Graduation!

This weekend we were up in Springfield, MA for the graduation of my son from Western New England University. He received a BS in Computer Engineering and won the award for the highest GPA in his major. It was a very nice weekend. Here are some pictures and a little video of his receiving his degree . . .

With my daughters and sister,

waiting for the College of Engineering awards presentation to begin . . .

(Yes, my wife was there! She was on the other side of me.)

(The family photo with everyone together is on someone else's phone!

I'll post when I receive it. ;-)

One of the cool things they did at the end of the commencement was that all the professors formed two lines down the aisle for all the new graduates to walk down between, as a last tribute to them as they depart. That's what this picture shows, though it's probably hard to tell. It was cool though. :-)

Here's the video of Rob getting his degree . . .

Walk-Run-Ride for Life Update

Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and our Lutherans for Life team for the Walk-Run-Ride for Life this year. The event was a great success!

The Lutherans for Life team raised $3,045, which was good enough for 4th place in the team competition . . . only $15 short of 2nd place! (If only we'd had one more sponsor . . . :-)

Personally, you all exceeded my goal of $1,000 and sponsored me for $1,320!

And overall, the goal was to raise $70,000 for the Pregnancy Center, but your generosity rocketed the money received to $81,000!

So thank you again for all who showed the love of Christ and help the fathers, mothers, and babies here in Northern Virginia. And look for us again next year, and maybe we can put the Lutherans on top in speaking for and support LIFE!

+ Rest in Peace, My Brother +

Well, another brother in office in my District has been called home to glory, though this one not quite as unexpected.

Picture from 90th birthday party

Luther was over 90 years old, yet still actively serving his congregation as their sole pastor! He just refused to retire and wanted to keep serving his flock. And he faithfully did, though his health had its ups and downs, as you would expect. He was truly a kind and gentle soul, and a great example and role model for a young pastor like me when I came into the District.

At our District Convention, we had our Service of Memorial for all those in the District who had died the last triennium on Saturday night. Well, on Sunday morning we all heard the news that God had called Luther home that very night. Great sadness, yet also great joy in knowing that our brother now rests from his labors.

Sadly, just like my last brother's funeral, I won't be able to attend this one either. My schedule is too tight and the cost just too much. I keep expecting flights from DC to Chicago to be cheap, but they aren't anymore - at least, not last minute ones. So rest in peace, my brother. I will see you again on the Last Day.

District Convention - Day 4

Today we finished up all the convention business. Had some more elections, considered all the resolutions, and heard the final reports. It was a long day, but good to get everything done - that means I can leave earlier than expected tomorrow and get home sooner! :-)

Yesterday was the Synodical President's report and Q&A session. He's a good speaker. Not many questions asked him. Last night was the Memorial Service for those from the District who died this past triennium - including one of our District President Emeriti. His wife was able to come up from Florida to be with us for the service and it was good to see her again.

Lots of folks had to leave a little early yesterday and so won't be here today - that's too bad. But good reasons. So, two services today with brunch in between, then the long drive home. It'll be good to get home and get some rest!

District Convention - Days 2-3

Day two here in Cleveland was Day 1 of the Convention. The Board met in the morning and spent the afternoon connecting with people and preparing for the convention. My lay delegate had his pre-seminary interview (which he passed and was accepted later that day). But the day was spent mostly in conversation and preparation. The Opening Service was Thursday night and went well. Stayed up WAY too late talking and visiting, so was pretty tired for . . .

Day 2 of the Convention. Began by passing a revision of the District by-laws, which went much smoother and quicker than expected, honestly, probably because people hadn't read them and weren't prepared. After that, reports from the District President, Vice Presidents and Circuit Visitors were all quickly taken care of, so our Circuit Forums could meet - each circuit electing their Circuit Visitor for the next three years, and then also their delegates and alternate delegates for the Synodical Convention next year. As expected, I was re-elected as Circuit Visitor, but then (not so expected) I was also elected as the delegate to the Synodical Convention.

After lunch, we were able to begin the elections - a whole day ahead of time, according to the schedule. (Though we really aren't following the schedule at all!) But everything has been going quicker than scheduled. First, we elected a new District President. That in itself wasn't shocking, but that it was on the first ballot was quite unexpected. Yes, I was on the ballot, but did not expect to be elected - I was working hard for the man who did win, Rev. Waldemar Vinovskis. He is a good choice and will do a good job. It was a shocking moment for the Convention and it took a little bit for them to catch their breath. After that, the VP elections then went smoothly, two of the three on the first ballot.

During the elections we heard a bunch of reports and also passed the District Work Program (read: budget) for the next three years. Then came dinner (we eat WAY too much here!) and the closing service. The evening was spent in fellowship and conversation - not as late as the first night, but still wanted to get to sleep a little sooner than I did!

The service thus far have been good. The guys who have preached have done a good job. Tomorrow will be the rest of the elections, the Synodical President's report, and resolutions.

District Convention - Day 1

We're in Cleveland for the SELC District Convention. Drove here with my lay delegate yesterday. Pleasant conversation in the car, though it was rainy and drizzly for most of the drive. It's a bit colder here than in DC, so I wish I had brought along some warmer clothes!

Today is just a bunch of preliminary stuff. The District Board meets this morning, committees in the afternoon, and then the Opening Service tonight. My delegate will have his pre-Seminary interview this afternoon while the committees are meeting - the last thing he needs to get done to finish his application process. I'll use the afternoon to talk to folks, get some reading and writing done, and relax a bit.

As for the hotel, we're at the Marriott by the airport. You can tell it's an older building, but the rooms have been renovated and are pretty nice. The exercise room is big and well-equipped, and the machines actually are in good working order! (I've been to many a hotel where this is not the case.)

So not much to report yet . . .

You Know You Live in Washington . . .

. . . when "Light traffic in your area" means "Delays up to 29 minutes!"

(Yes, an actual screenshot of my phone!)

And . . .

. . . when walking in DC you find a store selling nesting dolls of Bill Clinton and the women he fooled around with!