There is a rather unassuming, white, six-foot cross that has been placed in the sand just to the west of the pier on Ocean Isle Beach. It marks a spot of worship on Sunday mornings...at least when it is not raining...as it was this morning. It would (and should) shock Atonement's Hospitality Team to learn that one cannot find times for this worship service anywhere on the Internet. I looked in vain last evening, just before riding the golf cart down to the pier in search of a sign that is almost as unassuming as the cross. Yet I "hear" that about 100 or so vacationers gather there at 8:30 am every Sunday morning between Memorial and Labor Days...that is, when it's not raining...as it was this morning.
The drizzle lifted long enough for a quick 20-mile bike sprint to Calabash (on the North/South Carolina border and within sight of my former home) and back. If you have been following my blog (a sure cure for insomnia) then perhaps you have noticed some intentionality to my riding. Indeed. The family is encouraging me to consider another organized century this year, i.e. a 100-mile ride. Such a beast has been planned around Lake Norman (just north of Charlotte, NC) a few weeks from now, the time that we intend to be in that area (I'll attach another link on this page). So I am training in the event that I might be ready for this challenge. You'd think that one could add just a little "umph" to the 60-mile ride of Friday and have the century nailed. Not the case, at least for me. And every year requires more training...and more Advil. I'll keep you posted.
The rest of this cloudy day has been spent in the recliner reading "The Jesus Creed," by Scot McKnight (again, note the link). It is a marvelous compilation of a world of theological truths with which I am quite familiar, but presented in a fresh and engaging manner. The reading has gone quickly. But I can't enthusiastically recommend your running out to purchase. Will be glad to loan out my copy.
I realize that the daily postings have seemed a bit "home movie'ish." I suspect that I will begin to wax more theological as I venture more deeply into the reading. I sincerely appreciate the comments on the site, the prayers and support. Phyllis Kemper even added me to the cyber prayer vine. Thanks, Phyllis! Know that you were missed dearly this morning and that I experienced a slight tinge of withdrawal. Those along the bike route in Calabash likely thought it odd when I passed them and proclaimed, "Good morning! Welcome to worship!" It was a good fix.
I trust that all were on 'best behavior' for the bishop this weekend. I may listen in on the website tomorrow.
Blessings!
The drizzle lifted long enough for a quick 20-mile bike sprint to Calabash (on the North/South Carolina border and within sight of my former home) and back. If you have been following my blog (a sure cure for insomnia) then perhaps you have noticed some intentionality to my riding. Indeed. The family is encouraging me to consider another organized century this year, i.e. a 100-mile ride. Such a beast has been planned around Lake Norman (just north of Charlotte, NC) a few weeks from now, the time that we intend to be in that area (I'll attach another link on this page). So I am training in the event that I might be ready for this challenge. You'd think that one could add just a little "umph" to the 60-mile ride of Friday and have the century nailed. Not the case, at least for me. And every year requires more training...and more Advil. I'll keep you posted.
The rest of this cloudy day has been spent in the recliner reading "The Jesus Creed," by Scot McKnight (again, note the link). It is a marvelous compilation of a world of theological truths with which I am quite familiar, but presented in a fresh and engaging manner. The reading has gone quickly. But I can't enthusiastically recommend your running out to purchase. Will be glad to loan out my copy.
I realize that the daily postings have seemed a bit "home movie'ish." I suspect that I will begin to wax more theological as I venture more deeply into the reading. I sincerely appreciate the comments on the site, the prayers and support. Phyllis Kemper even added me to the cyber prayer vine. Thanks, Phyllis! Know that you were missed dearly this morning and that I experienced a slight tinge of withdrawal. Those along the bike route in Calabash likely thought it odd when I passed them and proclaimed, "Good morning! Welcome to worship!" It was a good fix.
I trust that all were on 'best behavior' for the bishop this weekend. I may listen in on the website tomorrow.
Blessings!
2 comments:
Pr. Joe,
The Bishop's message was wonderful this morning - he has such a smooth and calming voice, doesn't he? All were well behaved at the 8:30 a.m. service. I thought the music was especially good today -"Praise to the Lord the Almighty with the piano AND organ...wow! Thanks for keeping us Kansans close in mind as you study. It's great to read your postings and keep in touch. God's blessings to you...Beth
Here is a much shorter article, The Following Jesus Manifesto - it would be interesting to see how it compares to The Jesus Creed...
I had to laugh at a Lutheran pastor asking if his congregation were "well behaved." I keep thinking of "the very first Lutheran," and how well-behaved he was (using phrases like "whore of Babylon" in theological statements, etc). I also thought of a phrase I've heard time and time again: "Docile, well-mannered Christians have rarely changed the world..."
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