This blog – as a host for my thoughts and feelings, reflections and rants, questions and quandaries – has served its purpose. As a place for personal punditry and faithful reflection, this blog is done. Over. Kaput. Finished. Dead.
Well, almost.
For now I'll keep this blog up and running, and perhaps fashion it in the form of Clint's blog, who posts links and compelling quotes and other brief items, but who rarely opines online. Eventually, perhaps I'll transform this blog into one such as Mark Daniel's, posting lectionary reflections, sermons, and thoughtful reflections on the news. Perhaps.
But as I enter a new phase of my calling – that of a parish pastor – I'm quickly realizing that I'd do better to read more and write less, to pray more and play the pundit less, to be still and know that the Lord is God more, and busy myself with blogging less . . . I'll be reading fewer blogs much less frequently, too.
This blog has been a great blessing to me for more than three and a half years, a place for me to share ideas and learn much, to grow and be challenged, to express myself and to try something new. I am thankful for the various people who have commented, who read, who are part of my online community. You have been part of my formation as a pastor, as a person of faith, as a child of God. Thank you.
A blessed Christmas season and New Year to all.
Peace to you.
Chris
The Lutheran Zephyr 
I’m sorry to see it go, but almost glad that it is. The chapter you’re opening is much better than the one you’re closing, and there’s just so much to look forward to. I think you’re right, though, about what you should be doing now, as opposed to blogging. I will miss your thoughts, though! Thanks for all of the insight and inspiration, and have a happy new year!
Sorry to see the blog go, but I think your instincts are right. Perhaps when you have “settled in” to your priestly vocation it may seem appropriate to blog again (I hope so).
Congratulations on your call and ordination. May the Lord God richly bless your ministry.
I’m not sure how or why I came across “The Lutheran Zephyr” this past year; I was on a sort of spiritual journey myself, as the non-denominational church I was attending was slowly dissolving due to lack of leadership and, dare I say, purpose.
I had become disenfranchised with the handcuffing together of the Republican and Evangelical bodies, the us-vs-them militant mentality of many evangelical churches, and, as my daughter grows, I didn’t want her to be part of a church that says she is unworthy of being a church elder due to the simple fact of her gender.
Browsing the internet for some spiritual nuggets, I somehow found the Zephyr’s entry on Lutheran Charisms (from 2006) and it really struck a chord with me. Here’s a guy that’s also in the mud, trying to figure out God’s calling (which never seems to be simple and straightforward) and is also highly suspicious of politics-in-religion, mega-church “leaders” and other things that have nagged at me for years that didn’t seem to bother my Christian brothers in my (former) church.
Reading this blog (and other blogs found in the links) I recognized in Chris a kind of “kindred spirit” with someone I’ve never met. (in a non-creepy way, of course!)
Although raised in the Lutheran Church, I was away for over twenty years in other church bodies until returning to the Lutheran Church this past year. I don’t give the Lutheran Zephyr ALL the credit for this, but it did have some small part in my return (and introduction of my children to) the ELCA.
I just wanted to thank you for the blog, and, by all means, do archive it, but leave it up for others to find and read. There’s some good spiritual truth in there.
I forget why my pastor (Matt Staniz) told me about this blog, I just remember he did mention it. Word of mouth is great 🙂 Sometime last spring…hm. That’s gonna bug me, lol.
Chris — I think you made the right decision, although I have enjoyed reading you. I’m sure you will be back as you discover a new voice. You have touched lives with your witness and honesty.
I too will miss reading your blog, but I commend you for setting appropriate priorities. God bless you in your ministry.