Author Archives: Allen

About Allen

Child of God, husband, father of two brilliant daughters, pastor and recent dmin graduate at George Fox University near Portland OR. My spiritual home is in the North American Lutheran Church, where I am currently between positions and upgrading my landscaping and home repair skills. "diakonia" (pronounced "dee-ak-on-ee'-ah") is a word found in the Greek New Testament used to describe (variously) either a specific kind to help any people in need, or a more general serving at table or the distribution of financial resources. In Acts 6, Stephen and others are chosen to serve the early Christian community there in Jerusalem, and the Church has had a "deaconate" in one form or another ever since. I've given my blog this title as a reminder that our faith is lived out where our faith and our service intersect.

Ducks or Eagles?

Posted on 05/01/2013 by Allen

Author Harvey Mackay was waiting in line for a taxi at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black … Continue reading →

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Live Love! – John 13.31-35

Posted on 04/29/2013 by Allen

Once upon a time, a woman wrote the following love letter to her beloved: Dearest Jimmy, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you’ll take me back. No one could ever … Continue reading →

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Live Connected! – John 10.22-30

Posted on 04/20/2013 by Allen

My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life. There is something powerfully intimate in Jesus’ words. He points to a deep connection between shepherd and sheep, between himself and his followers. The kind of … Continue reading →

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“Live” Belief – John 20.19-31

Posted on 04/08/2013 by Allen

One learning for Karen and me in our first years of marriage was how I responded when my feelings were hurt or I was stressed or angry. My default position was to go and hide in my “cave.” Karen had … Continue reading →

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How Quickly Things Can Change

Posted on 04/02/2013 by Allen

My, how quickly things can change. A family goes to bed one night, and the husband doesn’t wake up the next morning, forever changing the lives of his wife and young children. My, how quickly things can change. Jesus enters … Continue reading →

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An Idle Tale

Posted on 03/31/2013 by Allen

The Resurrection of our Lord The women . . . told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. Luke 24.9,11 “These words seemed to them an idle tale.” … Continue reading →

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A Day of Promise

Posted on 03/30/2013 by Allen

Holy Saturday 2013 We had a funeral today for one of the saints of our congregation. It was very fitting that we came together to celebrate Esther’s life and God’s presence in it. This was her church, and we are her extended family, so … Continue reading →

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A Cross-Shaped Throne

Posted on 03/29/2013 by Allen

Good Friday 2013 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23.46 An amazing thing, really: Jesus breathed his last. His last! He didn’t … Continue reading →

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