tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.comments2014-06-17T18:56:26.205-04:00Meditations on the MysteriesMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00978946506370574594noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-13372898653363866992011-10-10T08:46:41.962-04:002011-10-10T08:46:41.962-04:00Great reflection Matt. Thank you.Great reflection Matt. Thank you.Chad Huebnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14649861746548864423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-55831653942407665422010-09-25T09:30:09.919-04:002010-09-25T09:30:09.919-04:00Thank you for these insightful words. It is hard t...Thank you for these insightful words. It is hard to find a place where we preach and teach the Gospel at all times. But this is what we are called to do, to be in the world and not of it, we are to be over and against society not conforming to it...<br /><br />How do we do this and be faithful? I believe you have started us in the right direction, now we must go and do...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-6140389730927223822010-08-18T11:06:23.491-04:002010-08-18T11:06:23.491-04:00YessssssssssssYessssssssssssAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-34240238089858476552010-07-10T14:57:37.973-04:002010-07-10T14:57:37.973-04:00Love this!! :)Love this!! :)Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15571831618479087653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-5799845272043889672010-06-14T12:06:12.174-04:002010-06-14T12:06:12.174-04:00Here is a website with a abundance of information ...Here is a website with a abundance of information on Prayer<br />http://www.orthodoxprayer.org/Fr Dn Charles Joinerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06402529668011722050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-13554794043043104622010-02-04T18:45:54.876-05:002010-02-04T18:45:54.876-05:00I meant to comment long ago, but here I am, post
...I meant to comment long ago, but here I am, post <br />Epiphany, finally doing so...so it goes with many things. You are right on, again. Here's to keeping ourselves out of the culture when it matters.Susan Howard Askrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04431271538069517367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-65681461725242036312009-12-01T14:47:51.625-05:002009-12-01T14:47:51.625-05:00It is about the Joy of the Lord and not the Joy of...It is about the Joy of the Lord and not the Joy of the Stuff. John exuded this by his simple living and announcing of the coming of the Messiah who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire and will bring His Joy. Christ has/is come/ing let us focus on him this Advent and always. Simplify, and focused, the way of the disciple. <br />Thank you Matt for the thoughtful words to get us all in the right frame of mind this Advent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-39218678861949886862009-08-16T23:08:17.711-04:002009-08-16T23:08:17.711-04:00Thanks for posting. This post helped "prime ...Thanks for posting. This post helped "prime my pump" for preaching this text.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-374840653464342982009-07-11T10:01:29.491-04:002009-07-11T10:01:29.491-04:00Thanks for this insight. I'm not preaching on ...Thanks for this insight. I'm not preaching on this text, but I think this insight is worth expressing before the reading of this text.ralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15252551451515765703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-83758589173700585722009-07-05T23:04:06.858-04:002009-07-05T23:04:06.858-04:00I've been thinking about how much ministry I e...I've been thinking about how much ministry I end up doing just through my facebook statuses. So many people from my congregation follow my statuses fairly regularly and comment on them when we're at church. It's not a major connection to people, but in this day and age of the soundbyte, it does help spark conversation and build relationship.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-30855361330044792812008-03-27T01:34:00.000-04:002008-03-27T01:34:00.000-04:00Church history is a lovely idea, but I'm a suc...Church history is a lovely idea, but I'm a sucker for good Bible study...just sitting down and reading through the lessons appointed for the week ahead. We want so much to teach theology, but our folks don't (more the most part) even know the source material. Better to start there.The Parsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10320967340739226573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-44941967205125788192008-03-11T23:15:00.000-04:002008-03-11T23:15:00.000-04:00Use the curriculum on Lutheranism in North America...Use the curriculum on Lutheranism in North America you've already designed because you took Havens' class.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-59316947880462202412008-03-05T09:54:00.000-05:002008-03-05T09:54:00.000-05:00My colleague here at First Lutheran, Onalaska WI (...My colleague here at First Lutheran, Onalaska WI (my new call as of Jan 7) was a minor contributor to the ELW. He was one of the major worship leaders in the ELCiC before returning to the states 4 years ago and was asked to help with the music portions. Breck McHan is his name. I don't think he was in on any of the conversations that led to prayer language... but he was in on some of the shapes of the rites. <br>I have only been working with hinm a short time, and he is a uniquely gifted pastor - a major reason I chose to receive the call here. His theology is bona fide Lutheran, but I think his emphases reflect the general sense of the ELW - especially the stuff you don't like: the going away from particularities toward generalities. Broader sweeping watered down language rather than definitive, clear, plaintive langauge. <br> I appreciate being invited in to read your blog on this. I will have fun chewing on your thoughts. Your bright mind will see and hear things in our new book that would have never occurred to me, and I want to plumb the good and bad of the ELW for many personal and professional reasons. So thanks for your efforts with this blog. <br> I'm offering this comment because as I read your blog I hope that you really will attempt to steer clear of crankiness for a few reasons. 1) This is the book we have. It's our book for a while. And although I am under no illusions that it is perfect, I don't want to walk into worship every Sunday thinking that ll it is is crap. To get cranky about its shortcomings (and I know there are many) would at this point be like resenting a disabled child in the family. The ELW is a part of our worship life in the ELCA now, so cranky won't help. 2) In that vein, helpful and thoughtful and uncranky criticism will best serve what I assume to be your point with this blog: getting us - the ELCA - back toward more responsible language for the next book. This may be a 20 year challenge for you. But I and others will respond to merciful critical language better than cranky words. 3) You are not a crank. Those of us who know you love your passion, energy, insights and ability to articulate complex ideas. As this is a blog, your language becomes who YOU are. <br>I know you know all this already. I just wanted to share how excited I am that you are doing these reflections, that I was invited in and that you mean to offer helpful criticism rather than turning this into a venting blog as to how our Family of Faith made such a blunder with a book that in many ways I personally love. So, thanks in advance for your time and effort.pastantonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08030556548245415153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-35192919818983766842008-03-05T08:43:00.000-05:002008-03-05T08:43:00.000-05:00In our congregation, we don't really use the c...In our congregation, we don't really use the current S&S artwork in worship. We have, actually, been using it during Sunday School opening as a daily image to accompany the Scripture lesson. We print it out very large and then post it on a banner. This, of course, supports your statement that they look like cartoons. I have noticed that this year's artwork looks less "conceptual" and abstract than other years' have.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-19160734286803339962007-12-29T21:36:00.000-05:002007-12-29T21:36:00.000-05:00My favorite part of segment in LLW is the descript...My favorite part of segment in LLW is the description of the way the name of Aslan makes them all feel. The sensation they receive upon hearing the name of Aslan is powerful. I can't remember the precise words that Lewis uses to describe it, but it is interesting to apply that to the name of Jesus.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-34316994485039944052007-11-15T12:00:00.000-05:002007-11-15T12:00:00.000-05:00I also have made several attempts to blog as a for...I also have made several attempts to blog as a form of ministry and have felt woefully inadequate. I have "given up" only to find myself drawn again to the medium. I agree with the preceding comments. I do not get a sense of "narcissistic tendencies" from your writings and I often find them very helpful in my own spiritual formation. Writing our thoughts often gives a chance to clarify and share thoughts that never form when we are together in the same space. Further, I find yours and many blogs I read a wonderful form of prayer and reflection.Chad Huebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16693564919999312813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-8808241401093883982007-11-11T23:15:00.000-05:002007-11-11T23:15:00.000-05:00On the other hand, what you say about the humility...On the other hand, what you say about the humility of learning that we don't have that much interesting to say resonates with me. That is not a crack on your blog, but I do feel a challenge on my blog to "say something interesting" and then I start wondering...why does anyone care that I said this? And...why do I care if anyone cares that I just said this?<br><br>I try to read others' blogs, but I find that I really only get interested in the blogs of people I already know. This makes me think that blogging is just another form of conversation among friends and acquaintances.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-89903748480873953552007-11-08T22:03:00.000-05:002007-11-08T22:03:00.000-05:00I certainly don't sense "narcissistic ten...I certainly don't sense "narcissistic tendencies" in your blog. I come here occasionally to read what you have to say. I, for one, say keep at it as the Spirit moves. I've taken some of your suggestions and even bought some books you've recommended. That's no small expense!!! You write well. You have a gift of expression. I say: "keep blogging!"<br><br>Ralphralphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15252551451515765703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-52783634629454046682007-06-17T22:26:00.000-04:002007-06-17T22:26:00.000-04:00Yes, we are missing something. We are missing the...Yes, we are missing something. We are missing the fifth sense (smell). Worship (that includes the sacraments regularly) engages four senses...touch, taste, sight, and hearing. If we had the oil and incense, then we would have a complete sensory experience. And I think there's something to that.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-5409076093945078782007-03-05T22:38:00.000-05:002007-03-05T22:38:00.000-05:00I, too, have been bothered for a while by our tend...I, too, have been bothered for a while by our tendency (often led by pastors) to boil Lent down into tokens of self-improvement.<br><br>Perhaps the challenge in deciding a Lenten 'fast' is to think of something that, in the act of doing it, will help the individual focus on a gracious and merciful God.<br><br>When this is kept in mind, it is hard to see how "losing 10 pounds" has much to do with God's activity in the world.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07362084518837697326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-16525940662151419192006-07-07T17:49:00.000-04:002006-07-07T17:49:00.000-04:00I would add that it is so good to see so many youn...I would add that it is so good to see so many young people this happy, cooperative, and energetic in the Spirit. I read an article today in the USA Today that said volunteerism this year has hit a record high, mainly because of all the kids of this generation who are applying for things like the Peace Corps, Teach for America, and the like. Experts believe that since the people in high school and college right now were profoundly affected by events like 9/11, the southeast Asian tsunami, and Katrina in their youth, they are starting to live out a vocation of service as adults. I bet that the ELCA is likewise experiencing an upswing in participation from youth in all kinds of service projects and volunteerism. It would be very difficult to quantify those trends.<br><br>I guess I see a connection here: the youth have sadly been exposed to an awful lot of suffering in their childhood and the Spirit has moved them, like he moved the Samaritan, to see Christ in their neighbor and respond in compassion and mercy, rather than indifference. They have been embodying "cruzando" even before coming to San Antonio to learn about it.<br><br>It is always easy to experience a revival at these Gatherings, but it's also nice when the secular media backs that up.Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333149256303861407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-51163332469018685502006-07-04T22:51:00.000-04:002006-07-04T22:51:00.000-04:00We will join you at the Gathering tomorrow. Our f...We will join you at the Gathering tomorrow. Our flight departs Pittsburgh at 10:01am. I am really looking forward to this journey and seeing how our youth group intermingles with the 14,000+ youth who will join us. One thing for certain: we will be hitting the ground running!Philliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17333149256303861407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-11634193336435084552006-04-14T22:43:00.000-04:002006-04-14T22:43:00.000-04:00If the Gospel of John has enough to occupy even th...If the Gospel of John has enough to occupy even the most brillant minds, why then are there 4 canonical gospels? Why isn't there ONE definitive gospel in the NT? <br><br>I think for many people, though they feel a strong connection to Jesus, they do not feel as strong a connection to modern Christianity. By exploring non-canonical gospels, one can see approaches that others have taken to understand God.<br><br>In a way, it is similar to the study of the historical Jesus. Some scholars/theologians have denied the validity or usefulness of studying Jesus as a historical figure, especially when extra-Biblical resources are called upon. They say that the best (or only) way to understand Jesus is by faith in what is revealed to us in the Bible. But why not explore every possible bit of information that is available to us?TheOtherWhiteMatthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16917729693695441659noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-35705697355229048622006-04-01T13:07:00.000-05:002006-04-01T13:07:00.000-05:00This fits well with what Phillip said on his blog ...This fits well with what Phillip said on his blog www.sayitanotherway.blogspot.comTravishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285076346061592328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1700983175611242017.post-14003998150149452672006-03-31T11:21:00.000-05:002006-03-31T11:21:00.000-05:00Looking forward to you blogLooking forward to you blogTravishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13285076346061592328noreply@blogger.com