Higher Things - Day 2, Post 2

Day 2 was the "Conference Shirt Day" - the day everyone (almost) wears their conference shirt. So we took our group picture that day:

 

I also preached at Wednesday Vespers. Click here to read that.

Higher Things - Day 2

Today was the first full day. Matins, Vespers, Evening Prayer, and Compline services. One plenary and two breakaways. I taught today in one of the breakaways. It went okay. Had a room full of youth and stayed extra about 20-25 minutes to answer questions afterward. We had a few other matters to deal with, but all-in-all a full but good day.

One of the free time activities in the evening was painting. Here's some of our group taking part in that:

Some other friends (old and new) I got to see today:

Pastor Peter Gregory. He served as the Catechist for the conference.

Pastor Dan Freeman, one of our preachers, from Washington State.

Pastor Jeff Ware from Charlotte, NC, dressed as one of the tetramorphs, Vir, and also a member of the Board of Directors for Higher Things.

Another popular free time activity was the Lego Masters challenge. A group of our youth took part in that as well. They were give a set of bricks and had one hour to create something to reflect the conference theme All Things New. Here's their creation:

They build the New Jerusalem with water flowing out and over the side of the table. :-)

And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

Higher Things - Day 1

Monday night was hot. HOT! The dorms did not have air conditioning. Many brought fans. Some bought fans after they arrived. And some of the youth . . .

. . . slept on the floor of the lounge in the dorm to escape the heat in their rooms. (Note: These are not our youth!) I felt bad for them. I did not sleep well either. But the conference starts today, so just suck it up and get to work!

The Opening Divine Service was at 2 pm, preceded by a Leaders Meeting. So the morning was for setting up for the service, making sure all the pastors vestments were steamed and ready to go, and double checking everything. 

Some of my assisting pastors.

After the Opening Service was the first plenary speaker, then dinner, followed by the first breakaway session, Evening Prayer, and then time for the youth to have Private Absolution. So it was a busy first day. The youth had free time after that - lots of games and fun activities to do. I lead Compline for the Staff at 10 in their dorm, and then head over to our dorm for Compline with the youth at 11. 

Got to see a good friend again, Jocelyn Benson, Founder and Head Teacher of Wittenberg Academy.

And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Higher Things - Set-up and Arrival

So first, apologies that I did not keep up with posting this week! I really was just too busy. Every day was full, and what little downtime I had was spent trying to get sermons written for Sunday and Monday's funeral. But I'll try to catch up and tell you about the week . . .

Monday morning: unload the truck and set-up. 

Higher Things has a box truck and it is FULL of stuff! Pretty much everything we need, we bring with us. So there's a lot to unload and sort and get to where it needs to go. The nice things about this conference is that almost everything (chapel, plenaries, breakaway sessions, merch, and HQ) was in the same building, so the truck didn't have to drive from place to place - which is the way it often is.

After unloading, the rest of the day was spent unpacking, sorting, finding what we needed, figuring out how to set-up a chapel space, thinking through logistics, and getting things ready for the Opening Service on Tuesday. All this was because we didn't actually have a chapel to use - we had to use the auditorium and turn it into a worshipful space. 

Oh, and we also had to move me down from the Staff dorm to the dorm where my group would be staying. It was a full day!

I was assigned a CCV (Conference College Volunteer) who worked with me in the chapel all week. Her name was Magdalena and - bonus! - I knew her father at the Seminary and she is friends with my daughter! She was a BIG help, since I didn't have any summer vicars or deaconess interns this year. She, the organist, and I pretty much ran the chapel for the week. (Sadly, I did not take any pictures of the chapel set-up to show you!)

After dinner was an Evening Prayer service for all the Staff to bless the room and the chapel space and just to end the day right. I also ordered a bunch of pizzas for our group so it would be here for them when they arrived - which was around 9 o'clock or so, I think. I got back to the dorm around 10:30ish I think, and helped them settle in. Then I had to move into my room and turn in. 

Oh, and did I mention it was HOT! And the dorms were HOT! No AC. Fans blew hot air around, which helped a little . . . but pretty brutal heat the first few days. but more on that tomorrow . . .

Matthew Machemer

Associate Kantor at our Fort Wayne Seminary

and our Organist for the week

Higher Things - Drive and Set-up Day

Awful. Just awful.

A leisurely Sunday afternoon drive up the East Coast to Massachusetts? Not happening.

I actually left earlier than I thought I would, and got in later than I wanted. Ugh. Just awful.

Crawled on the Beltway. Crawled up I-95 in Maryland. Crawled through Delaware. The NJ Turnpike was actually good! But then got on the Garden State Parkway and . . . crawled. NY State Thruway? Crawled. Once I got across the bridge it was okay for a bit, but then a highway entrance closed for construction sent me on a detour where me and everyone else who wanted to get onto the highway . . . crawled. Between sheer volume, construction, and accidents, it was NOT a nice drive!

I did finally arrive and guess what? Couldn't get my room! They have me staying with my group instead of with staff, which is in another dorm which doesn't have check-in yet! Fortunately, they worked it out for me and I finally got to a bed, but today I have to move to the other dorm whenever that opens for check-in. Just another thing to do . . .

Today is set-up day. So breakfast at 8, and then we begin unloading the truck at 9. Once we get all the chapel stuff, have to figure out how to set up the chapel and get it all ready to go. All our services will be in the auditorium, so we have to figure out how to set up a worship space to share with where the plenaries will be. Then get everything organized and ready for tomorrow. Today ends with Evening Prayer for the staff at 9 pm and to consecrate the space for our church.

This campus (UMass-Amherst) is BIG! I think we're going to do a LOT of walking . . .

Passports

So my passport expires in January of next year, so time to start the renewal process. I don't know why passports aren't accepted when they have less than six months until their expiration, but there ya' go. So time to renew. 

I saw that you can do this online now. So I went and got a new photo and did the online process. It was pretty easy. They tell you to expect the process to take 6 weeks or so, but in LESS than one week after my payment cleared, I was notified that my application was successful, my new passport printed, and it is now in the mail to me! Less than one week! My wife said, "Yup. That's what happens when people go back in to work!"

Walk-Run-Ride for Life Update

I'm a little late with this, as with most things on this blog (!), but to give you all an update on the Walk-Run-Ride for Life . . .

The Lutherans were awesome!

Our Lutherans for Life team finished in 1st place for fundraising this year, and while it doesn't show on this screenshot, the Immanuel Lutheran team finished in 3rd. Great job! Lutherans love life!

And then this, too . . .

Lutherans 1st and 2nd for individual fundraising!

BUT . . . update: after I took this screenshot, I was edged out for 2nd. But still! Lutherans 1st and 3rd in individual fundraising! Great job!

And overall (and most importantly), over $90,000 was raised for the Assist Pregnancy Center. THANK YOU to all who donated - you're the best! And we look forward to raising even more next year.

+ Roy Clark +

Laid to rest the patriarch of our congregation yesterday at Arlington National Cemetery. It's always impressive to go there, but even more yesterday as Roy received full honors . . . and a little more! For usually, cannon blasts are reserved for generals. But Roy got them yesterday for they were practicing at the time we were processing into the cemetery.  :-)

Roy's in one of the older sections, and has an old grave marker, before they changed them to be all uniform. Rest in peace, Roy. See you soon.

At Arlington, time limitations are severe. There are so many funerals there you don't get much time. Here is the brief meditation I preached for him yesterday.

June is Life Month

JOINT RESOLUTION

Designating the month of June as ‘‘Life Month’’.

Whereas the United States of America was founded on the principle that all people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including the right to life;

Whereas the right to life is a fundamental truth enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and reaffirmed throughout the history of the United States as a cornerstone of liberty and justice;

Whereas every human life is inherently precious, has equal dignity and worth, and deserves legal protection; Whereas the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on June 24, 2022;

Whereas the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization rightfully returned to the people of the United States and their elected representatives the ability to protect innocent unborn life;

Whereas it is the responsibility of the people of the United States and their elected representatives to protect unborn life and to plead the cause of those who cannot plead for themselves; and

Whereas faith-based and community organizations, pregnancy resource centers, medical professionals, and countless families across the United States serve as champions of life, offering essential care, resources, and support to pregnant mothers and families in need: 

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This resolution may be cited as the ‘‘Life Month Resolution’’.

SEC. 2. LIFE MONTH.

That the Senate and the House of Representatives—

(1) designate a ‘‘Life Month’’ annually;

(2) recognize that every human life is a sacred gift from God, possessing inherent dignity and worth;

(3) reaffirm the fundamental truth recognized in the Declaration of Independence that life is an unalienable right;

(4) commend individuals, parents, families, faith-based organizations, and communities who work to promote a culture of life; and

(5) urge policymakers to defend the sanctity of human life by enacting laws that protect the unborn and provide resources to empower women and families to choose life.

Vacation

We got to take an early vacation this year. My wife is limited to two weeks off in the summer, and she uses one of those weeks to help at Higher Things, and another week to take my daughter back to school. So by taking vacation before the summer starts, she can take the time we need. 

So we went to . . . Hawaii!

This trip doubled both as vacation and for our 30th Wedding Anniversary. And we got free flights! Last year, we volunteered to get bumped from an overbooked flight from Chicago to Minneapolis, and we each got $1,200 vouchers (for a $200 flight!). So thank you, American Airlines, for our free trip to Hawaii! 

I'll post some pictures and mention some of the things we did. I'll start with this: part of our package at one of the resorts we stayed at was a photo session with one of their photographers. So we got an "official" 30th Anniversary picture.

More to come!

Way Too Cool!

Check this out! My sister sent me pictures of some new gorilla statues on Park Avenue in New York City! Three of them! Yes! Gorillas makin' it to the big time - Park Ave!

Back Again!

Ugh! I can't believe it's ben a month since I last posted! It's been a busy time. Since I last posted I had a trip to Saint Louis, our special Good Shepherd Seminar weekend, then our vacation to Hawaii! Then after that, catching up from being away. So I'm going to try to post about these now, especially some vacations photos.

First, we had Rev. Dr. Carl Beckwith with us for our 18th Annual Good Shepherd Seminar. I always enjoy this weekend to have a seminary professor out to present. This year, our topic was "Confessing the Faith of Our Fathers: Athanasius, Luther, and the 1,700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed." He did a great job and was well received. I learned a lot of history I did not know about events leading up to the Council. If you'd like to listen to his presentation, it is posted on our church website, along with many previous seminars. Give a listen!

Presenting Dr. Beckwith with an icon of Saint Athanasius to remember his time with us!

Next year, I believe our topic will be on free will. This year is the 500th anniversary of Luther's seminal work The Bondage of the Will, and you often hear folks say things like, "We all have free will." Is that true? If so, in what way is it true? What do the Scriptures say? I haven't firmed this up yet, but I've already spoken to Dr. Roland Ziegler who expressed verbally his openness to coming. So I hope to nail him down soon!

Saturday Morning Coffee

Haven't posted in a few weeks . . . it's been a busy Lent! And now preparing for travels the first two weeks of May. But, couple of things . . .

Got out on my NEW bike yesterday for a ride. I finally pulled the trigger and got a Trek Emonda ALR 5. My 30+ year old steel Schwinn will now stay in the basement on my trainer for use there, but I'll ride this one out on the roads. I must say, it is nice! I can actually use the gears properly, which I couldn't really do on my Schwinn anymore. Went for 40 miles yesterday and felt really good. I didn't push too hard for the first outdoor ride of the year, but the bike made it easy. Night and day difference.

The book I'm currently reading is Heretics and Orthodoxy by GK Chesterton. Hard book! His philosophy is hard to slog through. A lot of references I'm not really familiar with. I'm making a first pass through now to get the big picture. Then I'll have to go back through a little more carefully. But one thing he said at the very end of Heretics, as the final sentence, got my attention:

We shall be of those who have seen and yet have believed.

Get the reference? Tomorrow in Church we'll read of "doubting Thomas" and when Jesus said: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Chesterton here has changed that. What's he getting at?

Well, that reminded me of a story by Boccaccio in The Decameron (14th c.), who wrote of

A Jew called Abraham, his curiosity being aroused [by a monk trying in various ways to convert him to Christianity], goes to the court of Rome, and when he sees the depravity of the clergy, he returns to Paris and becomes a Christian.

So what's the real miracle? Not seeing and yet believing? OR seeing and yet believing? Believing despite what we see happening in the world and in the church?

I would have used that in my sermon for tomorrow, but already had it written. But if I remember, I'll use that thought next year.

Now, it's off to get ready for our church picnic today. Hopefully the rain will hold off!

State March Picture and Prayer

 

Here's part of our LCMS group at the Virginia State March for Life this year. Where we were standing, and the space I had, I couldn't fit everyone it - lost some folks on the right. But you get the idea. Even though we had some last minute cancellations, we had a decent turnout. The goal is to keep growing our presence each year, little by little. We did that this year - hopefully next year, too!

I was asked to offer a couple of comments and the closing prayer at the pre-March rally. I had 3 minutes (and they were very strict with their time, to keep everything on schedule!). Here's what I said . . .

(Note: "Why We March: Life" was the theme for the National March for Life this year, and for all the state marches.)

Why We March: Life. For Every Life.

Because Every Life is valuable, precious, and important to God.

Created by our Father in His image,

Redeemed by the Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,

for sanctification by the Spirit.

Every Life.

We March for . . .

. . . the mother and father who are scared, worried, confused, or regretful.

. . . the little boy or girl waiting to be born.

. . . the little boy or girl who didn’t get a big brother or a little big sister.

. . . the grandparents who just want to love on their grandchildren.

We March for . . . 

. . . our friends and neighbors

. . . for our family members

. . . for those who are hurting

. . . for those who feel trapped and that there is no way out

. . . for those who disagree with us.

We March for Every Life.

That every life be loved.

Every life be wanted.

Every life be cared for.

No matter who you are.

Every life.

And we will not stop until that’s true.

So we pray:

Dear Father in heaven, we thank You for the gift of life, every life, that You have created and redeemed to be Your own. Give us eyes to see every life as valuable and precious, and hearts to love every life as You do. Give us the courage both to speak and to have compassion. Protect all life, we pray, from the littlest to the biggest, the youngest to the oldest, the wanted and the unwanted. Thank You for all who have come here this day, and may our voices be heard and the hearts of many changed. Continue Your work in each of us, conform us to the image of Your Son, and strengthen our weak hands and feet and hearts to do Your will and walk in Your ways, through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

And the Lord bless You and keep You;

the Lord make His face shine upon You and be gracious to You;

the Lord look upon You with favor, and give You peace.

AMEN

Spring Has Sprung!

Haven't shared a gorilla picture in a little while, so . . .

Gorillas enjoying Spring weather!

Virginia State March for Life

 Only one week to go! Join us! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Birthday

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. Sorry, no wild parties for me tonight!

Today would also have been my father's 101st birthday! I remember as a child always be amazed when my father would receive a card that celebrated BOTH St. Patrick's Day and his birthday! There can't be that many people born on this day to make the manufacture of special cards like that worth it, can there? Well, apparently there are! Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dad! A look forward to seeing you again.

Spring Break

So this week my daughter is home on Spring break, so we did a couple of special things: we went to the National Zoo to see the new pandas, and to an exhibit called The Art of the Brick, with over a hundred lego creations. I highly recommend both. The pandas were both very active, so fun to watch, and the lego creations amazing. Some pictures . . .

Having' a snack.

Mama gorilla and her baby (see it?).

There were many different kinds of lego creations - reproductions of famous pieces of art, historical artifacts, and animals. Here are some of them . . .

One of the Easter Island heads

Gorilla! (I wish I had thought to bring my little lego gorillas to visit their big brother!)

Polar bears

Now, these next three pictures go together and show you how realistic looking these lego creations are. 

(1.) A rhinoceros, with a picture of a rhinoceros in Africa behind it . . .

(2.) A closer look at the picture . . .

(3.) And a close-up of the rhino in the picture! It's the lego one!

The creator collaborated with an artist to create these pictures, which were just amazing.

And while there were many more animals, maybe just one final one . . .

An 18 foot long T-Rex! It was really cool.

I think it's there through the end of April, so if you have the time, give it a look!

Ash Wednesday

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, 

so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

 A blessed Ash Wednesday to you all.

New Tabs

Check out the new tabs above for this year's Walk-Run-Ride for Life and for my Church's 40 Days for Life Social Media campaign.

Sponsor me or join our Lutherans for Life team for the Walk-Run-Ride for Life!

And use our 40 Days for Life pictures on all your Social Media platforms, emails, etc. to help us spread the word that Every Life is valuable and precious to God! 

Thanks!

What Makes a Gorilla Sad?

When his feet won't reach the pedals!

What Good Helpers!

Helping wrap my wife's birthday presents!

Happy Birthday!

Luther and . . .

I'm always amazed at how often Luther sounds like he lives in the 21st century. How about this quote . . .

When the precious gospel is expounded, the world plays its little game, becoming worse than it was before, as every gets busier and busier.

Busier and busier . . . sounds like today, doesn't it?

And now a question for you: What do gorillas call a candle?

A campfire!

Sick, Travel, and Fly Eagles Fly!

Well, I didn't post for a couple of weeks because I was sick (something going around they everyone is getting!), then I had to catch up from some days off, and then also work ahead a bit as I spent last week In Detroit visiting and helping my in-laws. So a busy couple of weeks!

So how nice it was to just sit and watch the Super Bowl last night, and especially as my Eagles completely dominated the Chiefs! Wow. It wasn't even close. Fly Eagles Fly! (And I loved rubbing that in to one of my catechumens who absolutely hates the Eagles!) 

A couple of pictures . . . 

Gorillas watching the Eagles win!

My daughter and her friends at the watch party at Concordia-Wisconsin.

This was their victory selfie. :-)

AND, to top off the good news, we're supposed to be getting some snow this week! Should be a good week. Busy, but good.