October Light

Light shone down throughout the Sacred Heart Monastery grounds this past Sunday--fall light, October light, everywhere.  It shone at the grotto:

And outside the Retreat Center:

And during the children's sermon in the large dining room (abbreviated 'LDR,' which is, to us Lutherans, very real 'Lutheran Disaster Relief'):

 It shone as Pastor Sandy Niiler prepared for the service:

And there was the light of wisdom in the words of the Gospel reading:

"[Jesus] said, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'"  This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second like it:  'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Mt. 22: 37-40).

It was a Sunday of light, a day to remember that 'In him there is no darkness at all / The night and the day are both alike' (K. Thomerson, 'I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,' WOV).

We Ran Out of Brats!

Fall in Alabama means cooler weather, football, and--in Cullman--Oktoberfest. For two weeks the town is transformed as it celebrates its German heritage.

As part of these festivities, Christ Lutheran has prepared and hosted a traditional German meal for several years.  This year was no exception.

The circumstances were exceptional this time, of course.  Gas grills and tents took the place of our fellowship hall and kitchen.  Hot dogs, brats, chips and Cokes were on the menu.

Our pastor, Sandy Niiler, led us in the blessing.

And we didn't have long to wait before the crowds came.

An assembly line quickly formed:  grillers grilled, wrappers wrapped, servers served:

Did I mention the crowds?

We even had a visit from the Burgurmeister!

The festivities lasted until dark....and we ran out of brats!

Thank you to all who came out and supported us--and thank you, too, if you're reading this, for your continued prayers.