Category Archives: Contemporary Worship
Have we believed in vain?
That is the subject of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod president Matthew Harrison’s fund appeal of March 9, 2026. you may ask why I who haven’t been a member of the LCMS for 7 years would even know about this … Continue reading
Soulless or Solid Sermons?
Almost all of Hollywood’s producers, i.e. those who actually produce films and shows, (writers and actors) went on strike in 2023. One of the major issues being struck at was AI. Either the writers or the actors guild did so … Continue reading
“That Chaps My Rear”
I’d never heard the above expression till I went to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico in 1975. It was used by a native New Mexican (if such an appellation is allowed). I can’t remember his name. He … Continue reading
A Message of Bloodshed
Frankly I’m glad I couldn’t find the photograph described here: “In September of 1970, Arafat’s guerrilla warfare corps hijacked four international aircraft and forced them to land in the Jordanian desert, at Dawson’s Field. Jordan’s King Hussein used his army … Continue reading
Is the Answer to Gen Z Dale Carnegie?
Sobriety, Ecstasy, Revivalism, and Church Growth
Here’s a title to rival Lutheran sermon titles from the 17th and 18th centuries. Let’s see if I can make it make sense.
The Relationship Between Trophies for all and Elitism for None
All my kids (I think) played Little League in Louisiana. It was in the mid to late-nineties that one of them came home from his last game with a foot or taller trophy. I know his team was not in … Continue reading
Vermicular Hymns
It started as an ordinary Midweek Lenten Service. Befitting such a somber season the opening hymn was Alas! and did My Savior Bleed. Then we sang “for sinners such as I”. What? Did my ears deceive me? Where did the … Continue reading
State of the Arts
I don’t know whether or not to recommend State of the Arts, a 1991 book by Gene Veith. I’m not an artist. I appreciate art, but his book exposes the limited validity of thinking “I know what I like” is … Continue reading
DIY Thanksgiving and Forgiving
“Today’s Focus Give Thanks to the Lord” was the printed theme for this Thanksgiving service. The subtitle could’ve been “and you can do it if you try really hard”. This is my fourth visit to a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod … Continue reading