Virtual-Doug

Christianity - Late for Church

You would think it would be a simple thread – a thread without a lot of deep thoughts in it.

Recently, the list serv on Transformational Leadership run by the Easum/Bandy had a thread on being late to church. Read on – it got interesting!

It began with -

Hey all....quick question that I would like some feedback on..... In my last couple of churches I have noticed a trend....people are becoming later and later for worship.... I mean right now almost half to a third of my congregation comes in way after the service has started.... Usually for the offering and sermon.... I'm not sure why and was wondering if you all have seen this before and if so what is the problem? What have you done to improve the situation?

The War in Viet Nam - PTSD (Redux)

PTSD (the abbreviation for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). The letters themselves have power. The power to stir emotion and pain, even today.

Back in September, I posted a piece about PTSD. Today, I had some feedback on the piece from a fellow Viet Nam vet - someone I met in Viet Nam, and is a friend to this day. And, I found the pain exists today, and possibly (just possibly) made worse by my posting.

The feedback seemed to be that I thought PTSD victims are phonies.

Transforming Church - Discovery Church (Orlando)

Remember – I’m not trying to be the churchy equivalent of a restaurant critic. I merely wish to see how other churches use technology. Nothing I write is to be construed as being good or bad – its just an observation. You readers are supposed to send me some value judgments.

C and I recently visited Discovery Church in Orlando, Florida. It’s a very seeker oriented church – no crosses, hymnals, pews, or altars. No dressing up for church. At first one would think it would attract mostly 30 somethings, but there were more than a few grey-beards like me in the audience.

Transforming Church - Beginnings

Let’s try a new category – how a “traditional” Christian like me might search for ideas in helping transform his local denominational church.

Most blogs (including my own) are built upon the concept that the writer has some great “thing” to say to the world. Well – I’d like this thread – this new category – to be different. I know there aren’t many people who read this blog, but if they do, I want their input. This thread is about how I might help my local church begin the adaptation of technology in its ministries and worship. www.stpeterstpaul.org.

Miscellaneous Ramblings - Family

Have't been around much lately - and that's because C and I are traveling - spending time with my 87 year old mother in Florida, and also a few days with son K and his family - and the four grandchildren!

But - this is a good time to explore my new tasks to investigate the use of technology of worship - we visit their church tomorrow!

The War in Viet Nam - Veteran's Day Poem

As the webmaster of the Tall Comanche web site for Company C, 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division in Viet Nam, I correspond with many veterans. On this day, I am proud to post a poem, written by one trooper who served in 1970. Like many, he struggled with what he did and saw. He found release in talking about it with others, through a strong faith in God, and through writing. Below is No Man's Land, by Robert Lisenby.

Christianity - Humor, Just When I Need It

Yep - gotta bit of depression creeping up on me.

Rachel has been feeling a bit overwhelmed. Darryl has put on a good face on after a denominational vote. Travis is looking for confirmation of his calling. I watch the debate within the Anglican Communion now, and I am dismayed.

But - - then I found Plug n' Pray on Darren's blog.

Miscellaneous Ramblings - Bitching in the Army, Iraq War Style

I was struck by an article written on October 16 in the Chico News & Review. Its a letter written by a soldier with the 82nd Airborne Division serving in Iraq.

As you can easily see from being on this blog, I am a combat veteran of the war in Viet Nam. I'm not retired military, and most folks would not classify me as "conservative." That said, some thoughts.

If you have not been in the military, you may not understand that bitching is as much a part of being in the Army as arguing with the ump is part of baseball.