So today was a little different. I am an ELCA Lutheran pastor running a ministry in Pine Ridge. This week, we are hosting Lutheran seminary students and a professor. They are here for a seminary course we host every January. They are meeting many native people.

Being Sunday, it is a quiet day for course work. But being seminary, students worship was on the agenda.

We started the day at the Catholic church in Oglala, Our Lady of the Sioux. Father Joe made everyone feel welcome. He gave a very nice message. We sang English language songs and Lakota Language songs. Including Amazing Grace in Lakota.

While driving to Oglala, I received a text from my country church I work with monthly, on the second Sunday each month. They were all set for worship at 11.

Great.

Except it is the first Sunday and I was committed to the local Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church at 11. I did offer to come up at 12:30. After a little back and forth they agreed.

At the Presbyterian Church, I was asked to baptize 2 adults. Abram led the worship and gave a wonderful message about the point of baptism. It was a great worship. They also received 2 others as members. After worship the center provided a hearty brunch for the community.

I had to skip the meal to head to Advent in Calico.

The worship there was fun and included Communion. My message was on baptism since as a church we were observing the baptism of the Lord.

God loves you! So do I.