Way to Go, Packers!
After the loss on the first game of the season to the Vikings in Green Bay, tonight's game was a welcome change. Brett Favre is a truly remarkable ball player. Tonight was the 181st start in a row- and with a broken thumb. He loves to play the game and is a joy to watch.

Did I mention the Packers beat the Vikings 30 - 27 in Minneapolis?

[Yes, I know I live in Minnesota. Yes, I root for all the other Minnesota pro teams and even the Gophers when they're not playing Wisconsin. But Green and Gold of Green Bay is not just a passion. It's far too important for that. But even at that I have to admit that, answering my post from yesterday, I don't think that God cares too much about what happened in the Metrodome tonight. But I hope he enjoyed the game. I did.]

A Church Planters' Retreat
I'm heading to a Church Planters' Retreat tomorrow for a couple of days of hanging out with some really neat guys who are working hard to start new churches. I'm in a different, but similar situation, but am involved in the church planting work. My ministry is to be in the community, discovering the needs and concerns of the community and the ways the church and specifically the church I serve through can address those needs. In many, many ways I am trying to do church planting from an existing church in a community where this congregation has been for nearly 150 years. It has been a tough, uphill struggle. As can be seen in many of the discussions around the emerging church blogosphere, the world is changing and the church is having to wrestle with things we haven't wrestled with for centuries in the western and northern hemispheres.

I look at the need for mission projects like our free Thanksgiving meal which will be almost entirely a ministry beyond our walls and membership. I look at the young people of differing ethnic or class or opportunity and wonder how we can even begin to reach them with the developing youth center. I think of the people I see in my hours at the local Caribou Coffee and wonder what we can do in ministry with them. I consider the possibility of small groups, of cutting-edge worship, of house churches, of servant evangelism.

Then I get down and pray. It seems to be the only thing I am able to do most days. But then again, perhaps that is why some days are so difficult or uncertain or frustrating. It is God's way of reminding me that it is not my power but His and it is not about me it is about Him and about the others outside the church.

I am excited about these next few days on retreat with the other planters. I should get at least one small post a day although it will be over a land-line/modem link. Will let you know- and we could use your prayers, too.

Purpose-Driven on the Front Page
The Sunday Star-Tribune had a front page feature article on Rick Warren and the publishing phenomenon that is The Purpose Driven Life. (link- free registration may be required.) A number of people in church this morning thought it was neat since we are in the midst of reading it now. Too bad it wasn't before we started. Have had a great response, though, to it. I think I am seeing some signs of the Spirit working in new ways.

Welcome Back to Blogging, Doug
Doug Pagitt is back blogging. His book on postmodern spiritual disciplines in the life of his church (Solomon's Porch) is now scheduled for release in January. Stop by and scan down the pages for some new and interesting insights. (Not including the wonderful "family picture" in the unfinished kitchen.)
   It's good to have Doug back blogging!