One of the most amazing things…

…about St. Paul’s is the Thranksgiving Day Matins. It’s 9:00 a.m.  Conventional wisdom would tell you that there’s no way you can have a church service on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. St. Paul’s is, like, WRONG. Not only can you have it, you can pack it out with the people of God joyfully gathering for a brief service of thanksgiving and praise to our gracious Giver God. And that’s my grandson Henry serving as the acolyte and crucifer.

Whew!

Today I finished recording through Dec. 19. Am now on break until Dec. 2. I’m looking forward to the days of not writing and catching up with some chores around the house. Cindi’s aunt and cousin will join us for the Thanksgiving feast, so that will be 20 of us sitting down to dinner this year. I think they arrive Sunday or Monday of next week. Best of all: I come back for three weeks, and then it’s a two week break. It’s been hectic this fall, what with speaking engagements and trying to get Opa moved and settled into new digs, and empty out his old house. 

A Holy Conversation

It was truly great to be with the saints up north (Fairgrove Michigan) for “A Holy Conversation” and to celebrate with Grace Lutheran Church and Pastor Haller their 75th anniversary. Here are some pics, though somehow I didn’t get one with Pr. Haller. He’ll have to send me the one the photographer did after the service:

One thing I definitely decided though: I’m finishing my commitments through next year and then I really and truly am DONE with the public speaking gigs. So, since I’m driving to three of the next ones, I have will only have to take an airplane for this one more time: out to Wyoming in August. If it’s local, I still may consider doing it (planning on something for Sem wives in early 2026), but aside from that, no go. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to go around the country and teach (well, also down to Dominican Republic!); I treasure the folks I’ve gotten to know, but for my own sanity, that stage of my life draws to an end next August. This year I’ve travelled to Colorado, Minneapolis, Chicago, Little Rock, Cullman AL and this last trip to Fairgrove. Meanwhile, the writing and recording of podcasts doesn’t stop, nor does the filling in for various services at St. Paul’s. Thus, the answer for future speaking invitations is “no” if it’s not in the immediate vicinity (as in, no overnights). 

And 40 Years Later…

…so back in early 80’s attended the St Dunstan Liturgical Conference in Queens. Put on by this man. Today he was at conference I was doing in Michigan. Good to see you Pr. Weldon!!!

My mom was after me for years…

…to get this sort of thing and wear it. Well, mom, I did it. It took a little while, but I finally got it done.