Step Into A New Routine
In May, our family had to say goodbye to one of our dogs, Winnie.
Two months later, a young poodle mix joined our family. Alice is good-natured and playful, but she’s still a puppy.
She gets into everything. Toys, food, garbage cans. She’s a teething toddler who gnaws on any object she can, like pens and chairs. Her senses are overloaded as she smells and licks all over the place.
Alice wants to learn what she can about the world and the new home that she’s in. It’s adorable. And frustrating. And awesome.
Our other dog, Mira, likes to play with her new buddy, but she’s also annoyed when Alice takes her toys and steals all the attention.
To help Alice, we train her on when and where to go to the bathroom. We try to get her on a schedule so she gets enough naps and isn’t always going at top speed all the time.
My kids were used to having two dogs, but before Alice those dogs didn’t move around and get into everything. They had fallen into a routine and now they are adapting so Alice feels welcome, even if they’re upset when their shoe is in her mouth.
We’re training Alice to be ready for those times when a human won’t be here every minute of the day to tend to her needs.
September is a time of newness. School begins early this year and new routines and rhythms begin.
While January is known for resolutions and new habits, it’s September when many activities begin that will set the pace for the next school year.
At church, I’m excited for the new energy and the new activities that renew. We throw a party for the new year to begin to welcome new people and also celebrate with people who’ve been around for a while.
We want people to feel what the mission of the church is. While our church has lasting ministries like bible studies, gathering food for the school and food shelf, and worship, we are also adapting to new energy for our free community meal on the first Tuesday of the month from 4:30-6 (which includes spaghetti on Tuesday, September 1st at Faith Lutheran).
New attendees to worship with babies are seeking fellowship with other sleep-deprived parents who can relate. Other people are new to our community through work or have moved here to retire or be closer to family.
As I step back and look at what’s happening in our church, it reminds me of the excitement happening in my own house. Our family is learning how to incorporate Alice and all the newness that she brings, while also balancing the norms and routines of our home.
If you are new to the community, I encourage you to step into a new routine. I love Faith Lutheran and the people in our church will welcome you with open arms. But there are many great church communities in Forest Lake and surrounding parts. I hope that you can find the home that fits you best and allows you to grow in faith.
If you are a member or long-time attender of Faith or another church, thank you for welcoming people into your community. This new energy can also bring life and reinvigorate you for what’s to come.
The journey of growth is worth the patience and it involves all of us taking an active role in supporting people new to our community. Trust me, providing that welcome is even easier than potty training a puppy.
Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at
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