kensdove

Wow!  Ken and Stephanie, you're setting a new and high bar for Cluster reps!  Thank you for this "visitation" ministry...it goes back in Lutheran history to right after the Reformation when Luther himself urged more collegial visitation in the church.  Thank you!

Dear Stephanie and Ken

this is a fabulous use of Soul Cafe and wonderful to hear of your journey to support our cluster and the wider church. 

Way to go, Ken and Stephanie!  Your visits helps connect people--always a good thing to do. 

I was at First in Pasco earlier this month.  I know that you'll have a fine visit.  These are very dear and mission-minded saints. 

Mark Nelson

Hi Ken and Stephanie, and Greetings from Soul Cafe!

My name is Edwin Rourk and I'm the community manager for Soul Cafe. I don't usually just chime in like this, but I see empowering clusters as something SC can really help with - both on the Regional (and beyond) as well as the local level. This is right up the alley of what SC was design for. If you or someone else have not already, I'd recommend starting a group for your cluster to serve not only as a place to continue past conversations, but to help folks in deciding what might be discussed at future cluster meetings. Additionally, all of your printed items, videos, audio, etc. can be stored in your group, making it easier for everyone to access. Please let me know how I can help facilitate this!

With the help of a couple of Synods, we're in the process of setting up a larger, more macro Clusters group that deans and others can join to discuss some of the bigger picture issues and challenges that all clusters are facing. We'll keep you abreast of that as well.

Cheers!

Edwin

Two weeks ago we attended worship at the Church of the Apostles in Seattle.  The service was at 5:00 on Sunday.  This was their "Alt" service, which they have once a month -- a service in which the order of worship is changed .   We started in the cafe area (lower level) where refreshments were served, walked upstairs together and had "open space" (a time to reflect on the scripture passages in a variety of ways.  The band was playing, candles lit, prayer stations, posters set up, etc.  And Jesus (on a wooden cross) was in a kayak in the middle of the room  -- a blanket was draped partially over , and there were large pillows on the floor where one could sit or lie down to "rest with Jesus" through the storm.   This was really startling at first, and effective.  Open time was followed by singing, psalm chanting (singing), scripture reading, prayers (including many petitions written in the prayer stations during "open space") and the "reverb" (sermon).    More singing, then offering.  Oh yes, some of the songs were traditional Lutheran hymns, but with different melodies.  Others were written by the musicians at COTA.  The band included their new used Hammond organ,  guitar, bass, etc.   Communion was  common cup, choice of wine or juice, good bread, and gluten free available also. 

The service ended with more music and sharing of the peace.

There were at least 70 people there -- almost all the seats were taken.  A youth group of 15 was there from North Carolina.   In the back of the room is an area for children to color, play with soft toys, etc., by a couch for the parents.  Two toddlers were present (one was our grandson Olyver who ran around the room a lot -- uh oh! -- his dad is the pastor)   And one baby.   Within the congregation are at least 20 people with Master of Divinity degrees.   Most of the people were young adults (20's, 30's).   One older lady started worshiping there because none of the other Lutheran churches in the area had evening services, but she likes being with the young people.  Another older lady is starting a Benedictine group .

Their website gets about 200 hits each day.  One day there were 500 hits.   

This is a little long.  I just had to find some place to share.   It is so good to see what God is doing at COTA.

Blessings and joy, Linnea Hillesland