June-August 2015 - Vol. 1 - No. 5-7

Greetings one and all!!

Summer is in full swing with heat, humidity, and good humors all around. In like fashion, “Theodore Talks” is hot of the press. Since things are moving rather slowly, which is typical for me during the summer, and to put this newsletter back on a regular track, the June, July, and August issues have been merged into a single release. With that being said, enjoy!

All things music and creative!

So I Will Love Him was presented at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd during worship on Sunday, June 28th. A small group was formed to sing the new song as a way to introduce the music to the congregation. The presentation went quite nicely and the message was very well received, as was the music. I look forward to gaining some great mileage out of this song for worship and praise at Good Shepherd and beyond.

After almost fourteen months of going untouched, the next Albrecht Dürer inspired piece, "dance of the mill," is complete. The music is based on Dürer’s painting, “Wire-drawing Mill” which can be found on SoundCloud.

The following explanation of the original inspiration is taken from my website and is based on the first piece written: "Last winter/spring (March 2014) I created this little piece ["A.D."] based on a challenge from Facebook. The idea was to occupy Facebook with art, breaking the monotony of photos of lunches and selfies. Whoever would like or comment on the post would then be given an artist to share via Facebook. I was given Albrecht Dürer by Matthew Peterson."

The crown has been shelved and the over-robe hung until next year. Even though the 2015 St. Louis Renaissance Faire season ended with substantial amounts of rain, the crowds were not deterred. Overall, record numbers took in the sights and sounds, enjoying food, drink, and much merriment.

The remainder of my summer will be spent editing, selecting, and prepping music for the Greenleaf Singers upcoming season as well as that of Shepherd’s Choir (my church group). Greenleaf will be starting rehearsals for the new season  at the end of August with all sixteen voices in place, to which I say “Alleluia!!” Be on the lookout, via the groups Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greenleaf-Singers/131953920169824), for performances and updates.

Living Life to the +Plus!

Even though the following appeared in the third issue of “Theodore Talks,” I thought presenting the topic again would be appropriate as we are in the midst of summer and can always use proper hydration. So, this month’s tip for taking one simple step to harmonious health is all about:

The Benefits of Drinking Water

+Increases NRG    
+Increases metabolism, promoting weight loss
+Helps build and repair muscle
+Great for the skin and keeps you looking young
+Boosts your immune system
+Flushes toxins
+Great for your joints, aches and pains
+Maintains pH balance in the body
+Promotes regularity and helps digestion

So, drink up!!

Here is the third of the Five Principles of Living and Passing on Faith:

Principle Three: Where Christ is present in faith, the home is church too.
              Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there
              am I among them.”
              Here again we see that faith in Jesus Christ is at the center of our
              lives, whether at home, at work, the car shop, at weekly worship, etc..
              As the above verse from Matthew implies, a family gathered around the
              dinner table or a couple enjoying the local coffee shop taking part in
              caring conversations, devotions, service, or rituals and traditions can
              be church. With Jesus Christ as the center of those activities, we are
              actively living our faith. When the Spiritual Grocery Bag is filled, as
              mentioned in the thoughts on Principle Two, we have the means to be the
              church beyond four walls and a steeple. Where will you gather with two
              or more in Christ's name?

Volume 1, No. 8. will be sent out at the beginning of September. If you know of anyone who would like to receive this newsletter, let me know and I can add their information to the list or you can send them to the contact/subscription page of my website: www.theodorejander.com/?page_id=40

Blessings to each of you!