'I bequeath you Earth ordinary, extraordinary Earth'

I will you Earth that carries the seasons you will live: the moods of quiet winter, deep colors and emotions of autumn, expectation and unfolding of spring, and richness and yield of summer. Cold frost, parched heat, fragrant spring, crisp autumn. Earth will give blossoms; Earth will tell you when it’s time to plant, to go to the park, to gather in; Earth will rest the woods and gardens. Walk on Earth as though it is yours for a while. Do not miss this day. You have inherited a living Earth. Feed it, for it feeds you. When you pray, look into the sky and over hills and valleys, down at the earth on which you stand. It is true as God said: “Behold, the Earth is very good.” So are you. ...

It is a sacred piece of property, this Earth you have been given, and only for a while, it is your treasure. Walk gently across it, look twice, be still, listen, make an echo, kiss it, dig it, grow in it, share it. Bless the Earth.

Heaven came to Earth, to earth. You know the song “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come,” Jesus did not live long on Earth, but he lived fully. He prayed, “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” For me, heaven and Earth are not far apart. You will know more of heaven as you make Earth a friend. In my mind, earth is a means of grace, for earth holds the water, the wine, the bread. Earth held the Way, Truth, Life. Everything came from earth, and all will return to earth. I bequeath you this Earth.

This week's front page features:

One month to work, learn in Tanzania: Wartburg College students see the impact of AIDS firsthand. (Photo at right.)

Delicious demos: Chef’s class delivers for homebound elderly.

Dramatic experiences: Youth send a message through plays, musical.

'We have to take the church to them': Chaplains greet ships' crews.

Also: On the money.

Also: ELCA sees rise in number of ministry candidates.

Also: 'Precious' and platinum.

Read these articles at our front page > > >

Gary Grindeland (right) is director of Seafarers and International House in New York City.

Join him for a conversation already under way about ministry among merchant ship crews today through Nov. 7.

Consider reading Charles Austin's article, "'We have to take the church to them'" before joining the discussion.

Join the discussion > > >

It's Halloween, and Andrea Pohlmann writes about "hell houses" and scare-tactic evangelism.

Elizabeth Hunter blogs about listening evangelically.

Kathy Kastilahn (right) asks those who stood up for "Stand Up Against Poverty" to remain standing.

Julie Sevig blogs about $100-a-pound coffee.

Sonia Solomonson blogs about visiting Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Seattle.

Check out our blog (and leave a comment) > > >

Subscribe to The Lutheran magazine:

Did you know: An individual subscription to The Lutheran magazine is only $15.95 a year and includes a Web Premium membership at no additional cost.

For only $15.95 you'll receive 12 issues of The Lutheran magazine in your mailbox. You'll also receive access to back issues' articles since 1996 and unlimited study guide downloads (regularly $3.50 each) at www.thelutheran.org.

(Congregational subscriptions begin at $7.95 and include Web Standard memberships. Call Augsburg Fortress, Publishers, for details about our congregational plans. 1-800-328-4648.)

Subscribe to The Lutheran > > >

---

This is an Associated Church Press award-winning e-newsletter.