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From Pastor Craig Since You Asked A member of Trinity recently asked me, “Why don’t we celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in church like other churches do?” I responded, “I’m glad you asked!” I realized that many of you might be wondering the same thing. So here is my answer. Worship is central to our faith as Lutherans. What we do in worship must always express what we believe. And as Lutherans, one of the main tenets of our faith is this: All are welcome; no one should be excluded. It is my firm belief that when congregations plan entire services on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day that celebrate the gift of motherhood or fatherhood, they instantly exclude many in worship on that day. I’ve heard sermons on Mother’s Day entitled, “How To Be A Faithful Mother.” The fact that God created me male, being a good mother is something that God would never call me, nor half of the population, to be! But being a faithful Christian is what God calls me to be. This, then, should always be our focus. Such a focus never excludes anyone. Consider this: some people, by choice, choose not to be parents. God doesn’t think any less of someone for that decision. His or her life is complete as much as someone with children. Both are fully a “child of God.” But then to plan a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day service is to insinuate, I believe, that those with children are more blessed by God. Such a proclamation is unfaithful and could be seen as disapproval to singles and childless couples. Also, consider others who struggle with infertility issues. Some couples try to conceive for years, with no avail. Having gone through this struggle, I know full well how one’s faith can be tested. When you pray your heart out for many years and no child arrives, one can, at times, question the goodness of God. If this were your life story, imagine attending an entire church service celebrating the blessings of motherhood or fatherhood. No matter how well intended, it would feel like judgment to the infertile couple. I believe it is important and fitting to honor our fathers and mothers. After all, God commanded us to do so in the 4th commandment. But I also believe that there is a time and a place to do so. Prayers of blessing and thanksgiving for our parents surely have their place in worship. We’ve even had breakfasts before worship services on Mother’s and Father’s Day honoring moms and dads that were appropriate and fun. But entire services focused on motherhood or fatherhood go against what Lutherans believe true worship entails. The central focus of worship must always be on our heavenly Father and his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. "But wait a minute,” you say. “Haven’t we had services that honored and celebrated the musicians of our congregation? I’m not musically inclined. Isn’t that singling out a specific group of our congregation?” True, we have offered services celebrating the musicians of our church. The difference, I believe, is that even if you aren’t a musician, the music that our musicians offer still blesses you and draws your thoughts and heart to God. Instead of non-musicians feeling excluded, they have told me how blessed they were by such services. My hope, and the hope of all of our musicians, is that you will look beyond the musician, and allow the music and lyrics to transport you heart closer to the throne of God. I hope this clarifies why we don’t celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in worship. If you would like to discuss this topic further, my door (and my mind!) is always open. May each and every one of us know of the amazing love God has for us!
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 Summer Schedule God's Big 10
June 1 - Part 1
June 8 - Part 2
June 15 - Part 3
June 22 Celebration
June 29 - Part 4
July 6 - Part 5
July 13 - Part 6
July 20 - Part 7
July 27 - Part 8
August 3 - Part 9
August 17 - Part 10
August 24
August 31
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