books of the Bible, or Biblical texts that go on ad infinitum about genealogical lines and who is related to whom, I skim or move on to another chapter. Some … Continue reading →

In the 1970’s, Diana Ross with her rich and beautiful voice, made “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?” a number one hit. The words to the first two verses are as follows: Do you know where you’re going to? … Continue reading →

Most of us are familiar with Rosa Park and her courageous bus ride. There was another Rosa who preceded her by many years. Rosa Young, born to former slaves Grant and Nancy Young, entered this world in 1890. She is … Continue reading →

During the 1960s and 70s American Lutherans became increasingly concerned with the importance of baptism. It led to changes in the baptismal and confirmation liturgies and to discussion about the significance of baptism for daily life. Baptism and daily life? … Continue reading →