Inspire: Embodiment

INSPIRE

E M BO D I M E N T

a m a g a z i n e f o r t h e s t. p h i l i p t h e d e a c o n c o m m u n i t y

Thick with Divine Possibility • Sensing God • Digital Gospel • Just the Messenger • Famous at Home: A Conversation with Joshua Straub winter <¤<¤

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New Member Workshops 1. Thursday, Jan. 21 @ 7pm 2. Thursday, Mar. 22 @ 7pm If you are interested in membership at St. Philip the Deacon, or know of someone who is, you are invited to join us to learn more about this faith community, our mission and ministry.

EVERY ISSUE

3 Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter

4 Scripture Connection

5 Read, Watch, Listen

6 BLUE

Ref lections on Faith

CHRISTMAS

27 Modern Day Pilgrims

34 Out & About

35 Giving Thanks

M O N D AY, D E C . 2 1 AT 7 P M

If you are experiencing profound loss or grief, the holiday season can be particularly hard. Join us for a special Christmas worship service with a gentle message of hope in the birth of Christ.

36 Familiar Faces

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St. Philip the Deacon

INSPIRE

F E AT U R E A R T I C L E S

I N T I M ACY

I N C A R N AT I O N

IMMANUEL

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Devoted Living: Give Ourselves Away

Sensing God

Just the Messenger

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Thick with Divine Possibility

Digital Gospel

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Just Joe

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Embodied Presence

Famous at Home: A Conversation with Joshua Straub

Recipes: Thirsty

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INSPIRE

Vol. 3, Issue 2, Winter 2020 Published by St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church 17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447 (763) 475-7100 editor in chief

Tim Westermeyer m a n ag i n g e d i t o r

Amanda Berger

Public conversations where faith comes to life.

design

Malley Design s ta f f w r i t e r s

Cheryl Mathison, Kate Sterner contributions

Sherri Larson, Rachel Arends, Katy Jacobson website

JOIN US FOR A SERIE S O F TA L K S A B O U T B E I N G AND BELIEF

The Faith & Life Lectures are open and welcoming public forums where members of the Twin Cities community can hear nationally known speakers reflect on how Christian faith intersects with different dimensions of everyday life. We invite you to join us for the 2020-2021 series of lectures.

spdlc.org/inspire email editorial

aberger@spdlc.org o n t h e c ov e r

Photo by Mohamed Nohassi ©2020 St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church. All rights reserved.

submissions JOSH STR AUB

February 4, 2021 L ANECIA ROUSE

March 25, 2021 N AO M I T U T U

May 6, 2021 All lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.

Free and open to the public. www.faith-and-life.org

CORRECTION

In the fall issue, in our article “Grief Remembers,” the West Suburban Grief Coalition was misidentified as the Western Suburbs Grief Coalition. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused our readers.

Do you have an idea for a story or love to write? Contact our managing editor with your submission, but please keep in mind the following guidelines: (A) Your article may be edited for length and content. (B) Articles must fit in the larger themes of our publication and reflect the mission of St. Philip the Deacon. (C) All submissions will be reviewed by our editorial staff to determine the suitability for our publication.

While we would love to include all submissions, space and cost limit our ability to do that.

Submissions will not be returned.

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St. Philip the Deacon

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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seems like people have been wishing for an end to 2020 since, well, latespring. Now that it’s actually here, it feels like a good time to pause, look back and notice those things in 2020 which were beautiful and good. Because despite the overarching sense of fear and uncertainty, there were good things, too.

In the incarnation, “the Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14 The Message). Embodiment, like incarnation, is the flesh and blood experience of the holy, the sacred in our earthly experience, in our human bodies, in the sacraments as heaven and earth collide.

As we embrace this season, and the arrival of 2021, may we reflect on how Christ has been present with us through difficult times, and anticipate the ways in which we can embody Christ for others in the year ahead. I invite you to look for ways to connect with your body in our article entitled “Embodied Presence.” Guest writer

Sherri Larson asks us to consider where we encounter holy ground in our every day in her article on page 11. And, Joshua Straub, our February Faith & Life lecturer, asks us to consider what it might look like to be “famous at home.”

My prayer for you, as always, is that this issue inspires you to consider who you are as a reflection of God. In this instance, in particular, how the Creator’s spirit is made manifest in our own bodies, in our relationships, and in our world.

May the presence of Immanuel bring hope and peace to your Christmas season, and throughout the New Year.

Pax Christi,

Many of the good things were rooted in the ways that we experienced the presence of God. For me, this included centering practices like yoga, Bible art journaling, and prayerful meditation, in slower meals with my family, long phone calls with friends, and in acts of serving. In these moments, God felt real and close, the Divine drawing near to earth.

This is also the experience of the Advent and Christmas season, the anticipation and knowledge of Immanuel, “God with us.” And, as we dedicate this winter issue of Inspire to the theme of embodiment, we invite you to notice where God draws near to you.

Embodiment envelops the ways in which God’s presence is made more real for us as humans through other people, through the rituals of the church and experiences of the Divine in the world around us.

Merry Christm as from the Berger House!

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SPD BOOK CLUB Book club will meet either via Zoom or in person—depending on social distancing guidelines in place at the time of meeting. Announcement of meeting style will be made in our E-newsletter.

SCRIPTURE CONNECTION

BY C H E R Y L M AT H I S O N

As I write this, it has been six full months since we last gathered together in person for worship, fellowship, Sunday school, Confirmation, Bible Study, choir, and all the other events and groups that give shape to our life together.

DECEMBER

No book club meets during December.

JAN 19

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. Discussion led

by Trisha Ragner.

FEB 16

Homegrown by Joshua Straub. Discussion led by Rachel Arends.

It has been a season, a long season, marked by shift and pivot. Each one of us has had to reimagine the way we do practically everything from grocery shopping to work, from school to sports, and from entertainment to marking life events like graduations, funerals, baptisms and weddings.

It has been disappointing in so many ways, but we have adapted, adjusted and compromised. Curbside pickup is a new norm for everything from coffee to groceries to something from the hardware store. And here at St. Philip the Deacon, we have relied on livestream services to worship and on Zoom to meet.

While grateful that these things can take place online, the virtual world is no replacement for being together. We yearn for the good company of our friends and family. We ache to be together because that is how God designed us.

In her book The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker writes, “Gathering ... shapes the way we think, feel, and make sense of our world.” The need to make sense of our world has never been greater than right now; and while we cannot yet safely meet together, we can take comfort in the promises of God that are central to our faith life.

In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, we read these words: “In the beginning

was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

During seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, regardless of what our worship life looks like, let us take comfort in and celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Immanuel—God with us! God’s desire to be together with his people was so great that he sent his one and only son, in flesh, so that we may enjoy eternity together. I love the picture of eternity that John paints in the book of Revelation, chapter 4. He speaks of the throne of God surrounded by an assembly that “Day and night without ceasing sings, ‘Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’”

The pandemic may keep us from being together in person, but it cannot keep us from praising the One in our midst who has knit us together as one body.

Read John 1:1-14. Make it your daily devotion each day for the season of Advent beginning Sunday, November 29, and continue through Christmas, concluding on the Epiphany, January 6, 2021. Let these words help you make sense of this world in which we live and let them be a light to guide you into the New Year.

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Read AMERICAN DIRT

By Jeanine Cummins. You won’t be able to put down this fast-paced and terrifying story of mother and child

Faith & Life LECTURE SERIES T H U R S D A Y, FEBRUARY 4 7:00 P M

Joshua Straub, Ph.D., is a professor of child psychology and leads the organization Famous at Home. He is also a marriage and family coach who will speak about “Faith & Parenting: Creating Space for Emotional Safety.”

Joshua is passionate about growing faith in families, and is also an author, co-hosts a podcast with his wife, and co-creator of TwentyTwoSix Parenting, a community of parents growing together to encourage the spiritual growth of their kids.

The Faith & Life Lecture Series is free and open to the public.

All are welcome!

as they f lee the lethal drug cartels of Mexico, becoming migrants to the United States.

Watch UNORTHODOX Netflix, MA. This unusual coming of age story follows Esty as she f lees her Hasidic community to begin a new life on her own terms in Berlin. Primarily told in Yiddish, this four-part series

is inspired by the real-life experience of author Deborah Feldman and has English subtitles.

Listen A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROL S Sung by the choir of King’s College Cambridge, this live recording features prayers, scripture readings, and beautiful hymns and classic carols

for the Christmas season.

This album will remind you of SPD’s traditional lessons and carols service as well.

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BY TIM WESTERMEYER

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n a word association game about this season, I’m going to guess “embodiment” isn’t likely to come up. I say “Advent,” you say... Wreath?

Candles? Calendar? I say Christmas, you say...

Tree? Manger? Tradition? If we played that game for a very long time, I think there’s a pretty good chance that “embodiment” wouldn’t ever come up.

And while that’s understandable, the truth is that this season of the church year—Advent and Christmas—are celebrations of embodiment. As the Gospel of John tells it: “The Word became f lesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

The word became f lesh. God became a human being. The eternal entered the temporal. Or, in the words of the Nicene Creed: “he came down from heaven ... became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.”

He became incarnate. He put on f lesh. He was embodied.

It is true that many of us have a complicated and sometimes distorted view of our bodies. But, in terms of official Christian teaching, the church has always celebrated and affirmed the fact that we are embodied.

How could it be otherwise? God made us, told us that all of creation was good, and—as if to put an exclamation point on it—Jesus joined us in our human form to save us, body and soul, from sin and death.

So this time of year is, appropriately, a time to ref lect on embodiment.

And, the truth is that this entire year has—in its own unwelcome way—been a reminder of the fact

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that we are embodied. Being embodied, after all, means that we live in a particular body, at a particular time, and that we know ourselves and others through particular spaces our bodies occupy. This year, many of those places have been off limits. Our workplaces.

Restaurants. Sporting events. And yes, church.

It’s unclear how quickly we’ll be back to “life as it used to be.” And that means that—during a time of year that is filled with traditions associated with celebrations in specific places that are known and loved by us—most of us will be approaching this season differently. In practical terms, what that means is that we’ll likely be home—as in, in our homes—for more of Christmas than during a typical year.

So, rather than bemoan this fact, we’re embracing it, and using “Home for Christmas” as our theme for this season of embodiment. Our prayer is that we can recognize that each of us is called, in the words of poet Jeannette Lindholm, “to embody God’s compassion ... to bring healing to the earth, while we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.”

Advent and Christmas Blessings,

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M E D I TAT I O N

When you come to a religion, you come to a place.

When you come to Jesus Christ, you come to a person.

R AV I Z AC H A R I A S

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DE VOTED LIVING

GIVE OURSELVES AWAY

BY AMANDA BERGER

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Giving, particularly during the holiday season, is at the forefront of our minds. We consider Christmas gifts, donations to charities and yearend contributions to our favorite organizations very much a part of this season and want to share generously from the abundance which we have received during the year.

But this year, perhaps that impulse is tempered by our world situation. Whether from feelings of personal financial insecurity or the complete overwhelm that 2020 has been for many, it may feel hard to give as extravagantly as we have in the past. Many have lost jobs or have had to cut back to support online school. Some have experienced large medical bills. The economy is rocky. We’re in a tough place.

As we turn our hearts toward the story of Christ’s birth, we remember the gifts of the Magi—gold, frankincense and myrrh—extravagant gifts suited for a king, not the manger-born son of a carpenter.

Strange gifts for a baby, indeed, but when the holy family realized that they would need to f lee to Egypt in order to escape Herod’s wrath, these gifts became their lifeline—the means to travel, to feed themselves and to provide shelter to a family of immigrants in a new land. Those gifts were no longer symbols of luxury, but the necessities of survival.

St. Philip the Deacon has always been a community in which giving happens readily and abundantly. In this difficult year, that has continued to be true. Now, as we enter the Christmas season and look toward 2021, how else can we give—not to provide luxury, but simply to enable the survival of our neighbors?

Christmas Giving at SPD Each year SPD provides Christmas Care through gifts and prayers for about 400 residents of nine metro area shelters.

SPD also provides funds for Christmas food baskets for 500 families at Messiah Lutheran in the Phillips neighborhood, and collects about 700 children’s books which will be chosen by parents as the food baskets are distributed. Financial contributions are deeply appreciated through the Angel Fund or by check—indicate “Christmasing.” And SPD has volunteers who will shop on your behalf, or choose a person and wish list for gifts and prayers on our website. Gifts will be received through December 11; financial gifts may be made through the end of the year.

Interfaith Outreach Families who have been hit hard by the loss of jobs and who are struggling to keep paying the rent often have to make tough choices between even essential needs like food, childcare, medical treatment and utilities. Resources like those provided by our neighbors at Interfaith Outreach help families to fill the income gap, so that they can focus on other essential things, and stay in their homes. Currently, IOCP is offering a drive-up food shelf and ReSale store options with curbside assistance, as well as continuing many of

their support programs virtually. While a limited number of volunteers are still needed during this time, IOCP is especially grateful for monetary donations and ongoing financial support.

Lutheran Disaster Response Alongside of COVID-19, our nation and world has also experienced many devastating natural disasters this year. From hurricane relief to wildfires, Lutheran Disaster Response is one of the first organizations to respond to local communities—and often is one of the last to leave as well. Providing financial resources, organizing volunteers, and working alongside local community leaders, LDR looks for ways to ease immediate needs following a crisis, as well as provide ongoing support and education to help prepare communities for future storms. To learn more about LDR and how to get involved, visit elca. org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/ Lutheran-Disaster-Response.

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Sensing God

BY R ACHEL ARENDS

When we ask about what matters in life, often the reply is, “It’s the little things.” It could be the sight of a lit-up Christmas tree, touch of a hand, the smell of freshly baked cookies, the sound of your favorite Christmas carol, or the taste of your favorite meal. These little things in life truly do matter, but where is God in all of this? How can we see, touch, smell, hear and taste God?

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” —John 11:40 It is impossible to see God, but we CAN see God’s creation, beauty and work everywhere around us. We use our eyes to see countless things every day, whether we pay attention to them or not. We see each little detail on a snowf lake, the intense colors of the sunrise, the bright and twinkling lights on our homes and stars in the sky, and a smile from someone we pass by. Each of these little things and so many others bring the glory of God into our lives through our sense of sight.

See

What did you see today? How might God be showing up in those sights? If we believe, we can see people and things through the lens of God’s glory. When we make a habit of this, God can be seen in the little details of life.

Touch

A woman came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of his clothes, and immediately was healed. —Luke 8:44 One of the most powerful ways to share emotion and care with another person is through touch. Maybe today you have experienced holding a hand, a comforting pat on the shoulder, or a warm hug. What emotions rise within you when you touch someone or are touched?

Can you feel the healing power of God in that hug or hand? In the Bible, people only had to touch the clothes of Jesus and they felt God’s power come over them and heal them. Next time you touch someone or are touched, feel God surround you with the care and emotions of peace, comfort and love.

Smell

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. —2 Corinthians 2:15 Take a big, deep breath. Savor the scents you are taking in. When you do this, what memories come up for you? It has been proven that smell is tied

very closely to memories. Memories could be of waking up to freshly baked bread, the crunched-up leaves as you trudge through them, or a special crockpot meal. If you have experienced these scents and recall them, you can be brought back to an exact moment. More than likely, the memory triggers a strong emotion linked to that particular smell.

It is in these memories and holy moments that we breathe in God, we savor the aroma that can bring us back to God. Each of the calming, fulfilling and vivid memories fill us with the same sense of God around us. We can remember the moment that happened, but also identify God’s presence both in this moment and in ourselves.

Hear

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. —Romans 10:17 Do you hear what I hear? Children are laughing, bells are jingling, and music is in the air. Can you hear the people’s voices around you? What stories, advice, direction or information are they sharing with you? Is there a voice in your own mind that comes to you when you need it?

God is there, fully present in each conversation and phrase. We must open our ears and quiet our own inner voice. Listen closely, and in these sounds, and words, you will find faith through trust, respect, love and peace. When we find faith, we will hear God’s joy, guidance and love.

Taste

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

—Psalm 34:8 Does your mouth start to water when you think about warm cookies, steamy hot chocolate, or a hearty stew at church? Can you taste them if you imagine hard enough? Are you able to distinguish each ingredient as you eat and savor the flavors?

Probably not. The ingredients themselves are not all tasty, but they all work together to make the delicious product in the end.

When you are tasting a favorite dish, it gives you life, energy, joy and comfort. It can be as simple as a piece of cheese or as intricate as a Christmas feast; but in each process, creation and assembly, God is there. God brings the food to us and fills us with the tastes we experience. When we taste, we know that the Lord is good.

God’s abundance is richly present in our lives if we take the time to notice. In reading each of these passages, were your own memories triggered? These memories are the reminders of beautiful, tiny God moments. As you gather around your holiday table this year, consider sharing these memories with your family and friends. Perhaps you even share some of the same sense memories! As you exchange stories, feel the presence of God with us, Immanuel.

If you’d like to try a prayer practice based on the five senses, we invite you to check out SPD Podcast #0047: Composition of Place. You can find it at youtube.com/SPDpodcast.

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mechanically brilliant my bicycle is. A stapler is a pretty amazing apparatus too, such that an altar of gratitude for the human ingenuity it took to invent would not be misplaced.

THICK WITH DIVINE POSSIBILIT Y

BY SHERRI L ARSON

In her book An Altar in the World, Barbara Brown Taylor urges readers to look for God’s presence in everyday life. Noticing, giving thanks, praying and connecting with God mark these spiritual moments as “altars.” She asserts, “There is no spiritual treasure to be found apart from the bodily experiences of human life on earth.”

I often think of “treasure” as something elusive, secretive and difficult to attain; I blame this on movies. Indiana Jones has to decipher ancient codes and maps, avoid snakes and huge boulders. In “National Treasure,” the sun’s angle must be just right to unlock crucial clues. There’s a lot of dangerous swashbuckling required of pirates in their quest for treasure.

The “treasure” in movies seems unattainable, but spiritual treasure is different. God’s treasures are freely given and not hidden.

Taylor’s book urges readers to pay “exquisite attention” to physical reminders of God’s presence and see them as spiritual treasures.

Accessing spiritual treasure requires no special skills except noticing. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes: “We have this treasure in clay jars.” Clay jars are the biblical equivalent of Tupperware—common, ordinary and accessible. Taylor writes: “Earth is so thick with divine possibilities that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.” These altars are the new mercies granted daily by our faithful God (Lamentations 3:21-22). Interacting with the world with this type of mindfulness is how we encounter God’s grace and love, renewal and faithfulness.

We often look to nature to experience God’s spiritual treasures. We marvel at spring blossoms and autumn colors. The crops create amazing bands of colors across fields. We are silenced by the full moon, soothed by gentle breezes. Author Henri Nouwen writes, “All that is speaks of God’s redeeming love. Seas and winds, mountains and trees, sun, moon, and stars and all the animals and people have become sacred windows offering us glimpses of God.” These glimpses of God provide “altar moments” to pause, give thanks and pray.

Spiritual treasures abound in all our interactions with the world. When’s the last time we marveled at the human mind that engineered a well-timed stoplight? How about the perfect recipe, the exact right words in a poem, or the incredible warmth of f leece? Some days, I can’t get over how

God’s treasures are found in the people around us, and paying “exquisite attention” to others is altar-building. Sometimes we have opportunities to express gratitude; other times, simply noticing our fellow beloved children of God is holy.

The people at the checkout counter, at the stoplight, on the walking path are God’s beloved. A woman I encounter on my walk creates an altar near the water tower, where she lifts her arms in prayer and directs her face toward the morning sun.

“People think I’m crazy,” she explains, “but I am just praying.”

We don’t have to understand the altar— just the need for it. When I see a visible difference in opinion from my neighbors—be it through how and where they drive or what bumper sticker is affixed to their car—words that are not prayers might come first to mind! My altar in that moment is built in the second it takes to check my negative reactions, to tell myself, “That is one of God’s beloved children.”

In Matthew, Jesus says, “[L]ay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” I wonder if these words work the other way around. Where the heart is— where one’s body is, where one’s mind is, where errands and travels and even short walks bring a person—there is God’s spiritual treasure. It is right at our feet, on the holy ground of ordinary life.

The books referenced in this article are well worth your reading: Bread for the Journey by Henri Nouwen and An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor.

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Dig ital

BY AMANDA BERGER

l e p s o G

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“We’ve never done it that way before…”

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This may be the first time in modern church history where those words—“But we’ve never done it that way before”—haven’t caused leadership to cringe. Why? Because during the past year we haven’t had any choice but to do things differently.

2020 has been a year that has been filled with disruptions. As a result, the year has also been filled with unavoidable change. “Doing it the way we’ve always done it” simply hasn’t been an option.

Even though disruption and change tend to make us uncomfortable, maybe we can think of them in more positive terms. Maybe the unexpected events of this year have given the church an unprecedented opportunity for growth.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the space SPD occupied in the virtual world was minimal. “We were laying the foundations for what I call our ‘Digital Campus,’” said Tim Westermeyer, Senior Pastor. “We had certainly made some important investments in technology over the last few years which prepared us to move relatively seamlessly to ‘online only’ during 2020, but until this year, I’m not sure we were maximizing our opportunities in that space.” Livestream existed, but it was an afterthought to in-person worship. We had spaces on social media, used sporadically. And we never really considered the potential that existed beyond our reach as a local church.

By embracing our digital campus, SPD reaches farther, proclaims louder, and inspires wider than it ever has before, thoughtfully creating a virtual platform that allows us to be SPD, well, anywhere.

“The church has been commissioned by Jesus to ‘Go and preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth,’ and this digital expression actually allows us to do that,” said Westermeyer. “The vision here is to share the Gospel in the context of the particular culture of the Lutheran

tradition and the community of St. Philip the Deacon. We’re not trying to change who we are, but we have the ability to share the gift of this community with more people.”

What if members felt as connected to SPD whether they were in Plymouth, Bemidji or Sanibel? Or if our college students had the opportunity to stay connected to our community easily, whether they’re studying at St. Cloud State, Purdue or Oxford? Or if a family in Illinois, for whom meaningful Lutheran worship has been hard to find, could feel loved, seen and known through our children, youth and family ministries from 500 miles away? None of these is that far-fetched and could be considered a part of our forward movement into Church 2.0.

Post-COVID, “going back to normal” isn’t going to be an option— whatever we do when we finally return, will be different. There’s no question about that. “You can call this change by different names—Church 2.0, Hybrid Church, or a church with both physical and digital campuses—but the important point is this: the online, virtual expressions of our life together are never going away,” said Westermeyer. “It’s important to say right away, too, that this doesn’t mean that these online expressions will replace our in-person life as a community. Instead, these two expressions—in-person and online—will augment and reinforce one another, and allow us to expand our ability to spread the Gospel and spread God’s love.”

And our return to in-person activities cannot forsake the new members of our community who have joined us from many miles and states away. “We will always gather physically—that’s never going to change—but what will change is that we will continue to explore ways that we can build community and extend the work of the Gospel through online expressions like our website, our livestreamed services, our social media presence and other online resources,” said Westermeyer. It’s going to be a new world of both in-person and virtual community spaces, providing opportunities for worship, connection and growth no matter where you happen to be located.

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EMBODIED PRESENCE

BY AMANDA BERGER

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he Christian relationship with the physical body is a difficult one.

Throughout history there have been mixed messages from theologians who viewed the body as a sinful, temporary vehicle for the spirit on its way back to God and others who celebrated the human form as a wondrous creation, amazing in its complexity and awe-inspiring in its own creative powers.

Our own modern relationship with our physical bodies is no less complex. Our culture fixates on the perfection of the body (Diets! Exercise! Beauty products!), while also experiencing a deep disconnection from our bodies due to much of life being spent in virtual spaces and our thoughts racing 24 hours a day.

Many of us experience daily disconnection from our bodies, leaving us out of tune with the messages that our bodies send us.

How does hunger feel? What emotion am I experiencing? Does this movement feel good in my body? In lives lived at 100 mph, many of us have lost the ability to identify what we are truly feeling. Here are three ways, rooted in mindfulness, to reconnect with our physical selves and celebrate the beauty of the human form, created by our loving God. M I N D FUL M OV E M E N T

Although the practice of yoga gets the most credit for combining movement, breath and mind into one practice (because this is the very meaning of yoga), other forms of movement—from running, to dancing, to swimming and more—can also take on some of the same qualities as yoga when done mindfully. When you focus on the breath, quiet the mind and notice how you feel in your body as you engage in movement, you are fully present to the embodied experience you are having. This helps us to feel rooted, secure and content.

This means focusing on the one thing.

(No running with music or knitting while watching TV or walking while distracted by a podcast.) Consider engaging all five senses as you do the activity. After enough practice, we begin to apply this presence to

other areas of our life. Consider how activities like cross-country skiing, gardening or cleaning might also create opportunities for mindful movement.

S AV O R

Because of our busy schedules, we often eat on the run, grabbing what is convenient.

But our bodies are designed to experience our food through five very distinct senses, all of which elevate dinnertime from a mere survival tool to an experience. Like a wine connoisseur exploring a new vintage, we can find the same depth of experience in our own kitchens. Slowing down to ask these questions as we eat brings us back into our bodies and our senses:

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Christian meditation invites us to spend time in the presence of God. You do not need to clear your mind, but instead consider that whatever comes up has some purpose in your relationship with your Creator.

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Set a timer. This will help to keep you from being constantly distracted and wondering how long it’s been.

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Sit comfortably. No cross-legged, lotus pose necessary! Sit in a chair, on the couch, lying down or seated on the f loor—whatever feels comfortable and yet allows you to be alert.

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How is the color or texture of the food pleasing and appetizing?

What do I experience in my body as I look at the food?

Take a few deep breaths and settle in, then allow your breath to quiet into its normal pattern. Notice the ease in your body, feel yourself relax and simply be in the world.

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Is there a sizzle, pop or crunch as I prepare or eat this food? (Or do you savor your meal to exquisite music or engaging conversation?)

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What do I smell? Is it warm, sharp, astringent? How does my body react to the food I smell?

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As you break a crusty loaf of bread or feel the smoothness of a creamy brie cheese on your tongue, notice how your body responds. What is the mouth feel as well as the feel of the food you are eating?

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How do the f lavors unfold on your tongue? Are there f lavors beyond the obvious ones you expect?

B R E AT H & M E D I TAT I O N

Breathwork sends a message to our bodies that we are safe and allows it to shut off our fight, f light or freeze response. Meditation and breathwork provide profound benefits for our bodies. If the idea of trying to clear your mind (impossible!) or sitting in silence for 30 minutes (daunting!) feels unapproachable, consider the following process for Christian meditation, starting with just five minutes.

Perhaps invite God’s presence with simple, silent words like, “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.” Then, sit quietly. You might continue to use a word or phrase like “Peace” or “Be still and know” to create a focus for your mind.

6.

When you reach the end of your meditation time, close your time by saying The Lord’s Prayer.

As you become comfortable with meditation, you can gradually add on to the amount of time you practice—and it doesn’t have to be every day. Even just once a week or a few times a month will benefit mind, body and spirit.

These are just a few examples of practices that can help us to reconnect with our physical bodies. Our bodies have been created in the image of God and are worthy of our time and attention.

For more information on meditation, we recommend the chapters on prayer and meditation in The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything by James Martin.

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FAMOUS AT HOME

A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H J O S H UA S T R A U B INTERVIEW BY TIM WESTERMEYER

Joshua Straub, Ph.D.—our Faith & Life speaker in early February—is a husband, dad and recovering human. Josh leads Famous at Home, an organization that equips leaders, organizations, military families and churches in emotional intelligence and family wellness. Josh is also a Fellow of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling.

Josh is author of six books, including a children’s book which he co-authored along with his wife, Christi. Together they host the “Famous at Home” podcast and the television show “Sex, Love, and Relationships” on the Hillsong Channel. Most of all, Josh loves spending time with his family on the lake, training their disobedient puppy, and watching their kids crush karaoke on a stage built in their dining room.

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1.) You talk about being “famous at home.” Can you explain that and unpack it a bit? When you have a family, your biggest fans live under your roof. Your kids look up to you. Your spouse admires you and cheers you on. Yet, because we live in a culture that praises individual achievement, we seek individual identity, not from our family, but from what we do.

We’re really the first culture in history to find identity outside the family unit.

Unfortunately, this individual pursuit has wreaked havoc on families. So much so that one of the most common phrases we hear is, “I can lead hundreds of people at work, but I come home and have no idea how to interact with my own family.” This identity crisis, if you will, has only intensified with social media, where we seek fans, followers, and likes from people who will never care for or look up to us the way our family does. Being famous at home is about being intentional and focused on your relationships first at home.

2.) Your work emphasizes four areas, helping people to: A. Build a rock-solid marriage; B. Connect purposefully with your kids; C. Set healthy rhythms between work and home; and D. Be more productive in all you do. Can you say a bit about each of these emphases? Most hurting families first come to us because the marriage isn’t doing well. And we see over and over again that families rise and fall on the quality of the marriage. The most significant pain points for families today include problems in the marriage, the feeling of not having enough time with kids, and feeling like there’s no routine or rhythm to the home. But you can’t set healthy rhythms or find your family’s purpose if you’re not connecting in your marriage. When we’re emotionally connected with our spouse, our parenting and family rhythms begin to strengthen over time.

3.) What’s your sense of how marriage and parenting has been impacted by the

demands of parents to help their children more with schoolwork over the last year?

Very few families we see today have been able to just stay in mundane and “normal” routines. We’re getting the sense, and increasingly seeing many families, taking more ownership of their parenting and the schooling for their kids. This is true among all households, even with two working parents. Because so many companies have implemented work-from-home policies, parents have more freedom and time at home and they’re finding fulfillment in getting more time together. It’s closing the gap of those parents who felt they didn’t get enough time with their kids. It’s led to a lot of introspection and putting things on the table—sports, activities, even church involvement, for better or worse. Families are asking what’s beneficial to the family and what’s pulled them apart—and they’re not afraid to rid themselves of the things that were pulling them away from one another.

It’s not that it’s been easy by any means.

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Families are feeling the tension, but generally speaking, seeing the tension is necessary for the positive changes to happen.

The changes and decisions we make right now will inf luence how we grow closer together, or further apart, as families.

We have to give ourselves grace under the circumstances but make intentional decisions for the betterment of our family from that grace.

4.) You also use language of creating an “emotionally safe environment” for children. What do you mean by that, and why does it matter? I wrote a book a few years ago called Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well. I wrote this book because we in the early years of parenting our own kids, we were exhausted and felt lost. So being the nerd I am, I decided to look at the research to see what really matters in raising kids. The research was profound. It all led to the idea that when kids feel emotionally safe, they can think straight. And when kids can think straight, they succeed, not just in the hard skills, but more importantly, the soft skills.

They have empathy for others. They know how to be grateful. They respect authority.

And the list goes on.

5.) 2020 has obviously been a strange and disruptive year. What are you learning in the midst of COVID-19, and how are you helping families navigate the particular challenges it has presented? 2020 has exposed the foundation. We see it as a year of the “apocalypse,” meaning revelation. Things are being revealed that have not been seen before. And what that means for families is that the cracks in the foundation are being exposed. Many of the families we work with traveled or were away from home for work. When COVID-19 put us back into the home, the relational dynamics started to be exposed. We saw families either thrive under these conditions or start to unravel in deep ways. But what encouraged us more than anything else were the number of families who said something in effect of, “We’re tired of doing the mundane.

We’re tired of just allowing the culture (or the frantic running around from one activity to another, the busy schedules, the work hours, commute, etc.) to dictate our family.” It was a wake-up call for many families to bring the focused attention and affection back to their loved ones.

6.) How do you think about these things— marriage, parenting, healthy rhythms—in the context of Christian faith? It informs everything we do personally. We have five values as a family, and faith is the first one we use to filter every decision we make.

Our faith, as a family, has only grown because we decided a few years ago to place it as a high value.

Our vision as a family to love others, seek justice, and walk humbly come all through the lens of the gospel of Jesus. One thing we’re doing lately is praying The Lord’s Prayer at night with our kids. But as we do, we’re asking the question of how we can practically, as a family, bring to earth that as it is in heaven. We may be different in this, but we’re teaching our kids about the new earth and the truth that Jesus is “making all things new.” Our family vision is to teach our kids to partner with Jesus in bringing Kingdom come to earth as he’s making all things new.

7.) What are the biggest challenges you face personally as a husband and father?

Where do I start (laughing). I struggle at the end of the day with intentionality as it relates to heart connection. I tend to take on responsibility and run with it, even if it’s not mine to carry. So, if there’s anyone I neglect, it’s taking care of myself. And when I start doing that, things unravel pretty fast. I’m not sure Christi or the kids would say this is true, but I know at the end of the day my to-do list and getting tasks done usually outweigh just sitting down and “being” with them. Just shutting it all down to sit and play a game or to sit with Christi and ask her about her heart takes a lot of intentionality, and I’m working every day at getting better at that—“being over doing.”

8.) This issue of Inspire is focused on the theme of Embodiment. In it, we’re exploring the ways in which God’s presence is made more real for us as human beings through other people, through the rituals of the church, and through experiences of the Divine in the world around us. In what ways have you experienced or practiced embodiment in parenting, as a counselor or in the other facets of your work? Wow, this is beautiful. One thing I didn’t mention is that we hold the term “famous at home” with a double meaning.

Being famous in your earthly home flows much easier when you’re seeking to be famous in your heavenly home. True love for our spouse and kids first flows supernaturally out of our pursuit of God as “Abba,” or “Daddy.” When we genuinely experience his love for us as a son or daughter, we have a supernatural ability to love unconditionally. 1 John 4 says, “We love because he first loved us.” And “perfect love drives out fear.”

He is the One we can feel safe with. He is the One who takes away our fear. He is the One we can rest in. From there. No fear. No exhaustion. No pretense. We can show up with so much more love for our family with no ulterior motives or agenda. We can just “be” with and for them.

9.) You’ll be presenting as part of the Faith & Life Series on “Faith & Parenting: Creating Space for Emotional Safety.”

What can people expect to hear from you at that event? I’ll be going deeper into what it means to create an environment of emotional safety and unpacking ways we can do that every day with our kids, even when they’re throwing temper tantrums, living in fear and worry, or being disobedient. What you’ll hear from me is when I’ve messed up. I don’t ask people to do what I’m not willing to do for myself, so you’ll hear me talk about how therapy helps our family, what we’re doing to constantly adjust and live on mission each day, and how you can set values that give your family purpose.

“Perfect love drives out fear.”

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Just the Messenger

BY AMANDA BERGER P H O T O G R A P H Y BY K AT Y J AC O B S O N

Nature was one of the few things not canceled by the global pandemic. In the past year, there has been a return to nature in a way that humans have not experienced in a long time. So many have turned to the solace of nature to find peace and relaxationâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and without a doubt have found themselves in the presence of the Divine. It is hard to look at the splendor of a sunset, the infinite exquisite detail of a morning hoarfrost or the rolling majesty of Superiorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waves and not feel awe at all that God has created.

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remember being 14 years old and thinking that makes so much any of us feel more alive and whole in nature. sense! Here we are, in one of the most pristine places in the state, Katy Jacobson knew from a very young age that if not the country. This is God’s creation. Of course we should be nowhere felt as much like home as when she was in nature to connect with him.” outside. Katy’s father, a game warden for the DNR, first inspired her love of nature with time hiking, fishing Katy experiences God’s presence in the sunset or watching birds at and exploring the great outdoors. She has since pursued a career a feeder. She sees the beauty of God in creation, the way creatures where she gets to spend most of her time outside as a naturalist. are made and how they interact.

“I settled on wildlife biology and She feels God’s presence in the ecology, with a focus on conservainterconnectedness of creation and tion,” said Katy. “I spent a summer “P ho to gr a ph y h a s all living things. at Ft. Snelling as a summer natubecom e e v en mor e i m p orta n t ralist. It was a leap of faith, and More recently, Katy has found I shadowed the lead naturalist, to m e i n t h e l a st f e w y e a r s connection to creation in nature Krista Jensen. I watched her lead a s a way to r efo c us photography. Her uncle, who is a a hike with kids visiting and doing wildlife photographer, helped her nature education—stuff I do with w h en l i f e gets cr a z y.” to get her start behind a camera. my friends all the time—and real“Photography has become even ized that teaching others about more important to me in the last few years as a way to refocus nature was for me.” when life gets crazy,” said Katy. “I just know I need to get out in nature and photograph something—to rebalance. Helping capture Katy (nee Konrad), who was baptized and grew up at SPD, rememthings that people may not necessarily see and raise awareness bers doing a Boundary Waters trip as a 9th grader. “A woman about what’s in our world.” volunteer and my dad ended up chaperoning the trip,” remembers Katy. “Morning devotions were about how we experience God “In the past six months, nature has never been more important. in different spaces. My dad opened up about his faith. He found Our whole world shifted,” said Katy. “We have finally had time to God in the work that he was doing and in the great outdoors. I

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notice the nature that happens all around us. As a naturalist, I am innately in tune with the ebb and flow of the seasons. I keep track of when various flowers emerge in the spring, when the loons are back on the lakes, when the first cicada screams. This year was very much the same, but so much different. With my life in constant ‘wait and see what happens mode’ nature was my constant.”

Katie noted that the bloodroot bloomed and then it snowed on Easter, typical. The frogs and toads sang in the ponds. And the cicadas were two weeks early compared to last year’s first heard call. “With all the sadness and stress that has happened this year, nature, God’s creation, provided the good. I started a daily post on my social media accounts called #DailyDoseOfNature. Every day I have posted a photo or video of something in nature.

I started on March 18 and I’m still posting. I’ve had many people reach out saying they appreciate my nature posts each day and it gives them something to look forward to.

Nature, God’s creation, does that, I’m just the messenger.”

Katy’s superpower as a naturalist is being still and quiet, and it has allowed her to capture some beautiful moments that few others get to see. She’s in love with God’s creation. As someone who is

also passionate about conservancy, she worries about the loss of wild and natural spaces as well.

To be still amid creation reminds us of God’s power, and that we as humans are just one small part of the awe-inspiring world around us.

When we fully immerse ourselves in nature, we experience a return to our origins, a sense of “rightness” about our place in the world.

“I walk Nine Mile Creek a lot (in Bloomington) and I’ve never met anyone down there who is angry or upset,” said Katy. “There is something about being in nature surrounded by trees, listening to water that is healing, and that is something that brings people together.”

Despite issues like global warming and pollution, Katy is hopeful. “It’s hard not to be worried about our world. Our world is a scary place. Everybody is concerned about their own safety. But at the same time fear can’t stop us from living. I take comfort in knowing that God has a plan and that God is there for us. The question is always ‘why?’ and sometimes we don’t need to know why, but to live in trust, as hard as that is.”

Currently, Katy works at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes.

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He’s Just Joe

BY AMANDA BERGER

“Joe just spoke,” said Peter, a look of utter astonishment on his face.

“I said, ‘It’s time to go to bed.’ And Joe said, ‘I know.’” Together, the Ericksons laughed and cried at Joe’s mir acle of speech.

At 12 ½ years old, the Erickson family had never heard Joe’s voice. Diagnosed with autism at 2 years old, Joe had always been nonverbal. His twin, Peter, as well as Joe’s two older siblings, Jack and Claire, reveled in the happy surprise. “I would’ve loved and accepted him just the same if he was still nonverbal of course, but it’s so nice to be able to ask [Joe] questions and (usually) get a response,” said Claire. “He also has some witty/funny things to say which we enjoy.”

Years earlier, the Ericksons had been shocked to find out they were having twins. As Amy puts it, “We were going for baby #3 and got #4, our special angel, who is meant for us and completed our family. God knew we needed him.” Even

then, before the twins were born, Amy had a feeling that Joe (baby B in utero) would be different. “I’ve known since less than 4 months of age that he had autism,” said Amy. The exact causes of autism are unknown, although genetics and environment do play a role.

“Our first pediatrician took me seriously, so we checked Joe’s vision and hearing, and got the preschool involved for early, in-home intervention. Some moms try everything to find a way to help their child get better or find a cure; I’m not looking for a cure,” said Amy. Nor, as of now, is there a cure for autism.

The word autism comes from the root “auto,” meaning alone. And that is one of Joe’s characteristics. He prefers to be alone, and so doesn’t want to be with friends. “That’s just a reality with autism,” said Amy. “He’s happy on his own.”

Being a parent of four children would be challenging on its own, but having a

child with special needs adds to that challenge. How do they do it? Amy is quick to point out what an incredible partner her husband, Steve, has always been. “We’re a team, and I’m so thankful that we’ve always been on the same page.” She also expressed gratitude for a support group of eight other women parenting children with autism, some of whom were also from the SPD community. And, of course, her faith in God provided reassurance and encouragement in the hardest days.

The Ericksons have always known that Joe understands much more than he communicates back. He taught himself to read and spell at age 3 and loves to surprise people with his encyclopedic knowledge of world capitals and f lags. He loves music and has always been creative: drawing and building with blocks or other building toys. “The struggle has always been that he knows so much, but how do we get it out of him?” said Amy. “Helping Joe through school has been difficult, as he neither fits entirely in a mainstream classroom, nor fits entirely in the special education classes either. Online learning for Joe in the spring was impossible. He hated the Zoom meetings and had no interest in seeing others that way.”

Joe’s sister, Claire, has also been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a specific type of autism. Diagnosed early in her 20s, she is an advocate for those that our society marginalizes and takes an active role in educating people about autism. “Just like each person not on the spectrum, each person on the spectrum is unique—and if you’ve met one autistic person, then just that—you’ve only met one!” said Claire.

“A person can talk, have a job, et cetera, and be autistic. Someone who is nonverbal and doesn’t have a job can also be on the spectrum—both are valid.” Claire also gets annoyed by the ways that our world is designed only with what others consider to be “normal” in mind (known as ableism).

For the Ericksons, even a trip to the store can be completely overwhelming for Joe— the high shelves, bright lights and loud

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“I wish people would engage and ask questions—we miss so m any teaching moments because in their shock, people don’t know how to respond.”

noises and too many people can overwhelm him, sometimes leading to a meltdown. As other shoppers stare, Amy begins to feel frustrated. “Families with special needs don’t want pity. Instead of staring, just ask, ‘Can I help?’ To notice that we’re in a difficult place—compassion, instead of pity, would be helpful.” Erickson did point out that from the time Joe was born, as a society we’ve come a long way in being more accepting, more respectful of those with disabilities, but that we miss so many opportunities to educate and find more understanding.

we [Amy and Steven] both cry,” said Amy. “When he was a baby, I couldn’t imagine what 16 would be like. Now that we’re here, we’re faced with more challenges, like determining his guardianship and what happens after high school.” Amy talked wistfully about her pipe dream to, along with her friends, open a group home, but that feels too big and hard. “I can’t imagine him living in someone else’s home, and while Claire says she’ll take care of him and live with him, I don’t want her to be responsible for him her whole life. He’s so vulnerable.”

“I wish people would engage and ask questions—we miss so many teaching moments because in their shock, people don’t know how to respond,” said Amy. Claire dislikes that autism is represented by a puzzle piece, often found on products to promote autism awareness. Even this symbol, often seen as positive, has a loaded history.

“Most of us are against it because of the history behind it—implying that autistic people are puzzles, missing a piece without a ‘cure.’

I used to support it myself until I learned the meaning behind it,” said Claire. “I want people to know that it’s okay to change your stance on things once you’ve been educated further!”

If we consider that all humans are made in the image of God, as stated in Genesis, we can appreciate those aspects of the Creator that are embodied in those with special needs. Joe, even in his quiet way, reveals a surprising sense of humor, understanding and awareness of the world around him.

Joe is an amazing listener, something not to be dismissed in our loud world. He expresses these attributes of God beautifully for those who know him.

There have been so many challenges—like times when Joe has wandered away from home, which were incredibly scary.

And the miracle of always being found safe and sound. Hearing Joe speak was another miracle they never expected. “When we talk about his future,

Joe and his siblings are very close and love to spend time together. Jack, who is studying at St. Cloud State, is the only family member not at home all the time.

But the four siblings are close and can often be found hanging out, watching movies and laughing together. Their love and support of each other is heartwarming, and such a gift for the whole family.

Joe’s twin, Peter, sums it up best, “I feel like if Joe was normal, I wouldn’t be as open as I am. He’s not an embarrassment. He’s just Joe, he’s my brother and I love him.”

Amy Erickson would be happy to connect with anyone wanting more information about autism. Contact Amanda Berger at aberger@spdlc.org if you would like an introduction.

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TRANSFORMS

BY K AT E S T E R N E R

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As he immerses himself in his studies in physical therapy at St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, Sean Hawkinson feels that his calling to serve in the health and wellness field has its roots in his participation in high school mission trips through St. Philip the Deacon. He participated in four mission trips, each of which taught Sean the joy and value of serving as God’s hands where there were people in need.

Participation in these trips also inspired Sean to join a mission trip to Nicaragua during his college years at UW-Stout. He participated in a course called Physiology of Disabilities during this study abroad experience. Though he was traveling in a part of the world that had the potential for social unrest, Sean was able to experience the rich cultural heritage of Nicaragua. It opened his mind to new ways of interpreting another way of life. Where he had expected to find the misery of poverty-stricken people, he found instead many generous, joyous and kind new friends.

After college, Sean invested a year of his life to serving abroad as an English teacher for Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters), an organization that fosters and educates children in Latin America who have been orphaned or otherwise left in need of full-time care. During his year at the NPH center in Honduras, Sean designed and taught an English language curriculum for grades 3-6. Not only was he a teacher, but he became a coach and a mentor to many of the youngsters there.

The NPH organization in Honduras includes a health care clinic and surgical center that reaches underserved children and families throughout the Tegucigalpa area. Sean hopes that someday he may find a way to serve in such a healthcare setting abroad, where resources are scarce and his skills as a physical therapist can be of great value.

Sean’s journeys have taught him that this old adage is full of wisdom: You cannot truly know your own country until you leave it. Traveling outside of the USA has provided Sean with a priceless education. He identifies four lessons that provide him with a foundation for his calling to serve the people of God:

BE FLEXIBLE “We live a fast-pace, structured life in the USA,” says Sean. “It can be hard to get outside of that structure. If you live in an environment with few resources, you never know when the power is going to go out, or if you suddenly don’t have water. You have to be able to think critically and problem solve.” Relying on a solid infrastructure may be convenient, but without that structure few of us would be prepared to adapt quickly and manage the situation.

SLOW DOWN “In Latin America, people really do work very hard for what they earn,” ref lects Sean. “I don’t want to understate that, but it seems to me that people there really take the time to appreciate the little things. They take time to visit with someone when they run into them. When you slow down and place value on the people around you, things like keeping up with a schedule don’t seem quite so important anymore.”

LISTEN ACTIVELY ... And its corollary, learn the language. “Take time to learn to speak with people and really listen,” says Sean. “It takes practice, but it is important to home in on what people are telling you, on what they want or need to communicate to you. Give someone your attention, make them feel heard. It improves your relationships, and makes others feel valued. I sure know how I feel when others don’t really listen to me. I know that really listening makes a difference.”

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER “It’s really true. You learn the pitfalls of holding on to just one point of view, which can lead you to wrongly judge another person or a situation.” Sean recommends a TED talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie called “The Danger of a Single Story,” which can easily be found on the internet. Sean continues, “If you don’t slow down, aren’t f lexible, and don’t listen to understand others, you will make the mistake of believing that your single, insular experience is the norm. And that can lead you to judge others in very hurtful or shortsighted ways.”

Sean counts himself lucky to have been raised in a congregation that encourages its young people to serve their neighbor. His life is richer and his calling to serve is ever clearer because of this foundation in his faith.

To learn more about Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos visit nph.org.

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y t s r i Th O

ur bodies are 60% water, so it should come as no surprise that staying hydrated is important. During hot, steamy weather our bodies give us lots of cues that we need more liquids, but in the winter these hints are less obvious. Our bodies need lots of fluids to warm and moisten the cold, dry winter air, keep skin hydrated and our bodies healthy.

These fun and festive ideas will help you stay hydrated throughout the holiday season and long into winter!

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HOT APPLE CIDER Spicy and warming, apple cider can be a nice change of f lavor if you usually indulge in hot cocoa. Bonus: It makes your house smell amazing as it cooks!

64 oz. Apple Juice 1 Whole Orange, Sliced 2 Cinnamon Sticks 4 Whole Cloves Sprinkle of Nutmeg Whipped Cream, Optional Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until hot, stirring occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to remove the oranges and spices before pouring into individual mugs.

WINTER SPA WATER Adding fresh fruit to water seems like a no-brainer during the hot summer months, but we forget that this is a refreshing option for winter as well. In-season citrus fruits and invigorating rosemary are perfect to brighten grey winter days.

Bonus: The citrus adds in a kick of vitamin C to help us during cold and f lu season.

2 Blood or Navel Oranges 1 Grapefruit 3 Lemons 2 Rosemary sprigs 8 Cups Water Slice the citrus fruit into rounds and place in a pitcher.

Add the rosemary sprigs.

Then, fill pitcher with water and refrigerate for at least an hour so the f lavors infuse into the water. The longer you chill it, the more f lavor! Keeps for 2-3 days before you need to make a new batch.

SPARKLING CHAI HOLIDAY PUNCH This festive punch is a nice alternative to alcohol (which can be dehydrating) and also has the bonus of being kid friendly!

32 oz. Hot Water 4 Chai Tea bags 16 oz. Apple Juice 16 oz. Cranberry Juice 2 Liters Cold Ginger Ale 1 Apple, Thinly Sliced 1 Cup Cranberries Cinnamon Sticks as a Garnish, Optional Steep your chai tea bags in your hot water for 4-5 minutes, or according to teaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s package directions. Remove and discard tea bags. Allow to cool to room temperature.

In a large punch bowl or gallon-sized pitcher, combine prepared chai tea, apple juice, cranberry juice. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Right before serving, add cold ginger ale. Add cranberries and apple slices.

Serve immediately. Serves 16.

Note: Ideally, you do not want to water this recipe down by adding ice. If you need to keep it chilled for several hours in a punch bowl, consider making an ice ring out of a mix of apple and cranberry juice using a bundt pan or jello mold.

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OUT & ABOUT While the hot August sun blazed in the sky, Trisha Ragner hosted a group of SPD Outdoors participants for a kayaking trip down the Mississippi River. Floating and paddling about 10 miles from start to finish, the group saw views of Minneapolis that you rarely get to see. (Guide provided by Twin Cities Kayaking, which hosts f loat trips for individuals and groups from late spring through fall.)

Participants Included: Doris and Carl Tuura, Craig and Jean Stoermer, David Duetsch, Mary Steinbicker, Paula Pursley, Steve Mueller and Trisha Ragner.

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Giving Thanks 05.

Throughout the trials of 2020, the community of St. Philip the Deacon has continued to do what the church has always done: supported one another, cared for the poor, fed the hungry, reached out to the sick, proclaimed the Gospel and inspired one another to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus throughout our city and the world.

Thank you, as a member of the body of Christ and the SPD community, for all the ways that you have continued to live out your faith. Your gifts make a difference!

01. Together, we collected food to feed 166 children through our partnership in Haiti (the food arrived mid-September and was quickly distributed to families in need).

04. Your gifts supported thousands of meals through Common Table South to support businesses and feed people rebuilding their lives near the 3rd precinct.

02. The Elizabeth Circle sewed and delivered a mourning quilt to Mission Nursing Home for the dignified removal of the deceased from the home.

05. Rachel Arends and Renee Putnam deliver donated diapers, clothing and laundry detergent from our community at Babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Space in South Minneapolis.

03. You showered residents in long-term care facilities with your prayers during the long quarantine period.

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FA M I L I A R FA C E S C L AY T H O M A S

Clay Thomas, our Director of Middle School Ministry, joined the SPD staff in 2015.

Clay’s passion for faith formation in teenagers and outdoor ministry are evident in his ministry. His playfulness helps him to connect with students and provide a fun atmosphere in which to learn about Christianity and Lutheran tradition. We will celebrate the confirmation of about 65 ninth graders in January, along with Clay, the young people’s families and the rest of our SPD community.

1.

Describe when you knew you’d be going into ministry.

I was sitting at my tiny desk in my freshman dorm room, crying about all the plans I had and how they were over.

After several meetings with professors during my first few months at Augsburg University, it was obvious to me that I had chosen the wrong path and was being deeply called into ministry.

2.

What’s one thing that people would be surprised to know about you? I’ve been playing ultimate Frisbee for 13 years and coaching for eight years. I’ve coached both high school and middle school teams in the Twin Cities.

3.

What are three things on your lifetime to-do list? I’m not a real big to-do list person. Whatever experience is in front of me, I like to try and appreciate it to the fullest. I guess, to be cliché, I am all about the journey and less about the destination.

4.

How do you take care of yourself—spiritually, emotionally and physically—so that you stay healthy in ministry?

Having an active lifestyle and being outdoors feeds me. Having an intentional outlook on everything that I do keeps me focused.

5.

What are you passionate about right now? Being a better dad.

Join the SPD family as we bear witness to the joy and wonder of celebrating Advent and Christmas in new ways this season.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering a variety of opportunities for you to prepare mind, body, heart and spirit for Christmas in your own home.

To learn more, visit spdlc.org/HomeForChristmas, or follow us on Facebook (@spdlc) or Instagram (@spd.lc) for daily Advent prompts.

17205 County Road 6 Plymouth, MN 55447

“We are called to ponder myst’ry and await the coming Christ, to embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.

God is with us in our longing to bring healing to the earth, while we watch with joy and wonder for the promised Savior’s birth.”

UNE XPECTED AND MYSTERIOUS, ELW #258 TEX T BY JE ANNET TE LINDHOLM

V I S I T U S O N L I N E AT S P D L C .O R G