A talk with Thomas Chaing on Sharing Enough

A talk with Jacob Hartzer on Acting Together

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!!!!)

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!

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!

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!”

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!

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"

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!