Drive-In Hybrid Worship! 27 January 2021 Ready for a short trivia game on the history of drive-in theaters in the United States? Good luck. (Answers at bottom of this article.) The Drive-in theater experienced in the U.S. in: A. late 1950s-early 1960s or B. early 1960s-late 1960s? One of the largest drive-in theaters was the Johnny All-Weather Drive-In. Covering over …
Which Verse Would YOU Choose? 20 January 2021 It’s a powerful image, when presidents-elect choose to place their hands on a Bible when they swear the presidential oath of office guided by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Our last two presidents enjoyed the honor of using the personal Bible of President Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes the presidents decide to …
Your Choice! January 13, 2021 I was amazed when the waiter on the cruise ship told me at dinner, “You can have steak or lobster . . . . or both.” Wow! For today’s Word from Wiese, I’m offering you two options. You can read the first or second . . . or both if really motivated. The first is …
Greater Than > With Jesus January 6, 2021 Any of you planning to go to a rock concert this month? Me, neither. Just a bit more of pandemic paralysis. (Hopefully, this summer!) In our gospel stories, John the Baptist was the first rock star. A pulse of people from country and city alike were flocking out to John’s wilderness for …
The Twelve Days of Christmas December 30, 2020 Trivia Question 1: What are the 12 Days of Christmas? Answer: The 12 days of the Christmas season, spanning from December 25 to January 6, or “Epiphany,” when Christians celebrate the visit of the magi. (I remember my Grandpa Wiese refused to put up the Christmas tree until AFTER Christmas Eve services …
Happy Thanksgiving! November 25, 2020 Happy Thanksgiving, friends! I hope we get to connect tonight at our Thanksgiving Eve worship service, whether you stream the service or join us as one of up to 50 of the in-person worshipers. As I heed President Washington’s advice to dedicate time of “thanksgiving and prayer,” let me share how thankful I am for …
Getting to Know a New Friend & Leader: Barbara Anderson, New Director of Connecting Ministries November 18, 2020 Today, I’m delighted to use my weekly article to share a little interview that helps you to get to know better the new COS Director of Connecting Ministries, Barbara Anderson PF: Barbara, we are thrilled that you accepted our offer to serve …
Walls November 11, 2020 As you read this, faith friend, it’s November 11, Veterans Day. THANK YOU to all our friends and many other people who gave/give of their time and talent to provide security and opportunities for our country. As I write this, it’s November 9. Exactly one year ago, I was in Wittenberg, Germany, with 20 other Lutheran …
Post-Election Ponderings November 4, 2020 Although you read this little note on Wednesday, I write it either on Monday or early Tuesday morning. So, I wonder, as you read this Wednesday afternoon, if you know who won the election. What a blessing to live in our wonderful country. What a blessing for our democracy (one person, one vote) to shine …
How Does the Reformation Help Me Today? October 28, 2020 This Saturday marks 503 years since, according to tradition, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses, or suggestions for a healthier church, on the door of the castle church in Wittenberg, Germany. Ho Hum? Ancient history? Relevance? Somehow, American Halloween is what’s celebrated each October 31st. “Trick or treat” is our line …
