Bishop's message

 

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Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Yehiel Curry:

"As a church, we collectively continue to celebrate the diversity with which God has created the world. Scripture tells us that, from the very beginning, we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). In the book of Acts, many were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Each was given the power to witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:32-33). In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, the human body serves as a metaphor, demonstrating that a healthy Christian community relies on the many distinct gifts and qualities of each unique member—emphasizing unity through continuing to be a connected church.

Free Press Not

On a globalization trip to China some years ago we had a meeting with a government official. Suddenly the translator was dismissed--thrown out. He was replaced by a translator to the official's liking. That experience came back to my mind this week when some news reporters were banned from the White House.  The ban has been lifted for 14 days, but will this stop this administration's efforts to control the media? Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are crucial to a democracy.

UN

I remember when the United Nations was founded in 1945. I remember Eleanor Roosevelt serving as chair of the UN Commission that drafted and adopted the Declaration on Human Rights. The UN has been so important in the world. I am thankful for all its work. I even dedicated one of my books to the United Nations for peacemaking, partnership and interdependence in the world. Even though the current U.S. President denigrates it, we must support and cherish the United Nations.

Autumn

 Today is the first day of Autumn, my favorite season. Blessings during this beautiful time. We thank the Creator for all the seasons and pledge to care for Creation.

Forty-nine years ago on September 18 I was ordained into public ministry of Word and Sacrament at Yale Divinity School's chapel. I was consecrated a deaconess on Pentecost 1960. I am thankful to Burton for his support all these years. I cherish the years I have been able to serve as a deaconess, a pastor and a professor. My first call after ordination was from ALC to teach at Yale Divinity School and work with Lutheran students there. 

Freedom of the press

Trump: You are a terrible reporter writing fake news, Piggy (especially to women reporters). First Amendment to the Constitution: "Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble..." 

Constitution Day 2026

 Today, September 17, is Constitution Day. This morning I taught a class at North Iowa Area Community College, on "The U.S. Constitution and Voting Rights." So many people came that we had to move to a large conference room. The Constitution with its 17 articles and 27 amendment is a small document. It is comprehensive enough that scholars and legislators have debated it all these years.  The attendees, through vigorous, respectful conversation, empowered each other to vote and how to encourage others to vote.

 

Mail-in voting

 The Supreme Court yesterday ruled against President Trump's executive order, thereby rejecting his efforts to enact new mail-in voting restrictions for the midterm election. The ruling means the U.S. Postal Service is expected to continue delivering ballots as usual. However, Trump may try other ways to stop people from voting. Therefore it is important for people who receive a mail-in ballot to fill it out and return is as quickly as possible.  People who want to vote in person should go to their Court House and vote early. For people in Iowa early voting starts October 14.

Children at Church

 All the little children gathered at the early service at Trinity Lutheran Church this morning before Sunday School.

9/11

 Where were you on 9/11? Burton called me in my seminary office, twice, to tell me when each of the Twin Towers were hit. Then, while team teaching a class a while later a student came in and said one had fallen.  Then in chapel we heard the second fell. I give thanks for the people of small Gander Newfoundland who welcomed 38 planes and 7,000 strangers, and took care of them all.

A U.S. president cannot rename a State, but that doesn't stop Trump from trying. I have good friends in New Mexico and respect the State. Deb Haaland is a member of Pueblo of Laguna and if elected as governor would become the first woman native American to become governor of a state.

Labor Day

 

Do we really understand the origin of Labor Day? The TV ads think it is the day we should all buy a new mattress. (Every holiday seems to be the time to buy a new mattress.) Nor is it "the end of summer" or "the beginning of school."

Labor Day became a U.S. federal holiday in 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the legislation making the first Monday in September a legal national holiday following the turbulent Pullman Strike.