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Phil's Blog October - December 2005
December 23, 2005
A Light in the Darkness…
One of my favorite verses of scripture is found in the opening verses of John’s Gospel: “All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1:3-5)
As I write these words, though it is rather chilly outside, the sun is shining brightly! Some would say that the sky isn’t blue enough…especially after Kentucky’s win over Louisville on Saturday. Others have suggested that the sky’s shade of blue reminds them of a little known team called the “Tarheels.” But in a season of early sunsets and late sunrises…I’ll take whatever clear, blue sky we can get. And in a time when we hear so much “bad news” I am always listening for a “good word”, or some “good news.” And there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t see a flickering flame braking through the fog and darkness.
I saw the light shining on Sunday when Stephen Ham gave his presentation on his work with the Peace Corps in Ghana. Later, in worship, I heard it as the symphony lead us in a service of music, and I saw the light dancing in Cecilia Cate Webb’s countenance. Then, even a bit later, I saw the light shining on Orchard Street as various representatives from different congregations gathered for a “Dedication Service” of the sixty-seventh house built by the Owensboro chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The house was built by various congregations working together. And I see the light every day in the lives of those who claim this church as their “spiritual home.”
In a few hours the sun will set, night will fall, but the light will always shine. And the light of which I write will never be overcome. From our home to yours…”Merry Christmas!”
Phil
December 16, 2005
Serenity in the Storm…
There is a fable that goes something like this: “Tell me the weight of a snowflake,” a sparrow asked a wild dove. “Nothing more than nothing” was the answer. “In that case, I must tell you a marvelous story,” the sparrow said. “I sat on the branch of a fir, close to its trunk, when it began to snow—not heavily, not in a raging blizzard—no, just like in a dream, without a sound, and without any violence. Since I did not have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch. Their number was exactly 3,741,952. When the 3,741,953rddropped onto the branch, nothing more than nothing, as you say, the branch broke off.”
Having said that, the sparrow flew away.
The dove thought about what the sparrow said, and finally said to herself, “Perhaps only one person’s voice is lacking for peace to come to the world.”
Serenity. One of the definitions of the word is, “a state of being free from storms.” Another understanding of the word is “a state of utter calm.” Serenity, I would guess, is something few of us experience; particularly in these rush-about days of the season. And yet, serenity is one of the very reasons God sent the Christ Child.
I began making a list of places and situations where serenity is not, and I found that to be a rather depressing exercise. I thought about homes in which there is physical and verbal abuse, gangs in which violence is taught, groups that teach people to hate, strife and tension in families over past grievances and built up resentment, Iraq, the Middle East, and the list went on and on. And, I was reminded, again, what a precious commodity serenity is. Equally, I was reminded that in order for any of us to help facilitate serenity in the lives of others, we must first know it ourselves.
Perhaps only one person’s voice is lacking for peace or serenity to come to the world. And that one life may be yours or mine. So, just in case, let us claim the serenity that the infant Jesus brings to life and consciously choose to accept God’s amazing gift.
Phil
December 9, 2005
The Voice of One…
Jim Hightower, perhaps America’s “Ace Number One Populist”, is one of my favorite commentators and writers. He speaks truth to power, and says what many believe, but for various reasons, are too afraid to speak out loud. He came from a working class family, and labored his way through the University of North Texas. After that, he went on to do some graduate work at Columbia University. His tenure as a former commissioner of agriculture in Texas was noted for fostering organic production, direct marketing by small farmers, and strong pesticide regulations. Throughout his life, he has found the courage to speak what he understands the truth to be; he has chosen to use his voice (the voice of one) for the benefit of others.
One of the more eccentric personalities we find in the scriptures is John the Baptist. Throughout the ages, he has been poked at, laughed at, and occasionally dismissed as being “weird.” Nevertheless, in his day, he would call the culture to prepare for Christ’s coming. He challenged those who would listen to “make straight the way of the Lord.” Though he could have used his voice for a variety of purposes, John chose to use his for Jesus. Herod, as we know, had John beheaded for his prophetic call and ministry.
Today it is still difficult to call the culture away from its self-absorption. It is still difficult to use our voices to invite one another into a time of preparation for the coming of One who is greater than ourselves. It is still painful to speak truth to power. And those in positions of power still seek to silence those who carry a different message than the one they want to hear. Even so, now, like in other times, the world needs to hear that there is another way to live our lives.
In this season, as in ages past, all it takes is one candle’s flame to give light to the darkness, and the call of one voice for us to find our way home. May each of us be the “voice of one.” Be blessed, Phil
December 2, 2005
What Would Your Church Say?”
It was a brutally cold day on February 15, 2003 when nearly seven hundred people gathered on the circle in Indianapolis to make a stand for peace. Though our national leaders (of various political party and persuasion were making a case for war) some of us were holding out hope and praying for peace. Our family decided to go for several reasons, but John said it best: “Dad, fighting doesn’t help anything.”
I’m not typically a rally-attending-kind-of-person, but the seemingly fast movement toward military action created an enormous amount of anxiety within me, and I thought, “Perhaps political leadership will see that there is opposition to the idea and change its thinking.” As we stood with others, listening to speeches against the possibility of war, one gentleman, a Viet Nam Veteran, asked us where we were from, and what we did. When I told him, he asked, “What would your church say if it knew you were here?” In those words, that gentleman said quite a bit, but I took the question at face value and responded, “I’m not sure, but I would hope they would be supportive. After all, we follow the Prince of Peace, and fighting doesn’t help anything.”
This Sunday (December 4th) has been set aside by our denomination as “Peace Sunday.” We are asked to consider the issue of peace with justice as it relates to our community, nation, and world. The scripture readings for the day certainly invite us to be about that business. Even so, that work, for us, must last longer than a day; the call of the gospel asks for that work to consume our lives.
Looking back on that day three years ago, I regret that I was not able to say with more certainty that I had the church’s blessing to be there. Just as much, I regret that the gentleman’s question suggested that I was engaging in some sort of subversive activity.
Regardless, may we remind ourselves that Jesus calls us to a different way. Peace… Phil
November 18, 2005
Life on the Edge of Hope…
It is “mystifying” to think that we are just days away from entering another season of Advent. The word “advent” means “coming” or “arrival.” But this liturgical time in the life of the church is not only about celebrating the birth of Christ (a historical moment), it is, also, about the consummation of God’s reign that Christ’s birth initiated. Advent is about that which has taken place and that which is yet to come. Parousia is the word. It is Greek for “the already but not yet.” And, as for we who live in the middle, we eagerly wait between past and future. Though there is nothing we can do about the past, there are some things we can be doing so as to get ready for the future when it becomes our present. That is why the Church has given us such a season; so we can be intentional and focused in our preparations for Christ’s return. Though there is no specific date as to when the Church established this season (most believe it was in place by the middle of the fifth century), it was the Council of Tours in 567 that made the season a time of fasting before Christmas.
Today, of course, we do not fast on certain days during Advent; maybe Lent, but not Advent. As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are put away, we quickly get on with our Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, and everything else that has come to define the days between the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas morning. There are cards to send, office lunches to attend, elementary school Christmas programs to watch, and all the rest. We anxiously await such moments and we should; for it is all good! And so will the consummation of God’s reign be…when it comes.
I confess that it appears as though the world is moving father away from that time when the lion lays down with the lamb, and our swords are transformed into plowshares, and our spears into pruning hooks.
There are human made wars, and there is pain from nature’s fury. Iraq, Evansville, New Orleans, Pakistan, India, Guatemala, Darfur, Florida and in many other places, and within virtually every life there is turmoil, hurt, and indescribable grief. Just the naming of such places can weigh us down, and rob us of our joy. But this special season we call Advent demands that we live our lives on the edge of hope. That, even in spite of the way things currently may be, God is busy working, and partnering with creation, so that one day God’s reign in all of its splendor and glory will shine more brightly than any summer sun.
Finally, it is my hope (and prayer) that Niki, Canaan, and Ezekiel will know peace, love, and joy all of their days and wherever they are. We know that they will take hope wherever they go.
God Bless Us, Everyone…
Phil
November 11, 2005
Charting the Course…
Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church, writes in his book, The Purpose Driven Church, “The task of church leadership is to discover and remove growth-restricting diseases and barriers so that natural, normal growth can occur.” (p.16) He rightly sees the Church (the body of Christ) as a living organism rather than an organization or institution. Therefore, it is dynamic and in progress; not unlike other living things.
At the Board meeting Monday night I began a conversation on the topic of “Accountability and Authority.” In that conversation, even as I acknowledged the good and important work of the Listening Conferences, I shared with the Board “Where Shall We Go?” I suggested we should…
1. Be about “Exuberant Hospitality that Shows No Partiality.”
2. Celebrate “Worship That Engages Heart and Mind”
3. Create “Small Groups That Foster Community”
4. Offer “More Congregational Fellowship Opportunities That Contribute to Congregational Unity”
5. Develop “Christian Education Opportunities Beyond the Sunday School Hour”
6. “Expand Local Outreach Possibilities To Help Members Live a Life of Christian Service.”
7. “Pursue the Understanding That Everyone Will Be Engaged in Some Form of Ministry.”
These words, however, must become more than sounds in the air or ink on a page. They must become, for us, a guiding light. And I want you to know that I am committed to build, with your help, new ministries that will help make us an even more faithful church than we currently are.
Glad to be sharing ministry with you!
Phil
November 4, 2005
Saints Alive!
This Sunday, November 6th, our theme for the worship experience will be that of “All Saints Day.” And instead of me preaching on the lectionary passage for the day, we will hear from others in the congregation address who has been like a saint to them and for them. That is, those who have been asked to share their thoughts Sunday were asked to consider, “Who has helped you understand and experience God in ways that have been particularly helpful in the formation of your faith?” And though several have been asked to participate during the worship time, it is an exercise that would be helpful to all of us.
A saint, in one’s understanding, may be a parent, grandparent or other relative; a Sunday School teacher; an elder; perhaps a pastor. Those who have helped you understand God more fully and completely may be a neighbor, colleague, or friend. But most of us can name at least one other who has been helpful to us as we have sought to understand and experience God, and that is a secondary “by-product” of this special day in the Christian year. All Saint’s Day not only calls on us to celebrate with thanksgiving those who have been helpful to the growth of our spiritual lives; All Saint’s Day reminds us that the community of faith is important to our “God experiences.”
I hope you will plan to be here Sunday to hear from others how others have impacted them.
Blessings,
Phil
Nelda Barnett & Amy Fredrickson-Wilkey will be speaking in 8:30 Worship
Janice Brown, Malcolm Bryant and June Stapleton will be speaking in 10:30 Worship
The Month of Ministry…
Ministry is difficult. Those are the first words I would use to describe ministry to anyone who would inquire about what ministry is like. And they are some of the last words I would speak to one heading off to seminary. There are, of course, other descriptive words that would be used, but those three would be the first ones I would speak. And I’m not solely speaking from an ordained person’s perspective. Indeed, all ministry is difficult. It is difficult to inspire our children to attend Sunday School and youth groups; it is difficult to recruit choir members; it is difficult to craft sermons that will touch everybody all the time; it is difficult to generate enthusiasm to work at the soup kitchen; it is difficult, as another once said, “to please all of the people all of the time.” And as I reflect on it, if it wasn’t for the grace of God, ministry would not be possible.
So, those are some other words I would use to describe ministry. No other activity, event, etc can offer the grace of God like ministry can. It is a grace and gift of God to have someone stand and express words of appreciation for the effort put forth to serve and lead a congregation of diverse thought, expectation, and opinion. It is a gift and grace of God to sit in someone’s family room with one who experienced you in a not-so-graciousmoment, and to hear her say, “It is okay.” It is a gift and grace of God to get in your car and find that a “thank you” card had been slipped through the cracked window; to understand that someone had taken the time to write a hand-written note of appreciation.
In this month of ministry, I want to express my appreciation for all of you who tirelessly offer yourselves, and open your lives, to the call of God. The various ministries you perform are not easy. And, at times, they may even be frustrating. Even so, I pray that you have known, and will continue to know, the gifts and graces of God that make it possible for you to carry on.
It is good to be sharing ministry with you!
Phil
Will We Crawl, Walk, Run, or Fly?
One Sunday morning the pastor encouraged his congregation to consider the potential of the church. He told them, “With God’s help we can see the day when this church will go from crawling to walking.”
The people responded, “Let the church walk, Pastor, let the church walk.”
He continued, “And when the church begins to walk, next the church can begin to run.”
And the people shouted, “Let the church run, Pastor, let the church run!”
The pastor continued “And finally the church can move from running to flying. Oh, the church can fly! But of course, that’s going to take lots of money, time, and energy for that to happen!”
The congregation grew quiet, and from the back, someone mumbled, “Let the church crawl, Pastor, let the church crawl.”
Fortunately, for us, those who went before us did not share that person’s sentiment. And there have been many in this congregation who have done what they could to see that the church would fly...if that is what it decided to do. Indeed, who of us can ever forget what Verne Bethel said when the stained-glass window company misunderstood our intentions a year or so ago, and came for many of the windows at one time thereby putting us behind a financial “eight ball.” Feeling responsible for the situation, Verne said, “I’ll mortgage my house if I have to.” And you know what? He would have; for he believes in this church and he wants it to fly!
In the next couple of weeks, you will be hearing quite a bit about our stewardship campaign. You will hear how the proposed budget has increased roughly ten percent from last year, but which is still lower than previous years. You will hear quite a bit about quite a bit. But I write to ask you to listento what God is calling you to do: not to meet a budget, not to keep the lights on, not to pay for my salary, or any other staff member’s salary, not for outreach purposes, or any other “line item.” I am writing to ask you what God is calling you to do as a response to what God has already graciously done in Jesus Christ.
As we approach this time of stewardship, not only are we called upon to listen for what kind of response God would desire from us, but we must simultaneously entertain the question, “Do we want the church to crawl, walk, run or fly?” Thank goodness those who went before us chose to aim for the stars!
Be blessed!
Phil
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