• About

Laced up Lutheran

~ Theology that is Approachable, Enjoyable, and Relevant

Laced up Lutheran

Tag Archives: Finland

Happy 100th Finland

06 Wednesday Dec 2017

Posted by laceduplutheran in Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Finland, Independence Day

Today Finland celebrates its 100th birthday!  This is the day, 100 years ago when Finland became independent from Russia.  I feel fortunate to have been able to spend a year of my life in this beautiful country with its beautiful people and culture and yes, its beautiful language too.

Thank you Finland for giving me so much.  Happy Independence Day to you and to all Finns – Especially my Finnish friends that I came to know and love during the year we lived there.

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää!!!

Winter in Finland
Joensuu Lutheran Church
SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES
Summer Cottage
Temppeliaukio Church, Helsinki
Porvoo, Finland
Summer Cottage

The photos include the following:

  • Helsinki Lutheran Cathederal, Helsinki
  • The famous red building along the river in Porvoo
  • The Lutheran church in Joensuu
  • The Olari forest in winter
  • Temppeliaukio Kirkko – Rock Church, Helsinki
  • A Sauna – not far from Tuusneimi

I could have added so many more, but these are just a few favorite memories I have from Finland.

 

Why does your church exist?

22 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by laceduplutheran in Church, Organizational theory

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Church, exist, Finland, reason

This is not an existential question that I’m asking here.  Why does your church exist at all?  If you asked the people who attend your church why it exists, I wonder what the answer would be.  Have you ever tried this?

I asked this question a lot when we were in Finland back a couple of years ago.  I received a variety of answers.  What I learned from it was that the church didn’t know why it existed – it just has existed for a long time.  This was a question that the church was struggling with as its influence in the Finnish society was declining.  There were individuals who were working to provide focus, were listening to what God was doing in Finland, were discerning what God was calling the church to do and be.

But how about where you are?  Why does your church exist?  If you asked 50 people in your congregation, would you get 50 different answers?  Would you get 2-3 answers?  Would you get a bunch of “I don’t know” answers?

Why does your church exist?

Education Reform

25 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by laceduplutheran in Organizational theory, Society

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

education, Finland, questions, reform, US

One of the topics that comes up every election cycle here in the US is education reform.  It usually ends up being a “discussion” about funding though.  It rarely ends up being about reform and if it is, it’s usually about something other than what it should be – how do we better educate our children in a way that will help them grow up to be thinking adults.

Our education system has some real challenges and it seems as though those challenges are not getting better.  I’m sure there are many things that contribute to that.  One of the biggest is that we are stuck in our thinking.  We think that we should only be reforming education, rather than looking at the whole system.

Our current education system is based on some old assumptions that don’t fit our current times.  Often our educational system is designed to train students to be compliant, to listen, to take tests and to work a lot.  We’re educating students to be factory line workers – all of them.  There’s nothing wrong with being a factory line worker.  My challenge is that this is not good training for most of the students who won’t be a factory line worker.  It’s a 19th and early 20th century way of thinking about education.

There are exceptions to this of course and there are some really great teachers out there.  Unfortunately these teachers hands are often tied behind their backs and aren’t allowed to teach students how to learn what they really need to learn.

One article on this caught my attention – “How Finland broke every rule – and created a top school system.”

Here’s how the article starts:

Spend five minutes in Jussi Hietava’s fourth-grade math class in remote, rural Finland, and you may learn all you need to know about education reform – if you want results, try doing the opposite of what American “education reformers” think we should do in classrooms.

Instead of control, competition, stress, standardized testing, screen-based schools and loosened teacher qualifications, try warmth, collaboration, and highly professionalized, teacher-led encouragement and assessment.

Here’s a warning for you before you start to say we should adopt the Finnish model – No we shouldn’t.  Finland has a great education system.  They have their challenges and problems too in education.  But overall, it’s a pretty good system.

We spend a year in Finland and our kids went to a Finnish public school – one where everything occurred in English.

Our kids had a good education, less homework, practically no tests, a lot more recess time and guess what – they learned and they were happier about learning too.

The danger is seeing this and thinking that it would be a good idea to transport this system to the US.  The danger with this is that Finland and the US are not the same.  They have different cultures, different languages and appreciations for language, different histories, different ways of looking at the world and society, different ideas about trust of other human beings, different government and political system, etc.

You cannot pluck a policy or system from one system and plop it down in a completely different place and expect it to work as well, or at all.  Doing that makes the assumption that the people involved don’t matter.  And they do – a lot.

Are there things to learn from the Finnish system – yes, certainly.

How should the US reform its education system?  I don’t have all the answers.  I think we have to start by asking the questions – What is the purpose of education?  Who are attempting to develop our students into?  Why are we doing organized education at all?  What are the values that should guide our education system?  What would it look like if we started from scratch?  What’s holding us back from making necessary changes?  How do we overcome them?  What can we agree upon?

There really is no sense in reforming the system until we start answering some core foundational questions about education.  Otherwise, it’s like we are rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.  The moves may make it look nice, but really won’t do anything to make an actual improvement.

Book

23 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Church, Theology

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

book, challenges, church, Finland

If you were to write a book (maybe you already have), what would it be about?

I’m the type of person who has always wanted to write a book, and I’ve had plenty of ideas on what to write about, but have never pulled the trigger and actually done it.

That’s not totally true.  I’ve started a few times and then felt lost.  I took it as a sign that the idea I had for a book wasn’t good enough.

This time I have an idea for a book that I think is pretty good.  And yet, I’m still struggling a bit.  I’m trying to figure out a schedule of when to write, what it should look like, how long it should be and what to call it.

I think I’m struggling a bit because, when it comes down to it, I feel like I’m not sure how this should work.  I’m also trying to narrow the subject matter down to something reasonable, so I’m not writing an encyclopedia on the subject and end up all over the place, touching on a million subjects, but not really going anywhere with them.  In a way, maybe my solution is to think about the book as a really long blog post.  Or maybe a series of blog posts – maybe something like my travel posts where I break down a subject into specific parts.  I do that with my theology posts too.

Well, maybe I just wrote my way through one challenge.

In case you are wondering, here’s the idea for the book:

Working title:  The three challenges

very short summary: I want to write about the three challenges that the church faces in the West – being relevant, being approachable, being enjoyable.  I would start by writing about why these challenges are important. I want to focus my attention on what I learned from my time in Finland (where these challenges are very real) and how it also relates to the church in the US. (they are different cultures, but have similar challenges).  I have stories to illustrate these points and many, many conversations with people on their thoughts on the subject, and some ideas on what to do about these challenges.  Maybe the focus is just the three challenges of the Finnish church.  Maybe I try to connect that with the church in the US.

In any event, I welcome your ideas, thoughts and questions on the matter.

One last set of questions – does this book idea sound interesting?  Would it be a book you’d want to pick up and read?  Why or why not?

Must See’s in Turku

30 Friday Oct 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Finland, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cathedral, Finland, flag, Paavo Nurmi, Turku

There are a few things that are must see’s in Turku when you visit.

One, especially if you are a runner is the statue of Paavo Nurmi:

Turku, FinlandNurmi was known as the flying Finn.  He was an amazing runner in the early 20th century.

Of course, there is the river too:

Turku, FinlandThe river is just gorgeous.

And what is a visit to Turku, without seeing the Cathedral:

Turku, FinlandI worked my way down the river towards the Cathedral so I could get a picture of the Cathedral with the city flag – I thought it had a neat effect.

And what better way to end a full day, than with a glass of Port wine, overlooking the river, while you wait for the bus to go back to Helsinki.

Turku, Finland

St. Mary’s Church, Turku, Finland

29 Thursday Oct 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Church, Finland, Travel

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Finland, Poor Man Statue, St. Marys, Turku

During this short trip to Turku, my friend to me to St. Mary’s church.  It’s a small country-ish church just outside Turku.  There’s a nice view, old gravestones and a nice parsonage.

We started at the church, and the best thing to highlight is the poor man statue.

St. Mary's Church, Turku, FinlandThere’s a great story behind poor man statues in Finland.  Instead of trying to explain it here, I’m going to refer you to a Finnish blogger who has an excellent description and historical background:

All this began in 1649 (at that time Finland was under administration of Sweden) when Swedish queen Kristina (1629 – 1689) gave order to make money collection logs. In Europe wars raged around and many soldiers wounded in wars losing foot or arm. When wounded in this way they had to return to their home. These money collection-logs were modified to pauper (poor-man) statues by local artists. They were placed usually beside church doors and on the walls of bell towers. Man built for them small wooden shelter to protect them sun shine, direct rain and snow. In recent years many churches moved them into porches. So, many pauper statues present men missing hand, foot or even ear having models from solders maimed in wars. Man must remember that in the 1700, 1800 and 1900 century people were very poor, but they visited church every Sunday faithfully. I think that these pauper statues were great start for modern help of the poor (social security).

Pauper statues have moneybox in their chest and to put coins into them there is a slot in the chest. In general the Finnish people are honest and this means that there a few robberies against the pauper statues. Robberies have happened, yes indeed. Latest robbery happened in 2013 when the whole pauper statue in Rautio was stolen. It was found after winter in a ditch. The lock and money box were missing, but the statue was in good condition. Also the pauper of Alavieska has been robbed many times. In addition to these robberies, there have been some minor mischiefs like removing hands. Many paupers have beside them a written small phrase. Although the text might slightly differ from others, the main idea is: “he who has mercy on the poor, lends to the Lord”.

Source – https://sartenada.wordpress.com/category/poor-man-statues/

BTW, it’s a great blog if you are interested in learning more about Finland, especially outside of Helsinki.

At any rate, we continued over to the parsonage.

St. Mary's Church, Turku, FinlandI was told that the enclosed square on the back of the home has been used for wedding receptions.  I can see why, very quaint.

St. Mary's Church, Turku, FinlandAnd the home itself looks very nice too.  When I was there, the home was not in use, except for parties.

Visiting a Really, Really Old Church Site

27 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Church, Finland, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1200, church, Finland, Turku

While I was in Turku, a friend took me to a historical site – the location of a really old church.  What is left is the foundation of the church.

Old Church, TurkuThis church was built some time around 1200.  That makes it one of the earlier churches in existence in Finland.

Old Church, TurkuIn case you think I’m making that stat up, above is the sign.  Of course it is in Finnish and Swedish, so you’ll just have to take my word for it.

At any rate, the site sits along the river that runs through Turku.  It’s a beautiful location, especially on a beautiful day.

Old Church, TurkuYou can almost imagine people coming to church and then sitting out on the grass to watch the river.

Sami Village at Skansen

11 Friday Sep 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Finland, Laplands, Sami, Sweden

The last thing we saw at Skansen was the Sami village.  The Sami are the native people of the Laplands.  They have a unique culture and language.  And, at least in Finland, they have their own parliament which offers legislation to the Finnish parliament.

Sami VillageI think one of the neatest buildings in the village is this:

Sami VillageIt’s a storage shed that is several feet off the ground.  The reason – to keep wild animals from getting the food stored in it.

St. John’s Church, Helsinki

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Church, Finland, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Finland, Helsinki, St. John's Church

As I left a meeting in Helsinki in June, I came across this gem:

St. John's Church, HelsinkiI couldn’t resist, so I made my way inside to see if the inside looked as beautiful as the outside.

The result:

St. John's Church, HelsinkiBeautiful.  St. John’s Church in Helsinki was gorgeous. It has a nice older feel without looking old and worn out.

St. John's Church, HelsinkiI enjoyed the visit and at the same time wondered – how many people actually worship here to enjoy the beauty.  It’s a question without an answer since I wasn’t there when the building was in use.

St. John's Church, HelsinkiOr maybe it was – besides myself, there was one other person there.  She was doing what I was – taking some pictures and marveling at the beauty.  In a way, this was the church in full use, but two strangers brought together into the same space in search of beauty and wanting to hear God.

I was grateful for the moment away from the hustle of the day.

Turku Castle – the finale

21 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by laceduplutheran in Finland, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

castle, chapel, Finland, royalty, Turku

As I finishes up the tour of the castle, I had just a couple of last minutes stops.

Stop 1 – the “new” chapel.

turku castleLike all good Medieval castles, there is a chapel with special seating for the royalty.  Ever since Constantine decided to use Christianity for his own glory (in my humble opinion), there has been this ridiculous link between church and state – the church propping up the state.  Christianity is supposedly about the equality of the children of God.  The state is, well, not about that.  And since the state is more interested in its own survival than teaching good theology, something had to give.  And in this case it was the idea that all people are equal.  Hence you end up with special seats for the royalty.  Maybe we’re not that far off from that notion still, even here in the US.  Ever try sitting in someone’s seat on Sunday?  You’d think you were sitting in the king’s spot.

Stop 2 – some awesome tapestry

turku castleI’m not a big weaver (in fact I’ve never weaved), but I have to admit, these tapestries are incredible.

turku castleThe detail in them is amazing.  I can only imagine how long it took to make these.  Gorgeous!

Stop 3 – the exterior of the castle

turku castleAs I left, I couldn’t help but take just one more picture.  Turku Castle was impressive.  I’m glad I went.

Next travel post – back to Helsinki for a few quick postings.

← Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 633 other followers

Follow Laced up Lutheran on WordPress.com

Top Posts & Pages

  • Faith - Vulnerability = Extremism
    Faith - Vulnerability = Extremism
  • Reformation
    Reformation
  • Why are we attracted to empires?
    Why are we attracted to empires?

Please Pray with me on Twitter daily

My Tweets

St. Stephen Lutheran Church

30 W. Main St.
New Kingstown, PA 17072
1-717-766-2168
Sunday Worship: 9:00 am
Education 10:45 am

Want to reach me?

pastor@ststephenlc.org

Check us out online:

pleaseprayerwith.me

pastormatthewbest.com

St. Stephen Lutheran Church website

St. Stephen on Facebook

My Gravatar

laceduplutheran

laceduplutheran

I believe that God, church, and theology are approachable, enjoyable, and relevant for everyone. I write about this a lot because people need to hear it. So many people feel lost, hopeless, alone, and are searching for identity and meaning. I'm an ELCA Pastor (Lutheran) who has a background in politics, business, and the non-profit worlds. I take churchy theological ideas and words and communicate them in everyday language that people can understand, in ways that relate, and show that God, church, and theology matter a great deal. Oh, and it doesn't have to be boring either - mostly because it's the best news ever!

View Full Profile →

Some of the Blogs I Follow

Categories

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Praying the Psalms for Lent 2020

I want to invite us to pray together this Lent.

Thoughts from the Catholic Cave

Is it just me, or is the world insane?

What do I see in the world?

Heaven's above

God is good all the time

graceandpeacebeyours

Hendricks Communications

Public Relations - Marketing - Freelance Writing - Photography

Confessions of a Recovering Churchboy

What I bought before, I just can't sell

Life Through Lutheran Lenses

Seeing and Understanding Today's Culture Through Lutheran Eyes

One World House - Mark Davies

for a more just, peaceful, participatory, and sustainable world

Captivated Child

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×