I haven’t blogged in nearly-forever. Sorry. (Yeah, I’m sure you’re live has been at a near stand-still waiting for me to post something….)
Anyhow, thought I’d check in… (Of course, not in any particular order…)
Church (Dunningville):
Things are going well at church. Dunningville has been patient with me over the past months as I’ve been working on my thesis; hopefully they will have enough patience to make it through the next month or so, even though some things haven’t gotten the attention I would have liked to give them.
Joyfully, we celebrated the sacrament of baptism on Sunday. Equally as joyfully, I have Sunday off and don’t have to lead/preach/etc.
Our Adult Sunday school class is working our way through the Heidelberg Catechism (for the second time) and currently in the middle of my favorite part (the part on the sacraments). The evening service has finished a study of Galatians (which was perhaps the most transformative series I’ve ever preached – for me, at least, I can’t speak for anyone else!) and we’ve just started a study of the first 9 chapters of Judges — wow… that’s going to be fun.
Church (RCA’s Worship Commission):
The Worship Commission met last week – what a great group of people! We polished up a liturgy we’re hoping to submit to synod this summer for approval as our first official “occasional use” sacramental liturgy.
Church (RCA/CRC Hymnal):
We had our most recent editorial committee meeting for the joint hymnal about a week ago – another great group! I have high hopes for this project; theoretically we are putting together a hymnal that will inform the worship of a generation in some congregations.
Thesis:
Currently, I’m in the middle of my yearly week of “education” time working on my D.Min. thesis. As you may know, I’m drastically behind on it but am still hoping to get it done on a time line that will allow me to graduate this spring. Everything has conspired against it including medial tests for our daughter, surgery for my wife, and my adviser quitting and moving back into the parish – all of which are potentially good things but not particularly helpful when it comes to my thesis. As it sits, the rough draft is done; my adviser has constructively criticized it (truly, he was constructive); I’m rewriting and reworking it this week and hoping to have a “final” draft done to be submitted by the middle of March.
Knitting
I’m currently in the middle of another Baby Surprise Jacket (which is looking more boy-ish than expected) and have purchased the yarn for a girl-ish sweater. One of them will go to some college friends of mine who are expected a new baby just around the corner, the other of which doesn’t have an intended home yet.
I’ve also scheduled a class on Brooklyntweed‘s Habitat which I’ll be teaching at Lizzie Ann’s (my local, and absolutely favorite, yarn shop) and a two-part tatting class for later in March — fun!
If you’re wondering about the Kimono I’ve started for JJ, it hasn’t gotten anywhere. I need absolute attention to keep my count on the chart and haven’t been able to give it that recently.
Beer:
No new beer brewed recently. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks – I’d like a fresh batch ready for the beginning of summer.
Coffee:
Have I told you how much I love coffee? Really?! Currently I’m drinking our favorite (Sweet Maria’s Monkey Blend which we use for just about everything – espresso, drip, mokka, etc). I’m also working on getting the hang of using a Chemex, which I bought using a gift certificate my MiL gave me for my birthday. I’d highly recommend it: smooth brew, low acid. It seems like the filters are overly hefty though.
Ragbrai:
I’m signed up… hoping to make it again this year! Druck your Daumen for me!
Latest gripe?
I recently received an Adeo from Motion Lingo. I’m certain I’ll love it but the blasted thing doesn’t work on Vista. Oh Vista, how I detest thee. Oh, and we’ve done a number of tests trying to figure out what’s going on with Sophia – nothing yet, and I’m exceedingly disappointed in DeVos Children’s Hospital. Don’t get me started! (But, thank you for those who’ve asked about her, we deeply appreciate it!)
Well, that’s pretty much it right now. Hope you’re well; we are.
Grace and peace,
`tim
