Every once in a while, someone will ask me why we do the things that we do in church. Many of those questions arise from some of the customs that we have or practice in the center of worship, such as the liturgical colors, or seasons. Much of the time, these questions come from folks who are not just inquisitive, but because somewhere along the way, the church has failed to educate and explain what we do and why.
The Seasons are the greatest example of this. While the rest of the world begins its secular celebration of Christmas with jolly old elves checking lists and decorating trees and cookies long before the leftovers from Thanksgiving have been consumed, the Christian Church quietly goes about its somber, soul-searching preparations for the coming of the Christ Child in Advent. And when the Christmas music of winter wonderlands, snowfalls, and bells jingling have all turned back to the regular secular music of the rest of the year on the 26th of December, the Church’s music turns to joyous angelic singing, shepherds being summoned, and heaven rejoicing for twelve more days because the babe of Bethlehem has finally arrived. And the greeting card companies have wise men visiting the stable, when there is no mention of that location in the Gospels.
It may even seem as though the Church has somehow gotten out of sync with the rest of the world, or that we have fallen behind the times! The reality is just the opposite. The Church has it right while the world rushes ahead. What is missing in the world’s approach? The capacity to be still, reflect, and meditate on what this most peculiar yet precious gift truly means for us. Those wise men – star gazers – astrologers – likely visited the child after he had grown into a toddler (See Matthew 2:13-18 for the rest of the story!). Their visit is the beginning of a revelation that this child Jesus is not intended to be for just a single group of people for a single generation. Because these star gazers were from another land and another tradition, their visit was a symbol that this child was intended to be for all peoples and places and times and generations…
Epiphany – a word that literally means “the manifestation of Christ to the world” – is the season that follows the twelve days of Christmas. It is the season in which the Church celebrates the baptism of Jesus, and the visit from these strangers from the East. And it is our opportunity to proclaim that this child, born out of wedlock in a barn in a backwoods village in a foreign occupied territory, is truly the Son of the Living God. And that means that our God is doing something fantastic – truly fantastic – out of a great love that knows no boundaries.
It has been revealed to you – it is your epiphany! Who are you going to share it with?
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Birth of a Child...
It is interesting to see how new families adapt when a little one is on the way. From the moment when I buckled our newborn daughter into her car seat for the very first time, I knew that life would be tremendously different than it had been for the previous five years of marriage. She seemed so small in that enormous car seat! It was as if it had swallowed her up! So tiny, so fragile, so new.
Still, I remember that drive home. I think I drove slower than I had ever driven before – like I was carrying eggs in each hand as I attempted to climb a ladder! Jan was still recovering, and every bump in the road made me nervous and aware that this trip – and every trip hereafter – would be different.
Jan and I had been married five years. Oh, we had a dog that we had raised as a puppy, and practiced our parenting skills on that poor fella, but this was going to be for real. We had a daughter! And she was going to change things tremendously. Our life was going to involve a whole new set of priorities. Getting up and going out at the spur of the moment would now take at least a half-hour to get diaper bags, coats, blankets, bottles, formula, wipes, strollers…all gathered up and loaded into the car. Date nights would now involve advanced planning and insuring that the sitter could be there at the appointed time. And on and on…
Someone once said that the most powerful person in a family system is often the most vulnerable. I think that is true, especially when that person is an infant. The entire family’s lifestyle changes to accommodate that little one because it cannot fend for itself. Schedules change, priorities change, even people change, and as a result, relationships change. It is never the same again. And that is not always a bad thing.
A young woman discovered that she was expecting – rather unexpectedly – and it changed her life. She wasn’t married, and had never been with her fiancé. He was supposed to leave her, and she would be publicly humiliated, even tortured for her infidelity. He decided not to when he was told that this birth would be different. When she went to visit her cousin who would watch over her during her pregnancy, she uttered some fairly powerful words about what was happening with her, and how this child would turn the world upside down. Within thirty three years, that child would turn the world around, and we would never be the same again. The birth of a child has that effect.
This season, I pray that you will take some time, in the midst of all your holiday preparations, to dwell, if even for a moment or two, about how that one child has changed your life. I pray that you will contemplate how your life is different, more meaningful, more purposeful, because of that child’s birth. Then I pray that you will join my family and me as we celebrate his birth in one of our three Christmas Eve Services (5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 11 p.m.).
“I once was lost, but now am found…” The birth of a child changes things.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Still, I remember that drive home. I think I drove slower than I had ever driven before – like I was carrying eggs in each hand as I attempted to climb a ladder! Jan was still recovering, and every bump in the road made me nervous and aware that this trip – and every trip hereafter – would be different.
Jan and I had been married five years. Oh, we had a dog that we had raised as a puppy, and practiced our parenting skills on that poor fella, but this was going to be for real. We had a daughter! And she was going to change things tremendously. Our life was going to involve a whole new set of priorities. Getting up and going out at the spur of the moment would now take at least a half-hour to get diaper bags, coats, blankets, bottles, formula, wipes, strollers…all gathered up and loaded into the car. Date nights would now involve advanced planning and insuring that the sitter could be there at the appointed time. And on and on…
Someone once said that the most powerful person in a family system is often the most vulnerable. I think that is true, especially when that person is an infant. The entire family’s lifestyle changes to accommodate that little one because it cannot fend for itself. Schedules change, priorities change, even people change, and as a result, relationships change. It is never the same again. And that is not always a bad thing.
A young woman discovered that she was expecting – rather unexpectedly – and it changed her life. She wasn’t married, and had never been with her fiancé. He was supposed to leave her, and she would be publicly humiliated, even tortured for her infidelity. He decided not to when he was told that this birth would be different. When she went to visit her cousin who would watch over her during her pregnancy, she uttered some fairly powerful words about what was happening with her, and how this child would turn the world upside down. Within thirty three years, that child would turn the world around, and we would never be the same again. The birth of a child has that effect.
This season, I pray that you will take some time, in the midst of all your holiday preparations, to dwell, if even for a moment or two, about how that one child has changed your life. I pray that you will contemplate how your life is different, more meaningful, more purposeful, because of that child’s birth. Then I pray that you will join my family and me as we celebrate his birth in one of our three Christmas Eve Services (5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 11 p.m.).
“I once was lost, but now am found…” The birth of a child changes things.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, November 16, 2009
Learning to walk again…
I wasn’t feeling very well, and he wanted me to do something that I wasn’t sure I could do yet, let alone wanted to do. But he made me. Physically. He lifted me out of my bed, stuck a crutch under each arm, and made me stand up. I mistakenly told him that I needed to go to the bathroom, and he said, “Good! Let’s go.” Left.
Just after knee surgery, I thought, was a poor time to try to walk on it, and see if it was going to work. But my physical therapist decided that there was no time like the present to re-learn to walk. I was only seventeen, had torn my cartilage playing tennis with my dad, and had just come out of surgery that morning. “Carefully,” he said, “take a step forward.” Right.
It was strange thinking that I needed to learn how to walk again. Step, check your balance, step, check again. Left. Right. Left. Right. With each step, forward motion was made, and I found myself making my way up and down the corridor of that hospital in Tucson. Left.
It is amazing how many times in life that we find ourselves having to learn to do things over and over again. Hip replacement means weeks of therapy, learning to walk, to bend, to function all over again. The recent economic downturn leads to a “reduction in force,” thereby causing someone to learn a new skill or job. A middle-aged father finds himself without a life mate for the first time in years, and has to learn to start dating again. Retirement leads a man to re-learn to prioritize and reschedule. A recent widow finds herself struggling with the balancing of checkbooks and paying the bills after her husband’s unexpected death. With each new stage in life comes a re-tooling, a re-learning, a re-training. It is like learning to walk all over again. Right.
Churches even go through cycles like this from time to time. Families move away from the community. New families come into the congregation. Babies are born. Children grow up. An adored Associate Pastor retires to care for his health. A beloved organist receives her eternal reward. People learn to adapt and step forward so that the gaps are filled. We don’t forget. We remember. Because that is what we were commanded to do by our Savior. And we are stronger and we are blessed. Left.
Ironically, we don’t learn these things alone. We are surrounded by a congregation of people who care. We are accompanied by a Holy Spirit that sustains, encourages and strengthens. We are blessed by a God who loves enough to remind us that we are not alone. Right.
It is a part of growing in Christ. It is a part of becoming what God has created us to be. It means moving into a realm that we might not cross into of our own accord. Still, we trust, that
we’ll be sustained and upheld by the power of the Holy Spirit as we respond to God’s promptings to move us forward in His name. Left.
“You’re doing fine,” he said. My knee hurt, but I could tell that I was going to be alright. I somehow knew that he wouldn’t let me fall. And, truth be told, he was right. I was going to be alright. I still have pain in my knee. But every time the wind changes, I am reminded by that pain that comes back that I did learn to walk all over again. If I could do it then, with the power of God, then I can do it again. And so can you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Right.
See you in church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Just after knee surgery, I thought, was a poor time to try to walk on it, and see if it was going to work. But my physical therapist decided that there was no time like the present to re-learn to walk. I was only seventeen, had torn my cartilage playing tennis with my dad, and had just come out of surgery that morning. “Carefully,” he said, “take a step forward.” Right.
It was strange thinking that I needed to learn how to walk again. Step, check your balance, step, check again. Left. Right. Left. Right. With each step, forward motion was made, and I found myself making my way up and down the corridor of that hospital in Tucson. Left.
It is amazing how many times in life that we find ourselves having to learn to do things over and over again. Hip replacement means weeks of therapy, learning to walk, to bend, to function all over again. The recent economic downturn leads to a “reduction in force,” thereby causing someone to learn a new skill or job. A middle-aged father finds himself without a life mate for the first time in years, and has to learn to start dating again. Retirement leads a man to re-learn to prioritize and reschedule. A recent widow finds herself struggling with the balancing of checkbooks and paying the bills after her husband’s unexpected death. With each new stage in life comes a re-tooling, a re-learning, a re-training. It is like learning to walk all over again. Right.
Churches even go through cycles like this from time to time. Families move away from the community. New families come into the congregation. Babies are born. Children grow up. An adored Associate Pastor retires to care for his health. A beloved organist receives her eternal reward. People learn to adapt and step forward so that the gaps are filled. We don’t forget. We remember. Because that is what we were commanded to do by our Savior. And we are stronger and we are blessed. Left.
Ironically, we don’t learn these things alone. We are surrounded by a congregation of people who care. We are accompanied by a Holy Spirit that sustains, encourages and strengthens. We are blessed by a God who loves enough to remind us that we are not alone. Right.
It is a part of growing in Christ. It is a part of becoming what God has created us to be. It means moving into a realm that we might not cross into of our own accord. Still, we trust, that
we’ll be sustained and upheld by the power of the Holy Spirit as we respond to God’s promptings to move us forward in His name. Left.
“You’re doing fine,” he said. My knee hurt, but I could tell that I was going to be alright. I somehow knew that he wouldn’t let me fall. And, truth be told, he was right. I was going to be alright. I still have pain in my knee. But every time the wind changes, I am reminded by that pain that comes back that I did learn to walk all over again. If I could do it then, with the power of God, then I can do it again. And so can you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Right.
See you in church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, November 2, 2009
Outstanding Loans and Feudin'...
My family has a strange heritage. On my father's side, we have the story of an un-paid debt owed by the Continental Congress dating back to the late 1770's, where Jacob DeHaven reported loaned George Washington and the Continental Army a fairly substantial amount of money to fund the growing war debt against the British during our Revolutionary War. While the story has lots of facets to it, and there is some question as to its absolute validity, it is one of the stories that adds color and flavor to our family's heritage and history.
Another facet to my family's name is that my father's mother was a bonafide McCoy - from the Hatfield-McCoy fame. Her grandfather was one of the elders involved in the feud, which purportedly had to do with a stolen pig, and a set of nuptuals involving a "youngun'" from both families. Again, legend oftentimes tends to be more colorful than fact, but as someone once said,
"when legend is more powerful than fact, print the legend."
No doubt, you and your family have similar stories - tales that when told give one a sense of identity, and meaning. Perhaps your family's stories are more colorful, or are more patriotic, or more grace-filled than mine. Perhaps they aren't. Regardless, they are your stories, and they share with the world a little about how life has shaped and formed you, how these have touched you in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
I would also venture a guess that some of your stories involve those people who's lives have intersected with yours and critical junctures, and have influenced you in profound, spiritual ways. People with whom you have interacted, and in those interactions, you were changed, transformed, and because of that, you haven't been the same since. If you are reading this, chances are pretty good that you've had an interaction with someone who has taken the time to share the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with you, and has given you the opportunity to make a decision for Christ. (If you are reading this, and that has not yet happened, I pray that it will soon!)
The stories that we have are who we are. They make up our lives, and fill us with meaning and purpose. They share with the world that we are who we are. I pray that you will somehow allow those special stories that have shaped your faith to be the ones that will be your defining stories.
In the meantime, keep practicing the faith! See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Another facet to my family's name is that my father's mother was a bonafide McCoy - from the Hatfield-McCoy fame. Her grandfather was one of the elders involved in the feud, which purportedly had to do with a stolen pig, and a set of nuptuals involving a "youngun'" from both families. Again, legend oftentimes tends to be more colorful than fact, but as someone once said,
"when legend is more powerful than fact, print the legend."
No doubt, you and your family have similar stories - tales that when told give one a sense of identity, and meaning. Perhaps your family's stories are more colorful, or are more patriotic, or more grace-filled than mine. Perhaps they aren't. Regardless, they are your stories, and they share with the world a little about how life has shaped and formed you, how these have touched you in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
I would also venture a guess that some of your stories involve those people who's lives have intersected with yours and critical junctures, and have influenced you in profound, spiritual ways. People with whom you have interacted, and in those interactions, you were changed, transformed, and because of that, you haven't been the same since. If you are reading this, chances are pretty good that you've had an interaction with someone who has taken the time to share the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with you, and has given you the opportunity to make a decision for Christ. (If you are reading this, and that has not yet happened, I pray that it will soon!)
The stories that we have are who we are. They make up our lives, and fill us with meaning and purpose. They share with the world that we are who we are. I pray that you will somehow allow those special stories that have shaped your faith to be the ones that will be your defining stories.
In the meantime, keep practicing the faith! See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Hopefully Devoted to Prayer...?
The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Colossian Christians to "devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving" (Col. 4:2, NRSV). Many of us think of ourselves as devoted to many things. We are devoted to our spouses, to our jobs, to our families, to our pets, to the maintenance and upkeep of our homes and cars, and to our favorite sports teams (College and Professional!). We are devoted to our favorite pasttimes - card games, social clubs, hobbies and interests. We are a devoted people.
But what does that word mean? DEVOTED. (Say it often enough and it begins to sound a little strange - like something you would do on a bizarre reality show on TV! "She was devoted off the island!)
Devoted: adj. 1. Feeling or displaying strong affection or attachment; ardent. 2. Having been consecrated, dedicated. (source: American Heritage College Dictionary)
It seems we all understand that first definition - which is what I was referring to in the above paragraphs. When we are devoted to something, we tend to show strong affection for that something. We are ardent Aggie or Longhorn supporters (or Red Raiders, or wherever it was that you attended or support currently!). We are devoted!
But I believe that Paul was trying to get at the second meaning in his verse to the Colossians. When Paul commands (notice he did not ask his readers!) that they be devoted to prayer, he is talking about something deeper than a feeling of attachment or affection. He is talking about something that is consecrated, dedicated, holy. When we devote ourselves to prayer, and keep alert in it with thanksgiving, we are participating in a holy moment - a holy connection with the Lord of all creation.
This past week, my mother has undergone a battery of tests to determine if she has a blockage in her heart. Nuclear stress tests, EKG's, MRI's, and all those other alphabet soup tests were conducted. While there was little I could do for her, the one thing that I could do was to pray. And so I did. Fervently. Ardently. And most especially with consecrated dedication. I also asked everyone I knew to pray with me for her. And they all agreed.
I have shared this with many people, and they have all shared with me similar stories - the power of prayer works. We cannot explain it, but it does. Physicians, psychologists, and a host of other scientists have attempted to get at why prayer works for people. Without any firm evidence, the only conclusion drawn is that it just does.
I think I have an idea why it works. I think Paul did too. It has to do with that consecrated, dedicated connection with the Holy when we pray. Keep alert in your prayers, and you'll have a reason to be thankful, too!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
But what does that word mean? DEVOTED. (Say it often enough and it begins to sound a little strange - like something you would do on a bizarre reality show on TV! "She was devoted off the island!)
Devoted: adj. 1. Feeling or displaying strong affection or attachment; ardent. 2. Having been consecrated, dedicated. (source: American Heritage College Dictionary)
It seems we all understand that first definition - which is what I was referring to in the above paragraphs. When we are devoted to something, we tend to show strong affection for that something. We are ardent Aggie or Longhorn supporters (or Red Raiders, or wherever it was that you attended or support currently!). We are devoted!
But I believe that Paul was trying to get at the second meaning in his verse to the Colossians. When Paul commands (notice he did not ask his readers!) that they be devoted to prayer, he is talking about something deeper than a feeling of attachment or affection. He is talking about something that is consecrated, dedicated, holy. When we devote ourselves to prayer, and keep alert in it with thanksgiving, we are participating in a holy moment - a holy connection with the Lord of all creation.
This past week, my mother has undergone a battery of tests to determine if she has a blockage in her heart. Nuclear stress tests, EKG's, MRI's, and all those other alphabet soup tests were conducted. While there was little I could do for her, the one thing that I could do was to pray. And so I did. Fervently. Ardently. And most especially with consecrated dedication. I also asked everyone I knew to pray with me for her. And they all agreed.
I have shared this with many people, and they have all shared with me similar stories - the power of prayer works. We cannot explain it, but it does. Physicians, psychologists, and a host of other scientists have attempted to get at why prayer works for people. Without any firm evidence, the only conclusion drawn is that it just does.
I think I have an idea why it works. I think Paul did too. It has to do with that consecrated, dedicated connection with the Holy when we pray. Keep alert in your prayers, and you'll have a reason to be thankful, too!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Maintenance or Mission
Brian Stoffregen wrote: “I recently received our Rocky Mountain Synod (ELCA) newsletter. There was a short article in it adapted from Herold Percy, "Good News People," which makes a contrast between "maintenance" and "mission".
1. In measuring the effectiveness, the maintenance congregation asks, "How many pastoral visits are being made? The mission congregation asks, "How many disciples are being made?"
2. When contemplating some form of change, the maintenance congregation says, "If this proves upsetting to any of our members, we won't do it." The mission congregation says, "If this will help us reach someone on the outside, we will take the risk and do it."
3. When thinking about change, the majority of members in a maintenance congregation ask, "How will this affect me?" The majority of members in the mission congregation ask, "Will this increase our ability to reach those outside?"
4. When thinking of its vision for ministry, the maintenance congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our past." The mission congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our future."
5. The pastor in the maintenance congregation says to the newcomer, "I'd like to introduce you to some of our members." In the mission congregation the members say, "We'd like to introduce you to our pastor."
6. When confronted with a legitimate pastoral concern, the pastor in the maintenance congregation asks, "How can I meet this need?" The pastor in the mission congregation asks, "How can this need be met?"
7. The maintenance congregation seeks to avoid conflict at any cost (but rarely succeeds). The mission congregation understands that conflict is the price of progress, and is willing to pay the price. It understands that it cannot take everyone with it. This causes some grief, but it does not keep it from doing what needs to be done.
8. The leadership style in the maintenance congregation is primarily managerial, where leaders try to keep everything in order and running smoothly. The leadership style in a mission congregation is primarily transformational, casting a vision of what can be, and marching off the map in order to bring the vision into reality.
9. The maintenance congregation is concerned with their congregation, its organizations and structure, its constitutions and committees. The mission congregation is concerned with the culture, with understanding how secular people think and what makes them tick. It tries to determine their needs and their points of accessibility to the Gospel.
10. When thinking about growth, the maintenance congregations asks, "How many Lutherans live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?" The mission congregation asks, "How many unchurched people live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?"
11. The maintenance congregation looks at the community and asks, "How can we get these people to support our congregation?" The mission congregation asks, "How can the Church support these people?"
12. The maintenance congregation thinks about how to save their congregation. The mission congregation thinks about how to reach the world.
Isn’t it interesting that for so many folks, maintaining the church satisfies only ourselves and our own needs? Jesus' mission was all about serving others. “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NRSV). What about us?
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
1. In measuring the effectiveness, the maintenance congregation asks, "How many pastoral visits are being made? The mission congregation asks, "How many disciples are being made?"
2. When contemplating some form of change, the maintenance congregation says, "If this proves upsetting to any of our members, we won't do it." The mission congregation says, "If this will help us reach someone on the outside, we will take the risk and do it."
3. When thinking about change, the majority of members in a maintenance congregation ask, "How will this affect me?" The majority of members in the mission congregation ask, "Will this increase our ability to reach those outside?"
4. When thinking of its vision for ministry, the maintenance congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our past." The mission congregation says, "We have to be faithful to our future."
5. The pastor in the maintenance congregation says to the newcomer, "I'd like to introduce you to some of our members." In the mission congregation the members say, "We'd like to introduce you to our pastor."
6. When confronted with a legitimate pastoral concern, the pastor in the maintenance congregation asks, "How can I meet this need?" The pastor in the mission congregation asks, "How can this need be met?"
7. The maintenance congregation seeks to avoid conflict at any cost (but rarely succeeds). The mission congregation understands that conflict is the price of progress, and is willing to pay the price. It understands that it cannot take everyone with it. This causes some grief, but it does not keep it from doing what needs to be done.
8. The leadership style in the maintenance congregation is primarily managerial, where leaders try to keep everything in order and running smoothly. The leadership style in a mission congregation is primarily transformational, casting a vision of what can be, and marching off the map in order to bring the vision into reality.
9. The maintenance congregation is concerned with their congregation, its organizations and structure, its constitutions and committees. The mission congregation is concerned with the culture, with understanding how secular people think and what makes them tick. It tries to determine their needs and their points of accessibility to the Gospel.
10. When thinking about growth, the maintenance congregations asks, "How many Lutherans live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?" The mission congregation asks, "How many unchurched people live within a twenty-minute drive of this church?"
11. The maintenance congregation looks at the community and asks, "How can we get these people to support our congregation?" The mission congregation asks, "How can the Church support these people?"
12. The maintenance congregation thinks about how to save their congregation. The mission congregation thinks about how to reach the world.
Isn’t it interesting that for so many folks, maintaining the church satisfies only ourselves and our own needs? Jesus' mission was all about serving others. “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NRSV). What about us?
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Relationship Between Disease and Dis-ease...
I've been reading a book of prayers written by a well-known seminary professor from the east coast. His prayers are comforting, and yet they are discomforting. He speaks of our faith, and then mentions how we live in an aura of entitlement. He writes of how God has blessed us, and it is welcomed and needed - desired even. And then he shares with us how these blessings relate to those around us who need our help from our abundance of blessing.
Today's prayer was especially poignant. He mentions our dis-ease with the ways that our world is lived. The expectations of our entitlement are enjoyed - and rightfully so, but then he mentions that when we stop and look around at our entitlement, we are confronted with those who are not so entitled, who are not so blessed. And while this is cause for reflection, what usually happens is that we, like that Pharisee at the other end of the chancel railing look up to God and give thanks that we are not like old so-and-so, because of the ways they have chosen to live their lives.
But this isn't the dis-ease part. No, the author of this book of prayers tells us that the dis-ease comes from our recognition (or perhaps our failure to recognize) that in our Baptism, we united ourselves with that one who showed a preference for the poor, the lame, the outcast, the downtrodden, the misfit, the ex-con (and the still imprisoned)... By our baptism, we are confronted with the reality of who we are, and who we are called and redeemed to be. And there is a great dis-ease with that disparity.
And if we are honest with ourselves, that dis-ease should make us more than a bit queasy. Nauseous. Disturbed into action. This gospel is a difficult one at best. Our blessedness is not our entitlement. Our blessedness is intended to be functional; practical; utilitarian. We are blessed to be a blessing. And when we fail to live into this blessedness, we become less than what we were intended to be. And this creates dis-ease, and can even make us diseased.
It's what happens when we look at our blessedness as entitlement instead of opportunity. It is truly a difficult thing to behold. But there is good news! There is a cure! There is a treatment plan that will enable us to live into the great potential that God has ordained for us! When we sign up for the Kingdom (through our baptism) we become a part of something that is greater than ourselves. We become a part of God's great plan for reconciling the whole world. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not reliy on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Today's prayer was especially poignant. He mentions our dis-ease with the ways that our world is lived. The expectations of our entitlement are enjoyed - and rightfully so, but then he mentions that when we stop and look around at our entitlement, we are confronted with those who are not so entitled, who are not so blessed. And while this is cause for reflection, what usually happens is that we, like that Pharisee at the other end of the chancel railing look up to God and give thanks that we are not like old so-and-so, because of the ways they have chosen to live their lives.
But this isn't the dis-ease part. No, the author of this book of prayers tells us that the dis-ease comes from our recognition (or perhaps our failure to recognize) that in our Baptism, we united ourselves with that one who showed a preference for the poor, the lame, the outcast, the downtrodden, the misfit, the ex-con (and the still imprisoned)... By our baptism, we are confronted with the reality of who we are, and who we are called and redeemed to be. And there is a great dis-ease with that disparity.
And if we are honest with ourselves, that dis-ease should make us more than a bit queasy. Nauseous. Disturbed into action. This gospel is a difficult one at best. Our blessedness is not our entitlement. Our blessedness is intended to be functional; practical; utilitarian. We are blessed to be a blessing. And when we fail to live into this blessedness, we become less than what we were intended to be. And this creates dis-ease, and can even make us diseased.
It's what happens when we look at our blessedness as entitlement instead of opportunity. It is truly a difficult thing to behold. But there is good news! There is a cure! There is a treatment plan that will enable us to live into the great potential that God has ordained for us! When we sign up for the Kingdom (through our baptism) we become a part of something that is greater than ourselves. We become a part of God's great plan for reconciling the whole world. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not reliy on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sabbath Timing...
Just recently, Jan, Kaitlyn, Braedon and I were invited to attend a Bat-Mitzvah for the daughter of a friend of ours in Girl Scouting. The young lady was the first to celebrate this coming of age ritual in their new congregation. (It was a milestone for more than one reason!) It was held on a Saturday evening, thus ending the Sabbath. (Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and extends to sundown on Saturday.)
She and her mother had planned the service from the very beginning in consultation with their Rabbi, and the worship service was wonderful! While much of it was sung in the ancient language of the Hebrews, there were translations in English and Aramaic. Still, it was an impressive service, and throughout it all, I could definitely sense that we were worshiping God, and celebrating the faith of this young woman.
The conclusion of the service seemed to be the most memorable for me, for it was the tradition of the congregation to end Sabbath with a special service of lights, the breaking of bread, and the sharing of wine. The congregation stood in a circle around the Rabbi and this young lady as she would celebrate her first Sabbath as an adult.
But what was most memorable was a few brief comments made by the Rabbi. He said, (and here I paraphrase from memory!) "Friends, we have gathered together to honor God and to remember what Sabbath means. For twenty-five hours we step aside from the busyness of the world, and we focus our lives on God." It struck me: twenty-five hours. Twenty four hours for Sabbath time as a family, and then one hour to conclude that time as a community.
How often do we give God that kind of commitment in our daily lives? How often do we stop - I mean completely stop - what we're doing and focus our entire lives on God? How often do we step away from the busyness of our worlds - from work, from chores, from school, from hobbies, from tasks and to-do lists, from ... How often?
Jesus came to his disciples after a long night of being in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and asked them, "Could you not keep awake for one hour?" (Mark 14:37b)'' One hour. It seems such a short time...
Lord, help me to not only stay awake, but to stay focused on you for more than one hour. Amen.
She and her mother had planned the service from the very beginning in consultation with their Rabbi, and the worship service was wonderful! While much of it was sung in the ancient language of the Hebrews, there were translations in English and Aramaic. Still, it was an impressive service, and throughout it all, I could definitely sense that we were worshiping God, and celebrating the faith of this young woman.
The conclusion of the service seemed to be the most memorable for me, for it was the tradition of the congregation to end Sabbath with a special service of lights, the breaking of bread, and the sharing of wine. The congregation stood in a circle around the Rabbi and this young lady as she would celebrate her first Sabbath as an adult.
But what was most memorable was a few brief comments made by the Rabbi. He said, (and here I paraphrase from memory!) "Friends, we have gathered together to honor God and to remember what Sabbath means. For twenty-five hours we step aside from the busyness of the world, and we focus our lives on God." It struck me: twenty-five hours. Twenty four hours for Sabbath time as a family, and then one hour to conclude that time as a community.
How often do we give God that kind of commitment in our daily lives? How often do we stop - I mean completely stop - what we're doing and focus our entire lives on God? How often do we step away from the busyness of our worlds - from work, from chores, from school, from hobbies, from tasks and to-do lists, from ... How often?
Jesus came to his disciples after a long night of being in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, and asked them, "Could you not keep awake for one hour?" (Mark 14:37b)'' One hour. It seems such a short time...
Lord, help me to not only stay awake, but to stay focused on you for more than one hour. Amen.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Walking Modestly...
I was recently at a continuing education event where Dr. Paul Escamilla shared with us a few thoughts about his book, "Longing for Enough in a Culture of More." He shared with us that he had encountered a cross-stitched wall hanging in a synagogue in Dallas that quoted Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O Mortal, what the Lord requires: to do justly, to love kindly, and to walk modestly with your God."
At first glance, one might think that the word modestly is out of place, or is incorrect. We know that last segment to read something like, "and walk humbly with your God." Humbly we get. We understand that. It's core essence is in our humility - especially when we tred next to the Almighty. Who are we that we might walk with the Creator? But modestly? Where and how does that fit in?
Escamilla shared with us that in its original context, modestly and humbly are interchangeable in the original Hebrew. In fact, the subtle differences of humble and modest are so slight, one might not notice at all. But take note. When we think of modesty, what are we implying? "My daughter ought to dress more modestly when she goes out with her friends," we might think. Or "he should be more modest when he flashes his wealth around." It almost connotes a conscious decision to live in a certain way. Humility admits to being simpler. Modesty decides to living so.
So, what was Micah suggesting? In our world that is so filled with the urges and pushes to acquire more and more and more, modesty asks us to stop, step back, and see what it is that we already have - the abundance of life given to us by God. And we are asked to ponder, "how am I living in grace with what I have?" "How can I live more faithfully, more nobly, more modestly with what I have been given?"
John Wesley determined early in his ministry just how much of his salary he absolutely needed to live on. He promptly determined to give away whatever was left over. By the time of his death, Wesley had managed to keep fairly close to that same amount of money to live on, even though the salary he was earning was many times that amount. Still, he lived on what he NEEDED, and gave the rest away. His rationale was simple: live on only what one needs. The rest would be wasted on the self - it is holier to give it away to those who should need it.
How modest are you? How modestly do you walk with God?
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
At first glance, one might think that the word modestly is out of place, or is incorrect. We know that last segment to read something like, "and walk humbly with your God." Humbly we get. We understand that. It's core essence is in our humility - especially when we tred next to the Almighty. Who are we that we might walk with the Creator? But modestly? Where and how does that fit in?
Escamilla shared with us that in its original context, modestly and humbly are interchangeable in the original Hebrew. In fact, the subtle differences of humble and modest are so slight, one might not notice at all. But take note. When we think of modesty, what are we implying? "My daughter ought to dress more modestly when she goes out with her friends," we might think. Or "he should be more modest when he flashes his wealth around." It almost connotes a conscious decision to live in a certain way. Humility admits to being simpler. Modesty decides to living so.
So, what was Micah suggesting? In our world that is so filled with the urges and pushes to acquire more and more and more, modesty asks us to stop, step back, and see what it is that we already have - the abundance of life given to us by God. And we are asked to ponder, "how am I living in grace with what I have?" "How can I live more faithfully, more nobly, more modestly with what I have been given?"
John Wesley determined early in his ministry just how much of his salary he absolutely needed to live on. He promptly determined to give away whatever was left over. By the time of his death, Wesley had managed to keep fairly close to that same amount of money to live on, even though the salary he was earning was many times that amount. Still, he lived on what he NEEDED, and gave the rest away. His rationale was simple: live on only what one needs. The rest would be wasted on the self - it is holier to give it away to those who should need it.
How modest are you? How modestly do you walk with God?
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Thursday, August 6, 2009
For Helen Backlund....
We received word yesterday evening that our dear friend, and church organist, Helen Backlund died suddenly and unexpectedly. Her death came as a tremendous shock to all of us, and the news is still filtering through our congregation.
Such a tragedy is difficult to fathom. The loss of one so close to us all leaves us with a gaping hole, and the grief hits much too close to home. Helen's gift of music was not only spectacular, it was only overshadowed by her beautiful smile, warm laughter, and gracious spirit. Many's the time when I would be sitting in my pew in the chancel in front of the organ during the prelude or offertory piece that Helen would be playing, and I would find myself mesmerized by her melodic skills and the spiritual blessing of the music. I know I was not the only one.
Helen was the first to ask me after I arrived to take part in the annual Pilot's Club musical last fall. She coached me on the music we'd be singing, remind me of the tunes and melodies, and guide me in the pronunciation of the words. Her knowledge of music was a gift from God, but her spirit was a blessing to us all.
Not long ago, I had the privilege of just chatting with her about her past, her musical tastes, and what we had in common with piano. It was a delightful conversation, and I came away amazed at this beautiful woman whose love for the piano and organ is only overshadowed by her love for her Lord.
Saying goodbye to friends is never an easy task. It is only made more difficult when that opportunity is never offered due to tragic circumstance. The loss is difficult to bear, but the joy of knowing someone - through God's grace only - always seems to somehow outweigh the pain and grief. Certainly our prayers are with Helen's husband, Jack, and with her family and friends. And we will surely miss her.
Thank you, Helen. Somewhere, I have the feeling that you are raising the roof with a pipe organ, pulling out all the stops, and playing for your Lord. God Bless You, Helen. Thank you.
Grace and peace,
Brad
Such a tragedy is difficult to fathom. The loss of one so close to us all leaves us with a gaping hole, and the grief hits much too close to home. Helen's gift of music was not only spectacular, it was only overshadowed by her beautiful smile, warm laughter, and gracious spirit. Many's the time when I would be sitting in my pew in the chancel in front of the organ during the prelude or offertory piece that Helen would be playing, and I would find myself mesmerized by her melodic skills and the spiritual blessing of the music. I know I was not the only one.
Helen was the first to ask me after I arrived to take part in the annual Pilot's Club musical last fall. She coached me on the music we'd be singing, remind me of the tunes and melodies, and guide me in the pronunciation of the words. Her knowledge of music was a gift from God, but her spirit was a blessing to us all.
Not long ago, I had the privilege of just chatting with her about her past, her musical tastes, and what we had in common with piano. It was a delightful conversation, and I came away amazed at this beautiful woman whose love for the piano and organ is only overshadowed by her love for her Lord.
Saying goodbye to friends is never an easy task. It is only made more difficult when that opportunity is never offered due to tragic circumstance. The loss is difficult to bear, but the joy of knowing someone - through God's grace only - always seems to somehow outweigh the pain and grief. Certainly our prayers are with Helen's husband, Jack, and with her family and friends. And we will surely miss her.
Thank you, Helen. Somewhere, I have the feeling that you are raising the roof with a pipe organ, pulling out all the stops, and playing for your Lord. God Bless You, Helen. Thank you.
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, July 27, 2009
Breathing Room
It is a typical Monday morning here in the office. I’ve had fifteen visits from folks who have just wanted to talk with me; three phone calls; one phone message; a fax; sixteen emails; two text messages; and all the mail that was in my mailbox. Not to mention the fact that I have yet to clear away my desk from yesterday’s worship service, and last night’s bible study. I am not complaining, mind you. I like people. I like life when things get busy. It is invigorating – most of the time. Mondays are like trying to play catcher to about fifteen little league pitchers who are all throwing wild!
Mondays are strange. It is the beginning of the work week, however, it isn’t the beginning of the week. I start my weeks on Sundays. (I know, Sunday is supposed to be a Sabbath time for Christians, or so someone once said. I take my Sabbath rest on Fridays. The common misconception is that preachers only work an hour a week. A pastor friend of mine once told me that “preachers work more than that. We work weekends and holidays!” I think he may be on to something there.)
Truth be told, being a pastor is fun. It is filled with opportunities to make a difference in peoples’ lives, to watch each generation draw closer to God in their daily walks with Christ, and to be the link to God in the midst of all the craziness of life. To watch that smile that comes over a sweet, innocent face when a small child takes that piece of bread and the juice while you say to them that “this means God loves you very much,” is to reach out and touch God’s face. To be there when someone “gets it” and catches that glimpse of the eternal, that makes it all worthwhile.
But it is also a difficult task. To sit at someone’s bedside and watch the last breath God has given them exhale into nothingness, and to hold their hand into eternity, is a moment that no pastor ever forgets. To watch as a marriage that has been barely held together by wishful thinking fall apart like so much dust in the wind, can break your heart. To have shared the life-giving, life-sustaining message of hope and salvation to someone who is struggling with all the entrapments of worldliness, only to watch them walk away, rejecting the God who loves them so much that not even the only begotten Son was spared, can rend the soul.
Ministry requires that you have the ability to do several things at once – kind of like that circus performer who spins the plates on a series of dowels. Ministry means that you have kind of a double vision – able to see the immediate faith issues before you while at the same time being able to focus on the long distance vision and direction that the church is called by God to go. It means being able to know that sometimes, not everyone is going to be happy. It means that occasionally, someone’s feelings may be hurt. And while it is never a pastor’s aim to have that happen, it still, nonetheless happens.
Since I started writing this article, I’ve had three more people knock on my door for a short visit. I’ve also had two more phone calls. It is a typical Monday morning. Still, it is a good day, because God is still good. And God’s grace is still very much present, and definitely appreciated. After a moment or two of reflection, I believe that it is precisely that Amazing, Holy Grace that allows us to have a moment of breathing room – especially when we need it most. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Mondays are strange. It is the beginning of the work week, however, it isn’t the beginning of the week. I start my weeks on Sundays. (I know, Sunday is supposed to be a Sabbath time for Christians, or so someone once said. I take my Sabbath rest on Fridays. The common misconception is that preachers only work an hour a week. A pastor friend of mine once told me that “preachers work more than that. We work weekends and holidays!” I think he may be on to something there.)
Truth be told, being a pastor is fun. It is filled with opportunities to make a difference in peoples’ lives, to watch each generation draw closer to God in their daily walks with Christ, and to be the link to God in the midst of all the craziness of life. To watch that smile that comes over a sweet, innocent face when a small child takes that piece of bread and the juice while you say to them that “this means God loves you very much,” is to reach out and touch God’s face. To be there when someone “gets it” and catches that glimpse of the eternal, that makes it all worthwhile.
But it is also a difficult task. To sit at someone’s bedside and watch the last breath God has given them exhale into nothingness, and to hold their hand into eternity, is a moment that no pastor ever forgets. To watch as a marriage that has been barely held together by wishful thinking fall apart like so much dust in the wind, can break your heart. To have shared the life-giving, life-sustaining message of hope and salvation to someone who is struggling with all the entrapments of worldliness, only to watch them walk away, rejecting the God who loves them so much that not even the only begotten Son was spared, can rend the soul.
Ministry requires that you have the ability to do several things at once – kind of like that circus performer who spins the plates on a series of dowels. Ministry means that you have kind of a double vision – able to see the immediate faith issues before you while at the same time being able to focus on the long distance vision and direction that the church is called by God to go. It means being able to know that sometimes, not everyone is going to be happy. It means that occasionally, someone’s feelings may be hurt. And while it is never a pastor’s aim to have that happen, it still, nonetheless happens.
Since I started writing this article, I’ve had three more people knock on my door for a short visit. I’ve also had two more phone calls. It is a typical Monday morning. Still, it is a good day, because God is still good. And God’s grace is still very much present, and definitely appreciated. After a moment or two of reflection, I believe that it is precisely that Amazing, Holy Grace that allows us to have a moment of breathing room – especially when we need it most. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Thursday, July 16, 2009
To Infinity And Beyond!
One of Braedon's favorite movies a few years ago was the Disney animated "Toy Story." It is the story of a little boy's toys, who have to deal with change, especially when the boy is getting ready for a birthday party with lots of friends. Ultimately what this means is, friends + party = new toys. Fear and pandemonium breaks out when they come to the conclusion that some of the toys will be given up and sold at a garage sale. Still, the greatest issue comes when the new toy somehow replaces the older, "favorite" toy, and the conflict begins. The new toy, a "Space Ranger" named "Buzz Lightyear" takes the coveted place of honor on the child Andy's bed, and Woody gets accidentally knocked down onto the floor behind the bed. Conflict builds as the family's garage sale is the precursor to the family moving day.
Buzz Lightyear's favorite slogan is "To Infinity and Beyond!" He says it frequently, and it begins to irritate Woody. But there's something about this movie that sets the mind racing. Obviously it is a children's movie, but there are some very real grown-up concepts being presented.
Change, for one. Suddenly, the thought of being replaced is frightening. The thought of someone or something new coming along may upset the delicate balance that has been worked on so hard to maintain. Change is never easy. But it happens. All the time.
Last week, while we were at Ft. Davis, our family visited the McDonald Observatory. The information that we gleaned there was fascinating for an amateur scientist like me. I have always loved looking at the stars, but couldn't begin to tell you about the constellations, or even find the North Star. Now, however, I have been educated! I know exactly how to find it! I have been given a glimpse into the concept of "To Infinity and Beyond!"
But as we were driving away from the observatories, I mentioned to Jan that I had been thinking about all the changes that have happened over the last hundred years. I was musing about our attitudes toward the past, how we thought then we were so advanced, and yet today, we're so much farther along in our critical thinking and scientific research than back then. I mentioned that I wondered what people will think a hundred years from now! What will they think about all the great advances in the Internet, and mp3's, and digital phones and television, and on and on. We'll probably look very primative to those folks a hundred years from now! Change is inevitable.
A few weeks ago during a meeting, our group was presented with a phrase that is absolutely stark and powerful in its meaning: "When you are through changing, you're through." Change is inevitable. But how we learn to deal with that change makes all the difference in how well we will survive. Failure to change leads to stagnation, and ultimately death. Resisting change leads to exhaustion, fatigue, frustration, disappointment, anger, hurt and pain.
Unfortunately, acquiescing to change is not necessarily always good either. Going along to get along does little for growth. Sometimes change needs to happen. Other times, change just for the sake of change is not necessarily the best option. Just going along with change in an effort to avoid conflict is not a healthy way of dealing with the change. Perhaps this is why change can be so painful. So, what are we to do?
First, we must recognize that change is going to happen. With or without our blessing, it will happen. Ten years ago, who would have ever believed that the single largest corporation in the world, General Motors, would be in bankruptcy and threatened with extinction? And yet, in the midst of a restructuring process the world has never before seen the likes of , the giant auto maker is having to rethink its entire existence. Entire lineups of automobiles are being sold off, or dropped completely. Divisions that have been the bread and butter of the company's profits for the last several decades are suddenly flooded in sales lots across the land. Ten years ago, change meant how to redecorate or remodel the existing lineup of cars and trucks. Today, change means rethinking every single thing the company does, right down to the amount of paperclips it buys. Change is going to happen. Those that refuse to believe it, are destined for some dramatic and very bumpy rides ahead.
The same is true of our churches and pastors. Twenty years ago, when I was in seminary, we were taught that ministry was relatively unchanged. Churches could continue on, business as usual - potlucks in the fall, spring yard sales and bazaars. Bishop Robert Schnase once compared it to learning how to row a scull, those long, sleek, thin, multi-person canoes with the oars that all row together. If you've ever watched that sport, you'd see all of them rowing together, in sync with one another. The water is placid, almost glasslike. Rowing a scull together in unison takes practice, skill, and dedication, and a dedicated caller, who shouts out, "Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!" in an almost metronomic fashion.
The problem is, we don't live in a placid world, do we? We live in a world that more closely resembles a whitewater world, where the rapids are rated at 8's and 9's and even 10's sometimes. Our boat cannot be a scull - long, sleek, hard-sided. It would get destroyed fairly early on as it encountered the rapids and the rocks. No, what we need is a pliable, inflatable rubber craft - one that gives and takes the abuse of the rocks and volumes of water rushing by. We need a craft that is able to withstand the possibility of getting wet - really wet! And we need to have a guide that is able to see what is coming up quickly, and shout commands to those who are rowing, steering us quickly and safely through the rapids.
Changes are coming, and we need to be ready for them. My prayer is that we'll not be so afraid of them that we won't want to change at all; and that we'll not be so used to changes that we'll simply give in to them. My prayer is that we'll be able to walk with God in the midst of them, knowing that changes can be used for the most important work of all - the Kingdom of God. I pray we'll focus on how our changes will help to bring people to Christ, and how their lives (and ours) will be transformed for the better. Maybe it won't be for infinity, but certainly, as Jan likes to say, "To Eternity and Beyond!"
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Buzz Lightyear's favorite slogan is "To Infinity and Beyond!" He says it frequently, and it begins to irritate Woody. But there's something about this movie that sets the mind racing. Obviously it is a children's movie, but there are some very real grown-up concepts being presented.
Change, for one. Suddenly, the thought of being replaced is frightening. The thought of someone or something new coming along may upset the delicate balance that has been worked on so hard to maintain. Change is never easy. But it happens. All the time.
Last week, while we were at Ft. Davis, our family visited the McDonald Observatory. The information that we gleaned there was fascinating for an amateur scientist like me. I have always loved looking at the stars, but couldn't begin to tell you about the constellations, or even find the North Star. Now, however, I have been educated! I know exactly how to find it! I have been given a glimpse into the concept of "To Infinity and Beyond!"
But as we were driving away from the observatories, I mentioned to Jan that I had been thinking about all the changes that have happened over the last hundred years. I was musing about our attitudes toward the past, how we thought then we were so advanced, and yet today, we're so much farther along in our critical thinking and scientific research than back then. I mentioned that I wondered what people will think a hundred years from now! What will they think about all the great advances in the Internet, and mp3's, and digital phones and television, and on and on. We'll probably look very primative to those folks a hundred years from now! Change is inevitable.
A few weeks ago during a meeting, our group was presented with a phrase that is absolutely stark and powerful in its meaning: "When you are through changing, you're through." Change is inevitable. But how we learn to deal with that change makes all the difference in how well we will survive. Failure to change leads to stagnation, and ultimately death. Resisting change leads to exhaustion, fatigue, frustration, disappointment, anger, hurt and pain.
Unfortunately, acquiescing to change is not necessarily always good either. Going along to get along does little for growth. Sometimes change needs to happen. Other times, change just for the sake of change is not necessarily the best option. Just going along with change in an effort to avoid conflict is not a healthy way of dealing with the change. Perhaps this is why change can be so painful. So, what are we to do?
First, we must recognize that change is going to happen. With or without our blessing, it will happen. Ten years ago, who would have ever believed that the single largest corporation in the world, General Motors, would be in bankruptcy and threatened with extinction? And yet, in the midst of a restructuring process the world has never before seen the likes of , the giant auto maker is having to rethink its entire existence. Entire lineups of automobiles are being sold off, or dropped completely. Divisions that have been the bread and butter of the company's profits for the last several decades are suddenly flooded in sales lots across the land. Ten years ago, change meant how to redecorate or remodel the existing lineup of cars and trucks. Today, change means rethinking every single thing the company does, right down to the amount of paperclips it buys. Change is going to happen. Those that refuse to believe it, are destined for some dramatic and very bumpy rides ahead.
The same is true of our churches and pastors. Twenty years ago, when I was in seminary, we were taught that ministry was relatively unchanged. Churches could continue on, business as usual - potlucks in the fall, spring yard sales and bazaars. Bishop Robert Schnase once compared it to learning how to row a scull, those long, sleek, thin, multi-person canoes with the oars that all row together. If you've ever watched that sport, you'd see all of them rowing together, in sync with one another. The water is placid, almost glasslike. Rowing a scull together in unison takes practice, skill, and dedication, and a dedicated caller, who shouts out, "Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!" in an almost metronomic fashion.
The problem is, we don't live in a placid world, do we? We live in a world that more closely resembles a whitewater world, where the rapids are rated at 8's and 9's and even 10's sometimes. Our boat cannot be a scull - long, sleek, hard-sided. It would get destroyed fairly early on as it encountered the rapids and the rocks. No, what we need is a pliable, inflatable rubber craft - one that gives and takes the abuse of the rocks and volumes of water rushing by. We need a craft that is able to withstand the possibility of getting wet - really wet! And we need to have a guide that is able to see what is coming up quickly, and shout commands to those who are rowing, steering us quickly and safely through the rapids.
Changes are coming, and we need to be ready for them. My prayer is that we'll not be so afraid of them that we won't want to change at all; and that we'll not be so used to changes that we'll simply give in to them. My prayer is that we'll be able to walk with God in the midst of them, knowing that changes can be used for the most important work of all - the Kingdom of God. I pray we'll focus on how our changes will help to bring people to Christ, and how their lives (and ours) will be transformed for the better. Maybe it won't be for infinity, but certainly, as Jan likes to say, "To Eternity and Beyond!"
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, June 29, 2009
Looking backwards...
In a recent telephone conversation, someone asked me about how we were doing with our Five Practices small group teams. I shared that I thought we were doing well. The groups have been actively asking the pertinent questions about how we can become more fruitful, and what we need to do to be better at what we're already doing. We talked a bit more, and the topic turned to future plans. Short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals seemed to pose a slightly different challenge. Change (see my last blog, June 22, 2009) was not something that was going to come easy for a lot of people. It usually doesn't. (Just ask any first-time parent, especially after the first eighteen years!)
Nevertheless, I began to think about what it would look like if we could see what today would look like from the perspective of five years from now. I would like to be able to say that the difficult work that we're doing right now was the turning point in our congregation's growth explosion, propelling us toward a great new place in our history as God's people of faith. What would this year look like from the perspective of the future? Would this be a year of growth? Would this be the year that made all the difference?
I read somewhere that the Gospel of Luke was unique in its way of presenting a view of Jesus who ministered during his time on earth from the perspective of what the Kingdom of Heaven was supposed to be like. Seeing the present from the perspective of the already arrived future Kingdom. What he attempted to help those around him see was that the Kingdom was a different place than what folks were experiencing. He painted a view of life lived under God's rule, rather than life lived in revolt of Roman rule. He painted a view of life where everyone was given a chance at redemption, forgiveness, and a new beginning. He spoke about life that could be lived in community where everyone was invited. He turned the current views of what society valued on its ear. It meant changing one's perspectives, one's values, one's understandings of God. It was difficult to do, and as a result, many people, out of the fear of that change, rejected him and his teachings.
How does a people of faith begin to envision what could be? How do we begin to see that what could be is a matter of the decisions we make today? How do we overcome our fear of change, knowing that it could mean the difference of salvation for someone we've not yet met? If we were to look back on the present from the perspective of the future, what would we see - today? Who would we see? And how would that affect who we are called to be in Christ?
Just a few thoughts I had...
Nevertheless, I began to think about what it would look like if we could see what today would look like from the perspective of five years from now. I would like to be able to say that the difficult work that we're doing right now was the turning point in our congregation's growth explosion, propelling us toward a great new place in our history as God's people of faith. What would this year look like from the perspective of the future? Would this be a year of growth? Would this be the year that made all the difference?
I read somewhere that the Gospel of Luke was unique in its way of presenting a view of Jesus who ministered during his time on earth from the perspective of what the Kingdom of Heaven was supposed to be like. Seeing the present from the perspective of the already arrived future Kingdom. What he attempted to help those around him see was that the Kingdom was a different place than what folks were experiencing. He painted a view of life lived under God's rule, rather than life lived in revolt of Roman rule. He painted a view of life where everyone was given a chance at redemption, forgiveness, and a new beginning. He spoke about life that could be lived in community where everyone was invited. He turned the current views of what society valued on its ear. It meant changing one's perspectives, one's values, one's understandings of God. It was difficult to do, and as a result, many people, out of the fear of that change, rejected him and his teachings.
How does a people of faith begin to envision what could be? How do we begin to see that what could be is a matter of the decisions we make today? How do we overcome our fear of change, knowing that it could mean the difference of salvation for someone we've not yet met? If we were to look back on the present from the perspective of the future, what would we see - today? Who would we see? And how would that affect who we are called to be in Christ?
Just a few thoughts I had...
Monday, June 22, 2009
Changes...
Boy, was I scared. I wasn't sure if it was going to hurt. I had never had one before, unless you count the ones my mom had given me as a toddler. But this was my first real one. I wasn't sure what it was going to look like when I got done. But I knew something would be different. Haircuts usually do that to you.
Why do we always fear change? Psychologists and psychiatrists have been asking that question for years. What is it about change that scares us so? Is it that we are afraid of how others will perceive us? Is it that we ourselves will have changed so much that we might fear being unrecognizable? What is it about change?
Maybe it has something to do with our control. When we initiate change, it is because we have mustered the courage somehow and have determined that what will happen afterward will somehow be better than where we are right now. Maybe its because we're in control of the change process - or at least part of it. And when we are not in control, that's when we get scared.
Let's face it. We don't really like being out of control, or worse yet, not having any say whatsoever. It frightens us. Change is always difficult, but somehow, we believe, if we are in control of it as it is happening, then we can say to ourselves (and anyone else who might be listening) that we meant to do it. We were in charge of our change.
But what happens when our control is no longer an option? What happens when we are not asked our opinion? What happens when our opinion doesn't much matter? What happens when our lives seem to be taken over by others, or when our decisions don't carry much weight anymore? What then?
At the end of the book of John, Jesus and Peter have a touching reunion, where grace and forgiveness are shown in a purely redemptive fashion. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and three times his response is 'yes Lord, you know I do.' Three times Jesus gives a command to tend to the sheep of his flock.
And then Jesus goes on. He says, "Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go" (John 21:18). Disturbing. Frightening. Being led where you do not wish to go? Being out of control?
Sometimes, it seems, Jesus just asks too much from us. "Go, sell what you own, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me" (Mark 10:21b). "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28, 30). "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27).
Sell everything? How will I live? Wear a yoke? Isn't that oppressive? I'm not a beast of burden! Hate my family? Hate myself? Carrying crosses? No, Jesus it is too much. It is just too much. You are asking me to give up myself.
Exactly. We are called to give up making our own decisions and to trust in God. Radical. Outrageous. Extreme.
But if we really want God to be God, that is what is required. To submit our control to God. To allow God to be the one who can change us and transform us. "See, I am making all things new!" (Rev. 21:5). That includes us! And when we see what God is doing, how can we believe, even if only for a moment, that what God is doing could not possibly be better than what we have now?
I think its time for another haircut. And this time, I'm not going to worry about whether or not the barber does what I ask. After all, I'm becoming a new creation in Christ.
What about you?
Grace and peace,
Brad
Why do we always fear change? Psychologists and psychiatrists have been asking that question for years. What is it about change that scares us so? Is it that we are afraid of how others will perceive us? Is it that we ourselves will have changed so much that we might fear being unrecognizable? What is it about change?
Maybe it has something to do with our control. When we initiate change, it is because we have mustered the courage somehow and have determined that what will happen afterward will somehow be better than where we are right now. Maybe its because we're in control of the change process - or at least part of it. And when we are not in control, that's when we get scared.
Let's face it. We don't really like being out of control, or worse yet, not having any say whatsoever. It frightens us. Change is always difficult, but somehow, we believe, if we are in control of it as it is happening, then we can say to ourselves (and anyone else who might be listening) that we meant to do it. We were in charge of our change.
But what happens when our control is no longer an option? What happens when we are not asked our opinion? What happens when our opinion doesn't much matter? What happens when our lives seem to be taken over by others, or when our decisions don't carry much weight anymore? What then?
At the end of the book of John, Jesus and Peter have a touching reunion, where grace and forgiveness are shown in a purely redemptive fashion. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and three times his response is 'yes Lord, you know I do.' Three times Jesus gives a command to tend to the sheep of his flock.
And then Jesus goes on. He says, "Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go" (John 21:18). Disturbing. Frightening. Being led where you do not wish to go? Being out of control?
Sometimes, it seems, Jesus just asks too much from us. "Go, sell what you own, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me" (Mark 10:21b). "Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens , and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28, 30). "Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27).
Sell everything? How will I live? Wear a yoke? Isn't that oppressive? I'm not a beast of burden! Hate my family? Hate myself? Carrying crosses? No, Jesus it is too much. It is just too much. You are asking me to give up myself.
Exactly. We are called to give up making our own decisions and to trust in God. Radical. Outrageous. Extreme.
But if we really want God to be God, that is what is required. To submit our control to God. To allow God to be the one who can change us and transform us. "See, I am making all things new!" (Rev. 21:5). That includes us! And when we see what God is doing, how can we believe, even if only for a moment, that what God is doing could not possibly be better than what we have now?
I think its time for another haircut. And this time, I'm not going to worry about whether or not the barber does what I ask. After all, I'm becoming a new creation in Christ.
What about you?
Grace and peace,
Brad
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Systems...
One of the classes that I had to take in seminary had to do with Systematic Theology, which, in a very basic way is an attempt to understand the entire body of Christian beliefs as a system of truth. Each doctrine in that system is related to every other doctrine. In essence, the means by which we talk about our faith can be framed into a system of understanding, and one starts with the basic presupposition that the truth of our faith starts with God revealed in Jesus Christ. (Yeah, I know. My head hurt, too, when I was trying to learn it!)
Ironically, when we step back and examine everything around us, even everything about us (immune system, respiratory system, circulatory system, etc.), we are usually able to discern that there are systems in place for everything we do. There are systems for how we pay our bills, for how we prepare meals, for how we keep house, and for how we buy gas for our cars. We have systems for how we study our school lessons, and how we prepare for a big business meeting. We even have a system for buying groceries (do you get the frozen items first or last when you shop?) The systems are not always clearly visible, nor do they always make sense, but they are nonetheless systems.
Even in the church, there are systems in place. We have a system for introducing people to Christ. We have a system for counting the offering, and for teaching Sunday School. We have a system for greeting our guests among us, and we have a system for preparing this newsletter. The systems don’t always make sense, nor are they intentional, but they are nonetheless systems.
When we begin to examine our systems, we can begin to see where we are excelling, and where we need a little extra effort. The important thing about systems is not that we have them, but why we have them. For instance, when a guest comes to our worship service for the first time, how do we greet them? Do we introduce ourselves to them? If they are not sitting near them, do we attempt to find them after the worship service? What is our system for encountering the guests in our midst?
Or, when it comes to teaching and learning the faith, what are the systems in place? What are the expectations that every person should know about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? The United Methodist Church? How do we share that information? Is it formally or informally? Is it intentional or is it more happenstance? Regardless of whether we know it or not, there is a system in place.
John Wesley had a system for discipleship that would enable people to continue to learn and grow in their faith every day. His system included accountability groups with other Christians who would remind each other of the basic tenets of the faith. They would ask such questions as, “What have you read that increased your knowledge and love of God in Jesus Christ?” and “How is it with your soul?”
Part of what it means to be the Church in today’s world means that we begin to see how our faith can interact with the world outside of the church walls. When we leave the parking lot, what system do we use to share our faith? Is it intentional, or is it happenstance? When we leave the church grounds on Sunday morning, what system do you have in place to continue to dwell on God’s Word? How is it with your soul? What system do you have in place that will help your soul to grow in grace? Is it an intentional system of discipleship? How might you begin to “tweak” that system to make it more effective? Certainly food for thought!!!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Ironically, when we step back and examine everything around us, even everything about us (immune system, respiratory system, circulatory system, etc.), we are usually able to discern that there are systems in place for everything we do. There are systems for how we pay our bills, for how we prepare meals, for how we keep house, and for how we buy gas for our cars. We have systems for how we study our school lessons, and how we prepare for a big business meeting. We even have a system for buying groceries (do you get the frozen items first or last when you shop?) The systems are not always clearly visible, nor do they always make sense, but they are nonetheless systems.
Even in the church, there are systems in place. We have a system for introducing people to Christ. We have a system for counting the offering, and for teaching Sunday School. We have a system for greeting our guests among us, and we have a system for preparing this newsletter. The systems don’t always make sense, nor are they intentional, but they are nonetheless systems.
When we begin to examine our systems, we can begin to see where we are excelling, and where we need a little extra effort. The important thing about systems is not that we have them, but why we have them. For instance, when a guest comes to our worship service for the first time, how do we greet them? Do we introduce ourselves to them? If they are not sitting near them, do we attempt to find them after the worship service? What is our system for encountering the guests in our midst?
Or, when it comes to teaching and learning the faith, what are the systems in place? What are the expectations that every person should know about God? Jesus? The Holy Spirit? The United Methodist Church? How do we share that information? Is it formally or informally? Is it intentional or is it more happenstance? Regardless of whether we know it or not, there is a system in place.
John Wesley had a system for discipleship that would enable people to continue to learn and grow in their faith every day. His system included accountability groups with other Christians who would remind each other of the basic tenets of the faith. They would ask such questions as, “What have you read that increased your knowledge and love of God in Jesus Christ?” and “How is it with your soul?”
Part of what it means to be the Church in today’s world means that we begin to see how our faith can interact with the world outside of the church walls. When we leave the parking lot, what system do we use to share our faith? Is it intentional, or is it happenstance? When we leave the church grounds on Sunday morning, what system do you have in place to continue to dwell on God’s Word? How is it with your soul? What system do you have in place that will help your soul to grow in grace? Is it an intentional system of discipleship? How might you begin to “tweak” that system to make it more effective? Certainly food for thought!!!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, March 30, 2009
There's a Sermon in there somewhere!
Kaitlyn and I were on the way to school this morning reflecting on yesterday's worship experience with Dr. Billy Abraham. We were sharing some of the more memorable moments of his sermon when our conversation turned to the general topic of preaching. (Many of you know that Kaitlyn has been flirting with a call to ordained ministry - one that I have tried hard not to push on her, but one that makes me stand about a foot taller when I think of her following in her old man's footsteps!)
She mentioned that she wanted to know where I get my stories from when I preach. I answered her, "Everywhere!" And that is true. I shared with her that I have learned over the years that there is a sermon in just about everything you can see or hear or experience. We were passing the VFW in Sattler when I spotted the sign regarding the Burn Ban being in effect. I shared with her that just off the top of my head, that could be a paradoxical sermon - A burn ban means that because the conditions are so dry, fires can quickly get out of control, and so therefore, burning trash, brush or other debris is banned. "Imagine if you will," I said, "that being a Christian is like a burn ban. It means if you are saved, you will be saved from burning in hell. However," I added, "turn it around. Imagine the world is telling us Christians that we cannot burn - burn with the Pentecost fires of the Holy Spirit! It is as if the world is trying to tell us that we should not attempt to burn uncontrollably. The world doesn't like it when the Holy Spirit is unleashed upon the world - because that means that the world is not in control!"
Ok, so it is a sermon that needs some work. Still the idea is, if you are paying attention, there is a message in everything. There is a message being proclaimed, if you are looking for it, listening to it. There is a sign that will point you back in the right direction.
The problem isn't with the signs. They are everywhere. The problem more often lies within ourselves, and our willingness and ability to be observant.
The challenge lies within us. But there is hope, and help in Christ. The more we spend time with the Word, the more we come to understand about God, and know God's character, God's nature, and God's will. The more we know about God, the more we get to know God.
There truly is a sermon in there somewhere. I'm convinced!
See you in church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
She mentioned that she wanted to know where I get my stories from when I preach. I answered her, "Everywhere!" And that is true. I shared with her that I have learned over the years that there is a sermon in just about everything you can see or hear or experience. We were passing the VFW in Sattler when I spotted the sign regarding the Burn Ban being in effect. I shared with her that just off the top of my head, that could be a paradoxical sermon - A burn ban means that because the conditions are so dry, fires can quickly get out of control, and so therefore, burning trash, brush or other debris is banned. "Imagine if you will," I said, "that being a Christian is like a burn ban. It means if you are saved, you will be saved from burning in hell. However," I added, "turn it around. Imagine the world is telling us Christians that we cannot burn - burn with the Pentecost fires of the Holy Spirit! It is as if the world is trying to tell us that we should not attempt to burn uncontrollably. The world doesn't like it when the Holy Spirit is unleashed upon the world - because that means that the world is not in control!"
Ok, so it is a sermon that needs some work. Still the idea is, if you are paying attention, there is a message in everything. There is a message being proclaimed, if you are looking for it, listening to it. There is a sign that will point you back in the right direction.
The problem isn't with the signs. They are everywhere. The problem more often lies within ourselves, and our willingness and ability to be observant.
The challenge lies within us. But there is hope, and help in Christ. The more we spend time with the Word, the more we come to understand about God, and know God's character, God's nature, and God's will. The more we know about God, the more we get to know God.
There truly is a sermon in there somewhere. I'm convinced!
See you in church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Monday, March 23, 2009
Taking a Break...
Spring Break is finally here for my kids. Jan's Spring Break was two weeks ago, because she works in a different district than the kids attend. So, our family is coping as best as possible.
Spring Break. It is a strange custom. I know that someone somewhere had a notion as to why it is needed. Perhaps it was because we needed to take a break in order to recognize that the long dread of winter has come to a close. Perhaps it is because we know that we need to acknowledge that Spring is here! Perhaps it is because we just flat-out need a break from all the school work!
For whatever reason, it comes to us as a welcome reprieve from whatever we've been invested in recently. And as such it can become for us an opportunity for reflection. I don't think it is an accident that we remember the events of Holy Week early in Spring. To know that Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection are remembered in this season is a testimony to the grace God gives us - a chance to repent and believe again anew.
With all the things happening in our world around us, it is good for us to stop and take a break. But I pray that we may use that break wisely - by taking time to reflect on the new beginning that is happening, not just around us as the seasons change, but through us in the redemptive act of a loving God through our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Spring Break. It is a strange custom. I know that someone somewhere had a notion as to why it is needed. Perhaps it was because we needed to take a break in order to recognize that the long dread of winter has come to a close. Perhaps it is because we know that we need to acknowledge that Spring is here! Perhaps it is because we just flat-out need a break from all the school work!
For whatever reason, it comes to us as a welcome reprieve from whatever we've been invested in recently. And as such it can become for us an opportunity for reflection. I don't think it is an accident that we remember the events of Holy Week early in Spring. To know that Jesus' arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection are remembered in this season is a testimony to the grace God gives us - a chance to repent and believe again anew.
With all the things happening in our world around us, it is good for us to stop and take a break. But I pray that we may use that break wisely - by taking time to reflect on the new beginning that is happening, not just around us as the seasons change, but through us in the redemptive act of a loving God through our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Friday, March 20, 2009
The Word of Hope
Life has taken us down a strange path recently. Maybe it would be more accurate to suggest a roller coaster rather than a path, for we find ourselves being driven on a crazy, hectic rail of emotions, fears, anxieties, and anger all rolled into one big bundle of nerves. The financial world's upheaval, the employment and unemployment tug-of-war, and the political bantering (that seems anything but playful) occupies much of our attention these days. Unless you are hiding under your bedsheets, we all seem to be inundated with a host of crises - one right after the other, and sometimes on top of one another.
Where does one turn when it comes to security? Where does one turn when it comes to stability? Where does one turn when the world seems to be spinning out of control? Actually one doesn't turn very far. One merely has to look God-ward.
Without trying to seem overly optimistic, there is one assurance that we can all count on: God is still God. And in this assurance are the following assurances: 1. that God loves us totally and unconditionally; 2. that God's grace sustains us when we seem to be out of control; and 3. that there is absolutely nothing that we can do to mess up #1 and #2.
The Psalmist wrote: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Ps. 121). And the Apostle Paul wrote, "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,, nor angel, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:35, 38-39).
If we have all this in our favor, we can be assured that our hope is not in stock markets, or bailout plans, or mortgage negotiations - as important as these things are. No, our hope is in God, who has given us Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, and through the Holy Spirit, we can be assured that we are never left alone to face the world.
I pray that you will find comfort in the one has saved you - Christ Jesus - and that the power of the Holy Spirit will bless you and keep you. See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
Where does one turn when it comes to security? Where does one turn when it comes to stability? Where does one turn when the world seems to be spinning out of control? Actually one doesn't turn very far. One merely has to look God-ward.
Without trying to seem overly optimistic, there is one assurance that we can all count on: God is still God. And in this assurance are the following assurances: 1. that God loves us totally and unconditionally; 2. that God's grace sustains us when we seem to be out of control; and 3. that there is absolutely nothing that we can do to mess up #1 and #2.
The Psalmist wrote: "I lift up my eyes to the hills - from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (Ps. 121). And the Apostle Paul wrote, "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life,, nor angel, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:35, 38-39).
If we have all this in our favor, we can be assured that our hope is not in stock markets, or bailout plans, or mortgage negotiations - as important as these things are. No, our hope is in God, who has given us Jesus Christ to be our Lord and Savior, and through the Holy Spirit, we can be assured that we are never left alone to face the world.
I pray that you will find comfort in the one has saved you - Christ Jesus - and that the power of the Holy Spirit will bless you and keep you. See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
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