Wind in the Sails

Test

2012-02-17T00:36:00.000-05:00

Haven't posted in a long while. This is a test.

Learn Today

2010-12-22T19:36:00.000-05:00

Learn something today. For goodness' sake; learn something.

I am not sure what there is around the corner. I don't plan very well. But, I do know that I am headed around that corner and I believe that it's not what happens to us that matters so much, it's what we do when it happens; how we respond.

So, it just seems really important that we learn something every day.

This week I learned, thanks to two sage-like colleagues, that boundaries are important in ministry. Leadership can't be accomplished in the midst of anxiety so you can't enter into the anxiety of the moment. You can't react. You have to respond and the way you respond speaks to your ability to lead.

So, I stepped back a step this week; reminded myself that ministry is a profession not a friendship with everyone. And I felt better about me, and I think I started to do a better job.

"Dandy" Don Meredith

2010-12-06T22:44:00.001-05:00

I grew up a fan of the Dallas Cowboys. In my childhood being a fan of the Cowboys meant rooting for Dandy Don. He probably wasn't the best quarterback in the league but, I loved the Cowboys, and so I looked up to #17. I tried to emulate him in my passing. I had a replica jersey. He was kind of a big deal. His passing today at the age of 72 leaves me saddened.

In the years following his pro football career Don Meredith held a prominent position in my home on Monday nights. My grandmother loved him. My father used to sing, "Turn Out the Lights" in a manner after Don Meredith and we all loved the way he giggled and got under Howard Cosell's skin. Monday Night Football and Don Meredith were fixtures of my childhood; American icons. He made Monday Night Football must see TV.

Time moved on for Monday Night Football and the announcers have changed several times over the years. The current crew is very good in my estimation but, they weren't who I grew up with. So, I get it when church members say, "we should sing the hymns I grew up with. They're the ones that really speak to me." I get that. I miss the things of my childhood that helped form me and form the values that molded me. However, things do change with time whether we want them to or not. One of my favorite Christian authors, Kathleen Norris, wrote, "Disconnecting from change does not recapture the past. It loses the future."

That's a difficult but seemingly accurate statement. A church is a multi-generational enterprise. You can't be all things to all people all the time. Someone gets left out as another is included. It's the nature of bridging generations. But time does march on and change happens. In "Star Trek Generations" the villainous Dr. Soren says to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, "they say time is the fire in which we burn." Caustic, but again, with a ring of truth.

So, how do you address the multi-generational needs of congregations? With respect. You respect what has been and you respect what is and you respect what is coming. Each generation has or is growing up with something that forms the landscape of their memories just like Don Meredith is prominent in mine. So, you treat them all with respect and you listen to what they are saying and asking and you take them seriously. Then, you do your best to meet their needs. Not everyone is going to be happy all the time. You can only hope that when you cast a gaze back in time the road you have traveled has honored them all.

To Don Meredith's family I pray God's peace be with you in your grieving. He gave me much joy and birthed many of my football dreams. May he rest in God.

Talks A Lot

2010-12-03T17:38:00.000-05:00

I was readying to head out of the church today to attend our semi-annual Regional Board meeting. I told the church secretary where I was headed and for how long. She's not a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She said, "you all like to talk a lot don't you?"

Yeah, I guess we do.

The work of the Holy Spirit among us begins with a conversation. The work of the church begins with a conversation as well. Conversation leads to understanding. Understanding has the possibility of leading to a common sense of purpose.

So, I hope we talk a lot. But even more, I hope the conversation leads to action as the Holy Spirit leads us. Because the Holy Spirit has begun the conversation. It's ours to take up.

Advent

2010-11-28T12:59:00.002-05:00

Today is the start of a new year according to the Christian liturgical calendar. The new year starts with a focus on being prepared for the coming of the Lord. Advent has always held a double meaning; that of preparation for the birth of Jesus and that of preparation for the Second Coming of the Risen Christ. Focusing on these two things seems appropriate as the new year begins.

Of course the new year and the focus on nativity coincides with the retail celebration of Christmas and Santa and all that consumer-driven excitement. There are some in the Christian family who don't want this to be called the "Holiday Season" because it detracts from Christmas but, to me, that's wrongheaded. Christmas has been all but completely co-opted by retail sales and all those cutesy movies about family tradition. It's about Santa Claus and reindeer and Frosty and the Grinch. Those are all wonderful in their own rite. But, they have nothing to do with the Nativity. I have no trouble in naming things separately. There are holiday things. There are Christmas things and there are Nativity things.

Macy's could care less about Jesus. They are interested in the bottom line. They have no concern for Hanukkah. They want to see a rising sales curve. I don't mean to single out Macy's. It's the same for all big box retailers. Christmas gets their balance sheet healthier. That's what it's all about for them.

I enjoy buying gifts and the family celebrations. I love the Christmas songs of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I enjoy watching people open presents on Christmas day and I have my own great memories of getting up before the sun to see what was under the tree. I have no trouble calling it Christmas or Holiday time as long as we are careful to talk about the Nativity with a completely different voice.

The Nativity is about a humble husband and wife who are under the orders of the strong and oppressive government to return to their home town and pay taxes. It is about a child laid in a feeding trough on a bed of hay and wrapped in bands of rags and the lowliest of job-holders in all of society; shepherds, being the first to hear the news.

To me, it's all good. Just don't confuse Santa with Jesus or give his magical appearing with gifts any time in the church. That place belongs to Jesus.

The First Presidential Thanksgiving Day Proclamation

2010-11-22T11:23:00.000-05:00

THANKSGIVING DAY 1789
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - A PROCLAMATION
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.
GO. WASHINGTON.

Patience

2010-11-04T23:31:00.010-04:00

I was asked today, "what is your greatest ministerial challenge?" My answer? "Patience."

Earlier in the week I posted as my Facebook status, "Patience with people who threaten to disturb your inner peace amounts to listening to the gentle whisper of the holy." It drew a lot of response from people because I guess a lot of us have a problem with patience when it comes to others. Some people try us, and some people try us intentionally. They like to get us riled up.

I think that's certainly true when it comes to the pastor/parishioner relationship. I believe some people enjoy playing roast the preacher. Whatever they can do to be a burr under the saddle they will do it; and, they seem to get some pleasure out of it too.

So, yeah, patience is my greatest challenge as a pastor.

I've been accused of being too patient. One person who used to work with me would criticize me for moving too slowly, for letting church members get away with too much, for being too laissez faire. There may be some truth to that because another great challenge for me is conflict. When it's head on, I'm good, but, when it comes from the undermine and it's up to me to address it I don't get quite so motivated. But, as for being too patient, I think I have a ways to go to reach that state.

Still, I try always to take a long view. I absolutely always know where I am headed. I absolutely always have a clear goal in mind. I also realize there are many paths to the end of the trail. We can get to the goal many ways. Sometimes there are setbacks, but, I believe if I can keep moving in the direction of the ultimate goal that somehow I am going to get there and lead the people in my charge there as well.

Idyllic optimism? Maybe. Patience. Maybe a little. It's the way I try to work and co-exist and lead.

Someday I'll get there and I hope that I will have taught and learned along the way. Until then; patience and perseverance.

13

2010-11-01T19:47:00.000-04:00

Dallas is 13. A certified teenager. Wow, that happened fast didn't it?

Living with my child is difficult, rewarding, and perplexing. He doesn't make things easy because he doesn't understand that to be his job. As he sees it his job is to live a carefree existence where he gets what he needs and what he wants and the rest of us hold the position of his servant.

I am hoping he will learn otherwise. I am hoping he will learn that Jesus was a servant to all and a master to none. I am hoping he will learn that while he is indeed special, so is everyone else on the planet. I am hoping he will learn that truth is more important than popularity or riches. I am hoping he will always give his best, speak his best, offer his best -- because you know, when he does, he's pretty wonderful.

13 is the number of men there were in that crowd that wandered through the Israeli countryside; Jesus and the twelve. 13 is the age at which Jewish boys and girls are offered the rite of passage into adulthood. 13 is also the age which Native American boys became warriors. It's a big year.

As Dallas moves into his teen years and grows in stature, in knowledge and I hope in faith as well I ask for your prayers, your support, your wisdom and your help. Affirm him when he does well. Steer him when is wandering off the path. Answer his questions if he asks. Accept his hugs and offer him one now and then. Respect him. Love him.

Thank you.

The Revised Common Lectionary

2010-10-14T18:36:00.001-04:00

I have a deep appreciation for the Revised Common Lectionary. Using the Lectionary takes a chunk of the human word out of sermon and worship planning and allows more divine Word to be heard.

The Revised Common Lectionary was revised and began to be used in 1994 based on the Common Lectionary which came into use in 1983. The Revised Common Lectionary has the support of the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal, Methodist, Prebyterian, Lutheran, United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ. It spans a three year period with the general rule being that for every Sunday of the year there is a prescribed reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, the Psalms, the Epistles and the Gospels. Over a three year period virtually all of the Bible is touched.

The major principle behind the lectionary is that on a Sunday members of congregations should be able to hear the voice of each writer week by week, rather than readings being selected according to a theme. Thus, in any given year the writer of one of the first three gospels will be heard from beginning to end. Likewise the rest of the New Testament is heard, in some cases, virtually in total, in others in large part.

As I said, this takes much of the human word out of the picture and keeps us from preaching what we think ought to be preached. The pulpit is no place to grind an axe or to release the frustrations of a pastor. It is the place from where the Word of God should rightly proceed. Thematic preaching is helpful, necessary and often quite illustrative of the great truths of the scriptures. The Lectionary is sometimes set to the side when themes need to be preached to a particular congregation because the Lectionary is itself an implement for preaching and not a rule that must be followed. Still, the Lectionary can save the congregation from preachers intent on getting THEIR point across. For that reason alone it is a useful instrument.

The Lectionary also instills a discipline on the preacher. It causes us to examine the whole Bible and not just the parts we like the most. It challenges the preacher to find within its prescribed texts the Word of God the congregation needs to hear. It is difficult, though not impossible, to manipulate the Lectionary to one's own purposes. As a discipline the Lectionary invites the preacher into each portion of the scriptures and then asks the preacher to listen for the Word of God rather than reading it into a text.

I don't always like the Lectionary. Sometimes the prescribed texts are difficult to preach or don't speak to my listening ear. There are times when I get stuck trying to hear. But, I will most likely always be primarily a Lectionary preacher. It puts me in the proper place in the pulpit.

Can't Stay Away from Dangling Bait

2010-09-16T13:19:00.000-04:00

Sometimes people ask you a question or make a statement that is cryptic and veiled. They do that so that when you respond you are caught unaware or perhaps trapped into admitting something you might not otherwise reveal. It is a passive-aggressive form of communication rather than just a straightforward speaking of the mind. When lulled into one of these conversations you are often embarrassed, surprised and not often allowed to offer any deeper answer. In our sound-bite world this seems to be ever-more true. Journalists and political pundits are looking for that shocked, surprised answer or just a strange reaction so that they claim a "Youtube" moment.

I don't like being baited. But you know, I can't seem to lay off that dangling bait either. Some years ago when I was in elementary school I talked too much in class and the teacher assigned me sentences to write. What did the sentence say? "My mouth gets me in trouble when I talk too much." One of these days I will take that lesson to heart.

What I Did This Summer, Part I

2010-09-07T23:47:00.000-04:00

This summer I did what I have done every year for the past few -- I chaperoned our church youth group on a brief but meaningful mission trip. We went to Cincinnati this summer for the trip and we worked with a wonderful organization called Matthew 25 Ministries. They treated us very well and we filled up several gaylords of goods and products to be shipped where there is need. I don't usually go head over heels for organizations with which we work, but, this one was tempting.

We went to Newport on the Levee and had a nice dinner on the balcony. We watched a Cincinnati Reds game that was a lot of fun. We spent a whole entire good day at King's Island riding every roller coaster they rolled out. It was a LONG day.

Then there was Vacation Bible School that went very well. It too was mission oriented. We invited guest speakers in and we looked at the mission field in our neighborhood, our city, state, country and around the world. The kids seemed to be having a good time and the content this year was outstanding.

After that it was on to the summer camp management job that I work for Christian Church in KY. Each week I would meet counselors, directors and campers at Camp WakonDaHo, invite them to fun and spiritual growth and shoot a couple hundred pictures of these children and teenagers having an unabashed good time. Camp WakonDaHo is so much more than a place.

And that was June.

Cooking With A Flame

2010-09-05T22:04:00.000-04:00

I like to cook on the outdoor gas grill. I like cooking over a flame. It's primitive. It's tasty. It gives me satisfaction.

It doesn't matter what is to be grilled, I enjoy cooking it all. From zucchini slices to corn on the cob, baking potatoes, steaks, salmon, hamburgers and hot dogs. All good.

But, it's Labor Day weekend and thus the traditional end to summer and the summer grilling season. It won't stop me. If my tank has propane then I will cook with a flame. Even when there is snow on the grill I am up to putting on a coat and cooking outside; especially if it's a steak from Critchfield's.

I just like cooking with a flame no matter what the season. Labor Day may be a national celebration to celebrate, "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," but it certainly doesn't mean grilling is over.

September

2010-09-01T17:09:00.000-04:00

Officially summer may not be over for three more weeks but, it's September 1 and that means fall to me. College football starts this week. The pools close this weekend. The sailboat is telling me the wind is about to shift in her direction. It's fall.

Fall is always a low time for me. I don't really know why. I just seem to dip a little as the days get shorter. And I miss playing football. After all these years have passed by I can still smell the dust and the grass of Oklahoma; the long evening practices; the sounds, the sights of it all. And who could ever purge that locker room smell from their memories? It stings the nostrils.

A couple years ago the alt band Green Day wrote and recorded a great song about September and with a shout out to their biggest fan, Wyatt McDanald, here's the lyric to the song.

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when September ends

like my father's come to pass
seven years has gone so fast
wake me up when September ends

here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are

as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when September ends

summer has come and passed
the innocent can never last
wake me up when September ends

ring out the bells again
like we did when spring began
wake me up when September ends

here comes the rain again
falling from the stars
drenched in my pain again
becoming who we are

as my memory rests
but never forgets what I lost
wake me up when September ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
wake me up when September ends

like my father's come to pass
twenty years has gone so fast
wake me up when September ends

Indeed.

Never Unscathed

2010-08-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Tulsa portion of my 30 day Sabbatical Experiment was very pleasing. In spite of my anxieties about the mini-reunion it was way more fun than I could have hoped. The whole reconnecting with friends from days gone by was especially sweet and wonderful. Yet, as we talked and remembered and filled in the gaps of our lives it was not difficult to discover that many of us have lived through some really difficult days and situations, health concerns, marriages that didn't go well and the like. Not a one of us seemed to be without scars of some sort and there were even some among us who had fresh wounds. It seems to be so that none of us walks through this world unscathed. We've reached our 50's and that's plenty of time for a hike through the woods of life.

Most of the people, and perhaps even all of them, who were there are decent, good people. Bad things do indeed happen to the best of us. One particularly endeared friend is reovering from the loss of her father whom she deeply adored. She is very strong in faith and has lived her principles, as did her dad. But, grief shows on her face nonetheless.

I often assert that life can almost always be explained by physics. A curious thing for a pastor to say others often think. But I believe that when a heavy load begins to crush us it is good to have a structure around us that can support and distribute the weight. Because none of us escapes life unschathed it is good indeed to have friends who bear us up on eagle's wings and help us carry the load.

A Long Way to Go and a Short Time to Get There

2010-07-28T01:33:00.000-04:00

We picked up the RV a little early today thanks to some outstanding and wonderful employees at NotNu/Cruise America in Tulsa. We hit the road around 12:30 Central time with me behind the wheel.

The rented RV planted itself at 70 MPH and didn't look back. Stroud, Oklahoma City, Weatherford, Shamrock, Amarillo, Tucumcarie and now we rest at the KOA in Albuquerque. Apparently they have Wi-Fi because here I am at midnight thirty writing in the blog.

The landscape along the way was inspiring. The hills and farms of Oklahoma, dotted with gas wells and ponds. The flat prairie of the Texas panhandle with mesquite growing low and washes and draws where Indians used to hide from the US Army. The mesas, ravines and oddly shaped mountains of eastern New Mexico without a tree in sight. Inspiring. It is amazing the change in topography you can experience in one day's drive. Amazing.

The sunset over the New Mexico mountains was special and the full moon guiding us tonight was our constant friend.

The KOA is very nice and the RV seems to be functioning quite well, even if it is only accomplishing about 7 MPG. That may have more to do with the leadfoot behind the wheel than anything else.

We will all sleep well tonight. In fact I am yawning now and ready to sign off.

Goodnight from Albuquerque.

Disaster or Disaster Avoided?

2010-07-26T23:51:00.000-04:00

Today was a disaster. Or perhaps it is a day when disaster was avoided.

The morning went pretty well. We left the hotel in St Robert, MO close to an "on-time departure" and arrived in Tulsa to do a bit of sight-seeing for Ryan, and a little coney eating too, before we went to Mom and Dad's.

We loaded the RV and made for Oklahoma City. First, it was the generator that malfunctioned. The generator was surging which made it nearly impossible for the air conditioner to run, which made it really, really hot inside the RV. So, before we got out of town we stopped and tried to make adjustments. Nothing really worked but I got behind the wheel and we entered the Turner Turnpike.

That's when the engine went amiss. Each time we tried to climb a hill it would starve for fuel. It backfired once. Still, I kept thinking it might just smooth out.

Forty miles onto the turnpike we hit the toll booth. As we exited the RV decided not to shift into overdrive. The torque converter wasn't kicking in. So, Dad said, "Jerry, we need to turn around and go home. We can't have this thing breaking down and stranding us in the middle of nowhere." By the way, the middle of nowhere was our chosen destination but breaking down there was not our chosen activity.

So, I turned us around and headed back to town; bewildered and with my Dad nearly sunk with disappointment and sorrow. He kept saying he was sorry, but, it didn't need to be said because he hadn't caused the phantoms and I wasn't about to hold the misfortunes of the day against him.

Still, I didn't know exactly what to do. We called a place in Tulsa called NotNu and they rent CruiseAmerica RV's. Yes, we can get one tomorrow she said. Not today? Nope, thanks to Timothy McVeigh no one can get a same-day RV rental ever again.

I talked with Kelly and she said that this was a once in a lifetime trip and we would just work out the money at a later time. How, I don't know and I didn't really think about it as I signed the rental agreement.

Tomorrow we get a CruiseAmerica RV with a huge billboard on the side of it. It's bare. We have to take everything from toilet paper to sheets with us tomorrow. It's gonna be an ordeal, but, they have roadside assistance. It's nearly new. It sleeps 7. It may be OK.

But, we still have to get to Phoenix by 9:00 PM on Wednesday to pick up Kelly at the airport. Hard days ahead tomorrow and Wednesday. We can't get the rolling billboard until noon tomorrow and it will surely be 1:00 before we are packed and moving.

Still, I think today is about learning something. Even though it seemed to have all went wrong we are moving forward; trying to learn; trying to be on sabbatical. By the way, that was especially hard to do today because the church phone kept calling me to tell me someone had left a message. I thought I had turned that off but I guess I didn't. The tech guy was supposed to call or come by last Thursday to help with the phones but he didn't.

Trying hard to be on sabbatical. Trying hard to learn each day. Today I learned a lot about character and will and determination and grit. And I think Dallas and Ryan learned something too. I hope they did.

The 30 Day Sabbatical Experiment

2010-07-26T00:42:00.002-04:00

We (Dallas, Ryan Pendleton, and I) have made it to the Hampton Inn in St. Robert, MO. The boys are asleep as I post pictures and write this. It has been a long, long day.

We got started on the trip about 1:25 this afternoon and pulled into the Gateway Arch Parking Garage at just about 6 PM Central time. While we were getting Ryan's camera out of the trunk I sliced my middle finger right hand wide open on the underside of the trunk. It bled immediately and a pretty good amount. I pinched hard and got it stopped but I am typing with a handicap. It hurts.

The trip up the Gateway Arch in StL was as good as it has ever been. The Mississippi River is out of its banks, above the walkways and into the street below the arch. Dallas stood in the river which we thought was great fun.

So, it's publish this, try to sleep and get on the road around 7:30 tomorrow morning. We are hoping to make the panhandle of TX by tomorrow night.

Here Is the Church.....

2010-06-26T09:51:00.002-04:00

When I was a child I was taught, like many, many others, to put my hands together with my fingers interlocked and my two index fingers pointing skyward as I said, "here is the church, here is the steeple." Then you would open your hands with fingers still interlocked and say, "open it up and here are the people."

I have a completely different perspective on this exercise today and don't think I recommend it any more.

Why?

Two reasons.

First, the people should be outside the church where the people who need to hear the message the church offers actually live. Those people who are in need and are seeking aren't near as likely in our day to search for a church to attend. They won't come to us any more. It's time we go to them. Jesus rarely taught in the synagogues and temples, he did, but it was far more often we find him on a hill, at a lakefront, in someone's home, on the road. When he commissioned the 70 to be his advance men he sent them out on the road and into homes, not the temple and not the synagogue.

Church people should be outside the walls of the church.

Second, when you open your hands in this exercise the fingers that represent the church people are still interlocked. They are tight knit. We used to say that cohesion and group identification in the church were good things, and to some extent they still are. It's not near as satisfying to affiliate with a congregation where you don't feel connected and integrated -- and that makes the opposite point. The church is too tight, too cohesive and not near welcoming and inclusive enough. It's difficult to break in. We even have rules that say new members can't be in leadership until they have been in the church for a certain period of time. The church needs to be less interlocked and more open.

Really, about the only thing I like about the exercise any more is where it says, "open the church." Yes, let's do that. Let's open the church and when we do maybe more people will find its message essential to their lives.

Asking for Money

2010-05-18T15:58:00.002-04:00

It's Capital Fund Drive time at the congregation I Pastor. It's that time when the Pastor and the Fund Drive leaders ask the congregation to give some extra over the next three years to help pay down the debt on the facility.

I don't mind asking for money.

What the church is about is worth supporting. From food pantry to visitation, from Habitat house to community Easter Egg Hunt, the church is worth supporting.

On the other side of the aisle; out there in the chairs, people complain when you ask for money. If you've been a part of a congregation for any length of time you know that the church needs money and is going to ask for it. And, if you are really active in the work of the congregation it's likely that you already have within you a desire to support the church financially.

However, all that being said, I would like to not have to ask. I would prefer that the church members offer; that they say, "we recognize the value of the church in our lives and in the lives of others and we want to give this extra." Sometimes that happens for smaller projects -- here's hoping that someday it happens for something bigger.

In the meantime, I will be asking for money.

The Gossip Factory

2010-05-12T13:05:00.002-04:00

Why is it a part of church life, this she said or he said thing? Why is it that we have to tell someone what someone else said? It's drama. It's inflammatory. It causes extra pastoral work for the pastor. It does not build up the church, which was intended to be a mission outpost not a gossip factory.

What Does Love Demand?

2010-04-26T23:46:00.002-04:00

Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34,35)

What then is demanded of us by love?

Is Past Performance An Indicator of Future Success?

2010-03-27T23:55:00.003-04:00

Does a successful past help a church navigate through a difficult present and keep moving into the future?

If the church has always made it through all difficult times in days gone by do the stories of those bygone days inspire confidence in handling the present concerns?

What stories does a church have that help it remember its record of faithfulness as a way to assure them for the future?

Members Only?

2010-03-26T10:35:00.002-04:00

Should any church event be a members only event?

A Calm Hand at the Tiller

2010-03-22T18:16:00.005-04:00

The Pastor is often called to be the calm hand on the tiller.

The healthcare debate, despite last night's vote, is still raging on. Senator McCain promises a stunning midterm defeat for the Dems and a quick repeal when the GOP is back in the majority. Immigration reform is on hand now and there is that little row with Netanyahu to figure out. Closer to home people continue to lose their jobs, family members fall ill and the rising costs of tomatoes have gotten us all stymied.

I am not one of those Pastors who goes in for the grand political stage. It's my humble opinion that the pulpit should be as clear of national politics as possible. I further believe that Christian people can hold opposing opinions socially and politically, and hold them passionately, while passing the bread and the cup of our Lord to one another.

The key for Christian people, it seems to me, is to hold the enemy in prayer. That is what Jesus taught isn't it? Rather than revile or judge or stone or damn the one who is on the other side of the opinion fence, doesn't Jesus instead instruct us thus, (I think these are his words), "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." -- Matthew 5:43-45

That, dear friends, is the definition of a calm hand at the tiller, and an example this Pastor hopes to follow.

The Missional Church - Luke 10

2010-03-18T23:12:00.001-04:00

After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!” And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; cure the sick who are there, and say to them, “The kingdom of God has come near to you.”* But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, “Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.” I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.

Church of the Smorgasbord

2010-03-16T19:17:00.004-04:00

I don't think the church has a responsibility to become a smorgasbord of goods and services, programs and social services which can then be marketed to a target audience to maximize new consumer potential.

An Amazing Journey

2010-03-15T09:59:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to point to another blog and an exceptionally courageous young woman. Check this out when you have time.

http://abbysunderland.com/

Moving Forward

2009-07-24T09:48:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it is difficult to make a decision because you don't want to have to start living with the consequences. Every decision has its consequences. There isn't one decision that doesn't. It's universal. Consequences follow decisions but decisions must still be made.

Should you make a decision based on which consequences are most desirable? Sometimes. Sometimes understanding the consequences helps make a decision. Knowing, to the best of your ability, what needs, events, circumstances will arise based on the decision helps you choose which set of circumstances is best.

Should you make a decision based on what is right and disregard the consequences? Sometimes. Sometimes deciding to do the right thing is more important than the consequences of the decision.

Nonetheless, decisions must be made.

Holy Ground (to me)

2009-06-13T23:24:00.003-04:00

When in Nashville this past week we took the youth to spend a day as servant to the Disciples of Christ Historical Society. Thanks to Mac Ice and the staff at the Historical Society we had a productive, helpful day and a nice lunch at the Mellow Mushroom.

We spent hours going through boxes of newsletters from the non-instrumental Church of Christ. Each newsletter had to be placed with others of its kind, then placed in chronological order, then stacked in alphabetical order. We got a lot done but there was plenty left undone. There were thousands of newsletters still in the boxes and all the newsletters still had to be cataloged. Still, we made a big dent in the job and I felt good about the way our youth group worked and gave themselves to the task.

Being at the Historical Society really touched my soul. Disciples history is important to me. The Stone/Campbell Movement set my heart free and gave me new life in Christ. I am fascinated by its stories. I love being so close to Cane Ridge and I go at least once every year.

In the archives at the Historical Society are handwritten, original documents from the movement's founders and expanders. That makes the place holy ground to me. I had my first opportunity to research original documents when I was in seminary and it was inspiring to touch something written by hand so long ago. I didn't get my hands on any originals this week because they would have had me arrested, but, I could feel them, and I could see them. Holy ground.

I was there.

Mission Trip

2009-06-04T12:15:00.002-04:00

I was telling someone last evening about the upcoming Youth Summer Mission Trip. "We're going to Nashville to work with a homeless shelter," I said. The quick reply was, "we have those here." Implied in the comment is that old saw about "charity begins at home." That old saw is not and has never been an excuse for being charitable only at home.

A trip for mission serves many purposes besides the most obvious one -- you are helping a population with need. With the youth group there is group building time. Community is waning these days. We need to learn how to be together and how to get along with one another, and how to be in tight quarters together. There is a reason the military does basic training with everyone in barracks together all the time. It teaches teamwork and a sense of reponsibility to one another.

Another purpose served on mission trips is that you get to see a context other than your own. Central Kentucky can, at times be a little parochial. We see the same things, hear the same news, listen to the same politicians and preachers. Expanding the view of the world a little is a good thing. Yes, there are homeless people in Lexington, and yes, there is a homeless shelter here that needs support but, helping in another community can widen the field of vision just a little.

There is also a benefit to the group in playing together, which we will also do on the trip. Fun will be a significant component to the trip because we learn and work better when we are happy.

"Yes, we do have homeless shelters here," I said to the polite woman. "We have been there too. Our youth group has worked there and at other agencies that interact with the homeless population." She turned away to another conversation with another person, untouched by my response. I hope the youth and the people with whom we interact in Nashville next week are not unmoved by the experience.

Peace and Love,
Jerry

A Lesson Learned

2009-05-27T22:41:00.005-04:00

There is a young woman at the church I serve who when much younger gave me a passage of scripture onto which I daily cling. When she was a child she would sing, "This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made."

I cling to it.

When I wake up grumpy -- "This is the day,......"
When I get a little put out with a church member -- -- "This is the day,......"
When I am sick -- "This is the day,......"
When I worry about my parents, miss them, -- "This is the day,......"
When I feel afraid, think I've lost my way, -- "This is the day,......"

It is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. When I tell her how much it has meant to me the moment gets a little awkward, so I don't mention it very often.

However, this reminds me that too often we talk to children and don't listen to them. We can miss a lot living that way. In fact, we should endeavor to listen before we speak in all situations with children and with adults. It's a better way to be and it leads to understanding while steering clear of misunderstanding.

Anyway, I share the gift with you my loyal readers. This indeed is the day the Lord has made and no matter what comes this day let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Aint Gonna Study War No More

2009-05-24T21:31:00.003-04:00

I am a "Trekkie." I openly admit it. There are several reasons why I like Star Trek in its many permutations -- but the one I offer here is that Gene Roddenberry and his Star Trek cohorts and actors dreamed of an existence where all people on earth were together as one. Star Trek has always had a social conscience.

Many of the difficult issues of our time have become main episodic themes. Star Trek tackled racial tensions and provided us with the first interracial kiss on television. They wrote an episode about government determining sexual orientation. The "Prime Directive" stated that they crews of the ships could not influence cultures with which they came into contact by any means. It is a doctrine that affirms self-determination. Finally, the various Enterprises, Voyagers and the like were built for exploration and not war. Oh, they had capabilities to defend themselves and inflict casualties but they always preferred diplomacy. They lived on an earth that had done away with war and they dreamed of a peaceful galaxy.

As we experience Memorial Day this weekend I hold out hope for an earth where there is no more war. As long as humans kill humans for national reasons the Kingdom of God will not have fully come. I should say I patently reject any apocalyptic verbiage that speaks of the coming of the Kingdom of God as a war. If Isaiah was correct then the Kingdom of God that is coming will be a Kingdom where swords are recycled into implements of food production; where even animal enemies live in peace.

This is the hope in which I live each day. This is the context of my ministry inside and outside the congregation. Memorial Day will remind us never to forget the sacrifices that have been made for our national cause, but the coming Kingdom of God will transcend all generations, all national boundaries and the practice of war. We don't refer to Jesus as the Prince of Peace because it makes us feel warm inside.

May peace prevail upon the earth.

Lost & Found

2009-05-17T15:05:00.003-04:00

They have a bin in the schools, and sometimes at churches labeled, "Lost and Found." Both items in the same place; the ones that have been lost and the ones that have been found. Mingled together because they are one and the same thing. What has been lost has also been found. There is irony in that, but, isn't there also an immutable truth? Lost and found belong together. They are one and the same thing. They are we.

A Tangled Web

2009-05-08T10:56:00.002-04:00

Humans are social. We can live in isolation but, we live better when we interact. Unlike dogs we aren't too good in packs. Packs or herds of us tend towards trouble but, we are better when we interact. Going it alone is for short periods of renewal and restoration.

And, in a way, we are all dependent on one another. We are all connected to one another. Life is a great big web of interaction. Even those who like to go it alone are dependent, though they might not acknowledge it, on others. The clothes we wear; the food we eat; even the air we breathe and the water we drink makes us interdependent.

All of life as we know it is dependent upon God the Creator, God the Sustainer. Without the one who brought into being all that is we would not have the next breath.

However, not all interaction with other humans leads us toward the deep spiritual path of acknowledging dependence on God. Some human interaction may have us pleading with God for intervention.

People are people. Sometimes good. Sometimes not so good. Nonetheless, we are better when we interact than we are when we try to close in, shut down and believe we are better off alone.

All Things New

2009-04-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

In Revelation, that oft-quoted and yet strangely mysterious epistle, the writer has God speak these words, "See, I am making all things new." (Rev 2.15) I understand the meaning, but, I think it practically has run up against some pretty stubborn human roadblocks in the church.

Some church people don't seem to like new.

It seems they like what they know, what they have known, "that old-time religion." After all it was good for Paul and Silas and so it's good enough for them.

Here in our town, and I suspicion it's true in most American towns, the churches that are experiencing growth among the unchurched are all about making things new. They embrace technology in worship. They use multi-media presentations rather than monologues for the message. They are leaders in website development, electronic communication and social media. In essence, they are cutting edge and they are expanding the boundaries of the Kingdom of God.

Lots of church folks eschew the new. They prefer the familiar.

This is on my mind today because I have been interviewed for a popular blog about art and religion called "Iconia." You can read the interview here: http://iconia.canonist.com/ One of the queries put to me was, "You recently joined Twitter, where you join quite a large number of ministers, priests, and pastors using social media. Why do you think Christian leaders are embracing new media at a much quicker rate than other religious leaders?"

I am on Twitter because I get a pulse on what's happening. It's cutting edge. It's new. It's a new way to reach people, just as is this blog.

God is about making all things new. I suppose stubborn humans could thwart that to some degree but I also supsect God will have God's way in the end. In the meantime, we need to reconsider why we are often so quick to eschew the new; especially if what is new brings us a new brother or sister in Christ.

Stale Jesus

2009-04-24T15:36:00.000-04:00

A person whom I met on Twitter has asked me to talk a little about the CCDOC and art. Art in the church building can be a tricky thing. For some reason we want to see stale pictures of a very white, almost blonde Jesus hanging on the walls and call that church art.

Now art doesn't have to accurately represent reality -- that's why it's art but, images teach. Images of a white, blonde Jesus train our brains to think he was a PLU (person like us). When Jesus looks like you then he probably thinks the same things you do, dislikes the things you dislike and so on.

Our view of the world has been undergoing radical change since the 1960's. Social scientists predict that a plurality of Americans will be non-caucasian in the not-too-distant future. The internet has us in touch with people around the world at all times of day and night, and it is so instantaneous that Twitterers often give us eyewitness news well before any news agency can report it.

Why then do we hold on to a stale image of Jesus?

Before we hang pictures that are faded, dated, and worn, let's loook for pieces that reflect the diversity and the beauty of God's creation, lest our faith, like our images get a little stale.

Narrative Theology

2009-04-20T22:05:00.000-04:00

I had an interesting chat with a fellow Twitterer tonight on "narrative theology." Here is a link to a Wikipedia article on narrative theology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_theology

It seems to me all of theology is narrative in nature. It is the tale of the ongoing conversation between human and divine. It unfolds as a story; a narrative unfolds. It is dramatic. It is interesting. It is episodic. It has character development and a great plot. Narrative.

C and E Christians

2009-04-16T22:34:00.000-04:00

I have been asked more than once this week what I thought about people who show up for worship only on Christmas and Easter. I say, "welcome." I am glad to see people in worship no matter the occasion. If they have a positive experience they might just be back, who knows. So, I make it a point not to make a point at the expense of C and E Christians. I am just glad they chose to be with us.

One person said this week they thought it was a little disingenuous to not show up all year and them just pop in on Easter. I told her that it was not disingenuous at all. Any decision to be in worship is a good decision, and a step in a good direction.

As I see it the onus is on the congregation to be welcoming and to offer opportunities for the nurture of faith to these who are part-time. The decision to be in worship that day might just be a precipitous moment in their lives. Who can say.

So, I say, "welcome." The door is open.

Holy Week

2009-04-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

Liturgical church is comfortable to me. It always has been. Not all of us were raised with liturgical church and are less than enthusiastic about it; because we tend to be most comfortable, it seems, with what we were raised with in church.

The liturgical calendar keeps us focused. It is itself a Christian Education tool. It unfolds the story for us from the beginning of the creation as we know it, to the resurrection and beyond. The liturgical calendar helps us to remember and it helps us to move toward the future. The liturgical calendar tells the whole of our heritage in 3 years, then, for good measure, it repeats it again, and again.

Holy Week is such a focused period of time. Within one week we move from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the resurrection and the empty tomb. It is high drama. You may think it not right to refer to the story that way, but, human life is filled with drama, and the human life of Jesus was no exception. The story we tell is dramatic and it is inspiring.

Today I spent an hour in the sanctuary being quiet and still. It opened up the pores of my spirit to the fresh breath of God's spirit. At the noon prayer service we prayed with power today. We all felt it. It was palpable. Holy Week reminds us just how close God is.

Passionate Enthusiasm

2009-03-30T22:32:00.000-04:00

I read the Lexington Herald-Leader online and I really enjoy reading the comments the other readers make about stories. Reading the comments gives a window into the heart of central Kentuckians. Whether that is a clear window or not is debatable but what is not debatable is the passionate enthusiasm of the responders.

That has been especially true of the comments regarding every story published about the departure of UK men's basketball coach, Billy Clyde Gillispie and the hiring of his successor. My goodness what passionate enthusiasm.

When I came to Kentucky for the very first time in October, 1984 to interview with First Christian Church in Richmond I was told there were three words I needed to learn to live in Kentucky and when I learned them I would be OK. "Jesus is Lord" I wondered? Nope, "Go Big Blue."

Now, I love UK basketball. I love the passionate enthusiasm of its fans, the students at the University and the attention the program rightly gets from the national media. I wouldn't dare argue with scheduling church things around UK games. I learned that in Texas when we had to rearrange programming for Dallas Cowboy games.

I just wonder why so much passionate enthusiasm is heaped upon UK men's basketball and withheld from other areas where passionate enthusiasm might turn things around. Can we offer some passionate enthusiasm to the Easter Sunrise Service, to the 10:45 service? Could we bring some passionate enthusiasm to bear on our hymn singing? What about committee work or Board meetings? What difference could passionate enthusiasm make to the Disciples for Habitat or the Good Friday Food Pantry?

Can I get an "amen?"

What is Church Transformation?

2009-03-18T14:04:00.001-04:00

This is from George Bullard, Church Consultant and a member of The Columbia Partnership.

Congregational Transformation is...
+ About allowing God's call to pull the congregation forward into the future.
+ A process of continual transformation that acknowledges the dynamic nature of congregational life
+ An ongoing spiritual and strategic journey
+ About reaching the full kingdom potential of a congregation in response to God's call
+ About re-imaging a congregation in the image of God
+ About soaring with the God-inspired strengths present within the gifts, skills and preference of the congregational participants
+ About building an enduring visionary leadership community as carriers of the vision of the congregation
+ About the transition of people in relationship to God and one another before changing programs, ministries and activities
+ An affirmation of past, present and future generations of people
+ A deep long-term solution

Genesis

2009-03-15T22:56:00.000-04:00

At the Churchwide Planning Retreat last Saturday I was urged to begin a weblog. Here it is.

I don't know what I will be writing about, but, a wise person suggested I keep this updated every other week to keep it fresh. That sounds like sound advice to me.

There are a lot of things going on at Providence Christian Church. "Transformation" is high on our list. Transformation takes work and energy and passion and focus and people who are willing to risk failure in order to serve God with heart. We must passionately want to bring real change to the lives of the people who enter our church. If the Gospel only promises eternal life but does little to change current life it rings hollow. Transformed people embody the Gospel.

Let this Blog be a place where we stay in touch. I ask you to make comments; suggest topics; give me prayer lists; suggest prospective members; do what you can for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Peace and Love,
Jerry