2 Penny Blog

A short but personal reflection about Pastor Lou's journey home during a Lent thirty years ago.

Previously published in the February 2023 Newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, VA. Find the written version of this post and other writings at 2pennyblog.wordpress.com. 

#lent #christian #spirituality #faith #repent #redemption #hope

© 2023 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

Looking into a new year can be like looking into a chasm of darkness. What does the furture hold? We can never fully know, but we know this. God holds us. God's love has us covered.

Previously published in Christ Lutheran's January 2023 Newsletter in Fredericksburg, VA. Find the written version of this podcast  and more at 2pennyblog.wordpress.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations for this post are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSVue) translation unless otherwise noted.

© 2023 The Rev. Louis Florio. All content not held under another’s copyright may not be used without permission of the author.

#newyear #christian #spirituality #faith #godislove #lutheran

How can Jesus be revealed to some and not others? That question uttered by the Apostle Judas (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, thus sometimes called Jude) is a great one. Despite our anxiety or shortcomings, we need not doubt. We don't even need to understand. The Spirit is on the move; connecting us to the saints of old, even as it is leading us toward that final eternity with God in peace. The Spirit invites each of us to play a part in God's sacred story. 

Please read the lectionary Texts for the the Sixth Sunday in Easter (2022) prior to listening to my sermon: Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10 and 21:22-22:5, and John 14:23-29.

Preaching: Pastor Lou Florio

You can learn more about Christ Lutheran where Pastor Lou serves as Associate Pastor at:

https://www.christ-lutheran-church.org/

Or, follow us for updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLCFred

Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Augustine Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sermon Copyright © 2022 by Pr. Louis Florio. For the written text of this sermon and any relevant citation information, please visit https://2pennyblog.wordpress.com/

#easter #easter6 #acts16 #john 14 #holyspirit #faith #grace #spirituality #christian #lutheran

In the earliest stories of the Church, we encounter people much like us. And even today, like them, we can meet the Risen Christ through our ordinary, daily lives. (Previously published in Christ Lutheran's May 2022 Newsletter, Fredericksburg, VA. Find the written version at 2pennyblog.wordpress.com.) #easter #christian #spirituality #faith

Life is filled with strange occurences and joyful events deemed as miracles. Yet, what if the greatest miracles come from the legacy of love shared as part of Christ's Church. Exploring the story of Tabitha's resurrection in Acts 9, we discover that among the greatest of God's miracles is love shared.

Please read the lectionary Texts for the the Fourth Sunday in Easter prior to listening to my sermon: Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30

Preaching: Pastor Lou Florio

You can learn more about Christ Lutheran where Pastor Lou serves as Associate Pastor at:

https://www.christ-lutheran-church.org/

Or, follow us for updates on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLCFred

Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 Augustine Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Sermon Copyright © 2022 by Pr. Louis Florio

#easter #easter4 #acts9 #john10 #death #resurrection #faith #spirituality #christian

As Easter comes once again, we remember Jesus is not among the dead. We can see signs of his love springing up all around us, even in the worst of times. Rejoice and be glad, for Jesus has risen for you...is risen for you. Death cannot stop his love for us, and it never will. (Previously published in Christ Lutheran's April 2022 Newsletter, Fredericksburg, VA. Find the written version at 2pennyblog.wordpress.com.) #easter #christian #spirituality #faith

Pastor Lou shares a short pastoral reflection as we prepare to start another Lent. (Previously published in Christ Lutheran's March 2022 Newsletter, Fredericksburg, VA. Find the written version at 2pennyblog.wordpress.com.) #lent #christian #spirituality

Pastor Lou shares a special reflection on Psalm 130 for those in the law enforcement community and those who love and support them. Due to the special needs of law enforcement and the many challenges always faced, he also announces a new place to find exclusively law enfocement related content. Please visit us at midnightsleo.com. A companion podcast by the same name is also coming with reflections, discussions and interviews to hopefully help law enforcement officers and their families live a more abundant life. 

For those who prefer to continue to follow all of Pastor Lou's reflections on all topics, much of what is shared on Midnights LEO podcast will also be released here. Look for the LE designation in the title when visiting Two Penny Blog. 

Pastor Lou has been a police chaplain since 2008, and he previously served in patrol for six years with the City of Alexandria (VA) Police Department. 

#lawenforcement #police #firstresponders #chaplain

This bonus episode addresses anxiety, stress, loss, grief, trauma, post traumatic stress and other related issues - particularly in the context of the pandemic. It does include resources and suggestions for coping. It was a conversation between friends and colleagues who both happen to be Christian ministers, but what was covered may potentially help anyone struggling with or caring for someone seeking to address these issues. Caregivers such as nurses, teachers, first responders, faith leaders and others might especially benefit. 

Father Ethan Lowery is an Episcopal priest serving as a College Campus Minister and Young Adult Missioner in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Pastor Lou Florio is a Lutheran Pastor who also has served as a hospital, hospice, and law enforcment chaplain and missioner to at-risk youth. He has six years expereince as a police officer. He is currently Associate Pastor at Christ Lutheran in Fredericksburg

This discussion can also be found at Non Working Title, Fr. Ethan's podcast, "an on-going conversation with friends about rest, sabbath, and resisting the overbearing cultural pressure to work/produce/be available all the time." Look for Season 0, Episode 3, and while there, check out his other episodes about sabbath, rest and health. 

The following sermon was offered at Christ Lutheran Church on February 13, 2022, the 6th Sunday after Epiphany. Due to the positive feedback and discussion, that followed, I am sharing it here. You can also watch it on Christ Lutheran (Fredericksburg, VA) YouTube Channel or Facebook page. Primary text for the sermon was Luke 6:17-26, the Beatitudes. 

Drawing from a Facebook Live class in April 2020 as the pandemic began, this edition of the Two Penny Blog takes a look at a valuable Lutheran worship resource in the context of home worship. Not Lutheran? It is a great chance to learn more about Christian worship across all liturgical traditions and perhaps enrich your own spiritual practices. 

Pastor Lou tries to unpack the ancient celebration of Candlemas, often best known as The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, but it has other names as well. This episode is also available as a blog post: https://2pennyblog.wordpress.com/2022/02/02/shedding-a-light-on-candlemas/

In this episode, Pastor Lou seeks to explain how scripture can sometimes refer to the same or similar event, yet there can be differences if not seeming erros. If the Gospels are inspired, why do they differ? This episode is adapted from a blog post: https://2pennyblog.wordpress.com/2022/01/26/if-the-gospels-are-inspired-why-do-they-differ/

Whoever we are, wherever we are, our name is known to God. We are remembered and loved. This mediation is adapted from a blog post available at: https://2pennyblog.wordpress.com/2022/01/11/called-by-name/