Why Be Religious, Why Go To Church? [28:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Jason attended our church and Sunday school program as a child. Now he is studying to become a minister at Meadville-Lombard Theological School in Chicago. Jason discusses why many are religious and still go to church. Jason invites the congregation to talk about their experiences.

Presented by: Jason Tenbrink, Seminary Student

 Life Is A Journey, We Love The Stories [32:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Stories of travel has been a theme of several summer programs, hence the title for this one.  Metaphors are interesting.  I am persuaded by the argument that the most basic tool of thinking is the comparison we make by use of analogy/metaphor:  this is like that; life is like a journey.  Stories can be large metaphors in their significance.  Story itself can be a metaphor.  Are you on a journey?  Is your life a story?

Presented by: Rev. Dale Arnink, Minister Emeritus

This is perhaps the best opportunity to get certain words out to as many as possible. The first words are, “Thank You!” Thanks to the congregation and the Board for giving me the opportunity to be of service to you once again as minister (and to replenish my retirement fund a bit as well).

Thanks to the Search Committee and the Long Range Planning Committee for their superb efforts that have focused everyone’s eyes upon the future.

Thanks to Carl and Mia who, as President and Vice President, have worked closely and pleasantly with me throughout the year, and faithfully and energetically accomplished their multiple tasks.

The second set of words are, “Best wishes.” Best wishes to all of you in your active support of the church’s activities, and best wishes to John Cullinan as your new minister.

Finally, I assure you I look forward to being retired again. I will be with you as a member of this fine congregation. I will join my efforts with yours to help this congregation be a strong voice of progressive religion in this town.

Rev. Dale Arnink
Transition Minister, Minister Emeritus

As I sit down to write this, Jess and I are sitting amidst a chaotic mess of boxes, catching our breath. In just over a week, the moving company will be here, loading up our household. We’ll spend one last night in our empty apartment, and then be on our way towards you. We’ll spend a few days with my in-laws in Iowa and then make our final push toward Los Alamos, with an overnight stop in Oklahoma City. If all goes according to plan (and what ever does?) we’ll arrive at our new place just ahead of the movers.

Regretfully, we’ll be arriving minus one beloved family member. Our cat, Hobbes, who’s been with us for nearly ten years, was put to sleep this week. His declining health took a sharp downward turn in the last month. As we began packing in earnest, he stopped eating and drinking, and could not be coaxed back to his bowls. We came to realize that the shock of the move would be more than his little frame could stand. This will make the transition much more difficult, especially for the kids. It’s a little more of “fresh start” than we were hoping for, and we’ll miss him terribly.

Tragedies aside, we are all looking forward to finally being among you. While packing and unpacking are two of my least favorite activities, the eventual outcome makes it all worth the while. August promises to be a month of major transition. The kids are beginning school at an earlier date than they’re used to, and we’ve done our best to pack as much into a shortened summer for them as we can. On the home front, Jess and I will be scrambling to get the household set up as quickly as possibly so it’s not hanging over our heads as we head into the church year, and so Jess can dive into some of the contract work she’s bringing with her.

As to the church, I’ll be attending a few meetings here and there during my first few weeks, but primarily setting up my office and preparing for the preaching year. I’ll be available on a limited basis before September, both to properly prepare for the new year, and to give Dale the room he needs to finish out his time with you. The board and I will take part in a start-up workshop with District Executive Nancy Bowen just after Labor Day, leading into Water Communion, my first official Sunday in the pulpit.

I look forward to being with you all again. Wish us good luck and good travels.

Rev. John Cullinan