People have been telling stories since before recorded history. In our telling of stories we work out who we are, what is important to us as a people, give moral instruct, and answer questions of ultimate meaning. We can’t get away from storytelling. Narrative is the mechanism of persuasion employed for motivating people to work for change; or to hold fast to the timeless and eternally meaningful stories of a people.
The medium of storytelling has changed in the last 100 years but the themes of the stories are timeless. Within the stories of Greek Tragedies, and the texts of Scripture, right up to the present day, timeless themes persist. Murder, rape, family dysfunction, the meaning of life; all of these along with the stories of love, perseverance, and triumph over adversity and against overpowering odds are woven into our text we Christians claim as sacred scripture. From the oral traditions right up to the book and beyond to flash on the big screen, story telling informs and enriches human existence. Storytelling carries transformational power.
Preachers are storytellers; interpreting the scripture and using our own bridges to the present context, we seek to inspire and motivate our listeners to excel in their quest for companionship with Christ, with the Holy Divine. To find meaningful connections with the stories of scripture, we listen and look around at the stories being told in the world in which we live.
I was listening to the podcast of Chicago Radios’ program, “This American Life” last week and thinking about the importance of the stories we tell as a people. At the opening of the episode,(Rest in Peace)* was an interview with Rachel Howard, author of The Lost Night. Rachel’s father was murdered when she was ten years old. Rachel explained her own distaste of pop cultures’ fascination with murder stories. She tells host Ira Glass, that the national support group Parents of Murdered Children draws an analogy of murder mystery theatre with another form of common criminal activity. “You wouldn’t want to go to a Rape Mystery Theatre would you?” she asked.
Over the past month I’ve been to the theater to view five movies and each of them touched on themes of human suffering but the most poignant of them was the movie “Precious”. Precious is based on a true story. One young man told me, he had no interest in seeing a story about a fifteen year old pregnant black girl; he saw enough of that in real life. No interest in hearing what the story was. It had no entertainment value to him.
I suppose moral value is not always entertaining, no matter how you present it. But it is a story which requires telling, just as much as the rape of Tamar required telling. For me, that was exactly the point of seeing the movie. Of course, you might wonder if the movie has been a box office success. $40,084,412. to date compared to the production budget of $10 million, it is certainly not a “Starwars” blockbuster. Success isn’t always measured in dollars.
Sometimes success is measured in the change that it creates. The story of the objectification of women and children, and the destruction it causes to the fiber of the community cannot be easily measured in monetary terms. Not for profit alone is it a reason to tell the story, and neither would it be a suitable reason to ignore the telling of the story. The success of telling this story would best be measured in the degree of new understanding, new awareness, some measure of healing that occurs as a result of the telling.
Those preachers who use the revised common lectionary to prepare their sermon each week will have danced right over one of the two great rape stories, that of Amnon and Tamar. The story starts out innocuously, “Some time passed. David's son Absalom had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar; and David's son Amnon fell in love with her.” ( 2 Samuel 13:1) It closes with the fabric of family and community rent. “And though Absalom never spoke to Amnon about it, he hated Amnon deeply because of what he had done to his sister. (2 Samuel 13:22) Dirty secrets of a family that impair God’s intended plan for shalom. What is the church to do with this story? How is the church to bring healing for this ageless story?
What always interests me is how the lectionary planners, presumably guided by the Holy Spirit, manage skillfully to excise some of the most troubling passages of the Old Testament. The leap over the Rape of Tamar is just one instance of the difficulty we preaching storytellers have with deciding what to say and when to say it.
Having more time than usual to spend reflecting on the task of preaching it struck me that we preachers are somehow complicit in the perpetuation of an age old problem. Most recently I observed the lectionary leap across Tamar’s story which the church really needs to spend time reflecting on and retelling in my humble opinion. Because the church fails to spend time reflecting on this problem, pop culture is assuming the lead on the issue. Thanks to Sapphire, and Lee Daniels, this timeless story is not being completely ignored.
Deciding who should tell the story is as important as deciding what story should be told. Deciding the venue of storytelling also at least as important as deciding the medium employed. All these questions played out in Sapphire’s decision to allow to the story of the book to be taken to the screen. Fear of creating stereotypes for the African-American community weighed heavily in Sapphire’s decision. Persuasion from Lee Daniels, himself a victim of childhood abuse, convinced Sapphire that the story would be told with integrity.
Since viewing Precious, I did a little research on sexual assault crime statistics. It boggles the mind to consider how many victims of various forms of sexual assault are sitting in the average room of any gathering. According to formula of statistics provided by one national organization I figure the likelihood was that one in six female viewers were victims of some form of sexual assault in addition to 1 in 33 men. Which causes me to ask, how is the church going to respond to these open wounds? How will the church be a source of healing to victims of sexual assault?
Remember Rachel’s audaciously preposterous proposal to hold a Rape Mystery Theater? Host Ira Glass agreed, that would be creepy, and so did I at first hearing. Who would want to go to a rape mystery theater? Certainly not me!
Of course we wouldn’t go to participate in that!
Or would we?
*find the episode click on the link all episodes and search for "Rest in Peace"
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
In the Unity of the Spirit
This last Saturday I drove to Echo Park to participate in a Service of Repentance at the Cathedral Center of Saint Paul for the Diocese of Los Angeles for The Episcopal Church.
The event has been posted on the website for the Los Angeles Diocese for weeks, and been worked on by the Planning Group on Black Ministries for months.
The service was a fulfillment of General Convention 2006 Resolution A123 on Slavery and Racial Reconciliation. This resolution runs the risk of becoming like so many social justice issues passed by the highest levels of any institution. Those who are most passionate, the activists who fill the upper echelons of every organization, agree on language and understandings surrounding policies and past activities of the institution, and then covenant to change their ways going forward. But in making that step for reparation of a breach of faithfulness to the call to discipleship it is recognized that reconciliation is incomplete. One doesn’t just go forward without fully acknowledging grievous behavior of the past. The General Conference Resolution called for each diocese to respond by engaging in reflection and action to resolve a breach in the unity of the body of Christ. This is action on an institutional level, not merely the individual and personal.
You might wonder, “Why in the world would a local pastor of the United Methodist Church attend such a function occurring in the Episcopal Church?”
My answer is both simple and complex.
Simply put, this was an action of acknowledging a part of my own identity. I became a Christian through baptism and confirmation as a member of an Episcopal Church in the seventh grade. In my youth, the boundaries of the Episcopal Church Los Angeles Diocese included San Diego County. I am somehow deeply connected to the body of Christ through the Episcopal Church, a fact which became very clear to me as I participated in the Wesley Tercentennial Pilgrimage in 2007. Also, I have among my ancestors one who was an Episcopal Priest who served churches in North Carolina. There is also a string of generations before and after, who claimed membership in the Episcopal Church.
The more complex answer derives from my own passion around the topics of Race and Religion and their intersection with my personal history. I grew up in a time of change. The Civil rights Act was passed in my youth. My own schooling experience lacked the heated controversy over integration vs. segregation in San Diego. And yet, during my ninth grade and half of the tenth grade, I lived with a family in Texas so that I could attend a private Christian School. In that environment I first sampled blatant white prejudice. Racism was not in my lexicon at the time. What I heard felt wrong, in violation of what the messages of Paul’s letters were conveying in scripture. But I did not know how to speak out against this message. Years later I would come to learn more about my own family history and begin to put together the facts. I will only say there are many pieces of that history which offer no place of pride of inheritance.
Attending this service was a way for me to stop and acknowledge my inheritance of racial prejudice and complacency. It was also a time to learn more of the history of the Episcopal Church. In so doing, as a participant I did so as one who has reaped benefits from the institution of slavery and institutional racism, even if I had no personal part in creating the institutions.
There is something very empowering in naming the truth. It is even more so when done in the context of a service which includes the celebration of Eucharist. In the homily delivered by Bishop Jon Bruno, honesty and candor was the hallmark of the message. Not just speaking for the failings of the institution, but of his own places of failure. The Los Angeles diocese is blessed to have the leadership of one who demonstrates such humility and honesty.
I was impressed by the make-up of those who attended. It appeared that the European-Americans in attendance where mostly from among the clergy, clerical collars being the identifier used.While waiting in the reception line following the service with me stood a young Euro-American couple with their daughter who I would guess to have been 4 or 5 years old. Those parents, so much younger than I, are to be commended for creating a lasting memory for reflection with their daughter in years to come.
There was also a young man who I would say, by appearance, was of limited resources, and of mixed racial heritage. He learned of the service when he attended Sunday Worship at the Cathedral the week prior. He told me he hadn’t been to church in many years. He was very excited to attend this service and full of interest in the Story of Christianity. His enthusiasm and interest gave me a sense of hope. Somehow, as often as the church has failed to live up to the call of costly discipleship, we do see signs of repentance and growth that spring from it.
It was most humbling, when I reached the line-up of those who lead the service, and shook each of their hands, that each of them spoke warm thanks and appreciation to me for attending the service. My own heart was strangely warmed by the opportunity to acknowledge on behalf of prior generations, and of my own participation. It was a fitting way to enter into preparation for worship the following day as we joined to commemorate World Communion Sunday.
grace and peace,
The event has been posted on the website for the Los Angeles Diocese for weeks, and been worked on by the Planning Group on Black Ministries for months.
The service was a fulfillment of General Convention 2006 Resolution A123 on Slavery and Racial Reconciliation. This resolution runs the risk of becoming like so many social justice issues passed by the highest levels of any institution. Those who are most passionate, the activists who fill the upper echelons of every organization, agree on language and understandings surrounding policies and past activities of the institution, and then covenant to change their ways going forward. But in making that step for reparation of a breach of faithfulness to the call to discipleship it is recognized that reconciliation is incomplete. One doesn’t just go forward without fully acknowledging grievous behavior of the past. The General Conference Resolution called for each diocese to respond by engaging in reflection and action to resolve a breach in the unity of the body of Christ. This is action on an institutional level, not merely the individual and personal.
You might wonder, “Why in the world would a local pastor of the United Methodist Church attend such a function occurring in the Episcopal Church?”
My answer is both simple and complex.
Simply put, this was an action of acknowledging a part of my own identity. I became a Christian through baptism and confirmation as a member of an Episcopal Church in the seventh grade. In my youth, the boundaries of the Episcopal Church Los Angeles Diocese included San Diego County. I am somehow deeply connected to the body of Christ through the Episcopal Church, a fact which became very clear to me as I participated in the Wesley Tercentennial Pilgrimage in 2007. Also, I have among my ancestors one who was an Episcopal Priest who served churches in North Carolina. There is also a string of generations before and after, who claimed membership in the Episcopal Church.
The more complex answer derives from my own passion around the topics of Race and Religion and their intersection with my personal history. I grew up in a time of change. The Civil rights Act was passed in my youth. My own schooling experience lacked the heated controversy over integration vs. segregation in San Diego. And yet, during my ninth grade and half of the tenth grade, I lived with a family in Texas so that I could attend a private Christian School. In that environment I first sampled blatant white prejudice. Racism was not in my lexicon at the time. What I heard felt wrong, in violation of what the messages of Paul’s letters were conveying in scripture. But I did not know how to speak out against this message. Years later I would come to learn more about my own family history and begin to put together the facts. I will only say there are many pieces of that history which offer no place of pride of inheritance.
Attending this service was a way for me to stop and acknowledge my inheritance of racial prejudice and complacency. It was also a time to learn more of the history of the Episcopal Church. In so doing, as a participant I did so as one who has reaped benefits from the institution of slavery and institutional racism, even if I had no personal part in creating the institutions.
There is something very empowering in naming the truth. It is even more so when done in the context of a service which includes the celebration of Eucharist. In the homily delivered by Bishop Jon Bruno, honesty and candor was the hallmark of the message. Not just speaking for the failings of the institution, but of his own places of failure. The Los Angeles diocese is blessed to have the leadership of one who demonstrates such humility and honesty.
I was impressed by the make-up of those who attended. It appeared that the European-Americans in attendance where mostly from among the clergy, clerical collars being the identifier used.While waiting in the reception line following the service with me stood a young Euro-American couple with their daughter who I would guess to have been 4 or 5 years old. Those parents, so much younger than I, are to be commended for creating a lasting memory for reflection with their daughter in years to come.
There was also a young man who I would say, by appearance, was of limited resources, and of mixed racial heritage. He learned of the service when he attended Sunday Worship at the Cathedral the week prior. He told me he hadn’t been to church in many years. He was very excited to attend this service and full of interest in the Story of Christianity. His enthusiasm and interest gave me a sense of hope. Somehow, as often as the church has failed to live up to the call of costly discipleship, we do see signs of repentance and growth that spring from it.
It was most humbling, when I reached the line-up of those who lead the service, and shook each of their hands, that each of them spoke warm thanks and appreciation to me for attending the service. My own heart was strangely warmed by the opportunity to acknowledge on behalf of prior generations, and of my own participation. It was a fitting way to enter into preparation for worship the following day as we joined to commemorate World Communion Sunday.
grace and peace,
Sunday, June 14, 2009
On the road today, heading back to Ashton to pack and prepare for our return to California.
I was sent by God to serve, used and now, in the spirit of the words of the Wesleyan Covenant prayer, we are "set aside" for a while. There is a strange and beautiful peace in the quietness but also a very real hole in my life now that I have no responsibility to prepare for preaching and leading a community in worship each Sunday.
Discernment always requires a space of quiet to allow the old to fade before the new entrance.
Grace and peace to all.
I was sent by God to serve, used and now, in the spirit of the words of the Wesleyan Covenant prayer, we are "set aside" for a while. There is a strange and beautiful peace in the quietness but also a very real hole in my life now that I have no responsibility to prepare for preaching and leading a community in worship each Sunday.
Discernment always requires a space of quiet to allow the old to fade before the new entrance.
Grace and peace to all.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Community Visioning Rally
I've been involved in this project, the Horizons Steering Committee, since I first attended the Showcase put on by the University of Idaho last August.
My part in getting the project rolling wasn't that spectacular. I just took the words other people spoke about their perceptions and hopes of what good could result if we were accepted into this grant program, and put it into the final form for submission. We heard back within 48 hours. Anyone who has written grants knows that very unusual. But it's great getting immediate feedback.
Well, honestly, I realize I do accomplish a lot by encouraging people to speak and then claim responsibility for their ideas by acting on them. I also like to give voice to their concerns as I preach, teach and work with the church and the community. I enjoy seeing other people grow in their self-confidence and to see the fruits of their work.
Thursday night was the kick off of phase four with our Community Visioning Rally.
The threshold goal was to have 15% of the community participate which was a target of 170 people attending. We definitely met that.Free dinner certainly helped fill the room.
David Beurle was our facilitator. I could say so much about him. WOW. In the presentation he identified the ten characteristics of a successful rural community. The photo is the result of the communal voting on individual perceptions about the agreement (green) or disagreement (red) of the statement as an accurate description about our community.
The ten items where each listed on a one sheet (ten pages on the wall) and each voted as they viewed the community. We had 4 red and 4 green dots each to vote with.
What we all noted was the surprisingly high level of agreement on these issues.
THE top ten Attributes of Successful communities are:
1. Evidence of strong community pride and inclusive culture.
2. Invest in the future- built to last.
3. PArticipatory approach to community decision making.
4. Creatively build economic opportunities,
5. Support local businesses.
6. Deliberate transition of power to new leaders.
7. strong belief in and support for education.
8. Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life.
9. Willingness to seek help from the outside.
10. Communities are self- reliant.
What participants said about Ashton is said with the picture at top. (read pictures of charts left to right to correspond with Attribute 1-10 being present in the community).
By the end of the session, the group had named their preferred vision for the community.
By the way, thanks to members from Ashton Community UMC who came out for the rally:
Chan & Judy Atchley, Nancy & Rodger Williams, John & Joann Jorgensen, Pat Sturm, Marion Rice, Jane and Claude Daniels.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Easter plus three weeks
I realize it’s been a while since I posted anything.. not that anyone has been demanding any word of wit, wisdom or sarcasm. But as a sort of cyber spiritual journal it is reflective of my own need to maintain silence and reflection as I sort out what is happening in my ministry, and my life.
To catch up with the seasons of the Christian year we are in Easter. That’s a season, not just a day if you plan or participate in the worship life of the Church. The First Sunday is really the most high Holy Day of the entire year in my own faith understanding. The reason it is so is because Easter Sunday commemorates the Triumph of life over death. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s testimony verifying the life and testimony of Jesus of Nazareth. At the recognition of Jesus by the disciples begins the birth of the new line of faith that would try to remain within the household of Judaism, but would eventually end up being cut loose to seek it’s own path and identity as the way to eternal life. The rest of that story comes in the Celebration of Pentecost and the season that follows which lectionary writers simply refer to as ordinary time.
Resurrection of the dead required a death to become demonstrable. One testimony, and one glorification became the confirming signs of one Lord over all creation. Jesus “the anointed one of God” Christ became the Judge over all creation. For most Christians the celebration of Easter is an acknowledgement of all that scripture gives and gave witness to throughout the ages. It is the jubilant feast that laughs at the prince of darkness, and the victory over death which grounds our own hope which ultimately conquers fear of death, and offers newness of life.
With that said, why on earth would a blogging pastor stay silent?
Well, in some ways this year, this pastor has been off calendar. My Lenten journey seems to have needed more time. Palm Sunday my District Superintendent called to advise me and begin the process of working with my congregation, preparing them for an important change. This was not unexpected because it was the result of earlier input given to the Bishop through the District Superintendent in which both myself as pastor, and the pastor staff parish relations committee discerned it was time for a change in pastoral leadership.
On Easter Sunday the appointment intentions were read in the congregation.
So for the last three plus weeks I have been processing what needs to be done to bring closure to a ministry. But added to that I have also had to do something somewhat untypical for United Methodist Pastors, as I have had to initiate a job search outside the bounds of the conference, a calling of sorts, for an appointment or placement within another conference.
Our life, like so many Americans today, is being touched by the economic downturn in an unanticipated way. I hopefully anticipate being led by God to a next place of ministry. But quite naturally both Tim and I are forced to face the uncertainty of not knowing while we wait upon the Spirit of the Lord to present us with the pillar of fire and smoke to lead us on our next leg in the journey. Being two unemployed people simultaneously would be the worst case scenario.
Yet life inside the Ashton Community United Methodist Church Parsonage has a peculiar peacefulness. That, I believe, is a sign of our own certain belief in the claim that Christ placed on our lives which started when together we first trusted in my call of vocation to respond to Christ's commission - go and make disciples. We receive that also because we have many in prayer for us, even as we are in prayer for the whole United Methodist Church in this season of appointments.
So, pray for us in our place of unknowing, to hear and follow where Christ is leading us next.
Grace and peace,
To catch up with the seasons of the Christian year we are in Easter. That’s a season, not just a day if you plan or participate in the worship life of the Church. The First Sunday is really the most high Holy Day of the entire year in my own faith understanding. The reason it is so is because Easter Sunday commemorates the Triumph of life over death. The resurrection of Jesus is God’s testimony verifying the life and testimony of Jesus of Nazareth. At the recognition of Jesus by the disciples begins the birth of the new line of faith that would try to remain within the household of Judaism, but would eventually end up being cut loose to seek it’s own path and identity as the way to eternal life. The rest of that story comes in the Celebration of Pentecost and the season that follows which lectionary writers simply refer to as ordinary time.
Resurrection of the dead required a death to become demonstrable. One testimony, and one glorification became the confirming signs of one Lord over all creation. Jesus “the anointed one of God” Christ became the Judge over all creation. For most Christians the celebration of Easter is an acknowledgement of all that scripture gives and gave witness to throughout the ages. It is the jubilant feast that laughs at the prince of darkness, and the victory over death which grounds our own hope which ultimately conquers fear of death, and offers newness of life.
With that said, why on earth would a blogging pastor stay silent?
Well, in some ways this year, this pastor has been off calendar. My Lenten journey seems to have needed more time. Palm Sunday my District Superintendent called to advise me and begin the process of working with my congregation, preparing them for an important change. This was not unexpected because it was the result of earlier input given to the Bishop through the District Superintendent in which both myself as pastor, and the pastor staff parish relations committee discerned it was time for a change in pastoral leadership.
On Easter Sunday the appointment intentions were read in the congregation.
So for the last three plus weeks I have been processing what needs to be done to bring closure to a ministry. But added to that I have also had to do something somewhat untypical for United Methodist Pastors, as I have had to initiate a job search outside the bounds of the conference, a calling of sorts, for an appointment or placement within another conference.
Our life, like so many Americans today, is being touched by the economic downturn in an unanticipated way. I hopefully anticipate being led by God to a next place of ministry. But quite naturally both Tim and I are forced to face the uncertainty of not knowing while we wait upon the Spirit of the Lord to present us with the pillar of fire and smoke to lead us on our next leg in the journey. Being two unemployed people simultaneously would be the worst case scenario.
Yet life inside the Ashton Community United Methodist Church Parsonage has a peculiar peacefulness. That, I believe, is a sign of our own certain belief in the claim that Christ placed on our lives which started when together we first trusted in my call of vocation to respond to Christ's commission - go and make disciples. We receive that also because we have many in prayer for us, even as we are in prayer for the whole United Methodist Church in this season of appointments.
So, pray for us in our place of unknowing, to hear and follow where Christ is leading us next.
Grace and peace,
Friday, April 10, 2009
Betrayal Past and Present
Earlier today thousands gathered to pay proper respect for the dead of the Abruzzo Earthquake. It’s a tragic situation, the death toll now at 289, the count still rising, leaving so many victims and crushed lives. Nature rumbled and buildings tumbled. But the greatest tragedy to my thinking is the news following this earthquake which places heavy blame on contractors. Modern buildings crumbled while ancient edifices remained intact. President Napolitino has called for an investigation in why building standards weren’t upheld. Betrayal of trust is the theme of the day. This is a somber reminder of the fallen nature of humanity which fits right in with the story of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Today’s Funeral service received special dispensation from the Pope, because today, being Good Friday is the one day in the year when Roman Catholics will not celebrate the Eucharist. Under normal circumstances, there is to be one single focus on this day world wide in Western Christianity, remembrance of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. But considering the circumstances postponement of funeral services would only further cloud the story of hope that comes on the third day, and delay the needed closure for so many survivors. So wisdom and sorrow intersected in the streets of L’Aquile while thousands mourned the tragic events of the week. Christians and Muslims together mourned. If you like thinking in apocalyptic terms, shock waves catapulted the great horse of death through the streets and towns of Italy, riding on the waves of the earth’s crust. Anger and grief mingle together now as Italians seek understanding of the senseless loss of life.
This is not the first time faulty building construction has taken its toll on a community.
What is it about humanity that allows people to cheat in quality at the expense of their own countrymen? Is it greed, or lack of pride in workmanship, or ignorance? Perhaps it’s a combination of all. So the theme of present betrayal serves as a counterpoint in reflection as we remember his time of abandonment and betrayal which preceded the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the archetype themes that weave through civilizations and cultures. The Hero serves as the ultimate in standards for the moral life. Story after story demonstrate that the moral life is inclined to leave a person walking alone through dark places. Campbell often referred to Jesus as the Christian equivalent of the Hero, a model for humanity to use as a pattern for their own lives. The story of Jesus is a story to bring meaning out of the meaninglessness of tragedy and loss. It is a story to bring purpose and direction when the moral compass swings about mercurially as if caught between several magnets.
That is a minimalist understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. It overlooks the resurrection and sidesteps having to deal with any talk of an atoning death. But if that helps you begin to reflect on the meaning of Jesus to the world in which you live, it’s a good enough starting place.
The Palm Sunday text in Mark (11:1-11) relates the solitary nature of the final phase of Jesus’ journey toward Golgatha. While the crowds shouted joyously up to the city walls, no one steps a single foot inside. A patriotic assembly and rally inside the walls of Jerusalem would have incited the wrath of Pontius Pilate. No one wanted to risk meeting their own execution. But they were glad to cheer Jesus on right up to the city gates. So alone, on his borrowed colt, Jesus traveled through the city and entered the Temple. Later he returns to join his disciples in the safety of Bethany, away from the watchful eye of Roman authorities and Jewish Leaders.
That sets the stage for this evening’s Tenebrae service. From that moment when Jesus walked into Jerusalem, support for the teacher began to evaporate. Many would claim loyalty. No one would hang on the cross with him that day that had also come from within the inner circle of Jesus’ closest disciples.
But then, no one else needed to. Only one perfect lamb was required to accomplish the work of redemption.
“Holy is the lamb that is slain and worthy to be praised.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Barbara
Today’s Funeral service received special dispensation from the Pope, because today, being Good Friday is the one day in the year when Roman Catholics will not celebrate the Eucharist. Under normal circumstances, there is to be one single focus on this day world wide in Western Christianity, remembrance of the betrayal, arrest, conviction, and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. But considering the circumstances postponement of funeral services would only further cloud the story of hope that comes on the third day, and delay the needed closure for so many survivors. So wisdom and sorrow intersected in the streets of L’Aquile while thousands mourned the tragic events of the week. Christians and Muslims together mourned. If you like thinking in apocalyptic terms, shock waves catapulted the great horse of death through the streets and towns of Italy, riding on the waves of the earth’s crust. Anger and grief mingle together now as Italians seek understanding of the senseless loss of life.
This is not the first time faulty building construction has taken its toll on a community.
What is it about humanity that allows people to cheat in quality at the expense of their own countrymen? Is it greed, or lack of pride in workmanship, or ignorance? Perhaps it’s a combination of all. So the theme of present betrayal serves as a counterpoint in reflection as we remember his time of abandonment and betrayal which preceded the death of Jesus of Nazareth.
Joseph Campbell wrote extensively on the archetype themes that weave through civilizations and cultures. The Hero serves as the ultimate in standards for the moral life. Story after story demonstrate that the moral life is inclined to leave a person walking alone through dark places. Campbell often referred to Jesus as the Christian equivalent of the Hero, a model for humanity to use as a pattern for their own lives. The story of Jesus is a story to bring meaning out of the meaninglessness of tragedy and loss. It is a story to bring purpose and direction when the moral compass swings about mercurially as if caught between several magnets.
That is a minimalist understanding of Jesus of Nazareth. It overlooks the resurrection and sidesteps having to deal with any talk of an atoning death. But if that helps you begin to reflect on the meaning of Jesus to the world in which you live, it’s a good enough starting place.
The Palm Sunday text in Mark (11:1-11) relates the solitary nature of the final phase of Jesus’ journey toward Golgatha. While the crowds shouted joyously up to the city walls, no one steps a single foot inside. A patriotic assembly and rally inside the walls of Jerusalem would have incited the wrath of Pontius Pilate. No one wanted to risk meeting their own execution. But they were glad to cheer Jesus on right up to the city gates. So alone, on his borrowed colt, Jesus traveled through the city and entered the Temple. Later he returns to join his disciples in the safety of Bethany, away from the watchful eye of Roman authorities and Jewish Leaders.
That sets the stage for this evening’s Tenebrae service. From that moment when Jesus walked into Jerusalem, support for the teacher began to evaporate. Many would claim loyalty. No one would hang on the cross with him that day that had also come from within the inner circle of Jesus’ closest disciples.
But then, no one else needed to. Only one perfect lamb was required to accomplish the work of redemption.
“Holy is the lamb that is slain and worthy to be praised.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Barbara
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saving money takes planning
John Wesley admonished the believers "Earn all you can, save all you so that you can give all you can."
In the wake of the Industrial revolution of Britain, with large numbers of Britain's poor working class finding newness of life in the reception of the gospel, Wesley regularly emphasized the theme of stewardship. His three points of stewardship was presented as a simple directive. Simple that is, if you listen to the beginning and sleep through the remaining two points. Sermons generally lasted much longer than present day preachers turn out. So,I could see how one might conveniently miss the next two point. People were very eager to better their financial position so folks liked being told it was good to earn lots. Letting loose of some of that hard earned cash was easier to do for one's own benefit than for someone else. That's timeless human behavior I think. Frugality can lead to stinginess. You can bet you are being filled by the Holy Spirits gifts if generosity is present and growing.
I was thinking about John's instructions today as I sat in the Coupon Class taught by Amanda Fricke. She came well prepared to lead us through the basics of maximizing the use of coupons and explaining the format of her weekly reports. She also came prepared to protect herself legally, by having each participant sign an agreement not to photocopy or redistribute through any means, any of the materials she handed out. She's put a lot of effort into the research and development of her materials. She has every right to expect others to respect her intellectual materials as protected under copyright laws. I'ld love to tell you everything and freely share all that she produces. But I'm not willing to pay her $45.00 fine each time I do.
I can say this, Amanda understands that making and saving money requires careful planning and discipline. She has a monthly budget for food. She shops and stores surplus knowing there are certain things she will always use. She even plans her menus around what is on the shelf, rather than planning a shopping list around her menus. That fits in with my way of operating. I watch the specials and pick up in surplus knowing there is a certain cyclical nature to store adds.
The big key is planning your shopping by doing research on the current week sales and keeping every possible coupon. She also buys several copies of the Sunday newspaper specifically for the coupon supplements.
Amanda saves so much money, and is able to pick up so many great deals that she can easily be charitable with neighbors, and non-profit organizations. As we all listened to her describe her surplus the question was asked where did she put it all. The reply "under the kitchen table, in closets, a spare refrigerator at her parents home." To make sure no food goes unused because bargains aren't bargains if you end up throwing away expired food, she makes sure to rotate the shelves and give away anything within two months of expiration.
In our presentation I was remembering my years as a mother with one, then two children, going to back to the university to finish my degree. Coupons and refunding were my corporate food stamps. We lived on one income, enjoyed living on campus, and took advantage of many entertainment opportunities primarily because I was able to keep our food budget to the bare minimum.
In this present economy it is easy to slip into thinking we are being deprived. Being with Amanda today reminded me that there is a great abundance available to those who will engage themselves with diligence and discipline to wise use of their resources. A few might even want to follow behind Amanda Fricke weekly for a while to learn all the tricks of the trade and become professional shoppers for others. All of us can learn to save more and do just as well spending less for the same quality we have been accustomed to.
If you didn't attend Amanda's class in Ashton today and want to learn more, check out her blog.
By the way, the Ashton neighbors that came to this class saved a bundle today. Amanda normally charges $40.00 per person for her class. SHARE Network arranged a special price and then offered scholarships to reduce the out of pocket expense to all participants. Our hope is that these people will be better equipped to save as much as they can. If they also begin to share from their abundance and help the Pantry with making special purchases that would be a double blessing.
"A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid for her household when it snows
for all her household are clothed in Crimson." Proverbs 31: 10,11, 16,18,20-21
In the wake of the Industrial revolution of Britain, with large numbers of Britain's poor working class finding newness of life in the reception of the gospel, Wesley regularly emphasized the theme of stewardship. His three points of stewardship was presented as a simple directive. Simple that is, if you listen to the beginning and sleep through the remaining two points. Sermons generally lasted much longer than present day preachers turn out. So,I could see how one might conveniently miss the next two point. People were very eager to better their financial position so folks liked being told it was good to earn lots. Letting loose of some of that hard earned cash was easier to do for one's own benefit than for someone else. That's timeless human behavior I think. Frugality can lead to stinginess. You can bet you are being filled by the Holy Spirits gifts if generosity is present and growing.
I was thinking about John's instructions today as I sat in the Coupon Class taught by Amanda Fricke. She came well prepared to lead us through the basics of maximizing the use of coupons and explaining the format of her weekly reports. She also came prepared to protect herself legally, by having each participant sign an agreement not to photocopy or redistribute through any means, any of the materials she handed out. She's put a lot of effort into the research and development of her materials. She has every right to expect others to respect her intellectual materials as protected under copyright laws. I'ld love to tell you everything and freely share all that she produces. But I'm not willing to pay her $45.00 fine each time I do.
I can say this, Amanda understands that making and saving money requires careful planning and discipline. She has a monthly budget for food. She shops and stores surplus knowing there are certain things she will always use. She even plans her menus around what is on the shelf, rather than planning a shopping list around her menus. That fits in with my way of operating. I watch the specials and pick up in surplus knowing there is a certain cyclical nature to store adds.
The big key is planning your shopping by doing research on the current week sales and keeping every possible coupon. She also buys several copies of the Sunday newspaper specifically for the coupon supplements.
Amanda saves so much money, and is able to pick up so many great deals that she can easily be charitable with neighbors, and non-profit organizations. As we all listened to her describe her surplus the question was asked where did she put it all. The reply "under the kitchen table, in closets, a spare refrigerator at her parents home." To make sure no food goes unused because bargains aren't bargains if you end up throwing away expired food, she makes sure to rotate the shelves and give away anything within two months of expiration.
In our presentation I was remembering my years as a mother with one, then two children, going to back to the university to finish my degree. Coupons and refunding were my corporate food stamps. We lived on one income, enjoyed living on campus, and took advantage of many entertainment opportunities primarily because I was able to keep our food budget to the bare minimum.
In this present economy it is easy to slip into thinking we are being deprived. Being with Amanda today reminded me that there is a great abundance available to those who will engage themselves with diligence and discipline to wise use of their resources. A few might even want to follow behind Amanda Fricke weekly for a while to learn all the tricks of the trade and become professional shoppers for others. All of us can learn to save more and do just as well spending less for the same quality we have been accustomed to.
If you didn't attend Amanda's class in Ashton today and want to learn more, check out her blog.
By the way, the Ashton neighbors that came to this class saved a bundle today. Amanda normally charges $40.00 per person for her class. SHARE Network arranged a special price and then offered scholarships to reduce the out of pocket expense to all participants. Our hope is that these people will be better equipped to save as much as they can. If they also begin to share from their abundance and help the Pantry with making special purchases that would be a double blessing.
"A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid for her household when it snows
for all her household are clothed in Crimson." Proverbs 31: 10,11, 16,18,20-21
Friday, March 20, 2009
Coupon class - 50% to 100% off
The Ashton Community Food Pantry is offering a Coupon Class to be taught by Amanda Fricke of www.stretchingyouridahodollars.com. The class will be held on Saturday, March 21st from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Ashton Community Center Meeting Room. (Upstairs and to the left.) The class fee is $20/person which includes “The Coupon Guide” book and Coupon Binder. The first 20 people to register will receive $10 off this class fee. To register or for more information please call Cicely Kuehl at 360-8954.
Amanda Fricke has been a real help to the Community Food Pantry in collecting food from area stores also.. If you've never thought you could eat almost for free using coupons and store sales you absolutely will want to attend.
SHARE Network is the corporate body operating the food pantry.
Amanda Fricke has been a real help to the Community Food Pantry in collecting food from area stores also.. If you've never thought you could eat almost for free using coupons and store sales you absolutely will want to attend.
SHARE Network is the corporate body operating the food pantry.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
20/20 LENT
“20/20” I said to my beloved today.
He looked at me and said “Dateline?”
Shaking my head negatively, “20/20” I said again.
“Perfect vision?” He replied.
Shaking negative again, I said “20/20.. 20 days before, 20 days behind. We’re smack in the middle of Lent.”
“AHH...” He humors me a lot. “Really.”
Well, it’s true. We are right in the middle of Lent. The dark of winter is almost to a close. Tomorrow will be the first day of Spring. The long Dark now behind us along with the hardest part of the self-reflecting period where I challenged you to think about two questions. Are you engaging your thoughts on the twin questions?
"What would God like me to change?" and
"What would I have God change in me?"
For myself, this year has offered extra opportunity to think about my shadow. I don’t mean like in Peter Pan, the literal shadow of my self that I experience in relationship to the sun or other light source. I’m referring to what therapists refer to as the shadow. It’s a part of our make-up to have both good and bad qualities of the self. The part we dislike the most about our self and want to ignore, or conceal from others can become a heavy burden on the self. It also creates relationship tension. We tend to react negatively toward other people who exhibit the very traits which we dislike in ourselves. It seems to be the worst when we deny that part within our own self. In that case seem to become magnetic in our attracting repellant relationships. We see in others what we won’t acknowledge in ourselves.
“I’m NOT controlling.”
“I never get angry.”
“I’m a peacemaker. I don’t go around hurting people.” Well, you get the picture.
Spiritual growth depends on being able to face that within our self that keeps us trapped in repetitive non-productive cycles. Changing those patterns, behaviors, and beliefs all require looking at the worst part of our self in the full light of day. Alcoholics Anonymous is one group that emphasizes honesty for the welfare of each other. Growth occurs over time when the reality is kept in the light of conscious awareness, rather than being allowed to slip back into the recesses of our subconscious. At least that’s how I understand the process. I can’t quote whose theory it is. I just know that’s how it works for me.
Do we need to go around like members of AA and tell each other the details of our shadow in order to change? For the most part, I would say, no probably not. But I do believe there is value in having others with whom you are willing to share trusting that you will help each other, encourage each other and lift up each other in prayer. I have a circle of friends from seminary# which I use as my covenant. I do encourage the use of a small circle of trusted Christians build faith and friendship. I recently met a lay member in the Annual Conference who said he has a circle of men he has been in covenant relationship with for 20 years. They meet weekly.
When you work on your shadow you need to be prepared to experience a dark period before you see the light. Done properly, you will see a death of your old self and a new birth, by the grace of God. In the cycle of Christian Life, death comes before the new birth, new growth follows the cold of winter. Lent ends in the festivities of Easter.
So here we are 20/20 gaining 20/20. We are standing in the middle of Lent observing our shadow and reflecting on our new self to come into being, anticipating the Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus and the power over death through the work of God. That power assures us of God’s ability to turn Bad into Good. Yes, even your bad into a “new you” good.
Before the resurrection we remember the journey of sorrows that Jesus endured leading up to his crucifixion. Through our remembrance of Jesus’ journey, we gain assurance that we worship and serve one who also knows sorrow, pain, and hardship but did so victoriously with God. This single week is more important to all of Christian faith, than any other teaching of the church. Even the birth of Jesus is second to this one week’s activities.
Holy week will be April 5 to April 12. Palm Sunday, April 5, recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and entry into the Temple. Holy Thursday marks the last night the disciples gathered with Jesus before his arrest; it included specifically the remembrance of the Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Communion, April 9. “Good Friday,” April 10, is commemorated with a Tenebrae service that recalls the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Finally, on Sunday April 12, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, God’s great joke on Death and the Devil. I pray that you will come to the service held at the United Methodist Church here in Ashton through the week to remember, worship and receive the transforming Spirit of God.
#
We live and work across the West, from California to Washington, Arizona to Idaho, Oregon to New Mexico. We maintain that covenant through email. We miss meeting at the broken loaf of Claremont School of Theology and sitting down to share meals regularly. But now we’ve added to our reconnecting time by using Facebook just for fun. And no, you won’t find a special label on my covenant friends in Facebook.
He looked at me and said “Dateline?”
Shaking my head negatively, “20/20” I said again.
“Perfect vision?” He replied.
Shaking negative again, I said “20/20.. 20 days before, 20 days behind. We’re smack in the middle of Lent.”
“AHH...” He humors me a lot. “Really.”
Well, it’s true. We are right in the middle of Lent. The dark of winter is almost to a close. Tomorrow will be the first day of Spring. The long Dark now behind us along with the hardest part of the self-reflecting period where I challenged you to think about two questions. Are you engaging your thoughts on the twin questions?
"What would God like me to change?" and
"What would I have God change in me?"
For myself, this year has offered extra opportunity to think about my shadow. I don’t mean like in Peter Pan, the literal shadow of my self that I experience in relationship to the sun or other light source. I’m referring to what therapists refer to as the shadow. It’s a part of our make-up to have both good and bad qualities of the self. The part we dislike the most about our self and want to ignore, or conceal from others can become a heavy burden on the self. It also creates relationship tension. We tend to react negatively toward other people who exhibit the very traits which we dislike in ourselves. It seems to be the worst when we deny that part within our own self. In that case seem to become magnetic in our attracting repellant relationships. We see in others what we won’t acknowledge in ourselves.
“I’m NOT controlling.”
“I never get angry.”
“I’m a peacemaker. I don’t go around hurting people.” Well, you get the picture.
Spiritual growth depends on being able to face that within our self that keeps us trapped in repetitive non-productive cycles. Changing those patterns, behaviors, and beliefs all require looking at the worst part of our self in the full light of day. Alcoholics Anonymous is one group that emphasizes honesty for the welfare of each other. Growth occurs over time when the reality is kept in the light of conscious awareness, rather than being allowed to slip back into the recesses of our subconscious. At least that’s how I understand the process. I can’t quote whose theory it is. I just know that’s how it works for me.
Do we need to go around like members of AA and tell each other the details of our shadow in order to change? For the most part, I would say, no probably not. But I do believe there is value in having others with whom you are willing to share trusting that you will help each other, encourage each other and lift up each other in prayer. I have a circle of friends from seminary# which I use as my covenant. I do encourage the use of a small circle of trusted Christians build faith and friendship. I recently met a lay member in the Annual Conference who said he has a circle of men he has been in covenant relationship with for 20 years. They meet weekly.
When you work on your shadow you need to be prepared to experience a dark period before you see the light. Done properly, you will see a death of your old self and a new birth, by the grace of God. In the cycle of Christian Life, death comes before the new birth, new growth follows the cold of winter. Lent ends in the festivities of Easter.
So here we are 20/20 gaining 20/20. We are standing in the middle of Lent observing our shadow and reflecting on our new self to come into being, anticipating the Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus and the power over death through the work of God. That power assures us of God’s ability to turn Bad into Good. Yes, even your bad into a “new you” good.
Before the resurrection we remember the journey of sorrows that Jesus endured leading up to his crucifixion. Through our remembrance of Jesus’ journey, we gain assurance that we worship and serve one who also knows sorrow, pain, and hardship but did so victoriously with God. This single week is more important to all of Christian faith, than any other teaching of the church. Even the birth of Jesus is second to this one week’s activities.
Holy week will be April 5 to April 12. Palm Sunday, April 5, recalls the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and entry into the Temple. Holy Thursday marks the last night the disciples gathered with Jesus before his arrest; it included specifically the remembrance of the Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Communion, April 9. “Good Friday,” April 10, is commemorated with a Tenebrae service that recalls the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Finally, on Sunday April 12, we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, God’s great joke on Death and the Devil. I pray that you will come to the service held at the United Methodist Church here in Ashton through the week to remember, worship and receive the transforming Spirit of God.
#
We live and work across the West, from California to Washington, Arizona to Idaho, Oregon to New Mexico. We maintain that covenant through email. We miss meeting at the broken loaf of Claremont School of Theology and sitting down to share meals regularly. But now we’ve added to our reconnecting time by using Facebook just for fun. And no, you won’t find a special label on my covenant friends in Facebook.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Lent- is it about Addition or Subtraction?
Lent has often been associated as a time of self-denial, giving up something near and dear to one’s heart. It’s a private act of devotion, a special act of piety, not something that you boast about or make loud announcements about if practiced as Jesus taught his disciples. Another way to look at the period of lent is to adopt an attitude of trying something new on for size. Intentionally setting aside a short period in each day to journal, pray for the church, read from a devotional book, or learn a new spiritual practice such as centering prayer.
Are you engaging your thoughts on the twin questions?
"What would God like me to change?" and
"What would I have God change in me?"
One need not literally leave their home for forty days in order to engage in a time of spiritual reflection. One needs only to adopt an attitude applied to daily life. Engaging in such time would be adding an act of devotion to daily life.
May you travel with a receptive heart to the work of the Holy Spirit this Lent.
Are you engaging your thoughts on the twin questions?
"What would God like me to change?" and
"What would I have God change in me?"
One need not literally leave their home for forty days in order to engage in a time of spiritual reflection. One needs only to adopt an attitude applied to daily life. Engaging in such time would be adding an act of devotion to daily life.
May you travel with a receptive heart to the work of the Holy Spirit this Lent.
Gracious God, help us in these forty days of reflection and renewal to become more open to the work of your Holy Spirit. Open our hearts to receive anew the message of your saving grace, offered without price and offered to all. Prick us just slightly each time we begin to slip into believing we have done, or could do anything on our own, that would merit your love any more than you’ve already loved us. Help us recover the joy and relief we first felt when we heard and received the word of hope; when we believed only in your work testified in the resurrection of Jesus. Bring forth from us the best that your Spirit would have us do to bring glory and honor to you alone. This we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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