Tuesday Tidings, March 17, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the most high.”

I grew up on the Kiskiminetas River, I had lots of adventures on that river.  Fishing, boating, swimming, and countless hours peering out on to the perpetual flow.  That river became a part of my story, I was a kind of 1980’s Huckleberry Finn, every once in a while even sleeping out in a tree house.

And yet, as glorious as those memories might be, years and wisdom have taught me that the Kiskiminetas River flows directly into the Allegheny, augmenting its size and energy.  And then, of course, the Allegheny flows into the Ohio River, and the Ohio and into the mighty Mississippi and then out into the gulf and ultimately into the vast ocean.  All the time, one thing flowing into and contributing to another.

This last Sunday I had the distinct privilege of hanging out with a bunch of young people from a bunch of different congregations in the North Hills of Pittsburgh.

Each of those young people came to that inaugural north hills Lutheran youth event with a personal history that was both formative and important to them.  They were connected to congregations that they may have called home since their birth.

And yet, when they gathered, these bright blessed young people had a willingness to engage with other Lutheran youth from other congregations.  There were some moments when participants were timid or hesitant, but eventually… the good energy flowed.

From one congregation to another, from one youth to another… the willingness to roll along meant that a sacred momentum was built and a soul-enriching joy was shared.

These young people, through their bold witness, offered an important reminder to all of us who have a deep connection with and pride in our congregation; our faith assures us that we are all headed in the same direction, we will all end up in the same place eventually… so, it might indeed be a great idea if a few more of us got acquainted and collaborated with one another before we arrived at our final destination.

“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” -Norman Maclean              

Question for reflection: How might your story be a blessing to others?  How have the saints who have gone before you informed your journey of faith?

It’s Tuesday, a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to you and yours!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

God of grace and glory, on this day, as we remember and celebrate the life and ministry of Saint Patrick, we pray that you would remind each of us that we too have a part to play in your redemptive story.  Strengthen us as we make our way through the concluding weeks of this sacred season.  In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

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