catch up

Just a quick catch up since I haven't been "here" for a while.  Presently I am at the Chicago Catholic diocese seminary with my Peer 1 group.  We have been visiting with Bruce Cole and Pat Richardson of Faith Church here in Mundelein.  Powerful stuff on the life of a pastor leading a church in transformation, how the people of faith as a congregation come to ministry, using the skill of mind mapping and just personal journey reflection.  We are worshiping with them in their traditional service which is a dying service - 20 in worship and one of their newer styles of service.  From six years ago of a dying church with 35 in worship with average age of 75 they now are worshiping over 200 in all three of their services.  We will spend more time with Bruce and Pat.  Last night we went to the Axis service at Willow Creek.  For 20 somethings.  A powerful challenging service on poverty and what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in lifestyle to serve God with those who are poor.  Tonight we go to Rush Street for some clubing and "culture watch."  Yesterday afternoon we went to Lake Forest for some culture watching.  What contrasts.  The new senior minister at Lake Forest Presby Church will make $250,000.
 
More later.  Two weeks ago I had an amazing canoe experience on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in TN and KY.  Second night a flash flood with the river rising 5 ft.  Wow, those rapids were an experience.  Some good metaphors for life and church.
 
Spent a week at the Lake Erie beach as a family and a day at Cedar Point.  I saw my two daughters as older and more mature in ways I had not recognized before.  AND, a time of being with my love...Martha, my wife!!!
 
Thank you God.