Ministry Notes from Pastors Ray and Ruth Ann

Welcome to the New Year!

2012-01-10T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here we are - 2012 - the year that may (or may not) have special significance (depending on your view of the Mayan calendar). It is the year of the presidential election, a Leap Year, and so much more.

For many of us, it is a year filled with challenges, hopes, and maybe even a few fears. For one, we are getting older. With each year that passes past age 50, our bodies change, parts begin to show wear, and it seems like more sleep is needed just to keep up.

For us in the church, it is a year filled with concern, with hope for the future, hope for the economy, and a desire to put the past behind us. Pastors who have trained to be full-time ministers are having to figure out how to deal with part-time employment, multiple jobs and/or churches, and congregations who are just as weary and unsure as we are. If your congregation left the ELCA, you might be feeling pretty good right now, but there are many in your congregation who are wondering if they did the right thing. If you congregation voted but did not leave, you are most likely dealing with a major split that will take years to heal. Even if your congregation did not vote and did not plan to leave, you have plenty of people who have friends and family who are suffering from a congregation that did split. The pain and fear are there, even if they did not experience it directly.

Meanwhile, people, including pastors, are looking for employment. Many are working, but not at the jobs which they are trained for, or are working at jobs for which they have no passion just so they can pay the bills. For pastors, many are filling in as interim's, or as part-time pastors while they look for a call to full time ministry. Many of them have left congregations that they loved, but could not stay with because the were not willing to change church bodies. Some were forced out, some were moved out gently, some resigned when it became apparent that their staying would only prolong the suffering.

This perfect storm of economy, politics, and church strife have turned the world upside down for many of us in the ministry. Some have been able to move to other areas of the country and be called to loving, healthy churches. A few have been able to retire or settle into interim positions which will lead them to retirement. Others are hanging on by doing whatever has to be done.

For me, I am into my second year as a part-time interim while trying to make a home-based business fill the income gap. After a full year of this, I can say that it has helped, but it has not been enough. Trying to be a part-time pastor to a congregation that expects more that part-time availability is tough. Trying to pay the bills on a part-time pastor's salary is even tougher. Then, there is that economy issue - can't sell the house that we used to live in, the car needs work because of the extra miles I have to drive each week, gas prices are up, food prices are up, electric rates are going up, and making a dollar stretch gets hard and harder.

As I look forward to 2012, I see that changes will have to be made. Do I go back to cooking? Can I find part-time work in computers? Can I somehow find another small congregation that is willing to join us in sharing a pastor's salary? Or is this the year that things settle down and the call process goes back to normal and maybe something new comes along?

I don't know any of the answers; I am not sure I even know all of the questions, but I do know that 2012 will be an interesting year - because something has to change. I pray that as you begin 2012, you see the light that is Christ leading you through the dark times, and that as you move through the new year, you will shine your light for others as well. I hope that I can continue to shine my light for you as well.

Where has the time gone?

2011-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that is has been so long since I last posted anything. It has been a surprisingly busy summer. I had many plans for the summer - projects to do, fish to catch, and so many other things and here it is September and I still have most of those things on the to-do list!

I keep thinking that I would like to post here on a more regular basis, but that has not worked its way to the top of the list yet, either. Maybe, soon, but we'll see.

Doing part-time ministry, trying to run a part-time business, be a grand-father, husband, and so on takes more time that you might think. I did get to take my grand-daughter fishing once, we had the twins visit for a week, and have spent some time with the triplets, so it has not been a bad summer. I only wish I had finished more of my projects.

It has also been a good summer for the garden. It was our first garden in a new place, and I would have to rate it a success! We tilled new ground (with help from a neighbor), planted too much, and had a bumper crop! We have frozen green beans, canned tomatoes and juice, and the peach tree that we "saved" has produced several jars of Peach Jam, with more to come! It remains to be seen how long the okra and peppers will keep producing, and if we get any sweet potatoes (doubtful - the deer appear to be getting at them).

For now, it is time to re-evaluate the project list based on the fall ministry schedule and time available. Looking at the schedule for the next couple of months, there will be a lot of Bible Study, singing, eating, and planning for the next month of Bible Study, singing, eating, preaching, and teaching. All in all, not bad, but not much free time.

Good news - I have been able to spend some more time on Ham Radio. With much of what is going on with weather and other disasters, that has kept me in touch and possibly available to go and provide communications assistance. I have to finish an on-line FEMA course before I can be deployed (under new rules), but as soon as I can get a couple of free hours, I can knock that out.

Tomorrow is the annual Shelby Ham Fest - a chance to spend the day with other hams, see new gear, look over the flea market at used gear, and spend some time on the radio. A nice break from other activities, and a chance to catch up with some old friends. If you are at the Ham Fest tomorrow, give me a shout!

The Great Three Days

2011-04-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Today is Good Friday. Not good because it is Friday; not good in the traditional sense of good by any means. We call it Good Friday (someone suggested that it may have origianally been God's Friday) because on this day, Jesus died on a cross. Certainly not something to be happy about.

And yet, for many, it is a good day. No school, many have the day off from work - either because the office is closed or because they took a day off to be with the kids. For many, it is the start of a three or four day weekend (depending on if you live in a state where they traditionally take Easter Monday off). Good Friday may signal either the beginning or the end of spring break. Many would look at the day as very good.

For those of us who still follow the traditional liturgical calendar of the church, today is the second day of three days in which we observe (maybe celebrate denotes more gaity than is called for) The Great Three Days - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. Three days at the end of our Lenten journey to ponder Christ last days.

Maundy Thursday - the day of Christ' mandate (maundy from the Latin word mandate - a command - a new commandment) where Jesus says to his disciples, "A new commandment I give to you - love one another (John 13:34)." In observing this day, we also remember the last supper, and Holy Communion is a major part of this observance. In some ways, it is a celebration, but we also know that after this meal, Jesus goes to the garden to pray (so we sing, " Go to Dark Gethsemane (ELW 347)") and we recall that in the garden, Jesus is betrayed by Judas. Not much call to celebrate.

Good Friday - after Jesus death and so-called trial, he is handed over to Pilate to be tortured and crucified. We, along with all of those in the couryard, call out, "Crucify Him!" For our sins, because of our broken relationship with God, Jesus has come to die on the cross - for us. For you; for me; he dies a painful, gruesome death and is laid in the tomb.

The Easter Vigil - probably the least observed of the three days, but still held by many and making a comeback in some traditions, such as among us Lutherans. The vigil is a very old tradition, where we gather to wait for the resurrection. There are many readings, and much singing - much of it very solemn as we wait in the darkness and shadows. Then, it is midnight - early on the first day of the week, and we shift into celebration mode. The altar is reset, clothes are changed - to white or gold paraments, baptisms occur, we celebrate Christ victory over death.

For many of us, this last observance has become Easter Sunrise service - for those of us who cannot stand the thought of being in church until 1:00 a.m. If we observe the vigil, we do so at a more "civilized" hour of about 7:00 p.m. rather than 10:00 p.m. and then return early on Easter morning.

The question becomes, how is it that the three most important days in the church year are becoming more and more ignored? Is it because so many non-liturgical churches ignore them (as maybe being too Catholic)? Or is it that we have so lost the meaning of Christ death that it no longer matters to us? We joke about "sweet baby Jesus" via the movie Talledega Nights, but Christmas Eve worship attendance is typically much higher than Maundy Thursday and Good Friday combined. Are we somehow ashamed of our role in the death of Jesus and so we don't show our face in church on those nights to be reminded of our sinful selves - the very reason that Christ died for us? Or is it just that inconvenient to our schedules (clubs, ball games, TV schedule, etc.) to come to an evening worship service?

Some of us pastor types have been having discussions about Maundy Thursday worship - do we do footwashing? Do we do a seder meal rather than Holy Communion? Or do we somehow combine the seder meal and communion into something that no one recognizes (see some other thoughts here)? The question really comes down to what does it take to get people into church for Maundy Thursday? The answer cannot be that it is no longer relevant, because if the Three Great Days are no longer relevant, then Christ is no longer relevant. We cannot worship a Jesus who was raised from the dead on Easter Sunday if we don't kill him and bury him first. Jesus is only relevant if we participate in the whole story (see a thought provoking article here). Without Good Friday (and Maundy Thursday), what meaning does or can Easter have? How can we worship an empty cross without taking notice of why it is empty?

Luther called this the theology of glory, and countered it with the theology of the cross. Without the cross, and Christ on it, Easter is empty. There is no reason to celebrate the resurrection if Jesus did not die. We need to be part of that death, we need to own our part in Jesus death. Only then is the resurrection relevant. Then can we come to Jesus in our suffering, knowing that he understands suffering. Only then can we come to Jesus in our dying, knowing that he understands death. Only then can we come to Jesus in our grief, and hear the promise of the resurreciton - that we too will be raised, by the same loving God who raised Jesus.

Who am I?

2011-04-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

As we journey through Lent this year, my self-examination has led to the question, "Who am I?" I am many things - husband, father, son, brother, friend, and pastor. But in this day and time, I am also something quite undefined - a bi-vocational Lutheran pastor. I am not the only one, but I am certainly one of a small number of pastors who, because of various economic issues, finds themselves being only paid for a part-time call (something that used to be done mostly by retired pastors) and so must work another job of some kind.

Unfortunately, there are not a lot of jobs that allow the flexibility in scheduling that most Lutheran churches expect of their pastors. For example, if they want the funeral on Tuesday afternoon, will they understand that Tuesday is my shift at the local fast food restaurant and adjust accordingly? So there are really two main issues here - how to divide ones workweek between two or more commitments and what kind of "second" job is appropriate for a pastor, especially a Lutheran pastor.

Since I have a variety of job skills in my background, one might think that this would be pretty easy. I have maintained a part-time business for several years which includes comparing computers, designing web sites, and so on. It seems to make sense that I just keep doing that - and so I have.

Which brings us back to the other issues - how does one divide ones time? How do you set priorities? How to advertise? Do you solicit business from congregation members? Do you refuse to do work for congregation members? Each of these questions has its own pros and cons and we don't have (at least in the Lutheran church) a manual with answers for these questions. In fact, we don't have any seminary classes or professors to refer to either.

While I am not the only person facing this dilemma, I don't know of a support group for us either. It may be that this is where we need to visit with our fellow clergy in other denominations to see if they have guidelines or suggestions. The only thing I know for sure - Sunday morning happens every week and pretty much everyone in the congregation expects a sermon. No matter what the schedule for the week, there has to be some sermon prep time in it. Other than that, it seems that each week varies and usually works, although some deadlines do occur and require burning some midnight oil.

As we come to the end of the Lenten journey, I find that I must find more time for the "second" job in order to make ends meet. A part-time salary just isn't enough. So, after the long hours of Holy Week which will be devoted to being a pastor, I must re-examine the schedule and priorities to see if I can really make enough money from the computer business to pay some bills. If not, I hear there is a new WalMart coming to town; maybe they would hire a part-time pastor who needs Sundays off?

Steve Martin: Atheists Don't Have No Songs

2011-01-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful video. This group (including Steve Martin) have wonderful harmony. They also present a message I am sure none of us think about. Even when we sing a hymn we don't know, or like very much, or when we sing a favorite hymn, do we realize what a gift it is? Probably not. For someone like me who grew up listening to southern gospel quartets, hymn singing has always been important. Until now, I am sure that I - like many of you - have taken for granted that we have such wonderful music to sing in church (and other places). We also have plenty of "good news" to sing about (not like the song). Sunday morning - sing - loud and clear, no matter what key, no matter how well you know or like the hymn, for in the singing, you are acknowledging the gift of song, the gift of good news, the gift of hymnwriters across the ages. And - give thanks that we have plenty of "good news" to sing about!

A Special Baptism

2010-10-22T08:54:00.000-07:00

During ones journey as either a parent or as a pastor, there are a few special moments that make it all worthwhile. As a pastor, baptisms are always special moments - whether it is an infant, or a young child, or an adult. In Baptism, we join the fellowship of believers in a particular community, but more importantly, we become part of the family of God -brothers and sisters in Christ.

Since I was baptised as an infant, I surely don't remember anything about my own baptism. As a parent, I remember the baptisms of my two children, though the only part I had in their baptism was to present them, and then raise them in the faith.

When our son's twins were baptized, we were fairly new pastors and our participation in their baptism was purely as grandparents. We were there and participated with the rest of the family. We were very glad to be there and to be included, and we take seriously our duty as grandparents to help raise Kasey and Daiton (and their sister Tristan) in the faith, as best we can from 4 hours away.

This past Sunday, though, was a little different. Ruth Ann and I together baptized the triplets - our daughter's babies. These were not our first baptisms as pastors, nor the first that we had done together, but it was a joy to baptize our grandchildren!

As you can see, we all had our hands full! It was a very joyous occasion, and one that will remain a special memory. One of the things that makes it special is that since Ruth Ann and I no longer serve together at the same church, moments like these are rare and will become even more so. We certainly cannot arrange to be together for something like this very often, but I am very glad we were able to do it for this occasion.

Return to the Gulf Coast

2010-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

This week has been a time of vacation, rest and relaxation, and a return to the Gulf Coast. This has been our first trip down here in three years. In August of 2007, we packed up from internship and returned to Columbia for our last year of seminary. We have not had the opportunity to return since.

Today, a friend at St. Paul's (our internship congregation) was ordained and we were invited. It was a good opportunity for us to come back, visit with old friends, and join with the members of St. Paul's in celebrating the ordination of Joy Blaylock. It was a wonderful time and we really enjoyed the opportunity to visit.

On another note, we did something that we were not able to do the entire year that we were here for internship, nor while we were here the year before that as volunteers - we drove across the Hwy 90 bridge between Biloxi and Ocean Springs! If you were to look back at our internship blog and some of the first pictures we posted, you would see that the Hwy 90 bridge looked like a game of dominoes gone wrong. When we left here three years ago, they were still arguing over what kind of bridge to build as a replacement (4 lanes, 6 lanes, with pedestrian traffic, without, etc). Today we drove over a brand new 6 lane bridge, with pedestrain and bike lane. It was a wonderful experience! Much has happened on the Gulf Coast in the area of Katrina recovery, especially noticable to people like us who spent a lot of time being involved in the recover efforts.

Tomorrow we head home. It has been a wonderful trip down memory lane, a new chapter in our lives and our relationship with those that we knew when we were interns, and a reuniting with friends - some old and some new. It has been good to see so much recovery, and sad to hear of situations that did not turn out so well. It was especailly sad to hear of the death of members of St. Paul's who were a part of our intership, but this is life. We will miss those people, but we remember their part in our intership. Special thanks to Garry and Brenda for hosting us, and to Joy for inviting us to be a part of her special day. Praise to God for all good things!!!

New beginnings

2010-05-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

From a new clergy couple, serving as co-pastors, we now begin life as a clergy couple serving different congregations. As of May 24, Ruth Ann is serving a new call at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Richfield, NC. Life for us is changing once again.

While many things remain the same - both work on Sunday, both on call 24/7, both have sermon and worship preparations to make during the week, many things are different. For one, we cannot operate on quite the same schedule. For example, as Ruth Ann buries a member of her new parish today, I am home housecleaning and working on tomorrow's sermon (and spending some time on the computer). Where for almost 6 years we have done almost everything together, now we have to learn to do some of things apart and on different schedules.

In one way, this is a return to how things were before seminary, when I was traveling over 50% of the year. Our schedules only rarely coincided, and then only with great planning. We will have to recover that intentionality in planning our personal lives that has somewhat gone by the wayside. Instead of planning everything for the church and using what is left over for ourselves, we will now have to carve out space for ourselves in the midst of planning for church. It also means that our opportunities to worship together - even as worship leaders - will be few and far between.

Being in separate places also creates issues with meals - how, when, and where do we eat? So far, we are managing to eat more meals together than apart, but we will have to go back to planning meals as to who is going to be available to cook. We are operating on different office hours, including some time at home for sermon prep so we can share our library (don't have duplicate commentaries), so scheduling study time and menus will have to happen soon.

Life as a clergy couple has its ups and downs, and certainly adds some complications, but then it also has the plus side of truly understanding what it is like to be a pastor - the long, inconsistent hours, late night phone calls, early mornings at the hospital for surgery visits, and the deep frustrations when God's people don't act like God's people.

For now, we will struggle along as we work out the new schedules and get used to having to prepare a sermon every week instead of every other week. We have to get used to saying "I" instead of "we" when talking about "the pastor(s)", and we have to go from sharing almost everything told to us so we can each be aware of situations in the congregation to sharing only public knowledge - even about members that we both know.

Many changes in the works, but most certainly God is active and working in our lives. Some things change, others stay the same, but God remains constant. For this we give thanks, especially when so much else is up in the air. So begins the next chapter in our lives.

Where does time go?

2010-03-29T18:13:00.001-07:00

It is discouraging to see that there has not been a post to the blog since Christmas! It has been a very busy time with many things going on. It was my intent to post more often during Lent, but that has not happened.

One of the many things that has happened in recent weeks is the birth of three grandchildren. That's right, three! Our daughter had triplets on March 3. We were fortunate to be able to be present for their birth. After several days in the hospital, they are now home. Mother and babies are doing well.

Along with all of the other changes in our lives -seminary, internship, graduation, ordination, and so on - we have also had an explosion of grandchildren. In three years, both of our children have gotten married and had children. We have gone from non to six grandchildren in just three short years! Like our fast-paced journey to and through seminary, I don't necessarily recommend this method of gaining lots of grandchildren, but then, these sorts of things seem to happen to us. With twins in one family and triplets in the other, plus one - we have six wonderful grandchildren now.

Now that we are in Holy Week and my hope to blog during Lent is pretty well a lost cause, I hope to find more time to blog about grandchildren (after Easter).

Christmas Eve Sermon 2009

2009-12-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:11 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

When I hear those words from Luke 2:11, especially in the King James Version, I think of the Charlie Brown Christmas Special where Linus stands on the stage and recounts our Gospel text for the actors in the Christmas pageant. I hear the words in the voice of Linus as he reminds his friends of the true meaning of Christmas.

We spend weeks and weeks getting ready. We clean the house and decorate, we shop and shop and shop, then we wrap and wrap and wrap. We cook and we bake and we plan. We work so hard at getting everything just right so that our friends and families will enjoy Christmas. But what is Christmas? What are we ready for?

That is what has happened at the pageant – Lucy and others have planned and have these plans for a huge, elaborate pageant. Charlie Brown has been sent out to find a Christmas Tree. He brings back a small, pitiful looking tree and the others make fun of it – and of Charlie Brown. He can’t even bring back a decent tree! Then Linus reminds them – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.” The tree doesn’t matter, the size of the pageant doesn’t matter, nothing that we do matters – it is what God has done that matters.
We get so caught up in the preparations for Christmas, that we forget what we are celebrating. We forget that it is God’s gift to us that gives us reason to celebrate. It is God’s action, not ours, that is important.
As we hear the Christmas story – we hear about Mary, and about Joseph, and their journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. We hear about the birth, and the angels and the shepherds, and we have Christmas pageants and nativity scenes depicting the story, with all the characters and all the animals, and the star – don’t forget the star! We make costumes and decide who will be shepherds and who will be angels and who will be wise men and we try to think of new and interesting ways to tell the story. We get caught up in making it special. We get caught up in the doing.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” A gift is given. A gift from God, a gift of God, given to the people of God.

Usually, when we receive a gift, we express gratitude for the gift – we say thank you, or we write a thank you card, or send a thank you email, or sometimes we even reciprocate with a gift of our own – another way of saying thank you. But how do we thank God for the gift that he gave us, in that stable long ago? What kind of thanks does God want for this gift? Where do we send the thank you card?

The Christmas text is only the beginning of the story. It is the giving of the gift. Through the reading of the gospels we find out what this gift is all about. We find that through this gift, God is reconciling the world to himself. Through this gift, we learn what it is to be obedient to God. Through this gift, we see what it is to have compassion. Through this gift, we know what it is to be loved. Through this gift, we know what it is to be freed – from slavery, from sin, from the powers of evil. Through this gift, comes our salvation.

In the end, this proclamation from the angels is not just about God’s gift to us, but also about how we give thanks to God for this gift. We don’t have an address for that thank you card because we aren’t meant to send on. Instead, we are to do as the angels did – proclaim the story! Tell others what God has done. The gift is not for us to keep to ourselves, but to be shared with all who will listen.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” A gift – a gift to be shared. A gift that shows us what it is to be completely unselfish. A gift so big, so perfect, that it only gets better by sharing it with others. Pass the word around! Unto YOU is born this day in the city of David A SAVIOR, which is Christ the Lord – the messiah – God incarnate – the Word made Flesh.

6For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Celebrate! Sing Hosanna! Share the Good News with all the world! Christ the Lord is here! Amen.

2009-12-17T08:37:00.000-08:00

"There are so many hindrances and temptations of the devil and of the world that we often become weary and faint, and sometimes we also stumble. Therefore, the Sacrament is given as a daily pasture and sustenance, that faith may refresh and strengthen itself so that it will not fall back in such a battle but become ever stronger and stronger." From the Large Catechism Part V: The Sacrament of the Altar.

A FaceBook friend posted this as his status today, and it struck me how appropriate these words were for today. We were having a discussion just yesterday about how hard we see Satan working in the world today, and here we are reminded - in Luther's words - about the temptations of the devil and how weary we become.

Here we are, approaching the 4th Sunday in Advent, preparing for Christmas Eve service and the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and Satan is working so hard to make us miss the whole point of what we celebrate. For we celebrate not a cute, cuddly baby born in a barn with cute, adorable animals, but the coming of God in the flesh - incarnate - not because it is "cute" but because we are such wretched sinners that we need God to be among us - the word made flesh, to show us how to live, and to die for our sins.

As we celebrate Christmas, we should take a look at the temptations that we have let lead us astray - success, personal agendas, our need for power and control, money - and instead look at what we are called to give up. Jesus came to give up his life; what are you called to give up? In last Sunday's Gospel text, John calls on anyone who has two coats to give one away. Rather than looking at what you might get for Christmas this year, why not look at what you can give away instead?

It is easy to fall into the temptations of the devil and the world - they look good, they feel good, but they are just that - temptations of the devil and the world. Look instead to the manger - look at what God gave us, look to the cross - look at what Jesus gave up.

May you be blessed during this Advent season, and may this time give you the opportunity to look at your own life. See what you can give up, how you can help someone else, rather than looking to your own wish list for Christmas gifts.

Avent

2009-12-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

What does it mean to wait, and to watch, and to prepare for the coming of our Lord? Does it mean that it is time to push our own agenda? Or does it mean that it is time to take seriously our discipleship?

These are issues that the church struggles with. These are issues that some people struggle with. They are also issues that some just shrug off, pushing their own agendas no matter what. The coming of the Lord is not something they either believe in or take seriously. Live for today, for tomorrow is someone else's problem.

For some, Advent is a tired and worn out effort by the church to delay Christmas and to get people to give money to charity rather than to spend it on gifts. Advent just gets in their way. Some even wish the church would just drop Advent and start singing Christmas carols right after Halloween, just like the stores and radio stations have done this year. Do you ever wonder why our economy is in such trouble when businesses are actively competing with the church for your Christmas dollars?

The church can no more stop celebrating Advent than they can stop celebrating Easter. Christ came, Christ died and was raised from the dead, Christ will come again. How can we take that statement of faith and ignore the part about Christ coming - the first time or the second time?

Together with the all the church and all of the saints, both past and present, we shout, "Come Lord Jesus!"

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T14:53:00.000-08:00

Ministry never slows down, never allows a lot of free time, and can at times, consume every waking hour. It has been like that lately. In spite of this, we take this time to be thankful - thankful for a couple of days off, thankful for time with family, thankful for an abundance of food, thankful for time to slow down and relax.

We all have much to be thankful for - jobs, a place to live, food on the table, friends or relatives safely back from active duty in the Middle East, family, and so much more. We are especially thankful this year to have our nephew back home from his last tour, thankful to spend time with my sister and her husband, thankful for a weekend spend with the twins, thankful for Thanksgiving dinner with aunts and uncles and cousins and friends, thankful for our playful puppy.

What are you thankful for this year? Think about it, post something if you don't mind sharing, and praise God for all that He has given you.

A Sermon for Reformation Sunday

2009-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 31:31–34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19–28
John 8:31–36

People of God, I have something to tell you this morning that you are not going to like. We are nothing but slaves – you and I – all of us – are slaves – we are all slaves – to sin, to the world, and as slaves, we are all condemned. None of us are worthy to be here, to come to the altar and receive the body and blood of Christ – none of us!!!

We sin, we choose our own wants and desires over the needs of others. We hoard our time, our money, our family, our resources. Daily, we let people around the world starve. We even let our neighbors right here go hungry, go without food and shelter, even though we have enough – for ourselves, our families, and even enough to share.

We demand that things be done the way that makes us happy, no matter what. Our happiness comes first – over and above the needs of others. We pay lip service to keeping the commandments, but don’t really care that we break them – daily. We don’t even pay lip service to keeping the laws of the land – like speed limits and traffic laws. How about the command of Jesus to love our neighbor? If they are good neighbors, we might at least try to like them, but if they cross us just once, we don’t even speak to them anymore.

And yet, somehow, God sees fit to bless us anyway; sees fit to create a covenant with us, claiming us as his people; through the means of grace, God cleanses us, washes away our sin, frees us from our slavery, and justifies us by his grace, through his only son, Jesus.

This is the mystery of salvation that Martin Luther struggled with so greatly. Luther could claim himself as a sinner, unworthy of any attention from God whatsoever. Luther understood the need to confess his sins and be forgiven, and his need to forgive others. Luther understood that he could not keep the law, no matter how hard he tried, no matter how hard he punished himself, no matter how hard he studied and prayer. But deep down, Luther also understood that through his baptism, through the covenant God made with his people, that is was God who had the last word.

For all that we hear about Martin Luther and the Reformation of the church, we don’t often hear about Luther’s struggle in life – the same struggle that each of us has. We struggle daily with sin, our desire to be our own person, to do those things that satisfy ourselves, rather than those things that might satisfy God. We may not spend hours each day in confession as Luther did, but we certainly, at the end of the day, can look back and see those things that we are (or at least should be) ashamed of. We know our own imperfections, and even if we don’t there is surely someone who is willing to point them out for you.

Luther understood all of this, but he also understood who and whose he was - a child of God. Luther, through much study, despair, and soul-searching, found that God had not abandoned him to slavery. Through Luther’s study of the writings of the apostle Paul, he realized that God had not just made a covenant with Israel, as we read about in the first lesson, but had indeed made a covenant with all of his people.

If you will turn to page 1162 in the back of your hymnal, and read Luther’s response to the second article of the creed with me:

"I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father in eternity, and also a true human being, born of the virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned human being. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (hold your finger in this page)
Here, we see that Luther found that his salvation, his redemption, was not dependent on his own actions, or even his own understanding, but completely dependent on what God has done, through Christ Jesus. As Paul wrote, “…since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”
Redemption – forgiveness – cleansing – freedom – all these gifts we receive through the actions of another, not through our actions, not through anything that we could possibly do, not through our own self-righteousness, but through the selfless act of Jesus, the messiah, on the cross. Through this one act, so Luther tells us, we are saved (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 1162)."

Now the question becomes, saved for what? Jesus did the hard work – we are forgiven and redeemed children of God. Now what?

That seems to be the question that has plagued Christians ever since the Reformation. While Luther mourned the loss of unity, others reveled in it, even going so far as to split off again and again and again – any time they disagreed over something. Many of these dissenters would even point to Luther and say that he led the way, and that when we disagree on theology, or doctrine, or even the color of the carpet, we should pack up and leave, finding or creating a place where our viewpoint is accepted.

I would imagine that if anyone actually asked Luther about this, it would be to find that Luther’s greatest regret was that the church had split, rather than worked toward reconciliation. Even today, almost 500 years later, we as Lutherans still look for the opportunity to reconcile with our sisters and brothers in other denominations.

For Luther, the “now what” question had much more to do with this, how am I – sinner by birth and saint by the grace of God – to live a life that in some meaningful way shows God that I have accepted His gift of Grace and want to respond to it in such a way that it shows how much it means to me? How is it that I – a sinner – can live a life that shows that I am also worthy of being called a saint?

If anyone understood how hard this would be, it was Luther. Luther most certainly knew that his justification by grace did not let him off the hook. How does one thank God for a gift this great? This wonderful? This unbelievably fantastic? Certainly not by saying, “Oh thanks” and then just going on with life like nothing had happened. This gift does come with a string attached – no, not something that we have to do in order to earn or keep it – but a string that ties us forever to Jesus, a connection that cannot do anything but change the very core of our being. Sure – we can try to ignore it, or even try to cut it, but there is a problem. You have been claimed through your baptism, and marked with the Cross of Christ forever. You are branded! That string won’t go away just because we don’t like it. You have been made holy. Turning back to page 1162, here is what Luther says in his response to the third article of the creed on being made Holy:

"I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith, just as he calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one common, true faith. Daily in this Christian church the Holy Spirit abundantly forgives all sins – mine and those of all believers. On the last day the Holy Spirit will raise me and all the dead and will give to me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true (ELW, 1162)."

Through the Holy Spirit, we – the church – this gathering of believers – we are called, enlightened, and made holy. Can you imagine? That is what happens to those who are redeemed by the Cross – we are made holy.

We are called through the gospel to do as Jesus taught the disciples to do – to feed the hungry, care for the poor, to share the good news with all people. We are called to keep the commandments, especially the two great commandments – to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind, and to love our neighbor – just as much as we love ourselves. We are called to care for the widow and orphan, and all who are oppressed. We are called to give for the mission of the church – not as we want, but as the widow gave with her mite. We are called to follow Jesus – all the way to the cross. We are called, like Paul, to have our lives transformed, and to suffer for the sake of the gospel. We are called, to be Christ to one another. Not so that we will be saved, but because we have been saved – by faith, through, through God’s amazing grace. This is most certainly true. Amen.

After the return

2009-07-29T07:17:00.000-07:00

I've been back for two days now, and am still exhausted - too much driving and not enough sleep while I was in New Orleans. I would like to think I will get caught up soon, but as Rusty and his family is arriving tomorrow for a visit, and then we are keeping our granddaughter for the next week while we have Vacation Bible School, the chances are pretty slim that sleep will be any more plentiful for the next several days.

As I read various posts of friends who were in New Orleans with their youth groups, and see pictures posted on FaceBook, I am in awe of all the people who were there and of all of the projects that were worked on. More info can be found at http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Youth-Ministry.aspx

For now, the memories of last week will feed sermons for several weeks, and hopefully vitalize our youth group into more servant activities. It was good to see many, many friends, but more importantly, it was good to see so many gathered to do God's work.

The trip home

2009-07-27T20:33:00.001-07:00

Well, after 15 hours on the road, three major thunderstorms, and a lot of miles, we pulled into the church parking lot at 2:30 a.m. today. I got home about 3:00 a.m. and did the minimum unpacking and went to bed and slept till almost noon. After waking up and unpacking, the rental van was returned and life began returning to normal with a trip to the grocery store.

It is late and I am not quite recovered, so it is off to bed. In the next day or two I hope to upload a couple more pictures and final thoughts on the youth gathering. For the moment, just reading about all the various experiences via Facebook tells me that pretty much everyone had a great time and really felt the impact of the Servant projects. Thanks to all who went, and all who planned. Thanks be to God for all of you!

Day Four - Jesus, Justice, and Jazz

2009-07-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

Day four - hard to believe that we have been here that long - it seems like just last night that we arrived, and now it is time to start packing up to head home.

For breakfast this morning, we (and several hundred other Lutherans) went to Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee ( or oj in a couple of cases). For our last dinner in New Orleans, we went to The Gumbo House for gumbo and bread pudding (at least, that is what I had). These are New Orleans treats that every visitor should try. The other is a good shrimp po' boy, but we took care of that on the way into town on Tuesday.

The last night in the dome was wonderful, with great music and moving speakers, but it was made even better by the opportunity I had to reconnect with a seminary classmate who has been in Texas for the last year. In fact, I saw more friends from seminary this week that I have in the last six months! It was great - especailly to see some whose ministry has called them to places far away from the Carolinas.

Our youth - and most of the youth here - have been deeply touched by this experience. They have seen a new side to poverty, to desparate situations, and realize anew how lucky they are and how much it touches other people to have even simple things done for them. This week has been full of amazing stories and events, capped off tonight by a visit from the mayor of New Orleans and a letter - sent by President Obama and read by Presiding Bishop Hanson. An exciting week; an opportunity to be a part of history; an opportunity to learn about serving others; an opportunity to grow in our faith. Thanks be to God!!!

Day Three - Jesus, Justice, and Jazz

2009-07-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this, then the hotel Internet has become cooperative again. Last night, I was writing a blog post and as I tried to upload the first picture, the Internet connection went down and never really seemed to recover. I reconnected a couple of times, but could not upload any photos.

This photo is of the school (Charles R. Drew Elementary) in New Orleans where we spent the day painting classrooms and hallways. This school, built in 1907, had flood damage on the first floor from Katrina, but the upper two floors had just been neglected, as we were told, since integration occurred in New Orleans, 40 some years ago. These rooms (we were on the third floor) had not been painted in a very long time, and the walls and bulletin boards had graffiti all over them.

This photo shows the crowd that we painted with on Friday - 5 buses brought us to the school. We painted from about 8:00 a.m. till around 2:00 p.m. It then took almost an hour to clean up; when we left, the floors were 10 times cleaner than the were when we arrive. The walls also looked great!

This school is just outside of the French Quarter, in a fairly low-income neighborhood. Since Katrina, about 40,000 of the 67,000 kids that used to attend New Orleans parish schools have returned. Most have returned to find that their schools are in worse shape than they were, and that supplies and teachers are in short supply. Tyson, the 9th grade science teacher who now heads up the recovery effort for the school system, is one who stayed. He did not evacuate, did not leave (at least, not for very long), and has worked since Katrina trying to help re-open the schools so that kids have a place to learn when they come back.

Friday night was also North Carolina's night to

fill the dome with matching t-shirts. Ours were yellow, as you can see and were designed by one of the youth members from NC. We met after the Friday night gathering with Bishop Bolick to celebrate the group of 1100 Lutherans who came from NC to spend the week in New Orleans. As I understand it, our synod has one of, if not the largest, contingent from any single synod. Quite a feat! We spent about an hour hanging around and meeting people and finding friends from LYO and other gatherings.

All in all, a very busy couple of days. Today was much quieter - we spent the day at the Learning Center, with a last visit to the Old Lutheran store for souvenirs of the gathering. We also visited the Thrivent Builds display, which was great since part of our group took part in a Thrivent Builds Habitat House last year in Lexington.

Now - off to the dome for the last night! Rumor has it that there is a live feed available during the gathering (from about 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - CDST). Click the link above and check it out!

Also - if you have not seen any of the news articles - look to the right of the blog and click on the ELCA News Links - there are several good articles listed there.

Day Two - Jesus, Justice, and Jazz

2009-07-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

First off, no pictures tonight - I don't have time to download them and get them ready to post as we launch for our servant project at 6:30 a.m. I somehow feel that some sleep is in order, so no pictures tonight - just a couple of links and a few thoughts.

First the links - I went looking for news articles on this event and found a couple that are worth reading, as they explain quite a bit about what the planners of this event hope to accomplish. The local New Orleans paper had this article and AP had this one. Both are good articles.

Today was our day to spend time at the Interactive Center. There are many, many activities to do here, but with 1/3 of 37,000 people also there, the lines were long and so many things did not get done. But, we met many people - including many friends that were here. I think most of us met someone we knew, along with many new people.

One of the highlights of the day for me was ending the day at the Marriott where Lost and Found were having a concert. I first heard of Lost and Found after the last Lutheran Youth Gathering three years ago (San Antonio). Later that year, they played a concert at Camp Victor in Ocean Springs, MS while we were on internship with Luther Disaster Response. Michael and George put on a great concert, and as an added bonus, a fellow NC pastor and a band he is in was the opening act for Lost and Found. Great job, Brian!

All in all, a good day, with a little down-time to get ready for tomorrow. An early morning and a long work day are in store, so check back tomorrow for pictures and another update.

Day One - Jesus, Justice, and Jazz

2009-07-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Day one began with registration. We walked (20 minute walk, according to directions) to the convention center (entered through this mall - as a long way around, but air conditioned). Our early trek through the mall did bring us back later for some shopping (especially after I lost my sun glasses in the convention center).

After registration, we walked, ate lunch, and toured the Jax Brewery area of the French Quarter.

Later, we headed for the dome, where we and the other 36, 996 Lutherans in NOLA gathered for song, fellowship, and encouragement. Opening night was great! Lots of good music, good speakers, and great entrance by the bishop (wish I had a video of that!).

It was also a good day for meeting friends. I ran into no less than six friends from seminary, plus several other pastors I have met over the years. While the national youth gathering brings many young people together, it also reunites many of us "older" youth with friends.

Tomorrow, the events begin. One day will be the Interactive Center; another will be a Servant project, and the third day will be a Learning event. We begin in this order - with our Interactive Day being tomorrow.

It is hard to describe what it is like to be in one place with 37,000 other Lutherans, singing, praying, and preparing for our time here in New Orleans. It is especially moving when you realize that this whole event was planned and is being carried out by the youth of our church, along with dedicated staff and adults. I look forward to tomorrow, with great anticipation.

News from New Orleans

2009-07-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

I just arrived in New Orleans for the National Lutheran Youth Gathering. For the next few days, I'll try to upload some thoughts, photos, and news from the event - from the perspective of an older, but new pastor attending for the first time. This should be interesting!

First of all - how did we get here? We started out months ago, 6 of us planning to make the trip. By the time we were ready to leave, we were down to 4. Many issues played a part in this, but this is the reality we are dealing with. We drove - about a 14 hour adventure. The good news - it was uneventful. The bad news - I am so tired I can't seem to settle down to sleep.

When we arrived and checked into our hotel, it was to find things not quite like we thought they were. Of course, over my many years of business travel, I have many, many horror stories about hotels and this one in comparison is pretty mild. We have rooms, they are reasonably clean, and mostly quiet. We'll survive.

We went for a walk - no one else in our group has ever been to New Orleans. We strolled down Decatur (where we are staying), up St. Peter, then down Bourbon St. to Canal St., down Canal to Decatur and back to our hotel. My first impressions is that the French Quarter seems to be well on the road to recovery after Katrina. This is my first visit since before the hurricane and while there are many changes, most of the business spaces seem to have shops/restaurants, etc. which are open for business. The only down side I see is that Bourbon Street seems to have slipped from where it was - less restaurants and music - more bars and adult entertainment. What used to be a street where the adult side of things could be ignored or giggled at is now more in-your-face. That is a shame. As well, one of my favorite restaurants which always had a good Dixie-land group playing seems to be gone. Of course, businesses do change - even without a Katrina to help - but I mourn the loss of businesses that were more family-oriented and their replacement by adult-only businesses.

The upside of our walk tonight - I saw several familiar faces as we walked about the French Quarter. I am looking forward to seeing many old friends over the next few days - as well as making some new ones.

Pastors' Puppy

2009-06-23T15:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that we have long shared our home with a lovable, increasingly elderly, mostly black, mixed-breed dog named Smokey. We have occasionally discussed adopting another dog, but never made any decision to pursue the idea.

About two months ago, as Ray was driving from home to the church for a meeting one evening, he saw two dogs running loose by the road. In a hurry, he told himself that he would stop on the way home if he saw them. But later, in the dark, he didn’t see them. The next morning we were riding together on the way back to the office, when he suddenly pulled the Jeep over. There they were. With the help of some dog biscuits as bait, we were able to coax one small white puppy to us, but the other, larger dog evaded us.

We took the pup straight to the vet’s office and after a busy morning of bathing, deworming, shots, and flea treatment, she was ready to go home and meet Smokey! It took us a few days to settle on a name, but SuzyQ had entered our lives!

She seemed very smart, learning quickly to sit for a treat, enjoying a good cuddle, and sleeping very soundly, but she didn’t learn to answer to her name or come when we called her. After a couple of weeks, we realized that is because she can’t hear us. Now that the vet has checked her again, we are certain that she is indeed deaf.

So now she is training us and sometimes trying our patience, as the usual commands like “Come” and “No” have ABSOLUTELY no effect. Instead we are learning sign language. Fluttering fingers get her attention, a pointed index finger means sit, shaking your finger at her means no, and a thumbs up is “good girl!” The challenge is often in getting her attention, so that she will see the signals. For now, large arm gestures usually work during daylight, and Ray is teaching her to follow the beam of a flashlight so that we can call her after dark.

Needless to say, the joys and frustrations of housebreaking a puppy are keeping us busy. Now about 20 pounds and 18 weeks old, the vet told us to expect that she will double in size. That will make her about the same size as Smokey when she is full grown, so we are busy trying to teach her good habits while she is small!

We have to remind ourselves that -unlike the familiar saying - she isn't ignoring us, she really is deaf! One thing is for certain: SuzyQ has certainly provided a distraction for us from the busyness of ministry.

Seeing the kingdom of God

2009-06-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Some Facebook friends and family members 'heard' me lamenting about the sermon that just refused to be written last Saturday evening. At their request, here is a portion of the sermon that finally emerged after I got out of the way and let the Holy Spirit work. In a time of struggle in our congregation, our denomination, and the whole world, it was a profound joy to declare that God's kingdom is indeed visible!

Ezekiel 17:22–24
Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain. On the mountain height of Israel I will plant it, in order that it may produce boughs and bear fruit, and become a noble cedar. Under it every kind of bird will live; in the shade of its branches will nest winged creatures of every kind. All the trees of the field shall know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it.

Mark 4:26–34
[Jesus] also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come."

He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

There is something we pray for every week in worship, maybe even every day in our personal prayers, yet we don’t have any idea what it really means – or what it would really look like. That something is the kingdom of God. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray for God’s kingdom to come and God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. But which one of us has any idea what God’s kingdom really looks or feels like? We may have a good idea of the outcomes we hope for when we plan and pray, but we don’t know God’s will.

In the gospel text for today, we find that Jesus has already gotten his ministry organized. In the first three chapters of Mark, we read that he has been baptized by John; he has announced that the kingdom of God has come near; he has called his first disciples; he has been on a preaching tour of Galilee; he has already begun his healing ministry. He’s been very busy.

Now he has returned to Capernaum and begins teaching large crowds by the sea. Such an extremely large crowd has gathered, to see him and hear what he has to say, that Jesus gets in a boat and puts out onto the water and begins to teach the crowd gathered all along the shore.

So what does Jesus teach – and how? He begins teaching about the kingdom of God; but he teaches in parables. This fourth chapter of Mark begins with the familiar parable of the sower, and an explanation for that parable.

You probably remember that story. Seeds fall on the path, on rocky ground, among the weeds, and on good soil. Those on the path are snatched up by birds. Those in rocky ground start to grow, then wither away. Those among the weeds are choked out and yield no grain. Only the seeds sown in good soil flourish and finally produce a plentiful harvest. Jesus later explains what he meant to the disciples, describing each situation in terms of people who hear the word of the Lord and their responses to that word.

Then we reach today’s text – two short little stories that are practically riddles. Stories that can be very difficult to understand. And this time, no explanation is included in the gospel. In the gospel text for today, we have two short little stories that are practically riddles. Stories that can be very difficult to understand.

What do those parables tell us? How can we understand or recognize God’s kingdom through those two short little stories? Is the kingdom of God present now, in times of struggle and strife? Here’s one way we can understand them:

First: The kingdom of God is growing and changing even when we don’t understand how it happens.

Second: The kingdom of God is like a small country church which grows and flourishes and through its life does the work of the Lord, providing ministry for the least of God’s creatures. Ministry like feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, and caring for the sick and the grieving.

What does the kingdom of God look like or sound like? How does the kingdom of God affect us here and now? All I can do is to share these examples with you:

I recently saw the kingdom of God at work in a large group of people – over 500 of us - who gathered from across the entire state at synod assembly to worship God and serve God together in spite of our differences of opinion about serious issues facing the church.

I’ve seen the kingdom of God in the company of those I have visited this week, as I have listened to their stories of pain and fear, and then prayed with them and shared Holy Communion with them, rejoicing in God’s love and grace.

I saw the kingdom of God Friday afternoon and evening, in a group of people that worked together to prepare, serve, and clean up after a meal in our fellowship hall; and in the group of people who gathered to enjoy that meal and support the youth ministry of this congregation.

I saw the kingdom of God Saturday, in the smiles and service of small groups of people who gathered to feed the homeless and help with projects here at church.

I have heard the kingdom of God in the music and laughter and conversation and prayer shared at the table in these gatherings.

Where have you experienced the kingdom of God this week? What stories can you tell others? Of course, we don’t see the fullness of the kingdom yet, but it has already drawn near and we definitely see glimpses of it if we look for them.

We see the kingdom of God when we gather to do ministry together in groups, large or small, for the benefit of others. We see the kingdom of God whenever we gather for prayer and study, when we cultivate the “good soil” and nurture the seed of the word.

We see the kingdom of God when we gather for worship and ministry together even when we don’t all agree about the important issues. We see the kingdom of God – we are the kingdom of God - at work in the world in our prayer and service, study and worship. The kingdom of God is growing and changing even when we don’t understand how it happens. The kingdom of God will yield a surprisingly plentiful harvest, in God’s time, according to God’s will.

Want to learn just a little bit of Hebrew? Co amar Adonai. That’s the beginning of today’s first reading from Ezekiel. Co amar Adonai. Thus says the Lord. When we read those words in the Old Testament, we know that God is speaking directly to the chosen people.

And in this passage we read a promise of what God will do. A promise of surprising things, in a text that sounds much like the parable of the mustard seed combined with a touch of the Beatitudes:

Thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will do surprising things… I will take a sprig and create a new tree, and cause it to grow into a noble cedar. Everyone will be able to take shelter in the shade of this mighty tree.

All the other trees will know that I am the LORD. I bring low the high tree, I make high the low tree; I will surprise people by drying up the green tree and making the dry tree flourish.

And the final line, the reason we know that it can happen:
I the LORD have spoken; I will accomplish it.

Co amar Adonai! Thus says the Lord!. The almighty God, creator of heaven and earth has declared it so – and he will do it.

We can pray gladly for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done. God will cause surprising things to happen. God will bring a bountiful harvest from unexplained places. God wills it, and it will be so. Thanks be to God.

What does it mean to be Lutheran and why does it matter?

2009-06-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

That sounds very much like the title of an essay I had to write in seminary, but this one has more to do with the state of Lutheranism today as written about in this article: http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=4153

This topic was brought up at our recent synod assembly, and the bishop said that in a recent survey, over 50% of the Lutherans surveyed responded that Yes, they had to do something to receive salvation. Our message of grace has somehow been trampled by the prevalent American version of Christianity that believes we somehow control our own destiny.

Martin Luther is most likely rolling over in his grave (or would, if he could), to find that in a mere 500 years, all that he argued for in the reformation was being lost to Americanism (or simply ignored). For Luther, it is only by God's grace that we are saved, for we are incapable of saving ourselves. In his response to the third article of the Apostles' Creed, Luther writes, "I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith..." In other words, not only can we not work our way into heaven, but without the Holy Spirit, we cannot even believe in heaven.

For far too long, the Lutheran church has tried to compete with other denominations by becoming just like them. If the church across town has a program that is successful, then we had better have one too, no matter what the theology of the program. Any time we remove the liturgy, or reduce the liturgy, to become more like "that other church," we not only remove a vital part of who we are, but we lose the theology that makes us Lutheran. The liturgy helps us to remain grounded in who and whose we are. It keeps God at the forefront of our worship, not the band or the choir, or whatever else we have changed to "bring more people into worship."

This is not to say that just being Christian is not important - it is, and professing Jesus as Lord and Saviour is just as important for us as it is for our brothers and sisters in other denominations. However, we need to remember that as Lutherans we bring something to the table that is unique, and important. We bring the understanding that we are who we are not because we choose to be, but because God chose us. We understand that life is not about finding Jesus, but is a product of being called and claimed. Jesus is not lost, and when we need God in our lives the most, God is already there - not waiting for us to find him, but waiting for us to acknowledge his presence.

There are many things about being Lutheran that are good, and which have helped keep Christians on track for over 500 years. Maybe it is our moderating voice that has helped others to remember that it is by God's grace that we are saved, not by our works. It is by faith that we believe, and that faith is a gift of God, not of our own doing. It is God who finds us when we are wandering in the wilderness of life, not we who find God.

So - what does it mean to be Lutheran? It means that we are saved by faith, through God's amazing grace, and not by anything that we do or try to do. We are both saint and sinner - at the same time. We constantly fall short of the glory of God, and stand in need of God's abundant mercy.

Why does it matter? Because we all eventually realize that we cannot, no matter how hard we try, earn salvation. As Lutherans, it is our calling to remind our brothers and sisters that life is not a contest to see who can do the most good so that we will be saved, but life is a response to God's amazing grace and we do as much good as we can because we know that God has already washed and claimed us in our baptism, fed us with the body and blood of Christ at the communion table, and has readied a place for us - not because of what we do, but so that we will know God's love, and so can share that love with one another.

Pentecost

2009-06-09T07:29:00.001-07:00

It is telling that there has not been a post since Lent. In between Lent and Pentecost, there was the great 50 days of Easter, and not a word was written here. One of the reasons might be that we have been very, very busy. Another might have something to do with an uncertainty about what to write and share in this space.

This has probably been the most difficult Easter season of my life. From the understanding that Easter is not one day (just like Christmas is not one day), but a season of the church year where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus not once, but many times, it should have been a joyous time. Two things have hindered that this year.

The first is the same that I wrote about during Christmas, Advent, and Lent - that is, this being our first year through the cycle of the church year in this place, where some traditions are the same and some are different. The learning curve has been huge, and there has been much time discussing, learning, researching, and planning for all things to happen in some reasonable, liturgical sense.

The second is that we have hit one of those points in our ministry where there are some who are not pleased with what we are doing. While a small number, they are vocal. Any time conflict arises in the church, it takes a tremendous amount of energy to deal with it. While this is not over, and is not really for public discussion, it is only fair to mention it in response to all of you who have wondered why the blog has not been more active. The reason is simply that there are not enough hours in the day, or enough energy in either of us to deal with everything else and still post something there. Neither of us are the type to publicly air disagreements, especially not in a forum where we are the only ones with a voice, so you won't get any details here. Suffice it to say that we are in the midst of a difficult time and your prayers would be appreciated.

Now that I've told you what is going on in our lives, maybe we can post some thoughts (which may not be as upbeat as we would like) and you'll understand where we are coming from. On the up side, serving God amongst his people here continues to be a blessing to us (even on the bad days), and we look forward to being able to devote all our energy into positive things.

Last week was the NC Synod Assembly, and was a great opportunity to listen, learn, meet old friends, make new friends, and see just how big and wonderful is this body of Christ that we belong to. Even amidst the many discussions about sex and policies of the church, we were able to worship together and leave proclaiming Jesus as Lord! Alleluia!

Lent

2009-03-06T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe that we are approaching the Second Sunday in Lent, and we have yet to post anything about Lent. Just goes to show how busy it can be, especially in the church. While for many, January and February are slow times, they are not so here.

Right after Christmas, we go into the season of Epiphany, bracketed by two festival Sundays - Baptism of our Lord and Transfiguration. Immediately after the last Sunday in Epiphany, we celebrate Shrove Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday and straight into Lent.

On a personal note, all of these things were complicated this year by my coming down with pneumonia and being out of commission for the better part of three weeks. During those three weeks, I was the recipient of much ministry, rather than the provider. It certainly gives one a different perspective.

Now I am back to work (and mostly back to 100% health), and we are working diligently on getting caught up. There are visits to make, blog entries to post, articles to write, planning to do, and many, many preparations for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter Sunday to make.

One of the joys (and tribulations) of the first year in a parish is learning the traditions, examining our own theology, and merging the two into something that we can all live with. For those of us who have spent many years in one congregation, it is pretty easy to assume that we all celebrate, for example, Palm Sunday in the same way. In reality, each congregation develops their own traditions - some based on the liturgy, some based on the space, some based on context, some based on regional traits. All of these merge together to become "the way we have always done it."

For a new pastor, these become traditions to be examined, an opportunity to learn about the community being served, and a way of merging ourselves into those traditions. They also become teaching moments, as we discuss the traditions of the historical church, other traditions with which we are familiar with or grew up with, and the theology associated with the tradition. We realize that no - we don't all do things the same way, and we search for balance.

It is in the search for balance that we are reminded that God is here among us, that God was here before any of us arrived on the scene, and that God will be here after we have all died or moved on to other places. It is in this time of examination (which is what Lent is all about, anyway) that we discover the things that God has done, is doing, and promises yet to do. Praise be to God!

of Prayer Shawls and Preemie Caps

2009-02-25T20:12:00.000-08:00

One of the ministries that heard about when we arrived here was the Prayer Shawl ministry. What we heard was that there used to be a group who met to knit and crochet together, making shawls for those who were sick or mourning and needed the comfort of the these shawls. The group also has created cotton bandages and premie caps in the past.

Just a few weeks ago, one of the members who had organized this ministry before approached me, wanting to begin meeting again. We gladly helped to schedule a time and place for this group to resume meeting. Since I love to knit and crochet, I also made time for a shopping excursion to purchase yarn so that I could begin a shawl, and join in this ministry of our congregation.

Even before the very first meeting time, I was handed a completed prayer shawl, with the request that it be dedicated and given to a recent widow in our congregation. Before the week was out, four other completed shawls appeared in my office. That next Sunday morning, as we were announcing the first meeting of the revived ministry, five shawls were blessed with prayer by both of us and passed among the members of the congregation for their prayers. What a marvelous way to re-introduce such a wonderful ministry!

During our first meeting, as I knitted and purled my way along on the shawl I had already started, I also asked about a pattern for premie caps. I was given a lovely but challenging pattern, which requires using 4 double-pointed needles – something I have only used once or twice in my years of knitting. Never one to say ‘never,’ I took a copy of the pattern home and began work on my first premie cap, with yarn I had on hand.

Working on these during quiet evenings by the TV at home, I have now finished three caps, and have yarn for several more. These are really quite fun to create – and my work is certainly based in gratitude and prayer, as I am profoundly thankful that our twin grandsons were not born prematurely. So I am quietly creating these, hoping that they may bring comfort to tiny babies born too early and too small.

Busy times

2009-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

It’s been a hectic week! As the end of each month rolls around, we are busy working on the monthly newsletter along with the weekly bulletin along with the weekly Bible study and Sunday school and sermon preparation and visits to the hospitalized and homebound members of the congregation and all the other chores that pop up.

We’re now going on three weeks without a full day off. Come to think of it, that last one doesn’t really count, either – it was the day after Grandma Nellie’s funeral. Fortunately, we have been able to eke out an afternoon or evening here and there to run necessary errands and accomplish some things here at home. We just haven’t been able to get a complete ‘sleep in, catch up on chores and errands, and then relax’ day off.

In fact, we had scheduled two or three vacation days this week and watched them disappear from our calendar after a member of our congregation died. Instead of spending our days working here at home, we spent time with his family, preparing for and participating in the funeral.

That’s ministry for us. Knowing that the opportunity to be there for a family in sorrow is more important than us getting chores caught up at home. And I don’t think either of us would change that for anything. We have been called to full-time ministry and given an incredible opportunity to serve the Lord in this place!

Right now, as I type this entry, Ray is watching the Super Bowl. I need to get some things packed as tomorrow morning it will be time to head back to camp for a short retreat for all first call pastors in the synod.

A Time of Healing

2009-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday afternoon, we offered a Service of Healing. It was, as far as anyone can remember, a first for this congregation. While the number of attendees was small, the presence of the Holy Spirit was over-whelming.

The service was simple - readings from scripture, prayers, laying on of hands, and annointing with oil for all who wished. Knowing some of the struggles and illnesses that face some of those who came made the service all that much more powerful, and makes one wonder why this is not a part of more churches - especailly Lutheran churches.

There are many references to healing throughout scripture (all quotes from NRSV):
Genesis 20:17 "Then Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech..."
2 Chronicles 30:20 "The LORD heard Hezekiah, and healed the people."
Psalm 30:2 "O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me."
Matthew 8:8 "...but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed."
Luke 14:4 "So Jesus took him and healed him..."

Perhaps the most compelling argument is found in James:

James 5:14-16 "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective."

I suppose some Lutherans might argue that since Luther was not too fond of the Book of James, that we tend to not pay it a lot of attention, but the simple fact that Luther did not remove it from his translation of the Bible shows that Luther thought there was need for these words, even if they were not among his favorites. For us, in light of the entire New Testament witness, James has a place and should not be ignored.

As leaders of the church (whether you count your elders as lay or ordained), healing is one of the task that we are called to - healing of the spirit, of the body, of the mind. We may not all have the healing power that Jesus gave his disciples when he sent them out, but we all have the power and ability to pray for one another and to provide comfort in time of need.

Some may believe that Sunday morning worship is sufficient for this, especially in churches where Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday. There is certainly healing available through the Sacraments, but that does not mean we should limit ourselves to this. A Service of Healing allows us to offer a special time where the focus is on healing, where prayers may specific and interactive, and where friends and family members can join in and lay on hands along with the "elders."

Suffice it to say, that our first experience with this here has been so profound that we hope to find ways to incorporate this service into the life of the congregation on a regular basis. It was healing to us; it was healing to those who came. As we are always in need of healing, for some ill or anguish, there can never be too many opportunities provided for God's people to gather in prayer for one another, and to lay hands on one another, and to be healed through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the promise of Jesus is recorded in the Gosple according to Matthew, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them (Mat. 18:20)." We simply provide the opportunity to gather and pray. God takes care of the rest. Thanks be to God!

Getting away

2009-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

(This post is a bit delayed – it should most likely have come this time last week, but by then we were out of town with Ray’s family for Grandma Nellie’s funeral.)

"Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves..." Mark 6:31 NRSV

We began last weekend on retreat at Camp Agape with the congregational council. I know that not all congregations have the tradition of an annual council retreat, but I’m convinced that all should! Of course, I’m always a fan of time away at camp (or I probably wouldn’t have remained a Girl Scout leader for over 15 years)!

This weekend away allows time for the council members to get to know each other and learn to work together. We took time for devotions and completed a spiritual gifts inventory. Several people were surprised to learn what their gifts are; realizing the variety of gifts that this group possesses together as the Body of Christ was very powerful.

In addition to a routine business meeting, we also took time to reflect on programs and events that have been part of the church’s ministry in the past and to brainstorm about a vision for the future. The result was some very basic, practical plans for necessities and some more creative plans for the future, too.

We also had some free time to explore camp, enjoy the fellowship of others, and rest. I pray that everyone serving on the council came away from the retreat as excited about the future of our ministry together as I did. And I heartily suggest this tradition to other congregations!

In times of grief

2009-01-13T19:58:00.001-08:00

It is in those times of grief, of personal loss, that the pastor becomes the one in need. During that time, roles are reversed and the congregation becomes the one who ministers to the pastor. It is during that time, that the pastor finds out how well he or she has been getting the message of the gospel across. For the congregation, it is a time to realize its role in ministry - to all who are in need. Thanks be to God that this is so!

Why this odd post? My 97 year old grandmother passed away last week. Not that this could ever happen at a good time, but it was the day before we were to leave on a weekend retreat with the church council. We both went, stayed for most of the retreat, then drove across the state to arrive in time for the funeral and then spend a couple of days with my mother. The council was able to spend time during the weekend being on the giving end rather than the receiving end of pastoral care. It is wonderful to see this process work, and work well.

There will be reflections on my grandmother at a later time (not sure that I could do it yet), but suffice it to say that all of her 9 remaining children (out of 10) were there, most of 21 grandchildren, and I have forgotten how many great grandchildren there are, but many were present. Along with the many, many friends in the community, as well as other relatives and so on, it was a full house for the funeral. There were no less than six ministers present (including us). The grandsons served as pallbearers, which included me. It was the one job I had never done during a funeral. I have been in the choir, assisted with communion, preached, presided, ushered, directed, assisted, etc., but this was my first as a pallbearer. Probably a topic worthy of later reflection as well.

One thing that becomes apparent when a loved one dies, especially in the technically and socially connected world as we now live in - you see how many, many friends you have, all looking out for you. I find that I am very, very blessed, as was Grandma Nellie.

on the 11th day of Christmas...

2009-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

Seems like just a few days ago we were putting up the Chrismon tree and hanging the garland in the sanctuary! But today was the Second Sunday of Christmas – the next-to-last day in a twelve day season – and now Advent and Christmas are both behind us. Today was a busy day, filled with both finishing up and planning ahead.

After worship, we had a brief meeting with the congregational council, to make some final arrangements for the annual council retreat next weekend. From there we went on to a covered dish lunch with the Junior, Middle, and Senior Youth groups and their families. After short meetings, we moved into a frenzied time of taking down the Christmas decorations, packing them up, and cleaning in the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Before the afternoon was over, we also had a confirmation class!

There were certainly no dull moments between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm today – and we even missed the chance for fellowship with one of the circles. We also missed a last chance this morning to take photos of the sanctuary while it was filled with garland, the Chrismon tree, poinsettias, and the nativity set. Guess we’ll have to wait about 11 months for our next chance at those photos. In the meantime, the church looks ‘normal’ but strangely empty.

So now, we begin looking ahead – to Epiphany; to Lent and Easter; and with the council, to making plans for 2009 and beyond!

Eve of Christmas Eve

2008-12-23T15:00:00.001-08:00

Our first Advent season (as pastors) is almost complete. Sunday we lit the fourth candle in the Advent wreath, the church is decorated with Chrismons, greens, angels, a star, the nativity scene, poinsettias, lights, and candles. Wreaths are hung on the doors and every post and pillar is covered in fresh greens and red bows. The bulletins for our two Christmas eve services are printed. We are almost ready. Just a few final touches, and we will celebrate one of the most joyous times in the Christian church - the birth of Christ.

We, along with the chorus of angels, proclaim, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14)."

To each of you, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and safe travels to all who will be traveling to visit friends and families.

Ray and Ruth Ann

Pleading

2008-12-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I was ahead of the typical New Year’s schedule; this week I have fallen behind! I know this is already the second week of Advent – but I still want to post a reflection on the first week of Advent - so, before Ray posts on the second week, and before I start to study next week’s texts, here is a look back at the theme for the last week...

Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

I don’t like deadlines, but I have come to realize that deadlines are often what really drive my actions. I often don’t work on a chore or a project very much before it urgently needs to be done. I may think about it, or even plan for it, but I don’t really get down to working seriously on it until the deadline approaches. My motto could be “If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.”

This practice actually served me pretty well in my business career. I was able to arrange projects and reports by due date, figure out what tasks were required to complete the project or what information was needed to compile the reports, and set my priorities according to those deadlines. And after all, I managed the materials department of a manufacturing company – just in time wasn’t a bad thing. Many of you know it is generally a rule for inventory control – get materials into the building when they are needed, but no sooner. Just in time became a way of life for me.

Today’s Gospel text reminds me that other people are like that too. Earlier in this chapter of Mark’s gospel, the disciples marveled at the wonderful buildings in the city of Jerusalem and Jesus told them that one day, those great buildings would be thrown down – not one stone would be left upon another. Then the disciples asked Jesus when that would be and what the signs would be that it was about to happen. Jesus then gave them many warnings about the things to come, but as we just read, he did not tell them when those things would happen.

The disciples probably didn’t want to know when all that would happen so that they could plan well ahead, making preparations a little bit each day until the time came, but so that they could go on living normally until the last minute – until the deadline was quickly approaching – and still get themselves ready. Just in time.

But the warning that Jesus gives to the disciples is not to find out when the deadline is and plan accordingly. Jesus tells them to keep awake. To pay attention.

Jesus was telling us that we do not need for God to tell us exactly when the Son of Man will be coming in glory. We do not need our appointment calendars and Palm Pilots to plan ahead for that time. Instead, we should keep awake, pay attention, and be prepared, and we too, will recognize the signs when it is about to happen.

We have begun a new year in the church. Thanksgiving is over, but in spite of the evidence in the shopping malls and on the radio waves, it isn’t Christmas yet. It is Advent. Advent is a time of being awake, paying attention, and preparing for – and waiting for - the coming of the Son of God.

We are not just preparing for Christmas; for the birth of the Messiah as a tiny baby in Bethlehem. We are also preparing for the coming of the Son of Man in all his power and glory as the king of heaven and earth. While we are putting up the lights and the trees and the tinsel in our homes and offices; while we are shopping and baking and gathering with friends; while we are singing carols and sending cards and oh so busy preparing for Christmas with our families; while we are doing all those things we must remember to keep awake, to pay attention to the signs in the world around us, and to prepare for the coming of the King. For he will come again.

Jesus told his disciples to look for the signs and to be prepared. I think he was also telling them – and us - that we should yearn for his coming. Like the prophet Isaiah, we should call out for the Lord to tear open the heavens and come down. Like the psalmist, we should beg for God to stir up his strength and come to help us. Like the apostle Paul, we should desire for Jesus Christ to strengthen us and keep us until the day of the Lord.

All of these texts point toward a theme for this first week in Advent: “pleading for the coming.” As we do what all of these texts urge us to do, we are pleading for Christ the Lord to come again. We are pleading for Christ to come to make his might known. We are pleading with Christ to set all the wrongs of the world right, to restore us to true fellowship with each other and with all of creation, to find us blameless so that we can feel God’s face shine on us. We are pleading for God to fulfill the promise and bring salvation to the world.

In this time of economic hardship, of high prices and high unemployment; in this time of pain and illness and suffering and grief; in this time of fear and uncertainty, we need to remember that we can depend on God. We cannot depend on our own strength or our own ability to plan ahead. We do not know the day or the hour when he will come.

While we can be alert for the signs of Christ’s coming, we cannot mark our calendars or set alarms and plan ahead for a specific day and time. We cannot create a checklist of things to be done before his arrival. We can keep awake; we can prepare. Preparing for Christ’s coming means living faithfully until he comes again: praying and worshipping and studying scripture. It means doing the work of the kingdom; living out our faith in our daily lives, in our homes and at our jobs. It means loving God and loving our neighbors in this time of waiting and preparation.

Only God the Father knows the real deadline – the time of the final coming of the Son of Man. Rather than hope to postpone that deadline, we should plead for it to come soon, echoing the words of the church throughout the years: Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Welcoming the new year

2008-12-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the Advent wreath in our home.

I know, it isn’t 2009 yet – but it is the beginning of the new church year. This year, since we are still new in our ministry and just getting settled into our home, we decided to celebrate the beginning of Advent with an unusual event. We invited the members of the congregation’s call committee – now our mutual ministry committee – and their spouses to our home for a service of house blessing.

This small group gathered Sunday afternoon and we moved together from room to room, bearing a candle and a cross, taking turns praying not just for Ray and me as the residents of the house, but for those who will be welcomed into our home as guests, and for the many blessings we all often take for granted.

Thanksgiving and Advent seemed to meld beautifully as we prayed gratefully for peaceful rest, for refreshing water, and nourishing food. We prayed for the places in our home where study and chores like laundry take place. We prayed for creation found just outside our doors and windows. We even prayed for our beloved dog, Smokey, who attentively stood nearby during this prayer, then sat down quietly as we said amen!

And no, this wasn’t a rite we made up. This is a set of prayers that existed before, but have recently been updated in the new Pastoral Care book published by Augsburg Fortress. It was a very powerful experience to welcome others into our home and invite them to pray for us, our home, and our loved ones. It truly provided an opportunity for us to give thanks for our call to ministry in this place, for the comforts of our new home, for the joys of new relationships, and for the opportunities which lie ahead.

All in all, a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of a new year!

Preparing for Advent

2008-12-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Who knew that planning for Advent could be so challenging? One of the things about the first Advent as the pastor of a church is learning the traditions that already exist. When do the decorations come out? Where do they go? What color are the candles in the advent wreath? So many questions.

It has been really interesting to learn the traditions and practices of a new place. You might think that all Lutheran churches celebrate Advent and prepare for Christmas in the same way, but you would be very wrong. Some celebrate Advent in a very deliberate way; others as nothing more than a warm-up to Christmas. Of course, there are many traditions in-between as well.

Here we are trying for a mix of the common and expected traditions that have historically been a part of the church, along with some of the local traditions. We are beginning with the Advent wreath with no other decorations in the sanctuary. During Advent, we will add more each week - first, the tree, followed by lights and chrismons. Then, we will add greens and other decorations throughout the church. Finally, a star will be hung, the nativity set added, and then just before Christmas eve, poinsettias will be added throughout the sanctuary.

During the season of Advent, we will plead, prepare, proclaim, and participate in the rituals of the season leading up to Christmas. As we wait and prepare for the coming of the Christ child, we behold the wondrous mysteries of God and His care for His creation.

"A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God (Isaiah 40:3)." How are you preparing?

New Blog

2008-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

This is our new blog (moved from r2seminarynews). Here we hope to continue our blog presence, but with more emphasis on our ministry rather than the seminary journey.

As always, we welcome your comments and feedback.

Ray and Ruth Ann