Pastor Brian's Ruminations

July 9, 2007

Greetings fellow sojourners on the way,

Many travels beckon in the Hacklander household in July.  I’m about to set out for Madison for daughter Caitlyn’s college orientation tomorrow, then I have the honor of officiating Jonathan Ozanne’s and Sarah Dyrdal’s wedding at Rosemount UMC on Saturday, then after Sunday’s service I jump into a van to take 10 9th graders on our yearly confirmation trip to the Boundary Waters.  When we return on July 20, I take off for Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my wife Kay and Caitlyn to see our son Colin where he’s been working since January as he transitions to applying for music colleges.  The chance to catch my breath and get some new perspective will be good, even in the midst of exciting things happening here at Centennial with the new Sunday evening service and Faithwalk!

I’m also looking forward to turning a new leaf in my ministry here at Centennial as I look toward the fall and winter.  And that’s where you come in.  You see, we’re on this path together.  Most of you are members and friends here at CUMC, and I’d like to know your suggestions for sermon topics—and teaching topics.  What are you wrestling with in your life?  Where are the gaps you are sensing in your spiritual life?  What are the new challenges that are out there in the 21st century for the church of Jesus Christ?  If you are from a different generation, how is this baby boomer pastor missing the boat when sermon time comes on Sundays?  I get plenty of affirmations for my preaching, but I feel keenly within myself that there is always lots of room to improve and to ask the question week by week by week, “Is there a word from the Lord for us?”

And if you aren’t part of CUMC, you receive this email of weekly ruminations because you feel part of this cyber-community in some way, and I’d like to know what’s stimulating you.  Where are the questions, the nudges that are challenging your faith and life these days?

Now we’re probably too far along in the summer to incorporate many of your suggestions in fall planning.  But I’m taking a study retreat in late October either to Duke or to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with a seminary friend from the Detroit area, and I’ll be working on sermon/teaching paths and outlines for the next 6 to 24 months.

I really look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.  My next Ruminations will come your way in August.

God bless your path this summer,
Brian