Posts Tagged: "COVID-19"

church fantasies I have

note: picture above is from our last community outreach event just before the pandemic hit—our annual Toy Give

the other day in a staff meeting, a question came up about whether or not we should do more explaining to the church about why we are currently not having normal worship (congregational singing) in our services.

I think we probably could do a better job of communicating what we are doing and why

I also feel torn over raising the subject.

there are people who would be happy to gather for church and break all the COVID guidelines with maskless singing and the return of kids classes and big hugs with germs all around

and there are people who are still not comfortable coming to church until COVID is under control and 80% of the population has been vaccinated

so, reminding everyone why we are doing what we are doing probably won’t make anyone happier or change their view on things

the ones who want to break free from all the regulations will be unsatisfied with our explanation

and the ones who aren’t comfortable coming to church will still be watching from home, if and when they think of it

I wish…

I mean…

I have this church fantasy

that everyone would applaud our careful following of the rules

that everyone would see that our caution is out of concern for the vulnerable

that everyone would be proud of our church for doing the right thing

that everyone would thank the pastors for leading well

but I know it’s a fantasy

I wish it would happen

but I know it won’t likely

and that got me on a wave of thinking about my fantasies (I have more)…

I fantasize that our church would be:

wildly diverse yet unified in purpose

completely over and done with judgment

quick to embrace the arts and celebrate beauty

resolute with Jesus at the center of our identity and practice

worshiping like the black church – all-in body, soul, spirit engagement

moving with ease between charismatic expression and quiet contemplation

deeply committed to caring for our local community through service and generosity

in our feels – quick to laughter and easily moved to tears

informed by the Sermon on the Mount in our politics

a storehouse of good food to share

really gifted at throwing parties

safe, humble, and gentle

working for justice

*   *   *

I know fantasy isn’t a Bible word. Maybe I’m talking about dreaming of the impossible. That might sound a bit more biblical…

There’s a verse in the Bible (Romans 4.18) about Abraham—and it says he, “against all hope, believed.” This has become an expression in the English language, to “hope against all hope.” It means to continue to hope for something even though it seems unlikely to happen.

Exactly. That’s what I’m talking about.

This is my fantasy and you can’t talk me out of it.

 

Our Ninth And Final Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our ninth and final Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Andy; it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle.

I wrap up our mini-series about making deals with the devil in the desert (or what Jesus teaches us about making deals with the devil).

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is cancelled due to inclement weather. We will be returning indoors next week, on Sunday, October 18 at 11:30am. Online registration will go live tomorrow. 

Go Seahawks!

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service October 4

Our Eighth Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our eighth Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Andy; it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle.

Pastor Angela continues our new mini-series about making deals with the devil in the desert (or what Jesus teaches us about making deals with the devil).

Her message is to the kids… but really, it’s for all of us.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:00pm on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend


Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service October 4

 

 

Our Seventh Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our seventh Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Angela; it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle.

I begin a new mini-series about making deals with the devil in the desert (or what Jesus teaches us about making deals with the devil).

The message zeros in on the theme of identity—and building a life on what is true.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:00pm **NEW TIME** on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service September 20

Our Sixth Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our sixth Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Andy; it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle and Janelle Mike.

I conclude our mini-series… a pandemic remix of the story of Jonah: “Things to do in the Belly of a Whale,” with a message entitled, “We Can Write Better Endings.”

The message is reminder of God’s vision for the beloved community—a reminder that we are being called closer to God and to one another.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:00pm **NEW TIME** on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

 

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service September 6

 

Our Fifth Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our fifth Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Angela; it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Shaun Jones.

I continue teaching in our mini-series… a pandemic remix of the story of Jonah: Things to do in the Belly of a Whale.

The message is one of hope—a call to dream again.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:30pm on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service Aug 30

Our Fourth Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our fourth Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by me and Shari and it includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle.

Pastor Andy continues our mini-series… a pandemic remix of the story of Jonah: Things to do in the Belly of a Whale.

The message is funny, relatable, and applicable. It’s definitely worth your time.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:30pm on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service Aug 23

Our Third Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our third Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Andy and includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle and Bailey.

I continue our new mini-series… a pandemic remix of the story of Jonah: Things to do in the Belly of a Whale.

It was 90+ degrees at 6:30pm last week and I’m pretty sure sweat dripped in my eye a few times while I was speaking. Thankfully, we did not have a campfire!

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:30pm on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service Aug 16

This pandemic has felt like the year of “no”

(Thankful Notes #365)

This morning I made breakfast for the family and then took a spin around the lake with Camper on the floating dock. This was all “Yes, and Amen.”

I find myself frequently measuring the pandemic by the number of times I’ve done (or not done) something (during the pandemic). Some counts are official, others are kept casually in my head.

I’ve written 23 church update e-mails
I’ve given Camper 5 Sentinel tablets (flea and tick medication)
I’ve worn pants 2 times
I’ve clipped the cats’ nails 7 times
I’ve ordered Nespresso pods 3 times
I’ve fed Camper 336 times
I’ve sat inside a restaurant to have a meal 2 times
I’ve been to a movie theater 0 times
I’ve had 173 baths
I’ve sprayed Flonase in my nose 672 times
I’ve slept outside (on the deck) 100 days in a row
I’ve been to Costco 0 times
I’ve ordered clothing from Amazon 17 times
I’ve been inside a hospital 1 time
I’ve done a memorial service 1 time
I’ve had a board meeting 0 times
I’ve done a wedding 0 times
I’ve preached 3 times
I’ve vacationed 0 times
I’ve cooked 354 times

I also had McDonald’s chicken nuggets once, accidentally, and wow… really disgusting.

This pandemic has felt like the year of… Read More

Our Second Sunday Campfire Service

Here’s the video of our second Sunday Campfire Service from last Sunday. It is hosted by Pastor Angela and includes Scripture readings, prayer, and worship led by Pastor Kyle.

I start a new mini-series… a pandemic remix of the story of Jonah: Things to do in the Belly of a Whale.

If you missed this service or are unable to attend these outdoor services because of COVID-19 or for any other reason, we’d love to have you join us online!

PS—tonight’s service is at 6:30pm on the east lawn and there is room for you. BYOC (bring your own chair) and be sure to wear a face mask. Please RSVP at: nwlife.church/attend

Click here for a PDF of the Worship Guide: worship guide sunday campfire service