Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Children in the Divine Service

One of the things I love is to hear our congregation's children in the liturgy. They don't always say it exactly right, or at exactly the right times, but to hear them learning and taking part is, well, awe-inspiring. This is truly the faith being passed down to the next generation.

And so I love it when I hear them say "Lord, have mercy" after everyone else has said it! I love hearing a loud "Amen!" I love hearing them say the Lord's Prayer, AND having the rest of the congregation slow down for them! I love hearing the "Alleluias" and to hear them singing the Words of Institution with me. Those words were some of the first of the liturgy that my children learned. And what a great memory! All parents remember their children's first words - mama, or papa, or whatever. What were your children's first liturgical words? Could there be any better ones than "This is my body?" I also love it when they respond to questions in the sermon.

So parents, don't worry when your child speaks out in church! Of course, if they're being disruptive, that must be dealt with, that they learn how we act in God's house, the same as they learn how to act at home, in school, and in all sorts of places. But if they're just trying to take part, let them speak! Loudly! Is it in not quite the right place? That's alright; they'll learn soon enough. Enjoy them and their faith speaking to their Father who gave it.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Favre is Now a Verb

Brian Cashman, GM of the NY Yankees, has told Andy Pettitte "don't Favre us" with his decision to retire or not. As one who long ago grew tired of Favre and his on again/off again antics, I applaud this new verb!

favre - v., (1.) one who cannot make up his mind; (2.) one who constantly changes his mind; (3.) one who endlessly strings others along with his dithering.

Tee hee.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Stayin' Home

The annual Theological Symposia is taking place at our Ft. Wayne seminary this week. Ever since I started back to school, I haven't been able to attend. This will be the third year in a row that I've missed (the first of those three I was about to travel to Kenya and so couldn't go.) Though I do not miss the travel, I do miss being with my brother pastors, feasting on the presentations, and visiting with many dear professors. I'll try to find the time this week to listen to some on their live internet feed - we'll see. I do very much enjoy my Ph.D. classes and am learning lots - I just wish I could do both. Soon I'll finish the classwork. Then I will return . . .