I just got back from another Solitude Retreat at Assumption Abbey near Ava, MO. It is a Trappist monastery with a Retreat Center tied to it. I went with a group of pastors from SW MO. It was really good to get away and focus on the Lord and what He is speaking to me. I got a lot of reading done and had a couple of good hikes, etc. Really thankful for what God is doing in my life right now.
Here is my post from way back in 2007 when I went the first time. It gives a bit of history of the monks and links to more info. We are praying for them as they are in a bit of a “holding pattern” right now at that particular abbey. Many of the monks living there are getting up in years and there have not been many new candidates come on board. It is a really amazing place and these men are truly dedicated to the Lord in their particular “station” in life.
On the way home yesterday, went to Rockbridge for lunch. It is an old mill that is now a trout park. Then we headed into Ava for an ice cream cone for only 10 cents at the Ava Drug Store and soda fountain. Here are some pics of the Abbey as well as my traveling companions.
The Super Bowl is not only the biggest stage for American football, but almost as importantly, it is the biggest stage in the advertising and marketing industry. Groups spend millions and millions of dollars to get people’s attention. Check out this creative ad, “Casket,” for the Super Bowl made by Mosaic Church in LA. Erwin McManus is the pastor of this very innovative church that has a ton of members that are a part of the TV and film industry in LA.
“Casket” was inspired by one of our team member’s funeral experience where his deceased grandfather requested to be buried with a beer and cigarettes. “Casket” is a commercial where a guy stages his own funeral just to munch Doritos and watch football undisturbed – in a casket. But of course, things don’t go as planned. (from vote for casket.com)
There is a good AP article explaining the reasoning behind their lighthearted spoof.
“We’re not trying to use Doritos to propagate a message, but I think we want people to know that we have a sense of humor, that it’s OK to laugh,” McManus said. “So much of what comes out of the faith community seems so dour and somber and we want to say, ‘Hey, we’re real people. You can be a person of faith and really enjoy life and laugh.”
Phil Cooke, a Christian producer, filmmaker and author says this about the commercial.
“Nobody’s going to fall on their knees and accept Jesus as a result of this spot. But advertisers on Madison Avenue spend millions on a Super Bowl spot because they know it influences people,” said Cooke, the producer. “It might not get someone converted, but I think it will get someone to say, ‘Maybe there is something I ought to investigate.’”
What do you think? How do you like the “soft” sell approach to faith?
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