Deacon’s Desk – November 2022
Dear Siblings in Christ,
Our Money Story is the theme of our current sermon series. I offer a brief recap before I share my own story. First Lutheran members Dean Funk, Jackie Mortenson, and Larry Hanson shared their money stories during worship in October. Through stories and Scripture we were reminded of the ways God provided for our ancestors, for this congregation, and for us.
First, we remembered that God sent manna and quails for the Hebrew people to eat during their exodus from Egypt. They learned to take enough, but to leave the extra so every person received what they needed. God faithfully provided, and they did not starve in the wilderness as they had feared.
Jesus directed the young man who thought he was a good, law-abiding citizen, to give away his possessions as well. That’s restorative justice, to share our excess resources so every person has enough. We, too, are called to share our extra. In effect, if you have two coats, give one away; if you have more than enough food, share it with a stranger (such as through NEAR Food Shelf or the Wildfire Every Meal program). God provides faithfully. We’re invited to rethink our needs as we trust in God’s provision. How has God provided for you throughout your life?
Each of us has our own money story to tell. Mine is one of reimagining. When I first enrolled at Luther Seminary one of my greatest worries was the cost of classes. I worried that paying for school would negatively affect my family. Would we be able to take vacations, or go to restaurants? Would we be able to keep up with clothes and shoes for our two growing boys? What about birthdays and Christmas? My sense of call to ministry was profound, but I wondered if I was being selfish.
I never shared my concerns with anyone – they were private and I’m a good Scandinavian, after all. Prayer was my recourse, and those prayers were answered. One day a woman from church – someone I knew, but not well - stopped by with two bags of clothing for my boys. She had two sons also, each a year ahead of my own. The bag included name brand items that honestly, I probably wouldn’t have spent the money on if I’d had it! That was the first of several drop-offs. Later came shoes and winter wear – much of it barely worn. I don’t know if she had any idea how much she was helping, but through her God answered my prayers abundantly!
Another time we were feeling the pinch and my tuition was due, so I went to the business office at Luther Seminary to ask if I could make a few payments instead of the entire amount that day. When I inquired, I was told my tuition had been paid in full! An anonymous donor had covered the semester with instructions to maintain anonymity. To this day I don’t know who it was, but it was a gift entirely beyond my imagination. Once again, God’s abundant provision overflowed.
There were so many times God provided just what we needed, so that we never felt deprived or lacking. A relative in Akron, Ohio, invited us to visit with our young boys, and while we were debating the affordability of flying rather than the time constraints of driving and mileage on our aging mini-van, my brother offered his excess frequent flyer miles, which were enough to cover airfare for two! My mother had told him about the invitation and he had more miles than he needed! We were grateful for my brother’s generosity and we had a wonderful family vacation.
For me, it provided the relaxation I craved after my first year in seminary. For the boys, it was especially memorable because it was their first time flying, but also because “cousin” had a PhD in education and planned amazing excursions in all the best places for little boys to visit. My husband was absolutely giddy to catch up with his cousins and visit his mother’s old stomping grounds. We have fantastic memories that still find their way into dinner conversations, and we developed relationships with my husband’s far-away side of the family that continue growing today.We have learned that there’s no good in worrying, because God faithfully provides and exceeds our imaginations always.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make your paths straight.“ ~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Deacon Kirsten Kessel
Minister of Word & Service