We can’t pick up the local paper or hear the cable news currently without being faced with this question.  Politicians at all levels are struggling with what we think are “limited” resources and deciding where to place them.  On the local scene, we continue to debate the desire of the local community to support our minor league baseball team.  On the state level, at least implied by this morning’s paper, we again will face the possibility of pulling part of the financial foundation away from the MD system here in downtown.

How has it come to pass, that in one of the richest countries in the world, resources seem to have disappeared and no one seems willing to make a commitment to invest?

As people of faith, the challenge is always to be a counter-cultural force.  When the world wants to wash it hands, we dig in.  When the world sees scarcity, we see God’s abundance.  Can we engage the conversation?

Yesterday I had the occasion to visit down at the correctional facility south of Hagerstown.  I was visiting a local guy who I’ve met over the years.  Through his tears it was so apparent that those behind bars live in an alternate world.  People make mistakes, some very serious, and then we send them into a system which is just designed to further destroy all positive human interaction.  People are so closed and defensive with all, because to do otherwise would be to risk your possible destruction.  And then when they are returned to society, we expect them to act civil and human again.  Can these two worlds ever be connected in positive ways?

I think we have done great things with our techonology and need to keep pressing forward, and discover how this can help our disciples and others stay more attuned to God’s work here. For instance, our email file is still incomplete and in this year, to press forward and get as complete a list as we can and use it not only for delivery of the newsletter but more immediate updates and news.

Good morning blogging world. My mind is rushing with so many great ideas to implement in 2012 around St. John’s. I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for the support and encouragement over the last seven years the Technology Team has been around. We have done so many wonderful things though out the church I sometimes cannot even believe it. The Lord is great and gives us some many wonderful things to make our lives fulfilled though his love and grace.

I have a question for everyone, tell what you think about how Technology has changed how you worship or interact with inside and outside the walls of St. John’s.

If you want to leave a comment that would be great. You do not need an account to leave comments and we would love to hear all the feed back we can get. The more help we can get the better we can make everything work.

Psalm 9:9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

In Christ,
Tim Keller

Welcome, if you are reading this you have found the new blogging zone of St. John’s Lutheran Church Hagerstown, Maryland. Our dream is to be able to have a please were staff can communicate with everyone in the internet world. If you see this stop in and say HI!