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My Great, Great, Grandpa’s Old Cane
In all the sorting I’ve been doing, I recently came across this cane. It belonged to my great-great-great grandfather, Joe Rye, a renowned singer and lay preacher in our family. Joseph is my middle name, a name that has been passed down through his male descendants, and I’ve passed it on to my son. I’ve… Continue reading
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An Ordination Blast from the Past
Lately I’ve had some time on my hands – so I’ve been going through and scanning old pictures. Here’s a blast from a 30-year+ past….my ordination…and a few shots from my first few months at Zion … plus the first Synod assembly pontoon ride at Craguns. :: As I look at my ordination picture –… Continue reading
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Sound of Music
Sue and I are watching The Sound of Music tonight. Released 102 days before my birth. It was a huge hit in the days of my nativity. As I watch the movie, I can’t help but imagine my new father being deeply moved by the story of a man and his children. I have many… Continue reading
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Displacement
Displacement. I’ve been thinking a lot about that word ever since my last sabbatical. We had just come out of COVID — a time of great displacement. I began then to notice and reflect on the many places and times – both in the present, and in our past – that displacement occurs. Whether from… Continue reading
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Sunset Connoisseur
While attending Luther College – situated on the eastern edge of Oneota Valley – I grew accustomed to spending long periods of time watching sunsets. Only when someone takes long periods of time to watch a vibrant sunset can one appreciate the vast changes in color and texture that mark a sunset from beginning to… Continue reading
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All Saints Sunday Ideas
One of the great aspects about this time when I’m not actively engaged in ministry is that I get to visit other churches. I’ve always valued the opportunity to see how people do things in different churches. Sometimes, this drives my wife crazy because when we’re on vacation, she wants a break from church. But… Continue reading
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Accomplishments while At Lord of Life and before…
As I leave Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, I’ve been developing some “talking points” for the discernment process regarding what comes next for me in my life. They are offered here without much narrative, but I’d be glad to share about any of this moving forward A Summary Of Accomplishments WHILE AT LORD… Continue reading
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Lord of Life – the years from 2014-2024
During the ten years of Pastor Steven Rye’s ministry, Lord of Life Lutheran Church experienced a significant season of growth, change, and faithful adaptation. Those years included organizational restructuring, expanded ministries of care, new approaches to worship and communication, financial stabilization, and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the decade, the congregation sought… Continue reading
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Shared Ministry
This afternoon had the privilege of visiting with a neighbor of one of our members who is in hospice care. It was a meaningful experience to offer a prayer, anoint them, and sing a hymn at their bedside. I want to express my gratitude to all of you who share in this ministry with me.… Continue reading
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Sermon for September 29, 2024 in the “Build Us Up, Lord” Series
No, the picture above is not a recent one. It was taken circa 1995 in my first year in the pulpit. The sermon below IS a recent one. It was originally delivered in front of a congregation, but has been re-recorded here for improved sound quality, and to provide a better, more intimate, experience. Continue reading
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Blessing of Our Furry, Feathered, and Finned Friends
Join us at Lord of Life for a special service on Friday, October 4th, 2023, to honor our beloved pets and animals. In a world that often moves at a frantic pace, it’s important to take time to appreciate the simple joys in life. Our pets,whether they’re furry, feathered, or finned, bring us companionship, unconditional… Continue reading
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Pulling the plug on the old coffee maker
– We anticipate saving $1,300 (or maybe more if people donate coffee) every year. – We will be able to choose our own coffee rather than being tied into a subscription. Continue reading
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Heavenly Visitors
An Eagle… For many cultures, the sudden appearance of a bird can carry profound meaning. It’s seen as a message, a sign, or even a spiritual messenger. For me, the birds that have graced our church have been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration. During a sabbatical a couple years ago, I had a… Continue reading
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We’ve invited Lyle Griner to put on an all-day seminar you won’t want to miss: “Build a Thriving Ministry with Peer Ministry Training!”
Does your congregation yearn for a deeper connection among your youth? Are you looking for ways for young people to support and care for one another? Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, Minnesota has the answer! We’re excited to host a special Peer Ministry Leadership (PML) Training event on Saturday, September 21st, from 8:45 am to 4:30 pm. Register… Continue reading
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New Parking Lot a Blessing for Lord of Life
The Lord of Life congregation is celebrating the completion of a new parking lot. The old lot had served the church well for many years, but it was beginning to show its age. The crumbling asphalt made it difficult to navigate, and it was no longer safe for our members. Thanks to the generosity of our members and friends, we… Continue reading
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AGREEMENT TO RECEIVE CARE
Preface by Pastor Steven At Lord of Life, I am the Referral Coordinator, which means I connect people up with Stephen Ministers. The following is the text from document created to explain what Stephen Ministry is and what it provides. By reading this and accepting a Stephen Minister, recipients (we call them care receivers) agree… Continue reading
About Me
Baker of Bread :: Writer of Music :: Singer of Hymns & Barroom Song :: Hiker :: Connoisseur of Sunsets :: ELCA Lutheran Pastor.
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