But After This, a Real Post, Honest!

Found over at Mimi's; she gave credit to Ann.

True Story

I was talking to an older gentleman in my congregation about thunderstorms the other day. We've been having our fair share lately. Our dog, who hates thunderstorms, gets as far as possible from a window when she hears the thunder.

The gentleman I was talking to said, at the senior cooperative where he lives, a memo went around one day about what to do in case of storms.

There was one tiny typo, though.

The memo warned: "Stay away from widows."

(Good luck with that....)

The Lutheran song -- and commentary

Someone sent me this in an email this week. As my brain is dead from the Festival, and I am struggling with too many profound thoughts that aren't quite ready to be born yet, I thought I'd take a little commerial break with this. One caveat: I believe a couple of the people named "Lutheran" really aren't. Garrison Keiller didn't grow up Lutheran. I'm not sure what church he attends now. Several governors of Minnesota have been Lutheran, but I'm pretty sure that our current one isn't. Steve Jobs I think used to be Lutheran, but now is Episcopalian. Also, there is another governor on the list I'm not sure about. Feel free to add or subtract Lutherans. Otherwise, enjoy!

Lutheran Cable Network Shows

I know I said I wouldn't post, but I've had this in the back of my mind for awhile...

Back in the 1960s, Lutherans broke new ground when they introduced Davey and Goliath. I remember watching this cartoon often when I was a child. According to my extensive research, Davey and Goliath ran from 1960 to 1975.


When I was in seminary, cable TV was beginning to explode. A classmate and I proposed that we again could be on the forefront with Lutheran Cable Network shows. I only remember two of our offerings from that time:

Fifteen-thirty-something
Luther, Katie, Melancthon, various students, friends, children (and of course Tolpel, the dog) amid the tumult of the Reformation and their own busy household. (1 hour)

Grace Alone
A sit-com featuring single mom Grace, who strives to live by reformation principles as she juggles various aspects of her busy life: parenthood, work, and neighbors, with often hilarious results. ( 1/2 hour)

New ideas just recently:

They Ordain Women, Don't They?
A dramedy about a young woman pastor learning the ins and outs of parish life in a small town. Filled with both humor and tragedy, both endearing and comic characters, and slice-of-life situations about a disappearing way of life. (1 hour)

The Altos
Political intrigue, faith and good music collide in this series about an excellent church choir, their lives, their times, and their rehearsals. Some early questions: Should we move the piano? Will we be able to introduce a contemporary worship service? Should we? How about that new choir director? The show will always end with a different choral anthem.

Pulpit Fiction
In the tradition of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone, this series will feature a different story every week, narrated by a famous Lutheran pastor (or is that an oxymoron?), and featuring an ordinary Christian, living in a world where faith saves us, not works, where power is found in humble service, and where forgiveness is the most powerful act. Wait! Perhaps it is the Twilight Zone.

Diet of Worms
A Lutheran Food Show, with both recipes and food ideas, and theological discussions. Among some early programs: 101 Ways with Sauerkraut, The Dark Side of Lutfisk, and a panel discussion on the connection between spicy food and sin.

If I think of any other ideas, I'll expand the post to include them. In the meantime, what are your ideas?

P.S. Coming soon: the environmental meme, the pet meme, Reflections on the Desert, and some recommendations for blogs to visit!

Something funny, I think

E-L-C-A (sung to the tune of "YMCA")

People, are you listening to me?
Speaking evangelically,
Are you looking for the place you belong?
You can join in singing this song.

Welcome! That's what we say
To the nations, as we follow the Way
Stronger, united, diverse
A true multicultural Church.

Chorus
It's good to be in the ECLA,
It's good to be in the ELCA.
You can show your true face,
In this welcoming place,
You can gro-oh-oh-ow in grace.

It's good to be in the ELCA
It's good to be in the ELCA
You can get yourself clean,
You can have a good meal,
Experience love that's real.

Global! That's what we are
And yet local, and in the image of God.
Social, serving neighbors in need,
Called into community.

Synods! We've got sixty-five,
Bishops! Keep the rubrics alive,
College-s and seminaries,
Congregational outreach!

Chorus

Worship! That's what we do.
We've got music, and a new hymnal, too.
Confessing, the Three and the One,
Living out vocation.

Baptized! By water and word.
We are fed by one Heavenly food.
Simul justus et peccator.
You can find what you are looking for!

Chorus

I don't know who wrote this. Our youth director found it. I will be happy to give credit if anyone knows.

Update: this song was performed and probably written by a group called "Lost and Found" at the 2006 Youth Convention in San Antonio. Thanks, Matthew!

Also, our staff ALMOST sang it at our last new member dinner, but we couldn't learn it in time.