Pastor Lucy's Message
(May 2026)

Breathing. We do it without thinking about it — because to say it is vital to our well-being is an understatement but never-the-less true — so our nervous system does it without us having to really think about it. Breathing is also a sign to ourselves and other that we are relaxed, nervous, anxious, frustrated, scared, and/or in dire need of help. Our breath quickens along with our fight or flight response. It can sooth and help us relax as we prepare our bodies and minds for sleep. Deep breathing can help our brains switch from a feeling of anxiousness to feeling calm, reorienting our focus. Breath is powerful, it is holy, it is renewing.

The season of Spring is often a reminder for me to stop and breathe deeply. And if my allergies aren't too bad (haha), I'm greatly rewarded for my effort. The smell of dirt and flowers, the smell of rain, fresh mown grass, and warm air filled me with hope, belonging, and so much more. How can breathing do this? Because the breath we have is God's breath—it is a holy thing filled with love.

So, as our weather gets even more pleasant, as the news continues to be overwhelming, as we spend time with friends and family, as we search for connection and community—let's breathe deep. And remember that God's breath is in us and all humankind—giving us life yes—but also giving us the gift of love and renewing each and every moment of our lives.

Some scripture passages that were running through my head as I wrote and reflected on breath:

Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man's nostrils, and the man became a living person. — Genesis 2:7

God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it.
He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. — Isaiah 42:5

This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD. — Ezekiel 37:5-6

Again, he said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Then he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. — John 20:21-22

In Christ,
--Pastor Lucy

LuMin Campus Ministry

​The East Lemonweir Church Council was approached to financially support Lutheran
Campus ministry of La Crosse (called LuMin - luminlax.org/ ) at their April council meeting.

This is in answer to a call for support after LuMin experienced some rental income loss. We are extremely grateful to be in the financial position we are to be able to contribute $5,000 to ministries outside of our church home.

Pastor Kathryn Thompson (the LuMin Campus Pastor in La Crosse) will be joining Bethany and East Lemonweir for worship at a later date this summer. But she expressed her gratitude right away and I'm passing on her brief note of thanks.
​
"LuMin is incredibly grateful for the large endowment gift that East Lemonweir has given to
LuMin. I look forward to joining you sometime in the near future." — Pastor Kathryn