As I pass my 20th anniversary of ordination as a Lutheran pastor, I remember how quickly after we graduated, classmates were sharing, "what I did not learn in seminary." I recall a few – what a church stamp is, how to preach a stewardship sermon, how to broach the subject when a child accepts communion before they have been instructed. As time goes on the list changes. How to help members through a national trauma. How to design a service for kindergarten students whose c

We recently kept our son's dogs for a week, and we have two of our own! It was fun, they were energetic and kept us on our toes. But what interesting dynamics. One was into what we called "gratuitous barking." Why wait for the mailman, a jogger or a delivery truck? Just bark for no reason and see if the other three will join in! (They did).Another, having been starved by a previous owner, would not eat with the others, but took his meals in a crate. Two were snuggle pu

Sometimes it is the little things. I was thrilled that two books I was waiting on were ready for pick up at the library. I had not been there since February. On my first attempt, I went at the wrong time. On my second attempt I kept redialing the wrong number to let them know that I was waiting. Third time I was a charm. I was grateful, though I did not need it, to hear them asked if I needed activities for a child. They delivered a Ziploc with a project inside to the c

The saying goes, "Life is what happens while you are making other plans ."Think back. What were you doing or planning in the days before the Covid 19 shutdown began? Maybe you were planning your summer vacation or looking for the perfect time for your wedding. Maybe you were wondering when you would get a new computer at work or which friend would be available to go to the movies. And then, within days, most work was being done at home, theaters closed and events were pos

When I was in seminary, our Christian Education class included the requirement to actually teach a class. If you chose to teach adults, your classmates would serve as the students. If you chose to teach young children, you would teach to an imaginary class. I chose the later option. I remember putting paper bags around the room with a name and a "self-drawn" picture of each student. We had carpet time, story time and a chance to sing. Awkward, but fun. Who ever thought

You probably already know this – laughter is good for our physical wellbeing. From the child's knock-knock jokes, to the "two men walk into a bar series" to a "rabbi, priest and Lutheran minister died and went to heaven" series – find a way to laugh! I came across a picture of my older son when he was about 11 – we were both laughing hysterically in the picture, but neither of us can remember now why we were laughing! Does it matter? I still laugh when I look at the pictu

Two things I will do for sure this fall: vote and get a flu shot. Voting is a privilege not given to citizens in all places. It may be a flawed system, but I am grateful to be able to vote. It is a way for my voice to be heard. Flu shot? Because of mild asthma and visitation in hospitals and nursing homes, it is required of me. But I got one annually even before I became a pastor. With COVID 19 not yet contained, I cannot imagine coming down with the flu (or a worse ca

How many times have I said in this space – be grateful? Maybe I keep saying it because I have trouble with it some days. We worship in the parking lot; cannot go into the sanctuary safely. But at least in the parking lot I see faces and can chat a bit! I long for choir. But I cannot wait to hear the solos and duets lined up! I am grateful our worship can include music. One nursing home I know of allows a 15-minute outside visit with your loved-one. No more untimed bedsid

I love embroidery: the techniques, the colors, the designs! Every once in a while, I design something myself. Most of all, I associate embroidery with an incredible and fun group of women who meet monthly. Since February, I have Zoomed with them twice and seen one woman face to face (a treasure of a "distanced" afternoon). I have several unfinished projects, and yet I find I do not stitch as much as when we met in person. But recently, I finished a project – simply stitch