Pastor's Blog

Thursday was my first day back to the office following our wonderful wedding, honeymoon in Hawaii, and a time of unpacking boxes and organizing. Stephen and I are so grateful for being a part of this wonderful and generous congregation, who has blessed us with love and gifts as we start our life together.

Music has transcended the spoken word of people throughout all history, going back as far as millennia to prehistoric times. Music has been used to emote spoken word, whether in joyful or somber scenarios, and its use in the context of religion and faith has been very well-documented.

My kids do sports. All of them are dancing, tumbling, running, karate-chopping or kicking. All the time. And, it feels, all at the same time and in different directions (a blog for another time).

It will be hot… you will need sunscreen… please drink lots of water to stay hydrated… but please help begin 8 Days of Service and our Habitat house on Friday, August 15 (putting in floor joists for subfloor) or Saturday, August 16 (installing floor sheathing for sub floor).

We talk about serving as one of the important expressions of discipleship. Jesus said that he came not to be served, but to serve. As we lift him up as our example, we do well to find ways to serve as well.

This past week I have been at Lutheridge for Confirmation Camp, also known as Campfirmation. We had seven campers from Christ Lutheran attend camp, some attending Campfirmation and some attending other programs. For confirmation camp, our students got to meet peers from several other churches as we belong to a cluster of churches whose leaders and students come together for a week of learning and camp adventure. This cluster has been getting together for 47 years!

I have never seen Jesus in a piece of toast. I have made lots of toast. Presently, with my tomatoes springing-up, you would be forgiven in thinking that all I eat are tomatoes on toast.

For 25 years, I have met with six guys every 3-4 weeks for a book study, but it is so much more. Not only have we covered topics from theology to spirituality to politics to psychology to history with some fascinating books, but we have done life together.

The Xperience just finished our annual tour; this year we toured throughout the Carolinas. We visited Hickory, Camp Agape, Raleigh, Wilmington, Oak Island, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Beaufort. Needless to say it was a busy week.

I’m not sure where I first heard it, but someone once told me that the most beautiful word in any language is your name. It sounds a little vain, but I suppose it’s true when you think about it, and I think it’s because names are individual, personal, and powerful.

Come Holy Spirit! This is a prayer, usually one meaning that we want the Holy Spirit to enter into our life and affairs. But do we? To invite the Holy Spirit is to give up your will.

Never before in my life have I been more aware of the concept of “making time for that which is important” as when I became a parent. Before children, or “BC” as it were, I had greater flexibility to use my schedule as I wished; I imagine almost all other parents, both mothers and fathers, can relate.

This past weekend, over 600 people gathered for our North Carolina Synod Assembly at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro. The theme was “God Is Calling,” and we had a lot of work to accomplish together. And that we did! It was a discerning time for us as a synod, filled with the Holy Spirit.

I approach Memorial Day with a mixture of emotions: gratitude, grief, humility, and a deep longing for the peace that Christ alone can bring. Memorial Day is a time when our nation pauses to remember those who have died in military service.

After dating for four years following a summertime romance as camp counselors at Camp Vermilion, Gretchen and I said our marriage vows on June 8, 1985, at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota. With over 400 people in attendance, we had a full-blown, hour-long worship service complete with three pastors, setting II of the Kyrie and communion.