The Camp Experience!

Dear friends,

I have just returned from a week of camp with 17 confirmation students. I’m exhausted – exhilarated and so impressed with the young people of Abiding Love. I’m certain that our youth were the best ones at Ebert Ranch Camp! (Besides our 17 there, we had two at Camp Chrysalis!) Christian camping has a long heritage among our Lutheran Church. Almost every pastor you talk with will have had a significant camping experience from their youth. Somehow, the out of doors, the intense expressions of love, the excellent leadership, music and worship all seems to touch the very spirit of all who gather.

Just ask Ben about the leap of faith – or Audrey about the high ropes. Better yet, talk with Josh about the horses or Emma about the meal prayers. There are so many stories to tell! Give thanks to God for our camping association, Cross Trails Ministry and for our excellent youth! It’s going to take me a year to recover, but I can’t wait till next summer!

As always,
Love Pastor Lynnae

Bring Your Neighbor to Church!

"Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 19:16-19 NRSV)

This Sunday we Celebrate Bring Your Neighbor to Church, but actually EVERY Sunday is Bring Your Neighbor to Church! And, every Sunday is a Celebration. While it may be a bit uncomfortable and even down right scary to invite your neighbor – since you are Lutheran and all, it is really quite easy. The postcard invitation that we’ve handed out the last two Sundays - makes it really easy. All you really have to do is to share your excitement about the life you have and the church you belong to. Tell your story. That’s really all you have to do. Start with a sentence like…

“I love Abiding Love because….”

Or “I have learned through my life that I need Abiding Love because…”

There are many people who know God but don’t know of a church home that they can belong to. Don’t be afraid to share your story!

See you in church!

Pastor Lynnae