Wow, we've had some really bizarre weather patterns as of late! In the last 24 hours I've seen torrential rain and thunderstorms, sunshine and double rainbows, violent wind gusts, tornadoes, and snow flurries. Sometimes you have to wonder just what God is doing up there! I think his weather machine is out of whack. ;)
In all seriousness though, when I heard that a tornado had touched down in Appomattox County yesterday afternoon, my heart immediately sank as I reached out to my beloved friends in that community to find out if folks were safe. I am thankful that they have met no bodily harm and that for those whom I know personally, damage can be repaired. But not everyone faired so well, life was lost, homes destroyed, tangible memories ripped from people's possession forever. It is good today to hear of the clean up work that is taking place. It is good to hear of people coming together as a community to support one another (as the people of Appomattox have always done in times of heartbreak) with water and supplies, with makeshift shelters, with the support of prayers. The power may be out, the town may be literally sitting in the dark, but a great light shines in their collective spirit.
We often beg the question: Why do bad things happen to good people? Or to phrase the question as Donald McKim does in his book Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers, "Does God will evil and suffering in the world and in our lives?"
As Presbyterians we believe (or are taught theologically) that God is Good and that all which God creates is good. In Genesis 1:31 we are told "God saw everything that God had made and indeed, it was all very good." 1 Timothy 4:4 says, "For everything created by God is good."
In simple terms "evil" is what opposes God. We use the term evil in multiple ways, to describe groups or individuals that are in opposition of God's purposes. For an example of what God's purposes are we can look to Christ, who is described as the "image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation" in Colossians 1:15. What we are questioning today is "natural evil". Natural evil are those things that occur in creation which bring tragedy and devastation to the human experience.
We do not believe that God's wills evil or that God wills suffering to happen in the world. We do believe, however, that God can use such situations for the ultimate good. That is to say, God did not send a tornado through Evergreen, Virginia yesterday to bring a small community to their knees in repentance for a sinful life. Such a tragedy is not the result of any immorality on the part of humankind. It was not God working through nature to create a tool of punishment in any way shape or form. Nor is any other natural disaster used for that purpose in any other place in the world (remember Haiti...Katrina...Joplin). It is just what we are calling it... a natural occurrence in creation. However, God is already using it for the good, as is being witnessed by organizations and individuals who are coming forward to show love and compassion to their neighbors in a time of great need.
As Don McKim writes, "We do not know reasons for evil or suffering. What we do believe by faith is that God will be with us in the midst of our sufferings and that God's grace and power of love will enable us to endure, even in the 'darkest valley' (Ps. 23:4). So we are sustained. We believe God can use the evil and sufferings we encounter and do within us, 'far more than all we can ask or imagine' (Eph. 3:20). This is our comfort and our hope."
I hope you will join me in prayer for this little community in the heart of Virginia that has in the past few years had far more than its share of tragedy and grief. But do not feel pity or sorrow for them, they would not want that. From my few years living within the community I feel that the citizens that make up Appomattox and Evergreen, they would welcome your prayers, they would appreciate your assistance, but they would foremost want you to know their strength. Not only their physical strength as a community, but their spiritual strength as well.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, 4who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God."
--2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Coming Home
Last night I had the privilege of participating in the imposition of ashes at Covenant's Ash Wednesday Service. It is a humbling thing to receive the sign of the cross and hear the words, "You are dust and to dust you shall return." It is equally humbling to be the individual who is speaking those words to congregants and friends. I was honored to impart ashes for several of our staff members--my colleagues who I spend time with day in and day out. It was a powerful thing for me to be reminded in that moment that we are not only working together to provide a place for people to call "home" but also to find that we are also worshiping together in a place that we have come to call "home" ourselves.
Ash Wednesday is a reminder of our mortality. An important moment where we have to pause and confess that this home (both body and church) is in fact temporary, preparing us for home eternal. Lent requires of us to let some things go, to stop and take stock of our spiritual lives, and to turn --time and time again-- to God.
Joel 2:13 reminds us of this.
"Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing."
What an amazing gift we are given in the promise of God's steadfast love! It is so easy for us to get wrapped up in the mundane moments of life that we forget the grace that allows us to continue taking breath each day. I think Lent is an opportunity to be reminded of that. And to be intentional in slowing down enough to take stock of who we are. Yes, we are sinners. We are mortals, fallen and broken humanity. And yet.... At the root of it all, we are God's. At the root of it all, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. At the root of it all, the Holy Spirit is at work continuously nudging us to make space for God to fill us. That is what God desires most--to be in relationship with us. We all know (and have probably learned the hard way) that what relationships need most to flourish is time.
Since David LaMotte is coming tomorrow, his music has been in my mind, and this song in particular seems to fit the times. Let's make the time friends, we're called upon to return home.
Listen To "Dark and Deep"
Ash Wednesday is a reminder of our mortality. An important moment where we have to pause and confess that this home (both body and church) is in fact temporary, preparing us for home eternal. Lent requires of us to let some things go, to stop and take stock of our spiritual lives, and to turn --time and time again-- to God.
Joel 2:13 reminds us of this.
"Return to the Lord, your God,
for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love,
and relents from punishing."
What an amazing gift we are given in the promise of God's steadfast love! It is so easy for us to get wrapped up in the mundane moments of life that we forget the grace that allows us to continue taking breath each day. I think Lent is an opportunity to be reminded of that. And to be intentional in slowing down enough to take stock of who we are. Yes, we are sinners. We are mortals, fallen and broken humanity. And yet.... At the root of it all, we are God's. At the root of it all, we are brothers and sisters in Christ. At the root of it all, the Holy Spirit is at work continuously nudging us to make space for God to fill us. That is what God desires most--to be in relationship with us. We all know (and have probably learned the hard way) that what relationships need most to flourish is time.
Since David LaMotte is coming tomorrow, his music has been in my mind, and this song in particular seems to fit the times. Let's make the time friends, we're called upon to return home.
Listen To "Dark and Deep"
Dark and Deep
Words & Music by David LaMotte
© 1996 Lower Dryad Music/ASCAP
from Hard Earned Smile (1996), Good Tar (2001) and Best Of David LaMotte (2013)
On a two lane road through the mountains
I am taking the corners too fast
My head is spinning as fast as my wheels
Shifting from future to past
So many things to attend to
So many places to be
The mountains roll right past my window
Like a half-watched bar room TV
If I could die just for a moment
Let these worries work themselves out
If it would all go on without me
Tell me what's all this worry about?
A promise is not like a moment
A moment's not something you keep
I've made too many promises lately
And the woods are lovely, dark and deep
I remember this friend down in Florida
She used to get lost just for fun
She'd take any turn that presented itself
Just to see where the road might run
It's amazing the places they'd take her
The people and things that she'd find
I've been meaning to look her up again
But I can't seem to find the time
(repeat chorus)
Trying to make all the ends meet
It's like I'm skating the edge of a knife
I'm so busy making a living
I've got no time for a life
(repeat chorus)Thursday, February 4, 2016
The Power of an Invitation
I keep this photo in my office. It is a picture of a trip to Montreat. My mom and I were hanging out with one of our favorite families, the Buchanan's. We were playing by the creek, you see, and I am pretty sure Elli and Taylor (who are now of college and high school age) were peeking into a bucket of tadpoles. They'd also made friends with another boy who you see photographed, whom we didn't know. You see my mom leaning in to ask the kids about what they have found while Bill and Aimee look on. I managed to capture this perfect little moment of people so dear to me.
You also see a postcard, handwritten, by Aimee, inviting me to the Girl's Youth Bible Study in her home when I was just a freshman in high school. I was new to the community, very new to the church at the time. I kept it in my Bible for years. Bill was the Associate Pastor and in charge of the youth program at my church. But he and Aimee were very much a team and our program would not have been complete without the two of them teaching us, guiding us, and the most important step, inviting us. They invited youth to church. They invited youth into their homes. They invited youth into their lives. They became part of my family and they changed me and inspired the course of my life.
Aimee passed away three years ago today. On that day I wrote another post about her, "She Changed The World," which you can read if you want to hear more about the impact this beautiful individual had on my life. But for today, I am thinking about the invitation. All the invitations she extended to me while she was a part of my life. The first was the postcard pictured above.
Do you know why I went to that Bible Study group? It wasn't because my friends were going. It was because a personal invitation was extended to me by an adult. An adult who had shown an interest in me. I had many questions about the Bible and at the time this postcard was presented to me, I felt perhaps this could be the person to help me explore for the answers I was seeking. Aimee cared about me and knew me by name after the first time she met me. And she made me feel welcomed from the instant she greeted me and opened the door to her home.
Another invitation came the day she and Bill asked if I would babysit their daughter Elli, who was a toddler at the time. Oh my goodness, they trusted me with this precious little girl! I loved her to death, still do. We would play outside in the sunshine with sidewalk chalk. We would play dress up and read stories for hours. Now Elli is in college and watching her grow up from a distance, even as I see her express herself in blogs or on social media, she is teaching me about balancing strength and grace as a woman in today's world. Just as her mother once did.
So today I am encouraging all of us to consider the depth and breadth of what we think is a simple invitation to a friend, a neighbor, a young family, a teenager, to attend church. To you it may just be a kindness. For you it may be your job as minister, director, elder, or deacon, to welcome strangers and bring people into your midst. It can be so much more than opening a door to a building or a community. It could influence and inspire them for the rest of their spiritual life. You may be the person who introduces them to the love and grace of the Triune God.
This picture reminds me of the value of finding a church home. It reminds me of the people who model living their faith. It inspires me to be a servant for God, who called me into the ministry. Each day, but especially this day, I am thankful.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Even Pastors Have Road Rage
I was driving to a committee meeting the other night. If you are a Presbyterian reading this you know just how frequent those 6:45 PM treks to the church can be. I wasn't running late and I wasn't in a particular hurry to reach my final destination. At least I didn't think that I was until I got to a stoplight and c r e p t through the green light to make a right turn. And then c r e p t through another green arrow, left turn.... then wound my way around a two lane road at a glacial pace behind a driver whose need for speed did not exceed the 15 mile per hour mark. I found myself saying, "MOOOOVE!" or "GO" with multiple syllables like my son. He wasn't in the car with me, so I should get points for not being ugly with my kiddo in the car. Anyway, I had a thought: maybe a good book would be "How To Be Pastoral While Driving." I'd read it. And I said as much when I got to my committee meeting. We had a good chuckle and then another woman said something to the effect of, "Yeah, that is the book you'd read but maybe you need one we all could read; "Even Pastors Get Road Rage!"
You heard that right. Even pastors get road rage. We are just as human as you are. And we are just as impatient as you are. And we are just as snarky as you are after a long day of work. We get road rage. We get exasperated in the grocery store. We get toe-tapping irritated waiting at the doctor's office. If you don't know us as ministers, if we aren't wearing a clerical collar; chances are that we can fly under the radar and be seen as "just another person" in these instances.
I share this because at the end of the day, we don't want to be put on a pedestal by everyone and expected to be model citizens every day or the most pious, patient, practical people in every moment. I hope this doesn't make us less credible as your spiritual leaders. I actually hope that it gives us a little more credibility. I hope that it allows you to feel that you can come to us, confide in us, be your true self around us. Because we find ourselves in the same life experiences day in and day out as you. And we long to help you connect those mundane moments, whether good or bad, to the good news that we find in Christ.
How would you be pastoral while driving? Use your turn signal. Let someone merge into traffic. Give a friendly wave to your neighbor. Give yourself an extra five minutes travel time so that those individuals who do not have a lead foot like you don't have to see your exasperation in their rearview. I'll try to do better too.
You heard that right. Even pastors get road rage. We are just as human as you are. And we are just as impatient as you are. And we are just as snarky as you are after a long day of work. We get road rage. We get exasperated in the grocery store. We get toe-tapping irritated waiting at the doctor's office. If you don't know us as ministers, if we aren't wearing a clerical collar; chances are that we can fly under the radar and be seen as "just another person" in these instances.
I share this because at the end of the day, we don't want to be put on a pedestal by everyone and expected to be model citizens every day or the most pious, patient, practical people in every moment. I hope this doesn't make us less credible as your spiritual leaders. I actually hope that it gives us a little more credibility. I hope that it allows you to feel that you can come to us, confide in us, be your true self around us. Because we find ourselves in the same life experiences day in and day out as you. And we long to help you connect those mundane moments, whether good or bad, to the good news that we find in Christ.
How would you be pastoral while driving? Use your turn signal. Let someone merge into traffic. Give a friendly wave to your neighbor. Give yourself an extra five minutes travel time so that those individuals who do not have a lead foot like you don't have to see your exasperation in their rearview. I'll try to do better too.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Lightbearers and Peacemakers
When you think about people who inspire you whether it is in your professional or personal life, who comes to mind? I have lots of individuals who have inspired me: parents, mentors, teachers, pastors, friends. Sometimes there are individuals that we engage on the edges of our lives that impact us for a season or for a lifetime. David LaMotte is one such individual for me.
I first met David at a Montreat Youth Conference as a high school freshman, my very first Montreat experience! David was the musician who performed a concert one of the nights at the conference. As is the case with many musicians, especially at conferences or smaller venues, you get an opportunity to greet them, take photographs, get an autograph (I hear people don't do that anymore....I do!) and then you go about your merry way. David is a little different, I think, because he is so genuine in his performances and he weaves life's stories into his concerts in such a way that you leave feeling like you know him already. He also truly takes a lot of time to "meet and greet" people. Luckily for me, I've gotten to experience multiple concerts and a few workshops along the way too. I've had a chance to follow David's musical career as well as support his other endeavors. When David said he was retiring from music to study peacemaking and conflict resolution in Australia I went on a road trip with friends for the "Farewell Concert." I gave what I could to support the kickstarter campaign that led to the publishing of David's book "White Flour." I've followed his blog posts about PEG Partners and the good work happening in Guatemala. I've read and studied (with great anticipation) his book "Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness."
David inspires me in my personal life as a writer. His attention to the craft of writing and storytelling is lovely. I could never put words to music as he does, but all the same, words matter. I took his writing workshop at ARW when I was in seminary and I remember him saying, "The muse likes to be followed, she doesn't like to be pushed." Believe me, that is helpful stuff when it comes to sermon writing some days!
In both my personal and professional life, David's work in outreach ministries as well as conflict resolution and peacemaking have made an impact. David doesn't tell you that you have to do things a certain way in order to make a difference in the world and he doesn't try to change your mind so that your views align perfectly with his own. What he does is create space for you to move, think, and feel your own way through the obvious tensions and difficulties that we experience in the world. David will be one to remind you that you can start right where you are to make a positive impact on the world around you. He always says, "You are changing the world, whether you like it or not."
As Christians, I think the message from Christ for us is clear. You don't really get a choice not to make an impact in the world. Our mission is to love God & Neighbor. To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. There are so many instances in our world today where that foundational message of the Bible is being overlooked and forgotten. We are called to address the injustices in the world... we can't fix all of them, or even one of them on our own...but if we begin where we are, with the resources that we've been given....
And now, I get to say that David LaMotte is coming to Covenant next month to perform a concert and lead a workshop on Worldchanging 101! I am so thrilled that this is happening. It has been my pet project almost since the very beginning of my ministry at Covenant. We've had a Christ Connections class meeting this year on Sunday mornings at 9:15 about Peacemaking... about inner peace and social justice. They've been using David's book and talking about public figures who have impacted our lives throughout history. I am proud of this congregation for having those difficult but fruitful discussions and I am excited to see how they will respond to David's visit as well as what steps they will take toward making their own ripples in our community and the world.
To learn more visit www.davidlamotte.com
I first met David at a Montreat Youth Conference as a high school freshman, my very first Montreat experience! David was the musician who performed a concert one of the nights at the conference. As is the case with many musicians, especially at conferences or smaller venues, you get an opportunity to greet them, take photographs, get an autograph (I hear people don't do that anymore....I do!) and then you go about your merry way. David is a little different, I think, because he is so genuine in his performances and he weaves life's stories into his concerts in such a way that you leave feeling like you know him already. He also truly takes a lot of time to "meet and greet" people. Luckily for me, I've gotten to experience multiple concerts and a few workshops along the way too. I've had a chance to follow David's musical career as well as support his other endeavors. When David said he was retiring from music to study peacemaking and conflict resolution in Australia I went on a road trip with friends for the "Farewell Concert." I gave what I could to support the kickstarter campaign that led to the publishing of David's book "White Flour." I've followed his blog posts about PEG Partners and the good work happening in Guatemala. I've read and studied (with great anticipation) his book "Worldchanging 101: Challenging the Myth of Powerlessness."
David inspires me in my personal life as a writer. His attention to the craft of writing and storytelling is lovely. I could never put words to music as he does, but all the same, words matter. I took his writing workshop at ARW when I was in seminary and I remember him saying, "The muse likes to be followed, she doesn't like to be pushed." Believe me, that is helpful stuff when it comes to sermon writing some days!
In both my personal and professional life, David's work in outreach ministries as well as conflict resolution and peacemaking have made an impact. David doesn't tell you that you have to do things a certain way in order to make a difference in the world and he doesn't try to change your mind so that your views align perfectly with his own. What he does is create space for you to move, think, and feel your own way through the obvious tensions and difficulties that we experience in the world. David will be one to remind you that you can start right where you are to make a positive impact on the world around you. He always says, "You are changing the world, whether you like it or not."
As Christians, I think the message from Christ for us is clear. You don't really get a choice not to make an impact in the world. Our mission is to love God & Neighbor. To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. There are so many instances in our world today where that foundational message of the Bible is being overlooked and forgotten. We are called to address the injustices in the world... we can't fix all of them, or even one of them on our own...but if we begin where we are, with the resources that we've been given....
And now, I get to say that David LaMotte is coming to Covenant next month to perform a concert and lead a workshop on Worldchanging 101! I am so thrilled that this is happening. It has been my pet project almost since the very beginning of my ministry at Covenant. We've had a Christ Connections class meeting this year on Sunday mornings at 9:15 about Peacemaking... about inner peace and social justice. They've been using David's book and talking about public figures who have impacted our lives throughout history. I am proud of this congregation for having those difficult but fruitful discussions and I am excited to see how they will respond to David's visit as well as what steps they will take toward making their own ripples in our community and the world.
To learn more visit www.davidlamotte.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Lifelong Learning
Isn't it amazing what we think we know? What makes individuals an expert on anything? Is it how many degrees they have? Is it how many years of experience they have had? Is it a personal passion for a topic? These questions may be easy to answer if we are talking about being a meteorologist or a doctor. For example, I may be really interested in human anatomy, but that doesn't mean you should come to me when you are having chest pains. And I have a lot of personal experience with erratic Virginia weather, having lived here my whole life, but I can't look to the sky and tell you for certain if those clouds forming determine a hail storm (I have a friend, Bonnie, who could tell you probably. Because it is of her interests and experience).
But how do we answer these questions when it comes to talking about and learning about our faith? Who do you trust to guide you in lifelong learning about the Bible, Faith, and Christian Life? As an ordained minister with degrees in Divinity and Christian Education I find that I can be a bit of a snob about this. I want pastors to be educated, to have gone to seminary and earned degrees in ministry. I worked hard for my education so I get a little peeved when ministers from other denominations at times don't have any credentials such as this. I fear that those who follow those leaders may be lead astray. This is my bias, I will be honest and not one that is always true.
But I do not find myself believing that pastors are the only people who can teach other Christians about the faith. For some, this is the norm, the only individuals that are trusted to interpret the Scriptures, to help guide our spiritual life are the ministers. I wonder at what age that changes? It is okay faithful volunteers to teach our little children the Bible stories. At what stage of life does the shift happen where only scholars can guide other adults in the faith? Middle School? High School? After college? As adults we find often that we distrust others. We worry that other adults may not have done their homework adequately or that they may stir in their own personal biases in Bible Studies or Sunday School Forums. I am not saying that this does not happen but when we walk into the doors of our churches and our sanctuaries, aren't we supposed to suspend our distrust and disbelief in humanity? Aren't we called to be one body?
I believe in the priesthood of all believers. And I believe in the beauty of many voices and interpretations of the Scripture, that in dialogue we can all learn from one another. I believe that we can never know all that there is to know about the Bible, no matter how many degrees we have. This does not mean that we will all have the exact same level of knowledge, or we will all agree about the Bible message and how it intersects with our lives today. But, that is OK! Surely, as Peter, James & John followed Jesus they didn't always hear the same message. And yet, they were vital to the faith and the future of the Church.
With that being said, I suppose my point is this: while it does take a special, dedicated individual to lead our congregations in prayer, in study of the Scripture, and other writings from individuals who are faithfully engaging the Bible... there are many faithful Christians who fit that description who are guiding many people in thoughtful theological discussions the world over. And there are many who fit the description who are afraid to step forward and participate in this way.
We can all teach, preach, and learn from one another. And we ALL have more to learn. I think that is a beautiful thing because it means that God is never finished being at work in and through us. Let us not relegate Sunday School to children only. Let us not think that Bible Study only happens successfully when the pastor leads it. And let us not think that one Bible Study will ever be enough. Let us be open to new ways of engaging in the Word. Let us stretch ourselves beyond what is comfortable. Let us admit we haven't immersed ourselves in the Bible narrative (I haven't). Let us admit that we cannot recite all the psalms (I can't). Let us be honest that we don't know all of the historical context of our faith (I don't). Let us confess that we do not have an answer for all of the questions that come up about our faith (I don't and won't). It is time to stop pretending and embrace the fact that this is OK! Let us be present in a lifetime of Christian learning. Let us not doubt that we can listen and learn, speak and educate, together. Amen.
But how do we answer these questions when it comes to talking about and learning about our faith? Who do you trust to guide you in lifelong learning about the Bible, Faith, and Christian Life? As an ordained minister with degrees in Divinity and Christian Education I find that I can be a bit of a snob about this. I want pastors to be educated, to have gone to seminary and earned degrees in ministry. I worked hard for my education so I get a little peeved when ministers from other denominations at times don't have any credentials such as this. I fear that those who follow those leaders may be lead astray. This is my bias, I will be honest and not one that is always true.
But I do not find myself believing that pastors are the only people who can teach other Christians about the faith. For some, this is the norm, the only individuals that are trusted to interpret the Scriptures, to help guide our spiritual life are the ministers. I wonder at what age that changes? It is okay faithful volunteers to teach our little children the Bible stories. At what stage of life does the shift happen where only scholars can guide other adults in the faith? Middle School? High School? After college? As adults we find often that we distrust others. We worry that other adults may not have done their homework adequately or that they may stir in their own personal biases in Bible Studies or Sunday School Forums. I am not saying that this does not happen but when we walk into the doors of our churches and our sanctuaries, aren't we supposed to suspend our distrust and disbelief in humanity? Aren't we called to be one body?
I believe in the priesthood of all believers. And I believe in the beauty of many voices and interpretations of the Scripture, that in dialogue we can all learn from one another. I believe that we can never know all that there is to know about the Bible, no matter how many degrees we have. This does not mean that we will all have the exact same level of knowledge, or we will all agree about the Bible message and how it intersects with our lives today. But, that is OK! Surely, as Peter, James & John followed Jesus they didn't always hear the same message. And yet, they were vital to the faith and the future of the Church.
With that being said, I suppose my point is this: while it does take a special, dedicated individual to lead our congregations in prayer, in study of the Scripture, and other writings from individuals who are faithfully engaging the Bible... there are many faithful Christians who fit that description who are guiding many people in thoughtful theological discussions the world over. And there are many who fit the description who are afraid to step forward and participate in this way.
We can all teach, preach, and learn from one another. And we ALL have more to learn. I think that is a beautiful thing because it means that God is never finished being at work in and through us. Let us not relegate Sunday School to children only. Let us not think that Bible Study only happens successfully when the pastor leads it. And let us not think that one Bible Study will ever be enough. Let us be open to new ways of engaging in the Word. Let us stretch ourselves beyond what is comfortable. Let us admit we haven't immersed ourselves in the Bible narrative (I haven't). Let us admit that we cannot recite all the psalms (I can't). Let us be honest that we don't know all of the historical context of our faith (I don't). Let us confess that we do not have an answer for all of the questions that come up about our faith (I don't and won't). It is time to stop pretending and embrace the fact that this is OK! Let us be present in a lifetime of Christian learning. Let us not doubt that we can listen and learn, speak and educate, together. Amen.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Come, All Ye Faithful
I'm starting the New Year's Resolution early. Hopefully that doesn't mean it will sputter out early, too! When thinking about positive ways to engage one another as family, friends, neighbors, brothers & sisters in Christ (whatever best suits your needs) I think perhaps one way I can aid in this engagement is by blogging on a more regular basis. I always do a monthly blog for my son, Kemper, and if you want to read those you can check out http://junebugsandpickuptrucks.blogspot.com/. But this will be a more concentrated effort on thinking about faith, ministry, every day life and where they intersect.
A familiar hymn during this season is "Come, All Ye Faithful." The hymn calls on us to "Come and behold him, born the King of angels. Oh come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord." Here is what I find so fascinating about Christmas. It is all the people that you get to see at special Christmas Concerts and Worship services, and pageants and church that you don't see any other time of year. You know what I am talking about, the Christmas and Easter people. Maybe you are one of them. On Christmas we do come, we flock together to bear witness to "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!" And then Christmas Day comes and goes, life's routines fall back into place, and we lose that brilliant light and joy that we experienced for those few hours together in the great fellowship halls, live nativity stalls, and sanctuaries of our places of worship.
Why?
What is it that brings us back time and time again for Christmas, the story we know best? And what is it that prevents us from coming back for Sabbath time all the days following?
Is it the same old stories? Is it too much politicking and hypocrisy (we've all heard that argument)? Is the worship not feeding you spiritually? And, more importantly, is the church not serving and/or directing its worship to God?
Our church theme at Covenant this year is "Already Home." The thought behind this being that in Covenant you have a place that you can feel comfortable and welcome, a place where you can lay your weariness aside and reconnect with one another and God. We seek to fill our needs with so many other activities, clubs, and associations, but in God and together as the body of Christ, you already are given what you need.
So, I challenge you as the new year approaches to Come. Come worship with us on Christmas. And keep on coming.
A familiar hymn during this season is "Come, All Ye Faithful." The hymn calls on us to "Come and behold him, born the King of angels. Oh come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord." Here is what I find so fascinating about Christmas. It is all the people that you get to see at special Christmas Concerts and Worship services, and pageants and church that you don't see any other time of year. You know what I am talking about, the Christmas and Easter people. Maybe you are one of them. On Christmas we do come, we flock together to bear witness to "Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!" And then Christmas Day comes and goes, life's routines fall back into place, and we lose that brilliant light and joy that we experienced for those few hours together in the great fellowship halls, live nativity stalls, and sanctuaries of our places of worship.
Why?
What is it that brings us back time and time again for Christmas, the story we know best? And what is it that prevents us from coming back for Sabbath time all the days following?
Is it the same old stories? Is it too much politicking and hypocrisy (we've all heard that argument)? Is the worship not feeding you spiritually? And, more importantly, is the church not serving and/or directing its worship to God?
Our church theme at Covenant this year is "Already Home." The thought behind this being that in Covenant you have a place that you can feel comfortable and welcome, a place where you can lay your weariness aside and reconnect with one another and God. We seek to fill our needs with so many other activities, clubs, and associations, but in God and together as the body of Christ, you already are given what you need.
So, I challenge you as the new year approaches to Come. Come worship with us on Christmas. And keep on coming.
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