Community!

      One my friends, with whom I connect when I'm at the OFH, grew up in a Catholic home and went through the Catholic school system including University. He describes himself as a 'lapsed Catholic' and no longer participates in church. He loves to discuss theology and we find ourselves in almost total agreement with the exception of church participation. 

    Being back at my congregation this morning reinforced my understanding of what he is missing. Church, properly done, provides community. A community that reminds one of his/her place in the world and the moral truths and values that inform responsible and healthy participation in daily life. The community also gives association with others who share those values and gives relational support in the challenges that life brings. Martin Luther was big on what he called 'the mutual conversation and consolation of (Christians)' which is often exercised at coffee hour after worship.

   Yes, it was good to be back GULC!

Takk for alt,

Al

Our beds, called 'racks' in Navy/Marine Corp parlance, are observable. They consisted of canvas, with ropes threaded through grommets and then looped around a metal frame. Actually, they were quite comfortable though not very spacious. The racks also served as ladders as Marines climbed to their racks. Notice the tennis shoes. Our battalion commander ordered us to wear them aboard ship. It made the sailors laugh. On one ship the racks were twelve high.