One of my favorite days of the church year is All Saints' on November 1. Remembering the beloved that have gone before us from death into new life touches the depths of my heart. How will your congregation celebrate this special day in 2020? In past years, we have been in the sanctuary, where we … Continue reading All Saints 2020

Covid-19 might has changed the way we do ministry, but it hasn't stopped it. At St John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, we have Sidewalk Sunday School, outdoor classroom and bonfires for confirmation, parking lot services, Pet Blessing and now, looking at Trunk or Treat. Of course, we have Covid procedures to keep everyone safe, … Continue reading Trunk or Treat – Covid Style

People love their pets - fish, guinea pigs, dogs and cats. Just looking at some statistics from 2017,  there are around 95 million cat owners and 90 million dog owners in the USA. Animal lovers feel that their dog, or cat, or whatever pet is part of the family. We love them, and Saint Francis … Continue reading Pet Blessing

At St John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, we are deep into planning the Fall Sermon Series to use at the outdoor Radio Church (until snow arrives) and with online worship. Using the Narrative Lectionary 2020-2021 readings, we want to dwell deep into the promises of God and the grace God extends and endows the … Continue reading Promise and Purpose

At St John’s Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN winter comes early. It's cold by mid-October. So we have from Rally Day to mid-October to use the outdoors creatively. During Radio Church (a drive-in parking lot service), we will offer a Back-to-School Blessing, Drive-Thur Bible Blessing, a Teacher Installation, First Communion, and an Affirmation of Baptism service. … Continue reading Outdoor Classroom Confirmation

At St John’s Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, we do Radio Church in our parking lot. It has been a great way to gather outside and safely during the Pandemic. But Minnesota winters come early and last a long time! So from Rally Day to mid-October, we will be using the outdoors for 6 weeks (before the … Continue reading Sidewalk Sunday School

At St John's Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN, we do Radio Church in our parking lot. It has been a great way to gather during the Pandemic. But Minnesota winters come early and last a long time! We have about 6 weeks to do as much as we can outside! Literally, we have no time … Continue reading Back to School Blessing

As I was perusing camps last Spring and trying to help my college student find a job, most everything had been cancelled due to COVID-19. Then, I came across a museum camp that said, "Camp isn't cancelled. We restructuring and starting later! Deets coming soon!" That got me thinking about Vacation Bible School. At St … Continue reading Backyard VBS

Maybe there are few things you never thought you would do as a pastor? But with COVID, church worship has moved out of the building. Many pastors and church workers have turned to social media to reach people through Facebook Live, YouTube, live streaming, and now, radio church. Something I as a pastor would find … Continue reading Radio Church