Every now and then I get frustrated with denominations and begin to think they are outdated and irrelevant.  Then something happens to remind me why I am not just Christian, but Presbyterian.

This article did that for me this week-

July 23, 2007

You have probably heard of eharmony.com.  They are the folks who do match making for singles.  Now they have launched a new program for married folks as well.  The web site does on-line marriage enrichment.  You can take a “test” and it gives you feedback on the state of your marriage.  If your spouse takes the test as well they will identify areas where you might need better communication.

Montreat is over.  We have arrived at Reboboth Beach.  This morning (Sunday) New York Times has an article on applause during theatrical productions.  People clap when a popular star appears on stage.  The directors and some of the stars do not like it.  It interrupts the flow of the production.

At Montreat there was ocassional applause.  The kids got applause.  The preacher got it once.  Most of the time it was worshipful respect.

On Sundays, when the kids sing in church, there is often applause.  As people leave worship many folks thank me for the opportunity to thank the kids for their performance.

Other weeks, the chancel choir will sing something moving.  People will exit worship and ask, "Why can"t we clap and thank them?"

Touchy subject.  A ...

Montreat, NC

Our Northminster group is busy, busy, busy and having a wonderful experience at the Music and Worship Conference.  &l ...

I am still in Collegeville, MN but I'm worshipping with you at Northminster this morning.  According to my clock it is 9:57 there and you are just beginning communion.  Ooops.

I thought Bob had a good sermon for us as we begin this building project and look toward our future together.  And isn't it great to have Judy and Don lead us.  Don is more formal than I and I suspect there are some of you who really appreciate the variety of style.  Judy is around during the week and it is great for all of you to get to know her like we do.

Know I pray with you and sing with you-even in my absence.

Blessings

Teri

While I am away trying to learn to be a better pastor I want to encourage you to spend some time trying to learn to be a better congregation.

Here is a link to an article I enjoyed.  I hope you will, too.

Blessings.

T

http://www.alban.org/conversation.aspx?id=4576

June 20, 2007

Dear Members and Friends:

Writing.  Today it is this l ...

Movies are really a way of relaxing for me.  With no effort I can be carried away into another world- into another person’s life- into a new experience.  I can do the same thing reading a book, but it takes more effort.

I saw a movie called “The Wind in the Barley”.  It is the story of two brothers and their friends in Ireland at the beginning of the IRA.  I had mixed reactions to the movie in general but there was one thing that really struck me.

It has been a while.  Life seems to have gone out of control.  With the building committee and the capital campaign my schedule is overwhelming and I haven't had enough time off.

So I did not hesitate a bit when Vic Mercer called and asked if the pastors and their spouses would like to go to a ball game and sit in the Chairman's suite.  Warm sun, free food and drink, good company- who could ask for more than that.

But there was more, there was a baseball game going on down on the field.  This game ended with the Indianapolis Indians winning 15 to 10.  There were 25 runs in this game and there were 35 hits.  This was like an entire season all in one game.

The game was so exciting you didn't want to take your eyes off the field.  But it was only so exciting and captivating because they were making mistakes.&am ...