Feed My Starving Children

We have spent a few hours this weekend helping out with one of the most amazing programs that we have ever been a part of. Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization which packs meals (rice, soy, dehydrated veggies and vitamins) and send them overseas to impoverished countries. It's a slick operation which can handle hundreds of volunteers at once. There are two or three permanent sites in Minnesota and one traveling site (which is what we participated in). People from Desert Cross participated a few months ago and organized a FMSC stop here in Tempe. We had people from all over the valley come and participate (the ASU women's basketball team even showed up!).

Here are some figures which should help you get a grip on what we accomplished. In two hours we packed 50,926 meals. That is enough food to feed 140 kids for a whole year. It's also $8,700 worth of food. And it's all being sent to North Korea through missionaries! If you would like to find out more about FMSC, here's their website: www.fmsc.org

Our Nephew!!!!!

Say hi to Matthew Ryan Brueggemeier! The little guy was born on August 17, weighing 6lb 4oz and 19" long. Amanda is doing well, despite a very long labor. All the grandparents are there; no doubt they're having trouble taking turns holding the baby!

Congratulations to Shawn and Amanda. We can't wait to see you all in October!

Self-Imposed Exile Lifted

Since I preached back home on July 13 I have been observing a vow to not go to church until my internship starts. My rationale was two-fold: 1) I thought it might be awkward to be at church before my official start date (Aug 17); and 2) once the internship starts each and every Sunday for the rest of my life (after all, pastors don't retire) will be dedicated to church. I might as well relish the freedom while I can!

My vow was broken yesterday as I attended Desert Cross for the first time. Pastor Steve had mentioned that this was the assistant youth director's last Sunday and he would be preaching and having his son baptized. I wanted to be there because this guy has been a huge help to me through this transition. I got to know him last April when I was down in Tempe for a conference. He was very welcoming - showing me his apartment complex (which we eventually moved into) and introducing me to his then 4 day old son. It was great to see him and I'm glad I lifted my church exile to be there.

Here are a few of my impressions from my first worship service at Desert Cross.

1. It's way laid back and casual; no clerical collar for me!.

2. Pastor Steve has memorized the entire baptismal liturgy, which I find incredible (maybe I will have it memorized after I am a pastor for nearly 40 years).

3. I love how everyone holds hands during the Lord's Prayer.

4. Everyone whom I have met at Desert Cross (no matter how briefly) went right up to me to say hi (even during the middle of the service!).

5. The wine for communion was pretty bad!

6. The music was very well done; and I don't generally like contemporary praise music.

7. It feels like home.