I have written this last blog many times in my head. Each time it is a variation of my purpose for the blog and how that purpose was met.
My blogs began with the purpose of establishing communication between the disciples at Epiphany and me. I believe that open communication is essential if a congregation (or any organization for that matter) is to be healthy. Limited communication and secrets kill a congregation and so we had to open the communication system. By doing this, it was my hope to set a new tone at Epiphany.
In the very beginning, the blog addressed the reality of the decline in 2010. (I would later learn the decline began in 2007.) Until we could acknowledge and have consensus about Epiphany’s decline in worship attendance and financial resources, change and growth were impossible.
The early blogs also addressed the hurts and despair many were feeling. Some were mourning the loss of friends who left Epiphany. Others were mourning the loss of Pastor John because of the pastoral help he gave when a husband died or a marriage was in trouble. Others were mourning the loss of trust in Epiphany’s leadership. Until the disciples at Epiphany were willing to acknowledge and minister to those who were hurting, healing could not happen. The blog was to be one medium for such acknowledgement of pain and hurt.
Those early blogs were meant to offer hope. There was a future before Epiphany but many inside and outside Epiphany wondered if hope for a future was an illusion. Without a future there is no reason to live. Therefore, talking about Epiphany’s future was essential in starting the growth process.
I believe that two ways to bring comfort and hope are to change the language and change the stories that are told. Several blogs pointed out the importance of verb tenses like “I should have...” which centers on the past while “Next time I will ...” looks to the future. If we could begin to attach our language and stories in the future, the spirit of Epiphany would change.
The blogs then began to change the stories we told. We began to tell stories about Operation Prom Dress, about The Pantry, about the ministries that were meeting the needs of disciples at Epiphany and those outside Epiphany’s community of faith. Changing the stories meant Epiphany’s culture was changing as well.
Eventually the blogs became more personal. They shared with disciples thoughts stirred by the books I was reading, how faith and daily life walked hand in hand, and the difference ministries were making in the lives of people. The rationale behind these blogs was two-fold. First, the Holy Spirit was continually stirring the pot at Epiphany which is a good thing. Second, for any ministry to be supported it must be shown that it is making a difference in the lives of people. It was very important that the good ministries of Epiphany be advertised to Jesus’ disciples and those who needed to hear about Jesus.
When the weekly e-newsletter replaced the bi-monthly newsletter, the nature of the blog changed once more. The blog became more personal and the inspirational message in the e-newsletter would be for teaching and growth in the Christian faith. When the blog began to be advertised in the e-newsletter, its readership doubled and sometimes tripled compared to before it was advertised.
This is the 77th blog that I have written. As I put the words on the screen, I see the blogs as a chronology of the changes that have occurred at Epiphany over the last 20 months. We have all changed in our time together and we will continue to change in the future. But the purpose remains the same: We love Jesus by serving others. We love Jesus when we honestly acknowledge what is happening, minister to those who are hurting, look to a preferred future, see the Holy Spirit stirring the pot, and rejoice that faith and daily life can walk hand and hand.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Grounding The Present
I have always found it helpful to ground the present by understanding what is currently happening and what I can expect to happen in the future. As I look at what is happening at Epiphany, I think of a planning model the compares planning with the church’s worship calendar. Let me explain.
The church year begins with Advent. Advent is a time when we prepare for the second coming of Jesus. In recent history, the Advent season included preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth on earth. In this planning model, Advent is the time of new ideas or the defining of a preferred future that God has in mind for us. For Epiphany, Advent was defining the attributes our congregation wanted in a new senior pastor. The Advent season also included the search for a new senior pastor. Advent is a time to look to the future.
Christmas follows Advent. In the worship calendar, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus on earth some 2,000 years ago. It is a time when the hope of God’s intervention into human history through a savior was realized. For Epiphany, Christmas was the call to Pastor Woodward and his acceptance of that call. From my observations, the disciples at Epiphany and Pastor Woodward are giddy about the call and the acceptance of that call. The giddiness of both is a sign of a healthy congregation and the new senior pastor. Each has received God’s gift of intervention in their lives.
Epiphany follows Christmas. Epiphany is the time when the gift of Christmas (Jesus) is shared with the world. It is the time when we joyfully tell the world what God has done. It is the time when we invite the world to come and see how much God loves us. For our congregation, the Epiphany season is upon us. The disciples at Epiphany are telling their friends about the new senior pastor. We are inviting others to come and see. We are also sprucing up the building. We are making sure everything is in order for the arrival of a new chapter in our life as God’s people. As we experience the next two to three months, remember we are in Epiphany. Celebrate and enjoy.
Lent follows Epiphany. Lent is a time of evaluation. It is a time to make adjustments. Lent for Epiphany will be when Pastor Woodward realizes and deals with the ways that Epiphany has traditionally celebrated worship, community life, and pastoral care and when Epiphany realizes that Pastor Woodward has his own particular views on these matters. Discussions on how we worship and deliver ministry together will be the order of the day. Epiphany and Pastor Woodward are both very healthy in their spiritual lives; therefore, the working through Lent will produce a new and a vital community and ministries.
Easter follows Lent. Easter is the longest season of the year. Easter brings forth all that proceeded it. It is a new creation, a new life together. It is accepting God’s love and doing God’s will. We all pray, I am sure, that Epiphany’s Easter will be a very long one.
I hope all of this helps in grounding Epiphany in what has happened over the last 19 months and what is yet to come.
By the way, the same worship calendar, and the explanations above, work in our individual lives, our life with our family, friends, and colleagues.
Pastor Pete
The church year begins with Advent. Advent is a time when we prepare for the second coming of Jesus. In recent history, the Advent season included preparation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth on earth. In this planning model, Advent is the time of new ideas or the defining of a preferred future that God has in mind for us. For Epiphany, Advent was defining the attributes our congregation wanted in a new senior pastor. The Advent season also included the search for a new senior pastor. Advent is a time to look to the future.
Christmas follows Advent. In the worship calendar, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus on earth some 2,000 years ago. It is a time when the hope of God’s intervention into human history through a savior was realized. For Epiphany, Christmas was the call to Pastor Woodward and his acceptance of that call. From my observations, the disciples at Epiphany and Pastor Woodward are giddy about the call and the acceptance of that call. The giddiness of both is a sign of a healthy congregation and the new senior pastor. Each has received God’s gift of intervention in their lives.
Epiphany follows Christmas. Epiphany is the time when the gift of Christmas (Jesus) is shared with the world. It is the time when we joyfully tell the world what God has done. It is the time when we invite the world to come and see how much God loves us. For our congregation, the Epiphany season is upon us. The disciples at Epiphany are telling their friends about the new senior pastor. We are inviting others to come and see. We are also sprucing up the building. We are making sure everything is in order for the arrival of a new chapter in our life as God’s people. As we experience the next two to three months, remember we are in Epiphany. Celebrate and enjoy.
Lent follows Epiphany. Lent is a time of evaluation. It is a time to make adjustments. Lent for Epiphany will be when Pastor Woodward realizes and deals with the ways that Epiphany has traditionally celebrated worship, community life, and pastoral care and when Epiphany realizes that Pastor Woodward has his own particular views on these matters. Discussions on how we worship and deliver ministry together will be the order of the day. Epiphany and Pastor Woodward are both very healthy in their spiritual lives; therefore, the working through Lent will produce a new and a vital community and ministries.
Easter follows Lent. Easter is the longest season of the year. Easter brings forth all that proceeded it. It is a new creation, a new life together. It is accepting God’s love and doing God’s will. We all pray, I am sure, that Epiphany’s Easter will be a very long one.
I hope all of this helps in grounding Epiphany in what has happened over the last 19 months and what is yet to come.
By the way, the same worship calendar, and the explanations above, work in our individual lives, our life with our family, friends, and colleagues.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Anniversaries Are Important
Westermann writes in his commentary, Genesis 1-11, that the purpose of the primeval stories in Genesis is to give stability to the present by connecting the present to God’s creative acts at the beginning of the world. His contention is that we all need to have stability in life and that is especially true when we are in a time of chaos. As God established stability and order in creation, we can expect God to do the same today.
I am also reading a small book on worship, Things Central, by Gordon Lathrop. In the first two chapter, Lathrop maintains that one of the benefits of following the same liturgy each week is that the repetition provide familiarity and stability to worship. He continually talks about the need to know what is happening in worship, to be comfortable with that order, and to have your feet firmly planted in that order.
As I am reading these two book simultaneously, I am recalling a book I read many, many years ago about having a healthy family. One chapter in that book advocated for family traditions. Healthy families have weekly, monthly, and annual traditions. The purpose of family traditions is to provide a glue that holds a family together in happy celebrations and in challenging times.
I write this blog about stability, familiarity, and the glue that holds life together one day after Joyce’s and my 46th wedding anniversary. The insights of all three books mentioned above come into play.
Reflecting on Westermann’s idea of stability, anniversaries provide roots that hold fast in both happy and challenging times. Our anniversary celebration reminds us of the stability we have in living together, sharing together, and in loving together.
Reflecting on Lathrop’s idea of familiarity, we both know what to expect and how to respond to anniversaries, birthdays, and those personal, special, days within our relationship. We don’t have to guess about what we should do or whether or not we have done enough. There is a peace in living out the familiar.
Reflecting on the glue that holds us together, the anniversary cards we exchange are chosen with great care. Over the last couple of years, they have had a common theme; namely, we have successfully survived our years before children, raising two children, and being empty-nesters; therefore, the same love will let us eventually downsize when it is time to move into a new house or condo which requires much less work and then to move into whatever health facilities that are needed.
I thank God for our anniversary and all that it provides; stability, familiarity, and a bonding glue. So let me ask, Where do you find stability, familiarity, and the glue that holds life together?
Pastor Pete
I am also reading a small book on worship, Things Central, by Gordon Lathrop. In the first two chapter, Lathrop maintains that one of the benefits of following the same liturgy each week is that the repetition provide familiarity and stability to worship. He continually talks about the need to know what is happening in worship, to be comfortable with that order, and to have your feet firmly planted in that order.
As I am reading these two book simultaneously, I am recalling a book I read many, many years ago about having a healthy family. One chapter in that book advocated for family traditions. Healthy families have weekly, monthly, and annual traditions. The purpose of family traditions is to provide a glue that holds a family together in happy celebrations and in challenging times.
I write this blog about stability, familiarity, and the glue that holds life together one day after Joyce’s and my 46th wedding anniversary. The insights of all three books mentioned above come into play.
Reflecting on Westermann’s idea of stability, anniversaries provide roots that hold fast in both happy and challenging times. Our anniversary celebration reminds us of the stability we have in living together, sharing together, and in loving together.
Reflecting on Lathrop’s idea of familiarity, we both know what to expect and how to respond to anniversaries, birthdays, and those personal, special, days within our relationship. We don’t have to guess about what we should do or whether or not we have done enough. There is a peace in living out the familiar.
Reflecting on the glue that holds us together, the anniversary cards we exchange are chosen with great care. Over the last couple of years, they have had a common theme; namely, we have successfully survived our years before children, raising two children, and being empty-nesters; therefore, the same love will let us eventually downsize when it is time to move into a new house or condo which requires much less work and then to move into whatever health facilities that are needed.
I thank God for our anniversary and all that it provides; stability, familiarity, and a bonding glue. So let me ask, Where do you find stability, familiarity, and the glue that holds life together?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Virtues Are Important
Two comments dominate my thoughts at this moment. The first is a comment in COMING APART, a book by Charles Murray. His comment is, “Europeans work to live while Americans live to work.” The second comment is made by many of my friends; namely, “When Pete goes on vacation, it is a busman’s holiday.” I resemble both of those comments.
For the past 15 days I have been traaveling with Joyce. I have been in South Dakota where Joyce and I visited Custer State Park for its rock formations and Mt. Rushmore. We then traveled to Custer’s last stand battlefield in Montana. Here park rangers at the battlefield corrected a misconception that I had of Custer. I now see him in a much more favorable light; namely, he is not the renegade that I thought he was.
Our next stop was the hot springs at Thermopolis, Wyoming. This is a very clean and neat small town that is absolutely determined to stay small. Using Thermopolis as a model, I outlined an article on how congregations use the same principles as Thermopolis to stay small. My guess is that article will be published in December by the Southern Ohio Synod.
At Thermopolis, I began work on this week’s sermon. I was not very happy with the appointed lessons but I believe there is great value in following the lectionary because that discipline keeps me from only preaching on texts that I like. You will hear the sermon this weekend.
Our next stop was Yellowstone National Park where we stayed in three different lodges over a six day period. From here we took a day trip to the Grand Teton National Park. We always drive the “scenic route” so we were in a traffic jam of bison who have no reguard for others on the road. Great fun once the bison jam was behind us.
During these six days I finished COMING APART which is good because I will be part of a discussion on that book tomorrow (Wednesday).
We had a 400 mile drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. On that drive, Joyce and I had a wonderful conversation. Murray in COMING APART argues that America became the nation it is because of four virtues; namely, its people were industrious, honest, married, and religious. Our conversation centered around the question, “If Murray is right about the virtues, what are the virtues Christians claim that makes them what they are?” Here is our answer to that question.
The 10 Commandments are the virtues on which we build a denomination or a congregation. They define how we relate to God and to each other. They are our core operating values.
The virtues of good personal relationship, are the fruit of the Spirit in Galatinas 5:22-23: “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” Biblical commentaries argue that “joy, peace, ...” are the characteristics of love therefore the verb is singular.
The virtues of evangelism are, 1. believe what you say, 2. live what you say, and 3. show others that your beliefs make a difference in your life.
The virtues in Christian marketing are, 1. you get one chance to get it right, 2. it is about the audience you are addressing and not you, 3. repetition is essential, and 4. consistency is a must.
The virtues of stewardship are, 1. all life is a response to what has been given to us, 2. it is biblical, 3. giving is connected to ministry, and 4. don’t be afraid to ask.
All in all, my vacation was exciting and restorative. There was scenery that inspired, my understanding of history was corrected, and there was time for some creative thinking. I hope your vacations have the same positive effects as mine has had on me. By the way, if I asked you to name the virtues by which you live, what would they be?
Pastor Pete
For the past 15 days I have been traaveling with Joyce. I have been in South Dakota where Joyce and I visited Custer State Park for its rock formations and Mt. Rushmore. We then traveled to Custer’s last stand battlefield in Montana. Here park rangers at the battlefield corrected a misconception that I had of Custer. I now see him in a much more favorable light; namely, he is not the renegade that I thought he was.
Our next stop was the hot springs at Thermopolis, Wyoming. This is a very clean and neat small town that is absolutely determined to stay small. Using Thermopolis as a model, I outlined an article on how congregations use the same principles as Thermopolis to stay small. My guess is that article will be published in December by the Southern Ohio Synod.
At Thermopolis, I began work on this week’s sermon. I was not very happy with the appointed lessons but I believe there is great value in following the lectionary because that discipline keeps me from only preaching on texts that I like. You will hear the sermon this weekend.
Our next stop was Yellowstone National Park where we stayed in three different lodges over a six day period. From here we took a day trip to the Grand Teton National Park. We always drive the “scenic route” so we were in a traffic jam of bison who have no reguard for others on the road. Great fun once the bison jam was behind us.
During these six days I finished COMING APART which is good because I will be part of a discussion on that book tomorrow (Wednesday).
We had a 400 mile drive from Yellowstone to Glacier National Park. On that drive, Joyce and I had a wonderful conversation. Murray in COMING APART argues that America became the nation it is because of four virtues; namely, its people were industrious, honest, married, and religious. Our conversation centered around the question, “If Murray is right about the virtues, what are the virtues Christians claim that makes them what they are?” Here is our answer to that question.
The 10 Commandments are the virtues on which we build a denomination or a congregation. They define how we relate to God and to each other. They are our core operating values.
The virtues of good personal relationship, are the fruit of the Spirit in Galatinas 5:22-23: “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...” Biblical commentaries argue that “joy, peace, ...” are the characteristics of love therefore the verb is singular.
The virtues of evangelism are, 1. believe what you say, 2. live what you say, and 3. show others that your beliefs make a difference in your life.
The virtues in Christian marketing are, 1. you get one chance to get it right, 2. it is about the audience you are addressing and not you, 3. repetition is essential, and 4. consistency is a must.
The virtues of stewardship are, 1. all life is a response to what has been given to us, 2. it is biblical, 3. giving is connected to ministry, and 4. don’t be afraid to ask.
All in all, my vacation was exciting and restorative. There was scenery that inspired, my understanding of history was corrected, and there was time for some creative thinking. I hope your vacations have the same positive effects as mine has had on me. By the way, if I asked you to name the virtues by which you live, what would they be?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Language Says It All
Last spring, I do not remember the exact date although I could look it up, I blogged on more than one occasion that language said it all. The content of those blogs were that as long as the stories of the past dominated our conversation, we would be mired in the past with all of its hurtful emotions. But, when we began to talk about the future we were moving on to a new life. Verb tenses are very important when it comes to language. “I should have ...” is past tense while “the next time I will...” is future tense.
I wrote those blogs as a way to point out the hope I was beginning to see at Epiphany. I wrote them to compliment you and the hard work you were doing to put the past behind us. The words in the blogs were true: we were changing. And, we have continued that change to the present time. Again, I compliment you.
Over the last month, the language of Epiphany began to change once more. At first the new language was just a trickle employed by one or two people. Last week the new language became much more prevalent as it was used several times a day by several disciples at Epiphany. Before I share with you what the new language is, let me state as loudly and firmly as possible that the new language is a good thing. It is very positive. We all should rejoice in it.
The new language at Epiphany is, “Are you still here? We have to get on with this call process.” This was said before the word was out about Pastor Woodward. As word leaked out about having a new senior pastor, the language became, “I am really excited about the new pastor.” Then, so my feeling would not be hurt, “We will miss you” was added to the sentence. On Thursday after my last VBS session and on Sunday morning after church, several people said their “Goodbye” to me.
The new language proclaims a message of hope. Epiphany is ready to move on into the future. It is ready for long-term leadership in the senior pastor’s office. It is ready to build upon its strengths. It is ready to regain its reputation of being a vital alive church proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus by serving others.
I still have a few things that I want to accomplish while I am at Epiphany. I am working with Ken Proehl and the Stewardship Task Force for this year’s stewardship campaign. (I expect the same positive response as occurred last year as a way of welcoming your new senior pastor.) I am working with those who primarily worship at Austin to implement their growth plan as they grow our church. I have met with the Drama Team and hope to meet with them at least once more. Then, of course, there are still four more sermons to be written and preached. Through all of this, keep the new language growing for it is a sign of just how far we have come as a congregation over the last 19 months. Continue to be excited and full of anticipation of the arrival of your new senior pastor. The new language at our church is very positive and proclaims who we are as we anticipate a new future.
Pastor Pete
I wrote those blogs as a way to point out the hope I was beginning to see at Epiphany. I wrote them to compliment you and the hard work you were doing to put the past behind us. The words in the blogs were true: we were changing. And, we have continued that change to the present time. Again, I compliment you.
Over the last month, the language of Epiphany began to change once more. At first the new language was just a trickle employed by one or two people. Last week the new language became much more prevalent as it was used several times a day by several disciples at Epiphany. Before I share with you what the new language is, let me state as loudly and firmly as possible that the new language is a good thing. It is very positive. We all should rejoice in it.
The new language at Epiphany is, “Are you still here? We have to get on with this call process.” This was said before the word was out about Pastor Woodward. As word leaked out about having a new senior pastor, the language became, “I am really excited about the new pastor.” Then, so my feeling would not be hurt, “We will miss you” was added to the sentence. On Thursday after my last VBS session and on Sunday morning after church, several people said their “Goodbye” to me.
The new language proclaims a message of hope. Epiphany is ready to move on into the future. It is ready for long-term leadership in the senior pastor’s office. It is ready to build upon its strengths. It is ready to regain its reputation of being a vital alive church proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus by serving others.
I still have a few things that I want to accomplish while I am at Epiphany. I am working with Ken Proehl and the Stewardship Task Force for this year’s stewardship campaign. (I expect the same positive response as occurred last year as a way of welcoming your new senior pastor.) I am working with those who primarily worship at Austin to implement their growth plan as they grow our church. I have met with the Drama Team and hope to meet with them at least once more. Then, of course, there are still four more sermons to be written and preached. Through all of this, keep the new language growing for it is a sign of just how far we have come as a congregation over the last 19 months. Continue to be excited and full of anticipation of the arrival of your new senior pastor. The new language at our church is very positive and proclaims who we are as we anticipate a new future.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
One Stage To Another
On Thursday, I will be presenting the final session of a four session series titled PUZZLES OF LIFE. Thursday’s topic will be how to move from one life stage to another as we journey through the life God has given to each of us. In preparing for this presentation, I have looked at ways that human beings prepare to move from adolescence to young adulthood, from young adulthood to middle age, from middle age to young old, and from young old to old. I have also looked at how congregations move from being numerically small, to mid-size, to large. Following are somethings that I plan to say:
First, I want to affirm that every stage of life, be it an individual’s life or in a congregation life, is a gift from God. Each stage has its benefits and its challenges. The temptation is to overvalue the benefits of the current stage and undervalue the benefits of the up-coming stage. The reason for this is that the challenges of the present stage are known, and hopefully mastered, while the challenges in the up-coming stage are unknown. In addition, others delight in telling the horror stories about the challenges of the up-coming stage while forgetting to mention the joys and rewards. Moving from one stage to another begins with affirmation of the benefits of both stages.
Second, when moving from one stage to another, it’s helpful to make a list of what we will miss most in the current stage. Once the list of what we will miss is complete, a second lists defines what will take the place of the items on the first list. Until we find a substitute for what we will miss, we will be filled with mourning and grief for what we have left behind. For example, we will miss our jogging partners who want to run five miles but we know that our maturing bodies can only run three miles.
Third, right on the heels of defining what we will miss, it’s helpful to define what are the opportunities that God is providing in the next stage of life that are not available to us in our current stage? For example, when the kids were living at home, we spent most of our discretionary income on them. Being empty-nesters allows us to spend our discretionary income on other interests. It is a simplistic statement but I believe as God closes one door God will open another door. The question is, Will we even look for a new open door as familiar doors close?
Fourth, it’s helpful to re-phrase the above items two and three by asking, What are the ways we plan to serve God and make a difference in the world? I believe that when we feel and believe that we are making a difference, life is filled with joy and meaning.
In many ways my presentation is very personal for me and for Epiphany. We all know that I as an individual and you as a congregation are moving from the stage of an interim pastor to the stage of a new senior pastor. I am already thinking through the above questions. As you begin to anticipate a new senior pastor, it might be helpful to think about the new opportunities and the new doors that God will provide and open at Epiphany. It might also be helpful to think about the ways that you can help to make the transition to the new stage in Epiphany’s life easier for you and your new pastor.
Pastor Pete
First, I want to affirm that every stage of life, be it an individual’s life or in a congregation life, is a gift from God. Each stage has its benefits and its challenges. The temptation is to overvalue the benefits of the current stage and undervalue the benefits of the up-coming stage. The reason for this is that the challenges of the present stage are known, and hopefully mastered, while the challenges in the up-coming stage are unknown. In addition, others delight in telling the horror stories about the challenges of the up-coming stage while forgetting to mention the joys and rewards. Moving from one stage to another begins with affirmation of the benefits of both stages.
Second, when moving from one stage to another, it’s helpful to make a list of what we will miss most in the current stage. Once the list of what we will miss is complete, a second lists defines what will take the place of the items on the first list. Until we find a substitute for what we will miss, we will be filled with mourning and grief for what we have left behind. For example, we will miss our jogging partners who want to run five miles but we know that our maturing bodies can only run three miles.
Third, right on the heels of defining what we will miss, it’s helpful to define what are the opportunities that God is providing in the next stage of life that are not available to us in our current stage? For example, when the kids were living at home, we spent most of our discretionary income on them. Being empty-nesters allows us to spend our discretionary income on other interests. It is a simplistic statement but I believe as God closes one door God will open another door. The question is, Will we even look for a new open door as familiar doors close?
Fourth, it’s helpful to re-phrase the above items two and three by asking, What are the ways we plan to serve God and make a difference in the world? I believe that when we feel and believe that we are making a difference, life is filled with joy and meaning.
In many ways my presentation is very personal for me and for Epiphany. We all know that I as an individual and you as a congregation are moving from the stage of an interim pastor to the stage of a new senior pastor. I am already thinking through the above questions. As you begin to anticipate a new senior pastor, it might be helpful to think about the new opportunities and the new doors that God will provide and open at Epiphany. It might also be helpful to think about the ways that you can help to make the transition to the new stage in Epiphany’s life easier for you and your new pastor.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
A Marvelous Grasp On The Obvious
I have a favorite saying, “You have a marvelous grasp on the obvious.” This statement is reserved for times when someone notices a very apparent fact. I recited this statement when my children made a non-spectacular observation. I teased my wife when she pointed out an important issue to me. Sometimes, I used this statement in an antagonistic way to point out the simplicity of a comment of a person I did not particularly like or with whom I totally disagreed.
For some unexplainable reason, I thought about how my statement applied to many areas in my life as I drove to Austin for worship last Sunday. I thought about how the authors that I like are those who have a marvelous grasp on the obvious in their subject area. As I have pointed out over the past several weeks, I am working through a biography on Luther. It is the fifth biography that I have read of this reformer. The author of my current biography tries to explain why leaders of the Reformation made the decisions they made. For example, Frederick the Wise (Duke of Saxony) did not turn his back on Luther in the years immediately before the Reformation. The reason was Frederick had just founded Wittenberg University in 1502. Luther was his star lecturer. And, Luther was the main reason that the admissions office had more applications from bright young students than it had a right to expect. To protect the university, Luther had to be kept safe. After reading this explanation, I said, “What a marvelous grasp on the obvious. Why didn’t I make that connection?”
After thinking about that particular insight from Luther’s biography, I began to muse about other authors. By my definition, a good book is one which agrees with me. Sometimes, a good book can be written by someone with whom I happen to agree after reading his or her work. In both cases, many times the author has a marvelous grasp on the obvious. (By the way, how do you define a good book or author?)
Having fun on my drive, my mind turned to a statement by Pastor Sara. In one of her sermons, she hit the nail on the head as she communicated the way the church at Corinth actually practiced communion in the first century. In this setting, the communion experience was radically different depending on your social class. Communion was administered around a church dinner. The rich were treated first class while the poor received minimal attention. In Pastor Sara’s words, “It is like those sitting in first class on an airplane and those sitting in coach.” In its simplicity, what a brilliant explanation. I will tell you that statement has become part of my teaching vocabulary on First Corinthians.
I have learned a lot from the people who point out the obvious because I often just overlook that which is in plain sight. I have learned a lot from simple illustrations that have me saying “wow” that is exactly right.
To top things off, the confession in the order of worship at Austin included, “We are blind to the obvious. We disregard the subtle yet powerful ways you (God) try to communicate with us.” My conclusion, having a marvelous grasp on the obvious also influences my relationship with God.
So let me ask, who in your life has an occasional marvelous grasp on the obvious. Is it a close friend? Is it a 7 year old who said something so simply that it struck you as being utterly profound? Heaven forbid, is it your spouse? Imagine that. We can all learn something from a friend, a 7 year old, and a spouse. All of us are capable of having a marvelous grasp on the obvious. Share them when you do!
Pastor Pete
For some unexplainable reason, I thought about how my statement applied to many areas in my life as I drove to Austin for worship last Sunday. I thought about how the authors that I like are those who have a marvelous grasp on the obvious in their subject area. As I have pointed out over the past several weeks, I am working through a biography on Luther. It is the fifth biography that I have read of this reformer. The author of my current biography tries to explain why leaders of the Reformation made the decisions they made. For example, Frederick the Wise (Duke of Saxony) did not turn his back on Luther in the years immediately before the Reformation. The reason was Frederick had just founded Wittenberg University in 1502. Luther was his star lecturer. And, Luther was the main reason that the admissions office had more applications from bright young students than it had a right to expect. To protect the university, Luther had to be kept safe. After reading this explanation, I said, “What a marvelous grasp on the obvious. Why didn’t I make that connection?”
After thinking about that particular insight from Luther’s biography, I began to muse about other authors. By my definition, a good book is one which agrees with me. Sometimes, a good book can be written by someone with whom I happen to agree after reading his or her work. In both cases, many times the author has a marvelous grasp on the obvious. (By the way, how do you define a good book or author?)
Having fun on my drive, my mind turned to a statement by Pastor Sara. In one of her sermons, she hit the nail on the head as she communicated the way the church at Corinth actually practiced communion in the first century. In this setting, the communion experience was radically different depending on your social class. Communion was administered around a church dinner. The rich were treated first class while the poor received minimal attention. In Pastor Sara’s words, “It is like those sitting in first class on an airplane and those sitting in coach.” In its simplicity, what a brilliant explanation. I will tell you that statement has become part of my teaching vocabulary on First Corinthians.
I have learned a lot from the people who point out the obvious because I often just overlook that which is in plain sight. I have learned a lot from simple illustrations that have me saying “wow” that is exactly right.
To top things off, the confession in the order of worship at Austin included, “We are blind to the obvious. We disregard the subtle yet powerful ways you (God) try to communicate with us.” My conclusion, having a marvelous grasp on the obvious also influences my relationship with God.
So let me ask, who in your life has an occasional marvelous grasp on the obvious. Is it a close friend? Is it a 7 year old who said something so simply that it struck you as being utterly profound? Heaven forbid, is it your spouse? Imagine that. We can all learn something from a friend, a 7 year old, and a spouse. All of us are capable of having a marvelous grasp on the obvious. Share them when you do!
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Aurora Shooting
As we were sitting at the dinner table last night Joyce asked, “How do you answer the people who are looking for a perspective about Aurora?” My answer, “No one has asked.” She responded, “It is an important and timely topic.” After some silence, I answered, “I might consider an answer this way.”
N.T. Wright in his book, EVIL AND THE JUSTICE OF GOD, writes that today’s world has three reactions to evil. First, it tries to deny or ignore it. Since the advent of the enlightenment, the belief has been growing that evil does not exist and if it does exist it is being defeated by human goodness. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, we are just not going to acknowledge or deal with evil in our world.
Second, if evil occasionally happens, we are surprised. We are surprised at the shooting at Aurora. But why are we surprised? Have we forgotten the Oklahoma bombing, or the Columbine shooting, or Virgina Tech, or the shooting of Gabby Gifford and others outside of Tucson? The current news stories do not report the increase of gang activity and violence in the Denver area that has put residents on edge before the Aurora shooting. Aurora is not an isolated incident. We just want to make it an isolated incident.
Third, when evil occurs and we are willing to acknowledge its occurrence, we blame someone else. For example, Aurora would not have happen if we enforced gun laws. Aurora would not have happened if James Holmes’ friends reported the signs of abnormal behaviors. Aurora would not have happened if politicians of both parties were not so afraid of the NRA and its refusal to permit reasonable gun control.
If asked what I think about Aurora, I would take a page out of Wright’s book and say, “We as Christians and as a secular nation have to acknowledge the presence of evil and fight against it.”
After several minutes (probably seconds), I added to the conversation, “I have been reading Derek Wilson’s biography of Luther. This past weekend, I read Wilson’s discussion of Luther and the peasants' rebellion. Luther was a great proponent of freedom, spiritual freedom. Luther never fathomed that some would take his teachings on spiritual freedom and apply them to civil rebellion against the tyranny of the church and the state. In the midst of the discussion, Wilson quotes (John) Milton; “None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom but licence.” Wilson’s quote of Milton raises the question, “Do we love freedom or do we love freedom’s license to do whatever we want without regard for larger consequences?”
Both Wright and Milton have the backing of scripture. There is an enemy of evil in this world (some times evil is named Satan) and human beings use freedom as a license to gratify their own selfish desires. Stating that is easy. But for me the real questions are, “What can I do about evil?” “What can I do to fight evil in my life and backyard?” Until I answer these questions, evil is just an academic exercise which has little or no relevance in my life.
To address and fight evil, I am going to do the following. First, I am going to pray for the victims in particular and Aurora in general. I am also going to pray for James Holmes because both Jesus and Paul tell me to do so. My prayers will be for God’s peace on them all.
Second, I am going to continue to ask if my behaviors are motivated by prejudice or bias. Prejudice has no basis in fact while bias is based on past experiences. I will work to reject all prejudice in myself and in those around me.
Third, good morals originate in respect for another. I am going to continue to follow Luther’s explanation of the 4th and 8th Commandments. I will respect those who are in authority as Luther calls us to do in the 4th Commandment and I will put the best interpretation on another’s actions as Luther calls for in the 8th Commandment.
Finally, I am going to support current and future laws that are best for the community even if these laws limit some of the things that I like personally. The Bible continually calls for behaviors that build community rather than behaviors that are primarily for my self-gratification.
Will the four steps in addressing Aurora stop another Aurora from occurring? No. As long as there is evil in this world, another Aurora is a high probability. But I refuse to be resigned to the idea that evil exists and there is nothing I can do about it. So I continue to fight the good fight with God’s help.
Pastor Pete
N.T. Wright in his book, EVIL AND THE JUSTICE OF GOD, writes that today’s world has three reactions to evil. First, it tries to deny or ignore it. Since the advent of the enlightenment, the belief has been growing that evil does not exist and if it does exist it is being defeated by human goodness. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, we are just not going to acknowledge or deal with evil in our world.
Second, if evil occasionally happens, we are surprised. We are surprised at the shooting at Aurora. But why are we surprised? Have we forgotten the Oklahoma bombing, or the Columbine shooting, or Virgina Tech, or the shooting of Gabby Gifford and others outside of Tucson? The current news stories do not report the increase of gang activity and violence in the Denver area that has put residents on edge before the Aurora shooting. Aurora is not an isolated incident. We just want to make it an isolated incident.
Third, when evil occurs and we are willing to acknowledge its occurrence, we blame someone else. For example, Aurora would not have happen if we enforced gun laws. Aurora would not have happened if James Holmes’ friends reported the signs of abnormal behaviors. Aurora would not have happened if politicians of both parties were not so afraid of the NRA and its refusal to permit reasonable gun control.
If asked what I think about Aurora, I would take a page out of Wright’s book and say, “We as Christians and as a secular nation have to acknowledge the presence of evil and fight against it.”
After several minutes (probably seconds), I added to the conversation, “I have been reading Derek Wilson’s biography of Luther. This past weekend, I read Wilson’s discussion of Luther and the peasants' rebellion. Luther was a great proponent of freedom, spiritual freedom. Luther never fathomed that some would take his teachings on spiritual freedom and apply them to civil rebellion against the tyranny of the church and the state. In the midst of the discussion, Wilson quotes (John) Milton; “None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom but licence.” Wilson’s quote of Milton raises the question, “Do we love freedom or do we love freedom’s license to do whatever we want without regard for larger consequences?”
Both Wright and Milton have the backing of scripture. There is an enemy of evil in this world (some times evil is named Satan) and human beings use freedom as a license to gratify their own selfish desires. Stating that is easy. But for me the real questions are, “What can I do about evil?” “What can I do to fight evil in my life and backyard?” Until I answer these questions, evil is just an academic exercise which has little or no relevance in my life.
To address and fight evil, I am going to do the following. First, I am going to pray for the victims in particular and Aurora in general. I am also going to pray for James Holmes because both Jesus and Paul tell me to do so. My prayers will be for God’s peace on them all.
Second, I am going to continue to ask if my behaviors are motivated by prejudice or bias. Prejudice has no basis in fact while bias is based on past experiences. I will work to reject all prejudice in myself and in those around me.
Third, good morals originate in respect for another. I am going to continue to follow Luther’s explanation of the 4th and 8th Commandments. I will respect those who are in authority as Luther calls us to do in the 4th Commandment and I will put the best interpretation on another’s actions as Luther calls for in the 8th Commandment.
Finally, I am going to support current and future laws that are best for the community even if these laws limit some of the things that I like personally. The Bible continually calls for behaviors that build community rather than behaviors that are primarily for my self-gratification.
Will the four steps in addressing Aurora stop another Aurora from occurring? No. As long as there is evil in this world, another Aurora is a high probability. But I refuse to be resigned to the idea that evil exists and there is nothing I can do about it. So I continue to fight the good fight with God’s help.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Bless The Lord For Blogs
I begin every Tuesday morning with the recitation of Psalm 103: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not his benefits, He who forgives your inequity, who heals your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” The Psalm continues with all the ways that God loves us.
It is easy to recite all 22 verses of this psalm. The psalm is very affirming as the author continually points to a loving God. The difficulty of the psalm is to re-write it by substituting the benefits God gives today for the benefits the psalmist lists throughout his hymn of praise. The re-writing of the psalm using today’s benefits forces me to see how much God is still part of our world.
Tuesday morning is the normal time that I write this blog. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to share with you. At other times, I struggle all Monday night trying to come up with a subject of interest for both of us. In one sense, what I am trying to do in each blog is re-write Psalm 103 by talking about the benefits God gives to Epiphany, to individual disciples at Epiphany, and to me as your pastor. Each blog as well as each devotional in the e-news letter, each sermon, and each class is a deadline to define what the Lord has to say to us and how each item is a benefit that the Lord gives to us.
On my list of benefits today is an e-mail I received yesterday from a senior citizen stating that the sermon series on the teachings of the church was a wonderful way to review what was learned and treasured many years ago in confirmation class. That sentiment was also expressed yesterday by a 22 year old. “Bless the Lord O my soul for those listen and digest your word, ...”
I quickly add to my list the preparation that I am doing for Vacation Bible School this year. I am going to be exploring the “Puzzles In Life.” Yesterday, I was thinking through all the ways that God views each of us as individuals. The thought process led to God seeing us as partners in creation and human history, as part of God and Jesus’ family, and as Jesus’ ambassadors on earth. The exercise reminded me that the relationship we have with God and Jesus is dynamic and exciting. “Bless the Lord O my soul for viewing me as your child, ...”
The list continues with the joy that I receive each day as I share lunch with the staff. We share some personal things that are happening in our lives, we get into conversations about what is happening at Epiphany, and occasionally we talk a little about church history. “Bless the Lord O my soul for lunches with those who love and serve you, ...”
As I said above, writing this weekly blog forces me to define how God has blessed me and Epiphany over the past few days and weeks. So let me ask, What is your blog (figuratively) that pushes you to bless the Lord for the benefits that God has given to you? Is your blog a discussion about Sunday’s worship and sermon as you drive home from church? Is your blog reading a biography about a biblical or church leader? Is your blog a walk by yourself with the purpose of looking for God’s hand in the flowers and trees that line your path? With these questions, I probably should add, “Bless the Lord O my soul for weekly blogs that reveal your presence in my life and in the life of the church I am privileged to serve, ...”
Pastor Pete
It is easy to recite all 22 verses of this psalm. The psalm is very affirming as the author continually points to a loving God. The difficulty of the psalm is to re-write it by substituting the benefits God gives today for the benefits the psalmist lists throughout his hymn of praise. The re-writing of the psalm using today’s benefits forces me to see how much God is still part of our world.
Tuesday morning is the normal time that I write this blog. Sometimes I know exactly what I want to share with you. At other times, I struggle all Monday night trying to come up with a subject of interest for both of us. In one sense, what I am trying to do in each blog is re-write Psalm 103 by talking about the benefits God gives to Epiphany, to individual disciples at Epiphany, and to me as your pastor. Each blog as well as each devotional in the e-news letter, each sermon, and each class is a deadline to define what the Lord has to say to us and how each item is a benefit that the Lord gives to us.
On my list of benefits today is an e-mail I received yesterday from a senior citizen stating that the sermon series on the teachings of the church was a wonderful way to review what was learned and treasured many years ago in confirmation class. That sentiment was also expressed yesterday by a 22 year old. “Bless the Lord O my soul for those listen and digest your word, ...”
I quickly add to my list the preparation that I am doing for Vacation Bible School this year. I am going to be exploring the “Puzzles In Life.” Yesterday, I was thinking through all the ways that God views each of us as individuals. The thought process led to God seeing us as partners in creation and human history, as part of God and Jesus’ family, and as Jesus’ ambassadors on earth. The exercise reminded me that the relationship we have with God and Jesus is dynamic and exciting. “Bless the Lord O my soul for viewing me as your child, ...”
The list continues with the joy that I receive each day as I share lunch with the staff. We share some personal things that are happening in our lives, we get into conversations about what is happening at Epiphany, and occasionally we talk a little about church history. “Bless the Lord O my soul for lunches with those who love and serve you, ...”
As I said above, writing this weekly blog forces me to define how God has blessed me and Epiphany over the past few days and weeks. So let me ask, What is your blog (figuratively) that pushes you to bless the Lord for the benefits that God has given to you? Is your blog a discussion about Sunday’s worship and sermon as you drive home from church? Is your blog reading a biography about a biblical or church leader? Is your blog a walk by yourself with the purpose of looking for God’s hand in the flowers and trees that line your path? With these questions, I probably should add, “Bless the Lord O my soul for weekly blogs that reveal your presence in my life and in the life of the church I am privileged to serve, ...”
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Taking The Last Step
The last step in visioning, planning, and implementing a program or ministry is evaluation. Evaluation determines if a program or ministry met its goals, what went well, what barriers had to be overcome, recommendations for using the program in the future, and finally what were the surprises. Surprises are the unexpected good things that happened and negative things that occurred. (I believe that we learn more from the good surprises than almost anything else.)
In my experience, evaluation is often forgotten in the planning process. This is especially true if the program went well. When things seem good and fine who needs to rehash what has taken place? I know that when something really goes well for me, I am ready to say “Thank you God” and then to move on to new things.
For the past five weeks, I have preached a series of sermons on the major teachings of the church. The series included knowing God through: 1. the trinity, 2. the Bible, 3: the church, 4. the 10 Commandments, and 5. prayer. The purpose of this series was two-fold. The first was to introduce those who were not Lutheran, or Christian for that matter, to some of the basis teachings of the Lutheran Church. Second, the series would refresh the memories of those confirmed in the Lutheran church about their studies of Luther’s Catechism. In essence, I was bringing a five week new member class to the pulpit on Sunday morning. I was trying to condense at least an hour’s worth of material in each sermon into a 20 minute presentation. I should add that I have never done this type of sermon series in the past.
I have thought a lot about how to evaluate this series without it appearing that I am looking for compliments. Should a printed survey be included in the bulletin next week? Should a survey be placed in the e-newsletter this Thursday? How do you do follow-up to the information that you get from a survey in the bulletin or e-newsletter? Is there another way to get the information that you want?
I have decided that the evaluation of the last five weeks would be personal conversation with those who were at worship for at least three of the five sermons. I will stop those I encounter in the office, the Gathering Space, and those I meet when I walk around the church. In these encounters, I will simple state the information I was looking to gain. I will ask each person if they heard the series, did the series achieve its goals, and should similar series be planned in the future. I also decided to write this blog as an invitation to you to participate in the evaluation process. (For those who worship mainly at the Austin campus, the series will be repeated over the next five weeks and you will have a chance to evaluate it at its conclusion.)
So far, I have had three such conversations. The feedback is as follows. “Initially I would have said I know the material but the series made me think on a much deeper level.” “The series certainly made me remember my catechism which was a good thing.” “The series has given me a simple way to explain to my friends what the Lutheran Church stands for.” All three were in favor of occasionally preaching another series.
This is your invitation to weigh in on the evaluation. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Pete
In my experience, evaluation is often forgotten in the planning process. This is especially true if the program went well. When things seem good and fine who needs to rehash what has taken place? I know that when something really goes well for me, I am ready to say “Thank you God” and then to move on to new things.
For the past five weeks, I have preached a series of sermons on the major teachings of the church. The series included knowing God through: 1. the trinity, 2. the Bible, 3: the church, 4. the 10 Commandments, and 5. prayer. The purpose of this series was two-fold. The first was to introduce those who were not Lutheran, or Christian for that matter, to some of the basis teachings of the Lutheran Church. Second, the series would refresh the memories of those confirmed in the Lutheran church about their studies of Luther’s Catechism. In essence, I was bringing a five week new member class to the pulpit on Sunday morning. I was trying to condense at least an hour’s worth of material in each sermon into a 20 minute presentation. I should add that I have never done this type of sermon series in the past.
I have thought a lot about how to evaluate this series without it appearing that I am looking for compliments. Should a printed survey be included in the bulletin next week? Should a survey be placed in the e-newsletter this Thursday? How do you do follow-up to the information that you get from a survey in the bulletin or e-newsletter? Is there another way to get the information that you want?
I have decided that the evaluation of the last five weeks would be personal conversation with those who were at worship for at least three of the five sermons. I will stop those I encounter in the office, the Gathering Space, and those I meet when I walk around the church. In these encounters, I will simple state the information I was looking to gain. I will ask each person if they heard the series, did the series achieve its goals, and should similar series be planned in the future. I also decided to write this blog as an invitation to you to participate in the evaluation process. (For those who worship mainly at the Austin campus, the series will be repeated over the next five weeks and you will have a chance to evaluate it at its conclusion.)
So far, I have had three such conversations. The feedback is as follows. “Initially I would have said I know the material but the series made me think on a much deeper level.” “The series certainly made me remember my catechism which was a good thing.” “The series has given me a simple way to explain to my friends what the Lutheran Church stands for.” All three were in favor of occasionally preaching another series.
This is your invitation to weigh in on the evaluation. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Connecting Faith To Life
Since Thursday, I have received many more comments than usual about my e-news thoughts concerning the need for play in a relationship. (You will remember that I said couples marry because they play well together. Couples do not marry because they had to work at their relationship. I also said that Joyce and I continue to date (each other!) after 45 years of marriage.) Some commented that they could not meet a request of mine because they had a date that conflicted with what I wanted them to do. Others said that they were passing my comments on to their kids. Others said they were going to be more intentional about scheduling play in their lives. It has truly been fun for me to have some quote me correctly as a reason to say no to my request; to use me as the outside expert so their kids would listen; and to hear that play in a relationship was being considered.
On Sunday, I stated in the sermon that the average married couple talks to each other 28 minutes a week. Since that statement was made, I have been asked if the 28 minutes includes a wife doing all the talking while the husband listens? (The comment did not say while the husband pretends to listen.) I have also been asked, Is it acceptable to stop talking to your spouse after 28 minutes because you have now reached your average for the week? By the way, the people who made these comments were teasing me. Again, it is fun having the banter about a quote that is correctly heard. It also means that someone was listening.
There is something deeper behind the comments to last week’s e-news letter and the sermon. These comments reveal the importance of connecting a meditative thought and a sermon to “real” life. The question that I constantly raise is, If faith does not relate to the life that I am living today, does it really make a difference? These comments confirm my belief that what is said in an e-news article and in a sermon has to connect concretely to Monday morning’s chores and tasks at home, at school, in the office, and on the playground. Faith is not a spectator sport. Faith is a participant sport for those who are a part of God’s family as they live and contend with the life God has given.
Thanks for connecting an e-news devotion and a sermon to your life.
Pastor Pete
On Sunday, I stated in the sermon that the average married couple talks to each other 28 minutes a week. Since that statement was made, I have been asked if the 28 minutes includes a wife doing all the talking while the husband listens? (The comment did not say while the husband pretends to listen.) I have also been asked, Is it acceptable to stop talking to your spouse after 28 minutes because you have now reached your average for the week? By the way, the people who made these comments were teasing me. Again, it is fun having the banter about a quote that is correctly heard. It also means that someone was listening.
There is something deeper behind the comments to last week’s e-news letter and the sermon. These comments reveal the importance of connecting a meditative thought and a sermon to “real” life. The question that I constantly raise is, If faith does not relate to the life that I am living today, does it really make a difference? These comments confirm my belief that what is said in an e-news article and in a sermon has to connect concretely to Monday morning’s chores and tasks at home, at school, in the office, and on the playground. Faith is not a spectator sport. Faith is a participant sport for those who are a part of God’s family as they live and contend with the life God has given.
Thanks for connecting an e-news devotion and a sermon to your life.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Good Advice
I am reading Derek Wilson’s biography of Martin Luther. It is the fifth biography of Luther that I have read. Each biography has a different interpretation of the reformer’s life. Sometimes I wonder if each writer is describing the same event or the reasons behind an event that molds and shapes Luther’s life. In the end, the reader has to take the various points of views of these authors, put them together for himself or herself, and come to their own conclusion about Luther and the role he plays in church and world history.
One of the differences between Wilson and the other biographers is the information he provides about the relationship between Luther and his mentor Johann vonStaupitz. All of the biographers recognize the role Staupitiz plays in transforming Luther’s perspective of God. Before Staupitiz, Luther saw God only as a wrathful judge. After Staupitiz, Luther sees God as a loving father. What Wilson does differently than the others is provide three specific ways Staupitiz changed Luther’s perspective of God.
First, Staupitiz recognized that Luther was plagued by his sins which stopped him from living at peace with God. No matter how many penitences Luther offered it was never enough to atone for his sin. To counter the hold sin had on Luther, Staupitiz encouraged Luther to turn his gaze to what God did for him on the cross. To accomplish this change in perspective, Staupitiz taught Luther, “Clinging to God’s “No” (your sinfulness) when one should celebrate God’s “Yes” (forgiveness on the cross) in the gospel was the worst kind of unbelief.”
Second, Staupitiz changed Luther’s reading list. Luther was an expert on the writing of the scholastic scholars such as Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham. These scholars emphasized reason as they tried to make the Gospel relevant to the intellectuals of their day. Instead of reading the scholastic authors, Staupitiz told Luther to read St. Augustine who emphasized God’s grace as a gift rather than something to be earned. Luther was also to read the scriptures. Reading Augustine and the scriptures changed Luther’s understanding about God and his relationship with God.
Third, Staupitiz advanced (fast tracked) Luther’s career. Staupitiz, as vicar general of the Augustinians in Germany, wanted to reform his order. He needed allies. Luther was a very promising prospect to help him so Staupitiz gave him assignments which would grow his understanding of the church. The theory is if you are going to change something, you first have to understand the thing that you are changing.
Reading about the relationship between Luther and Staupitiz makes me think about the mentors’ in my life. Did they have a definite strategy? (For that matter, did Staupitiz have a strategy or did he just respond appropriately when Luther came to him?) If I had to list what my mentors advised what would be on that list? Read Galatians over and over again because it is the “Magna Carta of Christian Freedom”? Read Romans chapters 5-8 (the great freedom chapters: Freedom From God’s Wrath, Freedom From Sin, Freedom From the Law, Freedom From Death)? My church history professor in seminary advised that I read one biography of a Christian leader a year as a way to see how God works through people in the “real” world. (Good biographies have both the mountain tops and the valleys.) I can hear the advice of Dr. Albeck as I write this blog.
Pastor Pete
One of the differences between Wilson and the other biographers is the information he provides about the relationship between Luther and his mentor Johann vonStaupitz. All of the biographers recognize the role Staupitiz plays in transforming Luther’s perspective of God. Before Staupitiz, Luther saw God only as a wrathful judge. After Staupitiz, Luther sees God as a loving father. What Wilson does differently than the others is provide three specific ways Staupitiz changed Luther’s perspective of God.
First, Staupitiz recognized that Luther was plagued by his sins which stopped him from living at peace with God. No matter how many penitences Luther offered it was never enough to atone for his sin. To counter the hold sin had on Luther, Staupitiz encouraged Luther to turn his gaze to what God did for him on the cross. To accomplish this change in perspective, Staupitiz taught Luther, “Clinging to God’s “No” (your sinfulness) when one should celebrate God’s “Yes” (forgiveness on the cross) in the gospel was the worst kind of unbelief.”
Second, Staupitiz changed Luther’s reading list. Luther was an expert on the writing of the scholastic scholars such as Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, and William of Ockham. These scholars emphasized reason as they tried to make the Gospel relevant to the intellectuals of their day. Instead of reading the scholastic authors, Staupitiz told Luther to read St. Augustine who emphasized God’s grace as a gift rather than something to be earned. Luther was also to read the scriptures. Reading Augustine and the scriptures changed Luther’s understanding about God and his relationship with God.
Third, Staupitiz advanced (fast tracked) Luther’s career. Staupitiz, as vicar general of the Augustinians in Germany, wanted to reform his order. He needed allies. Luther was a very promising prospect to help him so Staupitiz gave him assignments which would grow his understanding of the church. The theory is if you are going to change something, you first have to understand the thing that you are changing.
Reading about the relationship between Luther and Staupitiz makes me think about the mentors’ in my life. Did they have a definite strategy? (For that matter, did Staupitiz have a strategy or did he just respond appropriately when Luther came to him?) If I had to list what my mentors advised what would be on that list? Read Galatians over and over again because it is the “Magna Carta of Christian Freedom”? Read Romans chapters 5-8 (the great freedom chapters: Freedom From God’s Wrath, Freedom From Sin, Freedom From the Law, Freedom From Death)? My church history professor in seminary advised that I read one biography of a Christian leader a year as a way to see how God works through people in the “real” world. (Good biographies have both the mountain tops and the valleys.) I can hear the advice of Dr. Albeck as I write this blog.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
One Great Week
When it was decided to have a weekly e-news letter with a column written by one of the pastors, I wondered what would differentiate that column from my blog. I decided, that as much as possible, the blog would have a more personal flavor and the e-news letter would be more formal. Therefore, in this blog I get personal.
I was asked Sunday how my week had been. My answer was, “excellent!” The questioner waited for further explanation. I responded with a report of why it was excellent. The first reason was Thursday which is my day off. Thursday is also my golf day. (I’ve played 3 or 4 times this year.) Last Thursday, I canceled my golf game in order to get rid of lots of pent-up guilt. The source of my guilt was numerous items that needed attention around my house. There was a deck that was half stained which cried out to be finished. There were flower beds that needed attention. There were two poles in a split-rail fence that needed to be pulled upright. We are trying a new plan to keep deer from eating the flowers and that new plan needed implementation. I could add more to the list. I spent eight hours assaulting this list and made a major dent in the items that needed to be addressed. I can now walk through the backyard without wondering if the neighbors will soon vote me out for abuse and neglect of my home.
As I reflect on last Thursday, I think everyone needs a “Get Rid Of The Guilt Day.” Perhaps we should even make it a national holiday which occurs once a month. We could get Hallmark or Blue Mountain e-mail to design special greeting cards which we could send to friends who are overloaded with guilt because of tasks that have been too long neglected. On Get Rid of Guilt Day all normal activities are canceled and the list that constantly nags at us is addressed. The benefit of Get Rid Of Guilt Day is that it is a wonderful feeling at the end of the day even if you don’t get it all done.
The second thing that happened occurred on Saturday. I write a quarterly administrative newsletter on parish administration for the Southern Ohio Synod. The June edition is due since we are in June. But what to write? I decided to use a pharmaceutical representative’s quote: “Features tell, Benefits sell.” Features describe what goes into a drug. Benefits name the end results of what the drug does for the user. Adapting the quote, I asked, What are the features of a congregation? And, what are the benefits a congregation has to offer its members and non-members? The creative juices flowed as I thought about the reasons a congregation exists, its features. Once the features were defined, I began to work on what benefits could a congregation promise as it proclaimed the Gospel?
The first draft of my newsletter is written. It will be proof-read today and will be sent to the Synod on Wednesday. While I am glad that it is done and off my desk, I confess that I enjoyed the 10 hours I spent working on it. Creative administration thinking sets my soul on fire.
What sets your soul on fire? And when do you take time to do the thing that sets your soul on fire? Such a day could make you say, “I had an excellent week!”
Pastor Pete
I was asked Sunday how my week had been. My answer was, “excellent!” The questioner waited for further explanation. I responded with a report of why it was excellent. The first reason was Thursday which is my day off. Thursday is also my golf day. (I’ve played 3 or 4 times this year.) Last Thursday, I canceled my golf game in order to get rid of lots of pent-up guilt. The source of my guilt was numerous items that needed attention around my house. There was a deck that was half stained which cried out to be finished. There were flower beds that needed attention. There were two poles in a split-rail fence that needed to be pulled upright. We are trying a new plan to keep deer from eating the flowers and that new plan needed implementation. I could add more to the list. I spent eight hours assaulting this list and made a major dent in the items that needed to be addressed. I can now walk through the backyard without wondering if the neighbors will soon vote me out for abuse and neglect of my home.
As I reflect on last Thursday, I think everyone needs a “Get Rid Of The Guilt Day.” Perhaps we should even make it a national holiday which occurs once a month. We could get Hallmark or Blue Mountain e-mail to design special greeting cards which we could send to friends who are overloaded with guilt because of tasks that have been too long neglected. On Get Rid of Guilt Day all normal activities are canceled and the list that constantly nags at us is addressed. The benefit of Get Rid Of Guilt Day is that it is a wonderful feeling at the end of the day even if you don’t get it all done.
The second thing that happened occurred on Saturday. I write a quarterly administrative newsletter on parish administration for the Southern Ohio Synod. The June edition is due since we are in June. But what to write? I decided to use a pharmaceutical representative’s quote: “Features tell, Benefits sell.” Features describe what goes into a drug. Benefits name the end results of what the drug does for the user. Adapting the quote, I asked, What are the features of a congregation? And, what are the benefits a congregation has to offer its members and non-members? The creative juices flowed as I thought about the reasons a congregation exists, its features. Once the features were defined, I began to work on what benefits could a congregation promise as it proclaimed the Gospel?
The first draft of my newsletter is written. It will be proof-read today and will be sent to the Synod on Wednesday. While I am glad that it is done and off my desk, I confess that I enjoyed the 10 hours I spent working on it. Creative administration thinking sets my soul on fire.
What sets your soul on fire? And when do you take time to do the thing that sets your soul on fire? Such a day could make you say, “I had an excellent week!”
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Medium Is The Message
David Platt, in his book RADICAL, makes an interesting statement; namely, the church is the only organization that defines itself by what it does not do! After getting over the shock of that statement, I began to think about how God’s people as individuals and the corporate body define themselves. We are a people who do not smoke or drink hard liquor. We are a people who do not engage in sex outside of marriage. We are a people who do not swear or take God’s name in vain. My list of defining God’s people by what they do not do could go on and on.
I wonder what would happen if we turned these statements around so that God’s people defined themselves by what they do. For example, “we do not smoke or drink” becomes “we are a people who are concerned about our health and physical well-being.” God gave us our bodies as a gift and we take care of them. Or, “we do not engage in sex outside of marriage” becomes “we care about developing deep relationhips built on mutual respect and love.” God gave us physical attraction for another and that attraction reaches deep fulfillment in a permanent relationship called marriage. Or, “we do not take God’s name in vain” becomes “we are a people who tell the truth and wish others well.”
I also wondered how we describe Epiphany to anyone who happens to ask if we go to church and if so to what church. Would we say, Epiphany is not a fundamentalist church; or, Epiphany does not take every word of the Bible literally; or, Epiphany does not discriminate by gender? What would happen if we turned those statements around so that; “not a fundamentalist church” becomes “we celebrate different experiences and understanding of who God is and how God loves us.” Or, “we do not take every word of the Bible literally” becomes “we believe biblical authors tell God’s story using the media and culture of their day.” Or, “we do not discriminate” becomes “we rejoice that every man or woman is free to contribute their abilities and skills in advancing God’s love in the world.”
If I was to describe Epiphany, this is how I would do it. Epiphany is a church that believes it loves Jesus which requires it to serve its members and non-believers in Jesus’ name.
As I write this, suddenly I thought of Marshall McLuhan’s book, THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE. It seems to me that stating who we are as God’s people is much more powerful when we say what we do and less effective when we say what we don’t do.
Pastor Pete
I wonder what would happen if we turned these statements around so that God’s people defined themselves by what they do. For example, “we do not smoke or drink” becomes “we are a people who are concerned about our health and physical well-being.” God gave us our bodies as a gift and we take care of them. Or, “we do not engage in sex outside of marriage” becomes “we care about developing deep relationhips built on mutual respect and love.” God gave us physical attraction for another and that attraction reaches deep fulfillment in a permanent relationship called marriage. Or, “we do not take God’s name in vain” becomes “we are a people who tell the truth and wish others well.”
I also wondered how we describe Epiphany to anyone who happens to ask if we go to church and if so to what church. Would we say, Epiphany is not a fundamentalist church; or, Epiphany does not take every word of the Bible literally; or, Epiphany does not discriminate by gender? What would happen if we turned those statements around so that; “not a fundamentalist church” becomes “we celebrate different experiences and understanding of who God is and how God loves us.” Or, “we do not take every word of the Bible literally” becomes “we believe biblical authors tell God’s story using the media and culture of their day.” Or, “we do not discriminate” becomes “we rejoice that every man or woman is free to contribute their abilities and skills in advancing God’s love in the world.”
If I was to describe Epiphany, this is how I would do it. Epiphany is a church that believes it loves Jesus which requires it to serve its members and non-believers in Jesus’ name.
As I write this, suddenly I thought of Marshall McLuhan’s book, THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE. It seems to me that stating who we are as God’s people is much more powerful when we say what we do and less effective when we say what we don’t do.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Next 500 Years
Many years ago, I read Martin Marty’s book A SHORT HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY. (I loaned the book to someone who has not returned it so the rest of this blog is from my memory.) Marty divided his understanding of Christian history into four parts. The first part (the first 500 years) is the church defining the Christian faith. Most scholars maintain that the Council at Chalcedon (451 CE) finally defines the two natures of Jesus. The second 500 years (500 - 1,000 CE) is the expansion of the Gospel and the church throughout Europe. This is the period of the great missionary saints such as St. Patrick to Ireland and St. Boniface to Germany. The third 500 years (1,000-1,500) is re-teaching the faith because the laity and most clergy were woefully ignorant in their theological understanding of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit. The fourth 500 years is the expansion of Christianity throughout the world; i.e., North and South America, Russia, and the Far East.
After reading this book, I asked the question, How will future generations define the next 500 years of Christian history? My answer is that the next 500 years will be a time when the church had to re-teach the faith to its members and those who have never heard of Jesus, the Christ. Every poll that I read about the state of our faith maintains that we, as a nation, cannot answer the simplist questions about scripture, Jesus, or the teachings of the church. These questions include such topics as: 1, What are the two parts of the Christian Bible? Name at least two of the patriarchs. 3. Who were the parents of Jesus? How many disciples did Jesus have? What did the Apostle Paul do?
For my entire career as a pastor, I have tried to teach the faith to members and non-members of the congregations I have served. So, teaching the faith is nothing new to me. Having said this, I am going to try something new for the next 10 weeks. I am writing a five-week sermon series on five major teachings of the Christian faith. For five weeks, I will preach this series at Far Hills and then the next five weeks I will teach it at Austin. The title of the series is FINDING GOD. I know the title is theologically incorrect because it is God who seeks us out. I chose the title because I believe it has more drawing power than GOD COMING TO US.
I do not know if one can teach the faith in a 20 minute sermon. What I do hope is that those worshiping at these services will be intrigued enough to begin their own study of the major teachings of the Gospel and the Christian faith and they will share what they are learning with at least one other person. To say the least, I am a little anxious but then nothing ventured, nothing gained.
See you at worship this Sunday.
Pastor Pete
After reading this book, I asked the question, How will future generations define the next 500 years of Christian history? My answer is that the next 500 years will be a time when the church had to re-teach the faith to its members and those who have never heard of Jesus, the Christ. Every poll that I read about the state of our faith maintains that we, as a nation, cannot answer the simplist questions about scripture, Jesus, or the teachings of the church. These questions include such topics as: 1, What are the two parts of the Christian Bible? Name at least two of the patriarchs. 3. Who were the parents of Jesus? How many disciples did Jesus have? What did the Apostle Paul do?
For my entire career as a pastor, I have tried to teach the faith to members and non-members of the congregations I have served. So, teaching the faith is nothing new to me. Having said this, I am going to try something new for the next 10 weeks. I am writing a five-week sermon series on five major teachings of the Christian faith. For five weeks, I will preach this series at Far Hills and then the next five weeks I will teach it at Austin. The title of the series is FINDING GOD. I know the title is theologically incorrect because it is God who seeks us out. I chose the title because I believe it has more drawing power than GOD COMING TO US.
I do not know if one can teach the faith in a 20 minute sermon. What I do hope is that those worshiping at these services will be intrigued enough to begin their own study of the major teachings of the Gospel and the Christian faith and they will share what they are learning with at least one other person. To say the least, I am a little anxious but then nothing ventured, nothing gained.
See you at worship this Sunday.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
The Planning Season
I am thinking about the calendars that govern the life of a congregation. There is the world calendar that begins on January 1 and ends December 31. This calendar is used in budgeting, receipts, and expenditures.
There is the liturgical calendar which begins Advent 1 and ends on Christ the King Sunday. In the first half of the liturgical year, we experience Jesus’ life: we prepare for Jesus’ second coming as well as his birth in Bethlehem, the spread of his message throughout the world, evaluate our lives in Lent, and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. This Sunday we enter the second half of the liturgical calendar which is reserved for Jesus’ teachings and how they apply to our lives.
Then there is the program calendar which follows the school calendar. The question is, When does the program calendar begin and end? Does the program calendar end in June when the Sunday School, choir, and many other ministries take the summer off? If this is the case, then evaluation of the year begins now. We ask, 1. What went well and how can we make that even better? What are the things that did not go as well as expected? What were the surprises? I think some of our best learnings come from the positive surprises that we experience! For example, we planned for 10 people to come and were really surprised that 30 showed up. What did we do to attract 20 extra people?
If June is the end of the program year, that makes July 1 the beginning of a new year. While many talk about the summer lull in the office, the beginning of the new year is a time for planning what will happen over the next 12 months. For Lane Leaders there is planning around worship. We might even begin to talk about what the Lenten program will be in 2013 or plan a sermon series. There is the planning for the fall Stewardship Campaign. A key issue in stewardship is how to increase the number of disciples who pledge. There is the planning for VBS in August and the opening of Sunday School in September. Also, we ask what kind of adult education do we want to have next year? There is planning for the youth of our church. For the next three months, we will do a lot thinking about the future and planning.
One of the major issues facing Epiphany is planning around the Austin Campus. In June or July, the Council will meet to look at our financial position and a growth plan for the Austin Campus. The Council will look at all options concerning the Austin Campus. These options include planning ministries at Austin that will attract those who live close to the campus, or selling the campus to another organization. There is a committee working on this project. The committee is collecting demographic data, talking to community leaders, defining community needs that the Austin Campus can address, etc.
Finally, a similar committee is meeting to look at the ministries of the Far Hills Campus so that this campus can be proactive in meeting the needs of those who live in close proximity to the campus.
Right now, my mind is centered in the planning calender. I am continually asking, What can Epiphany do to make a good congregation even better?
Pastor Pete
There is the liturgical calendar which begins Advent 1 and ends on Christ the King Sunday. In the first half of the liturgical year, we experience Jesus’ life: we prepare for Jesus’ second coming as well as his birth in Bethlehem, the spread of his message throughout the world, evaluate our lives in Lent, and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. This Sunday we enter the second half of the liturgical calendar which is reserved for Jesus’ teachings and how they apply to our lives.
Then there is the program calendar which follows the school calendar. The question is, When does the program calendar begin and end? Does the program calendar end in June when the Sunday School, choir, and many other ministries take the summer off? If this is the case, then evaluation of the year begins now. We ask, 1. What went well and how can we make that even better? What are the things that did not go as well as expected? What were the surprises? I think some of our best learnings come from the positive surprises that we experience! For example, we planned for 10 people to come and were really surprised that 30 showed up. What did we do to attract 20 extra people?
If June is the end of the program year, that makes July 1 the beginning of a new year. While many talk about the summer lull in the office, the beginning of the new year is a time for planning what will happen over the next 12 months. For Lane Leaders there is planning around worship. We might even begin to talk about what the Lenten program will be in 2013 or plan a sermon series. There is the planning for the fall Stewardship Campaign. A key issue in stewardship is how to increase the number of disciples who pledge. There is the planning for VBS in August and the opening of Sunday School in September. Also, we ask what kind of adult education do we want to have next year? There is planning for the youth of our church. For the next three months, we will do a lot thinking about the future and planning.
One of the major issues facing Epiphany is planning around the Austin Campus. In June or July, the Council will meet to look at our financial position and a growth plan for the Austin Campus. The Council will look at all options concerning the Austin Campus. These options include planning ministries at Austin that will attract those who live close to the campus, or selling the campus to another organization. There is a committee working on this project. The committee is collecting demographic data, talking to community leaders, defining community needs that the Austin Campus can address, etc.
Finally, a similar committee is meeting to look at the ministries of the Far Hills Campus so that this campus can be proactive in meeting the needs of those who live in close proximity to the campus.
Right now, my mind is centered in the planning calender. I am continually asking, What can Epiphany do to make a good congregation even better?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Instant Gratification
When I arrived at home yesterday afternoon, I stood on my deck to look over the two flats of zinnias and the four drift rose bushes I planted last week. All had survived the Sunday’s rain and were doing well. I also looked over the lawn that still showed evidence of being mowed although it was plain that another mowing was going to be needed soon. As I marveled at what was before me, I wondered why is it that I spend as much time as I do planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, and mowing? Of course one could argue there is the beauty of it all but I think there is an additional reason.
In my life, I do a lot of things. I like to think that the things that I do are good but I seldom see a finished product. For example, sermons have the purpose of teaching, in practical terms, the way the Gospel is applied in everyday life. Sermons answer the question, “What does God want me to do?” On occasion, I have been told that I am a good preacher but I seldom see the results of a sermon. I thoroughly enjoy teaching. Bible study looks at the social, economic, political, and military realities of the times the biblical book or text was written. The purpose of Bible study is to make sense of a text so that a dialogue can be created between the Bible and today. I enjoy teaching, but I seldom see the end results of my teaching. I think hospital calling is important and can be a comfort to those who are ill but I don’t see what happens when I leave the hospital room. The same can be said for pastoral counseling. The list could go on and on but you get the point.
As I stood on my deck, I could say, “It is finished and it is good.” I could see the results in the budding roses. I could see the results as the zinnias were all in their places. I can see the results when the lawn is newly mowed and I think to myself, You have a pretty nice yard. As I stood on my deck, I realized one of the reasons I plant, prune, mulch, weed, etc. is because I can see the end product of my work. I need that kind of instant gratification occasionally and it is good.
I suspect that all of us are in the same boat. The tasks that we have in life are good and we embrace those tasks to live. But the end results of faithful labor are more often than not some place in the future. For example, we have good friendships but how those friendships will work out is someplace in the future. We raise our children using the best knowledge that we have at the time but seeing how the kids turn out is some place in the future. Many of the projects that we assume responsibility for seem never ending. So let me ask, What is it that brings you instant gratification? What in your weekly schedule do you do that allows you to say, It is finished and it is good? What, figuratively, are your roses, zinnias, and lawn mowing? When you finish your planting, pruning, etc. stop and admire your work. It is God’s gift to you and it is good.
Pastor Pete
In my life, I do a lot of things. I like to think that the things that I do are good but I seldom see a finished product. For example, sermons have the purpose of teaching, in practical terms, the way the Gospel is applied in everyday life. Sermons answer the question, “What does God want me to do?” On occasion, I have been told that I am a good preacher but I seldom see the results of a sermon. I thoroughly enjoy teaching. Bible study looks at the social, economic, political, and military realities of the times the biblical book or text was written. The purpose of Bible study is to make sense of a text so that a dialogue can be created between the Bible and today. I enjoy teaching, but I seldom see the end results of my teaching. I think hospital calling is important and can be a comfort to those who are ill but I don’t see what happens when I leave the hospital room. The same can be said for pastoral counseling. The list could go on and on but you get the point.
As I stood on my deck, I could say, “It is finished and it is good.” I could see the results in the budding roses. I could see the results as the zinnias were all in their places. I can see the results when the lawn is newly mowed and I think to myself, You have a pretty nice yard. As I stood on my deck, I realized one of the reasons I plant, prune, mulch, weed, etc. is because I can see the end product of my work. I need that kind of instant gratification occasionally and it is good.
I suspect that all of us are in the same boat. The tasks that we have in life are good and we embrace those tasks to live. But the end results of faithful labor are more often than not some place in the future. For example, we have good friendships but how those friendships will work out is someplace in the future. We raise our children using the best knowledge that we have at the time but seeing how the kids turn out is some place in the future. Many of the projects that we assume responsibility for seem never ending. So let me ask, What is it that brings you instant gratification? What in your weekly schedule do you do that allows you to say, It is finished and it is good? What, figuratively, are your roses, zinnias, and lawn mowing? When you finish your planting, pruning, etc. stop and admire your work. It is God’s gift to you and it is good.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
When has this happened to me?
“When has this ever happened to me?” is a key question in reading scripture as a dialogue between God and ourselves. For example, at Christmas, when was the Christ child born in my life? Was it when my parents taught me to pray, brought me to Sunday School for the first time, when I was Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, or the inn keeper in the Sunday Shool Christmas Pageant, or was it when I was an adult sharing with a Christian friend that I needed something more in my life?
The same question, “When has this happened to me?” is asked for all of the other major festivals of the Church year. When was it that I realized that Jesus was not just for those already in the church but for the whole world (Epiphany)? When was it that I realized that Jesus died and rose from the dead so that my sins are really forgiven (Easter)? When was it that I realized that Jesus rules over my life from heaven (Ascension)? When was it that God gave me the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to do God’s will (Pentecost)? And, when was it that I was willing to accept the teaching of the Trinity even though that teaching cannot be explained adequately (Trinity)?
The point is this, when I ask, “When did this happen to me?” I am creating a dialogue with God. I am not merely learning facts about a biblical person or event for a trivial pursuit game. I am not detached from the text as if it was written for then but I am living in the now. “When did this happen to me?” makes me look for the places that God has touched my life in very meaningful ways. The fact is the more I can identify the places that God has touched my life, the deeper my faith will be!
On Sunday, I will probably be preaching about the baptism of Cornelius (Acts 10). For me, this story is one of the pivotal stories of the scriptures and the Christian faith. In my world, it is the seventh major church festival in the liturgical calendar. In this story, Peter (and later the whole church in chapter 11) radically changes his understanding of who should be welcome into the church, receive its sacraments, and enjoy its fellowship. On one level the answer is simple; everyone is to be invited into the church and treated as a child of God. But the question, “When has this happened to me?” makes me also look for the times when I changed my understanding about God, about Jesus, about the church, about my purpose in life from this time forward. Was it something said in a sermon? Was it a particular Sunday School class discussion? Was it an author’s description of a main character in the Bible or a novel? Was it an ah-ah gained from a comment made by a little child? Was it a time of free association when something just clicked even though it had nothing to do with the current conversation?
Let me close with this comment. If you want to get more out of your Bible reading or if you want to deepen your faith, read your Bible regularly with the question in mind, “When has this happened to me?” When this question is asked and answered, Bible reading no longer is a monologue but a dialogue between you and the father in heaven who loves you and sent a son to die for you. Bible reading becomes one way to identify the places God has touched your life and in that recognition as way to deepen faith.
Pastor Pete
The same question, “When has this happened to me?” is asked for all of the other major festivals of the Church year. When was it that I realized that Jesus was not just for those already in the church but for the whole world (Epiphany)? When was it that I realized that Jesus died and rose from the dead so that my sins are really forgiven (Easter)? When was it that I realized that Jesus rules over my life from heaven (Ascension)? When was it that God gave me the Holy Spirit to strengthen me to do God’s will (Pentecost)? And, when was it that I was willing to accept the teaching of the Trinity even though that teaching cannot be explained adequately (Trinity)?
The point is this, when I ask, “When did this happen to me?” I am creating a dialogue with God. I am not merely learning facts about a biblical person or event for a trivial pursuit game. I am not detached from the text as if it was written for then but I am living in the now. “When did this happen to me?” makes me look for the places that God has touched my life in very meaningful ways. The fact is the more I can identify the places that God has touched my life, the deeper my faith will be!
On Sunday, I will probably be preaching about the baptism of Cornelius (Acts 10). For me, this story is one of the pivotal stories of the scriptures and the Christian faith. In my world, it is the seventh major church festival in the liturgical calendar. In this story, Peter (and later the whole church in chapter 11) radically changes his understanding of who should be welcome into the church, receive its sacraments, and enjoy its fellowship. On one level the answer is simple; everyone is to be invited into the church and treated as a child of God. But the question, “When has this happened to me?” makes me also look for the times when I changed my understanding about God, about Jesus, about the church, about my purpose in life from this time forward. Was it something said in a sermon? Was it a particular Sunday School class discussion? Was it an author’s description of a main character in the Bible or a novel? Was it an ah-ah gained from a comment made by a little child? Was it a time of free association when something just clicked even though it had nothing to do with the current conversation?
Let me close with this comment. If you want to get more out of your Bible reading or if you want to deepen your faith, read your Bible regularly with the question in mind, “When has this happened to me?” When this question is asked and answered, Bible reading no longer is a monologue but a dialogue between you and the father in heaven who loves you and sent a son to die for you. Bible reading becomes one way to identify the places God has touched your life and in that recognition as way to deepen faith.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Being Comfortable
The 11:15 service usually is over by 12:15. This is not mandatory. There is no rule that the service must be one hour in length. But, I usually try to keep a worship service to about an hour. That means the sermon is about 20 minutes long. This past Sunday I looked at my watch as we were beginning to sing the last song. It was 12:25. After the service, I asked the sound technicians, “What happened? Was the sermon longer than normal? Did we have more verses to the songs we sang?” One of the technicians, who shall remain nameless, replied, “You just got comfortable with the sermon. When you preached it at 8:00, it was nice and tight. By 11:15 you embellished.” Not wanting to hurt my feelings, the technician added, “But the embellishment was really good.”
I have thought a lot about the comment, “You got comfortable so you embellished.” I thought about that comment in terms of how we share our faith with others.
Lutheran clergy joke a lot about how the Lutheran Church and its members share their faith with others. Often the last verse in the Gospel According To Mark is used by the clergy to describe Lutheran evangelism, “They went and said nothing.” Why is that? The Lutherans I know are good Christians. They believe. They have a faith that sustains them in time of celebration and when they are in deep valleys. But Lutherans go and tell no one. Why?
I suspect that part of the answer is that we are not comfortable with hearing the words of faith coming from our mouths. Somehow, hearing words that talk about God and God’s good gifts just don’t sound right when we say them. The sound technician would say, “We just are not comfortable with those words.”
So how do we become comfortable with the words of faith? How do we become comfortable talking about faith with family members, friends, and colleagues?
One way that we can become comfortable talking about faith is to become comfortable with the sound of faith words coming from our mouths. This can be accomplished through our daily Bible reading and prayers. For example, when we read the Bible for our daily devotions, read the text out loud instead of silently. Listen to the words that are coming from our mouths. When we pray, pray out loud. Listen to the words coming out of our mouths. When we hear the words of faith, we eventually become comfortable with them. When we become comfortable with them, it doesn’t sound strange when we share our faith with our fellow disciples at Epiphany. When we hear the words spoken to fellow disciples, we become comfortable with those words when they are spoken to other Christians who are not members of Epiphany. Eventually, we become comfortable sharing our faith with those who do not believe. In the words of the sound technician, We might even embellish the ways that God has deeply blessed us.
I appreciated the insight of the sound technician this past Sunday. I also appreciated the care in which the insight was shared. And, I am having fun thinking about the connection with being comfortable and embellishing (in a positive way) the good gifts that God gives to Epiphany and all of the disciples at Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
I have thought a lot about the comment, “You got comfortable so you embellished.” I thought about that comment in terms of how we share our faith with others.
Lutheran clergy joke a lot about how the Lutheran Church and its members share their faith with others. Often the last verse in the Gospel According To Mark is used by the clergy to describe Lutheran evangelism, “They went and said nothing.” Why is that? The Lutherans I know are good Christians. They believe. They have a faith that sustains them in time of celebration and when they are in deep valleys. But Lutherans go and tell no one. Why?
I suspect that part of the answer is that we are not comfortable with hearing the words of faith coming from our mouths. Somehow, hearing words that talk about God and God’s good gifts just don’t sound right when we say them. The sound technician would say, “We just are not comfortable with those words.”
So how do we become comfortable with the words of faith? How do we become comfortable talking about faith with family members, friends, and colleagues?
One way that we can become comfortable talking about faith is to become comfortable with the sound of faith words coming from our mouths. This can be accomplished through our daily Bible reading and prayers. For example, when we read the Bible for our daily devotions, read the text out loud instead of silently. Listen to the words that are coming from our mouths. When we pray, pray out loud. Listen to the words coming out of our mouths. When we hear the words of faith, we eventually become comfortable with them. When we become comfortable with them, it doesn’t sound strange when we share our faith with our fellow disciples at Epiphany. When we hear the words spoken to fellow disciples, we become comfortable with those words when they are spoken to other Christians who are not members of Epiphany. Eventually, we become comfortable sharing our faith with those who do not believe. In the words of the sound technician, We might even embellish the ways that God has deeply blessed us.
I appreciated the insight of the sound technician this past Sunday. I also appreciated the care in which the insight was shared. And, I am having fun thinking about the connection with being comfortable and embellishing (in a positive way) the good gifts that God gives to Epiphany and all of the disciples at Epiphany.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Routines
I live about 90% to 99% of my life by routine or sometimes called habit. If this was not so, I could not function. Without routine I would debate and then decide what to do each morning when I wake up. One action would not automatically follow another. It would take me hours to get to the bathroom, get my cup of coffee, head down stairs to my “prayer and study” chair, eat breakfast, and then debate whether or not I was going to drive north to Epiphany. I suspect without my routine, I would spend the whole day deciding what I now do automatically with little or no thought. Routines save a lot of time and energy.
My routine at Epiphany is just as predictable as my routine at home. I always park in the lower lot which forces me to enter the building with Preschool children and their parents. Here I get to see faces, say hello, and watch the toddlers play at the feet of Jesus’ statue. On Monday and Tuesday, I stop to say hello to the Pantry volunteers. Yesterday I met a new volunteer and welcomed her to this vital ministry. Climbing the stairs, I get to say hello to the volunteer at the welcoming desk in the Gathering Space. Upon entering the office, I walk to each office and cubical to say hello to my fellow workers. It takes up to a half-hour to get from my car to my office. I could go on with additional paragraphs laying out my routine for the rest of the day but I think you get the picture.
My routine is such a part of me that I don’t think about it very much unless someone asks about what I do with my day or I am writing a blog. On these occasions, I am forced to ask myself: What does my routine say about me? Does it reveal what is important to me? Does it accomplish what I think is important in being myself and in being your pastor? Finally, do I need to change my routine because it no longer serves the purpose I want to achieve?
Ministry By Walking Around has always been my philosophy and has served me well as a parish pastor. I believe that if the disciples at Epiphany see me outside of my office, encounter me with a hello in the parking lot, laugh at a joke in the Pantry, or say hi when I am walking up the stairs, those same disciples will be more apt to stop me with a question about the Bible, the position of the Lutheran Church on a social issue, or inquire about the Church Council’s recent meeting. My routine is designed to make me accessible. I do not have to think about it. I just do it.
So let me ask, What is your routine when you get up? What is your routine when you prepare to take care of the children for the day, go off to school, or head to the office? Does your routine help or diminish the relationships that you have with other people? Does it help you accomplish your purpose as an individual, as a member of a group, or as a disciple of Jesus? If you are like me, you probably don’t think about your routine very much. So break the routine for a few minutes and ask yourself, What do I do automatically and is it working for me?
Pastor Pete
My routine at Epiphany is just as predictable as my routine at home. I always park in the lower lot which forces me to enter the building with Preschool children and their parents. Here I get to see faces, say hello, and watch the toddlers play at the feet of Jesus’ statue. On Monday and Tuesday, I stop to say hello to the Pantry volunteers. Yesterday I met a new volunteer and welcomed her to this vital ministry. Climbing the stairs, I get to say hello to the volunteer at the welcoming desk in the Gathering Space. Upon entering the office, I walk to each office and cubical to say hello to my fellow workers. It takes up to a half-hour to get from my car to my office. I could go on with additional paragraphs laying out my routine for the rest of the day but I think you get the picture.
My routine is such a part of me that I don’t think about it very much unless someone asks about what I do with my day or I am writing a blog. On these occasions, I am forced to ask myself: What does my routine say about me? Does it reveal what is important to me? Does it accomplish what I think is important in being myself and in being your pastor? Finally, do I need to change my routine because it no longer serves the purpose I want to achieve?
Ministry By Walking Around has always been my philosophy and has served me well as a parish pastor. I believe that if the disciples at Epiphany see me outside of my office, encounter me with a hello in the parking lot, laugh at a joke in the Pantry, or say hi when I am walking up the stairs, those same disciples will be more apt to stop me with a question about the Bible, the position of the Lutheran Church on a social issue, or inquire about the Church Council’s recent meeting. My routine is designed to make me accessible. I do not have to think about it. I just do it.
So let me ask, What is your routine when you get up? What is your routine when you prepare to take care of the children for the day, go off to school, or head to the office? Does your routine help or diminish the relationships that you have with other people? Does it help you accomplish your purpose as an individual, as a member of a group, or as a disciple of Jesus? If you are like me, you probably don’t think about your routine very much. So break the routine for a few minutes and ask yourself, What do I do automatically and is it working for me?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Mountain Top Experiences
As I was driving to the office on Monday morning my mind kept thinking about Jesus and the Mt. of Transfiguration. On top of the mount, he met with Moses and Elijah. These two Old Testament leaders represent the law and the prophets. They are the dominate figures of Old Testament theology. In addition, God had spoken to Peter, James, and John directly affirming that Jesus was God’s son. As I put myself in the midst of Mark’s account of the transfiguration, I see Jesus as being absolutely exuberant. What a great experience and what a great day! Jesus had to be asking, “Does it get any better than this?”
When Jesus came down the mountain, he found a large crowd gathered around his disciples. Jesus would immediately enter once again into the daily grind of ministry. A father had brought his son for healing. His son had seizures which caused the boy great bodily harm. Jesus’ disciples tried to cast out the demon but their efforts were a failure. Jesus intervenes and the boy is healed, the demon is gone.
While the transfiguration happened two thousand years ago, I know that story well from personal experiences. On Sunday, over 1,100 people gathered at Epiphany to hear about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead through singing, preaching, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. From all reports, Sunday went extremely well. On Monday morning, I greeted by three of our members. The first words out of their mouth were, “Yesterday was just great. Pastor Sara had a wonderful message. She brought Jesus resurrection into our day.” What more could one ask from an Easter celebration?
As I went to my office, I read the e-mails that had accumulated over the weekend. We are getting a new server for our computers. We will not have internet access for several days next week. How will the staff communicate with each other and all of you? The first quarter of the year is in the record books. Financial statements have to be prepare and sent to each of you. Then there is the letter that accompanies the statements which is my responsibility. One of my e-mails had suggestions for who we might consider as a candidate for senior pastor. The e-mail was forward to the Call Committee. Gary Shooter was in with news about the new roof for the sanctuary. Then, of course, there is a sermon for next weekend. As I sat at my desk, I thought that Jesus only had one issue on his plate, the healing of a little boy, when he came down the mountain.
We all need mountain tops, be they a transfiguration, a great Easter celebration, recognition for a job well done, or a hug from someone who loves and understands us. We probably would like to have more mountain tops than we actually get. But mountain tops are not where life is lived or ministry occurs. It is at that base of the mountain that a boy is healed, the daily operation of the church occurs, recognition and rewards are received and hugs are given. The mountain top experiences give us a resolve to live at the base of the mountain where we do God’s will for our lives.
I pray that you all had a blessed celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and that it was a mountain top experience that will be with you at the base of the mountain; i.e., in your home, at you job, with your friends, and in your church.
Pastor Pete
When Jesus came down the mountain, he found a large crowd gathered around his disciples. Jesus would immediately enter once again into the daily grind of ministry. A father had brought his son for healing. His son had seizures which caused the boy great bodily harm. Jesus’ disciples tried to cast out the demon but their efforts were a failure. Jesus intervenes and the boy is healed, the demon is gone.
While the transfiguration happened two thousand years ago, I know that story well from personal experiences. On Sunday, over 1,100 people gathered at Epiphany to hear about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead through singing, preaching, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. From all reports, Sunday went extremely well. On Monday morning, I greeted by three of our members. The first words out of their mouth were, “Yesterday was just great. Pastor Sara had a wonderful message. She brought Jesus resurrection into our day.” What more could one ask from an Easter celebration?
As I went to my office, I read the e-mails that had accumulated over the weekend. We are getting a new server for our computers. We will not have internet access for several days next week. How will the staff communicate with each other and all of you? The first quarter of the year is in the record books. Financial statements have to be prepare and sent to each of you. Then there is the letter that accompanies the statements which is my responsibility. One of my e-mails had suggestions for who we might consider as a candidate for senior pastor. The e-mail was forward to the Call Committee. Gary Shooter was in with news about the new roof for the sanctuary. Then, of course, there is a sermon for next weekend. As I sat at my desk, I thought that Jesus only had one issue on his plate, the healing of a little boy, when he came down the mountain.
We all need mountain tops, be they a transfiguration, a great Easter celebration, recognition for a job well done, or a hug from someone who loves and understands us. We probably would like to have more mountain tops than we actually get. But mountain tops are not where life is lived or ministry occurs. It is at that base of the mountain that a boy is healed, the daily operation of the church occurs, recognition and rewards are received and hugs are given. The mountain top experiences give us a resolve to live at the base of the mountain where we do God’s will for our lives.
I pray that you all had a blessed celebration of Jesus’ resurrection and that it was a mountain top experience that will be with you at the base of the mountain; i.e., in your home, at you job, with your friends, and in your church.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Recurring Dreams
One of the ways that God speaks to us is through dreams, recurring dreams. For the last two weeks, I have awakened to mentally reciting the 19th Psalm. I am not sure why. I am not sure about the message. But there it is again and again.
Psalm 19 begins with proclamation; i.e., the heavens are telling ... the firmament proclaims ... and they do it without words. I have long been an advocate that our deeds must be accompanied by words. Paul says to us, How will the world know if we do not tell it about Jesus. But in Psalm 19, there is loud proclamation without words. Is God asking me to rejoice in deeds and behaviors without verbal witness?
The Psalm goes on to talk about God’s creative power; i.e., making a place for the sun. In the ancient world, when polytheism was accepted by everyone including the Jews, the god of creation was the most powerful god in the council of the gods. I believe that God (Yahweh in the Old Testament) is powerful, the most powerful force on earth. By remembering that God is all powerful, is God asking me to trust in God’s power to provide for Epiphany and me what is needed for our future growth?
The Psalm goes on to talk about the law, testimonies, precepts, commandments, fear, and ordinances of God and how they revive the soul. I have always believed that God has expectations for the way I think, for what I say, and how I behave. I also believe that our behaviors determine our feelings. Are these verses God’s way of saying I have to change, in some way, the way that I am behaving?
Finally, the Psalm concludes with a prayer request; i.e., keep your servant back from presumptuous (arrogance) sin. I think all of God’s people have to continually remind themselves that it is not what they do but what God does through them that really counts.
I am not sure why I continually dream about Psalm 19 but I do dream. I am also wondering if you have the same experience; i.e., having the same recurring dream. If so, at what point did/does the proclamation and revelation of God become crystal clear for you?
Pastor Pete
Psalm 19 begins with proclamation; i.e., the heavens are telling ... the firmament proclaims ... and they do it without words. I have long been an advocate that our deeds must be accompanied by words. Paul says to us, How will the world know if we do not tell it about Jesus. But in Psalm 19, there is loud proclamation without words. Is God asking me to rejoice in deeds and behaviors without verbal witness?
The Psalm goes on to talk about God’s creative power; i.e., making a place for the sun. In the ancient world, when polytheism was accepted by everyone including the Jews, the god of creation was the most powerful god in the council of the gods. I believe that God (Yahweh in the Old Testament) is powerful, the most powerful force on earth. By remembering that God is all powerful, is God asking me to trust in God’s power to provide for Epiphany and me what is needed for our future growth?
The Psalm goes on to talk about the law, testimonies, precepts, commandments, fear, and ordinances of God and how they revive the soul. I have always believed that God has expectations for the way I think, for what I say, and how I behave. I also believe that our behaviors determine our feelings. Are these verses God’s way of saying I have to change, in some way, the way that I am behaving?
Finally, the Psalm concludes with a prayer request; i.e., keep your servant back from presumptuous (arrogance) sin. I think all of God’s people have to continually remind themselves that it is not what they do but what God does through them that really counts.
I am not sure why I continually dream about Psalm 19 but I do dream. I am also wondering if you have the same experience; i.e., having the same recurring dream. If so, at what point did/does the proclamation and revelation of God become crystal clear for you?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Another Colosseum?
Christians believe that history does not have to repeat itself. While other (ancient) world religions understood life as a cycle of events, Jews and Christians understood history as having a beginning and moving in a line towards an ultimate goal. Special events such as the Exodus and the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus only need to happen once. They are not repeated; they are to be remembered. This staple of biblical and systematic theology seems to fly in the face of life as we live it today. Let me explain.
The Emperor Nero spent fantastic amounts of money on himself and his own comfort. His estate (palace and grounds) contained large living space, lavish (swimming) pools, gardens, etc. When he died, large portions of his estate were taken to build recreational space for the general population. Today, the Colosseum sits on the site of Nero’s pools. The purpose of the Colosseum was to entertain the general population so that they would not notice the troubles and challenges that constantly faced Rome and its emperors. In fact, the Colosseum and its “sports” worked so well in distracting the general population that the emperors paid the admission cost out of their own personal treasury for all who attended the games.
I think in our own way, we have built our own Colosseum(s) today. In February, it is the Super Bowl for football. In March, it is “March Madness” for basketball. During the summer months, it is the majors in golf. In October, it is the Fall Classic for baseball. (In regional areas, add to the list the opening day for fishing and hunting seasons.) For many, these are religious holidays. These events are the center of our attention and nothing will distract us from them.
About a week ago, NPR ran the story about how Michael (I think this was his name) was reprimanded for running a pool on March Madness teams. It cost $5.00 to get in on the action. Michael is 11 years old and his school principal was not amused by the number of students who were part of the pool. The story ended by telling us that Michael had North Carolina going all the way.
As I listen to conversations all around me, I hear lots of grumbling about the costs of our Colosseums and their athletes. Can you believe that so and so signed for $90 million? It doesn’t matter that Syracuse has had ethical problems and its star center cannot play because of grades, Syracuse wins and fills the seats of its Colosseum every game. In our society there are three standards when it comes to our Colosseums; namely, win, fill the seats, win. Nothing else counts.
I am not against sports. I will watch sporting events on television especially on a Sunday afternoon. That makes me part of the problem. Television revenue pays the bill. But what concerns me is that a ball game or a golf match can so dominate life that everything else pales in importance when my team is playing.
Last summer I stood in the Colosseum in Rome and listened to a wonderful lecture about how this building and its sports distracted the Romans from the challenges that faced them. As I remember that lecture, I see the same allure and distraction in our Colosseums and that scares me.
Pastor Pete
The Emperor Nero spent fantastic amounts of money on himself and his own comfort. His estate (palace and grounds) contained large living space, lavish (swimming) pools, gardens, etc. When he died, large portions of his estate were taken to build recreational space for the general population. Today, the Colosseum sits on the site of Nero’s pools. The purpose of the Colosseum was to entertain the general population so that they would not notice the troubles and challenges that constantly faced Rome and its emperors. In fact, the Colosseum and its “sports” worked so well in distracting the general population that the emperors paid the admission cost out of their own personal treasury for all who attended the games.
I think in our own way, we have built our own Colosseum(s) today. In February, it is the Super Bowl for football. In March, it is “March Madness” for basketball. During the summer months, it is the majors in golf. In October, it is the Fall Classic for baseball. (In regional areas, add to the list the opening day for fishing and hunting seasons.) For many, these are religious holidays. These events are the center of our attention and nothing will distract us from them.
About a week ago, NPR ran the story about how Michael (I think this was his name) was reprimanded for running a pool on March Madness teams. It cost $5.00 to get in on the action. Michael is 11 years old and his school principal was not amused by the number of students who were part of the pool. The story ended by telling us that Michael had North Carolina going all the way.
As I listen to conversations all around me, I hear lots of grumbling about the costs of our Colosseums and their athletes. Can you believe that so and so signed for $90 million? It doesn’t matter that Syracuse has had ethical problems and its star center cannot play because of grades, Syracuse wins and fills the seats of its Colosseum every game. In our society there are three standards when it comes to our Colosseums; namely, win, fill the seats, win. Nothing else counts.
I am not against sports. I will watch sporting events on television especially on a Sunday afternoon. That makes me part of the problem. Television revenue pays the bill. But what concerns me is that a ball game or a golf match can so dominate life that everything else pales in importance when my team is playing.
Last summer I stood in the Colosseum in Rome and listened to a wonderful lecture about how this building and its sports distracted the Romans from the challenges that faced them. As I remember that lecture, I see the same allure and distraction in our Colosseums and that scares me.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
What's New?
There are three things on my mind as I write this blog. Well, there are really four, five, or six, but I will keep it to three.
First, I have been asked on several occasions lately about the call process for a new senior pastor. My answer has been the Call Committee is functioning. In fact, this coming Thursday a candidate will be visiting Epiphany. The schedule is simple. The candidate arrives on Thursday and leaves on Friday. The visit includes tours of the buildings and the surrounding communities, meals with a few members of the committee, a three hour interview with the whole committee, and a meeting with the staff. After the candidate’s departure, both he and the Committee decide if the process will continue. On the light side, I have wondered how the Call Committee is going to do all of this and have the new senior pastor at Epiphany by this Easter morning. I have been told by one member of the Committee that he doesn’t feel the miracle of the new pastor arriving by this Easter.
There is usually an apology connected with the question about the progress of the Call Committee. The individual wants to assure me that I have done nothing wrong, that I am not being pushed out the door, and maybe he or she should not have asked the question. There is great concern for my feelings. Let me assure you that Epiphany and its disciples have been great. For the health of Epiphany, the new senior has to come. The question about the Call Committee is appropriate. My feelings are in no way hurt.
The second thing on my mind is two task forces that have just been formed. One task force is addressing the ministry at the Austin campus. This task force will answer the question, What will it take for Austin to be a growing congregation? According to the Southern Ohio Synod, for a congregation to be self-sustaining it must have an average worship attendance of 125 per weekend to support ministry that meets the needs of its members and the surrounding community. The Austin Task Force is current preparing a survey for those who worship at this campus. The task force will also survey the community to determine the ministries that we can deliver to meet the needs of its neighbors. I have asked Erin Halogowski and Jane Lane to think about how young people in confirmation can meet the requirements of this program at Austin instead of at Far Hills. This report is due no later than June of this year.
Far Hills will have a similar task force. This task force will study the demographics of the communities that surround the Far Hills campus. It will ask and answer the question, What are the ministries that need to be in place five and ten years from now so that the Far Hills campus will be growing as a result of meeting the needs of those who worship at this campus and those who live in the surrounding community?
Finally, I am thinking about the fun I am having with the Lenten series. While I believe serving the Lord is the primary reason behind what a Christian does, I believe thoroughly enjoying yourself in that service is an absolute plus. It has been fun for me to revisit Mark and to share both old and new insights with you.
Pastor Pete
First, I have been asked on several occasions lately about the call process for a new senior pastor. My answer has been the Call Committee is functioning. In fact, this coming Thursday a candidate will be visiting Epiphany. The schedule is simple. The candidate arrives on Thursday and leaves on Friday. The visit includes tours of the buildings and the surrounding communities, meals with a few members of the committee, a three hour interview with the whole committee, and a meeting with the staff. After the candidate’s departure, both he and the Committee decide if the process will continue. On the light side, I have wondered how the Call Committee is going to do all of this and have the new senior pastor at Epiphany by this Easter morning. I have been told by one member of the Committee that he doesn’t feel the miracle of the new pastor arriving by this Easter.
There is usually an apology connected with the question about the progress of the Call Committee. The individual wants to assure me that I have done nothing wrong, that I am not being pushed out the door, and maybe he or she should not have asked the question. There is great concern for my feelings. Let me assure you that Epiphany and its disciples have been great. For the health of Epiphany, the new senior has to come. The question about the Call Committee is appropriate. My feelings are in no way hurt.
The second thing on my mind is two task forces that have just been formed. One task force is addressing the ministry at the Austin campus. This task force will answer the question, What will it take for Austin to be a growing congregation? According to the Southern Ohio Synod, for a congregation to be self-sustaining it must have an average worship attendance of 125 per weekend to support ministry that meets the needs of its members and the surrounding community. The Austin Task Force is current preparing a survey for those who worship at this campus. The task force will also survey the community to determine the ministries that we can deliver to meet the needs of its neighbors. I have asked Erin Halogowski and Jane Lane to think about how young people in confirmation can meet the requirements of this program at Austin instead of at Far Hills. This report is due no later than June of this year.
Far Hills will have a similar task force. This task force will study the demographics of the communities that surround the Far Hills campus. It will ask and answer the question, What are the ministries that need to be in place five and ten years from now so that the Far Hills campus will be growing as a result of meeting the needs of those who worship at this campus and those who live in the surrounding community?
Finally, I am thinking about the fun I am having with the Lenten series. While I believe serving the Lord is the primary reason behind what a Christian does, I believe thoroughly enjoying yourself in that service is an absolute plus. It has been fun for me to revisit Mark and to share both old and new insights with you.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Practicing The Fundamentals
The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi believed that a team should be so well trained in the fundamentals of a play that the team could tell its opponent what play they were going to run and still be successful in executing the play. If you practice and execute the fundamentals, you will win Lombardi believed.
I believe the same is true in living out our faith. If Christians continually practiced and executed the fundamentals of their faith, they would know God’s grace in daily life.
Martin Luther believed in going back to the fundamentals. He instructed his followers that when they rise in the morning and when they go to bed at night they should make the sign of the cross, then recite the 10 Commandments to remind themselves that they do not always behave as Jesus would have them behave. Then they were to recite the Apostle Creed to remind themselves that Jesus came to die on a cross so their sins (dysfunctional behaviors) could be forgiven. Finally, they were to pray the Lord’s Prayer to remind themselves that Jesus was a source of help and comfort in their daily lives. Luther believed that if Christians practiced everyday the Commandments, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer they would be able to withstand any temptation that might come their way.
As you know, I have been teaching the Gospel According to St. Mark on Wednesday evenings during Lent. I have taught Bible studies on Mark in the past. As I review the material, re-work and re-write what I have previous taught, I find that I am remembering many facets of Mark that I have forgotten. Helping to spur my memory is reading a commentary on Mark by Pheme Perkings. Each time I teach a Bible study like Mark, I am forced to go back to the fundamentals of my faith.
A final example is a presentation I am making this Thursday to Lutheran pastors on the Augsburg Confession. While all eight of the Lutheran Confessions (documents that define what Lutheran really believe) a supposedly equal, the Augsburg Confession is the document that is always quoted. As I worked on this presentation, there were parts of the Confession that I knew by heart. There were other parts that I know I have read in the past because I had underlined particular words, phrases, and sentences throughout these parts of the Confession. Through the preparation for my presentation I have come to renew my appreciation of the uniqueness of Lutherans especially in the Lutheran understanding of theology.
So let me ask, if Lombardi and Luther are right when they say practice and execute the fundamentals, how do you practice the fundamentals of your faith? Do you set aside time for daily Bible reading and prayer? Is weekly worship a priority? How do you reach out to touch others because the Bible teaches that we are our brother’s keeper? A good practice schedule builds a strong faith-filled life.
Pastor Pete
I believe the same is true in living out our faith. If Christians continually practiced and executed the fundamentals of their faith, they would know God’s grace in daily life.
Martin Luther believed in going back to the fundamentals. He instructed his followers that when they rise in the morning and when they go to bed at night they should make the sign of the cross, then recite the 10 Commandments to remind themselves that they do not always behave as Jesus would have them behave. Then they were to recite the Apostle Creed to remind themselves that Jesus came to die on a cross so their sins (dysfunctional behaviors) could be forgiven. Finally, they were to pray the Lord’s Prayer to remind themselves that Jesus was a source of help and comfort in their daily lives. Luther believed that if Christians practiced everyday the Commandments, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer they would be able to withstand any temptation that might come their way.
As you know, I have been teaching the Gospel According to St. Mark on Wednesday evenings during Lent. I have taught Bible studies on Mark in the past. As I review the material, re-work and re-write what I have previous taught, I find that I am remembering many facets of Mark that I have forgotten. Helping to spur my memory is reading a commentary on Mark by Pheme Perkings. Each time I teach a Bible study like Mark, I am forced to go back to the fundamentals of my faith.
A final example is a presentation I am making this Thursday to Lutheran pastors on the Augsburg Confession. While all eight of the Lutheran Confessions (documents that define what Lutheran really believe) a supposedly equal, the Augsburg Confession is the document that is always quoted. As I worked on this presentation, there were parts of the Confession that I knew by heart. There were other parts that I know I have read in the past because I had underlined particular words, phrases, and sentences throughout these parts of the Confession. Through the preparation for my presentation I have come to renew my appreciation of the uniqueness of Lutherans especially in the Lutheran understanding of theology.
So let me ask, if Lombardi and Luther are right when they say practice and execute the fundamentals, how do you practice the fundamentals of your faith? Do you set aside time for daily Bible reading and prayer? Is weekly worship a priority? How do you reach out to touch others because the Bible teaches that we are our brother’s keeper? A good practice schedule builds a strong faith-filled life.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
No More Political Ads
I am writing this on election/primary day morning, March 6, 2012. My heart is rejoicing because this is the day that negative political ads stop. Through these ads, I have heard over and over again that Romney lies and is not a true conservative and how Santorum has become a Washington insider over the last 20 years. What is most disturbing about these ads is that they are not paid for or coordinated by a candidate. They are produced and paid for by a PAC which has total control over each ads’ content.
On January 24, 2012, I listened to National Public Radio as I was driving to Epiphany. As one of their segments, David Greene reported on the senatorial race in Massachusetts between Senator Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren. These two individuals had signed an agreement on how their campaigns would be conducted. The agreement was that no PAC ads were allowed on their behalf. If a PAC aired an attack ad against the candidate’s opponent or an ad supporting the candidate, the candidate would write a check to a charity from his or her campaign funds in the amount of the cost of the ad. It was reasoned that writing such a check would hurt the candidate’s effort to be elected thus forcing PACs to stop advertising in Massachusetts. In essence, each candidate would be held responsible for whatever ads were produced to attack their opponent or describe themselves.
Since January, I have wondered how this agreement has worked. I have been intrigued with the novel idea that a candidate should be held responsible for his or her own thoughts, words, and behaviors. No blaming others for what has been put into print, aired on radio or television, or sent through the social media. If this idea really worked, we would have a much better picture of who a candidate really is, how they think, and what is of value to him or her. And, since the agreement between Brown and Warren was done voluntarily, the Supreme Court’s ruling that PACs are legal does not come into play.
I have also wondered what would happen if Christians would make the same agreement among themselves? What would happen if we did not use third parties to relay our feelings (mostly negative) about another person who we feel has wronged us? What would happen if we followed Luther’s explanation of the 8th Commandment, “We should fear and love God, and we should not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray him, but should apologize for him, speak well of him, and interpret charitably all that he does.”? What would happen if we talked to each other face to face and not behind another person’s back as Luther suggests? If we could do this, we would witness to the world a radically new way in which people can live together in peace. If we would follow what our faith teaches us maybe the agreement between Brown and Warren would not be such a novel agreement.
As I said above, I am rejoicing that the negative political ads will be over by this evening. In their place, I will once again be told if only I use the right shampoo, I will be popular and all the world will love me.
Pastor Pete
On January 24, 2012, I listened to National Public Radio as I was driving to Epiphany. As one of their segments, David Greene reported on the senatorial race in Massachusetts between Senator Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren. These two individuals had signed an agreement on how their campaigns would be conducted. The agreement was that no PAC ads were allowed on their behalf. If a PAC aired an attack ad against the candidate’s opponent or an ad supporting the candidate, the candidate would write a check to a charity from his or her campaign funds in the amount of the cost of the ad. It was reasoned that writing such a check would hurt the candidate’s effort to be elected thus forcing PACs to stop advertising in Massachusetts. In essence, each candidate would be held responsible for whatever ads were produced to attack their opponent or describe themselves.
Since January, I have wondered how this agreement has worked. I have been intrigued with the novel idea that a candidate should be held responsible for his or her own thoughts, words, and behaviors. No blaming others for what has been put into print, aired on radio or television, or sent through the social media. If this idea really worked, we would have a much better picture of who a candidate really is, how they think, and what is of value to him or her. And, since the agreement between Brown and Warren was done voluntarily, the Supreme Court’s ruling that PACs are legal does not come into play.
I have also wondered what would happen if Christians would make the same agreement among themselves? What would happen if we did not use third parties to relay our feelings (mostly negative) about another person who we feel has wronged us? What would happen if we followed Luther’s explanation of the 8th Commandment, “We should fear and love God, and we should not tell lies about our neighbor, nor betray him, but should apologize for him, speak well of him, and interpret charitably all that he does.”? What would happen if we talked to each other face to face and not behind another person’s back as Luther suggests? If we could do this, we would witness to the world a radically new way in which people can live together in peace. If we would follow what our faith teaches us maybe the agreement between Brown and Warren would not be such a novel agreement.
As I said above, I am rejoicing that the negative political ads will be over by this evening. In their place, I will once again be told if only I use the right shampoo, I will be popular and all the world will love me.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Loss In The Wake Of Change
In writing my report for the Annual Report and in attending the annual meeting, my mind wandered over the past year. It was a year of change, radical change. To put an exclamation point on the year, I want to talk about change in this blog.
The biggest downside to change is loss. As a congregation and as individuals, we experienced some painful losses. Some of the loss was in relationships. We miss some of our former members and we talk about them kindly. They were good friends and we wish they would return. Some of the loss was in the way that we do things. You had to get used to the way that I do things in worship, in meetings, and in our encounters as I walk throughout Epiphany’s building. Sometimes that caused grumbling which was justified. Some of the loss occurred in the decision making process. Before last year, decision making was somewhat haphazard while today there is much more structure. For those who were used to total freedom, the loss of that freedom has hurt. The list of losses can go on and on but I think the point is made. Change always brings the downside of loss in its wake.
I began this blog with a discussion of loss because I want to acknowledge its existence. I want to acknowledge the pain that it brings. And, I want to acknowledge that some are still struggling with loss as we continue to move forward into the future. Loss is a reality that cannot be denied. I have tried to be sensitive to the loss that has occurred.
Change also brings with it the possibility of gain. I believe that we have gained a great deal in the past twelve months. We have regained a spirit that matches our purpose statement, to love Jesus by serving others. At the annual meeting, we acknowledged a climate of celebration as we said thank you to all the disciples at Epiphany who have willingly volunteered to give of their time, skills, and ability. We are creating a financial foundation that will support the delivery of Epiphany’s ministries to members and non-members alike. I believe the roles and responsibilities of the staff and volunteers are much more clearly defined. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities give good order in our decision making process. Again, I could go on and on but I think you get the point. Good things can come out of change.
If change automatically brings loss and the possibility of gain, the questions is, Did we as a congregation and as individual disciples gain more than we lost over the past year? If the answer is yes, we will tell our friends and neighbors what wonderful things are happening in our congregation. If the answer is no, the struggle continues on how we are going to deal with loss that will not let us go. For those who are celebrating the gain, I celebrate with you. For those who are still struggling with loss, I empathize with your struggle.
Pastor Pete
The biggest downside to change is loss. As a congregation and as individuals, we experienced some painful losses. Some of the loss was in relationships. We miss some of our former members and we talk about them kindly. They were good friends and we wish they would return. Some of the loss was in the way that we do things. You had to get used to the way that I do things in worship, in meetings, and in our encounters as I walk throughout Epiphany’s building. Sometimes that caused grumbling which was justified. Some of the loss occurred in the decision making process. Before last year, decision making was somewhat haphazard while today there is much more structure. For those who were used to total freedom, the loss of that freedom has hurt. The list of losses can go on and on but I think the point is made. Change always brings the downside of loss in its wake.
I began this blog with a discussion of loss because I want to acknowledge its existence. I want to acknowledge the pain that it brings. And, I want to acknowledge that some are still struggling with loss as we continue to move forward into the future. Loss is a reality that cannot be denied. I have tried to be sensitive to the loss that has occurred.
Change also brings with it the possibility of gain. I believe that we have gained a great deal in the past twelve months. We have regained a spirit that matches our purpose statement, to love Jesus by serving others. At the annual meeting, we acknowledged a climate of celebration as we said thank you to all the disciples at Epiphany who have willingly volunteered to give of their time, skills, and ability. We are creating a financial foundation that will support the delivery of Epiphany’s ministries to members and non-members alike. I believe the roles and responsibilities of the staff and volunteers are much more clearly defined. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities give good order in our decision making process. Again, I could go on and on but I think you get the point. Good things can come out of change.
If change automatically brings loss and the possibility of gain, the questions is, Did we as a congregation and as individual disciples gain more than we lost over the past year? If the answer is yes, we will tell our friends and neighbors what wonderful things are happening in our congregation. If the answer is no, the struggle continues on how we are going to deal with loss that will not let us go. For those who are celebrating the gain, I celebrate with you. For those who are still struggling with loss, I empathize with your struggle.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A Good Get-away
Since my retirement Joyce and I have taken a winter trip to get away from rain, snow, and cold of Ohio. These get-aways are similar to summer get-aways to the beach. Last week was this year' get-away.
My friends laugh at my get aways because I am always taking a book or a project with me. To them my get-ways seem like another day at the office. The only difference is that I am wearing a bathing suit. This should not surprise you. I told you in a sermon that I am a Type-A personality often on steroids. My get-aways are when I have the time, without interruption, to read, think creatively, plan the future, and let my administrative imagination run wild. The beach, summer or winter, is the perfect getaway for me.
This past week I worked on two projects. One of them was to prepare a presentation for a group of Lutheran pastors. The assigned topic is, The Augsburg Confession Yesterday And Today. I will use "Tradition" to describe the place the Confession has in defining what Lutherans believe. I will use a communication model as a way to form a dialogue between the 16th century Confession and today’s church. And, I will use a key planning question to identify about what is not in the Confession but should be. The presentation is on the 22nd of March. I will be putting together a PowerPoint design to communicate what I want to say in words and images.
By the end of last week, I began to think about offering this presentation to the disciples at Epiphany. I think that Epiphany has many disciples who are deeply interested in the teachings of the church. I also believe that the discussion might be fruitful and lively. To determine the practicality of such a presentation, I am using this blog to determine interest in such an adventure. If twelve disciples at Epiphany (12 is a holy number), I will offer this presentation at a time to be determined. Let me know if morning, afternoon, or evenings are best.
It was a good week. The creative juices flowed even if the weather was cloudy and cool.
Pastor Pete
My friends laugh at my get aways because I am always taking a book or a project with me. To them my get-ways seem like another day at the office. The only difference is that I am wearing a bathing suit. This should not surprise you. I told you in a sermon that I am a Type-A personality often on steroids. My get-aways are when I have the time, without interruption, to read, think creatively, plan the future, and let my administrative imagination run wild. The beach, summer or winter, is the perfect getaway for me.
This past week I worked on two projects. One of them was to prepare a presentation for a group of Lutheran pastors. The assigned topic is, The Augsburg Confession Yesterday And Today. I will use "Tradition" to describe the place the Confession has in defining what Lutherans believe. I will use a communication model as a way to form a dialogue between the 16th century Confession and today’s church. And, I will use a key planning question to identify about what is not in the Confession but should be. The presentation is on the 22nd of March. I will be putting together a PowerPoint design to communicate what I want to say in words and images.
By the end of last week, I began to think about offering this presentation to the disciples at Epiphany. I think that Epiphany has many disciples who are deeply interested in the teachings of the church. I also believe that the discussion might be fruitful and lively. To determine the practicality of such a presentation, I am using this blog to determine interest in such an adventure. If twelve disciples at Epiphany (12 is a holy number), I will offer this presentation at a time to be determined. Let me know if morning, afternoon, or evenings are best.
It was a good week. The creative juices flowed even if the weather was cloudy and cool.
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Three Worship Styles
I have received a number of comments lately about the PowerPoint graphics that illustrate my sermons. Last week, one person recited all the points of the sermon correctly and credited the graphics for her accomplishments. This was amazing since most people can’t remember the sermon when they leave the sanctuary never mind at a later time. I was honored. A mother told me that her young daughter didn’t listen to the sermon but she just loved the pictures. The fact that kids pay attention during an adult exercise called a sermon is a miracle in and of its self. The mother’s statement was a compliment and I will keep the pictures coming.
As I reflect on these two comments, I remembered a sociological breakdown of American society. Sociologically, three groups of people make up the American public. It should be stated that all three groups make up the membership of a congregation but one of the three groups usually dominates a congregation.
The first group are Word People. Word People are those who learn and are stimulated by the spoken and written word. There are several ways to identify a word person. Word People say “I think ...” Word People believe that the most important part of worship is the sermon. (I am not going to debate the theology of this statement except to say it is the way that it is.) If Word People miss church, they may ask their friends, What did the pastor say in his/her sermon? Word people sit in the back of the sanctuary. Do you recognize anything Lutheran in this group?
The second group are Visual People. Visual People learn and are stimulated by visual images and color. Visual People say, “I see ...” Visual people are very aware of the color of the paraments and look to see if the flowers match well with the paraments. When the colors do not match, they become upset. They are very concerned with banners, stain glass windows, and colored bulletins that present the theme of the day. In my last church, extreme Visual People said to me, “I really don’t listen to the sermon, I am spiritually moved by the way the sun comes through the stain glass window in the front of the church. God speaks to me in all of those colors and reflections.
The third group are Kinesthetic People. Kinesthetic People say, “I feel ...” They like movement. Therefore, they sit in the front of the church to see what is happening. They watch the movement of the pastor’s hands in prayer, offering the peace of the Lord, or in the elevation of the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Kinesthetic People join the Drama Club or want to see liturgical dance as part of the service.
Going back to the comments on the PowerPoint graphics in the first paragraph, those who made the comments have an insight into what is happening in the worship services. The graphics increase the number of worshipers who can relate to the sermon. Word People still have the written and spoken word. Visual People now have graphics which match their style of seeing God’s word in a way that fits their personality. And, I might add, Kinesthetic People have the movement in the liturgy that gives worship extra meaning for them.
So let me ask, who are you? Do you think, or do you see, or do you feel? Probably some of each but one will be more dominant over the other two. Does this help you to understand what you like best about church, about Epiphany, and about its worship?
Pastor Pete
As I reflect on these two comments, I remembered a sociological breakdown of American society. Sociologically, three groups of people make up the American public. It should be stated that all three groups make up the membership of a congregation but one of the three groups usually dominates a congregation.
The first group are Word People. Word People are those who learn and are stimulated by the spoken and written word. There are several ways to identify a word person. Word People say “I think ...” Word People believe that the most important part of worship is the sermon. (I am not going to debate the theology of this statement except to say it is the way that it is.) If Word People miss church, they may ask their friends, What did the pastor say in his/her sermon? Word people sit in the back of the sanctuary. Do you recognize anything Lutheran in this group?
The second group are Visual People. Visual People learn and are stimulated by visual images and color. Visual People say, “I see ...” Visual people are very aware of the color of the paraments and look to see if the flowers match well with the paraments. When the colors do not match, they become upset. They are very concerned with banners, stain glass windows, and colored bulletins that present the theme of the day. In my last church, extreme Visual People said to me, “I really don’t listen to the sermon, I am spiritually moved by the way the sun comes through the stain glass window in the front of the church. God speaks to me in all of those colors and reflections.
The third group are Kinesthetic People. Kinesthetic People say, “I feel ...” They like movement. Therefore, they sit in the front of the church to see what is happening. They watch the movement of the pastor’s hands in prayer, offering the peace of the Lord, or in the elevation of the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Kinesthetic People join the Drama Club or want to see liturgical dance as part of the service.
Going back to the comments on the PowerPoint graphics in the first paragraph, those who made the comments have an insight into what is happening in the worship services. The graphics increase the number of worshipers who can relate to the sermon. Word People still have the written and spoken word. Visual People now have graphics which match their style of seeing God’s word in a way that fits their personality. And, I might add, Kinesthetic People have the movement in the liturgy that gives worship extra meaning for them.
So let me ask, who are you? Do you think, or do you see, or do you feel? Probably some of each but one will be more dominant over the other two. Does this help you to understand what you like best about church, about Epiphany, and about its worship?
Pastor Pete
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The Power Of Stories
I am reading Rise To Rebellion by Jeff Shaara. It is a novel about the 1770s in Boston. The introduction states that all of the events happened they way they are portrayed, but the author created the dialogue between Sam and John Adams as well as the thoughts and the feelings of General Gage and his fellow officers. Last night I read about the horror felt in the stomaches of the British army caused by their defeated at Concord.
I am also watching the HBO series on John Adams and his career. Again the events are actual and the dialogue is created by the author of the movie script. I am caught by the dialogue that goes on between John and Abigail, his wife. Some of that dialogue was copied from conversations that often occur between me and Joyce.
As I am reading and watching these two “true fictions” (I know true fiction is an oxymoron), I am amazed how putting history into story form makes a compelling read or pleasurable watching. I know that most Americans lack a good sense of history so I wonder what would happen if history courses were taught in school through good true fiction novels and movies. I think we would certainly have a much better retension of history.
The same principle holds true for teaching the Christian faith. At Good Shepherd, they taped my sermons for distribution. I listened to the tapes as a way to improve my preaching. One thing that I learned was that when I told a story about myself or someone else, the sanctuary became very quiet. Babies even stopped fussing. But when I talked about John 3:16, or Romans 8:38-39, the noise level grew. Babies fussed, teenagers dropped their bulletins, and adults looked at their watches. I concluded that it is the power of the story that holds a congregation’s attention.
Children learn who their parents are by the stories of their parent’s youth. Little children want to know what it was like when their parents were their age. The plea is repeated almost on a daily basis to have mom or dad tell a story.
On an organizational level, we learn the culture of a congregation by the stories that are told. “When pastor so and so was here, we did this and this and this.” The this, and this, and this reveal what the congregation values. That is especially true if similar stories are told about the successor of pastor so and so.
So let me ask, What are the stories that you tell about yourself to your family and friends? If you stopped and analyzed those stories, what do they reveal about your values and perspective on life? What are the stories that you tell about the place where you work? What do they reveal about the culture and values of your work environment? Finally, what are the stories that you tell about Epiphany? These stories reveal how you feel about the ministry of our congregation and those who lead it. It this the message you want to send?
To go back to the beginning of this blog, people do not remember dates concerning the Stamp Act, or the Boston Tea Party, or America’s victory at Concord but they do remember the stories told about those events. People will not always remember your birthday or anniversary but they will remember the stories you tell about your friendships and/or marriage. And, people will not remember the founding date of Epiphany but they will remember the stories you tell about its ministries. Stop and think for a moment about the stories you tell and ask, do they convey the message you want remembered?
Pastor Pete
I am also watching the HBO series on John Adams and his career. Again the events are actual and the dialogue is created by the author of the movie script. I am caught by the dialogue that goes on between John and Abigail, his wife. Some of that dialogue was copied from conversations that often occur between me and Joyce.
As I am reading and watching these two “true fictions” (I know true fiction is an oxymoron), I am amazed how putting history into story form makes a compelling read or pleasurable watching. I know that most Americans lack a good sense of history so I wonder what would happen if history courses were taught in school through good true fiction novels and movies. I think we would certainly have a much better retension of history.
The same principle holds true for teaching the Christian faith. At Good Shepherd, they taped my sermons for distribution. I listened to the tapes as a way to improve my preaching. One thing that I learned was that when I told a story about myself or someone else, the sanctuary became very quiet. Babies even stopped fussing. But when I talked about John 3:16, or Romans 8:38-39, the noise level grew. Babies fussed, teenagers dropped their bulletins, and adults looked at their watches. I concluded that it is the power of the story that holds a congregation’s attention.
Children learn who their parents are by the stories of their parent’s youth. Little children want to know what it was like when their parents were their age. The plea is repeated almost on a daily basis to have mom or dad tell a story.
On an organizational level, we learn the culture of a congregation by the stories that are told. “When pastor so and so was here, we did this and this and this.” The this, and this, and this reveal what the congregation values. That is especially true if similar stories are told about the successor of pastor so and so.
So let me ask, What are the stories that you tell about yourself to your family and friends? If you stopped and analyzed those stories, what do they reveal about your values and perspective on life? What are the stories that you tell about the place where you work? What do they reveal about the culture and values of your work environment? Finally, what are the stories that you tell about Epiphany? These stories reveal how you feel about the ministry of our congregation and those who lead it. It this the message you want to send?
To go back to the beginning of this blog, people do not remember dates concerning the Stamp Act, or the Boston Tea Party, or America’s victory at Concord but they do remember the stories told about those events. People will not always remember your birthday or anniversary but they will remember the stories you tell about your friendships and/or marriage. And, people will not remember the founding date of Epiphany but they will remember the stories you tell about its ministries. Stop and think for a moment about the stories you tell and ask, do they convey the message you want remembered?
Pastor Pete
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