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... 

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

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.  

It’s a joy to serve together, as we remember the words of Jesus, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” (Matt 25:40).  And it certainly was a joy to be part of the transformation which blessed the girls and staff at Vista Maria.