Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Altar Guild

Vestments mysteriously changed. The altar seemingly "altered." Wine glasses filling themselves? The Altar Guild at Abiding Love is full of terrific people who do a lot behind the scenes. I caught up with three of them preparing for the recent Thanksgiving service and ended up with this 4 minute interview! Enjoy!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae #3

Pastor Lynnae shares a bit about Ethiopia! From attempting to see the Ark of the Covenant to thoughts on meeting Haile Selassie (former Emperor of Ethiopia) and a quick rundown on Ethiopian cuisine, Pastor L drops some thoughts!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae #2

Time for another trey with Pastor Lynnae. Three more fairly random questions for Pastor L. Why is Vinny Del Negro her favorite player of all time? Fairly perplexing to me, too...until you hear her explanation...

Monday, November 2, 2009

The Office part 2- Joan

Well, you know how sometimes you aim to keep things brief, but you can't quite figure out a way to get it done? That was my problem in attempting to edit this interview with Joan. She's a sweet, lovable lady with a lot to say and I hope that you'll enjoy this conversation! The real question, though, is at the end...does she still have her great smile at the end of a long day in the midst of a hectic week???? Watch, my friends, and the answer shall be revealed!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae

Here's a quick hitter- in honor of her favorite sport, I'm calling it "Three Points with Pastor L". She was completely unprepared for the topics as I asked her fairly random questions. Find out her take on the Spurs, her favorite saint and Halloween plans- all wrapped up in under two minutes.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Behind the scenes with Cindy

Who are some of the "behind-the-scenes" people that help Abiding Love run smoothly on a daily basis? That's what I aim to find out. Who are they, what do they do and what stories can they share with us? For starters, we head to the hub of activity...

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Senior Luncheon

Hi everyone! A thousand apologies for falling behind on the video blogs, but I've been without my camera for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, I've got it back now and I should soon be back to making regular posts!

It looks like we had a real nice turn out for the Senior Luncheon. It is always a pleasure to see the inter-generational interactions. I know that the high schoolers have expressed an interest in being more interactive with our more experienced church members and this was a great opportunity for that. Additionally, it was nice for the younger set to display some of their talents. Enjoy this short clip!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Peter Pan and the R.O.C.K.

Engaging in fellowship, fun and golf...or something like that, the Sr High youth and their sponsors had a swell time at Peter Pan miniature golf, topped off by ice cream at Austin Scoops.

It's not too late for you to enjoy the adult version's Chip in For Children on Monday, September 21, beginning at noon. Call the church office for more details! Just as much fun (but without the 18 foot tall dinosaur!!!!)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

ROCKin' N'Awlins

My apologies that this is a little late arriving, but it looks like the youth had a terrific time in New Orleans. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and making this trip possible! Here is a brief peek into their experiences from the lens of one youth's camera:

Monday, September 7, 2009

Interview with the Parkers

Gosh, the Parkers sure are nice people! I had never really sat down and chatted with them, but they're just as nice as can be and they are truly a couple steeped in faith. If you have a bit of time, please watch this extended interview (about 8 minutes)with them- and take time to enjoy their insights and perspectives on life.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Rally Day Recap

What an amazing Rally Day! In all honesty, I have to say that was one of the finest Rally Days I have ever attended. What a terrific event! Of course, these events only work when everyone pulls together as a community. Great job at the Sunday School opening by Cindy Atwell and her crew. Excellent victuals at the picnic. Fine job by the Sr. High youth running the games! Enjoy this video highlighting Rally Day!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

A Brief Message from Reggie

A Bold Step Stewardship message brought to you by Reggie Kikta...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rally Day!!!

Sunday, August 30th, come on down for Rally Day!!! First day of Sunday School, meet in sanctuary at 9:45 for opening and meeting teachers; Late service is followed by a 5th Sunday Luncheon; Following that, the Sr. High Youth will lead us in a variety of games!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Tower of Babel and the Babbling Brook

I've got two videos for you today! First, thank you to Cindy Atwell for leading the lesson on The Tower of Babel (and manning the camera) this past Sunday. Take 2 1/2 minutes to see what the kids learned and created in the first video.

Then, take a minute and a half to relax and enjoy photos and video from Pastor Lynnae's recent vacation to South Dakota! Cool and refreshing- made me jealous!



Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Taking A Bold Step Together

Hi everyone- I feel like Uncle Sam sometimes. You know, "I WANT YOU..." in this case, I want you to check out the following video message...

Monday, August 10, 2009

Do Re Mi- a Bold Step Message

This is a follow-up of the message recently delivered by Kim Thonhoff on August 2nd.
The purpose of this message is to describe the Kairos Bold Step Children, Youth, & Family Ministry Committee. This members of this committee share a similar passion – a deep love for kids of all ages and a belief that the love of Christ can shine through them and touch the lives of many. Through the support of Kairos, we are beginning to make a “Ripple” out of that passion.

Watch this You Tube clip filmed recently. It is an absolutely delightful experiment using the song Do Re Mi from The Sound of Music. This particular clip was filmed in Central Station in Antwerp, Belgium.



So, how does this apply to the Bold Step Children, Youth, & Family Ministry Committee?

It's the ripple effect that occurs. The ripple started with just a song and one happy man and then, a small group and on & on -but those original dancers never left the dance. The invitation was for all and all were changed by the magical notes and spirit of the dance.

This video so accurately describes the purpose and function of our Committee- Our church has all the physical things in place-nice facilities, good programs, dedicated staff, diligent pastors, friendly people, schedules defined with well written newsletters, bulletins, etc., etc. and yet, a complacency still exists. The separate entities function well but not necessarily in relationship to each other


In the video clip, people stop- they look up and smile and the radiance continues until the whole station rocks with enthusiasm! Laughter erupts and those not involved in the scheme are enticed. They begin to merge into the dance. The travelers eventually burst into a joyous and eruptive state. The dance takes on an inviting life of its own. There are no cultural barriers, no age barriers, no status barriers-the homeless, the beggars, the executives, the blue collar workers, young and old - dance as one in a spirit of peace, unity, and sheer heartwarming delight.

When the song ends, the travelers move forward as usual but with a smile, clutching their cameras and clinging to a moment that was heavenly. The station no longer appears gray and it’s bustling with new relationships- conversations, applause, handshakes, new friends, new hopes, and a totally new life.

It’s important to note though, that this miracle happened without any physical changes- The train station was still gray. The trains were still running as scheduled. People still were headed for their usual destinations, but they had a different perspective on life.


It’s time to bring our Spirit back-not with Julie Andrews but with Jesus Christ. You see-Jesus sings the song and is inviting us to dance with Him not in separated entities but in relationship to Him, to each other, to our children, to our youth, to our seniors, but most of all to our FAMILIES. We need to DROP our baggage and move forward out of our comfort zones to hear the beat of His Spirit in our Abiding Love station. It’s time NOW to do more than listen, we need to not only BEGIN the dance but we need to STAY in the dance until we SPREAD His love to everyone. It’s time to make our church THE PLACE where people become part of the FAMILY dancing to the song that Jesus is singing. Not just people individually but entire FAMILIES together being energized by the invitation of the music.

What is our Committee doing? Jesus Christ is the Song. Our committee is the “Do Re Mi!” We are starting at the very beginning-It’s a very good place to start! With research about Family Ministry, we are rehearsing what the new dance could become here at Abiding Love Lutheran Church. We are envisioning Jesus Christ as the Song and our Committee is the beginning of the Ripple. We hope by the end of the song we will be a Congregation that grows with Families integrated into the rhythmic excitement of Christian living. By setting defined goals and definite timelines for their completion, our committee is imagining “Beyond Belief” relational experiences that will keep people coming back to this sanctuary to be part of God’s Family.

Our Kairos Bold Step Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Committee asks for your prayers as we choreograph this new dance that we hope will awaken us from our complacency. We pray that you will allow yourself to become the dancers once the Vision is in place. If we are the “Do Re Mi,” then you and your families must be the middle part- the crescendo, the melody, the harmony, and the motion that is needed in between the beginning and the end of the process to bring our Congregation back to Do… Do- the core, the Spirit and our sustaining LIFE in relationship with Jesus Christ! In a song, that’s the purpose of our committee!

“Do Re Mi!”

Thursday, July 30, 2009

A Special Invitation

We hope that you'll join us on Sunday, August 2nd at either service with an opportunity to learn more about a special guest...

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

I Scream, You Scream...

a fun time had by all at the Ice Cream Social on Sunday night. Thanks to everyone who came out. Enjoyed seeing some new faces. Thanks for bringing visitors! And thanks for the ice cream! It was quite enjoyable. And, of course, we greatly appreciate Dona, Karron and Reggie for leading us in some classic summer songs. Take a moment to enjoy this quick video snapshot of the gathering- under two minutes!



Tuesday, July 14, 2009

at the car wash, yeah!

Well, the youth who are attending the National Youth gathering are certainly working hard to earn their meals! Thanks to everyone who has donated to the Gumbo Pot and/or had their vehicle washed this past weekend. Every dollar gets them closer to New Orleans, and approximately 1,000 of those dollars were generously donated this Sunday! Thanks for your help and take a peek at the car wash...

Stained Glass Sunday

Thank you to Kim Thonhoff for leading the Sunday School class about the stained glass pieces of art in our church, most of which were created by our very own Steve Essinger. Following his example, the kids made samples of their own! Enjoy this short video of Abiding Love children learning and creating! (videographer apologizes for the initial poor sound quality)

Monday, June 15, 2009

Songwriting with Tom

What a neat idea! For Sunday School in the summertime, we are having special guest teachers share some of their expertise in various areas. This past Sunday, Tom sat down with a group of kids (and grown-ups) and taught us how he writes a song! Working together, we created a song about Daniel in the Lion's Den. Everyone seemed to enjoy the process!

My own kids dragged out a couple of instruments, a notebook and pencil when they got home and each wrote a song. Thanks for the inspiration, Tom!

This coming Sunday (the 21st) our guest teachers will teach us about photography- come on out and join us- all are invited, young, old and won't tell!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

VBS 2009 Days 5 & 6

Hi all- well, we've wrapped a tremendously successful Vacation Bible School. This video includes a short bit from Thursday's final evening of regular VBS as well as the Friday evening celebration!!!

We had invited a couple of young friends to join my girls at VBS. Apparently, the kids were practically begging each evening to return to Abiding Love and were rather upset the one evening that they had to miss out. While we often are excited for our own children at ALLC to participate in VBS, it is important to remember that it also serves as an outreach program. Judging by the smiles on faces we have worked to help accomplish that mission!

The volunteerism and outpouring of love, kindness, generosity and (of course) patience exhibited by our church members showed everyone what ALLC is all about. Thanks to everyone who made it possible (too many to name), but I'd like to point out the Herculean efforts of a few individuals: Tom Hokanson, whose music always inspires; Kim Thonhoff for her terrific opening and closing scripts; and Holly Leoni whose directorial skills brought it all together. Thanks and enjoy!

-Jeff

Thursday, June 11, 2009

ALLC 2009 VBS Day 3 & 4

Wow! There is just so much going on that it is a struggle to keep the video under 5 minutes! But I managed to do it. This video is a compilation from multiple cameras, so it has a slightly different "personality". By the way, hopefully you've noticed that the songs accompanying these videos are the same ones that the kids are learning at VBS. What a terrific band we've got!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

ALLC VBS 2009 Day 1 and 2

Here's a glance at the first couple of days of Vacation Bible School. We have such a great group of volunteers and their hard work and guidance is really paying off as the kids are definitely enjoying themselves. I've especially noticed that as VBS progresses the kids are getting MORE involved, not less. That's a sign of a good program- the children are willing and eager participants. The video is about four minutes or so. Enjoy!

Monday, June 8, 2009

R.O.C.K. V'ball

On Memorial Day, the senior high youth had a great time at Dick Nichols Park, playing volleyball, electing new officers and eating pizza!!!! Personally, I hope that this becomes an annual tradition!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Graduates 2009

I grabbed the first three seniors who showed up on Sunday and asked a few questions. What struck me the most was how much of an effect the little things that we as a congregation do impact their lives and attitudes. Take a look (just over 3 minutes) and witness the difference that we make on these young people's lives and think back to the mantra, "it's about love, love, love"

Sunday, May 31, 2009

VBS preparations!!!

Hi everyone, what a wonderful group of people we have here at Abiding Love. Nearly fifty volunteers are signed up to help this year's VBS run smoothly. I am SO excited that I e-mailed the entire 1st grade and pre-K at Macey and Maria's school inviting them to attend. I hope that this short (3 1/2 minutes) but lively video will give you insight into some of the preparations and training . An incredible amount of work has been put into this Abiding Love original creation (the VBS program, not the video) and it should be a terrific experience for all involved!

Click on this video to watch the team in action!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

What's Going On?

Well, that's a great question- what IS going on? In an effort to better connect the Abiding Love Community, we're hoping to create more tangible evidence displaying the myriad talents that make our church so special. We have such an amazing group of people and a diverse set of activities that I think that many of these talents are overlooked, or rather, go unnoticed. We are going to use these video blogs to help tie our community together in a visual manner. We plan to keep them short (hopefully under 5 minutes), sweet, fun, educational, spiritual and meaningful. I hope that you'll enjoy watching them as much as we enjoy creating them!

-Jeff Roberts

Announcing: Abiding Love Videos

Abiding Love Videos are coming soon! This will include instructional videos for members of Abiding Love Lutheran Church, Austin, Texas.