As today is one of being more aware of those that we love and are grateful for... I am truly blessed by the community of DeerGrove. I am in awe every week as we come to gather and LIVE an EPIC life!

Children singing echoing through the Sanctuary… Christian Formation hour is opening with their sweet voices learning songs to those that we will sing that morning or into the coming weeks so they feel they can fully participate.

Dwell in the Word… I invited the group to reflect early in the week on the text…To my delight… it seems everyone LOVED living into the text for the week and again confirmed the idea that the Word of God is LIVING in our lives!:) I am so grateful for this group of people who enter into Sacred Space together and create a place of Worship for my soul.

The music worship ushered me into the presence of God this morning! Vibrant, full of dynamics, emotion, and each word was overflowing with symbolism in our theme of Epic for the year!

 A race…. definition of miracle: Miracle: a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws; a highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment. The kids racing the adults: Lyna comes to life and brings the children along the journey with her to soak in the Word of God. Our modern day miracle = FINN WAS AT CHURCH! After his open heart surgery only 4 weeks ago.

 What in your life needs transformation… As I poured the water transforming it into “wine” the smiles that spread across the sea of faces was PRICELESS! I believe we have a God who can transform lives, and I pray He is working in and through your life this week to do just that!

May your week be transformed from Ordinary to Extraordinary! 

So good to be back into the lives of those I walk life with: counting my blessings. As children, youth, adults began to fill this sacred space I found myself full of Gratefulness. Children singing worship song at the start of their Christian Formation time (Sunday School time), Laughter, story, celebration for being in one another’s company.

Dwell in the Word, the group thankfully took up the challenge to enter into Dwell in the Word early in the week and write reflections so that I can live into the text in a more rich and deep experience. It has been an overwhelming response… with each thought, each reflection, each question: I have found myself falling deeper in love with the Word of God. Study in Community.

Sacred Ground… through the melodious prayers, worship fully entering each lung each heart. Music, Scripture, The Word, children’s prayers, unfolding the miracles of Jesus in the book of John. What a remarkable journey: As people came forward to help with the imagery that first Christ started with a cup at a celebration, then moves to healing a boy from the faith of his father, and then into the personal one-on-one touch of Jesus into the lives of the hurting. It was powerful for me.

Come to the Table… Communion is a holy ground moment for me. As people come to receive LIFE from Jesus, a constant reminder of giving Himself for us. What a beautiful sight to be done in community. I still choke up every time a family dips into the cup all together in community. He died for me. He died for us. That WE have LIFE.

Linger, Savor… One of my favorite aspects of Sunday morning is the stories that are shared over a cup of coffee, or relaxing on the leather furniture, Groups at the cafe tables in the lobby sharing laughter, the weeks hopes and dreams to come.

Story shared. Our God is Greater. 

Good to be back… Last week being our all church retreat, the week before New Years day, and the week before Christmas day… Back into the Rhythm of life and community at DeerGrove. It was good to see the community gather back together and my cheeks hurt by the end of the day with all the smiles.

Mommy!!! Erik jumped into me arms, “I haven’t seen you yet today at church.” Every Sunday morning, I head to church early to be there with the music worship team, and make sure everything is in place and set for the day, so when Erik comes through the doorway, it is always a moment of joy for me to embrace him and walk him to his Christian Formation Class (Sunday School class), which he usually says, “Can we go find Caleb and Finn?” Today I tell him, “Finn won’t be there, but soon he’ll be back:)”

Dwell in the Word, it has been awhile. This is a space, a sacred half hour where I am filled. My spirit is attended to as people share how God spoke to them through His Word; Always an overwhelming sense of God’s goodness and grace in our lives. Today we had a bit more time to share and I tried to hold onto each insight, savor every thought; My heart now prepared for Corporate Worship. I am not sure the people who enter into Dwell in the Word with me have any idea how grateful I am. Thank you.

Kids walk forward and take a spot on the carpet… They share what they’d like to pray to Jesus and we lift prayers of thanks and needs to the One who Saves.

A sermon or cooking demonstration, people might have wondered looking at the front of the worship space… an illustration: about making eggs. When we cook in our family Erik loves to participate. He doesn’t want to just be a spectator, but to fully participate, and one of his specialities is scrambled eggs… Yet he had to learn how to handle eggs before he could use them for cooking = If you hold on too tightly… it cracks and gets all over and is not good for anything. Yet if we hold on loosely and know that it is all from God, God will use for the good, Epic Generosity.

The Church in Macedonia “wanted in”… wanted to fully participate in what God was doing. As I talked with people after the service handing out their Epic Challenge with the Blond Coffee from Starbucks…:) I heard countless stories unfolding about how people are compelled to open their homes, hand over car keys, deliver a meal… Epic generosity.

I am Thankful, Grateful, Blessed by this congregation that overflows in rich generosity.

 Friday evening… A small grouping plans, dreams, enjoyed fellowship, ice-cream, and anticipation for the morning to come. As we sat round telling of high and lows of our week and expectations for the retreat, my heart began to be filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for what the next 40 hours would hold.

Tying ribbon and setting up rooms conversation flowed and soon we were in a tight group, “Living in the Present” was where our story wove in and out and continued to return to this one point… How can we live day by day and enjoy the blessings God has given.

The sun shining Bright, a coolness in the air yet quite pleasant; cars pull up the drive and Britta and I nearly dance to every car welcoming them with Chocolate Chip cookies, and a warm welcome. Our hope was that before they even got out of their car, they begin to retreat:)

 A buzz in the lobby as more cars find their spots and friends unload luggage and smiles. Our first encounter together: Epic Challenge! We head up to the gym, i divided our community into 5 Intergenerational Groups: what is ahead of them should bond them for the weekend:)

As the groups went through each challenge, it was remarkable to see them work together, how they supported and encouraged one another and enjoyed time of team building! I think a perfect start. My favorite moments of this time was to see how each team embraced the kids to the fullest, allowed them to participate and enjoy!

Table Fellowship: nearly every time someone on staff at Harbor had to come and ask us to get up so the kitchen crew could begin cleaning and get ready for the next meal. This is not uncommon for DeerGrove, this church loves to fellowship together. Lingering in Story and celebrating the moment. Time and time again people said, i loved sitting next to so-and-so and hearing more of their life.

Epic Encounters: Nature hikes, Blessing mix, Games by the crackling fire place, a walk into town, open gym, and a kids hike… an afternoon of celebrating life together. Of living into community. I loved my time with Erik on the kids hike! We were down by the beach and all the kids became so excited every time they found a new discovery. Spending time with the kids was a wonderful highlight of this retreat! I always want them to know I am their pastor just as much as their parent’s pastor:)

The crackling of fire, brilliant colors shot across the sky and dipped into the water reflecting radiance. A bonfire on the beach: One of my favorite moments this retreat… I had a few moments starting the fire with Charlie and talking about life and as we were wrapped in conversation, more and more people trickled down, drawn to the light. As the sun tucked her head; the sparkling stars shown their glory that matched the wonderful sense of awe and beauty of this community.

Sunday morning in our worship service, we prayed for Griffin and his family… Heart swelling, tears overflowing, a blessing: I began with a prayer as we surrounded them, then as I closed with the blessing that I always close every service with, I said the first line alone and without prompting, nearly the entire group chimed in, whispering blessing after blessing, upon blessing for the Nyman Family we so dearly treasure. This moment will be captured in my favorite memory box in my minds eye.

Community at its best: people didn’t want our time to end, so groupings of families planned to meet for lunch in town. To linger and savor on this time together. A true Retreat!:)

Thank you DeerGrove for creating space and time to BE and EnJOY!:) 

Sunday Happenings… A New Year. 

A quiet morning. Paul and I have the chance to sing together once again; a Blessing. As we practice the songs for the morning, I am in awe at this place, this space, what I get to do for a job. Best life ever!

Scripture, Song, Reflection interwoven throughout the next hour. We ring in a new year with a simple question: “What is your word?” John 1:14~ “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” This was God’s attempt to allow us a glimpse into His mind. With our one word, it will allow others a glimpse into our being as we live out community.  One word will be the focus for the year to keep us focused and grounded in life.

… and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. Sophie’s sweet smile lit up the room as she held up her poster every verse. 12 Days of Christmas; who would have thought you’d sing this silly Christmas memory song on New Years day at Church… but we are not your ordinary church:) Intrigued? If you missed Sunday check out our podcast at www.deergrove.org:) 

This is all I have, this is all I can offer you. As I sang the words and looked to the back of the room at a dear family who is dealing with crazy heath issues for their little three year old boy, tears streaming down the mom’s face; I began to wonder how can she offer this? How can she offer him? in total trust to you God? Then again I am reminded; the reality of what the Father had to endure as He sent His son… How can he offer Him? To do the unthinkable. Yet His love is that deep.

I am overcome with gratitude, blinded by the reality of this truth, then another face from the back of the room. A smile and eyes that seem they could search right into the very heart of my soul. It was exactly what I needed; the strength to continue to lead. Her smile ignited an inner strength. Thank you. I’m Filled with gratitude.   

Faith, True, Forgive, Breathe, Surrender, Love, Dwell, Awaken. the “One Word” flowing into several as people began to describe their one word to me after the service. I was overcome with gratitude once again for this community who loves so easily.

Happy 2012. Yes… a perfect morning. A Perfect beginning.

Candle light, a hum... We began in the lobby each person with candle light entering into the Sanctuary flooded with light. The Beginning of Epic Hush.

One of my favorite things in life… Singing with my brother. We sit on stools and lead the Congregation through Christmas Carols and Scripture. I find myself beaming with each each song. There is something about a brother/sister harmony that can’t be matched. Dream come true.

Simple. Reflective. Imaginative. The ring of song, the Word come alive. Then the close: Community come to take communion together. We decided to offer a different style on Christmas Morning. As you came to a station, you could come as individual or family. As each person came, the bread was broken and the each person in the family dipped together. A picture I wish I could have captured on film.

The best Christmas Present by far… our seven circled together at the back of the sanctuary my smile was so bright my cheeks started to hurt. As we each dipped into the cup together, the joyful tears edged their way to breaking point and spilled over. I am so very blessed! Beyond all measure to have Mom, Dad, Paul, Britta, Fredrik, and Erik circled in love: Love for the Christ Child. Love for our church, love for one another. Radiant!

Do this in Remembrance of me. May it be more than just the ritual. May it be a full life style. Living into each day to spread the light.

“This was magical! Beautiful! Perfect!” Countless blessings from those who experienced communion surrounded by family members. An idea turned into a blessing for so many including myself.

      Merry Christmas! 

Candle light, Chimes, Flood of light, the Glow of faces…. Luminaries lit the path into the sanctuary dimly light by candle light. Soon the sacred space will transform into a flood of light as we enter anticipation for midnight… the moment draws near.

For unto us a Child is Born… sparkling video words engraved into minds eye. The silence breaks, a flood of light, a chorus of voices, instruments, and banners waving above head: Magical. To see the kids delight to be a part of the service was priceless.

 Scripture spoken… with each passing song the booming Fanfare fades into a hush. The Glow of the space rises and with each moment we draw nearer to Christmas Day.

 ”One instrument I will never play in Church is the violin.” Strings, in perfect harmony with one another… tears welling in my eyes, standing in the back watching what came to pass as what my husband deemed would never happen. He hasn’t played in 14 years and yet ‘just like riding a bike’ the hypnotic melody rang through; sparkling off the walls reflected by candle light.

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us… as the Christ Candle was lit, the clock struck midnight. The anticipation of Advent, turns to Celebration!

Spreading light. The best Seat in the House… Standing at the front as the light is passed down row after row, the glow illuminating the faces of friends and friends of friends. Ending in a hummmm…. then silent reflection.

Festive laughter, friends long from past return to join in the Christmas Celebration. Swedish Glogg, Pepparkakor, and flowing story shared seeping our time in community into the early morning hours of Christmas Day.

Christmas Day… our family the seven a few perched in the front row of the sanctuary and more sitting criss cross apple sauce on the floor: Ring… Ring…. Ring… Hello (a call to Sweden) “Happy Birthday to you….” Seven voices ring with smiles bright as we sing over ocean and land to Ingegerd my mother in law. Her voice thankful and holding back tears. It is hard to be away, yet sweet to sing our blessing.

The Epic Fanfare draws to a close… a few hours later, the Epic Hush with Emerge.

Merry Christmas!

 A snow globe…. Floating crystals of white swirling around Sacred Space. As community gathered through the open doors time and time again, the phrase Snow Globe was on lips. Do you know it is only snowing right here? Beautiful.

The only thing missing is a few muppets. In the rehearsal for Christmas Eve, the Drama for the morning, chimes, banners, ribbons, laughter, story, lights, and chatter. Truly the only thing missing was a little mouse muppet calling out, “I got the tinsel!” Organized chaos in perfect form. (I must admit, it stressed me… yet as i write, the beauty of community come together, quiet beautiful!)

the fourth candle lit… the Filkin family all six ringing out the promise… ”Immanuel God with us.” A gift, a reminder, dizzy wonder! I am blessed to have our friends; fellow colleague in ministry worshiping at DeerGrove.

 It’s a baby…… BOY! The Scripture come to LIFE! Again a group of Intergenerational friends bringing the text of John the Baptist being born… the one who would point the way to Jesus.

Anticipation… Celebration. Who will we be this Advent Season? Watery Eyes, the pieces clicking together. Yes Christmas…. this is what it is all about.

A day full of emotion… a congregational meeting telling of exciting times for those we love. Filling us with sadness at a loss. The balance, Thanks and Grief. Dreams serving with my brother. May the next few months be captured in time; savored and wrapped to hold in my heart forever. I hope to not take one moment for granted. Live out the dream.

Humbling… Hands laid in encouragement and love. As a pastor having those you care for and minister to mirror the blessing you give each Sunday; radiant. Words that made my knees buckle in brilliant emotion and wonder of this incredible gift of friend and family!

 Now may you Receive this blessing (If you want to understand the fullness of the next words, you’ll have to take a listen to the sermon from Sunday found at www.deergrove.org : Sermon Series) 

May the Lord Bless you and Protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and give you Grace.
May the Lord show you his blessing and give you abundant peace.
Now. And into the rest of the day. And into Tomorrow.
Amen.

Merry Christmas!

Hundreds of stories… Here is one perspective. 

Third Sunday in Advent… but first a little taste from Friday night ~

Kids clad in PJs, blankets in hand anticipating the start of our Christmas Movie Celebration! A whistle and the chaos turns to quiet each child lining up to enter the “train”. The magic come to life as close to 30 children dash into the sanctuary lined with Christmas lights and lay their cozy space side by side. Arriving back to church at the close of the event Erik says: “that was the best! Can I do it again?”

Early Sunday Morning; surrounded by melodious carols, soft Christmas lights, and friends… Before the crowd a small group practices for the morning, I sit in the front row 8:00 a.m… this is a time I treasure: a gift. A time to worship as I prepare for the morning.

“Mommy!” cheeks rosy and smile bright, Erik runs through the aisle of the sanctuary and jumps into my arms. After moments of sweet embrace and a few exciting stories from the morning, I take him hand in hand… for Christian formation a time I treasure for him. Can’t believe all he is learning and sharing with the kids during that hour of time.

Another rehearsal… I have read the words on page both in Scripture and in Script.. yet seeing it come to life creates a beauty in my spirit… swelling to cause tears to spill onto my cheeks.

Scripture yet again come to life… Emmanuel God with us… God with me. It’s communal yet personal. God with me. The familiar passage instilled in a group surrounded by candle light and sharing God’s Word come to life in Dwell in the Word. Breathtaking!

The One who saves… Children flood back into the Worship Space singing a melody they know well. Reminds me of the beauty of Jesus who comes to save. Children know the words and the action so well. Jesus for them: the miracle who so fully saves. A good reminder.

“Pappa come be with me.” A risk… yet as each daddy came to meet their child my being overflowed with delight! Fathers standing proudly with their children. The image of The Divine and the earthly Pappa collide!

The Advent Story comes to life. Even as I write I am full of the Christmas Spirit.. the beauty and awe of this magical season! May you enjoy fully as I am. Emmanuel God with us.

Merry Advent!

Hundreds of Stories bubbling up every Sunday.. Here is a glimpse of what I experience through my eyes as pastor… 

Mommy we going to see friends today? Erik, my three-year-old son, asks as we load into the car to journey to DeerGrove on Sunday morning. Tommy D. our youth pastor is preaching…I get the morning with Erik. Imperative to my role as mommy: I always want Erik to know even though I am pastor, I am his mommy and desire to be present with him.

 A cozy snuggled-tight group gathers to hear the breathtaking news from our missionaries… Delivering the Word of God to remote parts of the world so ALL can hear the incredible news that “Jesus is Lord.”

 The smile of Judy lit up the sanctuary as she came forward with her family… Emily, full of anticipation to read Scripture, opened her Bible to read the Advent Scripture. Hearing her sweet voice read the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55; Mary’s Song) is captured in my mind, a beautiful moment of Advent.

Scripture come to life… Amanda and Kristi: Mary and Elizabeth. Scripture familiar to many came to have brilliant LIFE as they dramatized Mary’s muscular prayer.

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen… the Carol, vibrant and full of musicality, I reflected on the words in a way I had not discovered this fresh in years.

Things are not what they seem… What may seem lifeless comes to life with the coming of the Christ Child. A seed… taken as a reminder that it is Christ who brings life to our being.

Receive this blessing… Being the recipient was a gift, a blessing, a wonder to behold. (I am reminded of this perspective from Caleb Swanson…. an illustration I will soon include in a sermon) * consider this your teaser
Next week as I stand to deliver the benediction I will remember the gift I received on Sunday.

A buzz with story… the sanctuary suspends in time; stories shared, laughter, and time savored. Sunday Happenings spring forth ~ hundreds of stories, moments, memories captured.

     What is your Sunday Happening? 

Happy Advent.