this blog is written with a nod to michael christensen, who wrote his blog last week from drew university on a similar subject. i hadn't read his blog before i had a nudging from god...and then, there was his empowering story!
i had this challenge from god early last week, as i prepared for my sermon on 'give caesar what is caesar's, and give god what belongs to god (matthew 22:15-22).' there seemed to be a tie-in with my preaching topic for november 13th on the parable of the talents (matthew 25:31-46), where three faithful stewards are entrusted with someone else's money; two double the money, and the other one buries the money for fear of losing it.
the challenge from god, and as it turns out, from me, was to offer the congregation $120 worth of "seed money" -- 120 was the anticipated worship attendance for sunday; 120 marked $1 bills with a sheet of explanation were placed into offering baskets and passed around the congregation. everyone was invited to take a marked bill (for tracking purposes) and see how 'god's money' could be used to further the love of god over the next few weeks.
people were invited to prayerfully consider how to invest this $1, returning the earnings back to god, or sharing how they utilized 'what belongs to god'. i shared some examples: perhaps you could add this $1 bill to your own funds and purchase ingredients for a baking or craft project, selling your wares and retuning to god the results of that project; or use this seed money to help purchase supplies for food items to make a meal for someone in need, or share an event with someone who you've been meaning to get to know better; or add it to someones scholarship fund. just be creative, and do something 'godly' with this $1 bill!
then, folks are invited to either return the marked $1 bill or the results of their investment, and/or a note explaining how they shared 'what belongs to god' on november 13th. i'll share the results -- which is why the dollars got 'marked', when everything is tabulated. i can't wait to see how creative folks will get with what belongs to god -- especially in these economic times!
and, if you weren't able to be in worship on sunday, but would like to be part of this exciting opportunity, just let me know, and i'll send you a marked $1 bill. i have some left...they're going fast...what belongs to god may be eternal, but it doesn't stay around forever!
i'll share one funny story so far. one of the dollar bills was left on the pew, and has been deemed the 'quick return buck'. witty. i never said god did not have a sense of humor! how might you share generously and creatively, what god has shared with you?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
something thoughtfully prayerful about east and west
as i traveled down yosemite today, past the busy college parking lot, and the hustle and bustle of the day, i noticed the light dusting of the mountains with snow. last week's snow is still there! i'm dressed in shorts and a short-sleeve shirt! and when i got to the office, there was hustle and bustle here too, but no snow; wha-hoo! i love a useful church building -- busy activity means we are alive!
on my computer desk sets an article from the christian century, a bi-weekly journal to which i subscribe. i've had it setting there for a couple of weeks, just waiting for the perfect opportunity.
so today, hear a little from rodney clapp's 'american soundings; where do you pray?'. clapp shares insight from his three week adventure in egypt, some years ago. egypt is a predominately muslim country. he was talking to a sagacious priest -- i had to look that word up, honestly: meaning possessing/showing sound judgment and keen perception; wise.
this priest suggested the the difference between egypt and america could be summarized in two divergent images. "the image of america is the rocket ship, blasting off into unknown realms, going places no human has been before. america is focused on the future and always looking ahead.
"the imagine of egypt, he isaid, is the pyramids, thousands of years old and still standing in the sands outside cairo. rooted in a deep history, egypt is focused on the past and the importance of tradition."
another difference about america and egypt is our desire for information. for instance, in america, "if we want to know someones church affiliation, we ask the question, 'where do you go to church?' in egypt, people ask, 'where do you pray?'"
on this sunny autumn day surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, when we are encouraged to be 'out and open', with the concern over figuring people out and what box to put them in, in egypt people aske about our spiritual life. the question for me is about the fact that i do pray, not simply go to church.
honestly, as a pastor, i go to church all the time!!! but, where do i pray is a totally different question for me. that question might be a reminder to pray or maybe when was the last time you prayed? or even what have you discerned lately through prayer? when i am in the church building, i pray in the sanctuary, my office (a lot!), in the prayer room -- for centering prayer and other times -- in the choir room and the wesley hall. but when i am out and about, i pray at home, in my car, as i walk. i can pray anywhere; with people or just personally with god.
prayer. do we take time to listen for god in the silence. do we take time to cut through the excessive noise of our world or our minds to hear that still small voice of god? could prayer be in the conversation we're having or the conflict that is distracting us or the trouble/excitement we are invested in in that moment? prayer -- wherever two or more are gathered. we're never alone, even when we are by ourselves.
so, i do get caught up in being american; always looking ahead. but my interest in history also compels me to be a little egyptian; to see where the past informs where i may come out.
coming out in prayer ... seems like the place to be -- historically and presently and in the future. prayer must just be the thing that god has in mind for me today. how about you? where do you pray?
on my computer desk sets an article from the christian century, a bi-weekly journal to which i subscribe. i've had it setting there for a couple of weeks, just waiting for the perfect opportunity.
so today, hear a little from rodney clapp's 'american soundings; where do you pray?'. clapp shares insight from his three week adventure in egypt, some years ago. egypt is a predominately muslim country. he was talking to a sagacious priest -- i had to look that word up, honestly: meaning possessing/showing sound judgment and keen perception; wise.
this priest suggested the the difference between egypt and america could be summarized in two divergent images. "the image of america is the rocket ship, blasting off into unknown realms, going places no human has been before. america is focused on the future and always looking ahead.
"the imagine of egypt, he isaid, is the pyramids, thousands of years old and still standing in the sands outside cairo. rooted in a deep history, egypt is focused on the past and the importance of tradition."
another difference about america and egypt is our desire for information. for instance, in america, "if we want to know someones church affiliation, we ask the question, 'where do you go to church?' in egypt, people ask, 'where do you pray?'"
on this sunny autumn day surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, when we are encouraged to be 'out and open', with the concern over figuring people out and what box to put them in, in egypt people aske about our spiritual life. the question for me is about the fact that i do pray, not simply go to church.
honestly, as a pastor, i go to church all the time!!! but, where do i pray is a totally different question for me. that question might be a reminder to pray or maybe when was the last time you prayed? or even what have you discerned lately through prayer? when i am in the church building, i pray in the sanctuary, my office (a lot!), in the prayer room -- for centering prayer and other times -- in the choir room and the wesley hall. but when i am out and about, i pray at home, in my car, as i walk. i can pray anywhere; with people or just personally with god.
prayer. do we take time to listen for god in the silence. do we take time to cut through the excessive noise of our world or our minds to hear that still small voice of god? could prayer be in the conversation we're having or the conflict that is distracting us or the trouble/excitement we are invested in in that moment? prayer -- wherever two or more are gathered. we're never alone, even when we are by ourselves.
so, i do get caught up in being american; always looking ahead. but my interest in history also compels me to be a little egyptian; to see where the past informs where i may come out.
coming out in prayer ... seems like the place to be -- historically and presently and in the future. prayer must just be the thing that god has in mind for me today. how about you? where do you pray?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
the winds . . . they are a changin'
october has arrived, and as they say, "the winds . . . they are a changin'!" or, perhaps, it is just arriving home from the winds of kansas...i could see how dorothy could have been swept away to the land of oz!
the leadership institute was an experience. positive in many ways, and i am so grateful that six others from our congregation were able to participate. we came back with loads of information, and a keen awareness that there are things we need to be doing more effectively in our community of faith. this actually came as no surprise, since the reason we went was to become more aware, but none-the-less, our suitcases and heads were fuller than when we left!
one of the areas that continues to be a struggle for many within the church in general, is to 'how to be for others' rather than focusing on our wants/desires/needs. there are, at times, the need for personal focus: prayers for respite/wisdom/a spiritual infusion of grace/healing and forgiveness. however, the church, in general, has moved toward an inward focus that has left us disconnected with those whom we are to serve. we prayer for others but not with others. our language, our 'assigned pews', and services that meet 'our needs' do not always translate into a welcome for the "non-religious and nominally religious people (part of church of the resurrection's purpose statement)" of our communities.
i concluded our presentation during sunday's worship with this reflection from a church e-newsletter that was passed along from a 'church member' to someone who is 'non-religious or nominally religious'; i believe this speaks to our struggle with the church of yesteryear living today. just to help you understand better, our bible passage was from matthew 21:33-46, based on the landowner who planted a vineyard and then just left, leaving the tenants/workers to deal with all the work. we also offered the meal of new life; communion, the lord's supper; the meal adam hamilton says is the united methodist altar call -- the invitation to journey with jesus and others who have found forgiveness of misdeeds and the opportunity to live beyond ourselves through the love and grace of god.
the e-newsletter announced that 'next sunday the church would celebrate the lord's supper'. the new christian who read this notice asked two questions about this 'supper thing'; "am i invited and how much will it cost?"
truly, non-church people who are not privileged to be 'in the know' of how church works, begin to ask questions. 'can i come? how much will this supper cost?' how we good church people answer those questions determines our status as faithful tenants/workers. if we, as good church people are able to remember that the table is not ours, that we just work here, and that the vineyard belongs to god, others might join us as we "work the harvest". perhaps we wouldn't be seen as redundant, to use a british term. after all, we could use all the help we can get to share the love of jesus, no?
i'm hoping that we can find a bible passage that speaks to us and our community of merced about what god is calling us to be and do. we are not called to hold onto the story of faith as if it would a good secret meant just for us. we're invited to share the richness that god has shared with us; the harvest. there is plenty. and sharing makes the story of faith, plentiful!
some words of wisdom that came from our kansas trip, that may guide us all in the coming months....'slow down, choose carefully, trust god, and simplify my life; so that i might see clearly, listen carefully, think deeply, enjoy life fully, and serve god effectively.' why not write this phrase down on a sticky note, and place it on your mirror where you can see it every day?! why not use this as your mantra; your prayer; your slowing-down-and-living words of wisdom. i'm going to!
the leadership institute was an experience. positive in many ways, and i am so grateful that six others from our congregation were able to participate. we came back with loads of information, and a keen awareness that there are things we need to be doing more effectively in our community of faith. this actually came as no surprise, since the reason we went was to become more aware, but none-the-less, our suitcases and heads were fuller than when we left!
one of the areas that continues to be a struggle for many within the church in general, is to 'how to be for others' rather than focusing on our wants/desires/needs. there are, at times, the need for personal focus: prayers for respite/wisdom/a spiritual infusion of grace/healing and forgiveness. however, the church, in general, has moved toward an inward focus that has left us disconnected with those whom we are to serve. we prayer for others but not with others. our language, our 'assigned pews', and services that meet 'our needs' do not always translate into a welcome for the "non-religious and nominally religious people (part of church of the resurrection's purpose statement)" of our communities.
i concluded our presentation during sunday's worship with this reflection from a church e-newsletter that was passed along from a 'church member' to someone who is 'non-religious or nominally religious'; i believe this speaks to our struggle with the church of yesteryear living today. just to help you understand better, our bible passage was from matthew 21:33-46, based on the landowner who planted a vineyard and then just left, leaving the tenants/workers to deal with all the work. we also offered the meal of new life; communion, the lord's supper; the meal adam hamilton says is the united methodist altar call -- the invitation to journey with jesus and others who have found forgiveness of misdeeds and the opportunity to live beyond ourselves through the love and grace of god.
the e-newsletter announced that 'next sunday the church would celebrate the lord's supper'. the new christian who read this notice asked two questions about this 'supper thing'; "am i invited and how much will it cost?"
truly, non-church people who are not privileged to be 'in the know' of how church works, begin to ask questions. 'can i come? how much will this supper cost?' how we good church people answer those questions determines our status as faithful tenants/workers. if we, as good church people are able to remember that the table is not ours, that we just work here, and that the vineyard belongs to god, others might join us as we "work the harvest". perhaps we wouldn't be seen as redundant, to use a british term. after all, we could use all the help we can get to share the love of jesus, no?
i'm hoping that we can find a bible passage that speaks to us and our community of merced about what god is calling us to be and do. we are not called to hold onto the story of faith as if it would a good secret meant just for us. we're invited to share the richness that god has shared with us; the harvest. there is plenty. and sharing makes the story of faith, plentiful!
some words of wisdom that came from our kansas trip, that may guide us all in the coming months....'slow down, choose carefully, trust god, and simplify my life; so that i might see clearly, listen carefully, think deeply, enjoy life fully, and serve god effectively.' why not write this phrase down on a sticky note, and place it on your mirror where you can see it every day?! why not use this as your mantra; your prayer; your slowing-down-and-living words of wisdom. i'm going to!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
plagues and better
it has been an interesting late summer, leading to this autumn...i truly wondered what was going on in the world, as my home, usually very comfy and a haven of refuge and safety, began to be a source of concern and unhappiness.
i began to experience what felt like a plague...well, first one followed by another followed by another followed by another followed by another....what was going on?
it all began with my grass dying...well, turning brown, at least. not enough water? no, it was an infestation!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence cleared up, i came home to discover mice; yuck. i could probably stand them in the garage, although i would not be happy, but in the house? NEVER! either they had to move, or i did...and i have a mortgage to pay...it wasn't going to be me!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence cleared up, i came home t0 discover ants. uninvited; not part of my family tree. first one or two and then everywhere i went. i thought about putting little signs out that said please go to my yard, but, alas, i needed to be tough!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence taken care of, i came home to discover flies! i seriously thought about not coming home! fliesas big as my thumb! and they were tough! what was happening to my happy home?
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence taken care of, the wind came up friday night in waves (fortunately, no water to go along with that), and i had one of my pieces of artwork blow off the wall! goodness gracious, what was my world turning into?
as i left early saturday for an out-of-town meeting, under a gloomy sky, this is what i saw:
after all those plagues, something better. for those of you in town, this was taken just beyond the railroad tracks on franklin, after turning left off of santa fe. awesome, no?
i didn't have as many plagues as pharaoh, and i didn't have to cross over the red-reed sea; only a railroad crossing -- and for that, i didn't even have to stop for a train! how unusual is that?!
so a group of us, seven as a matter of fact, leave today for leawood, ks to attend a leadership institute put on by the united methodist church of the resurrection -- they use to meet in a mortuary, hence the name! we'll be back in time to celebrate communion and worship with our congregation on sunday. very exciting.
hum...rainbow...kanasas....i'm hoping the rainbow is the sign that dorothy has truly discovered that 'there's no place like home'. honestly, i'm not prepared to face the pestilence of a wicked witch!
i began to experience what felt like a plague...well, first one followed by another followed by another followed by another followed by another....what was going on?
it all began with my grass dying...well, turning brown, at least. not enough water? no, it was an infestation!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence cleared up, i came home to discover mice; yuck. i could probably stand them in the garage, although i would not be happy, but in the house? NEVER! either they had to move, or i did...and i have a mortgage to pay...it wasn't going to be me!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence cleared up, i came home t0 discover ants. uninvited; not part of my family tree. first one or two and then everywhere i went. i thought about putting little signs out that said please go to my yard, but, alas, i needed to be tough!
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence taken care of, i came home to discover flies! i seriously thought about not coming home! fliesas big as my thumb! and they were tough! what was happening to my happy home?
no sooner than i thought i had that pestilence taken care of, the wind came up friday night in waves (fortunately, no water to go along with that), and i had one of my pieces of artwork blow off the wall! goodness gracious, what was my world turning into?
as i left early saturday for an out-of-town meeting, under a gloomy sky, this is what i saw:
after all those plagues, something better. for those of you in town, this was taken just beyond the railroad tracks on franklin, after turning left off of santa fe. awesome, no? i didn't have as many plagues as pharaoh, and i didn't have to cross over the red-reed sea; only a railroad crossing -- and for that, i didn't even have to stop for a train! how unusual is that?!
so a group of us, seven as a matter of fact, leave today for leawood, ks to attend a leadership institute put on by the united methodist church of the resurrection -- they use to meet in a mortuary, hence the name! we'll be back in time to celebrate communion and worship with our congregation on sunday. very exciting.
hum...rainbow...kanasas....i'm hoping the rainbow is the sign that dorothy has truly discovered that 'there's no place like home'. honestly, i'm not prepared to face the pestilence of a wicked witch!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
being 53 doesn't make me wise!
you know, as i headed to the church this morning, i got to thinking about what i was going to blog about today; then i turned on my computer. all that to say, being 53 doesn't make me any wiser than when i was 52.
what did i expect?! i was 52 on friday and 53 on saturday. what a difference a day makes...well, not really! my birthday celebration began on friday when a number of kind church folks took me out to lunch; lunch and dessert the pastor...what a grand idea. on saturday, the day of the anniversary of my birth, i traveled to be with family and friends for, well yes, lunch and dessert. another grand idea!
then on sunday, more dessert, as coffee fellowship had a cake and singing...for me; blush, blush, enough already! but so very kind.
today is tuesday, and i don't feel any more wise than i did on friday...although i am happy to report that by the time i got to the cake table on sunday, there was no more cake left. that may be the wisest choice i make now that i am 53 -- stay away from the cake table! at sunday school that day -- our new high school group with seven, count them 7(!) youth, there were carrots on the table; a healthier 53rd year beginning.
so, if i did have some wisdom, for all my vast years of experience, what would i share?
1. when your mom can't remember it's your birthday, don't take it personally. mom is at the point now that, at least she remembers the sound of my voice. she thinks she is moving, and she isn't, but she is preparing for it none the less. but she is happy, and perhaps since she has always been an active person, she can't handle being idle. i don't know what to suggest, as she won't get involved in the activities in her new home setting. but, taking things out of her drawers doesn't sound like a wise choice either. does someone have wisdom on this subject?
2. when you return to your office after a holiday, perhaps the first thing to do is NOT turn on your computer. read your mail first...over your recycling container. ease into the work-week by visiting the sanctuary for prayer, walking the campus to see how it looks, visiting with staff, checking on the construction progress of the indoor restrooms in the wesley hall -- finally, we'll have indoor plumbing!!! then, turn on your computer...play a game of solitaire...and when all else fails -- when you just can't stand it any longer -- check your inbox. and while that is coming on line, go for coffee! i'm not really been a procrastinator, but, at 53, maybe this is a good time to learn!
3. do something that helps you be grounded. being grounded means knowing that everything doesn't have to be done in an instant, and that sometimes 'being swift' isn't as necessary as 'being thoughtful'. while i may text and facebook friends to congratulate us on overcoming another piece of sexism in our society -- at least in law, as 'don't ask, don't tell' eliminates the potential to do away with something the church has called 'homophobia' for years -- my hope is that it will actually become a reality, not simply a law. now, if the church could just get its act together, maybe we could really 'combat' things like poverty, malnutrition, and abuse -- to name just a few of the issues jesus pointed out over 2,000 years ago. i texted and facebooked friends, that's the swift part. but i have some notes to write...by hand, with a pen...that's the thoughtful part. that is what keeps me grounded. being grounded takes times. if we would only take the time....
well, another year hasn't made me any wiser, perhaps, but maybe more aware of my responsibility to respond to the ways of jesus. i have a friend, when he wants a yes or no answer, asks, 'what do you think'? in this case, not always wanting to be a polarized thinker, i would say, 'let's stay focused on what jesus said'. that would be the 'yes' answer he would want.
now, back to my mounting e-mails! no rest for the pastor. i guess this means that the dessert table is really empty!
what did i expect?! i was 52 on friday and 53 on saturday. what a difference a day makes...well, not really! my birthday celebration began on friday when a number of kind church folks took me out to lunch; lunch and dessert the pastor...what a grand idea. on saturday, the day of the anniversary of my birth, i traveled to be with family and friends for, well yes, lunch and dessert. another grand idea!
then on sunday, more dessert, as coffee fellowship had a cake and singing...for me; blush, blush, enough already! but so very kind.
today is tuesday, and i don't feel any more wise than i did on friday...although i am happy to report that by the time i got to the cake table on sunday, there was no more cake left. that may be the wisest choice i make now that i am 53 -- stay away from the cake table! at sunday school that day -- our new high school group with seven, count them 7(!) youth, there were carrots on the table; a healthier 53rd year beginning.
so, if i did have some wisdom, for all my vast years of experience, what would i share?
1. when your mom can't remember it's your birthday, don't take it personally. mom is at the point now that, at least she remembers the sound of my voice. she thinks she is moving, and she isn't, but she is preparing for it none the less. but she is happy, and perhaps since she has always been an active person, she can't handle being idle. i don't know what to suggest, as she won't get involved in the activities in her new home setting. but, taking things out of her drawers doesn't sound like a wise choice either. does someone have wisdom on this subject?
2. when you return to your office after a holiday, perhaps the first thing to do is NOT turn on your computer. read your mail first...over your recycling container. ease into the work-week by visiting the sanctuary for prayer, walking the campus to see how it looks, visiting with staff, checking on the construction progress of the indoor restrooms in the wesley hall -- finally, we'll have indoor plumbing!!! then, turn on your computer...play a game of solitaire...and when all else fails -- when you just can't stand it any longer -- check your inbox. and while that is coming on line, go for coffee! i'm not really been a procrastinator, but, at 53, maybe this is a good time to learn!
3. do something that helps you be grounded. being grounded means knowing that everything doesn't have to be done in an instant, and that sometimes 'being swift' isn't as necessary as 'being thoughtful'. while i may text and facebook friends to congratulate us on overcoming another piece of sexism in our society -- at least in law, as 'don't ask, don't tell' eliminates the potential to do away with something the church has called 'homophobia' for years -- my hope is that it will actually become a reality, not simply a law. now, if the church could just get its act together, maybe we could really 'combat' things like poverty, malnutrition, and abuse -- to name just a few of the issues jesus pointed out over 2,000 years ago. i texted and facebooked friends, that's the swift part. but i have some notes to write...by hand, with a pen...that's the thoughtful part. that is what keeps me grounded. being grounded takes times. if we would only take the time....
well, another year hasn't made me any wiser, perhaps, but maybe more aware of my responsibility to respond to the ways of jesus. i have a friend, when he wants a yes or no answer, asks, 'what do you think'? in this case, not always wanting to be a polarized thinker, i would say, 'let's stay focused on what jesus said'. that would be the 'yes' answer he would want.
now, back to my mounting e-mails! no rest for the pastor. i guess this means that the dessert table is really empty!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
F.R.O.G, 9/11, and such . . . .
not long ago, i received a series of e-mails that included FROG; there is a story to go along with the acronym, of course, that deals with a guardian angel that left a little ceramic frog by the bed of a woman in the hospital; her health improved, and a kind person helped her understand the deeper meaning: frog = forever rely on god...or frog.
we celebrated the 10th anniversary this week-end with a wonderful dinner; 10 years of support for wesley foundation merced; a spiritual ministry to the students, faculty and staff at our community college, merced college, and the newest u.c. campus, uc merced. what a relaxing evening; wonderful conversation, a short but informative and energizing program, and a low key but persuasive was to encourage support for this ministry for the years ahead.
at the end of a great meal and program, out came plate-fulls of frog cookies; a yummy reminder to forever rely on god...for a ministry that was only a dream 10 years ago! we now have a solid program under the direction of our half-time campus minister jennifer goto. and we have great determination to expand this ministry to full time, and be able to fully support our wesley student housing. this is truly takes the support of faithful people, and the full reliance on god. be sure and check out this ministry and lend your support . . . www.wesleymerced.org
not just one reminder of frog...but a whole plate full!
as we remember also this week-end, 9/11; September 11th will be forever a marker for change. as people share 'don't forget'; i'm hopeful that we will 'forever remember' the ways in which we can respond in the face of tragedy; through kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and with opportunity. People talk about where they were when this tragedy struck. I remember what people were like the week following this event; quiet skies, numbness, people going out of their way to be helpful, talking with strangers, taking turns and other acts of kindness; that was short-lived, unfortunately. but these 10 years have brought a continued energy to seek understanding and broaden our awareness of a culture and a people for whom most of us were unexposed. our spiritual capacity has broadened, and hopefully our ability to welcome dialogue and understand diversity in more welcoming ways.
i preached about our capacity to learn to forgive, both ourselves and others, for not being perfect; for being human, and for making mistakes that are harmful and hurtful. to learn how to do repair work; to explore how to expand the love of jesus in a more encompassing way. i utilized comments from a collection of letters complied by an organization called "tuesday's children", in a book entitled the legacy letters; messages of life and hope from 9/11 family members. how difficult it is to move on from tragedy; to live without guilt because you happened to survive. love empowers us to move on; not to forget. to allow life to continue to unfold in new and unimaginable ways. sadness, shock and pain give way to newness. it takes time. the 9/11 memorial in new york city will stand as a tribute that life flows on.
we can be embittered; we can be held hostage by fears and pains. and we can allow our past experiences to inform our current reality, so that we may make a difference. we can speak out against oppression; we can name racism is unacceptable; we can work to overcome injustice; we can lean to find understanding on a topic that is new or unexplored by us, each and every day.
bitterness and anger can be the death of us, if we choose to live in that reality. may we choose not to live in that reality, but f.r.o.g. as micah 6:8 reminds us -- what does the lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your god.
may this be our reality . . . .
we celebrated the 10th anniversary this week-end with a wonderful dinner; 10 years of support for wesley foundation merced; a spiritual ministry to the students, faculty and staff at our community college, merced college, and the newest u.c. campus, uc merced. what a relaxing evening; wonderful conversation, a short but informative and energizing program, and a low key but persuasive was to encourage support for this ministry for the years ahead.
at the end of a great meal and program, out came plate-fulls of frog cookies; a yummy reminder to forever rely on god...for a ministry that was only a dream 10 years ago! we now have a solid program under the direction of our half-time campus minister jennifer goto. and we have great determination to expand this ministry to full time, and be able to fully support our wesley student housing. this is truly takes the support of faithful people, and the full reliance on god. be sure and check out this ministry and lend your support . . . www.wesleymerced.org
not just one reminder of frog...but a whole plate full!as we remember also this week-end, 9/11; September 11th will be forever a marker for change. as people share 'don't forget'; i'm hopeful that we will 'forever remember' the ways in which we can respond in the face of tragedy; through kindness, understanding, forgiveness, and with opportunity. People talk about where they were when this tragedy struck. I remember what people were like the week following this event; quiet skies, numbness, people going out of their way to be helpful, talking with strangers, taking turns and other acts of kindness; that was short-lived, unfortunately. but these 10 years have brought a continued energy to seek understanding and broaden our awareness of a culture and a people for whom most of us were unexposed. our spiritual capacity has broadened, and hopefully our ability to welcome dialogue and understand diversity in more welcoming ways.
i preached about our capacity to learn to forgive, both ourselves and others, for not being perfect; for being human, and for making mistakes that are harmful and hurtful. to learn how to do repair work; to explore how to expand the love of jesus in a more encompassing way. i utilized comments from a collection of letters complied by an organization called "tuesday's children", in a book entitled the legacy letters; messages of life and hope from 9/11 family members. how difficult it is to move on from tragedy; to live without guilt because you happened to survive. love empowers us to move on; not to forget. to allow life to continue to unfold in new and unimaginable ways. sadness, shock and pain give way to newness. it takes time. the 9/11 memorial in new york city will stand as a tribute that life flows on.
we can be embittered; we can be held hostage by fears and pains. and we can allow our past experiences to inform our current reality, so that we may make a difference. we can speak out against oppression; we can name racism is unacceptable; we can work to overcome injustice; we can lean to find understanding on a topic that is new or unexplored by us, each and every day.
bitterness and anger can be the death of us, if we choose to live in that reality. may we choose not to live in that reality, but f.r.o.g. as micah 6:8 reminds us -- what does the lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your god.
may this be our reality . . . .
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
may this NOT be your experience
i am on a number of lists...one of which is a united methodist pastors list, that allows us on facebook to have our own private page with a zillion pastors posing questions and writing answers. pastors never seem at a loss for words.
this appeared yesterday (pastors working on labor day?), and is a youtube musical reflection of how our culture can sometimes be a bit self-centered. of course, i do not know anyone who would be singing this seriously in worship!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I&feature=player_embedded
even though labor day marks the official end of summer for many of us, i was delighted and pained to go see 'the help'. based on the best-selling book, 'the help' focuses on life in mississippi in the 1950's when racism was blatant, the proper way to behave was expected, and 'the help' was invisible. a powerful story; humor, sock, injustice...all the things that make for a compelling story. if you have not had a chance to see it yet, plan to go to a matinee soon.
it is 2011, and racism is still evident. how to we find our words, our inner-strength not only to stand up, but to speak/act out against this tide that continues? closely associated with this era, both now and then, is sexism.
when do you find yourself holding back, swallowing a comment, resisting the urge to muddy the waters or disturb the status quo? or, what has caused you to find your voice and not hold back, or not swallow down a comment or a retort, or willingly gone against the tide that kept the waters clear and the ripples from being disturbed?
i am preaching on 'answering life's difficult questions' this month. sunday's question deals with forgiveness; 9/11, ten years later. join us, won't you?
this appeared yesterday (pastors working on labor day?), and is a youtube musical reflection of how our culture can sometimes be a bit self-centered. of course, i do not know anyone who would be singing this seriously in worship!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJp98hoqy5I&feature=player_embedded
even though labor day marks the official end of summer for many of us, i was delighted and pained to go see 'the help'. based on the best-selling book, 'the help' focuses on life in mississippi in the 1950's when racism was blatant, the proper way to behave was expected, and 'the help' was invisible. a powerful story; humor, sock, injustice...all the things that make for a compelling story. if you have not had a chance to see it yet, plan to go to a matinee soon.
it is 2011, and racism is still evident. how to we find our words, our inner-strength not only to stand up, but to speak/act out against this tide that continues? closely associated with this era, both now and then, is sexism.
when do you find yourself holding back, swallowing a comment, resisting the urge to muddy the waters or disturb the status quo? or, what has caused you to find your voice and not hold back, or not swallow down a comment or a retort, or willingly gone against the tide that kept the waters clear and the ripples from being disturbed?
i am preaching on 'answering life's difficult questions' this month. sunday's question deals with forgiveness; 9/11, ten years later. join us, won't you?
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