I woke up this morning warmly reflecting on last night's worship service... Best VBS worship ever (June 16, 2011)!! What a way to spend a Thursday Summer evening.

For several years we've talked about holding worship in the gym. This was as good or better than I've ever imagined.

To be gathered with people I love (a bunch of people, I wonder what the "count" was) experiencing the children sing with joy (motions are always nice too, they tend to sit still after that); confessing my sins; receiving absolution; praying for those of our community in need of prayer, both intercessory & jubliant was awesome. The presence of His love pervaded the atmosphere. The group that led VBS did a great job, loving their Lord & expressing it, both spoken and facially with eye contact. The music was well done, great selection of songs that pointed "The Way" including some of my favorites (Lead me to the Cross, Mighty to Save, . . .)

To gather with a group of people I love, singing and seeing joy, in a comfortable, unencumbered environment was pure pleasure (I'm not sure that as a "Lutheran" I should feel that good). A rare treat. If that is (our) idea of broadening our worship perspective (my words, not yours), lead on!

Then the bonfire in the parking lot afterwards, whose idea was that, I want to profusely thank them. Instead of going home to a quiet house, I got to come home smelling of campfire smoke, with good memories of watching children run, jump, play; being offered a 'smore' (not a big fan, but being offered in love, how could I refuse); great relaxed conversation, getting to know my 'brothers & sisters' better. . . . I came home with a stronger sense of the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Conversation in the parking lot... and seeing the smiles on their faces as they watched people practicing "Life together" was great.

Bottom line, good time (read that as good Christian time spent among the family). I could easily keep going... 

Guardian Lutheran Church and School invites children to Vacation Bible School every June.  The theme for this year was “Pandamania” where we learned how God is wild about us! (Psalm 139).  We welcomed over 130 children daily from the neighborhood and 30 area churches.   The Gospel of Jesus Christ was shared via electrifying Bible adventures, Bible crafts, teamwork-building games and singing praises to our Lord.  God’s love for us was celebrated each day by the children, a wonderful team of volunteers and music by the band, Captive Free.  A concert featuring Captive Free was held on Tuesday evening.  A CD of the music sung during the week was sent home with each child.  On Thursday evening the VBS group and Captive Free participated in the worship service with almost 200 in attendance.  The evening included fun and fellowship after worship at a bonfire where everyone enjoyed more singing and tasty smores. Mission projects during the week included collecting school supplies for children in Nicaragua and painting flower pots each containing a flower for shut-ins in the neighborhood.  The children loved sharing God’s love through this mission.  Thank you to everyone who made this event a successful demonstration of God’s love!   

The first full weekend back from Christmas break was filled with many activities at Guardian. 

Saturday, November 13 (submitted by Dennis Tino) 

Confirmation will soon be underway for the Guardian Class of 2011.  Pastor A is really looking forward to meeting with the parents and students as they work together moving them to further grow in faith and in love for Jesus. 

A new session of Dave Ramsey's Fincancial Peace University is coming to Guardian.  The new class starts on Sunday, September 12 at 7 p.m.  FPU is a 13 week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right decisions to achieve your financial goals and God's plan for your life.  The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before, and much, much more!  Register for the class in the church office or on Dave Ramsey's FPU website.  A limited number of membership kits are available for $75; otherwise the kits are $99.   

Guardian Lutheran Church and School has secured a booth in the "Civic Tent" during Dearborn Homecoming.  Many congregation members and ministry and mission groups will be on hand to distribute information about all that Guardian offers our community.   

Guardian Lutheran Church and School has been serving the city of Dearborn, Michigan for over 63 years.  Located on the corner of Cherry Hill Road and Denwood Street in west Dearborn, Guardian has been touching the lives of many area residents through weekly worship and it’s Lutheran Day School.  

A CASE-STUDY FOR EARLY COMMUNION AT GUARDIAN LUTHERAN