Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Ashley Dellagiacoma- Youth and Education Minister

I finally had a chance to sit down with Ashley, our new Youth and Education Minister and chat. She's a delightfully engaging young lady who is bringing her own brand of uniqueness and enthusiasm to our church! Take five minutes to find out a bit about Ashley in this interview!

Advent Happenings at Abiding Love

Well, the Season of Advent is certainly upon us and there are many wonderful activities going on in celebration at Abiding Love. Who better than Pastor Lynnae to keep us up to date! But better watch soon! The contents of this video will expire on Sunday! Hope you can make one (or all!) of these terrific expressions of Abiding Love's vibrant spirit!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share...Karen Gonzalez

As the people of God, we have stories to tell about what God has done for us and about the difference that God’s grace has made in our lives. Sometimes we are less aware of these stories until they are coaxed out of us—but they are there, part of whom we are.

The Stewardship Ministry Team's focus on the stories to tell and gifts that our congregation has to share continues in an interview with Karen Gonzalez. Karen shares insight from her involvement with Abiding Love's Children's Center. Indeed, part of her story reveals how she was called to this profession.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share...Jorge Cox

As the people of God, we have stories to tell about what God has done for us and about the difference that God’s grace has made in our lives. Sometimes we are less aware of these stories until they are coaxed out of us—but they are there, part of whom we are.

The Stewardship Ministry Team's focus on the stories to tell and gifts that our congregation has to share continues with an interview with Jorge Cox. Jorge shares insight from his involvement with Interfaith Hospitality, but truly he shares nuggets of wisdom from which we may all benefit.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Abiding Love Youth Retreat in Colorado

Led by their fearless, gung-ho, hotel-loving-but-nonetheless-roughing-it adult leaders: Callie & Jared Clarkson and Angela Renfro, a gaggle of Senior High youth went on an experience that can only be summed up as extraordinary. As I watched the video that Jared compiled and edited (terrific job, by the way- loved your music selections, J!), I found pangs of longing creeping in- wishing that I had been a part of this amazing experience! I hope that you will take some time to witness their experience.

Instead of the full 17 minute video, it is broken into 5 parts. If you are only able to watch a single segment, then may I act as your video sommelier and suggest that you read the short summaries and select accordingly?

1) Sunday-Monday: Travel, arrival and set-up. Some beautiful scenery shots. Emma A shares her thoughts. (3 min 06 sec)




2) Tuesday: Visit to a B-17 Crash Site Memorial. Kelsey H reflects on the strengthened friendships (3:26)




3) Wednesday: Quest for Emmaline Lake. Josh E reflects on the trip's impact on his faith. Emmaline is found! (3:48)




4) Thursday: Hike to Stormy Peak. My favorite segment. Breathtaking vistas. A serenade to Pastor Lynnae. Insight from Audrey H, Justin J and Sara P. How Great Thou Art, indeed! (3:26)




5) Back to Civilization- Adios. The hike back down the mountain. Cooling one's heels in a mountain stream. Activities at the main camp. Ella V and Sarah C share their reflections on God's impact and influence. (4:16)



What an amazing adventure.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share...Mike Frisch

“We cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard!” – Acts 4:20

As the people of God, we have stories to tell about what God has done for us and about the difference that God’s grace has made in our lives. Sometimes we are less aware of these stories until they are coaxed out of us—but they are there, part of whom we are.

That’s not all. Whether we know it or not, we also have stories to tell about what God has done through us—stories about how God has used us to make a difference in the lives of others. Getting to know those stories makes us even more aware of God’s grace.

God has given us so much—and the gifts of God are for sharing.

Mike Frisch has much to share about his involvement with One House at a Time...




Your Stewardship Ministry Team – Reggie Kikta, Joel Lehman, Kyle Olson, Greta Rymal, Denise Alaimo, Jeri Lyn Sump

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Rally Day 2010

Rallying Around the Lord! What a fantastic kick off to the new school year. A joyous and celebratory atmosphere surrounded Abiding Love this past Sunday as the annual Rally Day activities sparked everyone's interest. The new Sunday School curriculum, "Godly Play", seemed to get off to an excellent beginning. Its hands-on, exploration-based, child-centric activities has already begun engaging the minds of Abiding Love's young 'uns! A tasty luncheon and fun activities followed- See the action here!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae- September 9

Summer vacation is over. School is back in session. Rally Day approaches. Pastor Lynnae is now our senior pastor. She is short one gall bladder. "Jump in" and catch up with the goings on in Three Points with Pastor Lynnae!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Baobab Blast- part 3

Well, the trilogy ends here. If you weren't able to be a part of Baobab Blast, then I hope that you were at least able to live vicariously through the videos! Special thanks to Elizabeth Taylor for taking many of the photos (the ones that turned out really well? those were hers) featured in our videos. A great big pat on the back to Cindy Atwell who organized this year's Baobab Blast. I think she said it best, however, when she told me that all of the volunteers seemed to be in exactly the spot that best suited their talents. She felt so confident in everyone's abilities that she could macro-manage (real word?) rather than micromanage.

Some insight into how well we at Abiding Love run our VBS? My daughter brought along a friend who had already been at one VBS the week before AND was attending another VBS during the daytime the same week as our own Baobab Blast. So- needless to say- she's become something of an expert in these matters! She declared that this was her very favorite- two years in a row!!!

Anyhow- kudos to another fantastic Vacation Bible School! Enjoy the final installment of Baobab Blast 2010!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Baobab Blast Part 2

Wow! What a great time we're having and what an overwhelming response to our first day of Baobab Blast! Judging by the number of times Day 1 has been viewed, it has become one of the most popular videos we've had on the videoblog! So, by (presumed) popular demand, I give you more: Baobab Blast!!!

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae

Mission work is an important part of every church. Reaching out to spread The Word and helping others is important to our own wellness, not just that of others. Pastor Lynnae reflects on its importance within the Abiding Love community as well her favorite mission work.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Baobab Blast! VBS 2010

The Baobab Tree. This massive tree, found primarily in Africa and Madagascar, is an apropos symbol for Vacation Bible School in Abiding Love's 30th year. It is a thick, durable and long-lived tree. It stores life giving water in its trunk to nourish during difficult times. For those who are resourceful, virtually every part of it is useful: its leaves can be eaten or made into soup, its fruit is reputedly richer in vitamin C than oranges, its pulp mixed into porridges, the seeds often utilized as a soup thickener. On occasion, its huge trunk is even hollowed out and utilized for shelter!

Just as this fabled tree is sustains and nourishes, so to do our outreach and education programs. The most popular of which (or at least, so it seems to me) is Vacation Bible School. Come and join us if you will- take a peek at what is happening at "Baobab Blast"

Monday, May 17, 2010

Chili Cook Off 2010

A great time was had at the 2010 version of Abiding Love's Chili Cook Off. Although the attendance was down, the spirits were not and a festive atmosphere ruled the evening! Thanks to the Sr High youth for organizing the event and a special appreciation goes to Jared Clarkson for dropping some tunes as our DJ. We also appreciate our judges, Heath Haddock, Joel Lehman, and Pastor Lynnae, for their difficult deliberations determining the 2010 Chili Champion!

Friday, May 7, 2010

Pastor Fetter- The Interview- Final Chapter

Reflecting on family, his legacy and -the goatee???


Forty years of serving God. Serving his community. Serving us. Thank you, Pastor Fetter. You'll always be a "Fisher of Men", but I'm glad that you'll now have the opportunity to be a "Fisher of Trout and Bass." You've earned it. You have been a moral beacon and a role model for so many, for so long. You are loved.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pastor Fetter- The Interview- Part 2

In Part 2 of the interview, Pastor Fetter reflects upon his evolution as a church leader, from his role as Pastor/Secretary/Fireman (yes,firefighter) at his first church to his role in opening a mission church and the leap of faith that was required. And what sort of advice would he give to the 1970 version of David Fetter?

Monday, April 26, 2010

Painted Churches Trip 2010

Videos at the end of the synopsis. The first video is primarily of the churches themselves. The second video focuses on the fun and fellowship. Enjoy!

Synopsis by videographer, Kim Thonhoff:

Dolly made arrangements for the bus and coordinated the basic tour- She also coordinated the lunch stop and the Shiner Brewery. Pastor Lynnae was the tour guide and had researched all the churches, brewery, etc. and shared the information about each stop before leaving the bus. Dolly and Lynnae presented with their "Czech" foundations and added a few "Slavacia" tips now & then.We had a guided tour of the brewery by the brewery staff. After the tour, there was a tasting area- You had the opportunity to taste four different kinds of beer.


We stopped in LaGrange (Weikel's Bakery) for a morning kolache & coffee stop before. Lunch was in Schulenburg at the Oakridge Smokehouse -an "all you could eat" buffet with homecooking delights. We toured these churches:Shiner-St. Cyril and Methodius, Praha-St. Mary's Church of the Assumption, High Hill (Schulenburg)- Nativity of Mary the Blessed Virgin, Dubina-St Cyril and Methodius, and Ammansville (Schulenburg)-St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. (Not necessarily in this order) The churches visited were amazing. The Shiner Brewery was the last stop.

Overall, it was a day full of Christian fellowship. We learned a lot and reflected a lot as we went inside those beutiful, amazing churches. Also, the wildflowers were breathtaking so the bus ride was just so enjoyable. We left at 8:30 am and returned around 6:00 pm tired and refreshed. The trip was a delight. If people want to take a tour of the painted churches- They can contact the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce and make arrangements. Or, they can pay Dolly and Pastor Lynnae as personal tour guides- Both would be equally enjoyable.

Part 1: The Churches


Part 2: The Camaraderie

Jesus Loves You, and So Do I...

Many times I have heard these words, "Jesus loves you, and so do I..." But how well do I know the man who frequently utters these words? Not nearly as well as I thought! Take a few minutes and see if you learn anything new as well.

In celebration of 40 years of service, appropriately enough on the exact day of the 30th anniversary of Abiding Love, I sat down with Pastor Fetter for an interview. Part 1 of his reflections on forty years...

Monday, April 19, 2010

Thirty Years of Love

Wow. Thirty Years of Love. A plethora of memories. To borrow from an old bumper sticker- I wasn't born a Charter Member...but I got here as fast as I could. Watching my youngest brother, born in 1981, being baptized in the bowling alley (and hearing the crashing of the pins in the background). Acolyting in the original building. Confirmation classes in the nursery. Being submerged into frigid water in the dunking booth on a cold All Hallow's Eve Carnival as a teenager. Countless youth group activities as a high schooler (and now a sponsor). Playing softball against other churches. Easter egg hunts. Serving as a member of the church council. Warm, lazy summer evenings under the oak trees during Vacation Bible School. My first Communion. My daughter's first Communion. Mentors of my youth becoming good friends in my adulthood. What a wonderful place. Here is a motley collection of felicitations given on Abiding Love's big 3-0 !

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Left to Tell

It is rare that a book comes along that can be described as life-altering, but Left to Tell is just that sort of work. This is the type of story that you share with others. A friend passed along Left to Tell to me. I read it and insisted that my wife read it. She then gave it to her mother and a co-worker. The co-worker was so taken by it that she is sharing it with her church. And so am I. This gripping tale almost seems to be fictional at times, but as they say, you can't make this stuff up. Eight women hiding for 91 days in a 3 foot by 4 foot bathroom? Machete-wielding killers searching for them? Saved by prayer? Forgiveness?

Three Wednesdays. April 7, 14 and 28. 7 to 8pm. An unforgettable story.

Please RSVP to Jeff Roberts at 512.301.7575 or uoftexas95@yahoo.com so that enough books can be provided. Speaking of provided- free books for the first ten people to
confirm that they will attend.

Reviews of the book (inspirational by themselves!)
http://www.lefttotell.com/book/index.php

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Three Points with Pastor Lynnae- Lent

The Lenten season is upon us. Pastor Lynnae gives a short preview of upcoming Wednesday services, ruminates upon fond Easter memories and names a somewhat surprising "favorite apostle". In case you're curious- no, she did not have previous knowledge of the questions. I simply sprang them upon her and the on-the-spot responses are, to me, quite revealing of her personality.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2010 ALLC Garage Sale!!!

It's that time of year again, folks! Clear out the closets! Streamline the garage and attic! The Annual Churchwide Garage Sale is on March 6th. You can help out in a variety of ways! Donate time, possessions, elbow grease, or all three! Check out the sign up sheet at the church or contact Annette Smith, aka "Garage Sale Granny" at 280-4533. Need further inspiration? Watch the following videos!

Garage Sale Granny says...



Yellow Bird says...

Monday, January 25, 2010

Truffles for sale...

Truffles for sale. Yummy, yummy truffles for sale...

Wow- this may be the best Senior High Fundraiser yet! Support your friendly, neighborhood R.O.C.K. group while enjoying some terrific and tasty handmade candies! In the stores, these might cost up to $2.50 each, but you can purchase these youth-crafted candies for a dollar apiece! Find the booth in the narthex this Sunday and order yours!

Food Pantry Turns Five!!!

Hi everyone- just a reminder that a very important part of Abiding Love's outreach mission is turning five and there will be a celebration on January 31st immediately following 11:00 a.m. Worship Service. Protein dishes will be provided- Please bring a side dish and enjoy the fellowship!

Here is a video created in the fall (edited by Ken Albin) which reminds us of the growth that we have seen and the lives that have been touched...