talents . . . gifts . . . mission

in a previous blog about a month ago, i shared that i had passed out 120 marked $1 bills, based on giving to god what belongs to god. my challenge to the congregation was to utilize that $1 bill as seed money and then report back what was done to 'give back to god'.

i report today that there were many things done, and i want to share that information here, at least briefly. all proceeds, unless otherwise stated, were returned to our church where we will send them to our mission fund, world service.

$4 came back that very first Sunday. $2 was sent to World Vision who multiplied that amount by 5 to save young lives. cupcakes were made for our tuesday afterschool program, as well as a cake walk for our halloween carnival. jalapeno jelly was made and sold, the profits given back to the church. our halloween carnival, for which a number of marked dollars were contributed by the way, brought in $300, half going to unicef and the other half going to umcor -- united methodist committee on relief, that serves as a first responder to places throughout the world who are hit by a natural disaster.

someone was inspired to donate $25 for our holiday gift bag ministry for the chowchilla women's prison, as well as purchasing a box full of greeting cards for that same project! Someone bought a 'flock of chicks' from heifer project, funds went to the food pantry, and someone creatively returned the earnings of 'a dollar saved is a dollar earned' philosophy. this seed money was added to donations to a children's toy drive in central baja, and a vacation bible school program in south mexico. someone made straw jewelry, purchased communion bread, and supported the hmong women's car wash. an egg roll sale from one family netted 20 1/2 dozen egg rolls totaling $106.00.

another idea formed from someone who was not even in worship that day. but gwen bortner's husband arlis shared with her this challenge. Gwen, a professional knitter, creatively put together a knitting pattern, with the proceeds going to cancer research. she placed the story on ravelry, basically facebook for knitters. and through a series of sharing -- dare i say, evangelism, or 'you can't keep the good news (of jesus) to yourself! -- people not associated with this church, or any church or even this community, got on board...and you can too! pass this site onto your knitting friends: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mariposa-flip

someone purchased gas to pick green beans, someone held a candy sale, and someone even invested the dollar and made .93 cents! a couple focused on 'found money', having had a series of fortunate instances, and were able to donate $230 to the merced county rescue mission for their thanksgiving dinner. and finally, three yet-to-be completed projects were planned: a crayola crayon box of 64 was purchased to do a crayon ministry, a donation is planned for the children's hospital of central ca, and a soon-to-be knitted scarf will be done for charity.

the point, of course was not about the funds raised but our ability to do more together than we could ever possibly do on our own. allowing god to work through us is the miracle!

the result is that from 120 marked one dollar bills, eight times that amount, or $970.93 has been donated to mission. awesome, don't you think?

new direction unvailed

i spent the first part of my week attending a workshop that explained the new direction for our annual conference -- a church phrase that basically means our group of churches in united methodism in the northern half of california and the northern part of nevada; some 375 churches.

but before i got to that part, i wanted to share the view from my window in the santa cruz mountains. it felt very private and restful! so this is where i spent three days; beginning my morning in time for breakfast at 8 and finishing up by about 9 in the evening. useful time...productive time...even some restful times...and here i am, as they say, 'back at it again!



so this is a picture of what our movement into the 21st century will look like...we are working to re-order our conference so that all our energy and the movement of all of our churches will be aligned with one another, so that we might focus, not on ourselves, but offering the grace of god through jesus to others. our practice will be to 'make disciples of jesus christ for the transformation of the world'.

we united methodists have not always been a 'come to jesus' kind of people...of course we've always believed and lived the jesus way, but we haven't been so 'inviting' in a real and intense way. we've been the 'well, if you want to come to church, come to ours' sort of people...and 'we will feed you a pot-luck meal, and give you church coffee'. (a note about church coffee...if you like weak/see through coffee, come to church. but if you like strength, come to our welcome coffee before church!)

anyway, we're working at learning how to be more intentional. instead of being the 'if you've got nothing else better to do' kind of people, we are learning to be intentional -- listening to other's needs and longings in the spiritual realm; really trying to offer jesus, not as a last chance sort of experience, but as a friend, companion, meaningful way to live; we're trying not to keep jesus a secret -- actually, we're not trying to keep our christian faith so private any longer. as united methodists, particularly in merced, we are wanting to express a more progressive kind of expression for our faith; to be in mission and service, and to invite others to experience the kind of love and life we are encountering.

we hope to share a 'non-judgment christianity', where going to hell isn't an option -- isn't even part of the conversation; christianity in new clothes, so to speak. we're inviting those who are longing to be renewed and have a spiritual presence in their lives to find themselves greeted with the eyes and hands of jesus; to be neighbor, friend, fellow-journeyer in faith; growing in love and grace.

paul nixon (no relation to richard, i don't think) wrote a book called 'i refuse to lead a dying church'. he was one of our presenters. paul offered six concepts -- choices, really -- worth thinking about in terms of becoming a "living faith": 1. life over death. 2. community over isolation. 3. choosing fun over drudgery. 4. being a frontier over being a fortress (people unfamiliar with 'church' aren't about to walk into a 'church building' unless they are invited and have to go -- usually to a funeral or a wedding!) 5. bold over mild (why don't you come with me -- i think you might find what you need; as opposed to, well, you can come if you want!) and 6, now over later -- what is the mission of god calling us to?

exciting times ahead.



and so i took this picture as a reminder that even in the midst of tranquility, life is moving; notice the sun exposing the waterfall, as it cascades over roots that have grown together to be a barrier. the leaves of autumn have fallen into the water, and they can't get out...but not all of them are stuck in that path. some have found their away around the blockage, and are moving forward.

i believe this is a great image...a new direction. this is the reminder that we could, as a church, just pack it in. but if we do that, everyone misses out! we simply need to explore our options and notice that packing it in is only one option. people have many choices now. jesus is but one option.

as christians in the 21st century, we have come to believe that jesus points us to god's message of welcoming grace. others choose other paths. our focus: to be inviting of those who seem to have no path; no direction, or have been discouraged by 'the christian church'. could jesus be what they need?

well, you'll never know unless you enter into conversation. just start with a smile, and a hello. the relationship will develop from there . . . .

november one

somehow, this picture mysteriously moved to the very top of the blog...a spooky mystery. so, you'll have to "read all about it" under the second treat!

if you were to think of this blog as going 'trick or treating', you will notice that you have three visits in which to receive treats....no tricks here! and we'll do a sort of "ginger rogers" -- going backwards, but not in high heals; only in costume!

the first treat is a poem by j. barrie shepherd. it is entitled november one. we usually consider november first as 'all saint's day' in the church; some cultures call it the 'day of the dead', in which we remember those who have gone before us; family members, loved one, mentors in the faith and so on. we remember those who have died in the past year at our church on the first sunday of november. as a tribute, i share this poem by shepherd:

'to all the saints, god bless 'em, we dedicate this day

in hopes that from eternal bliss they'll spare a thought,

or blow a kiss, in sympathy for all who miss

the straight and narrow way.'

and so we remember wonderful people this past year, who offered us love, and care and a glimpse of god here on earth. we have been blessed . . . .

the second treat recognizes our halloween carnival; the first in a long time here at the church. we saw many unique characters, and had a wonderful time! proceeds from the event went to two places -- unicef, to care for the severe famine happening in the horn of africa, and well as umcor -- united methodist committee on relief, who respond instantly to any disaster throughout the world. we are proud to support mission in this way, and have some fun at the same time....

so, to all to the first picture of this great treat, i add the adult costume party. so often we are so amazed at the little ones, that we forget the adults to come with a heart of children on all hallows' eve. this is the night we poke fun at the things we do not understand . . . spooks, and unexplained phenomenons, and even death itself.

for the spiritually faithful, we know to whom we belong, and we do not fear death, at least in theory. halloween is the night we get to have fun. and we did! neighbors, friends and family enjoyed a cake walk (we had enough cakes to feed eternity, i believe), a positive fortune teller, who shared that we were all children of god, a bean-bag toss, bowling, face painting, a basketball toss, fishing game, guessing game, duck pond, hot dogs and nachos, and, of course, a haunted house...great fun that concluded with a costume judging contest -- with great prizes! we do holidays up right!

the third treat was experienced by me as moving day; daughter kristen (who turned 23 on halloween!) and boyfriend ben moved to the oakland hills...what a tough sacrifice!

here is a picture of the bay area from their bedroom porch; i know it will be so tough for them to have to sit there and have their morning coffee; i feel so sorry for them....perhaps i could offer to make the sacrifice for them . . . .

then, of course, there is the sunset; another tough break to sip wine and relax while unwinding from the day....do you think i should offer another sacrifice to sit out there on their behalf? gosh, it is a touch job, but someone has got to do it! what a beautiful view, don't you think? ah...to be young and in love....

ok, back to reality. so my treat was to spend time with this wonderful couple, helping them move in and visit with their very friendly dog ace.



ace really is, literally, a hand-full, but only when you are holding him. otherwise, he is good as gold.
and kristen and ben are delightful; what a treat to watch them grow and share life with each other and those who cross their path.

and so, you've been treated to three gifts today; all memories of things we can do to enrich the world; remember those who have helped us be the best person we can be . . . share the blessings we have received with others, and have a little fun in the process . . . and spend time in the beauty of the day, sharing a little love and giving thanks for the gift of life.

i ask you; could life get any better than this?

a change in life

a change in life. when one, well, changes patterns or things that cause, well, changes. changes in life causes one to stop; see things from a different perspective; give air to normality; take a break!

it has been a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time since i've had a friend visit in merced; so, i got a bit excited; cleaned the house (well, at least aired the guest room) went to the store to stock up on food (made a stew in the crock pot -- it must be autumn!), and even bought flowers, which i hardly ever do for myself.

what a wonderful time to prepare to do something out of the ordinary! changing the routine can be just the ticket to help see life differently; put a little more spring in one's step; it is exciting to be able to share time with others. and to actually take a saturday off from my church life...it was odd, but also very energizing! maybe i'll start a new trend....

actually, another change in life will happen on saturday; daughter kristen and her significant ben will be moving from redwood city to the oakland hills. ok, how did she/they get so lucky? ben secured his doctorate last spring, and has continued to work in his field, but has found a new position that allows him the next step in life. so, away they'll go to 'them thar hills'. lucky them!

so, saturday is part two of the moving experience; the heavy stuff. all that energy of newness; a change in life. so, for the second saturday in a row, i will be doing something non-church related! i'll let you know if the roof is still standing on saturday. it has been a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time since i've taken two saturdays in a row! does this constitute a trend yet?

i'm the 'lunch provider', and the 'what do you need in your new place' kind of dad; how can i help? what won't strain my back or hurt me too much...ah, i'll stand and direct! that looks nice there; oh, what a great view; wow, this is just perfect! do i sound like a great director? i'm good at providing lunch, and i'll even bring dogie treats for ace!

a change in life. i wonder what i can figure out to do next saturday....oh yea! my annual church conference is on sunday. maybe my trend better be to see what my office looks like on a saturday! after all, it will have been a whole two saturdays sitting empty!

a change in life...i'm still wearing my shorts and keeping my windows open at night. unheard of this late in the season. but i'm liking it. how about you? are you doing a little 'change in life' these days? i recommend it...great for the soul!

the 'marked' $1 bill

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?

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?

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!