“And He came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough; the hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” (Mark 14:41-42)

In the pattern of being asleep, notice that our Lord is doing what needs to be done.  We are often unaware of what is coming, but our Lord understands and knows what needs to take place.  He invites us to participate with Him, joining in and being a part of the solution.  He does what needs to be done;, but we have the opportunity to join with Him and share in the work of the kingdom.

Almighty Father, I have often been a bystander, and You know how I have opinions about many things.  Help me to move beyond the constant caring  for the flesh which is perishing so that I may live according to Your purpose.  I know that in walking with You there will be many places of betrayal along the way, but You have promised purpose in all things.  Lead me so that I may humbly abide in You always.

Lord Jesus, You know where my heart needs to change.  You have done it all willingly so that all who have faith may have the opportunity to live a whole, full, and eternal life.  Guide me now and always so that I may be alert and faithfully endure all the trials and tribulations that will come my way.  Teach me and awaken me, Lord, to live the way You know I can live and trust in Your leading always.  Amen.

“Again He went away and prayed, saying the same words.  And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him” (Mark 14:39-40).

Our Lord has given us the words of everlasting life, but often we do not know how to answer Him.  He comes to us and we are far away.  We have been told that we should pray without ceasing.  It is not a matter of having the right answer, but being alert, praying, and willing to respond.  We have been given the privilege of an eternal relationship with the Lord, and we are to be willing to relate.

Lord, I know that I should be offended by a so-called friend who was never attentive, doing what they wanted to do all the time while ignoring me.  How often I treat You like window-dressing but not actually engaging with You.  From this I need to be saved.  All of these things You have told me so that I might have the opportunity of becoming like You.  I need the salvation You bring.

Lord Jesus, the depth of sin which separates me from You is more than I can fathom.  You know.  Help me, dear Savior, so that I may humbly live into the new life for which You have called me.  You know where my heart and mind need to be awoken.  Awaken me Lord in order that I may live life in relationship with You, paying attention to what is going on around me, and living according to the Father’s will.  Amen.

June 2026

NOWHERE ELSE TO GO

Dear Friends –

In Matthew 9: 18-26 – part of the Gospel for June 7 – we read of two people who come to Jesus at a time in their lives when they have nowhere else to go.  One was a leader of a synagogue, whose daughter had just died; the other was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years.

Mark 5 and Luke 8 also tell of these two people and give the man’s name – Jairus.  Matthew says that he “came in and knelt before Him” (9: 18); in Mark the language is much stronger.  He “came and, when he saw Him, fell at His feet and begged Him repeatedly” (5: 22-23).  This man was desperate.  Luke informs us that this twelve-year-old girl was his only child (8: 42).  And while in Matthew the girl had just died (9: 18), in Mark “she is at the point of death” (5: 23) and in Luke she “was dying” (8: 42).  In Matthew Jairus begs Jesus to raise her from the dead.  In Mark and Luke he begs Jesus to come and heal her.  Either way, he is desperate.  He sees Jesus as the only one who can help him.  He is highly respected in the community, but he has a problem that is way beyond his ability to solve.  He is a leader of a synagogue, so he could be severely criticized for associating with Jesus.  But out of desperation and because of his great love for his daughter he goes to Jesus, falls on his feet before Jesus, and brings Jesus into his home.  He has nowhere else to go.

The woman who had been bleeding for twelve years also had nowhere else to go.  According to Mark, “she had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse” (5: 26).  Several ancient versions of Luke do not want to badmouth physicians as Mark does, so they do not include “she spent all she had on physicians” but only say “no one could cure her” (8: 43).  As I think of the tremendously high cost of health care today and of people who have spent a great deal of their retirement resources on health care, I can understand why they are – and this woman was – desperate.

If the little girl was at the point of death or dying rather than already dead, then Jairus must have become even more desperate when there is a delay in Jesus’ responding to his need because He first responds to the need of the bleeding woman.  Either way here are two people who have nowhere else to go who go to Jesus.

When in your life have you gone to Jesus, knowing that you had nowhere else to go?  Are we sufficiently aware of the fact that every Sunday morning there are people in our sanctuaries who have nowhere else to go? 

It grieves me when I see churches taking away from people the Jesus they can go to when they have nowhere else to go.  Instead they give people a Jesus who is constantly calling on them to try harder, do more, and keep on repenting of racism, sexism, patriarchalism, white supremacy, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia (fear of foreigners), and Islamophobia.    

It grieves me that in their first recommendation the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church revealed what they valued the most and felt most urgent about. They recommended that “the ELCA Church Council immediately begin identifying and acting upon mutual accountability measures and compliance incentives across all expressions of the ELCA to ensure the proactive centering of dismantling racism within the denomination.”   A memorial overwhelmingly approved by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly directed the Church Council “to provide progress updates to this church with a final report by fall 2027, including possible constitutional changes.”  Nearly one year after the 2025 Churchwide Assembly no progress report has been given.   

Dismantling racism does not mean just not being racist and being against racism.  We all are against racism.  We all agree that racism violates the dignity and value of every human being.  Dismantling racism is different.  It speaks of a political ideology, which views society as being made up of systems of power, privilege, and oppression.  Those in power (especially straight white males) are unable to not be racist.  They will do everything they can to preserve the systems that empower them.  Therefore those systems must be dismantled.  I wonder how many ELCA members know that that is the ideology undergirding much of what the ELCA is doing.   

Even though the ELCA Church Council was directed “to provide progress updates to this church,” they are very tightlipped and non-communicative.  The report from the representative from churchwide at the recent assembly of the synod in which I am rostered told of many good things the ELCA is doing, but we were told nothing about the above.  It definitely seems that ELCA leaders do not want ELCA congregations and church members to know what is actually going on.  We will inform you as we learn more. 

In our two most recent publications we included resources for those who want to learn more and/or want to inform their congregations about what the ELCA is actually doing.  In our May 2026 newsletter we had an article which contains links to and summaries of a number of articles which tell about actions that have been taken and decisions that were made during and between the 2022 and 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assemblies.  In my June 2026 letter from the director I gave a list of questions that you can use if and/or when your synodical bishop or another synodical representative visits your congregation.

Thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and faithful financial support, all of which enable us to do our work of being a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Please find below links you can use to give a gift towards our regular operating expenses.  Your prayers are especially important to us.  Please let us know how we can be praying for you. 

In the Name of Jesus, to Whom we can go even when we have nowhere else to go,

Dennis D. Nelson
Executive Director of Lutheran CORE
P.O. Box 1741
Wausau WI 54402-1741

“And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?  Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:37-38).

“The flesh is weak.”  We make a resolution and then fail the slightest test against it.  Our spirits may be willing, but how easily we choose the whims of the flesh rather than the resolution of the spirit.  We sleep through the dangers and then wonder why certain things happen.  Jesus tells us to keep watch and pray.  The Lord, who never slumbers nor sleeps, is always with us.

Lord, I do fall asleep and do not pay attention to what I should be paying attention to.  I become absorbed with what my body wants and ignore what I know to be right.  Change my heart so that I may learn to submit all things to You, and not be a slave to the flesh which seeks to betray You.  Continue to lead me to become whom You will make me.  Lead me out of slumber to be awake.

Lord Jesus, in the hour of trial, I often do not pay attention nor come to You in prayer.  Lead me into a life that abides in You always, praying without ceasing.  Lead me to understand that these things are important.  I know I have grace, but that is not an excuse to willfully not act or, because of laziness or temptation, ignore what is the right thing to do.  Help me to better understand these things so that I may learn how to live with You in the righteousness You grant me by grace.  Amen.

“And He was saying, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:36).

Seek to understand the struggle.  I believe Jesus did this for our sake.  He allowed us to see the reality of our human struggle.  We want the issue before us to pass.  We want the thorn removed.  Ultimately, we either go the way of the rebellion crying out, “Why me,” or else we surrender, if you will, die and say to the Lord, “Thy will be done.”  His will shall be done.  The question is, which path will you take?

Heavenly Father, You know that I have taken both paths.  I have drunk from the cup of suffering, but I still wrestle against circumstances.  In simple terms I know that I cannot control circumstances, but I still am tempted to try.  Help me to learn from You to humbly walk through all circumstances knowing that all things are now, as they always have been, in Your hands.  Help me to learn the lessons You would have me learn.

Lord Jesus, You know how the anxiety of the situation presses in and the helplessness – or so it seems – of this age presses in.  You gave us that place of peace which surpasses all understanding by directing us to rest in the Father’s will.  Help me so that I learn to give up the anxiety, working as You would have me work, but trusting that the Father’s will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

“They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.”  And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled” (Mark 14:32-33).

The world is often very troubling and we are often distressed.  Jesus was preparing to take upon Himself the weight of the sin of the world.  He knows the anxieties of the world that try to overwhelm us.  We often check out and do not listen to the Holy Spirit to work through these troubling moments.  It is not that we are to be stressed, but to recognize that in any given moment somewhere, there are those around us who are greatly distressed.

Lord, Your word says that if one member of the body hurts, we all hurt.  Around the world, there are so many who are distressed.  You have called for Your people to be a people of prayer.  In communion with You, we can learn what You would have us do and obey Your commands.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, guide Your faithful ones to be a people of prayer, in communion with all the saints, and seeking Your guidance.

Lord Jesus, none of us can comprehend the breadth and depth of the suffering You took upon Yourself for our sakes.  You call for me to join in intercessory prayer on behalf of those who are suffering.  Lead me in the faith You have given me so that I humbly join with the saints of all times and places on behalf of those who are distressed.  By Your example, help me to become a person of prayer.  Amen.

“They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.”  And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled” (Mark 14:32-33).

The world is often very troubling and we are often distressed.  Jesus was preparing to take upon Himself the weight of the sin of the world.  He knows the anxiety of the world that tries to overwhelm us.  We often check out and do not listen to the Holy Spirit to work through the troubling moments.  It is not that we are to be stressed, but to recognize that in any given moment somewhere, there are those around us who are greatly distressed.

Lord, Your word says that if one member of the body hurts, we all hurt.  Around the world, there are so many who are distressed.  You have called for Your people to be a people of prayer.  In communion with You, we can learn what You would have us do and obey Your command.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, guide Your faithful to be a people of prayer, in communion with all the saints, and seeking Your guidance.

Lord Jesus, none of us are able to comprehend the breadth and depth of the suffering You took upon Yourself for our sakes.  You call for me to join in prayer on behalf of those who are suffering.  Lead me in the faith You have given me so that I humbly join with the saints of all times and places on behalf of those who are distressed.  By Your example, help me to become a person of prayer.  Amen.

“But Peter kept saying insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing also” (Mark 14:31).

Get a crowd together and start chanting what you want to believe.  This is the sinful human way.  Let in a little adversity and the next thing you know, the crowd has scattered.  We, like sheep, flee from danger.  Our Lord grants that we may know the truth which frees us so that we can stand firm upon what is true.  Even though no one stands with you but Jesus alone, stand firm upon the ground of truth.

Lord, You know how I am swayed by crowds and opinions.  I do not want to be a minority, but while following You, I often am.  Help me to hold fast to what is true regardless of what those around me are saying and doing.  Guide me to live according to Your word and to not be tossed about by the winds of this age.  You have come to save me, and I need saving.  Save me from all that would hinder my living in Your grace.

Lord Jesus, You know those places of pride in me which are encouraged by the crowds.  You know those places where I can easily be swayed by any wind that blows in another direction.  Lead me so that my confidence is in You alone and the salvation You have made possible through grace.  Guide me to learn how to be faithful in a world that is tossed about continuously.  Help me to live by faith.  Amen.

July 26: 9^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 12, Lectionary 17

Sola/LSB: Deuteronomy 7:6-9 (Israel chosen because of God’s love, not their deserving)

                ELW/RCL: 1 Kings 3:5-12 (Solomon asks for wisdom)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 125 (God stands round his people like the hills surrounding Jerusalem)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 119:129-136 (Your words enlighten the simple; keep my steps steady

 in your precepts)

All: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus)

Sola/LSB: Matthew 13:44-52 (Parable of the pearl of great price)

                ELW/RCL:  Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (Mustard seed, yeast, pearl)

*******************

Opening Hymn: I Love Your Kingdom, Lord: LBW #368, LSB #651

OR Praise, Praise! You are the Rock: ELW #862

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, v. 1-3: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

Hymn of the Day: Jesus, Priceless Treasure: LBW #457/8, ELW #775, LSB #743

OR One Thing’s Needful; Lord, This Treasure: LSB #536

Communion 1: Jesus, the Very Thought of You: LBW #316, ELW #754

Communion 2: How Great Thou Art: LBW #532, ELW #856, LSB #801

Closing Hymn: In Thee is Gladness: LBW #552, ELW #867, LSB #818

                OR Praise to the Father: LBW #517 (simple tune)

OR Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, v. 4, 5: LBW #158, ELW #392, LSB #821

*******************

Let us lift our hearts, hands, and voices in prayer to God on behalf of all people.

A brief silence is kept.

Dear Father, thank you for giving to your Chosen People the pearl of your holy Word in the Hebrew Scriptures. Thank you for perfectly enfleshing your Word in the Pearl of great price, your dear son Jesus. Thank you for making us, through him, into your pearl, your hidden treasure, and your beloved people!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Make the Church lovely with Jesus’ goodness. May it always treat your Word and Sacraments as precious, living treasures. By the gracious power of your Spirit, draw many to faith in Jesus, so they may never be separated from your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our persecuted sisters and brothers, who face “tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword.” Make them more than conquerors through the Cross of Christ; and soften the hearts of those who torment them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Keep this congregation in your care, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love for us in Christ Jesus. Use our words and deeds to share that love with those around us who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless your people the Jews. You chose them not because they were great but because you loved them. From them you brought forth the pearl of great price, your dear Son Jesus. Keep them in your protective and loving embrace. Bring them and us into the fulness of joy you have prepared for all who love you.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Establish your justice among the nations, O Lord; and do not let the scepter of evil hold sway over us. Establish your justice among rulers of countries and captains of industry; among leaders in every field of inquiry and endeavor; and among your people everywhere. Turn our hearts from evildoing and crooked ways; and fix them firmly upon faith toward you and fervent love toward one another.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for justice, concord, and safety to flourish in this land. We pray for wrongdoers to be held accountable for their deeds, and to repent of them. We pray for wise words, not inflamed rhetoric, from our leaders. We pray for constructive decisions, not rash actions or empty gestures, from those entrusted with authority. We pray for those who risk their lives on behalf of others, that even in difficult circumstances they exhibit integrity and valor. We pray that in all circumstances, your will be done.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for the sick, injured, dying and bereaved; for the troubled, confused, lonely, or despairing; and for everyone who struggles with the tribulations of this life. Therefore we also pray for our dear ones, including: {List}. Help us to show them that though the world seems against them, you are for them; you love them; you justify them; and you shall indeed make them more than conquerors.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Most Holy Father, we remember before you beloved dead. Remember your faithfulness and loving-kindness to us, though we are in the thousandth generation of those whom you name as your own. Teach us to treasure your Son, our Pearl of great price. Whatever trials we endure in this life, grant the blessed outcome promised to all who love you. In your great mercy, bring us into your Kingdom. There, with all the redeemed, may we rejoice in your love and delight in you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.

July 19: 8^th Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 11, Lectionary 16

All: Isaiah 44:6-8 (I am the first and last; beside me there is no god.)

Sola/LSB: Psalm 119:57-64 (I hasten to keep your commandments)

                ELW/RCL: Psalm 86:11-17 (Teach me your way; you are gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love)

Sola/LSB: Romans 8:18-27 (Creation in travail; we groan, Spirit intercedes for us)

                ELW/RCL:  Romans 8:12-25 (At the right time Christ died for the ungodly; sin and death not like the free gift of forgiveness and life)

All: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 (Parable of the wheat and the weeds)

*******************

Opening Hymn: Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading: WOV #687, ELW #401

OR Holy Spirit, Truth/Light Divine (if not used on Pentecost): LBW #257, ELW #398, LSB #496

Hymn of the Day: Come, You Thankful People, Come: LBW #407, ELW #693, LSB #892

Communion 1: Eternal Spirit of the Living Christ: LBW #441, LSB #769, ELW #402

OR Abide with Us, Our Savior: LBW #263, ELW #539

Abide, O Dearest Jesus: LSB #919

Communion 2: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: WOV #771, LSB #809, ELW #733

Closing Hymn: Savior, Again to Your/Thy Dear Name: LBW #262, ELW #534, LSB #917

OR My Hope is  Built on Nothing Less: LBW #293/294, ELW #596/597, LSB #575/576

OR Lead Me, Guide Me: ELW #768, LSB #721

*******

A brief silence is kept.

Holy Father, thank you for stating what we ignore or deny: we’re all a weedy field! Thank you for giving us Jesus’ words, so we can withstand a “cancel culture” that seeks to uproot and destroy. Thank you for his patient tending, that alone can “cancel” our sins and heal us. Thank you for your promise to gather us, from every race, tribe, and nation, as your treasured, holy, precious, and redeemed people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

You are the first and the last; beside you there is no god. Make your Church faithful and persistent in telling the world that in Jesus, crucified and raised from the dead for the forgiveness of sins unto eternal life, you have revealed to us your very heart.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Come to the aid of all who suffer scorn and violence because they name a crucified Jewish carpenter as the one, true, and only God. Grant that they bear faithful witness to that precious truth.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We confess that our congregation is sown with weeds as well as wheat. Forgive us. Deal mercifully with us. By the grace of your Spirit, help us to bear one another’s faults with patience and gentleness. Remind us that you alone will make us pure, holy, and good, by conforming us to your dear Son.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our enemies – especially those who hate us because of our faith in Jesus. We pray for all who deny and despise him. We pray for all who do not know him, or who only know a shriveled, distorted image of him. Soften their hearts; enlighten their minds; and fill them with your Spirit, so they may repent and believe in the Good News.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We know there are no perfect rulers, nations, or programs – only sinful people in a fallen and death-shadowed world. Therefore, we groan in travail, pleading that you would free us from bondage and futility. We cry out for redemption and righteousness; for healing and wholeness; and for your Sabbath rest, your Shalom. Until then, make us humble, gentle, and wise; and heal the evil we have caused.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Your Son’s parable counseled letting weeds and wheat grow together. Yet too often, we must stop the spread of deadly weeds like violence, injustice, and hatred. Therefore, we plead on behalf of those in the military, police, security, intelligence, and first response. Give them wisdom, integrity, and honor, so that by their labors, those they serve may have a measure of justice and safety.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Sickness, sorrow, and adversity take root in every life. We cannot uproot them all, yet we know you desire abundant life for your servants. And so, we are bold to pray for everyone who suffers, including: {List}. Heal and encourage them. In your good time, complete in them and in us all, the full and perfect healing that you have promised in Christ Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We thank you, heavenly Father, for those who have gone before us and are at rest in you. Teach us to pray confidently for each other, knowing that you have made us your children. Teach us to care for each other, knowing that you will prosper your handiwork in us. Gather us to yourself as your rich and fruitful harvest in Jesus, so that with all your forgiven sinners, we may abide with you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Hear our prayers, dear Father, as they touch your heart through the Spirit who searches our hearts. For the sake of your beloved Son, answer them as may be best for us and give you glory. Amen.