Summer Sundays bring church to Lake Harriet

You don't have to make a choice between going to the lake and going to church. One of the mainstays of summer in Minneapolis -- Sunday morning worship services at the Lake Harriet Bandshell -- is back for another season.

These are highly informal gatherings for which you're welcome to show up in biking or running gear; in fact, you're likely to look out of place if you're not dressed super casually. Sunscreen is optional.

Faith communities in the Lake Harriet area take turns hosting the services, which start at 10 a.m. Because they are aimed at the general public, these are ecumenical services. And because each church gets to host only one service a summer, they tend to put a lot of thought and effort into them.

Some people bring picnic lunches, although there is a concessions stand. (How many churches can claim that?) You can stay for the entire service, or come and go as the jogging gods move you.

The lineup of service sponsors: Sunday, Christ the King and Visitation; June 15, St. John's Lutheran; June 22, Spirit Garage; June 29, Judson Baptist; July 6, St. Joan of Arc; July 13, Bethlehem Lutheran; July 20, Good Shepherd Lutheran; July 27, Lake Harriet United Methodist; Aug. 3, Linden Hills UCC; Aug. 10, Knox Church; Aug. 17, First Universalist; Aug. 24, Lynnhurst UCC, and Aug. 31, Mount Olivet.

Faith mission continues The Rev. Joseph Bill spent nearly 50 years traveling the world preaching about the healing power of faith. The last few years, that included regular visits to the Twin Cites.

When he died earlier this year at the age of 80, there was concern that his mission might founder. But it is being carried on by a new messenger, 30-year-old Father Anthony. (He's from India, and his real name is the Rev. Vadakkemury. He figures that Father Anthony is more prayer-friendly.)

"The emphasis will be on family renewal," he said. "I will talk a lot about the love of God and how it influences the individual person, their family and their parish."

A life of good work The friends and admirers of Tom Tipton are throwing him a two-for-one party next week: A celebration of his 75th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his musical ministry.

It promises to draw a diverse crowd. Over the decades, Tipton has sung for presidents as well as prison inmates. With more than 100 appearances on TV's "Hour of Power," he has performed for international audiences, but he's also entertained small groups in retirement homes.

The party takes place Thursday at De La Salle High School in Minneapolis. There's a social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner is at 6:30 and a program at 7:30. Admission is $100, with the proceeds going to Tom Tipton Ministries. Tickets can be ordered at www.lordoflife.org or by calling Lori Schwartz at 763-420-5015, ext. 111.

Bishop redux The Rev. Peter Rogness has been elected to a second six-year term as bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The St. Paul Area Synod consists of 114 congregations with a combined 160,000 members.