“In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and one’s children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26
The results are in. What makes young people happy? According to a recent survey of 13- to 24-year-olds conducted by The Associated Press and MTV – it’s family. In case you missed the widely publicized results last week, here are the highlights:
† Spending time with family was listed as the number one thing that makes young people happy, followed by spending time with friends.
† 73% said their relationship with their parents make them happy
† When asked about heroes, half mentioned one of their parents.
† Nearly half say religion and spirituality are very important to their happiness.
† Hardly anyone said money makes them happy.
Jacqui Thone of the Youth Ministry Network writes, “As a mom, I’m thrilled to hear it. As someone who works with children, youth and families, I’m even more excited. What an opportunity to support parents in their very important role of faith nurturer and to look for ways to bring together families in our ministries. By working together with parents, we have a great opportunity to help our young people grow in faith and live the “abundant life,” that Christ claims for them.”
Are you surprised to know that you have so much influence on your children’s happiness? Our church wants to partner with you in being happy and blessed, especially through our confirmation, Sunday school, and youth ministries. For more information on the survey, go to http://www.theledger.com/article/20070821/NEWS/708210372
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Go West Young Dinosaur
My son set up this excellent dinosaur diorama. Just observe the dramatic tension, as well as the enigmatic placement of the flipping frog...
Friday, August 24, 2007
Flood Relief in Wisconsin | The Ministry of Lutheran Disaster Response
UPDATE ON FLOOD RELIEF
Do not let the flood sweep over me,
or the deep swallow me up. Psalm 69:15
With an opening prayer and these words from Scripture shared by Bishop Larson, representatives of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) began a meeting on Wednesday, August 22, with ELCA pastors from the flooded areas of our region. Each pastor had a story to tell, of closed bridges and impassible roads, of flattened crops and lost cattle, of wet basements and evacuated towns, of individuals, families, congregations and whole communities at risk.
We are called to show Christ's love for these flood victims, regardless of their religion or background. Working on our behalf through Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Minnesota, LDR will provide:
1. Spiritual and emotional support for the whole community;
2. Hardship grants for those most vulnerable with acute needs;
3. Volunteer coordination (for example, LDR coordinated 34,000 volunteers who helped refurbish 9,200 homes after Hurricane Katrina); and
4. Case management to guide survivors through the process of recovery.
The clean-up after a disaster can take months and years. LDR provides long-term relief and recovery until the job is finished.
You can make a difference with:
" a donation marked "LDR" to support its four critical areas of work listed above
" a donation marked "Flood Relief" to support any other special needs that arise, such as flooded congregations in distress
" offers of volunteer labor with names and contact information, which LDR will match with an urgent need.
Please send these in care of: La Crosse Area Synod, ELCA, 3462 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI 54601, or contact 608-788-5000 or office@lacrosseareasynod.org For more information see www.lacrosseareasynod.org/upcoming Thank you.
(The above is available as a bulletin or newsletter insert at http://www.lacrosseareasynod.org/upcoming/floodinsert1.pdf
Lutheran Disaster Response forwarded the following message this morning. VOLUNTEERS ARE NOW NEEDED to do clean-up for a day at a time (approx. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). On Friday, Aug. 24, please report to the fire station in Gays Mills. On Saturday, Aug. 25, and following, please report to the Gays Mills Community Building at 212 Main St, Gays Mills. Bring rubber boots, rubber gloves, bleach and a pail; electric fans are also needed to help dry out homes. You will receive directions and a lunch. Volunteers should make sure their tetanus shots are current, due to the contaminated water.
Do not let the flood sweep over me,
or the deep swallow me up. Psalm 69:15
With an opening prayer and these words from Scripture shared by Bishop Larson, representatives of Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) began a meeting on Wednesday, August 22, with ELCA pastors from the flooded areas of our region. Each pastor had a story to tell, of closed bridges and impassible roads, of flattened crops and lost cattle, of wet basements and evacuated towns, of individuals, families, congregations and whole communities at risk.
We are called to show Christ's love for these flood victims, regardless of their religion or background. Working on our behalf through Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Minnesota, LDR will provide:
1. Spiritual and emotional support for the whole community;
2. Hardship grants for those most vulnerable with acute needs;
3. Volunteer coordination (for example, LDR coordinated 34,000 volunteers who helped refurbish 9,200 homes after Hurricane Katrina); and
4. Case management to guide survivors through the process of recovery.
The clean-up after a disaster can take months and years. LDR provides long-term relief and recovery until the job is finished.
You can make a difference with:
" a donation marked "LDR" to support its four critical areas of work listed above
" a donation marked "Flood Relief" to support any other special needs that arise, such as flooded congregations in distress
" offers of volunteer labor with names and contact information, which LDR will match with an urgent need.
Please send these in care of: La Crosse Area Synod, ELCA, 3462 Losey Blvd. S., La Crosse, WI 54601, or contact 608-788-5000 or office@lacrosseareasynod.org For more information see www.lacrosseareasynod.org/upcoming Thank you.
(The above is available as a bulletin or newsletter insert at http://www.lacrosseareasynod.org/upcoming/floodinsert1.pdf
Lutheran Disaster Response forwarded the following message this morning. VOLUNTEERS ARE NOW NEEDED to do clean-up for a day at a time (approx. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). On Friday, Aug. 24, please report to the fire station in Gays Mills. On Saturday, Aug. 25, and following, please report to the Gays Mills Community Building at 212 Main St, Gays Mills. Bring rubber boots, rubber gloves, bleach and a pail; electric fans are also needed to help dry out homes. You will receive directions and a lunch. Volunteers should make sure their tetanus shots are current, due to the contaminated water.
NY Times Magazine | Political Theology
This is the most thorough examination of a straightforward theological topic that I've read in any major newspaper in recent years.
And I wish more books of theology I read had such spectacular photographs included along the way!
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