How about your congregation? Between the gray days and lack of sun to the uptick of Covid 19 cases and political news, this advent we all need an extra dose of hope. Right?! Check out some ways below you can encourage and inspire hope into your congregation and into your community: Photo Credit to Vicki … Continue reading Advent Hope

“All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth” was a famous song when I was a kid. I can remember watching Alvin and the Chipmunks belt out this song between their two front teeth! Our two front teeth are important; they help us sing, whistle, and cut into food. Life would be bland … Continue reading All I Want For Christmas Devotional

November is the month to be grateful and thankful. Many people post daily on their Facebook page, in a notebook, or through their Twitter handle on what makes them happy, or thankful, or grateful. It's often a 30 day challenge, and ends with the big celebration of Thanksgiving. One way to help parents, grandparents, or … Continue reading Fidget Spinner Prayers

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