Sunday Morning @ The Improv

Let me explain the title of this post.

For the last couple of weeks, my congregation has experimented with an early service on Sunday morning beginning at 8:00. We decided that there would be no early service today a few weeks ago, since we had a congregational meeting after our normal 10:30 service. So, I took advantage of this morning's surplus of time to do a couple of things around the house as well as prepare some notes for the meeting. Before I had a chance to jump in the shower, there was a member at my back door asking if there was an early service. I said there wasn't. I was then informed that a family of four was outside, waiting to be let into the church for the early service.

I quickly let them in, set up communion, and put on my vestments. We did the service a cappella. I then informed the Bible study class that I would be a little late this morning. Actually, it only ended up being a few minutes late.

For once I was glad the cat woke me up early! Just wanted to put this story out there.

Play Pics- Immanuel, Gowanda, NY

We took the play on the road (see previous post regarding the play). We had the second performance at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gowanda, NY. These are the pics from that night.

The play was titled, "The Great Geek Tragedy". It's about a guy who has had all sorts of terrible things happen to him in his life, but has always had his faith to get him through them. As the play unfolds, he begins to have a crisis of faith. And he is helped along in that crisis by a number of the people whom he has touched throughout his life.

Enjoy the pics!

Another New Blog? Yes!

I just created a new blog. I'd been tossing the idea around in my head for the last couple of days. Finally, tonight, on the way home, it hit me. I felt I needed to do a new blog.

Fear not, dear readers! "Habakkuk's Complaint" is not going anywhere. It will still be here to stave off your boredom for a few seconds at a time.

My new blog will be totally dedicated to pastoral ministry. As such, it will be much deeper than this blog. It also represents a break from my usual routine. By this, I mean that I will run (are you ready for this?) a purely theological blog.

We'll just have to see what happens.

Here's the new blog: http://pastoralaesthetic.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Yesterday, after church, the Sunday School hosted a birthday party for Jesus. We had cupcakes, punch and sang "Happy Birthday". I was pleased at the turnout despite the worsening weather. Here's a few pics from that event. Enjoy!

More Kids Service Practice Pics

Here's a few more pics from the practice mentioned in the other post. Enjoy!

Kids Service Practice Pics

On the Sunday before Christmas, our church has the children's program/worship service. Today, we had the practice for the aforementioned program/worship service. Here's some random pics from that event. The kids are going to do a great job. The program is based on the Christmas story as it is found in Luke 2. We're also doing a couple other Scripture readings, but a couple of hymns. We will close out with the Litany as the prayer for the church and the benediction.

A BIG "Thank You" to all the volunteers and the kids themselves. It's going to be great!

Random Chapel Pics

I volunteered to lead worship for the chapel service at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Seneca, NY. It was a real joy. I love doing that! Anyway, I took a few pics. Enjoy!

Texas Pics 4- The Baptism

The Baptism of Blaine Gabriel Reynolds was pretty much the whole reason for my visit. Here's the pics from that day. The pics were taken at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, TX.

Enjoy!

Random Snow Pics

I took these pics this morning right before (and during) shoveling the snow. These were taken in Silver Creek, NY around the church and parsonage.

Date: 12-2-08

Props to St. Alban's

So, last night we had evening prayer in Silver Creek. It happens every Advent. Trinity, Zion, and St. Alban's take turns hosting it. This year, St. Alban's was the host for the first week.

Anyway, I had a great experience there. Not only do they have nice people who attend church there, one particular incident sticks out. One of their members was kind enough to sit next to me and help me out with an unfamiliar liturgy. Kudos, St. Albans!

I couldn't help but wonder how many LCMSers would do that. Not many in my experience.

Thanx Eve Pics

Here's a couple pics from the Thanksgiving Eve worship service here at Trinity. I especially love the top photo. It's my friend, Naomi, playing the organ while holding her son, Jonah. I couldn't resist a picture of that good shot.

Enjoy!

A New Worship Service?

I had an interesting idea last night. We had about 12 people in our Thanksgiving Eve worship service. Which is fine. It's not about the numbers. Anyway, here's my idea.

Technically, Thanksgiving is not on the Church's calendar. It is a government holiday. But, the idea of it makes good theological and Biblical sense. So, why not have a church service?

I grew up having the service on Thanksgiving Day. But, my fieldwork church and the church I pastor hold it on the night before. And I know plenty of other churches that hold this tradition. The theory is that by holding it the night before, people aren't as pressed for time the next day. Which also makes a theological statement.

I know the day after Thanksgiving, called Black Friday is a big deal to many people across the nation, including many Christians. This is somewhat problematic. Many good Christians decry the commercialization of Christmas but participate in the opening kickoff of that commercialization. So, what to do?

I came up with the idea of having a church service on Black Friday about 3 or 4 in the morning before the stores open. The idea here is, "Come, worship the true God, before worshipping a false one." Or maybe have the same service around noon or so, to give shoppers a spiritual respite and a time for confession and absolution.

Thoughts?

Fun With The Elders

Last night (10-30-08), we had a meeting of the Board of Elders. The meeting ran smoothly, but it started out in an out-of-the-ordinary fashion. After a brief set-up, they walked in in these masks. I absolutely loved it!

How many pastors can say they have that kind of rapport with their elders? God has truly blessed me with wonderful people!

Enjoy the pic!

Church Picnic Pics

Yesterday was our church picnic. It's held every year at Camp Pioneer in Angola. If you've never been there, I'd highly recommend it. It's such a blessing for our district, and Christ's church in general.

It was an incredible time. The worship service was good. All the hymns, except the sermon hymn, were requests from the congregation. The food was amazing as it always is. We've got some really great cooks in our church. What a blessing to be there.

Anyway, here are some pictures from yesterday. Enjoy!

More 125th Photos and Worship

Here are some for pics from yesterday. Also included is the order of service we followed. Enjoy!



Processional Hymn: “The Church’s One Foundation” LSB 644

Invocation

P: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.

P: Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord,
C: who made heaven and earth.
P: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord,
C: and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

P: O almighty God, merciful Father
C: I, a poor miserable sinner confess unto you all the my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended you and justly deserve your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray you of you boundless mercy and for the sake of the innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor sinful being.

P: Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen

Kyrie Hymn: “Just As I Am” (Stanzas 1, 2, 6)

Salutation and Collect of the Day

P: The Lord be with you.
C. And also with you.
P: Let us pray.
(The collect is spoken.)
C: Amen

Hymn of Praise: “My Church! My Dear Old Church” (Stanzas 1-3, see insert)

Old Testament:
Psalm:

Choral Selection: “The Faithful Shepherd”
Epistle:
Gospel:

Sermon Hymn: “Amazing Grace” LSB 744

Sermon: “The Seeking God”

Responsory Hymn: “How Great Thou Art” LSB 801

Prayer of the Church
The Lord’s Prayer

Choral Selection: “You Are My All In All”

Collect for the Word

Benedicamus and Benediction

P: Let us bless the Lord!
C: Thanks be to God!
P: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look upon you with favor and give you His peace.
C: Amen.

Recessional Hymn: “Lift High the Cross” LSB 837


















The Participants

Liturgist: Rev. Chris Agne, pastor 2007-present
Lector: Rev. David Batchelder, pastor 1990-1993
Preacher: Rev Douglas Meilander, pastor 1973-1980
Choral Group: Members of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Joliet, IL
Crucifer: Daniel E. Gard, Head Elder

Pics from the 125th!

Faithful readers over the last few days will remember that I've mentioned that my congregation's 125th anniversary was this weekend. We finally celebrated it yesterday afternoon after months of planning. The service went really well. We had several people from the community attend besides our own members. We had 2 former pastors with us as well who served as lector and preacher in the service (I served as liturgist). Actually, I learned that the 3 clergy in attendance all had one thing in common: Trinity Lutheran Church, here in Silver Creek, NY was the first church they served. Kinda interesting, I thought. Anyway, the service was just great, like I said. It was good to hear a full church sing hymns they love.

The choir that I imported from Joliet performed admirably. They did 2 songs. The second was "You are my All in All." It was fantastic. When they finished, the people clapped! And without my prodding! I was so proud.

Following the worship service, we had a banquet. Very Tasty! What a fabulous day for me and my congregation.