tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10155125.post-75067277661443682152008-06-06T08:08:00.000-07:002008-06-06T10:48:54.345-07:00Vacation is coming soon, and I am looking forward to it. I've had a lot on my mind lately... here's a little of it:<br /><br /><br /><strong>"Doctrinally pure tracts, hymnbooks and..." Vacation Bible School materials?</strong> Yes, I am a CPH snob when it comes to VBS programs. I used to be of the mind that we could judiciously use non-denominational VBS stuff from Group Publishing. But we found out the hard way that even when the simple daily themes were innocuous and biblical, there was always a way to sneak in decision-theology. I recall watching a promo video (after we were well into our Group VBS) in which they touted how many children "asked Jesus into their hearts" after this spectacular week of VBS.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Why don't people participate at funerals?</strong> I think there are lots of answers for this - but it still frustrates me and disappoints me greatly. What a dishonor to the Lord and to the deceased loved one.<br /><br /><br /><strong>I had a great Facebook chat</strong> with a friend the other day - in which I was able to do what a pastor does - counsel, exhort, and maybe not formally absolve but at least remind my friend of the forgiveness of sins in Christ. I continue to pray for this person as they work through it all.<br /><p>A fellow pastor told me at the spring conference, that one of his parishioners said something like this: <strong>"Pastor, with this new thing called a chasuble...</strong> you know, I don't know if I like it. It makes it seem like something really important is going on up there!" Uh... ya think?</p><strong>I will be going to Baltimore, MD</strong> (where I was born and raised) for a couple of weeks vacation. We will also jog up to the Greenwich, CT are (wife's home town) for a bit. Looking forward to seeing family and friends, eating good seafood, and observing the inevitable changes in my old stomping grounds. Also we will spend a couple days at the beach - Ocean City, MD.<br /><br />I'll still be around the net for sure. Never too far from cyberspace.Preachrboyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08058617284103464853noreply@blogger.com