I preached a series of sermons at my church during Advent 2008 entitled "God's Future in the Present." The focus of the series was on the church's mission to embody God's future reign made visible in Christ right here and now. My friend and college, Rev. Steve Price, wrote an inspired poem that he shared with his church, Harvest United Methodist Church, on Sunday December 21. I thought this poem captured the heart of what I was trying to say during those 4 weeks of sermons. He gave me permission to share it here.
“Springing Up”
by Steven M. PriceAdvent 2008
Beneath life’s crushing load, he sits
by the side of the road.
No one notices
but let me tell you who this is.
Man broken, to whom words are rarely spoken.
Had the house, the car, the kids, the wife.
All the pieces of what they call
the good life, but then. . .downsized.
No longer in the game.
Credit sinking in his name.
He couldn’t stand the shame.
Couldn’t stand. . .could not stand.
So he drank himself into this state.
No friends, no family left to participate
in his life, his story.
Does anyone care about his fate?
She had no chance.
Some are quick to criticize.
Say that she should realize
she can’t afford to feed those three.
But they don’t know. Can’t see
the way she had to go.
Daddy’s a dealer, dead when she was two.
Momma sold herself just to make it through.
Uneducated, she longs to be liberated,
but how? Up at daybreak, her heart aches
as she walks out the door, knowing
for an hour more her babies will be alone.
School bus comes long after she’s gone
to work--seven to three, then five to eleven,
just to be able to put food on the table
and pay the rent on a place
where nights are dangerously spent.
Some days she wonders if they’d be better
off with someone else. But memory runs deep.
And this one promise she WILL keep.
She will not abandon, will not let them go.
So they will know. . .so they will know
what she never knew. They are loved.
Images flood the screen.
Pictures we’ve all seen.
Children starving, mosquitoes swarming,
bellies distended. . .some are offended
that we have to look at this in the middle of our tv bliss.
But. . .there is no ER where they live,
and they have no Law and Order in their land.
And no one, it seems, will come to give
them an Extreme Home Makeover.
Quick. Change the channel. Find another show.
‘Cause I don’t want to know, don’t want to see
how much they hurt, ‘cause if it touches me. . .
I’d have to change.
People oppressed, lives distressed.
They struggle, they grope—they see no hope.
O dark night, where is the LIGHT
that will come. Come for them. Come for us.
Yahweh cries out, “ENOUGH!”
I am coming. I am coming. I am coming.
I. . .see your shame.
I. . .feel your hurt.
I. . .touch your sadness.
I. . .know your pain.
And I WILL heal. WILL feed. WILL free. WILL clothe.
WILL comfort. WILL serve. WILL save. WILL love.
You.
And Jesus comes. Emmanuel.
God with us. God with skin.
How can this be? He is our kin.
Joy of heaven come down to earth,
clothed in flesh he validates our worth.
Your worth. My worth. Their worth.
He rescues them. He restores them.
He raises them. He renews them.
And they know. They are loved.
Before he goes he turns to us and says, “Don’t forget. . .”
He knows that we are weak and yet
he says, “You.”
Open up your ears and listen.
May it be on earth as it is in heaven.
As it is. Not maybe. Not will be. Not could be.
Not someday. Not possibly. Not later. Not tomorrow.
Now. Now is the time to end the sorrow.
So you. Yes, you.
Now you must care. Now you must go.
You must show the love they need to know.
Bind up the broken hearted, he says. Continue the work I started.
This is the greatest story—your life revealing God’s glory.
No more wandering. No more waiting.
No time for pondering. No hesitating.
NOW.
This is the day. Mercy pouring.
This is the day. Justice soaring.
This is the day. Righteousness springing.
This is the day. Angels singing.
Because You. I. We.
Have seen. Have heard. Have known. Have learned.
And we will follow.
Come. Let us walk in life.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Good News or Bad News?
"Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying, "Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation." Luke 2:28-30
"When King Herod heard this [about Jesus' birth], he was frightened, and all Jersualem with him." Matthew 2:3
Have you ever noticed that “good news” is relative? Birth announcements are like that. It was such good news when my sister and her husband announced to us that they were expecting a baby boy who was born on December 1. But there was mixed emotion when my friend in high school announced that she was pregnant. She and her boyfriend had gone too far.
The "good news" of Jesus' birth was relative too.
For Simeon, the news of Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of a lifetime of longing. The news of Jesus’ birth was so good for Simeon that he basically says, “Now I can die a happy man!” The one thing he had been waiting for most in life had occurred in the birth of Jesus.
On the other hand we have King Herod, perhaps one of those that Simeon had in mind when he said, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.” Matthew says that when Herod heard that the “king of the Jews” had been born “he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.”
What makes the “good news” of Jesus so joyful for some and so terrifying for others?
One reason is power.
Those with power, who like the world the way it is, can find Jesus threatening. Those with no power, whose lives are marked by a longing for justice, often find Jesus the source of all they hope for.
In spite of the way preachers today sometimes spin Jesus, he did not come to earth in order to help make people’s lives better. Sure, many lives have been made whole by Jesus. What I mean is that Jesus did not come to earth in order to help people achieve their personal dreams. Jesus isn't our personal genie. Jesus did not come to earth in order to help people realize their best life now. Jesus came in order to bring God’s Kingdom and set the world in alignment with the rule of God in the world. Jesus work might better be described as rescuing people from the destruction which comes as we persue our own dreams rather than God's dreams.
As a result, those who enjoy life pretty well right now because of their place of power or privilege might struggle to understand Jesus as “good news.” Herod is a case in point, but so am I and a lot of my friends who have grown up in a place of privilege and power.
I am aware of the fact that I live a life where I have often had the privilege and power to call the shots. People pay attention to me. People listen to me. People will often assume I’m in charge instead of others. I have never wondered where my next meal would come from. As a kid I never wondered IF I could be employed when I grew up. It was only a matter of whatever I made my mind up to do. I never wondered IF I could go to college or graduate school or even be the president of the United States.
What is disturbing to me is that people like me in the Bible are the ones who are more threatened by Jesus than joyful [see Herod, the Pharisees and the Rich Young Ruler]. It is strange but true. By virtue of my place in life it is more difficult for me to pay attention to Jesus; listen to Jesus; trust that Jesus is in charge; depend on Jesus for bread; look to Jesus for employment; and seek Jesus’ direction about education and vocation. I just have so many other attractive options than Jesus.
What we find in Simeon is an invitation to remember where true power and privilege lay. Power lies in a manger. Power is revealed in all it's glory on a cross. And the power to transform people like me and Herod is found ultimately in the resurrection of Jesus.
That is not just good news for Simeon. That's good news for everybody.
"When King Herod heard this [about Jesus' birth], he was frightened, and all Jersualem with him." Matthew 2:3
Have you ever noticed that “good news” is relative? Birth announcements are like that. It was such good news when my sister and her husband announced to us that they were expecting a baby boy who was born on December 1. But there was mixed emotion when my friend in high school announced that she was pregnant. She and her boyfriend had gone too far.
The "good news" of Jesus' birth was relative too.
For Simeon, the news of Jesus’ birth was the fulfillment of a lifetime of longing. The news of Jesus’ birth was so good for Simeon that he basically says, “Now I can die a happy man!” The one thing he had been waiting for most in life had occurred in the birth of Jesus.
On the other hand we have King Herod, perhaps one of those that Simeon had in mind when he said, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed.” Matthew says that when Herod heard that the “king of the Jews” had been born “he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him.”
What makes the “good news” of Jesus so joyful for some and so terrifying for others?
One reason is power.
Those with power, who like the world the way it is, can find Jesus threatening. Those with no power, whose lives are marked by a longing for justice, often find Jesus the source of all they hope for.
In spite of the way preachers today sometimes spin Jesus, he did not come to earth in order to help make people’s lives better. Sure, many lives have been made whole by Jesus. What I mean is that Jesus did not come to earth in order to help people achieve their personal dreams. Jesus isn't our personal genie. Jesus did not come to earth in order to help people realize their best life now. Jesus came in order to bring God’s Kingdom and set the world in alignment with the rule of God in the world. Jesus work might better be described as rescuing people from the destruction which comes as we persue our own dreams rather than God's dreams.
As a result, those who enjoy life pretty well right now because of their place of power or privilege might struggle to understand Jesus as “good news.” Herod is a case in point, but so am I and a lot of my friends who have grown up in a place of privilege and power.
I am aware of the fact that I live a life where I have often had the privilege and power to call the shots. People pay attention to me. People listen to me. People will often assume I’m in charge instead of others. I have never wondered where my next meal would come from. As a kid I never wondered IF I could be employed when I grew up. It was only a matter of whatever I made my mind up to do. I never wondered IF I could go to college or graduate school or even be the president of the United States.
What is disturbing to me is that people like me in the Bible are the ones who are more threatened by Jesus than joyful [see Herod, the Pharisees and the Rich Young Ruler]. It is strange but true. By virtue of my place in life it is more difficult for me to pay attention to Jesus; listen to Jesus; trust that Jesus is in charge; depend on Jesus for bread; look to Jesus for employment; and seek Jesus’ direction about education and vocation. I just have so many other attractive options than Jesus.
What we find in Simeon is an invitation to remember where true power and privilege lay. Power lies in a manger. Power is revealed in all it's glory on a cross. And the power to transform people like me and Herod is found ultimately in the resurrection of Jesus.
That is not just good news for Simeon. That's good news for everybody.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Gift of God's Presence in an Irish Pub
I attended a conference on preaching recently. The conference was full of listening and learning about preaching that connects with people in our community. We were given a lot to think about and do. And at the end of a long day we had a free evening to do whatever we wanted. I wanted to catch up with Roy, a good friend at the conference who I only get to see about three times a year. We looked for a nearby restaurant to go hang out and get a bite to eat. The only place we found was a nearby Irish Pub.
Of the two of us, Roy looks much more like a regular at pubs. He is the most tattooed United Methodist pastor that I know and sports long hair with a goatee . In spite of being at the preaching conference I wasn’t interested in “connecting with my community” or being a “detective for divinity” in the pub that night. I just wanted to relax and enjoy some time catching up with my friend. I guess I can blame this on my tattooed, long-haired, goateed, Duke University-Tshirt-wearing friend, but somehow we attracted the attention of three lawyers at the pub. It was then that God surprised us with a gift.
The conversation started out innocently enough. One lawyer asked, “What year did you graduate from Duke? Do you remember when Duke played Carolina in basketball that year?” And then another asked, “What did you study?” We said, “We went to the Divinity School. We’re United Methodist Pastors.” I thought that would be the end of our conversation, but it only seemed to intrigue them more.
The edited version of their next question was, “Why in the world do you do what you do?” The question was genuine, and before I knew it Roy and I were sitting in an Irish Pub sharing with three lawyers about how God had moved us to order our lives around Jesus Christ and his will.
One of the guys, Bob, seemed particularly intrigued with our stories and reflected on his own life saying, “Faith is not a part of my life at all right now. I’d like it to be, but I’m not even sure how to do that or even what that would mean.” Among other things Bob shared about how he had lost faith in the church with all its rules and hypocrisy, but still had a longing to live in a way that made this world a better place.
As our conversation continued I kept thinking, “Wow! I didn’t see this coming.” God was present in that Irish pub – a holy moment in such an unsuspecting place. Feels like the first Christmas!
There were no Christmas songs playing. Some guy was strumming a guitar over in the corner. There were no angel choirs, shepherds, or animals, and I'm not sure there was a wise man in the place. But it felt like Christmas because the gift of God was present. God was present in our openness with one another, the soul stirring questions that were asked and the vulnerability with which each one shared about his experience of pain and hope.
The Bible tells us that at the first Christmas God made himself vulnerable and became present among us in a child named Jesus. None of the religious people of the day had seen this coming. But there was God right there in the animal feeding trough outside Bethlehem – a holy moment in such an unsuspecting place. It was Christmas.
It is the surprising gift of God in Jesus that we remember at Christmas. The Advent theme at my church this year is “God’s Future in the Present.” That reminds us that God’s future is present now through the gift of Jesus. We don’t need to wait until we die to experience God’s presence. Apparently God is interested in meeting people in odd places like Irish Pubs, smelly stables and wherever you happen to be right now.
Jesus is a gift we are invited to receive right now. As we receive the gift of Christ we begin to participate in God’s future right now – the restoration of all creation. Indeed, this world can be a better place and God’s purpose in Christ is to make it so. Through the gift of Christ we can imagine and live into God’s promised future of love, joy and peace.
My prayer for you this Advent and Christmas is that you receive this gift.
Of the two of us, Roy looks much more like a regular at pubs. He is the most tattooed United Methodist pastor that I know and sports long hair with a goatee . In spite of being at the preaching conference I wasn’t interested in “connecting with my community” or being a “detective for divinity” in the pub that night. I just wanted to relax and enjoy some time catching up with my friend. I guess I can blame this on my tattooed, long-haired, goateed, Duke University-Tshirt-wearing friend, but somehow we attracted the attention of three lawyers at the pub. It was then that God surprised us with a gift.
The conversation started out innocently enough. One lawyer asked, “What year did you graduate from Duke? Do you remember when Duke played Carolina in basketball that year?” And then another asked, “What did you study?” We said, “We went to the Divinity School. We’re United Methodist Pastors.” I thought that would be the end of our conversation, but it only seemed to intrigue them more.
The edited version of their next question was, “Why in the world do you do what you do?” The question was genuine, and before I knew it Roy and I were sitting in an Irish Pub sharing with three lawyers about how God had moved us to order our lives around Jesus Christ and his will.
One of the guys, Bob, seemed particularly intrigued with our stories and reflected on his own life saying, “Faith is not a part of my life at all right now. I’d like it to be, but I’m not even sure how to do that or even what that would mean.” Among other things Bob shared about how he had lost faith in the church with all its rules and hypocrisy, but still had a longing to live in a way that made this world a better place.
As our conversation continued I kept thinking, “Wow! I didn’t see this coming.” God was present in that Irish pub – a holy moment in such an unsuspecting place. Feels like the first Christmas!
There were no Christmas songs playing. Some guy was strumming a guitar over in the corner. There were no angel choirs, shepherds, or animals, and I'm not sure there was a wise man in the place. But it felt like Christmas because the gift of God was present. God was present in our openness with one another, the soul stirring questions that were asked and the vulnerability with which each one shared about his experience of pain and hope.
The Bible tells us that at the first Christmas God made himself vulnerable and became present among us in a child named Jesus. None of the religious people of the day had seen this coming. But there was God right there in the animal feeding trough outside Bethlehem – a holy moment in such an unsuspecting place. It was Christmas.
It is the surprising gift of God in Jesus that we remember at Christmas. The Advent theme at my church this year is “God’s Future in the Present.” That reminds us that God’s future is present now through the gift of Jesus. We don’t need to wait until we die to experience God’s presence. Apparently God is interested in meeting people in odd places like Irish Pubs, smelly stables and wherever you happen to be right now.
Jesus is a gift we are invited to receive right now. As we receive the gift of Christ we begin to participate in God’s future right now – the restoration of all creation. Indeed, this world can be a better place and God’s purpose in Christ is to make it so. Through the gift of Christ we can imagine and live into God’s promised future of love, joy and peace.
My prayer for you this Advent and Christmas is that you receive this gift.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Advent 2008
Presents are nearly synonymous with Christmas in our culture. It’s embarrassing to admit that last Christmas we had a total of three present exchanges in our family. On Christmas day we gathered with my mother and father in law to exchange presents. The next day we loaded up the car and drove to my parent’s house where my older sister joined us for exchange number two. Then two days after that, my younger sister and her husband joined us and we had exchange number three.
Sometimes I wonder if in the midst of so many presents, we miss the true present of Christmas.
After we returned home from my parent’s house following the New Year we put all our stuff away, plopped down on the couch and breathed a sigh. It was then that Carolyn noticed the small bag tucked behind one of the chairs in our living room. It must have gotten pushed back there by all the other presents and we missed it in our rush to leave for my parent’s house.
She pulled it out and said, “Oh! Look we missed a Christmas present!”
The holiday season isn’t exactly a good time to suggest people stop, slow down and spend a little more time on self-reflection. Perhaps this year’s economic slow-down will help create that space. In any event, if we don’t attempt to push back on the rush of this season we are likely to miss the most important present of all – God’s presence among us in Jesus Christ.
Over the next four weeks of Advent I’ll be sharing some thoughts to help us stop, put aside our lists, take a breath and pay attention to the gift of Jesus – the greatest present. I’ll be writing around the theme: “God’s Future in the Present.” I like the play on words in this theme. It is through Jesus (the greatest present) that we get a glimpse of God’s future right now (in the present). Think about that for a moment!
Jesus is God’s answer for a world that is broken, fearful, at war, in economic crisis, and desperately lonely. God has a vision for how to rescue this world from this brokenness. That vision is God’s future and God’s future is wrapped up in Jesus. As you pause to receive this greatest present, you will begin to glimpse God’s future in the present.
Among all the other gifts you receive this Christmas, don’t miss this one.
Sometimes I wonder if in the midst of so many presents, we miss the true present of Christmas.
After we returned home from my parent’s house following the New Year we put all our stuff away, plopped down on the couch and breathed a sigh. It was then that Carolyn noticed the small bag tucked behind one of the chairs in our living room. It must have gotten pushed back there by all the other presents and we missed it in our rush to leave for my parent’s house.
She pulled it out and said, “Oh! Look we missed a Christmas present!”
The holiday season isn’t exactly a good time to suggest people stop, slow down and spend a little more time on self-reflection. Perhaps this year’s economic slow-down will help create that space. In any event, if we don’t attempt to push back on the rush of this season we are likely to miss the most important present of all – God’s presence among us in Jesus Christ.
Over the next four weeks of Advent I’ll be sharing some thoughts to help us stop, put aside our lists, take a breath and pay attention to the gift of Jesus – the greatest present. I’ll be writing around the theme: “God’s Future in the Present.” I like the play on words in this theme. It is through Jesus (the greatest present) that we get a glimpse of God’s future right now (in the present). Think about that for a moment!
Jesus is God’s answer for a world that is broken, fearful, at war, in economic crisis, and desperately lonely. God has a vision for how to rescue this world from this brokenness. That vision is God’s future and God’s future is wrapped up in Jesus. As you pause to receive this greatest present, you will begin to glimpse God’s future in the present.
Among all the other gifts you receive this Christmas, don’t miss this one.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Practicing Faith and Civic Duty
“While our allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society . . . . The strength of a political system depends upon the full and willing participation of its citizens.” (paragraph 164 The United Methodist Discipline).
I want to encourage you to participate and vote in the upcoming election. It is a way that we live out our faith, not just our civic duty.
At the church where my wife and I serve as co-pastors, I know that there are deeply committed Christians who will vote for the Republican, Democrat and Independent candidates. I realize it is important for us as pastors not to “tell people how or who to vote for.” Even as I review the scriptures and the narrative of God’s salvation history that Christians have surrendered their lives to, my opinion is that no candidate could fully share that narrative. (Nor would I expect them to given the assumptions that one has to make in order to be the president of the United States.)
Therefore, I find it impossible to say, “This is the Christian way to vote.”
However, I encourage people to participate in the election process by listening to debates, reading candidates’ websites and the plethora of news sources that report what the candidates are saying, rather than basing one’s vote entirely upon simplified “voter guides” produced for Christians. Those may be helpful in some sense, but they never give a very complete picture.
As you participate in this way, you may find it helpful to know what the United Methodist Church has said about various social issues that affect our world today. These stances are not considered church law, nor are they written to tell people how to vote. It is a statement that the General Conference of the United Methodist Church has produced as a prayerful and thoughtful effort to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. I think they are worthy of our reflection as we practice our faith and civic duty.
Here is an overview of the six sections of the "Social Principles" of the United Methodist Church. You can see the complete version of the Social Principles by following this link. http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1686
The natural world
We affirm that we're responsible for the way we use the Lord's creation. We support social policies that promote the wise use of water, air, soil, minerals, and plants. We support the conservation of energy and oppose energy-using technologies that threaten human health. We're concerned for the humane treatment of animals and the respectful use of space.
The nurturing community
We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships. We affirm the sanctity of marriage and shared fidelity between a man and a woman. We recognize divorce as regrettable and intend to minister to the members of divorced families. We affirm the integrity of single persons. We recognize that sexuality is a good gift of God and that sex between a man and woman is only to be clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. We recognize the tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion and urge prayerful consideration by all parties involved. We assert the right of every person to die with dignity.
The social community
We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God's sight. We reject racism and assert the rights of racial minorities to equal opportunities in employment, education, voting, housing, and leadership. We urge social practices that will uphold the rights of religious minorities, of children, youth, young adults, and the aging, of women, and of disabled persons. We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs, and we support the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons.
The economic community
All economic systems are under the judgment of God. We believe the private ownership of property is a trusteeship under God and must be responsibly managed. We support the right of employees and employers to organize for collective bargaining. We affirm the right of safe and meaningful work and creative leisure. We support efforts to ensure truth in pricing, packaging, lending, and advertising; and we urge people to evaluate their consumption of goods in the light of the quality of life. We call on Christians to abstain from gambling and to be in ministry with persons who are the victims of this societal menace.
The political community
We hold governments responsible for the protection of people's basic freedoms. We believe that neither church nor state should attempt to dominate the other. We call for freedom of information and quality education. We defend the right of individuals to practice conscientious, non-violent civil disobedience. We support government measures to reduce crimes consistent with the basic freedoms of persons; and we urge the creation of new systems of rehabilitation.
The world community
God's world is one world. We hold nations accountable for unjust treatment of their citizens. We affirm the right of people in developing nations to shape their own destiny; and we applaud efforts to establish a more just international economic order. We believe war is incompatible with the teachings of Christ, and we claim that it is the primary moral duty of every nation to resolve disputes peacefully. We endorse the United Nations and commend all who pursue world peace through law.
I want to encourage you to participate and vote in the upcoming election. It is a way that we live out our faith, not just our civic duty.
At the church where my wife and I serve as co-pastors, I know that there are deeply committed Christians who will vote for the Republican, Democrat and Independent candidates. I realize it is important for us as pastors not to “tell people how or who to vote for.” Even as I review the scriptures and the narrative of God’s salvation history that Christians have surrendered their lives to, my opinion is that no candidate could fully share that narrative. (Nor would I expect them to given the assumptions that one has to make in order to be the president of the United States.)
Therefore, I find it impossible to say, “This is the Christian way to vote.”
However, I encourage people to participate in the election process by listening to debates, reading candidates’ websites and the plethora of news sources that report what the candidates are saying, rather than basing one’s vote entirely upon simplified “voter guides” produced for Christians. Those may be helpful in some sense, but they never give a very complete picture.
As you participate in this way, you may find it helpful to know what the United Methodist Church has said about various social issues that affect our world today. These stances are not considered church law, nor are they written to tell people how to vote. It is a statement that the General Conference of the United Methodist Church has produced as a prayerful and thoughtful effort to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound biblical and theological foundation. I think they are worthy of our reflection as we practice our faith and civic duty.
Here is an overview of the six sections of the "Social Principles" of the United Methodist Church. You can see the complete version of the Social Principles by following this link. http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=1686
The natural world
We affirm that we're responsible for the way we use the Lord's creation. We support social policies that promote the wise use of water, air, soil, minerals, and plants. We support the conservation of energy and oppose energy-using technologies that threaten human health. We're concerned for the humane treatment of animals and the respectful use of space.
The nurturing community
We affirm the family and work to strengthen its relationships. We affirm the sanctity of marriage and shared fidelity between a man and a woman. We recognize divorce as regrettable and intend to minister to the members of divorced families. We affirm the integrity of single persons. We recognize that sexuality is a good gift of God and that sex between a man and woman is only to be clearly affirmed in the marriage bond. We recognize the tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion and urge prayerful consideration by all parties involved. We assert the right of every person to die with dignity.
The social community
We affirm all persons as equally valuable in God's sight. We reject racism and assert the rights of racial minorities to equal opportunities in employment, education, voting, housing, and leadership. We urge social practices that will uphold the rights of religious minorities, of children, youth, young adults, and the aging, of women, and of disabled persons. We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol and illegal drugs, and we support the rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons.
The economic community
All economic systems are under the judgment of God. We believe the private ownership of property is a trusteeship under God and must be responsibly managed. We support the right of employees and employers to organize for collective bargaining. We affirm the right of safe and meaningful work and creative leisure. We support efforts to ensure truth in pricing, packaging, lending, and advertising; and we urge people to evaluate their consumption of goods in the light of the quality of life. We call on Christians to abstain from gambling and to be in ministry with persons who are the victims of this societal menace.
The political community
We hold governments responsible for the protection of people's basic freedoms. We believe that neither church nor state should attempt to dominate the other. We call for freedom of information and quality education. We defend the right of individuals to practice conscientious, non-violent civil disobedience. We support government measures to reduce crimes consistent with the basic freedoms of persons; and we urge the creation of new systems of rehabilitation.
The world community
God's world is one world. We hold nations accountable for unjust treatment of their citizens. We affirm the right of people in developing nations to shape their own destiny; and we applaud efforts to establish a more just international economic order. We believe war is incompatible with the teachings of Christ, and we claim that it is the primary moral duty of every nation to resolve disputes peacefully. We endorse the United Nations and commend all who pursue world peace through law.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Fourth Century Hope for 21st Century Anxiety
The U.S. economy faced meltdown this week while government officials scrambled to put together a response plan. Most people I know have a friend who is looking for a job. And even if you have time, you dare not listen too long to any news broadcasts which are rift with anxiety.
What a horrible feeling to wake up and realize your job is now to look for a job. Among other things you think, “Where do I start? Who is hiring now? I wish we had saved more. How long is this going to last? What do I do about these bills? Is losing my home possible?!” It is a helpless feeling.
The church has abundant resources to help people in this kind of crisis. One resource is history. A look at history reveals that crises like this have been weathered before. This week I remembered a book I read in seminary by a late fourth century monk named John Cassian. I found the introductory paragraph in the book to be eerily familiar.
It reads: “To the inhabitants of the Mediterranean world during the later fourth century A.D., the world seemed to be in decline. The frontiers were under threat, the countryside insecure, the taxation system unjust, government not respected. The Roman Empire was falling to pieces and no one could conceive what other kind of world there could be. The circumstances of daily life forced men and women to ask where they could find not only physical safety but hope in circumstances that looked so menacing.”
One could say just about the same thing for the inhabitants of the Western world in the early 21st century! Out of this crisis in the fourth century rose a movement that continues to be a gift to the church. I’m talking about the monks, nuns and hermits! These are the folks who by their simple lives of prayer and work in community reminded the church that it is called to seek another kingdom more lasting than any in this world, the kingdom of God.
John Cassian happened to be both a monk and a “monk instructor.” He wrote a book called “Conferences” to train new monks in the monastic life. One of the things he shared with his "monks in training" was a way of praying that has been particularly helpful for me in times like these, and I thought you might appreciate knowing about it too. The good news is that you don’t have to be a monk or a nun to do this!
He suggests holding Psalm 69:2 in our thoughts in all circumstances. "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
“This short verse,” writes Cassian, “is an indomitable wall for all those struggling against the onslaught of demons. It is an impenetrable breastplate and the sturdiest of shields. Whatever the disgust, the anguish, or the gloom in our thoughts, this verse keeps us from despairing of our salvation since it reveals to us the One to whom we call, the One who sees our struggles and who is never far from those who pray to Him.... This little verse, I am saying, proves to be necessary and useful to each one of us and in all circumstances. For someone who needs help in all things is making clear that he requires the help of God not simply in hard and sad situations but equally amid fortunate and joyful conditions."
So, in the face of threats, insecurity, injustice and distrust we pray . . . "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
In the face of crumbling investments, job offers and job losses we pray . . . “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
In the face of new hope and dashed hope we pray . . . “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
In all things we pray “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
Come on . . . try this! "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
May this ancient prayer and fourth century advice give us new insight, imagination and hope in the face of our 21st century anxiety.
What a horrible feeling to wake up and realize your job is now to look for a job. Among other things you think, “Where do I start? Who is hiring now? I wish we had saved more. How long is this going to last? What do I do about these bills? Is losing my home possible?!” It is a helpless feeling.
The church has abundant resources to help people in this kind of crisis. One resource is history. A look at history reveals that crises like this have been weathered before. This week I remembered a book I read in seminary by a late fourth century monk named John Cassian. I found the introductory paragraph in the book to be eerily familiar.
It reads: “To the inhabitants of the Mediterranean world during the later fourth century A.D., the world seemed to be in decline. The frontiers were under threat, the countryside insecure, the taxation system unjust, government not respected. The Roman Empire was falling to pieces and no one could conceive what other kind of world there could be. The circumstances of daily life forced men and women to ask where they could find not only physical safety but hope in circumstances that looked so menacing.”
One could say just about the same thing for the inhabitants of the Western world in the early 21st century! Out of this crisis in the fourth century rose a movement that continues to be a gift to the church. I’m talking about the monks, nuns and hermits! These are the folks who by their simple lives of prayer and work in community reminded the church that it is called to seek another kingdom more lasting than any in this world, the kingdom of God.
John Cassian happened to be both a monk and a “monk instructor.” He wrote a book called “Conferences” to train new monks in the monastic life. One of the things he shared with his "monks in training" was a way of praying that has been particularly helpful for me in times like these, and I thought you might appreciate knowing about it too. The good news is that you don’t have to be a monk or a nun to do this!
He suggests holding Psalm 69:2 in our thoughts in all circumstances. "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
“This short verse,” writes Cassian, “is an indomitable wall for all those struggling against the onslaught of demons. It is an impenetrable breastplate and the sturdiest of shields. Whatever the disgust, the anguish, or the gloom in our thoughts, this verse keeps us from despairing of our salvation since it reveals to us the One to whom we call, the One who sees our struggles and who is never far from those who pray to Him.... This little verse, I am saying, proves to be necessary and useful to each one of us and in all circumstances. For someone who needs help in all things is making clear that he requires the help of God not simply in hard and sad situations but equally amid fortunate and joyful conditions."
So, in the face of threats, insecurity, injustice and distrust we pray . . . "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
In the face of crumbling investments, job offers and job losses we pray . . . “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
In the face of new hope and dashed hope we pray . . . “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
In all things we pray “Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue.”
Come on . . . try this! "Come to my help, O God; Lord, hurry to my rescue."
May this ancient prayer and fourth century advice give us new insight, imagination and hope in the face of our 21st century anxiety.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Having the Time of My Life
When Carolyn and I first started being pastors in the United Methodist Church back in 1996 I remember sitting across the desk from our District Superintendent and hearing him ask, "Tell me what you see yourself in 10 years."
I thought it was an odd request. And I didn't know if he was fishing for something or not. But my answer was basically, "Leading a local church to be the church somewhere in Florida."
Some pastors may get juiced by getting "promoted" to a larger church where they can make more money and have more "status." But I get more satisfaction out of seeing the church be the church whatever its size. I don't know if there is a "perfect size" church. Sure there are different dynamics in a church of 75, a church of 250 and a church of 500 plus. At some point the role of pastors and staff as well as expectations of the congregation change as a church body grows numerically.
What I can tell you is that I am having the time of my life in ministry right now. Don't get me wrong, I see plenty of room for improvement and growth at Spring of Life. But I'm very excited to see the kind of community of faith we are becoming.
Here is an example. This week the church got an email from me about a family of 5 that had been kicked out of the home they were renting because the owner had his hours cut at work and the home was repossessed by the bank. Some people offered prayer. Some people offered work. And others offered housing possibilities. And because of a long-term commitment of the whole church to build a simple, multi-functional building, the church was able to offer a few hours during the day for this family to stay and play while dad looked for work and housing. Come to think of it, without the building, this family wouldn't have found Spring of Life to begin with.
This family is now on a waiting list to enter the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a ministry that helps homeless families with children get back on their feet. Also a ministry that this church is considering participating in.
Add to this a committed and talented Children's Ministry Director, Worship Music Leader, and Church Administrator along with a host of volunteer ministers you have a church that is developing the practices of passionate worship, radical hospitality, intentional faith development, risk taking mission and service and extravagant generosity.
Beginning this September we will begin a five week series in worship that focuses on each of those ministry practices of the church. Everyone will be invited to take a specially prepared devotional book called, "Cultivating Fruitfulness" to read and reflect on individually at home. There will be some small group gatherings on Tuesday evenings in September to process what we are reading and learning together as well.
As we pray and reflect together on these five essential practices of the church I'm convinced that many more people at Spring of Life will join me in having the time of their life in ministry. I'm so enthusiastic about how God's Spirit will lead us together this fall.
I thought it was an odd request. And I didn't know if he was fishing for something or not. But my answer was basically, "Leading a local church to be the church somewhere in Florida."
Some pastors may get juiced by getting "promoted" to a larger church where they can make more money and have more "status." But I get more satisfaction out of seeing the church be the church whatever its size. I don't know if there is a "perfect size" church. Sure there are different dynamics in a church of 75, a church of 250 and a church of 500 plus. At some point the role of pastors and staff as well as expectations of the congregation change as a church body grows numerically.
What I can tell you is that I am having the time of my life in ministry right now. Don't get me wrong, I see plenty of room for improvement and growth at Spring of Life. But I'm very excited to see the kind of community of faith we are becoming.
Here is an example. This week the church got an email from me about a family of 5 that had been kicked out of the home they were renting because the owner had his hours cut at work and the home was repossessed by the bank. Some people offered prayer. Some people offered work. And others offered housing possibilities. And because of a long-term commitment of the whole church to build a simple, multi-functional building, the church was able to offer a few hours during the day for this family to stay and play while dad looked for work and housing. Come to think of it, without the building, this family wouldn't have found Spring of Life to begin with.
This family is now on a waiting list to enter the Interfaith Hospitality Network, a ministry that helps homeless families with children get back on their feet. Also a ministry that this church is considering participating in.
Add to this a committed and talented Children's Ministry Director, Worship Music Leader, and Church Administrator along with a host of volunteer ministers you have a church that is developing the practices of passionate worship, radical hospitality, intentional faith development, risk taking mission and service and extravagant generosity.
Beginning this September we will begin a five week series in worship that focuses on each of those ministry practices of the church. Everyone will be invited to take a specially prepared devotional book called, "Cultivating Fruitfulness" to read and reflect on individually at home. There will be some small group gatherings on Tuesday evenings in September to process what we are reading and learning together as well.
As we pray and reflect together on these five essential practices of the church I'm convinced that many more people at Spring of Life will join me in having the time of their life in ministry. I'm so enthusiastic about how God's Spirit will lead us together this fall.
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