Last week, Lori and I flew to Copenhagen, Denmark to spend a few days with our youngest son, Sam, who has been studying there this semester. It was fun for us because A) we got to spend some time with Sam, and B) he had been living there for 12 weeks, so we had our … More Permanent
Every weekday morning, our alarm goes off at 5:30am. After getting up, getting moving, tending to the dog and the cat, I head to the gym. I step onto the treadmill and look at my watch. It is almost always 6:01am as I press the “Start” button. (Or, 6:02am if I’m moving slowly.) I do … More Like Clockwork
On Sunday, I had the opportunity to worship with the community at the contemporary worship service of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, Minnesota. St. Andrew’s is a congregation much larger than Trinity, but I would describe their congregational culture and style as being very similar. They have a beautiful, giant sanctuary, and then a … More Worshiping at St. Andrew’s Lutheran in Mahtomedi
On Sunday, I worshipped (in-person!) at North Point Community Church, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. North Point is a non-denominational church with 8 different campuses across the Atlanta area. If you add the worshipping attendance at all 8 campuses up, North Point averages over 35,000 people worshipping together every weekend. North Point is led by … More Worship at North Point
The past two Sundays, I had the opportunity to participate in worship online, from the comfort of our couch at home. First, with Church of the Resurrection, a large Methodist congregation in Kansas City, and then with Lutheran Church of Hope, a large church in Des Moines. My intent had been to worship in person … More Who is our Audience?
Knee High by the 4th of July On the 4th of July, Lori and I took Kennedy for a walk “around the block.” It’s a long block. A little over a mile. And it takes us past the corn fields that are on Partridge Ave. I commented to Lori that the corn was definitely “knee … More Knee High by the 4th of July
This morning, Lori and I worshipped at Hosanna Church in Lakeville, Minnesota. Hosanna is a large church, with a focus on adult discipleship, on ministry with children, youth & families, and a dynamic worship life. We entered into a large entry/lobby area. Volunteer greeters were scattered throughout to welcome us. The children’s area had volunteers … More Visiting Hosanna in Lakeville
On Wednesday of this week, I had the opportunity to spend time and draw wisdom from two different ELCA congregations in the Los Angeles area. Both congregations were suggested to me as sites to visit because they are known for thinking creatively about how these churches connect with their community. Salem Lutheran Church in Glendale … More Meeting the Community Where It’s At
On Saturday, Lori and I worshipped at Saddleback Church. Saddleback is a multi-site church. It is one of the largest churches in the country. The church was started by Pastor Rick Warren, who has written a number of books including the best-seller, “The Purpose Driven Life.” Pastor Rick recently announced his retirement this fall. We worshipped at … More Sabbatical Worship: Saddleback Church
I have four words for you which either should either strike terror in your hearts, or make you laugh. Are you ready? Ok: here they are: I went axe throwing. Yes, it’s true. For fun and sport, Lori and I went axe throwing. We were invited by some good friends to join them in an evening of hurling axes at … More Muscle Memory
Test Driving Theology 