I receive an update from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society once a week. This update has several articles that deal with issues of mission and justice. Any one reading my blog would know that these are two areas that I am committed to. In fact, there have been several exciting things happening at our church based on missional work. The first is that we had several of our Middle school and High school youth go on a mission trip. This is the first mission trip that our youth have gone on in the last we believe 20 years. They went because of the dedication of the youth sponsors, parents, and congregational members who helped support through finicial giving. We sent 15. We already have had 37 youth and sponsors sign up for a mission trip for next summer. When we become the hands and feet of Christ in this world we are transformed.
The other exciting area was that we sent a group of five adults to a mission field for the first time outside doing our habitat for humanity project. They went to Iowa and help deliver flood buckets and spent a day "mucking" out houses. The church was challenged to provide 10 flood buckets and we sent 23. I felt that the whole church responded to the excitement of both missional opportunities. Of course, we can't stay there and need to continue to have the excitement for our church to be involved. I believe that if we can continue we will be more faithful in living as disciples and the rest of the church will benefit both worship and stewardship.
To continue that theme, I wanted to share from the UMBCS board this article. This came from the 2008 Mission Initiative Summit. The quotes are from Rev. Mike Slaughter who is the senior pastor at Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio which is a large mega-church. He was commenting on "soft-secular" people who "try to bring Jesus into their world view instead of being transformed into His." He also said "soft-secular folks never move to that place of truly sacrificing their resources and service for the sake of the kingdom." He does challenge us as a church. "The moment you can't respond to immediate missional needs because you're tied to brick and mortar, you've stopped being the hands and feet of Jesus, the body of Christ. The missional church is continually sinking everything it has to risk, to give its life, to be consumed for the rest of the world."
What I have seen this summer speaks to what Rev. Slaughter has said. Also he must be doing something right to grow a mega-church that is so invested in mission. As we continue to plan for our selves where we are going in our church, I pray that we do not lose sight that the reason we come together is not about a building but about building the kingdom through our faith, our work, and our willingness to live as a disciple.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
A faith that is not tested is a faith that should not be trusted
I titled this blog from notes that I took when I attended the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas. I was so struck by this message that I wanted to share the notes of what happened. But before I begin, I need to let you know about what had preceded this time.
Nancy and I decided that we wanted to take a weekend away and decided to leave for Kansas City Saturday morning. Our original plans were to go to the art museum, check into our hotel and then to go to the contemporary service at the Church of the Resurrection Saturday evening. Sunday we were open to the possibility of attending a baseball game with the Royals and then come home.
As we arrived, we spent most of Saturday afternoon at the Nelson-Adkins Art Museum. We barely covered the modern art and decided that we would come back Sunday afternoon. We checked into our motel and made our way to COR. We did not know that Adam Hamilton was doing a mission trip in Africa and was not going to preach. Sunday Dr. Zan Holmes was preaching. For those who have taken Disciple Bible Study, he is the one who introduces that studies. He is a professor of preaching at Perkins School of Theology. I did not think that he would be preaching Saturday. This service the praise band also was taking time off. When the service started with an organ prelude, I questioned what was I doing here.
That feeling continued when they had a hymn sing from our UM hymnal. Actually it was good and certainly upbeat to hear the hymns. The whole atmosphere changed when the special music performer came onto the chancel area. It was Twila Paris who throughout the service sang four of her top hits. She was putting on a special performance Sunday evening at COR. As great as that was indeed Dr. Holmes did preach and I must say that I was fed that night.
He was preaching from Mark 6:41-44, 48-52. The title of the sermon was "Have we learned the lessons of the loaves?" I wanted to share some of what he had to say especially since I preached from the Matthew scriptures the previous Sunday. The title of the blog came in that sermon that faith that is not tested is a faith that should not be trusted. The last verse of the text was after Jesus entered into the boat after the storm," They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened." As Dr. Holmes stated that J.B. Phillips translated the text as they had not the sense to learn the lessons of the loaves.
So why do we not learn? Dr. Holmes discussed that somehow we might feel that we are exempt from understanding and service. For instance the feeling that when Jesus says to us feed them it really does not apply to me. The other concern could be that we feel we are self righteous and don't need to learn because we think we already know the lesson. Another reason was that we lose sense of connection with those who are in need. Sometimes we prefer credentials over Christ. But the biggest reason we may fail to understand is that we fail to grow through what we are going through. The thing is that God will keep sending us back through the course until we get it right. God doesn't want to waste anything. The other thing is that there is no failure with God's grace. No matter how many times especially in the gospel of Mark the disciples seem to fail to understand Jesus never gives up on them. Just as he never gives up on us. That is the power of love. So whether we deserve an F in the course of life, God's grace gives us an incomplete and we can try again. As the old hymn states God's love has lifted me up.
I went away uplifted by the service. I also was amazed about how the service which was not packed but probably had over 400 attendance worked. We met and were greeted more from the people who we sat around who shared their story of faith with us. I have come away with some ideas about worship and may implement some of those starting with the early service in September. Stay tuned.
Nancy and I decided that we wanted to take a weekend away and decided to leave for Kansas City Saturday morning. Our original plans were to go to the art museum, check into our hotel and then to go to the contemporary service at the Church of the Resurrection Saturday evening. Sunday we were open to the possibility of attending a baseball game with the Royals and then come home.
As we arrived, we spent most of Saturday afternoon at the Nelson-Adkins Art Museum. We barely covered the modern art and decided that we would come back Sunday afternoon. We checked into our motel and made our way to COR. We did not know that Adam Hamilton was doing a mission trip in Africa and was not going to preach. Sunday Dr. Zan Holmes was preaching. For those who have taken Disciple Bible Study, he is the one who introduces that studies. He is a professor of preaching at Perkins School of Theology. I did not think that he would be preaching Saturday. This service the praise band also was taking time off. When the service started with an organ prelude, I questioned what was I doing here.
That feeling continued when they had a hymn sing from our UM hymnal. Actually it was good and certainly upbeat to hear the hymns. The whole atmosphere changed when the special music performer came onto the chancel area. It was Twila Paris who throughout the service sang four of her top hits. She was putting on a special performance Sunday evening at COR. As great as that was indeed Dr. Holmes did preach and I must say that I was fed that night.
He was preaching from Mark 6:41-44, 48-52. The title of the sermon was "Have we learned the lessons of the loaves?" I wanted to share some of what he had to say especially since I preached from the Matthew scriptures the previous Sunday. The title of the blog came in that sermon that faith that is not tested is a faith that should not be trusted. The last verse of the text was after Jesus entered into the boat after the storm," They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened." As Dr. Holmes stated that J.B. Phillips translated the text as they had not the sense to learn the lessons of the loaves.
So why do we not learn? Dr. Holmes discussed that somehow we might feel that we are exempt from understanding and service. For instance the feeling that when Jesus says to us feed them it really does not apply to me. The other concern could be that we feel we are self righteous and don't need to learn because we think we already know the lesson. Another reason was that we lose sense of connection with those who are in need. Sometimes we prefer credentials over Christ. But the biggest reason we may fail to understand is that we fail to grow through what we are going through. The thing is that God will keep sending us back through the course until we get it right. God doesn't want to waste anything. The other thing is that there is no failure with God's grace. No matter how many times especially in the gospel of Mark the disciples seem to fail to understand Jesus never gives up on them. Just as he never gives up on us. That is the power of love. So whether we deserve an F in the course of life, God's grace gives us an incomplete and we can try again. As the old hymn states God's love has lifted me up.
I went away uplifted by the service. I also was amazed about how the service which was not packed but probably had over 400 attendance worked. We met and were greeted more from the people who we sat around who shared their story of faith with us. I have come away with some ideas about worship and may implement some of those starting with the early service in September. Stay tuned.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Interesting reflection on truth and lies and perceptions
I came across this from our General Board of Church and Society. Even though the message was aimed at the falsehoods that were directed about Barrack Obama they could equally apply to John McCain though there are less of these distortions. I would invite you to read what Jim
Winkler has to say.
Word from WinklerPerception vs. truthBy Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society
I read a news report recently in which an Ohio voter declared that he’s not sure what to believe. The voter said he has heard repeatedly that Barack Obama is a Muslim, was born in Africa and is hostile to the American flag. The refusal of people who are perpetuating these lies to stop doing so is creating confusion in this Ohio voter and, no doubt, many others — which, of course, is their goal.
Two of history’s most notorious figures recognized the power to accomplish political goals through perpetuating a lie often enough. “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it,” said Joseph Goebbels, the minister in charge of Nazi propaganda under Adolph Hitler. And Vladimir Lenin, who masterminded the Bolshevik take-over of Russia in the early 20th century, said, “A lie told often enough becomes truth.”
If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.
Whoever is perpetuating the Obama lies is counting on voters exemplifying the opinion stated this spring by a United Methodist General Conference delegate in the Church & Society legislative committee: “Facts don’t sway me none.”
On the same day, I read a news report on the sixth inauguration of Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe. Mugabe lost the first round of elections, changed the results to “prove” his competitor did not win 50% of the vote, arranged for the slaughter of dozens of his opponent’s supporters, forced the withdrawal of his opponent, claimed victory in the runoff, then condemned his opponents in his inaugural address.
Again on that same day, the news reported the United States has ramped up covert operations in Iran. The covert operations in that troubled country would include spying and supporting rebel groups in order to generate turmoil. Meanwhile, Israel, Vice President Cheney and dozens of members of Congress continue to issue insane threats to bomb Iran, a course of action that would lead to another war.
Inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning are crucial whether it has to do with world affairs or our faith.
The Ohio voter doesn’t know how to separate fact from fiction. President Mugabe changed the facts to suit his purposes. Vice President Cheney and his colleagues are unwilling to face the facts.
Life can be difficult and confusing. At times the truth is hard to get at. I believe it is incumbent upon each of us to be aware of the world around us. Inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning are crucial whether it has to do with world affairs or our faith.
I keep a ridiculously high stack of books on various topics on my bedside table. I love discovering new insights in scripture and perspectives on theology.
Too many people have a kindergarten faith. They learned a few scripture passages in Sunday School and know little else. One pastor told me she led a Bible study that included background to the historical and social circumstances taking place during a period of Jesus’ life. A participant in the study told her: “I just like to read the words of Jesus. I don’t really want to know all this information.”
Too many people have a kindergarten faith.
You may have heard about Jay Leno’s survey of members of the Tonight Show audience. None could name one of the 12 apostles, but everyone knew the names of the four Beatles.
It always amazes me when I meet people who obviously don’t pay attention to what is going on in the world, but are nevertheless eager to express their opinion. At the same time, I know that many others feel beaten down, disheartened by the course of life. Too often, they are hungry, poor and sick. Many feel powerless and disenfranchised about life.
There’s no easy answer to these sad realities. Once you know something about the injustices surrounding you, failure to act is irresponsible.
The citizens of Nazi Germany learned that the hard way. After the war, millions claimed they didn’t know what was happening in their own country. They may have been fearful. They may have tried to ignore reality, but they knew something bad was happening — even with Goebbel’s masterful lying.
Disease, poverty, war, violence, hunger, racism and other social ills confront us. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Seek the truth. Pay attention, please. Follow Jesus and get to work. Date: 8/1/2008 12:00:00 AM©2005-2008
Winkler has to say.
Word from WinklerPerception vs. truthBy Jim Winkler, General Secretary, General Board of Church & Society
I read a news report recently in which an Ohio voter declared that he’s not sure what to believe. The voter said he has heard repeatedly that Barack Obama is a Muslim, was born in Africa and is hostile to the American flag. The refusal of people who are perpetuating these lies to stop doing so is creating confusion in this Ohio voter and, no doubt, many others — which, of course, is their goal.
Two of history’s most notorious figures recognized the power to accomplish political goals through perpetuating a lie often enough. “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it,” said Joseph Goebbels, the minister in charge of Nazi propaganda under Adolph Hitler. And Vladimir Lenin, who masterminded the Bolshevik take-over of Russia in the early 20th century, said, “A lie told often enough becomes truth.”
If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.
Whoever is perpetuating the Obama lies is counting on voters exemplifying the opinion stated this spring by a United Methodist General Conference delegate in the Church & Society legislative committee: “Facts don’t sway me none.”
On the same day, I read a news report on the sixth inauguration of Robert Mugabe as president of Zimbabwe. Mugabe lost the first round of elections, changed the results to “prove” his competitor did not win 50% of the vote, arranged for the slaughter of dozens of his opponent’s supporters, forced the withdrawal of his opponent, claimed victory in the runoff, then condemned his opponents in his inaugural address.
Again on that same day, the news reported the United States has ramped up covert operations in Iran. The covert operations in that troubled country would include spying and supporting rebel groups in order to generate turmoil. Meanwhile, Israel, Vice President Cheney and dozens of members of Congress continue to issue insane threats to bomb Iran, a course of action that would lead to another war.
Inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning are crucial whether it has to do with world affairs or our faith.
The Ohio voter doesn’t know how to separate fact from fiction. President Mugabe changed the facts to suit his purposes. Vice President Cheney and his colleagues are unwilling to face the facts.
Life can be difficult and confusing. At times the truth is hard to get at. I believe it is incumbent upon each of us to be aware of the world around us. Inquisitiveness and enthusiasm for learning are crucial whether it has to do with world affairs or our faith.
I keep a ridiculously high stack of books on various topics on my bedside table. I love discovering new insights in scripture and perspectives on theology.
Too many people have a kindergarten faith. They learned a few scripture passages in Sunday School and know little else. One pastor told me she led a Bible study that included background to the historical and social circumstances taking place during a period of Jesus’ life. A participant in the study told her: “I just like to read the words of Jesus. I don’t really want to know all this information.”
Too many people have a kindergarten faith.
You may have heard about Jay Leno’s survey of members of the Tonight Show audience. None could name one of the 12 apostles, but everyone knew the names of the four Beatles.
It always amazes me when I meet people who obviously don’t pay attention to what is going on in the world, but are nevertheless eager to express their opinion. At the same time, I know that many others feel beaten down, disheartened by the course of life. Too often, they are hungry, poor and sick. Many feel powerless and disenfranchised about life.
There’s no easy answer to these sad realities. Once you know something about the injustices surrounding you, failure to act is irresponsible.
The citizens of Nazi Germany learned that the hard way. After the war, millions claimed they didn’t know what was happening in their own country. They may have been fearful. They may have tried to ignore reality, but they knew something bad was happening — even with Goebbel’s masterful lying.
Disease, poverty, war, violence, hunger, racism and other social ills confront us. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Seek the truth. Pay attention, please. Follow Jesus and get to work. Date: 8/1/2008 12:00:00 AM©2005-2008
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