Running, running, running...

What a week. I preached at a different church this week, so I was preparing that sermon all week on top of my usual duties around here. My supervisor and I went on at least 6 different communion visits this week. After this month, we're going to split up the list and go to them individually. So, I do get to bring communion, but I have to "put my kit on the altar some Sunday" to make it "legal."

We had some Sr High youth learn a hard lesson in ministry this week. Sunday night we held a "Fear Factor"-style competition with games and crazy animals and a lot of fun stuff. The girls in charge had put up sign up sheets at the high school, and were estimating 80 attendees. We had 25. It was amazingly fun, but the numbers were extremely disappointing. What happens when you have something and no one shows up? They found out. BTW, I have a picture of myself wrapped in a 20-ft python if anyone's interested in seeing it.

Short post because I've got a dartball match to get to tonight. Next week's highlights include Thanksgiving eve service, and having plenty of QT with the GF as she's in CL for TG. If you can't figure that out, sorry. ;)

In Christ's Hope,
Christopher

Fun times!

Hey folks. I just got off the phone with Laure from Contextual Leadership. She is going to put a little blurb in the next newsletter about our blog, and invite anyone who wants to join us to email me. It'll be nice to have some other folks on here, but you all will always be the Magnificent Seven! :D Hope things are well!

In Christ's Hope,
Christopher

Whirlwind two weeks...

Man alive. These last two weeks, I feel like I've been running with no stop on some days and at a complete standstill on others. For example, last Sunday, I had worship, JHSS, baptisms at noon, a youth event at 1, then left at 4 for Owatonna for the Synod Theological Conference, which went until about 9 that night. On the other hand, there are days like last Friday, where I had everything done, and felt pretty still. One of the things I want to do is use those "slow times" and go visit folks, but I haven't gotten off my lazy butt to do that yet. ;)

Synod theological conference was interesting. I got to see some of my fellow interns, along with people that I had worked with in the past that I didn't know where in the synod. Some of the stuff in the sessions was interesting, but here's one of my pet peeves in one sentence, OK?: I don't want to know your political leanings by the content of your preaching or teaching. That's all I'll say about that.

On Wednesday of this week, I led our Release Time sessions. We have 2-4 grades and 5th & 6th for a half-hour each. 2-4 was CRAZY. One kid sitting in the front could not sit. He was laying in the pew, up and down, on and off the floor, really distracting. I had to talk to him afterwards, but I don't think he was listening to me. Meanwhile, 5&6 were great. I was even able to goof with them a little bit. And of course on this past Wednesday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN! :D :D

Rena, I also preached this past Sunday. I did roll around with that text for a great while. It turned out pretty well, and I got some positive reaction. It was tough, but the scales did fall from my eyes when it came to "Where is the Gospel in this text?" Some texts, that's the question to ask; for others, it's "Where is the law?" Remember, both are there, folks! :D Even my girlfriend appreciated my sermon.

Oh yeah, my girlfriend. Some of you know already that I have been dating a certain someone for a couple of weeks now, and she came down here this weekend. We had some good QT, as Kinney might say (that is, quality time). She went back north this afternoon, and I already miss her. If you want more details, email me. I sure ain't posting relationship details on the Internet!! :D ;)

Blessings to all in your ministry this week. This week's highlights for me include a "round table" discussion with our Sr High youth, and their "Fear Factor" event on Sunday (totally eating-crazy-stuff free!). I'm also preaching again this Sunday, but it is at another church in the area. God bless!

In Christ's Hope,
Christopher

Yeesh...

Don't have much time. I was in Owatonna for Synod Theological Conference on Monday, so that's why I didn't post. I'll post about the last 2 weeks next Monday. Peace!

Blessed All Saints Day!

Hey folks. I'm going to make my post short today as I have some...business...to take care of. (Curious? Email me.) However, there were two things I wanted to share. On Thursday, my supervisor and I had our toughest home communion visit since I've been here. This woman has had a rough go of it over about the past 3 years, including her husband in a nursing home with Altheimers. She said a few times that she didn't even know if she believed anymore, and why God didn't stop punishing them. We tried to encourage her, and we did give her communion, which I was really happy about, that she was still willing to take it, but it just reminds me of the despair that's out there. I've experienced that despair myself, and I know the healing that comes from the Word in my life and in the lives of others. She's going to be someone I want to meet with all year.

Second, preaching. I did work the Heretics shirt into my sermon when I was talking about the Reformation. My title was "Lest We Forget", and I talked about the Jews in the John reading forgetting about their slavery in Egypt, the Catholic Church forgetting that salvation was a gift, and us nowadays forgetting we're sinners. I ended by being "the string around your finger" and bringing the Word. I had my clerical on to start, and then when I talked about the Catholics going against Luther, I took my clerical off and had the Heretics shirt underneath. I talked to my JHSS kids about that, and a lot of them were wondering what I was doing. :D I got a lot of positive comments again too. T-Bone, I like your idea about sharing the sermons. Hook that up.

Well, I have...business...to take care of. Next week's big thing is the Synod Theological Conference next Sunday through Tuesday. God bless!

In Christ's Hope,
Christopher