Go Bulldogs!

For the past few days, we have been in Seward, Nebraska on the campus of Concordia University.  The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod's Commission on Worship sponsored a conference on Liturgy, Music, and Hymnody.  It has been a great conference...and I want to say kudos to the staff of Concordia.  Every interaction with them has been pleasant and above average.  I haven't been in Seward since I was in college and then I was a student at Concordia River Forest (Chicago).  I'm glad to have come back to visit for this event...and of course, Nebraska is the "Good Life!"  

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away...

Blessed be the name of the Lord!  Just on the heels of welcoming Rhys Padraig McDermott to the Kingdom of God, we mourned the passing of Vivian Anastasia Gregory from this veil of tears to the Glory of our Heavenly Father's arms.  Vivian was only about 7 months old.  She spent her whole earthly life in Parkview Hospital's NICU.  Her funeral took place at Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary this past Monday morning.  Pastor David Petersen's sermon can be found on the Redeemer Web site, click here to read it.  The Lord is good and works all things to the good of his name.  We rejoice in the hope of the resurrection.  The same that marked Rhys and Vivian both upon their mind and upon their heart in their baptism.  They are redeemed by Christ the Crucified.  And they LIVE!  We live... Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Baptism in Sign

In just a couple of days, the church will welcome with our Lord, Rhys Padraig McDermott into the Kingdom of God.  I'm blessed to be the one to perform the baptism.  It will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne...AND there will be Deaf at the service, so I'll be signing the liturgy as we go.  It should be really cool.  If you are in Fort Wayne come and greet Rhys.  He is a bundle of joy - and remember your baptism, for in it God has made you an heir to his Kingdom and called you Son.  He is well pleased with you!  

Abba House

Some friends and I went to the Abba House at lunch today.  Great little store that you should visit if you're in the area.  They have lots of good Roman stuff, but other just needed things, too.  I loved the chant that was playing on the radio.  It was Ben and Mike's first trip to the Abba House and I think they enjoyed it.  I wanted to check out their crucifixes and their sensors.  I wasn't as impressed with the crucifixes...but loved the incense bowls they had.  If you can keep a secret, I bought a little one for my desk.  I can't wait to use it!  As for the cross - I'm gonna have to order one.  Any suggestions?

Christ Academy Dates Set: June 14-27, 2009

The 2009 Christ Academy dates are now out there for public consumption.  The last two, full, weeks of June will be filled with fun and excitement again...now for the 11th year.  What is Christ Academy, you say??  Christ Academy is a two-week program for high-school-aged men of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod.  It serves as a time of study, worship, and fun, and becomes a place where students can explore the possibility of someday becoming a pastor.  You can find more information at www.ctsfw.edu/christacademy.  Do you know a highschooler that should come?  Let me know...I'll send him some info and say hello.  

iPhone sells

I'm totally taken by this new iPhone.  I'm impressed at every turn.  Apple tells the world that they sold 1 million in the three days they were on sale.  That is no where near the rate they sold when the first iPhone went on sale a little over a year ago.  The app store is just brilliant and the phone itself is still beautiful and works even better...or so I'm told.  I can't wait to try it out.  Of course, I've only read about them.  I have held one, but didn't play with it.  So does one get a black one or a white one??