When We Don't Have Church-
Someone Creates What We Need Anyway
An interesting article on the local Star Tribune Website asked: "What Comes After the Funeral?" It tells about several Metro Area funeral homes that do not finish their work when the loved one is buried. They are offering grief and support groups, lectures, community rooms for no charge, and even field trips and camps.

One of the reasons cited in the article was that more and more people don't have church connections where many of those things used to be offered. That and the size of a metro area where people may not have the kind of roots that offered support and you have a wide-open opportunity for ministry by the funeral homes.

I don't know what this may mean in the long term, but I find it interesting that when someone does what is needed, people respond.

At Least Someone Won
Sunday was a sad day for dyed-in-the-wool, green and gold Packer fans. The Pack's 233 game scoring streak and Brett Favre's 16 years without a shutout came to an end at the hands of the (dare I even say the word?) Bears. (Now I know why Stephen Colbert has bears as his #1 threat!!!)

But a furniture store in suburban Chicago gave away $300,000 in furniture because of the shutout. The owner was tired of Chicago sports teams making promises and then not following through. (Think: Cubs) So he said he would do this promotion if the Bears shutout the Packers. He figured it was a long shot.

Sorry to say it wasn't. Oh well. It could be a long season ahead in Titletown, USA.