This week marks the beginning of the class I am teaching/leading at Cross of Hope. With this in mind, I have decided to revamp my blog to help follow along with the conversation. In preparation for the first session, I would like to point out the particular initial 'neighbor-love' comments from the gospels.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all provide versions of this story which lay the groundwork for the call to love and serve the neighbor. Today, let's glance at Mark 12:28-34. The scribes ask Jesus,
"Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus' reply in Mark's gospel includes two scripture quotations. The first comes in verses 29-30, where Jesus is shown to quote from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and the Greek version of Joshua 22:5 (according to the Lutheran Study Bible, 1683). The second quote comes in verse 31, where Jesus is quoting it seems from Leviticus 19:18.
The connections with the Hebrew scriptures here paint a picture that the love of neighbor is not something new with Jesus, but rather a constant call and mission which God has directed God's people to understand and embody. The way Mark presents this passage really places an emphasis on relationship- as great detail is given about loving God and being in relationship with God, but also being in relationship with the neighbor or one another. This has significance in the Biblical narrative, but most certainly also in an understanding today of who we are as individual Children of God, which we will continue to unpack.
SOURCE: The Lutheran Study Bible. (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2009), 1683.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Putting Life and Character in Perspective...
Happy New Year and Merry Eleventh Day of Christmas! This should mark the return of the regular posting of this blog. I will be blogging alongside leading a faith formation opportunity about neighbor love at Cross of Hope Lutheran in Ramsey, MN.
I came across the following on Facebook tonight, and thought it was too good not to share. It was shared by a seminary friend, who had re-posted it from Church Funnies. Enjoy it, but also think about how often you and I might be just like this woman.
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I came across the following on Facebook tonight, and thought it was too good not to share. It was shared by a seminary friend, who had re-posted it from Church Funnies. Enjoy it, but also think about how often you and I might be just like this woman.
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Friday, December 14, 2012
Lost in the Night
"Lost in the night do the people yet languish, longing for morning the darkness to vanquish, plaintively sighing with hearts full of anguish. Will not day come soon? Will not day come soon?"
This Advent hymn rings through my mind today. It is too fitting of a reminder of the world we have now, and the fact that the kingdom is not yet complete. Today, news of the most horrific and senseless of acts- the murder of innocent children in an elementary school spreads across the internet, airwaves, and by word of mouth. There isn't much to say, except to pray "Come, Lord Jesus" and as the hymn concludes, "Come and save us soon! Come and save us soon!"
During Advent we are usually excited for the coming birth of Jesus on Christmas, but we also join the church in hoping for Jesus' return, a second Christmas. This would be the restoration of God's creation we all hope for. It's acts of evil like today's that make it so much more obvious of how much we need God to save us, and how important it is to know that God is with us (Emmanuel) and for us.
Lord, please be with the whole community and all families affected by this senseless act. May your justice and peace come. May your love and comfort spread. May we learn to live and do acts of love, justice, and mercy as you would have us do and spread this to others. Amen.
Credits: "Lost in the Night,” Nordic hymn, tr. Olav Lee, Finnish folk tune, Public Domain, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1932), OneLicense, found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 243.
This Advent hymn rings through my mind today. It is too fitting of a reminder of the world we have now, and the fact that the kingdom is not yet complete. Today, news of the most horrific and senseless of acts- the murder of innocent children in an elementary school spreads across the internet, airwaves, and by word of mouth. There isn't much to say, except to pray "Come, Lord Jesus" and as the hymn concludes, "Come and save us soon! Come and save us soon!"
During Advent we are usually excited for the coming birth of Jesus on Christmas, but we also join the church in hoping for Jesus' return, a second Christmas. This would be the restoration of God's creation we all hope for. It's acts of evil like today's that make it so much more obvious of how much we need God to save us, and how important it is to know that God is with us (Emmanuel) and for us.
Lord, please be with the whole community and all families affected by this senseless act. May your justice and peace come. May your love and comfort spread. May we learn to live and do acts of love, justice, and mercy as you would have us do and spread this to others. Amen.
Credits: "Lost in the Night,” Nordic hymn, tr. Olav Lee, Finnish folk tune, Public Domain, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1932), OneLicense, found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 243.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving used to be one of my favorite holidays. It still is one of the most meaningful holidays for me, but I would be lying if I said it was my favorite. November has been a bit of a tough emotional month for my family.
My uncle Danny, whom I never met but am named after (in part) died the week of Thanksgiving in 1985. My Grandpa S. passed away in November of 2006, and then my Grandpa T. passed away the following November, 2007, during the night before Thanksgiving. Therefore, Thanksgiving has been a bit of a hard time for me. I guess part of me is thankful though that All Saints and Thanksgiving are so close together in the calendar, because they provide countless reminders of why we are thankful. (Maybe there was some symbolic reason that I also proposed to my wife during November... its a month of being thankful for the lives that we live, the lives that we will live, and the lives that have touched us.)
We are thankful for all that we have- our time, our partners, our family, our friends, our passions and joys, our vocations, our possessions, our very selves... but most importantly, we are thankful to have life and the hope and promise of life that is found and grounded in our faith. This year's appointed gospel reading for Thanksgiving I find very fitting. It comes from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, and in it Jesus teaches about having trust in God and regarding life with thanksgiving rather than fear and anxiety.
Matthew 6:25-33, NRSV
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you- you of little faith? Therefore, do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
God provides. Some times we may wonder how we will make ends meet. I know I have been wondering this lately, but I trust that there is a way. Therefore, we continue on because I know deep down that I have a purpose and a calling(s) and so do each of you. I am thankful for this, because knowing and believing this, makes bearing in uncertainty possible, and is more than enough grounds to say a loud and boisterous "Happy Thanksgiving!"
I am thankful to all of you- friends, family, strangers, who take the time to read this blog from time to time. I hope that my reflections, has varied as they are, are enjoyable and sometimes even helpful.
Thank you God for making this possible, for the gift of life and purpose, for the food that we shall all enjoy tomorrow, and for the love and support of so many wonderful people and a most awesome and inspiring spouse. Thank you for the gift of life and the promise of life eternal, and thank you for your continued presence and guidance. Amen.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
"The Church is Not A Building"
I just knew the CML person in me would be kicking and screaming at some point in my ministry life. I just didn't think it would be so soon after completing my MA in Congregational Mission and Leadership. But, alas, here we are.
The 1972 song "We Are the Church" written by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh, has been going through my head all day today. Perhaps you sung it in Sunday School or even in worship? The chorus goes, "I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus all around the world! Yes, we're the church together!" The chorus is simple enough, but really hits at the missional idea that the church is not some building. The church is the people gathered to worship, learn, serve, and be in fellowship together as part of God's work in the world. We as Lutherans are starting to learn this, especially as new ministries spring up in all sorts of settings. Perhaps my new favorite mantra uttered by many a church starter/planter, "more than enough cement has already been poured in the name of the church."
Well, consider where I am. I have the blessing to be an installed leader at a local congregation serving as its worship coordinator. Further, this congregation is on the tail end of a major construction project which it took a leap of faith to do in the midst of the worst economy in recent memory. However, as the project comes near to a close, I think we need to remind ourselves, that the building is not the center. The building is not the most important thing. I think, whether we want to admit it or not, the congregation has let it become so.
Returning to the song, Verse 1 reads, "The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people!" Amen! It doesn't matter how great a building you have, or how great a building that you are working on and constructing. It doesn't matter how fancy the doors and carpets are, or if all the chairs and office equipment match just right. What matters is the ministry that takes place within and outside the walls.
So, its with great hesitation that I ask this question, but I am going to ask it anyway. Is the congregation I work for willing and ready to put as much dedication, effort, and financial support behind the ministries as it has chosen to do so in nearly doubling its footprint and physical space? If so, praise the Lord! If not, then I fear this building project will serve as a coffin for the congregation, because the church is not about the building, its about the work of God in the world- the mission of serving others as we are called by God, and the piece of evangelism of spreading and articulating the good news.
As Lutherans we do this best by: 1) serving with joy first, because our service is our response to the promise and gift of life which we can never earn or hope to earn; and 2) when we evangelize, (and yes, Lutherans do evangelize), its often when we are asked "why do we serve," or "why are we choosing to help?" When asked these questions we are given the 'green light' so to speak to make the elevator pitch and evangelize. (I'll say more about what this looks like for me in an upcoming blog post.)
But as for the church and the building, if the congregation chooses not to make the same commitment to ministry, if it chooses not to support the staff necessary to fulfill the program ministry callings that the congregation yearns for, I fear that this building as nice as it is will be meaningless.
How do we make sure this doesn't happen? Well, here are three quick starter ideas, with no doubt hundreds more which could be expanded upon and added:
1) We build off the building campaign, and transition the campaign's energy towards one for mission and faith formation.
2) Make the same commitment to Faith Formation of all ages, as has been made towards Worship and Music. Only with these two ministries doing well, do they collectively do the best to teach and move the people of God forward in their lives, and in growing deeper in faith.
3) We tithe, and then move past the tithe to support the work of the church in the community and larger world. This means that not only we as Children of God do what we can, the church itself is called to tithe its budget, and other special campaigns. Further, the church should be giving at least 10% of its time/space for larger community usage with no direct link to the church in order to practice true community involvement and stewardship and be a beacon in the community and witness through its word and deed.
Anyway, what started out as a goal for 2 paragraphs today turned into a long exposition of some of my very basic CML feelings and thoughts. "The church is not a building." It is so much more. We cannot lose sight of this, and we cannot ever make the building the number one need or concern. Once we do this, the building becomes the idol and the center of our work. This can't be so. The center is God, and the work we are called to do is for and of the other, the stranger, the one in need, as God has called us to do.
It's nice to have a new building, but if we stop there, we are no better then the people with flowing robes who say long prayers and flaunt their wealth. I know we are not these people. So let's act and move in a way that proves me right, we aren't these people with flowing robes but humble servants who are heeding the call to love and serve the neighbor.
["We Are the Church," Richard Avery & Donald Marsh, (Carol Stream, IL: Hope Publishing, Co., 1972), CCLI Song No. 18510.]
The 1972 song "We Are the Church" written by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh, has been going through my head all day today. Perhaps you sung it in Sunday School or even in worship? The chorus goes, "I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus all around the world! Yes, we're the church together!" The chorus is simple enough, but really hits at the missional idea that the church is not some building. The church is the people gathered to worship, learn, serve, and be in fellowship together as part of God's work in the world. We as Lutherans are starting to learn this, especially as new ministries spring up in all sorts of settings. Perhaps my new favorite mantra uttered by many a church starter/planter, "more than enough cement has already been poured in the name of the church."
Well, consider where I am. I have the blessing to be an installed leader at a local congregation serving as its worship coordinator. Further, this congregation is on the tail end of a major construction project which it took a leap of faith to do in the midst of the worst economy in recent memory. However, as the project comes near to a close, I think we need to remind ourselves, that the building is not the center. The building is not the most important thing. I think, whether we want to admit it or not, the congregation has let it become so.
Returning to the song, Verse 1 reads, "The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a resting place, the church is the people!" Amen! It doesn't matter how great a building you have, or how great a building that you are working on and constructing. It doesn't matter how fancy the doors and carpets are, or if all the chairs and office equipment match just right. What matters is the ministry that takes place within and outside the walls.
So, its with great hesitation that I ask this question, but I am going to ask it anyway. Is the congregation I work for willing and ready to put as much dedication, effort, and financial support behind the ministries as it has chosen to do so in nearly doubling its footprint and physical space? If so, praise the Lord! If not, then I fear this building project will serve as a coffin for the congregation, because the church is not about the building, its about the work of God in the world- the mission of serving others as we are called by God, and the piece of evangelism of spreading and articulating the good news.
As Lutherans we do this best by: 1) serving with joy first, because our service is our response to the promise and gift of life which we can never earn or hope to earn; and 2) when we evangelize, (and yes, Lutherans do evangelize), its often when we are asked "why do we serve," or "why are we choosing to help?" When asked these questions we are given the 'green light' so to speak to make the elevator pitch and evangelize. (I'll say more about what this looks like for me in an upcoming blog post.)
But as for the church and the building, if the congregation chooses not to make the same commitment to ministry, if it chooses not to support the staff necessary to fulfill the program ministry callings that the congregation yearns for, I fear that this building as nice as it is will be meaningless.
How do we make sure this doesn't happen? Well, here are three quick starter ideas, with no doubt hundreds more which could be expanded upon and added:
1) We build off the building campaign, and transition the campaign's energy towards one for mission and faith formation.
2) Make the same commitment to Faith Formation of all ages, as has been made towards Worship and Music. Only with these two ministries doing well, do they collectively do the best to teach and move the people of God forward in their lives, and in growing deeper in faith.
3) We tithe, and then move past the tithe to support the work of the church in the community and larger world. This means that not only we as Children of God do what we can, the church itself is called to tithe its budget, and other special campaigns. Further, the church should be giving at least 10% of its time/space for larger community usage with no direct link to the church in order to practice true community involvement and stewardship and be a beacon in the community and witness through its word and deed.
Anyway, what started out as a goal for 2 paragraphs today turned into a long exposition of some of my very basic CML feelings and thoughts. "The church is not a building." It is so much more. We cannot lose sight of this, and we cannot ever make the building the number one need or concern. Once we do this, the building becomes the idol and the center of our work. This can't be so. The center is God, and the work we are called to do is for and of the other, the stranger, the one in need, as God has called us to do.
It's nice to have a new building, but if we stop there, we are no better then the people with flowing robes who say long prayers and flaunt their wealth. I know we are not these people. So let's act and move in a way that proves me right, we aren't these people with flowing robes but humble servants who are heeding the call to love and serve the neighbor.
["We Are the Church," Richard Avery & Donald Marsh, (Carol Stream, IL: Hope Publishing, Co., 1972), CCLI Song No. 18510.]
Friday, November 9, 2012
Some theological reflections on the neighbor
Most of you know that I have a deep interest in a theology of neighbor love. It undoubtedly shapes my posts in this blog and the themes and topics which I engage here and in my jobs and involvement in the world.
In the previous post I provided this morning, I intentionally did not touch on theology. Now though, I would like to open up the theological imagination for a moment. If you have not read the previous post, I refer to a story expressed here. In the post I mention how I hope beyond hope that I am not like the woman a few rows ahead who is so focused on taking off on time that she asks people to stop making a scene. Such a move is a passive way of dismissing another, and amounts to ignoring the very scene which we are called to act and respond in love to. It reminds me immediately of the Good Samaritan scenario. What do we do when we are passing a victim. Better yet, what do we do when we are facing a victim in the very act of abuse? Do we turn our heads and walk away, or do we swallow our fear and stand up, hoping that another would do the same thing should we ever face such a situation ourselves.
I don't care what the reason for a disagreement is, there is NO justification for abuse- physical, emotional, theological, etc. I firmly believe this, but I wonder, would I be just like that lady who chose to turn away because I was so focused on myself and my own needs of the day?
We are called to love and serve our neighbor. Martin Luther goes so far in his explanation to the fifth commandment to say that by not doing what we can, we are effectively committing murder towards our neighbor because we are not using our resources (as few or many as they may be) to help someone who is in need.
So returning to this scenario, does the same passivity exist in our daily lives as it did on that plane prior to takeoff? Worse, does it exist in our congregations? I wonder if by not engaging and addressing this, by choosing to remain passive, we are ourselves committing just the same sin towards our neighbor in need. We are not extending the grace and welcome that we have all been extended by God in Christ. We are not acting as a reconciling community, called to come together despite our human differences, because we are one body in Christ.
How can we be one body in Christ though, if we are not willing to stand up for our neighbor and stranger, no matter how different they might be from us? After all, they are part of the same body of Christ, and they are created in the image of God, just like we are.
Many congregations have decided that the best way to stay together is to "agree to disagree" and to continue on. I myself have been a proponent of this. But after reading the post again, and thinking deeply about it, I can't stand in this group anymore. We are called to engage, not to disengage. We have something beautiful as ELCA Lutherans called "bound conscience." I respect this. I wonder though how many of these congregations who have "agreed to disagree" actually took the time to unpack what a "bound conscience" means. Did these congregations think deeply about how it relates to loving and serving each other in the congregation and being open and welcoming to the larger community and world which we are called to serve, preach and teach to, and most importantly be a part of?
I don't have the answers here. I just feel really moved today, and think its time to stand up for our neighbor. Being passive is as good as a judgment in my neighbor's eyes, and when you get down to it, it looks like the same in mine too. Aren't we called to extend a hand of grace and welcome? If we really believe this, this certainly has some deep implications and offers a true pause. What do you think?
In the previous post I provided this morning, I intentionally did not touch on theology. Now though, I would like to open up the theological imagination for a moment. If you have not read the previous post, I refer to a story expressed here. In the post I mention how I hope beyond hope that I am not like the woman a few rows ahead who is so focused on taking off on time that she asks people to stop making a scene. Such a move is a passive way of dismissing another, and amounts to ignoring the very scene which we are called to act and respond in love to. It reminds me immediately of the Good Samaritan scenario. What do we do when we are passing a victim. Better yet, what do we do when we are facing a victim in the very act of abuse? Do we turn our heads and walk away, or do we swallow our fear and stand up, hoping that another would do the same thing should we ever face such a situation ourselves.
I don't care what the reason for a disagreement is, there is NO justification for abuse- physical, emotional, theological, etc. I firmly believe this, but I wonder, would I be just like that lady who chose to turn away because I was so focused on myself and my own needs of the day?
We are called to love and serve our neighbor. Martin Luther goes so far in his explanation to the fifth commandment to say that by not doing what we can, we are effectively committing murder towards our neighbor because we are not using our resources (as few or many as they may be) to help someone who is in need.
So returning to this scenario, does the same passivity exist in our daily lives as it did on that plane prior to takeoff? Worse, does it exist in our congregations? I wonder if by not engaging and addressing this, by choosing to remain passive, we are ourselves committing just the same sin towards our neighbor in need. We are not extending the grace and welcome that we have all been extended by God in Christ. We are not acting as a reconciling community, called to come together despite our human differences, because we are one body in Christ.
How can we be one body in Christ though, if we are not willing to stand up for our neighbor and stranger, no matter how different they might be from us? After all, they are part of the same body of Christ, and they are created in the image of God, just like we are.
Many congregations have decided that the best way to stay together is to "agree to disagree" and to continue on. I myself have been a proponent of this. But after reading the post again, and thinking deeply about it, I can't stand in this group anymore. We are called to engage, not to disengage. We have something beautiful as ELCA Lutherans called "bound conscience." I respect this. I wonder though how many of these congregations who have "agreed to disagree" actually took the time to unpack what a "bound conscience" means. Did these congregations think deeply about how it relates to loving and serving each other in the congregation and being open and welcoming to the larger community and world which we are called to serve, preach and teach to, and most importantly be a part of?
I don't have the answers here. I just feel really moved today, and think its time to stand up for our neighbor. Being passive is as good as a judgment in my neighbor's eyes, and when you get down to it, it looks like the same in mine too. Aren't we called to extend a hand of grace and welcome? If we really believe this, this certainly has some deep implications and offers a true pause. What do you think?
Some Post-Election Reflections
I am not going to make this an overly political post. I will say I am overall very happy with how the elections went. Do I fear partisanship? Always. But I also know that in this country we need at least two strong parties in order to provide a check on each other, and so this is why I am thankful that the Democrats are not in charge of all areas of the government (because of the Republican majority in the House). I hope though that given this, the two parties will return to working across the aisle and find the middle ground around the "common good." Call me naive, but I think its possible. If we can't do this, not only are we bound to continue in the most partisan and polarized period in recent memory, we will continue to struggle to do the basic things that need to be done- building infrastructure; supporting education as our chief priority for a robust, innovative, and long-lasting economy; working for a fair tax system; and standing up for the rights of ALL citizens no matter if we agree with each other about particular issues. We do need to agree that we are all citizens and therefore that should entitle us to the same respect.
Now, in doing my morning reading of stories on major news sites and on Facebook, I found a blog post that I have linked here. On the one hand I am very proud of Alaska Airlines as I think you will be too. It is my favorite airline for a reason (not just because it is my hometown air carrier). On the other hand, I hope that should an altercation like this happen, I would be more vocal and not like the person a few rows ahead more focused on taking off in a fast and timely fashion. I worry about myself, and think I might be like her at times so focused on myself that I lose sight of standing up for each other and being in relationship and community with those around me. I hope beyond hope that I would never be like that woman in the face of injustice and intolerance. I was certainly taught better by my Mom and Dad, and deep down know that should I witness such a thing I would not stay silent.
I am happy to hear that Alaska Airlines didn't either. I just wish that this person would not have had to deal with this situation in the first place. It just goes to show we have more educating to do in this world in order to become a more just and civil society. I am not sure where this starts, but I know it has to start somewhere and I would like to think I am a part of it.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
I guess this as good a name for this post as any. My Grandpa T. would have been 91 today, which is amazing to think about. Wow! He lived a very long and full life though and left us the night before Thanksgiving just about 5 years ago after having visions of Jesus and other family members of ours who had passed away.
I guess I am thinking back to those Novembers in 2006 and 2007 when my Grandpa S. and Grandpa T. passed away just about a year a part because we are coming up on All Saints Day. I have been working to compile the list of loved ones and friends of Cross of Hope who have passed away to have read on Sunday. All Saints is such a meaningful day. It's interesting to think about why that is for me, because I can't really place it. But, I have always held that day of the church year with utmost respect because its a day not only to remember and celebrate, but also a day to know that we are part of cloud of witnesses from the generations to the present. It's also a day where we are directly confronted with both the fragility of this life, and the hope and promise of the life to come.
I have also been thinking about my grandpas the past couple days, because two of my closest friends lost a grandparent over the weekend. I hold Ben up as he remembers and celebrates his grandpa, and I hold Jeremy up as he remembers and celebrates his grandma. Guys, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. You know I am here for you whatever you need.
One of the passages read at Grandpa's funeral was 2 Timothy 4:1-8, and I trust it can be read and deeply believed and affirmed for many of us in thinking about our loved ones who have departed us. Let's close with these words from 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
"As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
I guess I am thinking back to those Novembers in 2006 and 2007 when my Grandpa S. and Grandpa T. passed away just about a year a part because we are coming up on All Saints Day. I have been working to compile the list of loved ones and friends of Cross of Hope who have passed away to have read on Sunday. All Saints is such a meaningful day. It's interesting to think about why that is for me, because I can't really place it. But, I have always held that day of the church year with utmost respect because its a day not only to remember and celebrate, but also a day to know that we are part of cloud of witnesses from the generations to the present. It's also a day where we are directly confronted with both the fragility of this life, and the hope and promise of the life to come.
I have also been thinking about my grandpas the past couple days, because two of my closest friends lost a grandparent over the weekend. I hold Ben up as he remembers and celebrates his grandpa, and I hold Jeremy up as he remembers and celebrates his grandma. Guys, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family. You know I am here for you whatever you need.
One of the passages read at Grandpa's funeral was 2 Timothy 4:1-8, and I trust it can be read and deeply believed and affirmed for many of us in thinking about our loved ones who have departed us. Let's close with these words from 2 Timothy 4:6-8:
"As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
Friday, October 19, 2012
Fall in Little Norway
This past week, I have had the chance to spend some time back "home," by myself. (Well, not really, see I have shared the home I grew up in with two dogs, two cats, and a bird. We make for an interesting group).
It's been strange to be the only human here all week. It's been strange to be away from Allison for a week. This is now officially the longest we have been a part since getting married. I have missed her terribly! To pass the time I have tried to be productive on church work, work for the firm I am interning for, and doing some other consulting work while here. I think I have been somewhat productive.
The point to this post though is I guess I realize that wherever my wife and I are together, is truly my home now. That means that for now the Twin Cities are really my home. I really haven't called Poulsbo my day to day home for nearly 7-years since I left for PLU in 2005. It's kind of surreal. It's nice to see that Poulsbo hasn't stopped growing, but its also nice that it hasn't lost its charm either. There is just something about this place which can make it a nice place to get away and breathe for a bit to center oneself. I think that's how I have let it treat me this week. I am hoping that when I return to Minnesota tomorrow I will be more: centered, focused, and assured. The job hunt continues, but doors and opportunities continue to open. God's leading us, and we're making ends meet. I have no idea what the next chapter is really going to look like, but the one we are in right now is certainly exciting.
I could say that I am concerned, depressed, and stressed about not having a full-time job yet. But you know what, I would be lying if I did. I have this bizarre sense of calm now that it's all going to work out. Maybe this is really what a sense of abundance feels like? I know God's here with us, and even though I am not sure where we are heading in this wilderness time, I know God is guiding us through it.
As the leaves continue to fall, and the colors continue to turn, take some time to smile and breathe in deep. Drink some hot chocolate or hot apple cider. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that today, right this minute, I am loved (because Allison tells me multiple times each day) and that's really all that matters (plus Taizley and Trea are asleep on either side of me, and that's kind of comforting too). My hunch is that because you are reading this, you are loved too. (Obviously, loved by God, but probably loved by me and many others too.) Isn't that just a comforting feeling?
Peace and blessings to you on this Fall Evening from Little Norway!
[picture credits to the "Historic Downtown Poulsbo" site on Facebook]
It's been strange to be the only human here all week. It's been strange to be away from Allison for a week. This is now officially the longest we have been a part since getting married. I have missed her terribly! To pass the time I have tried to be productive on church work, work for the firm I am interning for, and doing some other consulting work while here. I think I have been somewhat productive.
The point to this post though is I guess I realize that wherever my wife and I are together, is truly my home now. That means that for now the Twin Cities are really my home. I really haven't called Poulsbo my day to day home for nearly 7-years since I left for PLU in 2005. It's kind of surreal. It's nice to see that Poulsbo hasn't stopped growing, but its also nice that it hasn't lost its charm either. There is just something about this place which can make it a nice place to get away and breathe for a bit to center oneself. I think that's how I have let it treat me this week. I am hoping that when I return to Minnesota tomorrow I will be more: centered, focused, and assured. The job hunt continues, but doors and opportunities continue to open. God's leading us, and we're making ends meet. I have no idea what the next chapter is really going to look like, but the one we are in right now is certainly exciting.
I could say that I am concerned, depressed, and stressed about not having a full-time job yet. But you know what, I would be lying if I did. I have this bizarre sense of calm now that it's all going to work out. Maybe this is really what a sense of abundance feels like? I know God's here with us, and even though I am not sure where we are heading in this wilderness time, I know God is guiding us through it.
As the leaves continue to fall, and the colors continue to turn, take some time to smile and breathe in deep. Drink some hot chocolate or hot apple cider. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know that today, right this minute, I am loved (because Allison tells me multiple times each day) and that's really all that matters (plus Taizley and Trea are asleep on either side of me, and that's kind of comforting too). My hunch is that because you are reading this, you are loved too. (Obviously, loved by God, but probably loved by me and many others too.) Isn't that just a comforting feeling?
[picture credits to the "Historic Downtown Poulsbo" site on Facebook]
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
College Football Playoff- GOOD, BAD, UGLY
I am not going to hide my opinion. I don't like this playoff plan, as is. I am happy that there will be one. However, I think there is a long way to go for this to be a guaranteed improvement over the BCS. Because on the surface, this proposal seems like it even makes it more impossible for "non-AQ" conference schools like Boise State, BYU, and Hawaii (not to mention the 'left overs' of the Big-East conference like South Florida, Connecticut, Louisville, Cincinnati, etc.) to play for a national championship. There needs to be some provision that these schools be given equal consideration for inclusion in the playoffs. Maybe this is why I think having an 8 or 16-team playoff makes more sense then trying to have a committee pick just 4 teams. Some years I would agree it would be possible, but in recent memory picking just 4 teams would seem ridiculous.
Now, my immediate reaction aside, here is what I think in a good, bad, and ugly fashion.
THE GOOD
1. We may now have an actual champion in college football. (Assuming the four teams in the playoffs are definitively the best four teams in the nation, without leaving any one, two, or three teams of equal value achievement out).
2. Meaningful bowl/playoff games will be played again on New Year's Day or New Year's Eve, as that is when the semi-final games are scheduled to be played.
3. Traditional bowl game sites like the Holiday Bowl in San Diego; Cotton Bowl in Arlington, TX; Citrus Bowl in Orlando; and the Peach Bowl (I mean "Chick Filet" Bowl) in Atlanta may again be hosts to actual big meaningful games.
THE BAD
1. This may actually make it even harder for non-AQ schools to compete for a championship then was the case in the much maligned BCS.
2. For all the animosity about sponsored bowl games and how that is commercialism run wild, imagine the sponsorship and commercial opportunities that will come from a college football playoff? The new championship game will likely easily be the second most expensive 3-hours of the year to buy a 30-second commercial behind only the Super Bowl.
THE UGLY
1. What happens when in 2 years we realize that this "playoff" only continues the same problem of not having a definitive champion that has been the case throughout the BCS? We will go back to square one.
2. Or, what happens when the conference commissioners and school presidents realize the $$$ involved in a playoff and decide to move to 8 or 16 teams? (I mean I would think that would finally widen the door enough to provide a way in for the non-AQ schools. However, the motivation for such a move would be shallow at best, and only about the potential increased revenues and sponsor-ships. Such a move would clearly be the death bell of college bowl games as we know them.)
I think the only clear answer we have now is that there is a "playoff" coming. We'll see what that really means in 3-years.
------------------------------------------
And because you might be wondering what I would suggest if I ran the world here is what I would do if we are indeed stuck with the 4-team playoff model.
1) Combine the ACC and Big-East into one conference for football.
2) Require all teams to play a 9-game conference schedule in football. The SEC should no longer be allowed to have "cupcakes" on their schedules in November.
3) The Big-12 should indeed become 12 teams again.
4) Boise State, BYU, and Notre Dame should enter into a long-term agreement to play each other every year. This would likely help each's strength of schedule, and increase the potential of making it into the 4-team pool or discussion at the very least. [If I were Boise State and BYU I would be pounding down the door of the Big 12 to try and entice them to invite them in.]
5) The National Championship and Semi-Finals should be broadcast on Network TV (ABC) and not on a cable network (ESPN). If they want this championship to be like the Super Bowl and NFL playoffs, then it only makes sense that it be given the respect of major network TV.
**Admittedly none of these suggestions will likely come to pass because of the money involved obviously. But, here was my two cents anyway.
Now, my immediate reaction aside, here is what I think in a good, bad, and ugly fashion.
THE GOOD
1. We may now have an actual champion in college football. (Assuming the four teams in the playoffs are definitively the best four teams in the nation, without leaving any one, two, or three teams of equal value achievement out).
2. Meaningful bowl/playoff games will be played again on New Year's Day or New Year's Eve, as that is when the semi-final games are scheduled to be played.
3. Traditional bowl game sites like the Holiday Bowl in San Diego; Cotton Bowl in Arlington, TX; Citrus Bowl in Orlando; and the Peach Bowl (I mean "Chick Filet" Bowl) in Atlanta may again be hosts to actual big meaningful games.
THE BAD
1. This may actually make it even harder for non-AQ schools to compete for a championship then was the case in the much maligned BCS.
2. For all the animosity about sponsored bowl games and how that is commercialism run wild, imagine the sponsorship and commercial opportunities that will come from a college football playoff? The new championship game will likely easily be the second most expensive 3-hours of the year to buy a 30-second commercial behind only the Super Bowl.
THE UGLY
1. What happens when in 2 years we realize that this "playoff" only continues the same problem of not having a definitive champion that has been the case throughout the BCS? We will go back to square one.
2. Or, what happens when the conference commissioners and school presidents realize the $$$ involved in a playoff and decide to move to 8 or 16 teams? (I mean I would think that would finally widen the door enough to provide a way in for the non-AQ schools. However, the motivation for such a move would be shallow at best, and only about the potential increased revenues and sponsor-ships. Such a move would clearly be the death bell of college bowl games as we know them.)
I think the only clear answer we have now is that there is a "playoff" coming. We'll see what that really means in 3-years.
------------------------------------------
And because you might be wondering what I would suggest if I ran the world here is what I would do if we are indeed stuck with the 4-team playoff model.
1) Combine the ACC and Big-East into one conference for football.
2) Require all teams to play a 9-game conference schedule in football. The SEC should no longer be allowed to have "cupcakes" on their schedules in November.
3) The Big-12 should indeed become 12 teams again.
4) Boise State, BYU, and Notre Dame should enter into a long-term agreement to play each other every year. This would likely help each's strength of schedule, and increase the potential of making it into the 4-team pool or discussion at the very least. [If I were Boise State and BYU I would be pounding down the door of the Big 12 to try and entice them to invite them in.]
5) The National Championship and Semi-Finals should be broadcast on Network TV (ABC) and not on a cable network (ESPN). If they want this championship to be like the Super Bowl and NFL playoffs, then it only makes sense that it be given the respect of major network TV.
**Admittedly none of these suggestions will likely come to pass because of the money involved obviously. But, here was my two cents anyway.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Return of the Blog
For those of you who have missed my blogging, well, I have missed it too. So, let this serve as an intentional return to activity here on the blog. My guess is that there will be an average of 2-3 posts per week from now on, but we'll see how that goes.
For today's blog entry, I just want to say its nice to be back and I hope you enjoy my thoughts and reflections on a whole host of topics- from theology to leadership, from baseball to choral music, and every thing in between.
For your enjoyment, I am providing a return of a few links with today's initial post of things I have been reading and following.
This Week's Links
Theology, Ministry and the Church
1. Lutheran Women Scholars have come to the defense of their Catholic Sister; including a number of my favorite professors from PLU and Luther Seminary, as well as a host of others who I have met and/or cited in a number of projects including my thesis.
2. Dr. Lose from Luther Seminary offers some reflections on denominationalism.
3. My roommate Tyler from PLU offers a wonderful reflection on the change he sees in what it means to follow the "American dream." With our "generation" its not necessarily about making the most money, but rather about living a fulfilling life and living into one's vocation(s).
Sports
1. The Pac-12 Network continues to take shape.
2. Is it time to bring up the annual question for the Mariners about whether or not to think about trading King Felix?
3. I would be remiss with this return to blog activity to not offer a huge shout-out to the Lutes Softball team! PLU's softball team won the Division III National Championship in May!! Congrats and Attaway Lutes!
Thanks for taking the time to read and follow me, and for welcoming me back to the blogging world. May God's peace and blessings be unto you this day!
For today's blog entry, I just want to say its nice to be back and I hope you enjoy my thoughts and reflections on a whole host of topics- from theology to leadership, from baseball to choral music, and every thing in between.
For your enjoyment, I am providing a return of a few links with today's initial post of things I have been reading and following.
This Week's Links
Theology, Ministry and the Church
1. Lutheran Women Scholars have come to the defense of their Catholic Sister; including a number of my favorite professors from PLU and Luther Seminary, as well as a host of others who I have met and/or cited in a number of projects including my thesis.
2. Dr. Lose from Luther Seminary offers some reflections on denominationalism.
3. My roommate Tyler from PLU offers a wonderful reflection on the change he sees in what it means to follow the "American dream." With our "generation" its not necessarily about making the most money, but rather about living a fulfilling life and living into one's vocation(s).
Sports
1. The Pac-12 Network continues to take shape.
2. Is it time to bring up the annual question for the Mariners about whether or not to think about trading King Felix?
3. I would be remiss with this return to blog activity to not offer a huge shout-out to the Lutes Softball team! PLU's softball team won the Division III National Championship in May!! Congrats and Attaway Lutes!
Thanks for taking the time to read and follow me, and for welcoming me back to the blogging world. May God's peace and blessings be unto you this day!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Simul justus et peccator- What it means to be a Lutheran in my eyes today (part I)
I woke up this morning inspired to start a new series in this blog. Over the next week or so, I will offer some different thoughts on what I believe it means to be a Lutheran Christian today. Each post will try and focus on one theological (or other type of) idea. I admit that I am not doing this as part of a seminary class, but more so as a way to work through some understandings of my own in the hope that they will help you think about your own understandings of these ideas. Further, this in the hope that such beliefs will be understood in shaping who I am as a worship coordinator now at a local Lutheran Church.
Today, let us begin with the paradox known in the Latin as "simul justus et peccator." First of all, as much as Lutherans are comfortable in paradox, I think our comfort here is actually a disadvantage for us in the way we talk with and engage in the rest of the world who wishes things were more clear (ie- politics, Washington D.C., etc.). But, that said, we are comfortable in our paradoxes as Lutherans, and there is no greater paradox then this one, that we are "simultaneously saint and sinner."
In good Lutheran fashion, I might ask, "what does this mean?" I am not going to go and quote the catechism here. Rather, I will offer my own observations. On the one hand, we believe that we are all children of God and redeemed through Christ in grace and love. This understanding is that we are saints because we are the people of God. However, we are sinners because we are "enslaved to sin and cannot free ourselves," as we confess. This is why having some sort of understanding of the significance of Christ and atonement is important, because without Christ's saving act for us, the "sinner" reality would be the dominant one, and our relationship with God would be much more terrifying and probably negative.
On the other hand, this might be interpreted as we are both "good and bad." I would not go here for a Lutheran argument, because I don't think I could make a very compelling case. But, this could be argued that one is good because God works through us, in our callings and vocations, in guiding and sanctifying us, and leading us as we are justified by faith alone to engage in the world around us and love our neighbor. One is bad because we perpetually come up short, especially when we allow ourselves to focus on our selves and not the needs of our neighbor, and that which God might have us do or call us to do; so when we seem to put ourselves first at the expense or pain of another person, God, a thing, or any part of creation, this would then be bad.
Perhaps this idea of "simultaneously saint and sinner," raises more questions then it answers, but I think it is a good place to start for contemplating what it means to be a Lutheran today. How does it shape our practice of worship? Our practice of serving our neighbor, of walking with them, and being a part of this world while also of the world to come? (There is another Lutheran paradox for you)... We will keep these questions alive throughout the following posts, in the hope that they spark some ideas, imagination, wondering, and if necessary, some reevaluation and action if my own practices seem inconsistent with my beliefs and understandings.
Today, let us begin with the paradox known in the Latin as "simul justus et peccator." First of all, as much as Lutherans are comfortable in paradox, I think our comfort here is actually a disadvantage for us in the way we talk with and engage in the rest of the world who wishes things were more clear (ie- politics, Washington D.C., etc.). But, that said, we are comfortable in our paradoxes as Lutherans, and there is no greater paradox then this one, that we are "simultaneously saint and sinner."
In good Lutheran fashion, I might ask, "what does this mean?" I am not going to go and quote the catechism here. Rather, I will offer my own observations. On the one hand, we believe that we are all children of God and redeemed through Christ in grace and love. This understanding is that we are saints because we are the people of God. However, we are sinners because we are "enslaved to sin and cannot free ourselves," as we confess. This is why having some sort of understanding of the significance of Christ and atonement is important, because without Christ's saving act for us, the "sinner" reality would be the dominant one, and our relationship with God would be much more terrifying and probably negative.
On the other hand, this might be interpreted as we are both "good and bad." I would not go here for a Lutheran argument, because I don't think I could make a very compelling case. But, this could be argued that one is good because God works through us, in our callings and vocations, in guiding and sanctifying us, and leading us as we are justified by faith alone to engage in the world around us and love our neighbor. One is bad because we perpetually come up short, especially when we allow ourselves to focus on our selves and not the needs of our neighbor, and that which God might have us do or call us to do; so when we seem to put ourselves first at the expense or pain of another person, God, a thing, or any part of creation, this would then be bad.
Perhaps this idea of "simultaneously saint and sinner," raises more questions then it answers, but I think it is a good place to start for contemplating what it means to be a Lutheran today. How does it shape our practice of worship? Our practice of serving our neighbor, of walking with them, and being a part of this world while also of the world to come? (There is another Lutheran paradox for you)... We will keep these questions alive throughout the following posts, in the hope that they spark some ideas, imagination, wondering, and if necessary, some reevaluation and action if my own practices seem inconsistent with my beliefs and understandings.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Drucker as a Writer
Reading through Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker, and I think to myself... what if theologians wrote like this? I have found Drucker's work to always be accessible, engaging, and well explained. He is not circular, but he is not making stuff up out of thin air, either. If only all theologians took writing lessons from Drucker, perhaps we would have a better understanding of their theological ideas, and perhaps their ideas would be more accessible. At the very least, complicated trains of thought might be a bit more clear. What do you think?
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Good Bye Summer!
The rain has come. The temperature has dropped. The leaves are falling. I guess summer was not going to be able to hold on forever. Oh well. It had a great run!
Now that Fall is here, perhaps its time to really start blogging again.
Starting tomorrow, I intend to provide a new post daily. They may not be that most insightful, but perhaps they will make for a fun read.
Peace and Blessings
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Welcome Back!
This will be a short post, but an important one. The blog ended up taking an unintentional vacation over the summer. For those of you regular readers who were disappointed, I greatly apologize. I am happy to announce its return today though with the beginning of a new semester. The blog will be covering a number of topics throughout this year, so I hope you enjoy.
For those of you who are a part of the seminary community, the Luther Seminary Student Council is accepting nominations for those interested in serving on the council this week. So, nominate or be nominated!
Also, at some point this week, I will offer a detailed and "off-the-cuff" analysis and prediction of college conference Armageddon for those of you who are college sports fans.
Thanks for being loyal readers of the blog!
For those of you who are a part of the seminary community, the Luther Seminary Student Council is accepting nominations for those interested in serving on the council this week. So, nominate or be nominated!
Also, at some point this week, I will offer a detailed and "off-the-cuff" analysis and prediction of college conference Armageddon for those of you who are college sports fans.
Thanks for being loyal readers of the blog!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Letter of Thanks to First Lutheran
It has come to my attention that First Lutheran Church did not include the majority of my letter in its June "Visitor" and rather only took a couple sentences. If you would like to see the letter in its entirety, please read below:
Dear First Lutheran Family,
It is with a heart full of joy and appreciation that I write you! I am so grateful for your continued love and support- in thoughts, prayer, encouragement, and of course by monetary means as well. Allison is grateful as well, of course. Together we thank you for the offering you raised to help support our studies, ministry training and discernment back in March. You can trust that your gracious gifts will be well used in supporting two married seminarians. Your support and continued support helps make our studies possible. It also gives us hope that we will be able to follow and live out our vocational callings in the world while not being burdened with insurmountable debt.
It is probably about time for an update on how we are doing. Our first year here at Luther Seminary in the Twin Cities is coming to a fast close. As we are entering our ninth month of married life, this past year of crazy changes and transition is thankfully starting to slowly settle down. Allison continues to be a Master of Divinity Student, discerning a call towards the parish, an undergraduate professorship, or some other ministry working with young women. My degree has changed slightly here, as some of you may know. I am now officially a Master of Arts student here, working towards a degree in Congregational, Mission, and Leadership. This degree will couple well with the degree I earned from Claremont (MA in Management in 2010), in following my vocational and ministerial call towards work in Lutheran (or generally faith-based) social organizations such as Lutheran World Relief or Lutheran Social Services, etc.
Allison and I have found a nice congregational family to be a part of. It is located on the border of the northern suburbs and rural Anoka County (north-northwest of Minneapolis) at Cross of Hope Lutheran Church in Ramsey. We are doing our contextual education components of seminary there. This means that Allison is able to work with women and youth ministries, and I am doing work designing and redesigning their leadership structures and models, as well as their congregational communication. In addition to these contextual education components, I am on-staff there, serving as the church’s Music Ministry Coordinator (to be renamed Worship Coordinator this summer). As part of this job, I coordinate the church’s musical ensembles, as well as direct its adult choir, and occasionally play piano. Allison currently works at Dining Services at Luther Seminary (in its cafeteria), and also will be working at the church beginning this summer to help with leadership in Cross of Hope’s summer youth program.
We are looking forward to being home for a brief time in mid-May through early June. This will be a bit longer of a trip then we were able to make over Christmas, and we look forward to more time to spend with family and friends while also celebrating Thomas’ graduation from PLU. We will be at First Lutheran on Sunday June 5th, and hope to see you then. If you end up passing through or visiting the Twin Cities, please let us know. We always love to see and spend time with familiar faces.
Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and love!
In Christ’s Service,
Allison and Timothy Siburg
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Big News of Change for PLU
The Press Release from PLU: http://www.plu.edu/ucom/email/andersons/leaving-plu/home.php
I will be offering a tribute of appreciation from my own experiences with the Andersons in an upcoming blog post. But for those of you who have not heard, President Dr. Loren Anderson and MaryAnn will be leaving PLU at the end of the 2011-2012 Academic Year. This means that after next spring's commencement, they will be ending their 20 year term together as the leadership couple at PLU. Much great things have been done while during their time, and they will be greatly missed. However, their legacy of helping create the Wild Hope Project and so many other things will certainly live on, as it has become a part of the DNA of what it means to be a Lute. Thank you to the Anderson family for your hardwork, dedication, passion, and service. And also for your friendship and support.
I will be offering a tribute of appreciation from my own experiences with the Andersons in an upcoming blog post. But for those of you who have not heard, President Dr. Loren Anderson and MaryAnn will be leaving PLU at the end of the 2011-2012 Academic Year. This means that after next spring's commencement, they will be ending their 20 year term together as the leadership couple at PLU. Much great things have been done while during their time, and they will be greatly missed. However, their legacy of helping create the Wild Hope Project and so many other things will certainly live on, as it has become a part of the DNA of what it means to be a Lute. Thank you to the Anderson family for your hardwork, dedication, passion, and service. And also for your friendship and support.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Lute Legacy
I was blessed and priviledged to be present for the 2011 Pacific Lutheran University Commencement festivities over the weekend. You can watch it here. My brother Thomas graduated, earning his BA in Economics and Global Studies, with minors in Political Science and Religion. He is one well learned, and traveled global citizen, leader, and advocate who really understands what it means to live a life of thoughtful inquiry, service, and care; as well as to live in a sense of vocation, neighbor love, and on behalf of the other with true empathetic understanding. I am so proud of him!
It got me to wonder... so how many Lutes are there in our family?
Family Who Have Graduated from PLU
1. Dave Siburg (my dad)
2. Tricia Siburg (my mom)
3. Jeff Tengesdal (my uncle)
4. Mark Tengesdal (my uncle)
5. Mark Siburg (my uncle)
6. Suzy Siburg (my aunt)
7. Paul Jackson (my uncle)
8. Timothy Siburg
9. Allison Siburg (my wife)
10. Thomas Siburg (my brother)
"Family" Who Have Graduated from PLU
11. Margo Holm (earned her masters); basically my mom's adopted sister
12. Jenna Grubbs (my aunt's niece; kind of a cousin-in-law)
13. Joanne Erickson (my "second mother" growing up)
14. Elise Erickson (my "older sister" growing up)
15. Svea Erickson (my "older sister" growing up)
Family Who are Currently Attending PLU
16. Tamara Siburg (my sister)
17. Erin Parks (Allison's and my cousin)
Family Who Have Attended PLU (or its earlier name, of Pacific Lutheran College)
18. Bob Siburg (my grandpa)
19. Pat Jackson (my aunt)
20. Danny Tengesdal (my uncle)
Even if you cut-out the "Family" section, that still leaves 15 direct family members who have attended or are currently attending PLU. Wow! No wonder that we feel a special connection with this place.
Anyway... Attaway Thomas!! Attaway!
It got me to wonder... so how many Lutes are there in our family?
Family Who Have Graduated from PLU
1. Dave Siburg (my dad)
2. Tricia Siburg (my mom)
3. Jeff Tengesdal (my uncle)
4. Mark Tengesdal (my uncle)
5. Mark Siburg (my uncle)
6. Suzy Siburg (my aunt)
7. Paul Jackson (my uncle)
8. Timothy Siburg
9. Allison Siburg (my wife)
10. Thomas Siburg (my brother)
"Family" Who Have Graduated from PLU
11. Margo Holm (earned her masters); basically my mom's adopted sister
12. Jenna Grubbs (my aunt's niece; kind of a cousin-in-law)
13. Joanne Erickson (my "second mother" growing up)
14. Elise Erickson (my "older sister" growing up)
15. Svea Erickson (my "older sister" growing up)
Family Who are Currently Attending PLU
16. Tamara Siburg (my sister)
17. Erin Parks (Allison's and my cousin)
Family Who Have Attended PLU (or its earlier name, of Pacific Lutheran College)
18. Bob Siburg (my grandpa)
19. Pat Jackson (my aunt)
20. Danny Tengesdal (my uncle)
Even if you cut-out the "Family" section, that still leaves 15 direct family members who have attended or are currently attending PLU. Wow! No wonder that we feel a special connection with this place.
Anyway... Attaway Thomas!! Attaway!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
This Week's Links
So, well on vacation, the blogging has understandably taken a back seat. But here are a few links you might find interesting.
1) Luther Seminary's, and my advisor, Dr. Matt Skinner has a new post up with the Huffington Post which you might enjoy.
2) An interesting reflection on what it means to walk with our sisters and brothers in the world in the wake of disaster is offered by the ELCA Bishop of the Central States Synod. It is a post obviously about Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin, MO..
3) Finally, for some sports... Jerry Crasnick reminds Mariner fans of what might have been, had Bill Bavasi not been our General Manager. Oh well. The Mariners are playing well now, and let's hope they keep it up!
Have a great week!
1) Luther Seminary's, and my advisor, Dr. Matt Skinner has a new post up with the Huffington Post which you might enjoy.
2) An interesting reflection on what it means to walk with our sisters and brothers in the world in the wake of disaster is offered by the ELCA Bishop of the Central States Synod. It is a post obviously about Peace Lutheran Church in Joplin, MO..
3) Finally, for some sports... Jerry Crasnick reminds Mariner fans of what might have been, had Bill Bavasi not been our General Manager. Oh well. The Mariners are playing well now, and let's hope they keep it up!
Have a great week!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
From Washington With Love
This post is specifically for all of my friends elsewhere in the country, who do not have the pleasure of currently being in the Evergreen State.
Imagine yourself flying on a Boeing 737, on a beautiful sunny and blue sky type of day. The clouds are few and far between, and mainly just in one spot to the south. They are gathering around the mid-level of a majestic peak. This peak, overlooking the clouds is seemingly trying to get up on its tippy toes to see someone or something in the distance. It wants to get a first glimpse of the return of its friends.
This is how it felt to fly in to the Puget Sound area on Wednesday afternoon. Over Eastern Washington, the skies could not have been clearer. The Columbia beamed in all its radiance. Lake Chelan shimmered to the north. And there, on our side of the plane to the south, was our friend, Mt. Rainier. The smile on my face could not have been bigger. It's always my favorite part of flying in or out of SeaTac. The ability or hope to see the beautiful summit that graces our little piece of heaven. Allison was ecstatic! We got to circle around and land out of the south, so we also got to see PLU and Tacoma from the air, as well as much of the South Sound and across to the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympics. I always enjoyed this when flying home especially a year+ ago from Claremont, but this time was more special. This was the first flight Allison and I had shared completely alone together. And it was so wonderful to feel like we were coming home, without worrying that we would have no time to breathe like we did the week around Christmas.
We have been back a few days already, and feel so blessed to be here. We have had the chance to spend a day at the place where our relationship all started and grew, at PLU. We have had the pleasure of hearing my brother's global studies capstone presentation. We have gotten to spend time with my sister, and hear a little about her semester in Namibia. And so much more. This trip home has only just begun, but its all ready been worth it and SO MUCH MORE.
To all of you not as fortunate to be in the Northwest, know and trust that Mt. Rainier says hi to you too, and it will be here along with all the Cascades to greet you when you come or come back.
Imagine yourself flying on a Boeing 737, on a beautiful sunny and blue sky type of day. The clouds are few and far between, and mainly just in one spot to the south. They are gathering around the mid-level of a majestic peak. This peak, overlooking the clouds is seemingly trying to get up on its tippy toes to see someone or something in the distance. It wants to get a first glimpse of the return of its friends.
This is how it felt to fly in to the Puget Sound area on Wednesday afternoon. Over Eastern Washington, the skies could not have been clearer. The Columbia beamed in all its radiance. Lake Chelan shimmered to the north. And there, on our side of the plane to the south, was our friend, Mt. Rainier. The smile on my face could not have been bigger. It's always my favorite part of flying in or out of SeaTac. The ability or hope to see the beautiful summit that graces our little piece of heaven. Allison was ecstatic! We got to circle around and land out of the south, so we also got to see PLU and Tacoma from the air, as well as much of the South Sound and across to the Kitsap Peninsula and the Olympics. I always enjoyed this when flying home especially a year+ ago from Claremont, but this time was more special. This was the first flight Allison and I had shared completely alone together. And it was so wonderful to feel like we were coming home, without worrying that we would have no time to breathe like we did the week around Christmas.
We have been back a few days already, and feel so blessed to be here. We have had the chance to spend a day at the place where our relationship all started and grew, at PLU. We have had the pleasure of hearing my brother's global studies capstone presentation. We have gotten to spend time with my sister, and hear a little about her semester in Namibia. And so much more. This trip home has only just begun, but its all ready been worth it and SO MUCH MORE.
To all of you not as fortunate to be in the Northwest, know and trust that Mt. Rainier says hi to you too, and it will be here along with all the Cascades to greet you when you come or come back.
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