Thoughts for Summer 2025

by: Chuck Prewett

We refuse to be victims.

We refuse to hate.

We believe in justice.

We resist through nonviolence,

because of our faith.

We refuse to be enemies.

Come and see. Go and tell.

Stand up. Act.

This opening statement is from a Palestinian Christian community living in a settlement referred to as Tent of Nations in Bethlehem.  These Christians have lived there for generations and are surrounded by multiple settlements that encroach on the land they rely on for their livelihood. 

Olive trees, olives and oil are their primary source of income.  These trees are often uprooted by settlers.  The resident Christians stoically replant. Despite adversity, these brothers and sisters in Christ remain strong in their faith and persevere.  I came upon this story from one of our former pulpit supply pastors, Rev. Khader Khalilia.  Pastor Khader has recently visited the Holy Land, his homeland, and I’ve read his updates on social media.  Please keep our fellow Believers in your prayers and pray for peace throughout the region.  Those who receive their emails will know that in January, 2026, our Sierra Pacific Synod is leading a trip to this region of the Holy Land.  Bishop Jeff Johnson and Rev. Amy Kienzle are leading and, yes, Rev. Khader Khalilia is scheduled to guide and participate as well.

     Typically, I try to keep our message for the summer months on the light side, but this year is a particularly trying time for our world and for fellow Believers.  When we watch the news, go online or read the paper we see the turmoil and struggles in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Kashmir and other regions of the world.  On a smaller scale, we’ve had our own squabbles, conflict and animosity here at home.  We hope, pray and work for peace and justice throughout the world. 

I watched a portion of the old 1960’s film “The Night of the Iguana” the other day and was taken by a musing from the struggling, outcast priest Father Shannon, played by Richard Burton, who speaks of man’s inhumanity to God himself and how we’ve failed our maker. Our behavior doesn’t reflect how God made us or intends us to be.  We fall short, too often miserably short.  He loves us anyway.

     Despite our fallen nature and disheartening news, our world still has good people doing their best to do positive things.  Locally, fellow Lutherans are working together to better serve our community.  Here on our own campus, we continue with our diaper program and expand on it with gift cards, formula and other items when opportunity arises.  Our friends from Grace Presbyterian regularly serve neighbors in need.  The Tahoe Park Neighborhood Association, with the help of volunteers like us, works to make our neighborhood a cleaner, safer, more welcoming place.  Together we make a difference.

     Near the end of July, Chaplain Stewart will be moving back to Florida.  We thank him for his service, guidance and friendship.  We wish him well.  I’m sure he’ll be pleased to be back near his family.  May God watch over him and them.  We’ll miss him.  Who knows, he travels so much perhaps we’ll still see him on occasion!

     Our third Wednesday at six pm dinner, devotional, study sessions continue and are always informative and offer good fellowship.  Come, join us.  Our rotation of clergy carries on as well.  We’ve been blessed.  Pray for all in need.  Reach out and help where able.  Our community and world need all the good deeds we can muster.  I’ll conclude with and introduce our new mission/vision statement.  The wording is new; the aspirations are ongoing.

We reach our neighbors for the kingdom of God in Christ through visibility, availability and service. 

Peace,

Chuck Prewett