Permanent

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

Like Clockwork

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

Worshiping at St. Andrew’s Lutheran in Mahtomedi

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

Worship at North Point

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

Who is our Audience?

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?

Sabbatical Worship: Saddleback Church

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

Muscle Memory

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