Temple Talk

Temple Talk  5 October 2025

Good morning, Grace family and friends!

My name is Brenda Hornickle. I am delighted to be working with Terry Neal, PJ Blanchette and Pastor Olga-Maria during this season of Stewardship.

As we consider our ministry plan for the coming year, we are grateful for the faithful gifts of time, talent and treasure that have enabled Grace to continue sharing God’s love with each other, our community and the world.

And there are so many ministries and so many gifts at Grace!

Musicians with skilled hands and amazing voices

People who lead and assist in Sunday worship and prayer ministries

People who offer welcome and refreshment with greetings and coffee and follow up phone calls

Technical wizards who ensure worship and our website are welcoming and accessible

People skilled in gardening, repairs and maintenance that keep our campus and buildings welcoming, safe and accessible

People who organize and support our many social ministry efforts

People who assist with on-going administrative tasks

Leaders who serve as Council members, committee chairs or committee members

People who faithfully and generously share their treasure

People who support ministry at Grace by showing up; just being present with and for one another is a true gift.

Scripture reminds us that there are many different gifts in the body of Christ and each one is important in our work together. Each of us at Grace, as different as we are, and each of our varied gifts, are part of ministry. 

I am encouraged that ministry doesn’t need to be complicated. Jesus kept things pretty simple. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, sould and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.

In today’s gospel Jesus uses a tiny mustard seed to describe faith

Jesus uses a mite, the smallest of coins, to describe generosity

Jesus uses spit and mud to restore sight

Jesus uses five loaves and two small fish – a child’s lunch – to feed a multitude

We gather around simple things in worship. Water in the font reminds us we are saved by grace. Bread and wine at the table become Christ’s very body and blood given for us and for all people.

I find such joy in sharing gifts of time, talent and treasure at Grace because my gifts join those of others to do ministry together. We join with our local community, our ELCA synod, the church worldwide and people of faith in every nation.

Consider the quilts. Little bits and pieces of fabric, of many colors and patterns, are joined together with skilled and careful hands. More skilled hands layer the pieced tops with batting and backing, tacked them and bind them with edging to become the quilts we send to Lutheran World Relief. They are beautiful, indeed. When these quilts are given to families who are fleeing war and violence or seeking safety after an earthquake, flood or other disaster, they become so much more. They become a warm hug for a frightened child and comfort for the weary. They literally become shelter for families without homes. Most important, they are tangible signs of God’s love.  

Today’s psalm contains these words:  Commit your way to the Lord; put your trust in the Lord, and see what God will do.  Psalm 37:3-5

When we offer our gifts with a grateful heart and open hands to the glory of God, we are confident that God will be present in and bless our ministry together.

I recently read a meditation that concluded with these words. “Sometimes all we need to do is show up with some bread and a couple of fish.”

Or maybe some quilt pins. Or a garden rake. Or a cookie.

Thanks be to God!