Preparing for the New Year

As I determined to clean out my desk, I found an article that I had written for the Keith County News that appeared on January 4th 2006. As I was re-reading what I had written, I thought that even today this insight might be helpful especially as we work on the new year. So I decided to write what I said and one can make the changes to 2008 rather than 2007.

"As I watched the ball descend in New Year in 2006, Dick Clark made a statement about New Year's resolutions. More than a decade ago, the number one resolution was to quit smoking. During the years, people have come to realize the dangers of smoking on one's health and many have quit.
Today, the number one resolution is to lose weight. We are beginning to understand the dangers of being over-weight and how that affects our health. Some people may not only make that their resolution but look at other areas of their lives that they feel need improvement; which could include exercise, spending more time with family, and could even include ways of improving one's mind.
Though, if any of the people are like me, I can make determined resolutions and within a month lose sight of them. The problem, at least for me, is that I need the help of others for me to follow through with these types of commitments. To try to lose weight alone or to exercise alone is difficult to do consistently. It is far better to do so with members of a group who support one another in their efforts, much like ministry.
All these resolutions are wonderful, but do not include any spiritual resolutions. As a pastor, I have seen wonderful choices in ways of living a better life. Yet, if one does not include some spiritual growth in the process, I have also seen many who fail to either institute the changes in their lives on a permanent basis or that changing their physical and psychological makeup does not seem to change their lives.
Jesus understood the difficulty in changing one's life. He did state that the body is the new temple of the Lord. Yet, his concern was less about what one would do to lose weight and change one's attitude if one did not turn to God in the same process. He began his ministry after the temptation story in the desert by saying, "turn from your sins and turn to God, because the Kingdom of Heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17 NLT).
He began to instruct us on how we are to become spiritually prepared for the kingdom. In Matthew, chapters 5-7, he instructs his disciples and ourselves in what it means to make those spiritual resolutions. This beginning of a New Year would be a wonderful time to again read these chapters and look at what resolutions we might want to make for the coming year.
These wonderful teachings express not only making God our priority but on how to live the teachings in this world. these include teachings on love of one's enemies, on not judging especially who is in or out, giving to the needy, about money and a more proper perspective, and caring for others.
Jesus knows that to do what he asked required major changes in one's choices, one's attitudes, and one's physical body. He never said that we are to do this alone. Rather, he gathered people together so that they could support one another.
This New Year, gather those around you who can support your resolutions whether to lose weight, exercise, or even in growing spiritually. Join a bible study. Go to church services on a regular basis. Participate on a mission team to help others and to spread the gospel.
Truly, if we are able to do these resolutions then we can begin to see a change in the year 2006 and live our lives in the way Jesus has taught."
I would hope that the same could be said for 2008. As we make plans and resolutions for this coming new year, take time to read Matthew and to reflect on how we can live a more fruitful life. A life that God wants us to live.

Christmas eve

As I sit here in preparation for our services tonight, I have been reflecting on what is the message that I need to hear. As I contemplate all that has happened in my community and in the world, I realize that now more than ever I need the grace of God in my life and to be an instrument of that grace towards others. So many people are separated this Christmas whether by the war, by death, by divorce, or by illness. We need to have the Prince of Peace be with us during these troubling times. Not one of us is immune to the stress and anxiety that seems to be a normal state of affairs. Many struggle without adequate housing, little to no food or warm clothing, and Christmas becomes just another day of empty promises.
Christmas is the ultimate promise of God's redemptive love for us. In the congregation that I serve I spent the last 4 weeks focusing on the secular images of Christmas whether that be consumerism, work, or even family. We seem more concerned about the gifts we give or receive than we do about God's gift to us. We seek comfort in the secular world and the myths that it produces. And somehow we continue to feel empty and unfulfilled. We look for other means to continue to seek happiness or at least a reduction of our anxiety or fear.
Christmas is about the birth of our savior Jesus, Emmanuel God with us. It is not about Christmas trees or Santa Claus or what I received. Those are important but in and of themselves do not provide our salvation or our purpose.
I mentioned last week about a number of things one family can do to share the true Christmas Spirit with those around them. One can donate food to a pantry, winter coats, gloves, mittens to shelters or schools, buy a meal for someone at the Open Door mission or other shelters. The list is endless. When we do something for someone else with no expectations of being paid back, we are sharing what God has done for us.
May this be a very Merry Christmas for you and your family. Spend some time between the food and fellowship and the gift giving to remember the story that started it all.
May God bless you.

Christmas eve eve

This time of year is busy in a lot of ways with family gatherings, hectic last minute shopping, and planning for services. I do want to wish those who read this blog a Merry Christmas and hope to see you on Christmas Eve.
I wanted to share with you this insight from my grand daughter. She had told Nancy that she wanted a Ken doll. Nancy asked if she had one and she said that she had but that she took the head off the doll. Nancy asked her why she had done that. Her reply was "to see what was underneath." Nancy then asked what was underneath. She said, "nothing." From the mouths of 5 year olds, she has figured out that in the minds of men there is nothing :). Only kidding but was worth a smile or two.
I hope that all of those who are expecting family this season that they arrive safely and when it is time for them to return to their homes that they are able to arrive without incident.
God Bless.

I wanted to write something earlier but due to the season it got away from me. I was home Thursday afternoon when Nancy called me and wanted me to come up to the library. There was a young man there who had been hiking the Mo-Pac trail and was looking for some place to stay the night. I want you to know that God has a way of helping me learn about pre-judging situations and people. I went expecting to see someone who was homeless. What I found was a young man who is a dedicated hiker who walks trails throughout the United States and makes documentaries of his travels. He is walking the America Discovery Trail that goes from the East coast in Delaware to Denver. He has hiked other trails and has his own website. Needless to say he was an interesting person to get to know. He wanted to find where the Mo-Pac met up as it stops around Louisville and one has to hike roads to find the start up. So we went on a road trip to find the place where it starts again. He spent the night at the church and Nancy and I took him out for breakfast.
He was interested in Springfield knowing us from our competition to be the home of the Simpsons. He went down to Springfield Drug and took some pictures. He also loved the Platte as we crossed over it. His name is Michael Daniels and his website is http://www.walkingwithfreedom.com/

updates

When I wrote about the people at Von Mahr I had not heard if the store was still paying their salaries. I have found out that they have continued to do so. For me, that speaks highly of the management of the stores and how they are responding and treating their employees and the families of those employees who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Another note Nancy and I went to the Trans Siberian Orchestra performance at the Qwest. I want you to know that it has been awhile since I have attended a concert like that. I enjoy their music as much or more than Mannheim as they do a Christmas Rock Opera with for me a very meaningful moral. They certainly put on a show with lasers, pyrotechnics, and multi-sensory (i. e. creating snow when talking about a snowing night in the city). I was impressed that after the story they continued to play and the concert lasted just short of 3 hours with no intermission or other bands.
What was impressive was that Z92 and TSO donated one dollar of every ticket sold to the Salvation Army. The cost of the tickets was quite reasonable in the first place. But they gave to our local Salvation Army over $10,000. If one has the opportunity to attend their concert and if you like rock music as well as jazz, it is worth the time and money.

I have been continuing to follow the stories of the families of the tragedy at Westroads. I was moved by the tributes that have been left at Von Mahr. Also the fund that has been established for the families of the victims. We also need to remember not just those whose lives were taken but also their co-workers and their needs as well. As of today the store remains closed. I am concerned that the workers there have no income or help to deal with their grief. I may be wrong but I hope that as people continue to reach out to others that they are included in our thoughts and prayers.
This is the season that teaches us about reaching out. Whether it is God providing lamp oil that was only enough for one day and lasted seven or the prophets who spoke of God's love or celebrating God coming to us, God has always found ways of providing for us. Today that is as true as it was back then. We are reminded of our need to have God's presence in our lives. One can look around not just here in Omaha but in our nation and world. We need to remember our need for God in our lives. Also we need to remember to share that love with others.
Yesterday the World Herald published a picture of our youth and their fund raiser. Unfortunately they did not write about all the other work that they have done. I had a person call dismayed by the picture. I listened to her opinion and while I did not agree with it I realized that we need to treat each other without judgment or at least find out the whole story before judging. When I first heard of the Westroads, one person immediately said it was probably a Muslim. I remember that when the bombing at Oklahoma City happened the press initially said the same thing. How quick we are to judge and not look at our own "log in our eyes." When we live in a world of anxiety and terror, that is when we are most vulnerable to making quick judgments. It is why we need Jesus and what he said about being anxious. I worry less about terrorists than I do about the lack of health care for the poor, poor education and the resultant lack of opportunities, the hungry and homeless. This is the season to remember those who are in need. To give into our anxiety and paranoia will not solve anything and actually could become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Spend time this season with your family and share what God has given you with others.

Chinese Fortune Cookies

Nancy and I went out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant. Following the dinner, we opened our fortune cookies and I wanted to share what they had to say. My fortune stated, "Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation." I began to think about what was stated and indeed that seems to be true. When we are so content, our desire is to keep things the same and not make any changes. Sometimes that leads to what I often call the inertia of sameness. We don't want to change and actually resist change especially if it seems to create difficulties for ourselves. I often read about people criticizing others because they seem to speak of their discontent as if this was a major problem. Sometimes we need to reflect on what is progress which is not the status quo.
The other saying that Nancy got stated, "Society prepares the crime; the criminal commits it." Following the tragedy of this week that is a difficult thought. Yet, one wonders. Here a deeply disturbed young man is able to get ahold of an assault AK 47 to use. At one time owning one of these assault weapons was illegal though many organizations such as NRA wanted to lift the ban. Despite law enforcement, FBI, ATF and others, the ban was lifted in 2004 by the congress and the executive branch. The concern by law enforcement was exactly what happened in this incident that someone could shoot 30+ rounds within a short period of time. Supposedly the argument was to allow either gun collectors have these weapons or for hunters. Most hunters I know would never use a semi-automatic or automatic assault rifle to go hunting. This does not excuse what the young man did which was horrific. But as we are learning, this young man had an extensive psychiatric problem and when he became an adult there was no one there to help treat the problem. I know from my experience as a mental health worker how much treatment costs and also how much medications cost. I am sure that his job at McDonalds would not even pay for his medications or for sessions to deal with his unspecified mental condition.
I continue to be in shock about the tragedy and continue to keep the families of the victims in my prayers. I would hope that we can move forward in this time of horrific violence to try to find ways that we can proactively do something that would prevent this from occurring. I hope that your prayers are also for those families and for our city and nation.

Tragedy At Westroads

I like many others in Omaha are in shock about the tragic events that occurred yesterday at Westroads a major shopping center. I did not find out about it until I went to a store to get something for my grand daughters. I could not believe that this would happen here despite the number of homicides that have occurred this year in the Metro area. This was different and one of the worst spree murders this year at any mall in the United States. What shocks me the most is the senselessness of the event. For a young man who was suicidal to go and kill 8 others and then himself, just defies rational explanation.
Needless to say what I was going to talk about at our Advent services was changed. We spent time praying for the families of those whose lives were taken, those who were wounded, all those who were there just to do Christmas shopping for their families, to the first responders and police and fire department, all the other employees of the store where this occurred, and finally for the young perpetrator and his family. While we may never understand why this occurred, we turn to God to remember that it is in precisely these times that God's promises to be with us always helps sustain us. Even for the many who did not witness these events directly, we need to come together in prayer and to reach out to those who have been most effected.
Sometimes we do not even know the extent of the tragedy. What brought home to me even though I was not at Westroads, was when my daughter in Pennsylvania called me to find out if I was ok and if my son her brother and family were ok. The anxiety of occasions such as this strike at us all reminding us of our need of the Prince of Peace in our lives.
Please remember all who were so affected by this tragedy. Take a moment to be in silence for the families. Then let us do what we can to comfort those who need comfort and to reach out to those who are need of love and support.

God's dream for creation

Tonight we will be having our first Advent dinner followed by a short meditation and communion. This is the first Wednesday following the start of Advent and we will be doing for the next two weeks a dinner and reflection each Wednesday. Tonight I will be using the dream that Joseph after he found out that Mary was pregnant. I can only imagine what he must have felt about the situation. Rather than acting out of jealousy or revenge, he choose instead to try to honor Mary and not make a big deal out of the situation. I can only imagine that many would consider him a fool for making that decision both with his family and friends.
When he had this dream, he without hesitation did what the angel told him to do. He risked his reputation, his being seen as righteous by the religious community, and even being seen as cut off from the people. His dream stretched him beyond himself to be willing to raise God's son as his own. To love him and teach him the carpentry trade and support him without question. Not many are willing or able to do that. I have known many step-parents who have done well with raising children that they were not the biological parent. It requires a special effort to go beyond one's natural inclinations to be unconditionally supportive. We do not have any stories about Jesus' childhood though what we have would indicate a father who was caring and supportive.
Dreams have a way of helping us in times such as those that Joseph faced. I wonder how many of us would unconditionally do what a dream would say to us. I know my tendency would be to analyze the dream often to death rather than trust it explicitly. Yet scripture points out how dreams have been given to people as messages from God. As I reflect on this Christmas season, I feel that the birth of Jesus was God's great dream for creation and its redemption. I would invite others to dream the big dreams and be willing to act on your dreams. That is why I am now a pastor. For God had a dream for me and no matter how hard I tried to avoid the dream, I finally was willing to live the dream that God had for me. I have never regretted that decision even when others questioned my choice. But I know that it is through God that I am able to do what I do and to God be the glory.

Christmas Unwrapped

Last Wednesday during our reflection service, I talked about some interesting facts about this time of year. The information came from an article in the book Christmas Unwrapped: Consumerism, Christ and Culture edited by Richard Horsley and James Tracy, 2001. The article was written by Richard Horsley and I wanted to include a portion of that for those who were not at the service. Here it is:
Advent reflection

Imagine a complex multicultural society with a great, elaborate festival that lasted not simply for a few days but for several weeks:
A great festival celebrated in honor of the birth of the Lord and Savior of the world, the Prince of Peace, a man who was also worshipped as divine
A great festival celebrating abundance, with indulgence in feasting, drinking, and gift giving
A great festival during which the poor were recipients of the philanthropy and generous giving of the rich, so that they could enjoy festive food at least once a year, when all feasted on sumptuous fare
A great festival whose presence virtually pervaded public space, visually and otherwise
A prolonged festival filled with a surfeit of public entertainments in song, dance, theater, and athletic games
A prolonged festival during which local political and religious leaders presided over various rituals and ceremonies
A prolonged festival in which the very wealthy people of a city sponsored parades and lavished public displays that both entertained the masses and brought their own names to public attention
A prolonged festival in which sales of goods and services flourished as at no other time of year
A great festival that brought a sense of unity to the civic community while honoring the Savior
(The Gospel of the Saviors birth, 113).
What do you feel this describes?

It certainly seems to describe the holiday season of today.
Actually it describes what was happening during the Roman Empire to celebrate a different savior of the world Caesar Augustus. These ceremonies would be prevalent around the time of Jesus. The belief of Jesus' birth was that it occurred in the Spring not winter. The early church did not celebrate Jesus' birth but rather his death and resurrection (see Paul's letters which do not mention Jesus' birth or much about his life). Over time the church began to spend time looking at his life and birth. They began to celebrate that in opposition to the Roman celebrations honoring their savior. This makes one read the gospel stories of the birth maybe in a new light. Jesus as opposed to Caesar who is the savior of the world?
Today we seem to be in the same dynamics of what is our salvation. Is it the world's greatest military (like Rome)? Is it our commerce and consumerism? Or is it Christ? Something to reflect on in our families this Christmas time.

Reflection on resources

As the cost of gasoline and oil continue to rise, I am amazed at the lack of attention this has had with Congress and the Executive branch to really do anything meaningful. I know that President Bush is holding out for the hydrogen cell cars and Congress is holding out to make auto makers increase gas mileage by 2012. I came across the following article in Christian Century November 27, 2007 which quoted a news article from the New Yorker, November 5.

In 1993 President Clinton launched the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. It was designed to assist the big three automakers in producing cars that would increase fuel efficiency threefold in 10 years. In 2002, after $1 billion of federal money had been spent and each of the Big Three had produced models of fuel-efficient cars, the Bush adminstration scrapped this program in favor of the FreedomCar project, which is aimed at creating a car that runs on pure hydrogen. Meanwhile, the average care sold in the U.S. today gets 20 miles per gallon--about the same as in 1993 when Clinton launched the Partnership program and less than what Henry Ford's Model T got when it went on the market 99 years ago.

Somehow I am not surprised by this. I had read a letter to the editor in the World Herald that stated that his 1966 truck got over 30 miles to a gallon. It makes one wonder why are cars, suv's and trucks getting less mileage today than they were getting 99 years ago? As I was thinking about this, I want to share scripture that points out to us our own failings to learn and to truly do things differently. "History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. What can you point to that is new? How do you know it didn't already exist long ago? We don't remember what happened in the former times. And in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now (Ecc 1:9-12 NLT)."

I hope that someday we will remember and will be willing to support stewardship of our resources in a more ethical responsible way. Until such a time, let us make our choices regarding our own lives and hold those in power to actually do what they say they are going to do.

Advent

I have been having several of these "God" moments that come often when I least expect them to arise. I touched upon this particular moment in my sermon on Sunday but wanted to spend more time reflecting on it as I prepare myself for this Advent and Christmas season. This moment occurred right before the start of a wedding that I officiated at Saturday. During this interlude before the service, I was talking to a person and we began to chat about Thanksgiving and what we had done. We were also talking about "black Friday" and the people lining up for the bargains at various stores often getting into line at 3 am. We spent time wondering about this and she made a comment, "Wouldn't be wonderful if Christmas was more like Thanksgiving." Her comment made me begin to think about what I was planning on preaching this Advent which was Christmas in our culture. It struck me about what we have done with celebrating the birth of our Savior.
I began to reflect on not only my behavior but even my family's behavior during this time. While Thanksgiving is a secular holiday which we have incorporated as religious institutions, Christmas is a religious holiday which has be usurped by the secular institutions. It now has become a time of over consumption, busyness, for many a time of depression and anxiety, so much so that people complain about the holiday. Some spend so much time fretting over the perfect meal or gift, that they have lost sight of what this time of year was supposed to mean.
There have been several meaningless attempts to change our attitudes with such slogans as "Let's put back Christ in Christmas, Let's look for the true meaning of Christmas (as if it was ever lost), and others. What struck me was that despite the good intentions of those who propose such things, I see no effort to choose to do things differently. We are the ones who choose to do the things that we often complain about. We have been socialized in such a way that the normal or natural way of doing things involve "black Fridays" and other social ideas of Christmas. We cannot blame others but need to take responsibility for our own choices as difficult as that may be. It is the same with other choices that we make such as youth sports on Sunday that interfere with church and with families. We are the ones that continue to make that possible. Similar to an event here in Omaha when Hannah Montana came and many parents spent outlandish amount of money to get tickets. Some were conned out of their money and were complaining about that and rightly so. Yet, why did they spend 200-300 dollars for a 60-80 dollar ticket? I wonder why they couldn't say no to their child. And I have to look in a mirror and wonder why I would spend so much money for my grandkids for presents?
If we want to make Christmas be more meaningful, we need to look at the choices that we make and decide if that is in the spirit of Christ or do we want just another secular holiday celebrating consumerism.

Thanksgiving

I want to first wish everyone who reads my blog a happy thanksgiving. I pray that it is a time of family fellowship, reflection, and remembering all the blessings that we have received. I know that Nancy and I will be enjoying a quiet day to ourselves this Thanksgiving and will be seeing our kids this weekend.
I wanted to share with you something that I call one of those "God moments." At our bible study Monday night, we are continuing to study Leviticus. As we were discussing what we can discern from the scripture, someone asked me for my opinion about something and stated "What did they tell at your cemetery?" We all had a chuckle about the slip of the tongue. But as I had time to reflect on that statement, I realized that there was a great deal of truth in what was said. I value my experiences at seminary. I learned a lot about differing ways of understanding church history, understanding about doctrines, and scripture. I have grown a great deal spiritually from my experiences. Though as I reflected on that statement and as I was planning a funeral service the next day, I realized that the foundation of my beliefs was not at seminary but at the cemetery.
It is at the cemetery, at the tomb, and at the empty tomb that I believe our foundation of belief and faith arises. It is there I find the most hope to be able to do what I do. Without that I feel that whatever we decide has less meaning then going about sharing the hope of Christ and God's love and mercy with those we meet. As we approach Advent and Christmas, I believe it is important to remember not just Christ's birth or what I may get but rather what God gave us. For that I give all my thanksgiving to God this holiday.
I pray that everyone experiences one or more of these "God moments" in their life this time of year. I invite you to share those with the people around and even share here.
God be with you this day and everyday.

Stewardship

I have been doing a series of sermons on stewardship using ideas from Logos productions Stewardship of Bread. This Sunday is our commitment Sunday where we with reflection and prayer bring our commitments to fund our ministries. With our bible study of Leviticus and with preparation on these sermons, I have become more aware of my need to make decisions regarding the resources that I have and how am I sharing those with those in need. I have been preaching about planting seeds and harvesting the fruit of those seeds, making them into mission ministry, and sharing with those around us in our community. I have also been reflecting on the bigger question of stewardship and sacrifice.
Today the leading scientists have stated that the world is growing warmer at a more rapid pace that what was first believed. They are beginning to look at the consequences of that global warming and how it will affect not only the animal kingdom but also humans. We have towns now in the United States that have no water and are dependent on piping water from other areas to be able to drink, wash, and to use for toilets. What happens if where they are going to get their water also run out of water. What will happen in Western Nebraska when they finally drain the Ogallala Aquifer? These are not some far off future events but are occurring in the present or in the next 10-15 years. What are we to do?
Stewardship means making informed and ethical decisions not only for what is best for us but what is best for those who will follow us. I am fearful that if we wait until the major crisis comes we will not be able to reverse what is happening. My concern is that our government is crisis oriented and takes so long to reach a decision that it will be too late. Maybe I am a doomsayer and completely wrong but the concern of how we do things no matter what needs to be rethought.
One part of the sharing part of stewardship involves feeding others who are effected by the droughts in the world here and abroad. Feed my starving Children (www.fmsc.org) figures to feed 5000 a nutritious meal would cost about 15 cents a meal or about $750. Here in Omaha to make a bag lunch for people would cost about 70 cents a meal or feeding 5000 would be $3500. I believe as we take part in mission work through our contributions and our time we become more aware of other ways we can be more willing to share what we have.
I believe I have been rambling enough. As we approach Thanksgiving, I would ask that everyone remember to thank God what they have been blessed with and to share with those around them. Also to remember that God created all that is and we are responsible to care for it.

Sacrifice

I have had some comments about my blog from yesterday about rationing personal use of gasoline. Most have called to question the feasibility of doing that with the lack of good mass transit and especially in rural areas. And the people are right. But I would bring up why don't we have mass transit availability? It has never been a priority because we the consumer have grown easy with our "unlimited" resources and have not been concerned about the impact that our choices have made. Another comment was that we could work to improve the gas mileage of cars and SUV's. And again I would agree. But look at the flak that occurred when congress wanted to make the car industry increase the gas mileage to 25mpg. People were outraged about whether or not that was fair including the executive branch which makes their money from the oil industry. Congress was willing to give car makers until 2010-2014 to make the changes when we have the ability to do that right now.
It would mean giving up Hummers, large SUV's that currently only get 12-15mpg. Is that good stewardship? I believe that we need to take a look at our willingness to go beyond just complaining about something and actually doing something ourselves to act responsibly and be a good steward of the resources that we possess. In bible study, we are studying Leviticus. We discussed that idea of sacrifice not as obligation but as a means of coming closer to God and to God's creation. Our willingness to even be inconvienced some may have a greater ability to bring us closer to our families, ourselves, and our God. It is not so much giving up something as giving to something.

Random thoughts

I often read with humor the letters to the editor in the World Herald. There are a few that can get my blood pressure up and others that seem to be just greatly misinformed. There also many that show thoughtfulness and careful reflection even on things that I would not agree on. There have been several that have dealt with the idea of becoming less dependent on foreign oil. I agree that we should look at ways that we can lessen our dependencies. Ethanol has been touted as the savior. I do feel using renewable resources certainly has more going for it than our using resources that have limits. There is a concern though that using particularly corn or soy can lead to decreases in the production of food which would greatly affect the poor. We need to become more aware of the interconnectedness of our decisions.
I did have an idea about how we can drastically cut our dependence on gasoline if we are serious about wanting to do that. I would think if we would ration gasoline for personal use to about 10 gallons a month think about what that would mean. It would require us to be more diligent about how we use our cars especially in commuting to work and to others non-essential trips. It would require us to be more aware of mass transit, the development of vehicles that would get increased mileage, and looking at alternative fuel such as electric and hydrogen cells. It would require our society to think beyond themselves and to think about others. We could also get serious about car pooling.
I know that often I will get in the car to go get my daily fix of coffee. That is not essential and if I was in better shape I could ride my bicycle to get there. Maybe that would be the motivation for me to get into shape and something that I could reward myself.
Think about it dear readers.

Scarcity or abundance

Today being Sunday I preached on the concepts of the myth of scarcity and the actuality of abundance and how that effects what we do with our time, talent, and treasure. The scripture came from 1 Kings 17:8-15 about Elijah and the widow. I had focused on the idea that it took quite a leap of faith for the widow to give what little she had knowing that it would lead to her and her son's death. Despite have nothing, she felt it was more important to be hospitable to a stranger who came to her house.
One thing that I did not talk about was something a friend and I discussed. He had served as a missionary in Africa and Iran among other places. One thing that he noticed was that those who were often without many resources were more likely to share what they had than those who had more resources. In talking to some of the members of our congregation, that seemed to be true for them. In fact one person stated that Mississippi one of the poorer states had one of the highest giving rate per capita. Richer states had less giving even though they had more disposable income. It would seem that those who had more to give spent more time keeping what they had regardless of how others may be in need. I found it interesting that when God blesses us we are more likely to hoarde that blessing and not share that with others.
As I was preparing my sermon, I was reading my devotional from "This Day," by Stookey. The scriptures were "The wicked borrow, and do not pay back, but the righteous are generous and keep giving (Psalm 37.21)." Also "God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9.7)." He reflects on these scriptures, "The gospel often sounds like sheer foolishness when judged by human wisdom. God seems not to care about how much we earn, though it is by this measure that people in our society largely judge one another. Rather God cares about how much of what we have we give away; a matter never mentioned by those who want to impress us with their incomes."
He also says to ask ourselves this day: "Am I a cheerful giver or a reluctant one? When giving something away, do I ever quietly utter this prayer: 'O Lord, help me to give away even more?' How often do I recall John Wesley's rule: 'Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give away all you can?' How can I increase both my gifts and my eagerness to give? (49)"
God wants us to look beyond ourselves and our wants. We are to have faith in the abundance of God rather than the myth of scarcity. If we would equitably share the resources that we have, I believe that we could eliminate hunger, provide adequate health care, and fulfill the commandments of loving God and loving our neighbor. It takes a change of attitude about what we have and what we truly need. This is not only the money that we have but also the attitudes that we have about our environment and our willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of creation.

Community

I have been reflecting quite a bit about what it means to be a community of faith. This time of year at our church we are looking at stewardship and ministry. I believe that both community and stewardship are tied together. What we belong to and want to continue to be part of we will support with our time, talent, and treasure. I think about all the opportunities that people have to belong to and yet service organizations are struggling for membership as are churches. Sporting teams seem to flourish and take time even when they intrude on Sabbath. Even gangs are flourishing while communities of faith struggle. I wonder where churches are failing to address the needs that people have for belonging to something meaningful in their lives. Sports provide a concrete way of being part of something. Churches somehow are not providing for that need.
I struggle mostly with the idea that even though we are blessed with the financial support to do our ministries, our attendance at worship and at other church functions are down. It would appear that more people are comfortable talking about their social activities than about their faith and their church. A sociologist named Robert Putman wrote a book entitled "Bowing Alone" in 2000 that describes the collapse of American community. The book goes into depth about the continued disconnectedness of one another and how social structures whether they be the PTA, church, or even political parties have disintegrated. Even after 9/11 there has continued to be the trend of this social disconnected aspect of community.
Even with this happening many people complain about the fears that they have about what is happening and the feelings of insecurity. Despite their complaints they still tend to pull away from the very social structures that could impact those concerns directly. People are turning to the Internet, television, video games, on-line games and chat; and complain about feeling alienated. I came across a mediation found in Lawrence Stookey's book "This Day."
He begins by quoting from 1 Corinthians 12:26-27. "If a member suffers, all suffer together with it, if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." I am reminded what Martin Luther King Jr said in the letter from the Birmingham jail about if one person suffers injustice we are suffer together. Stookey then quotes from Hebrews 10:24-25. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." He states, "As it takes an entire village to raise a child, so also it takes an entire congregation to nurture a Christian. God has created human beings in an interlocking system of relationships, apart from which we cannot flourish. The church is a gift from God in order that we may be provided with a community of faith in which to grow; in the process this community holds us accountable and encourages us in our spiritual journey. Regular participation in the life of a congregation is intended to be mutually beneficial. As others spur us on, so we also spur others on. (p80)"
My concern is that if we continue to pursue only our individual lives and getting only what benefits me, I will never be held accountable to others and how what I do affects others. So whether I misuse resources, spend time isolated from others, consume without discrimination and understanding of why what I buy is so cheap, I perpetuate the problems that our society and God's creation face. As a Christian, I need to be reminded that just sitting back is not what Jesus or even Paul suggests. We are to go out to invite others into relationship with God and with one another, face to face. It means making community and one's presence in that community a priority in one's life. When we do that and are willing to share that, just maybe we could see some of the issues that cause the most fear lessen.

Reflections on our society

I wanted to write about some thoughts that I have had. I awoke at 3:30 am with these thoughts going through my head. I hope that you will hang in there with me as I put down in words what I was dreaming and reflecting on.
Over the last few weeks, we have been inundated with article after article about terrorism, homosexuality, and abortion. Whether it is statements from a so-called church in Kansas to articles from candidates, and from the news media. It would seem that if we believed all that everyone says we are doomed as a nation for any or all of these issues. I personally believe all the issues are important to spend time reflecting and even debating about. But in my reading of scriptures both Hebrew and Christian what will be the destruction of our nation will not depend on those issues but rather on the issues of how we treat one another.
Starting in the Torah especially in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, continuing in the books of history, the books of Wisdom, and the prophets, and continuing in the gospels and Paul's letters, God has continually stated that a nation will be held in judgment on how the people treat the orphans, the widows and the "aliens" among us. Certainly there are scriptures that speak to the issues of homosexuality and abortion but they are few and far between compared to God speaking about how we treat one another.
It was set up that the people were to make sure that there was enough to eat for those who are marginalized in the world. It not only applied to the citizens of the nation but to all the people as demonstrated by Jesus and the Syria-Phoenician woman. Jesus in the gospel of Matthew Chapter 25 speaks to how we treat the least of those around us is in actuality the way we treat Jesus. Jesus presents the way God intends for us to live. Ensuring that all people have enough to eat, have the ability to be healed, the ability to have shelter, and even though not stated the ability to receive education. How we live out this scriptural mandate will determine whether or not others will destroy our nation whether by terrorists or hate mongers who live in this country.
As I look at the fall of the mighty empires in the past, it is almost always due to their not caring for those who live in their care. Think about Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Europe, Germany, France, Russia all of these great nations began to fall apart because those in power sought to exploit others to become wealthier and gain more power. The question becomes what are we supposed to do as Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all the other faiths.
I don't see either of our political parties being an answer to this issue. The republican candidates are spending most of their time trying to out-conservative each other. The democrat candidates seem to be caught up in their platitudes and easy answers to complex questions. I personally do not believe that our government has an answer to the care of all its citizens and especially for those outside our nation. John Wesley mentioned that as methodists we are to treat the world as our parish. I believe our hope in changing this world lies in communities of faith. We need to step forward and begin to ethically act in the way God has demonstrated in the scriptures. Our government needs to make sure that we are safe and secure to be able to accomplish this. We need to be held accountable about what we do with the resources that we have been blessed. I do not believe it is only those who are wealthy that bear the burden but we all do.
My ideal naive as it may be would be that churches, synagogues, temples would come together sharing their resources to ensure that those who need food, health care, education, spiritual support would have access to that. There have been many attempts to do that but I believe rather than individual giving it should come from the budgets of the religious institutions. At the time of the early Christians, that is how they survived. They could not depend on Rome but could depend on each other. I would ask for those who read this blog to reflect on what I have said whether you agree or not. Let us work together in ways that we can debate, discuss, and ultimately act in the way God calls us.
I am done and will not step off my soapbox. I wanted to share what keeps me up at night not only for others to comtemplate but also to release what has been given to me.

Success and failure

Sunday I preached about how failure can be an opportunity. Too often we push being successful and how we define success ranging from making good grades, scoring high on the SAT, how much money or goods we possess, etc. While those are sometimes needed, I feel that it is more important as to what goes on within a person rather than what others would judge. I talked about how Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison would have been seen by the typical school judgments of what is successful. Neither one did particularly well in school and yet both were geniuses in what they accomplished. I quoted from both men. I wanted to include them here. Quotes on success:
Thomas Edison: I have not failed. I’ve found 10,000 ways that won’t work. I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.
Albert Einstein: Try not to become a person of success but rather try to become a person of value.

I must of touched upon several people as there were many stories and accounts about how others had been judged as to their worth usually negatively and how they were able to overcome that labeling and become successful. What seemed to be true was not only did they become successful but they also had an integrity about them. I believe that is what Jesus calls us to be. More concerned about the integrity and relationship we have with God and our neighbor than being so concerned about living up to expectations of the world. I personally would rather be a person of value, faithful to Jesus and God, than to be so concerned about what car I drive, what house I live in, and how much I earn. I would wonder what type of world we would live in if we all adapted the idea of being of value to God's creation. Not only we being a person of value but treating others as if they were of value also.

more pictures of 125th and grandkids

Wednesday the 17th

Talk about a creative title. I wanted to make sure to write and to include the photo of the quilt that was created following 9/11. I was impressed not just by the workmanship but also about the statement it had to make about who we ideally are as Americans. I have been recovering from our 125th anniversary which went extremely well. The reason it went so well was all those who were behind the scenes planning this event for the past two years. Without those who were responsible I am certain it would not have been as impressive as it was. Our Bishop preached and we celebrated with a catered meal and entertainment. I will include some of the special quilts and stained glass that was an important gifts we received. I will do so at another blog entry.

The dedication especially as the time drew near was outstanding. So for those who read this and who participated mucho gracious, merci beaucoup, and thank you. If you see the people who helped bring this together take some time and let them know how much you appreciated the work that they did.

Gratitude

It has been so long since I have taken time to write. Our church is celebrating 125 years of being in the Springfield community. In this day when we have difficulty remembering what we have done in the last 5 years, this is quite the accomplishment. I am honored to be the pastor of this church which has seen wars, depression, recession, dust bowls, a lunar landing, and so much in the history of the church. It has remained faithful during all that time. Sometimes it seems we worship modernity so much that we forget the traditions that have been the foundation of our lives. Sometimes I also feel that we can also dishonor those who have been part of the builder generation which has contributed to our freedoms and our beliefs.
As we were preparing to celebrate this Sunday, I preached on the passage in Luke about the ten lepers. When they asked for mercy, Jesus was merciful. Nine went to the temple as Jesus commanded. Only one who saw that he was cured came back praising God and Jesus. The twist of the story was that he was a foreigner, "a Samaritan." I was thinking about how we need to open our eyes to see the blessing that God has provided to us through Jesus Christ.
As I have had time to reflect, I also believe that we often take our past for granted. It seems that we often repeat our history and have difficulty remembering. We do not "see" what God in the presence of others in our past and in our present is doing or has done. We become so embroiled in our own individual lives that we fail as a community. One example that I read dealt with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize. One article in our paper mentioned that global warming or the continuing pollution of our world was not a major political concern among most people. Whether one believes in global warming or not, I would think that most of the people should become aware of the environmental impact our style of living is producing. We no longer have many rivers in the USA that are not polluted. Many of our cities have unsafe air to breathe. The number of recalls for contaminated food have risen. Yet we are not willing to sacrifice our lifestyle to help save our future. I would wonder how my generation would survive an economic depression that my parents lived through.
I want to open my eyes and to be in a state of gratitude for what God has provided in my life. And not be so concerned about owning a new car, a new house, or even making so much money that I would not know what to do with it. I pray that we, including myself, will open our eyes to appreciate the gift that God has given us in this world and in the people who live in it.

Back home

Nancy and I have arrived home safely from our trip. Needless to say our cats have made it known to us about our leaving them even though they were well taken care of by Luan. Thanks Luan. We will have a day where we can spend time unwinding and spending time with our grandchildren here in Omaha. We had a great time and the second dinner theater Tuesday was fantastic though not a comedy. We did stop in Galesburg Ill home of Carl Sandburg one of my favorite poets. We also stopped at one fabric store in Grinell Ia the Grinell Fiber Works. I took some pictures of one of their quilts that they did shortly after 9/11 with all the world's religious symbols and people of diversity represented in the quilt. I hope to post that in my next blog.
One other thing to note was that when we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Louisville I was impressed that they use Rainforest Alliance certified coffee. Being Methodist, I am aware and hopefully others are also of Free Trade coffee which guarantees a fair price to be paid to the growers of coffee and other products. Similarly no sweat t-shirts are part of our mission to not exploit workers. Rainforest Alliance is similar with the ideas of sustainable environment, fair markets for all people. Below is their values and mission.
Our Values and Vision for the Future
At the Rainforest Alliance our work is guided by these core values:
Respect and concern for natural environments, local peoples and all stakeholders
Dedication to pioneering pragmatic innovations with respect to common practices
A belief that sustainability is achievable only through collaboration and mutual success
An unwavering commitment to integrity in all that we do. We have taken steps to ensure our integrity
Envisioning a Sustainable Future
The Rainforest Alliance believes that it is possible to create a sustainable society, one that protects the planet and provides sustainable livelihoods for its people.
To achieve our vision, we must transform the current destructive market system into one that values sustainable production, sourcing, consumption and equitable trade.
We believe that sustainable management of businesses of all sizes requires:
Clean air and water
Healthy biodiversity and wildlife habitat
Reduction of waste and toxicity
Reduction and mitigation of global warming
Dignified and safe living and working conditions, with adequate food, education and health care for workers and their families
Equal opportunity for all
We believe that a sustainable market system requires that:
Sustainable sourcing, supply chain management and public accountability are standard practice
Products carry prices that reflect their real environmental, economic and social value
Sustainable producers, small and community-based businesses have equitable market access
People demand and have access to high-quality, sustainable and healthy products and choices
Financial and insurance sectors support sustainable operations and penalize unsustainable ones
Governments support sustainability through procurement, incentives, and regulations
Civil society sources sustainably
I am not sure if this is true for all Holiday Inns but I was impressed. I believe we need to remember [my paraphrase] what Jesus said that how we treat the least of them represents how we treat Jesus. I have tried to change the type of coffee we buy in our church to Fair Trade or Sustainable Certified coffee. Too often major coffee producers do not offer fair and equatible pay to those who raise their product and thus continue to exploit not only the workers but the land itself. I hope that in some small way we can become more aware of the injustice of this and do what we can to support fair trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Sustainable Certified products whenever we can.
This is especially true as we come to World Communion Sunday this Sunday. Let us be in community with the world not exploiting it.

Update

Nancy and I are enjoying our time here in Louisville. Donita stated that this was God's country. I don't know about that but if it isn't you certainly are close. The people on the whole are friendly and willing to help "aliens among them." I am sure they wonder if we speak the same language that they do. I almost have saying Louisville down. One person said that you say Louisville as if you are spitting tobbaca.
We have toured several art museums and plan to go yet today. Tonight we will be attending another dinner theater, "Wait til Dark." Wednesday we will be traveling and plan to be back by Friday evening. This has been a wonderful time.
What has impressed so is how important hospitality really is. I remember reading that in a restaurant even if the food is average and the service is great people will return based only on the service. I can appreciate that. We went to a candy store that has been in business for over 150 years. They have had different owners but they still make all their candy by hand. It is delicious. It costs more than Russel Stover but the quality is so much better. They are widely known throughout the south and mid-west for their candy. They even make sugar-free candy. The owners not only gave us a sample but spent time talking about their business and making us feel welcome. Doing that costs nothing and yet the payoff is so great. It was not just the owners but every employee who went out of their way to welcome you. A good lesson for us if we want to do radical hospitality.

Sing Hallelujah

Nancy and I just have gotten back from attending the dinner theater matinee of Sing Hallelujah! My first thought was how I wished that everyone that I know could have been there to witness the play and hear the music. The play itself was very well done about a pastor in his first church following seminary. His enthusiasm for his first church and his desire to praise God was met with dealing with church politics and church gossip. Rather than being discouraged he met the challenge issued to bring back three former members and restore them to the grace of God. He went to a local saloon and met with someone with a drinking problem who was a former member. He was sincere in the desire to reach out to him in love as in the hymn the 90 and 9. He also reached out to a divorced woman who did not feel comfortable returning to the church because of the fear of how others might judge her.
It was also an interesting contrast between the way one always does things and trying to do something new. It started with his first sermon which according to some was too short, not full of hellfire and brimstone, and short on God's judgment. What was amazing to me was not how this can happen in most churches but how the people came together at the end due to opening themselves to the grace of God.
The songs ranged from Amazing Grace, Do Lord, His name was Abraham, Swing down Chariot, the Ninety and nine, Joshua fit the battle of Jericho, Onward Christian Soldiers, Glory train and more. The music helped with setting the mood of the play and conveying the spirit (Holy Spirit) of the performance. The audience often were clapping their hands and there were a few tears including mine.
I am reminded how singing praise songs, even the so-called tradition hymns, can evoke one's emotions and connection with God. Music was part of times that disciples gathered together since the very beginning of the church. Music continues to play a role in the way we worship today. I came away inspired not just by the message that I heard but also by the songs that were sung as they were met to be sung with feeling, gusto, and exuberance. I would heartily recommend if you are in the area of Louisville KY go across the Ohio and go to the Derby Dinner Playhouse. It was wonderful. This was the last showing and I wished we could gather the entire cast to come our way.
A side note about the experience. There were several church groups who were attending and one of them was a United Methodist Church. Nancy and I went over and introduced ourselves and they were very welcoming. I was asked if Nebraska had a football team. I did mention what happened to Louisville. We shared about our churches and it was great to meet them. Another bonus with the connectional system. God Bless you all. Until later.

The pictures are from the family going to the Pirates game. The weather was iffy and the Pirates played poorly, but we had a great time. This was my grandson's first game and my grand daughter's second game. It is always fascinating to have a first experience and enjoy it. We did well until the 8th inning. I wish we could see things with fresh eyes all the time. Saves a lot on being cynical. More later.

Pirates game

Traveling

There is something about the idea of traveling that excites me. Getting in the car and driving particularly is my time of meditation. Seeing new sights and trying new ways of journeying, I find myself becoming more relaxed. That is until the driver beside me cuts me off in traffic. Can't zone out to much.
Often when I travel, I will find myself getting off at the wrong exit or taking an unexpected detour. Sometimes these can lead to an undiscovered treasure. So far this trip I have not had that happen but who knows I still have a week and a half to find out. Needless to say Nancy and I made it safely to Indiana Pennsylvania. We didn't arrive at the time that I thought we would but, Thank God for the travel mercies, we arrived safely.
As we were driving, both of us were aware of the changing environment that surrounded us. As we began to head into the hills of Ohio and Pennsylvania, there are so many differing trees and vegetation compared to Nebraska. Also the corn here is not ready for harvest being still somewhat green. I was a joy to get hugs from my grandchildren and to wake up and see them off to school and day care.
I enjoy traveling and can understand how the writers of scripture would use the analogy of journey to be important to understanding how God works. From Genesis, to the Gospels, and especially in Acts, the theme of traveling takes on meaning about what God is doing in our lives. Every time that we travel we should remember that in the journey God is present to us to share with those who are around us. Whether we travel to distant states or just commute to work, God is present and we need to take time to remember what God has done in other journeyers and what God is doing in our lives.

Praying for everyone

The texts for this Sunday certainly present a challenge from Jeremiah, to the parable in Luke of the shrewd (dishonest) manager, and even the text from 1 Timothy. I have been struggling about where I wanted to focus on for my sermon. I will be using the text from 1 Timothy. I have talked with others who will be presenting on Jeremiah with the harvest theme and we are not yet saved and the shrewd or dishonest manager. Where I struggle with the Luke story is that we live in such ages of dishonest managers that it would be easy to twist the story to vindicate their dishonesty and their criminal behavior by saying they were only being shrewd. Not is not the point of the parable and it is a parable. Still I am struggling with preaching on this and since I am planning on leaving for vacation Sunday afternoon, I wanted to do something different.
So I chose 1 Timothy which is not without its controversy. Because the author (supposedly Paul) states that we should be praying for everyone, including our political leaders. It seems that it may be easy to pray for those of one's particular party at least here in the United States, it is more difficult to pray for those in the opposite party. Rather we tend to qualify our prayers. There are even those who pray for unfortunate events to occur. Much like some people praying for the death of various leaders throughout the world. Some have even demonized political opponents which not only creates character doubts for the opponents but also on those who would resort to such things. The author states rather we should pray for their well-being.
There is a Jewish story about God and a farmer. God promises to the farmer to grant what he wants but that what ever he asks he will give double to his neighbor. The farmer asks for 100 cattle and God gives him his wish and his neighbor received 200. The farmer than asks for 100 acres of land and he gets his wish. His neighbor receives 200 acres. The farmer becomes upset that his neighbor receives more than what he has. So he asks for his last wish that God would strike him blind in one eye. And God wept.
I know that sometimes I too can be envious of others and at times be angry. Rather than praying for my benefit I need to pray mostly for those with whom I disagree, whom I envy for their continuing success, for those who are critical, and even with the leaders with whom I disagree. My prayers need to be for them to lift them up and to heal my spirit. Today think about those to whom you need to pray not just family, friends, church members but for your enemies for their health and for them to become closer to Jesus.

Reflection on Jeremiah

As I was studying the scriptures for Sunday, I came across two different reflections that seem to work together. One is from "Awaken" and the other is from "This Day," by Laurence Stookey. I would suggest before reading further take out your Bible and read Jeremiah 8.18-19.1. Read the passage slowly allowing the lament to deepen in your mind and soul. I can hear the anguish the writer has about what he has seen and the way people are reacting. Can you not hear the cries even today as to where is God? The cries of feeling forsaken and yet not realizing that they are the ones who have rejected their relationship and covenant with God. It is not divine retribution but humans turning their back on what God has ordained.
According to "Awaken," "The key element of the passage is one of utter loss and devastation, a relationship that has gone terribly wrong. God and the people are no longer united, this is a reality. God is not present in Zion because the people have driven God away, figuratively, and this has resulted in the people's banishment. They turned their backs on God and now wonder why they cannot see God." This was written during the exile as the people attempted to understand why they were enslaved. Throughout the prophets the people were told that they were pursuing idols and false gods. They would not listen and now the consequences of their choices has happened to them. Typical they still do not see how they have contributed to the very problems that they have created. Not much has changed in the thousands of years later. Humans still pursue false gods and idols and then when things go wrong want to blame God for their own choices despite being aware of what God has ordained both here and through Jesus Christ. The cry for healing is great among the people then and today. So what are we to do?
Laurence Stookey writes for the 15th day of the month in "This Day," advice that we can use to reflect on in our own lives. "Ask yourself these questions. When an honest answer is not to your liking, ask God for the strength and wisdom to improve.
What have I done in the past two weeks to help others: to console the distraught, to assist the weak, to guide the confused, and so on?
What have I done to alleviate the larger causes of human suffering: to seek justice, to advance humane treatment of all, to overcome oppression and exploitation of the weak, to speak up in the defence of those who were misrepresented or mistreated?
Have I participated in the weekly worship of the congregation?
Have I received the Supper of the Lord?
If so, has it been for me since then a sign of the presence and power of the risen Lord in our midst?
How faithful have I been in daily devotions, and what benefit have I received from these that has strengthened me for service to others?
In these devotions, have I remembered those for whom prayers were asked in congregational worship?
Does fasting or abstinence in an appropriate form commend itself to me today?"

I was caught with how these two seem to integrate with one another. For if I would take the time to do what Stookey recommends, I would not turn my back on God or pursue false idols. And when I fall short, I need to take time to ask God for the strength and wisdom to improve. Where might you be? Are you lamenting or complaining? Or are you making a difference by acting faithfully in what God has called us to do?

What to think with the next pot luck

Every once in awhile, I come across an article that I think is insightful and want to share with those who might read my blog. This came from UMNexus who sends me their information through the email. The subscription is free if you are interested in receiving this. I copied an article about Methodist Pot Lucks that I think we should seriously read and to reflect on. It was an eyeopener for me especially as I am trying to lose a few pounds and have to watch my calorie and sugar intake. Read and if you have time reply.
My Big Fat Church Supper ReduxBy Cynthia B. Astle
Oh, those potluck church suppers! Thinking of all that comfort food laid out on long tables makes a faithful United Methodist's mouth water. We even joke that instead of the cross-and-flame, our official denominational logo ought to be a casserole dish.And yet … Let's face it, friends, we all need to eat healthier. Better nutrition is an especially critical situation for our beloved clergy, who've been found to be among some of the most unhealthy professionals on the planet – a combination of too much stress, too little exercise and yes, those Big, Fat Church Suppers.How critical is it? Let's take a look at the caloric intake of a traditional church supper consisting of fried chicken, green bean casserole, potato salad, molded gelatin salad, coleslaw (see a theme emerging?), apple pie and chocolate cake (because we don't want to hurt someone's feelings by not trying their dessert).
Fried chicken (1 piece) 905 calories
Green bean casserole (1/2 cup) 120 calories
Potato salad (1/2 cup) 340 calories
Molded gelatin salad (1/2 cup) 180 calories
Coleslaw (1/2 cup) 110 calories
Apple pie (1/6 of 8-inch pie) 280 calories
Chocolate cake (1/16 slice) 280 calories
GRAND TOTAL 2115 calories
There you go – one plate of church potluck and you won't have to eat again that Sunday. Take seconds, or double portions, and you won't have to eat on Monday, either. Note that this menu doesn't include rolls or sweetened iced tea – another 258 calories for one dinner roll and another 50 calories in tea with two rounded teaspoons of sugar.What's a congregation to do? Eating together, from the ritual feast of the Eucharist to the feast of the fellowship table, is a bedrock cultural practice of church. Can we keep the tradition and have our angel food cake, too? Here are some ideas from two UM NeXus readers, both clergywomen, who responded to our recent invitation to talk about My Big, Fat Church Supper.Rev. Helen Dukes: “I was very thin until I became a pastor. Nevertheless, I served one church that made sense. There were many diabetics in the congregation and at all the events the food served took on a health quality, from veggies and dip replacing cookies to sugar-free deserts. We just need to learn to care about the health of one another and not feed our sweet tooth and ego instead. It’s a matter of love instead of indulgence, remembering that sharing table fellowship (especially communion) is a part of our Christian bonding process.”Rev. Nancy A. Carter: "I have been concerned for a long time about the 'food culture' seen in most congregations, gatherings of United Methodist Women, and so on. A couple of decades (or more) ago, when I was in my 30s, I tried to maintain a very healthy diet in the midst of the church and broader culture. I would call ahead to places where I was going to meetings and send written information about my diet, to mixed results. Finally, after a few years and as I went to pastor a church for the first time, I gave up on the diet. If I had stayed with my eating 'discipline,' I would be much healthier now -- I know that."1. When a dish contains a variety of ingredients, all of these should be listed on a note card that accompanies the dish. Not only might this help folk thinking about calories but those who have allergies or conditions like celiac sprue. When hosting small groups at my home, I have either done this or verbally told them what is in various dishes."2. We need to take into account not only our health but that of others beyond our household or neighborhood. Often what may not be healthy or as healthy for us to eat/drink is not healthy for other people, animals, and/or the environment. In our eating habits, we need to look at products that come are Fair Trade, organic, locally grown, etc. -- how can we help not only ourselves but others. Where did that coffee, sugar, chocolate come from? How was it produced? Who benefited? Did anyone suffer [from this food production]?"3. John Wesley encouraged fasting . . .'Wesley was convinced that fasting, abstaining from food or drink, was a practice firmly grounded in the Bible. People in Old Testament times fasted (Ezra 8:23). So did Jesus and his followers (Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:3), and Wesley saw no reason why modern Christians should not follow the same pattern. His plan of fasting sometimes allowed for limited eating and drinking. He found that fasting advanced holiness.' (Page 33, "John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life" by Charles Yrigoyen, Jr.)"4. Some of my suggestions imply that educating ourselves and congregations may be needed -- not only about obvious things like nutrition but also to put it in the context of how it fits in the broader picture of holy living and 'moving on to perfection.' Congregational responses might lead them into unanticipated areas. I mentioned Fair Trade but also we know, for example, that eating disorders can be related to experiences of childhood abuse. Then there is that other big issue of poverty and hunger -- not only 'overseas,' but in our own neighborhood. What we eat and why does not happen in isolation."Note the spiritual depth of these two responses: Helen's "it's about love, not indulgence," and Nancy's "diet discipline" and "fasting." Could we get any more Wesleyan about our food culture than to prepare our dishes with the idea of "watching over one another in love" when potluck suppers roll around? Is your congregation fostering healthier choices in life?

The gods of productivity and efficiency

I have been working on our Bible study of Exodus. In the notes, I have come across some comments by Walter Brueggemann that are found in the New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 1 Exodus. What he had to say parallels what I have been reading in "Deep Economy" by Bill McKibben. What McKibben talks mostly about is the present way we go about our lives striving to have more and more. As we gather all this material information, study after study points out that we are not happier than we were prior to having all the choices and lifestyle that we have today. There seems to be such a disconnect with our sense of happiness in our "hyperindividualism." Even when I was teaching sociology and social work, I frequently commented that there seems to be more concern about what the individual wants that the sense of community has fallen to the wayside. I have been concerned about this loss in our neighborhoods, our society, and even in our world. This seems to be not what God intends for us. Yet, even in churches today it seems to revolve about meeting my needs rather than being concerned about others. So that we can turn a blind eye on the exploitation of people in other parts of the world that support our style of living. We continue to buy cars, SUV's, and other vehicles that use an extraordinary amount of oil and then complain that we cannot have cheap oil or food because we want food that is out of season where we live.
McKibben states, "Fast, cheap and easy is what we have at the moment, they are the cardinal virtues upon which our economy rests (and if they are also adjectives you don't want attached to your child, well, that should give you a little pause). The word we use to sum up these virtues is "efficiency," and on its altar we have sacrificed a good deal: our small farms were inefficient compared with factory farms; our local retailers were inefficient compared with Wal-Mart; having free time is inefficient compared with working more hours. Relationships were inefficient compared with things. And, in a certain, limited sense, each of these ideas is correct. If you leave certain factors (pollution, say and unhappiness) out of account, we've built a society more efficient than any the world has ever seen" (pg 120). Research shows that instead of people working fewer hours they are working more hours or working more than one job. When asked what would make a person happier the number one answer was more money. In fact, we have gotten information about what people want most from church and the answer is recreation. Somehow I was not surprised.
McKibben goes on to say that something needs to change and that it is not a liberal, conservative, Democratic, Republican, social conservatives and environmental progressives agenda. "At the risk of betraying my background as a Sunday school teacher, let me say that these changes seem to me, at least in some measure, to be compatible with strong faith.
Consider an obvious example that makes this point clear. The most inefficient idea our society ever embraced was originally a Jewish inspiration: the Sabbath, a day set aside for relationships with family and with God and with the world around us. For much of American history, things stopped on the Sabbath...The seventh day offered a chance to rebalance your life a little...What brought down [the blue laws] was precisely the understanding that they were inefficient--they reduced the amount of business that could get done, the amount of money that could be made" (pgs 120-121). He points out the biggest supporter in Virginia to repeal the blue laws was the Chamber of Commerce.
In our study of Exodus, we are studying how the Pharaoh attempted to keep the people of Israel subjugated. Especially when Moses came to ask permission for the people to go worship. Walter Brueggemann commented, "The strategy of Pharaoh is worth study. His notion is that the pressure of productivity is the way to keep social relations from changing. That is, the lazy and unproductive have time to listen to voices that authorize dangerous changing. Productivity numbs attention to the voice of new possibility. This mode of enslavement is worth considering in a society that is aimed at the acquisition of goods in the pursuit of greed and affluence.
Two dimensions of numbing through productivity might be identified. On the one hand, consumerism, the driving ideology of Western society, is based in the capacity to produce and acquire wealth as a sign of personal worth. While production quotas may not be as abusive and demeaning as in this narrative, the pressure to produce and achieve is enormous in our society, so enormous that it robes energy from every chance for justice and freedom. On the other hand (and more subtly), in a moral posture that is focused on “doing,” even the doing or “goodness” leads to a passion for busyness that leaves little time for “being.” One can imagine that the exodus narrative is an exercise in weaning the imagination of the listening community away from an ideology of productivity, in order to have room and energy to “be.” Pp 730 NIB Vol 1
It is something that we need to reflect on in our lives. How happy are we? What will make us happy? I challenge that more work, more money, more things will ever lead to more happiness. I believe it is in community, relationship, and mostly in our relationship with God that will bring us any sense of happiness. The pursuit of the other goals will only lead to further destruction of our world spiritually, physically, and relationally.

Monday

I have no real title for my blog today. This past weekend I spent almost 21 hours with a confirmation class on a retreat to begin their confirmation journey. It was the most fun time getting to know these young people. One thing that struck me was their energy and enthusiasm and their creativity. I am looking forward to the time we have together for the rest of the year. So when it came to Sunday needless to say I was tired as I am not as young as I once was.
Sunday I was preaching on the Luke gospel that talked about being a disciple and whether or not one is willing to pay the cost to finish what one starts. I know that I am a person who has started many things and sometimes leaves several projects half done. For those who are aware of the Meyers Briggs Inventory I am an INFP which translates out to being an introvert, intuitive, feeling, and perceptive personality. What that means in real life is that I love my alone time, I have some ability to intuit people, I make decisions mostly based on my values, and I tend to be at times spontaneous and disorganized. One has to go into my office to see what that means or better my play room in the basement. I am a visionary and can see possibilities that others may not notice. Sometimes it is difficult to get things completed so I need people around me that are organized.
What all of this has to do with the gospel is that I have to work at paying the cost to see something through to the end. I know that there are others and my point in my sermon is that enthusiasm is not enough to make sure things are completed. That was what Jesus was concerned about with those who were following him. That is true with us today. I am looking forward to this Sunday as we begin to look at the way we can follow through is by the grace of God. More later.

Hospitality

The time seems to have gotten away from me at least this week. There seems to be times when I am not sure if I can discipline myself to sit down and write. This week was one of the times when there seems to be so much going on that I have distracted myself. I have also been contemplating some of the activities that are coming up for our church. We will be having a planning retreat to focus a vision statement to improve our ministries.
Two of those ministries deal with worship and welcoming. I was struck with the lectionary suggestion from the gospel of Luke this Sunday. Jesus was eating with a Pharisee and noticing how people were trying to get the seats of honor. He pointed out to those who were trying to exalt themselves to not seek the best seats but rather choose a lower seat and if the host or hostess wishes you to take the seat of honor you will not embarrass yourself. He also spoke to the host that instead of inviting friends, family, or rich neighbors the guest list should be the poor, the lame, the crippled, and the blind. Those who cannot return the invitation. Today was communion Sunday. Even though we celebrate communion weekly on Wednesdays, I felt that today especially was important to remember that the table of the Lord is open to everyone, pharisee, rich neighbors, disciples, poor, disadvantaged in all ways, and most of all to sinners. There are no pre-conditions to coming to the table.
Instead of the usual visuals on the altar, I set up two table settings with the bread and the cup. It struck me that we need to remember that the setting of the Lord's Supper was a dinner with his disciples. Meals are so important to developing who we are. It was true in Jesus' time as it is in our time. Meals are a time we gather together to share with one another. I believe that we not only need to recover this time we have with our families and friends but with others around us. Somehow fast food or noisy restaurants are not the same thing. Sitting down together to share food for our bodies and to share the word for our souls are important. The question is when was the last time we have invited the stranger to sit down with us. Hospitality often can mean generosity shown to strangers.
Something to think about this Labor day weekend.

Rules that set apart

I am in my office this day fine tuning my sermon and service for tomorrow. As I am doing that, I have been reflecting on the many ways we have of creating insiders and outsiders. We develop laws and rules to tell us what is acceptable and what is not. Often these rules also state who is acceptable and who is not. I realize that there is a need for rules for us to be able to function and to live together. These rules that are beneficial are important to society. I worry about what happens when a group whether the majority or often the case a dominant minority of people begin to dictate what is acceptable and who is acceptable. I have been reflecting on what is happening in our world today. Sometimes I wonder about what is going on and who is determining what is going on. Today it was announced that those who have complained about the corruption in the rebuilding of Iraq have been vilified, fired, and otherwise discredited. What bothers me is that I am not surprised.
Somewhere rules are only meant to benefit those who have power and have no ethical consideration of how they effect others. And when they break laws or rules, they do so with little concern about the consequences that can occur. Even when brought to justice, they often serve a significantly less time for their crimes and even get pardoned by the controlling political party both republican and democrats. Those in power will come up with excuses as to why it is OK to do what they are doing. An example beyond the corruption in Iraq is what has happened to the outsourcing of finished goods to foreign countries like China and Taiwan. The people of this nation state that they would buy products made in the USA but the corporations are more concerned about making huge profits more then they are concerned about the safety of those products. Where is the ethical concern about what they are doing? Especially when what they are doing is potentially harming the health of our children. Another thing as I am ranting is where is the pro-life outrage about this situation.
What got me thinking about this is the story in Luke about Jesus healing the crippled woman on the Sabbath and the reactions of those who were empowered to control the behavior of Sabbath. Jesus was more concerned about the well-being of one person then about holding fast to the rules of Sabbath. The question I am left with is should I be concerned as well as others about the well-being of others especially those who are least likely to have a voice or power then in the reasoning that just because it is legal it is OK.

Fear of what to say

There have often been times in my life that I am uncertain of what to say or what to do in different situations. I sometimes feel that I should have all the answers when those around me have all these questions. I know that feeling is irrational but I sometimes want to be able to help others so much that if I don't know the answer I feel inadequate. This can happen especially when trying to confront injustices and standing up for those who are marginalized in our world. Thank God that I am surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues who can support and help me be able to find the strength and means of being faithful to God.
It is also comforting to go to scriptures. This Sunday in the lectionary Jeremiah 1:4-10 is one of the scriptures. Jeremiah has been called by God to go forth and be His prophet. Jeremiah is only a young boy and felt inadequate to do what God wanted. God says to him "Do not say, 'I am only a boy,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, Now I have put my words in your mouth."
For everyone of us, preachers and laity, we need to remember that God has called each of us to do God's purposes. I know that I cannot even comprehend speaking for God unless God puts the world in my mouth through the Holy Spirit. And it is not in just words that God acts but in my actions and well as others. So when I have concerns and doubts, I need to spend time with God. Scripture states that the Lord hears us when we call out. And it is in God we can find peace and rest (Psalm 4). I trust that the Lord will guide me and direct me in my life.

Prayer for today

I have been meditating by taking a Psalm and reading and journaling on it during the week. I have just started so I am only on the 3rd Psalm. I read that Psalm daily and try to choose a particular word or phrase that speaks to me. Next week will be the 4th Psalm.
It is interesting this week as I continue my Wednesday communion series on Healthy Spirituality we talked about anxiety and worry. Psalm 3 speaks to that. I also recently bought a book "Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness," by Nan C. Merrill. I wanted today to share the prayer she had for Psalm 3. "O Beloved, how numerous are my fears! They rise up within me whispering there is no help for you.
Yet, You, O Beloved, radiate Love around me, my glory; gratitude becomes my song, When I cry out to You you answer within my heart.
I lie down to sleep; if I should awaken, My Beloved is there holding me with strength and tenderness. I feel secure. Now, I shall forgive all illusions that my ego tries to build. For my courage is in You, O Lover You who are the Lover hidden in every heart. (3)"

Weeds in the garden

I have just finished weeding my garden for the (I don't know how many) times. I love to plant a garden and I love to harvest. There is an excitement about planning what one wants to plant and laying out where one is going to plant. I am blessed with people in my congregation who have helped till the land preparing for planting. We planted two tomato plants, one hot pepper plant, one bell pepper, lettuce, radishes, green onions, beets, and carrots. We had a wonderful growth of the plants. I always anticipate the time of harvest and enjoying the fruit of our labor. Somewhere I don't remember planting weeds. Yet they grew and if not pulled or howed would have taken over the garden. This despite the heat and the dryness until recently. Now is the time we are harvesting.
When I read about God planting the vineyard in Isaiah, I am reminded about my experience in gardening. When God planted the nation of Israel, God expected that the people would be fruitful in justice and righteousness. Instead of harvesting the grapes of justice, the people became wild with bloodshed and unjust. God's expectations did not happen and the weeds prevailed. Anytime that a garden or field or vineyard becomes so infested with weeds the only thing one can do is to pull everything and start over. God presents that to the people of Isaiah's time. That it is not God but rather the bad fruit that creates the need to redo. Later in Isaiah God does promise the return of the people and the new covenant.
I wonder about the gardens that we live in today. Are we producing the grapes of justice and righteousness? Jesus often used the metaphor of vines and that to produce fruit sometimes we need to prune the vine and to remember we are rooted in Christ. Like weeding my garden so that I can have a more abundant harvest, I need to weed my soul. I need to reach out to others with justice and mercy. I need to love God and worship God in all of what I do and what I think. I need to repent and to ask for forgiveness from God and from those to whom I have harmed in thought and deed. As I am able to do that, I can live a more fruitful life in Christ.

I also received a comment about the rich and their ability to enter the kingdom. There is nothing that states that just because we are rich that we cannot enter the kingdom. Jesus talks often about money and possessions because it can be a stumbling block in our lives. He says that it is easier for a camel to grow through an eye of the needle than for a rich man to go to heaven. He says that it is not impossible but difficult. In the book of James, the author states that "it is the love of money that is the root of evil." He does not say it is money but whether we begin to worship it.