Blog

BMX Racing

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:31:00 -0400

Newfound fun in Glencoe...the BMX track, and Buffalo Creek BMX is a really fun Tuesday evening.

Now, I realize it's been there for a few years now, but now that Javier knows how to ride, we've been there 6 times in the past week. He gets sweaty, and a very serious face when hitting the berms - learning how to stand and pedal through them instead of coasting from time to time.

It's a family-friendly concept...alcohol is not allowed at the site, and swearing is likewise frowned upon - with a reminder before the races begin.

When races aren't in progress, anyone can go and ride the course. I have done this, and I am quite horrible...just shy of falling off my bike and breaking body parts, I think. But, it's FUH-UN!

Okay, that said...I invite you to come out some time and get some exercise...or, at least watch some local kids (our own Aaron Donnay) work hard for a victory.

http://markconley.com/buffalocreekbmx/

James MacDonald

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:41:00 -0400

Went to see Pastor James MacDonald tonight at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. He is a gifted speaker - WOW! He spoke on James 1:2-8 as a lead-in to his full-length DVD message series.

Main thought of the night was 'upo mena, a Greek term literally translated as under-remain. It gets translasted as patience or endurance quite often, but he brought out the concept of remaining under the "test" or "trial" as a way of life for the Christian...as opposed to doing everything we can to get out from "under" the burdens we carry.

Anyway, we purchased the Fall Bible Study curriculum for the Community Bible Studies we host at Good Shepherd. It's called "Downpour", by James MacDonald. The Fall session will be mixed - men and women together watching the video on Thursday nights. Then, we'll go our separate ways for the guy's groups and the women's groups...

I'm stoked about the teaching, and the Fall Study! In the mean-time, I bought a few of his DVDs for check-out from Good Shepherd's library. So, hey...do that...check 'em out! :)

Oprah Winfrey

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:06:00 -0400

I am sooo mad at stupid Oprah Winfrey. She thinks she can do anything and say anything! And, the truth is...she can. People have bought into the Church of Oprah...where anything goes if you've got a sob story.

The guest she had on yesterday said, "I just realized that you have to earn grace." Now, I might be crazy in thinking about this as a Lutheran...but, the concept of EARNED grace doesn't even make sense! There are many other words for what we earn in life...but, GRACE isn't one of them.

The problem I have is not that the guests have thoughts...and feelings...and a sad story to tell sometimes. The problem is that everyone's thoughts and feelings are ratified. The age-old question about what TRUTH is...seems to be unimportant and irrelevant - as if it doesn't exist and/or cannot be found.

As a Christian, I am blown away by the way people seem to be on-board with Oprah, who has had many years to accumulate her following. If she offered something of substance...she'd have to actually nail down what her belief system is...beyond "anything goes."

Director of Christian Education

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:47:00 -0500

While numerical growth is a wonderful experience in a church, keeping up with it is usually a more difficult task. Programming, relationship-building, teaching, organizing and recruiting are all big jobs...and all are vitally important to facilitating our growth.

To that end, the Board of Education, the Presidents and the Church Council have researched the next steps to take, and have presented the concept of calling a DCE to the congregation. While playing the "God card" is sometimes met with skepticism, it is truly God who is guiding and directing us in this way. We believe that the right person will present himself/herself through the process set before us...and, that the goals we have set will be met.

It is the desire of the Boards of Education/Presidents to keep the congregation informed of every step in this journey together. Please visit this Blog for ongoing education/information about the process. Feel free to ask questions here. Let's get engaged and get excited about the direction our great God is leading us!

To Save a Life

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:25:00 -0500

How do I write a movie review before seeing the movie? Well, I don't...but, I can comment on what kinds of movies are appropriate for adolescents and teens.

To Save a Life is rated PG-13. Yes, those who are younger can watch it, and it can be totally okay...if that youth is mature for his/her age...and has ways to debrief with parents or other adults afterward. That sounds like alot of work, but the content requires it.

This movie contains "teenagers, alcohol, drugs, teen pregnancy and suicide." So, yeah...mature content in many ways. It's designed to be "real", but it doesn't mean your should bring 1st Graders to it just to make sure they aren't sheltered from "real life" issues.

Wait until they can understand a bit more...so that, when you do talk about it, they will process it in a healthy way.

I will post again after seeing the movie...

ELCA News

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0500

While we are not an ELCA Congregation, I am posting this so that we can know what our brothers and sisters in Christ are dealing with in their own congregations. We can and should pray for those who do not uphold Scripture's authority. We should also pray for those who are standing firm - that they would be encouraged in their conviction of the truth.

I am posting the text from an article, as reported by CBN. The link can be found below.

A new Lutheran denomination is being formed for congregations who are opposed to the gay-friendly policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Last August, the ELCA National Assembly voted to allow gays and lesbians to be ordained as clergy.

However, Lutherans who oppose the action say the new policy contradicts scripture. So far at least seven Evangelical Lutheran congregations have voted to leave the church. According to church insiders, an additional 28 congregations may also vote to leave.

As an alternative, a group of Lutherans who left the denomination have formed the North American Lutheran Church.

Rev. Mark Chavez of Landisville, Pa. is director of the group Lutheran CORE, which is overseeing the breakaway. He said organizers are "united in a common confession of the Christian faith and commitment to submit to the authority of God's Word over all matters of faith."

Although, the size of the new denomination remains unclear. So far, several hundred congregations appear to be moving toward a permanent split with the ELCA.

http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/March/Dissident-Lutherans-Forming-New-Denomination/

Praise Team Rocks!!!

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:57:00 -0500

I just wanted to take a minute to thank the Praise Team for their hard work and dedication. How lucky are we at Good Shepherd to have such a great group of young adults to lead our worship service! Way to go Praise Team - you ROCK!

Kelly Hayes

Misunderstanding

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:58:00 -0500

Just wanted to share a story tonight...for the past couple of years, I've been kind of upset about something. It wasn't affecting my day-to-day thoughts or activities, but it was nagging me. Well, this week, I can put that in the past.

I thought a friend of mine had turned a blind eye to the way another friend of hers was treating me...and, she just blew it off...not realizing that I was hurt by it all.

I tried to explain it, but it didn't really work. Finally...earlier this evening...there was a breakthrough. I talked with the person who had said some mean things...and, I also talked with the friend of mine. I guess all this is to say that some things aren't resolved right away...even for those of us (pastors, maybe) who are supposed to know all the "right" aways to work out problems.

God takes these opportunities, which might also be considered our stubborn moments, to teach...discipline...instill...or change people. And, right this moment...I am glad to have my friend back without reservation. And, I'm glad that our joking back-and-forth is part of our friendship...but, there is a serious side that allows us to talk about real life, too.

Anyway...just a short reconciliation story for y'all...

Snow and Christmas Services

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 20:17:00 -0500

Yes. We had services as scheduled for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No cancellations. No rescheduling. What we DID have was a dedicated custodian in Wes Olson to clean off the sidewalk and parts of the lot. We also had a dedicated and efficient Bob Mathews (or one of his peeps) take care of the parking lot.

We also had the good Lord keeping people safe...even giving some members an opportunity to help push/pull others out of a ditch on the way. Way to go, Acts of Service!!!

We had Deacons who showed up...early, as usual...and, took care of business. Choir members, and director Jack Noennig...organist Cindy Longhenry and pianist Gretchen Haukos ALL found their way to church these past two days.

What's interesting is that we knew the snow was gonna fly. I felt very comfortable having service for 10 people if that's who showed up...and singing the hymns/carols a cappella, if necessary. Instead, we had a FULL house on Thursday for the candlelight, and a good turnout on Christmas morning. Seriously, this was a fun, energetic couple of days to worship the Newborn King Jesus!

I might sound a bit bold here...but, if you ever are wondering about services at Good Shepherd being cancelled...stop wondering. They're on. I can walk to church if I have to...and so can 40-50 others who live within 3 blocks of the church. We're worshiping...that's what we do. Praise God in His sanctuary!

Love Languages

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:32:00 -0500

Oh, this is SUCH a "Bleating Sheep" blog post! READ THIS boyz and girlz! If you are married...or, even dating...take this "test" - http://www.afo.net/hftw-lovetest.asp

Now, in addition...please pick up your copy of the Advent Devotional Booklet for 2009. It will help us see how God Himself has interacted with us in these 5 ways - speaking to us in the languages of love we understand. With that in your back-pocket, it will also help you to see how your SPOUSE or FRIEND responds to what you do and say!

I took the test, and I'm apparently a high-maintenance individual, who is kinda tri-lingual. Words of Affirmation are important, along with Physical Touch (yes, this is SPOUSE-only) and Quality Time. What this means is that when my wife "speaks" to me in these ways, I know she loves me. She can give me gifts until the cows come home, but they aren't nearly as important as the words she says to me, for example.

What you'll find, is that you'll usually try to show love in the way that YOU feel loved. However, knowing how your spouse feels loved is vitally important! If Michelle feels loved when I do stuff around the house, I had better get on it...because...well, that's exactly what I want to do - LOVE HER!

I'm a firm believer that our families can't work too hard at becoming stronger. This is one way - by understanding each other, and striving to show love in a way that others will relate and respond.

This is our theme for all of our Sunday Advent services. What a powerful way to get into Christmas - by glimpsing God as He has made US in His image. We're LIKE Him in some ways...notably in this season in our capacity to love.