Claimed, gathered and sent

Kathryn wrote: The Season You're In - Friday Five Headquarters for me is the northeast of the United States. Here school is getting back in session, the tease of autumn is in the air (or the hope for the tease of autumn is in the air) and church life is gearing up to full throttle. One thing I've learned with blogging and social media is that the where I live is not necessarily where you live. And so I want to know what September means to you, in your place of the world and time in your life. This week's Friday Five is: What are 5 things that the beginning of September mean to you? Bonus: What's one thing you could do without?   So...here are my responses:   1. School--this is my last year of seminary!!!! My grown daughter is returning to school and my granddaughter is starting 2nd grade as well. 2. Cooler temperatures--In the mornings it's now starting to feel like fall. 3. New beginnings--New program year at church a...

Reform #4 from the 16th century. Public Education Available for All In Luther’s time, education was not for the common person. There were two classes, the learned and the unlearned. With the reformation and reorganization of the church, the educational system was also reorganized. As early as 1520 ( Address to the Christian Nobility ), Luther proposed that education should be for everyone, including the poor and girls. It was no longer only for the rich or for those going into the ministry or law. Luther saw that educated leaders and citizens, clergy and laity were essential for society to function. Education and the ability to read books were a way to learn of Christ . Books became a means of evangelism. One must be educated in order to read them however. Public schools did not originate here in America, but are something we can give thanks for from the 16th century reformers. picture

There is light at the end of the tunnel. After a week off, my last three courses for my undergrad degree began yesterday. Despite any numerous perceived interruptions, I don't expect to get behind like I did after my surgery. This is not to say these eight weeks will be easy, but it should be like a proverbial cakewalk compared to the first half of the semester. My pain is greatly diminished, in spite of a flare up of bursitis. With degree in hand I will be ready for Gettysburg in August, which I just recently discovered will begin on the 17th with Greek. Picture from http://www.lightingshowplace.com/decor/product.pl?mid=55077&fh=Franciscan%20Bronze&P&CID=FRO