Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount continues with declarations – You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world. There are no conditions on Jesus’ proclamation. He is not “shoulding” us. He is not willing us to be something we are not. He is simply declaring what we are – salt and light.

On Sunday, our guest preacher, the Rev. Eric Shafer, Pastor-In-Residence for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services reminded us what being salt and light looks like for refugees seeking to find new homes in new places. It’s a situation that 1 in 6 Lutherans found themselves in following World War 2. As our ancestors in faith sought and found welcome in new places following their own forced migrations, we have the opportunity to continue to be salt and light for those who find themselves in similar situations today.

Whether our gifts are praying without ceasing, organizing drives, engaging in advocacy, providing financial support, or creating safe harbors and homes – there are ways for us to be salt and light on behalf of refugees in our midst today. As Pastor Hoffman reminded us last week, we don’t do this work by ourselves. With great humility, we offer what we can trusting that God can and will use us to bring salt and light to the world!

P.S. On Sunday after worship, we heard about the ministry of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services from Pastor-In-Residence Eric Shafer. (You can watch the recording here!) Organizations like LIRS are partners helping us to be be salt and light in the world. Learn more by visiting the LIRS website.

P.P.S. We also have an opportunity to be salt and lightt for those who are homebound in our community. If you’d like to help us spread love, hope, and good cheer through sending Valentines, please contact the church office (or Donna Berner directly) to receive a name.