In my effort to blog about my own experiences as well as other churches, here is my next story. I have always known that church relationships matter. For 20 years, I have been in ministry on 3 different continents speaking 3 to 4 languages. But it didn’t really hit me until I made my last … Continue reading A Tale of Two Churches

Church #3. Meet Mary JJ Keelan. She is the Director of Youth and Family Ministry at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Manasquan, New Jersey. With a vibrant staff, Holy Trinity has average worship attendance of 250 people a given Sunday. Keelan, Youth and Family Ministry and Worship and Music committees asked: “What do youth need … Continue reading Worship Reordered

Just as I am lifting up the creative things that congregations are doing around the USA, I am happy to share some of my own gleanings. With Maundy Thursday around the corner, first on the docket is about Holy Communion. Often I get questions from families about Holy Communion. Questions like “When should my child … Continue reading Play Holy Communion?

Prayers based on the Narrative Lectionary text Luke 9:51-62. Jesus set his face to go to Jerusalem... Led by Christ in our journey of repentance and moved by his compassion, let us pray for the church, those in need and all of God’s creation. God of the Journey, through your son, Jesus Christ, you are … Continue reading Ash Wednesday Prayers

Church #2. Meet Lexanne Kimball Graves. She is the Director of Faith Formation at Living Springs Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Living Springs has a membership of 350 people with a heart for service. Graves describes Living Springs as an “agile church” that likes to do something else. She says, “The congregation is excited to try … Continue reading Football Anyone?

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