a*bridge: st. mark edition

Highlight(s) of the Week: It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done an edition of a*bridge. For the most part it has been because I was holding out for some big news that I’ve been waiting on for a while now. Well, the time has come for me and thus, my sharing with you, some big news. I’m back in the game! I have been hired as Director of Discipleship at St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, IA. I’m very excited about this opportunity to serve in ministry once again. Plus I get to do so along side some fantastic people, including a good friend…jakebouma.com. 

Book(s) I’m reading: I’ve recently finished with the Chronicles of Narnia. Amazing. C.S. Lewis is a genius. I’m a little ashamed that I’ve never, until now, set myself to reading these famed children’s books, but better late than never. I’m reading a couple of other books now, which you can view in the sidebar to the right. Another book which I’m enjoying right now, but not reading through in its entirety, is the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Book of Matthew by Stanley Hauerwas. I’ve been hearing great things about these Brazos Commentaries (I think there are 11 so far) and I’m loving this one. 

Music I’m digging: We haven’t been listening to much music lately. Abe and I have been talking about getting some new stuff, but haven’t had anything new for so long we don’t really know where to begin. Any suggestions?

What’s brewing: The new coffee maker (thanks Jake Bouma) is brewing Gold Coast (thanks Jake Bouma) in the newly reorganized office (thanks Jake Bouma). To sum this bold roast up in one word: Elegant. Seriously, check the website.

Vocation/Ministry update: Today was mostly paperwork. But once we get rolling, I’ll be working towards the formation of a small group ministry and serving as pastor to young adults. Some exciting things are on the horizon at St. Mark, such as a new Saturday evening service, other new staff coming on board, and more. It is a blessing to be coming on board during such an exciting time for this growing community!

Looking forward to: We are really excited about becoming part of the life of St. Mark Lutheran Church. But I’m also, though we are moving on to this new ministry opportunity, excited about what will be happening over the weeks and months to come with the merger of Echo Park and Two Rivers. I’ve had an amazing opportunity to serve alongside some great men and women of God at Echo Park and have been witness to some exciting conversations regarding this opportunity for new life.