As a pastor, I don't get many Sunday's away. Can't just go somewhere for the weekend, because I must be at our church on Sundays. But when we do go on vacation, we get the opportunity to visit a local church where ever we are. And it is always interesting...
This past Sunday, we were in a large Church of the Brethren congregation and though people flitted around before and after the service, only one person, (that I didn't already know) greeted me. Only one! And had I not been hanging around until nearly everyone else was gone, I would be able to say that no one greeted me! I was shocked! Now, I did know some people there and they did greet me, but there was lots of time that I was standing around by myself in the lobby both before and after the worship gathering and NO ONE greeted me until about 20 minutes after the service.
That is sad!
But more than that, it makes me hope that this NEVER happens to anyone who comes to Community of Joy! I realize that some guests come late and leave fast and it is hard to greet them. But this was not the case with me on Sunday. It also makes me realize how intentional we need to be about greeting our guests FIRST. BEFORE we greet those we know. It also makes me realize that we have to be intentional about not assuming that "someone else" will greet the guest.
If I had been looking for a church to connect with, I would not have given that church a second look!
It is critical that we do better in the church!
Remember it is just as hard for the guest to be there among strangers and in a new place as it is for you to go greet someone you don't know, so, go anyway and go first!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Reaping the Rewards...
It was not the vacation that I had hoped it would be, but parts of it were awesome!
To start with... the weather turned HOT and hunting was not as much fun in the heat as it could have been and then the rain washed out my last day of hunting... though grateful for the rain.
BUT...
Our visit to Bridgewater College was AWESOME! And it was great to see our daughter Caroline THRIVING in her new environment!!! I have loved many of the stages you go through as a parent watching your children grow up, but perhaps none as much as this one we are in now. As a parent you get 18 or so years to lay a solid foundation in your children and then it gets tested. Those years are filled with joy, struggle, challenge, and heart ache.... but all part of the journey! It was wonderful to see Caroline making wise choices about money, living, classes, jobs, friends, free time and it is great to see her making many new connections as well as already serving in various leadership roles at College!
I have long felt that this time will be an awesome time for her to grow and develop and become the young lady God created her to be and the neat thing is that she is doing it! No better reward as a parent than to see your children stretch their wings and SOAR HIGH!
To start with... the weather turned HOT and hunting was not as much fun in the heat as it could have been and then the rain washed out my last day of hunting... though grateful for the rain.
BUT...
Our visit to Bridgewater College was AWESOME! And it was great to see our daughter Caroline THRIVING in her new environment!!! I have loved many of the stages you go through as a parent watching your children grow up, but perhaps none as much as this one we are in now. As a parent you get 18 or so years to lay a solid foundation in your children and then it gets tested. Those years are filled with joy, struggle, challenge, and heart ache.... but all part of the journey! It was wonderful to see Caroline making wise choices about money, living, classes, jobs, friends, free time and it is great to see her making many new connections as well as already serving in various leadership roles at College!
I have long felt that this time will be an awesome time for her to grow and develop and become the young lady God created her to be and the neat thing is that she is doing it! No better reward as a parent than to see your children stretch their wings and SOAR HIGH!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Taking a break....
I am off this week, so that I can hunt and visit my daughter. Enjoying some much needed time in the woods! Check back next week.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Pork Roast Reflections...
Our 4th Annual Pork Roast is now history! And I want to take some time to reflect on it!
Going into yesterday, I was feeling that this might be the last year for our Pork Roast. It is hard to make something into an annual and keep excitment alive. Attendance was down significantly from other years and at first, I thought it was not going to draw many people at all. Help was hard to stir up.
But help stepped up and all roles were filled! Clean up happened well and with many hands.
And people came! Not as many as other years, but most folks seemed to enjoy some time visiting... connecting with others. There was only one lady and her child that I didn't get a chance to at least say "Hi" to before they left. I heard lots of positive comments about how nice it was. How awesome the food was and how neat to be able to enjoy connecting with others and the wonderful day we had.
As we were cleaning up... two children came over to me with their mothers and excitedly asked when the next one was. They didn't like my answer when I told them next year!
All in all, it was a good day and well worth all the time and energy that was spent on creating an environment where neighbors can gather and connect and see that church isn't always about hitting them over the head and forcing beliefs on them.
Thanks to all who labored so hard to make it a great day!
Going into yesterday, I was feeling that this might be the last year for our Pork Roast. It is hard to make something into an annual and keep excitment alive. Attendance was down significantly from other years and at first, I thought it was not going to draw many people at all. Help was hard to stir up.
But help stepped up and all roles were filled! Clean up happened well and with many hands.
And people came! Not as many as other years, but most folks seemed to enjoy some time visiting... connecting with others. There was only one lady and her child that I didn't get a chance to at least say "Hi" to before they left. I heard lots of positive comments about how nice it was. How awesome the food was and how neat to be able to enjoy connecting with others and the wonderful day we had.
As we were cleaning up... two children came over to me with their mothers and excitedly asked when the next one was. They didn't like my answer when I told them next year!
All in all, it was a good day and well worth all the time and energy that was spent on creating an environment where neighbors can gather and connect and see that church isn't always about hitting them over the head and forcing beliefs on them.
Thanks to all who labored so hard to make it a great day!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
WWJD
Was at Food Lion last night getting some things for Sharon so she could make dessert for today's Pork Roast at Community of Joy and was part of an interesting exchange between checkers.
It was aparantly time for the checkers to both go to supper break. So checker A says to checker B, "You are gonna let me go to supper first, right?" And checker B gives A the evil, "you are out of your mind" look. So without missing a beat, checker A says to B... "What would Jesus do?"
And I quickly said to Checker A that Jesus would let B go first! No question about it!
Well she didn't know what to do with that! It caught her off guard and I hope it made her think!
That's exactly what he would do! Jesus was about putting others before himself. He was about humbly serving others. And he would be sad that someone was using him to seek their self interests! But that is what Checker A was doing... she was using Jesus to help her get what she wanted - supper first! Rather than putting the needs of Checker B ahead of her own.
I fear it is a common problem in the church these days... we use Jesus to advance ourselves not to serve others! And Jesus will have NONE of that!
It was aparantly time for the checkers to both go to supper break. So checker A says to checker B, "You are gonna let me go to supper first, right?" And checker B gives A the evil, "you are out of your mind" look. So without missing a beat, checker A says to B... "What would Jesus do?"
And I quickly said to Checker A that Jesus would let B go first! No question about it!
Well she didn't know what to do with that! It caught her off guard and I hope it made her think!
That's exactly what he would do! Jesus was about putting others before himself. He was about humbly serving others. And he would be sad that someone was using him to seek their self interests! But that is what Checker A was doing... she was using Jesus to help her get what she wanted - supper first! Rather than putting the needs of Checker B ahead of her own.
I fear it is a common problem in the church these days... we use Jesus to advance ourselves not to serve others! And Jesus will have NONE of that!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Day Away is Good Medicine
Yesterday was the first day of Archery season here in Maryland and I was lucky enough to be able to spend it in Sika Country hanging in a tree! Nothing clears my mind and refreshes my soul more than sitting out in the woods in a tree watching the sun come up and go down. It was a beautiful day. No cell phone. No computer. No other distractios (other than the airplane that flew tree top high right over my head and then proceeded to fly straight lines about a hundred yards apart for the entire width of the peninsula I was on.) Saw 13 turkeys and 7 Sika... heard all kinds of birds. Even had a sharp-shinned hawk come directly at my face. I moved a bit when he was less than 10 feet away and he shot upward quickly - Thank God for that!
It is good for all of us to take time away from the normal routines of life! It brings a new perspective on life!
It is good for all of us to take time away from the normal routines of life! It brings a new perspective on life!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Uplifting for sure!
What a wonderful experience we had last night as we walked around our Ministry Center's western neighborhood to invite our neighbors to our Neighborhood Pork Roast! The weather was delightfully cool and made the night all the better. Reports were that our neighbors were generally receptive and appreciative of the invitation!
We had 5 teams out and about, knocking on doors, introducing themselves and making the invitations! Our purpose in doing the Pork Roast and Fun Fest is to make connections in our neighborhood and create a positive environment in the neighborhood.
Responses ranged from, "we've seen your sign.", to "I have had it on my calendar for weeks."
Going into the night, I was a bit discouraged that more people hadn't been able or willing to help pass out invitations, but that discouragement quickly left as I was greeted by many friendly neighbors. Hopefully the weather will hold and the day will be a blessing in all of our lives!
We had 5 teams out and about, knocking on doors, introducing themselves and making the invitations! Our purpose in doing the Pork Roast and Fun Fest is to make connections in our neighborhood and create a positive environment in the neighborhood.
Responses ranged from, "we've seen your sign.", to "I have had it on my calendar for weeks."
Going into the night, I was a bit discouraged that more people hadn't been able or willing to help pass out invitations, but that discouragement quickly left as I was greeted by many friendly neighbors. Hopefully the weather will hold and the day will be a blessing in all of our lives!
Monday, September 13, 2010
A NEW Approach to Stewardship
Had some fun with this yesterday!
Last Sunday, I couldn't find our checkbook and Sharon didn't know where it was either. So, when the offering time came, and the usher came to me for me to put in my contribution in the early gathering, I looked up at her and whispered, "I couldn't find the checkbook today". And in fun, she smacked me on the shoulder. Now, I can't tell you the last time I was smacked in church, but I can tell you it has been years!
Luckily when it came time for the offering in the second gathering, I didn't get hit then too! (You see, I always put in two checks each week - to model for my people that giving regularly is important! And as a leader, I don't ask them to do anything I don't do!)
Yesterday, when it came time for the collection, I looked up at the usher, smiled, and whispered to her, "this week I have DOUBLE!" She smiled back. Then when I got up to preach, I shared the story and said, I had hoped for a kiss on the cheek! Afterall, giving double, I thought deserved that!
In the second gathering, I shared the whole story and said, she had had half an hour to give me that kiss and I didn't get it... I did get a hug though! And then she joked that perhaps we stumbled upon a new stewardship idea... a smack when you don't put something in the plate! (Just Kidding- would NEVER want that to happen!)
Today, she called to tell me that there was one check in the offering yesterday that had the following written in the memo..."Don't smack me!"
What fun!
Last Sunday, I couldn't find our checkbook and Sharon didn't know where it was either. So, when the offering time came, and the usher came to me for me to put in my contribution in the early gathering, I looked up at her and whispered, "I couldn't find the checkbook today". And in fun, she smacked me on the shoulder. Now, I can't tell you the last time I was smacked in church, but I can tell you it has been years!
Luckily when it came time for the offering in the second gathering, I didn't get hit then too! (You see, I always put in two checks each week - to model for my people that giving regularly is important! And as a leader, I don't ask them to do anything I don't do!)
Yesterday, when it came time for the collection, I looked up at the usher, smiled, and whispered to her, "this week I have DOUBLE!" She smiled back. Then when I got up to preach, I shared the story and said, I had hoped for a kiss on the cheek! Afterall, giving double, I thought deserved that!
In the second gathering, I shared the whole story and said, she had had half an hour to give me that kiss and I didn't get it... I did get a hug though! And then she joked that perhaps we stumbled upon a new stewardship idea... a smack when you don't put something in the plate! (Just Kidding- would NEVER want that to happen!)
Today, she called to tell me that there was one check in the offering yesterday that had the following written in the memo..."Don't smack me!"
What fun!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Think about this...
Probably not!
Because in our world, we are fascinated with BIG! We like to brag about how much we make, how much we own, how big our car is, house... you name it... we are fixated on BIG!
But everything in our world that is Big, started out small! And God uses small things! The power of God is in the small thing!
And think about our lives... many of us dont' attempt to do anything great because we are afraid we can't do it big enough. But the power of God is in the small. Every journey starts with a step. Every apple begins as a seed. Every butterfly is a catepiller. Every elephant begins as an egg.
Mother Teresa said, "we can do no great things... only small things with great love!"
Steve Sjogren turned that around a bit and says, "small things done with great love will change the world!"
What small thing can you do that will impact the lives of others?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
So many thoughts...
So many thoughts are running through my mind right now! And I don't have time to write about all of them!
First, I am elated at the turnout and prospects of The 4:18 Initiative that had it's first prayer and exploration gathering last night at Community of Joy. There were 15 people representing 7 churches and 5 agencies that help homeless folks here in salisbury. Our desire is to take steps toward begining to address the issue of homelessness in Salisbury by developing transitional housing and life skills coaching. Next gathering is Sept. 29 @ 7:15 p.m. at CoJ Ministry Center. All are welcome.
Second, surely God smiles when churches work together! I have long said that we need to do more together and now we are taking steps in that direction. It is all about Jesus' Kingdom, not our kingdoms!
Third, I am infuriated at the pastor in Florida who plans to burn the Koran... no way in the world Jesus would do such a thing or condone it and neither should we as his followers. All I keep saying to myself is that this guy says he is going forward with his plans unless God speaks... and I say... how many ways does he need God to speak? After all what pastor of a church of 30 people gets calls from the Pope, Army Generals, the FBI, or the President. If only he would listen!
Fourth, thinking about Sunday's sermon... SEEDS!
Fifth, working on getting our Faith In Action Sunday projects together. So we can Not Go to church on 10/10/10 but BE the church!
First, I am elated at the turnout and prospects of The 4:18 Initiative that had it's first prayer and exploration gathering last night at Community of Joy. There were 15 people representing 7 churches and 5 agencies that help homeless folks here in salisbury. Our desire is to take steps toward begining to address the issue of homelessness in Salisbury by developing transitional housing and life skills coaching. Next gathering is Sept. 29 @ 7:15 p.m. at CoJ Ministry Center. All are welcome.
Second, surely God smiles when churches work together! I have long said that we need to do more together and now we are taking steps in that direction. It is all about Jesus' Kingdom, not our kingdoms!
Third, I am infuriated at the pastor in Florida who plans to burn the Koran... no way in the world Jesus would do such a thing or condone it and neither should we as his followers. All I keep saying to myself is that this guy says he is going forward with his plans unless God speaks... and I say... how many ways does he need God to speak? After all what pastor of a church of 30 people gets calls from the Pope, Army Generals, the FBI, or the President. If only he would listen!
Fourth, thinking about Sunday's sermon... SEEDS!
Fifth, working on getting our Faith In Action Sunday projects together. So we can Not Go to church on 10/10/10 but BE the church!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Engagement....
Just returned home a short while ago from a gathering of our area Church of the Brethren Pastors. For the past few months, we were reading and discussing The Tangible Kingdom by Matt Smay and Hugh Halter. In that book, Matt and Hugh share a kind of Bible Study method that I have used at Community of Joy and find invigorating! So, I told the group that I would lead them through this process at this gathering today.
We all walked away from the gathering feeling that we had encountered the Holy Spirit in a powerful way and had engaged with Scripture and Community in a way that just might transform our lives.
The process is to read a passage of Scripture 3-4 times outloud and then ask 5 questions of the passage. Always the same 5 questions!
1. What did you like about the passage?
2. What didn't you like about the passage?
3. What don't you understand about the passage?
4. What do we learn about God from the passage?
5. If you applied one thing you learned about God from this passage to your life this week, what does it look like?
I find this process so helpful and engaging that if I were to plant a new church, rather than give a sermon each week, I would use this process to engage the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and Community in a way that would surely transform our lives - perhaps in greater ways than a sermon could ever do!
We all walked away from the gathering feeling that we had encountered the Holy Spirit in a powerful way and had engaged with Scripture and Community in a way that just might transform our lives.
The process is to read a passage of Scripture 3-4 times outloud and then ask 5 questions of the passage. Always the same 5 questions!
1. What did you like about the passage?
2. What didn't you like about the passage?
3. What don't you understand about the passage?
4. What do we learn about God from the passage?
5. If you applied one thing you learned about God from this passage to your life this week, what does it look like?
I find this process so helpful and engaging that if I were to plant a new church, rather than give a sermon each week, I would use this process to engage the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and Community in a way that would surely transform our lives - perhaps in greater ways than a sermon could ever do!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Forgiveness Defined
Just finished the book, Think No Evil by Jonas Beiler and Shawn Smucker. Great book! Highly recommend it to you!
In it they define forgiveness as the "decision to release yourself from anger, resentment, hate, or the urge for revenge despite the injury you suffered."
And Forgiveness is "letting go of hope for a different past."
Wow... that last one... really is powerful. Take a moment and think about it! Let it impact your thoughts.
In it they define forgiveness as the "decision to release yourself from anger, resentment, hate, or the urge for revenge despite the injury you suffered."
And Forgiveness is "letting go of hope for a different past."
Wow... that last one... really is powerful. Take a moment and think about it! Let it impact your thoughts.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
That's what we are here for!
I say that to lots of people in the church... "that's what we are here for!" We are called to be community to each other. To support and encourage one another through all of life.
I've been reading a book a friend suggested that I might value... "Think No Evil: Inside the story of the Amish schoohouse shooting and beyond." by Jona Beiler and Shawn Smucker. It is a good book about a TERRIBLE event that happened. Beiler grew up Amish and left it as a young adult, so the perspective is interesting. In one of the chapters describing what happened immediately after the shooting, he talks about the way the Amish responded to the tragedy... the same way they respond to all tragedies... they come together quickly to support one another. And he makes this comment... "If there is one thing you can guarantee about the Amish, it's that they will NOT allow anyone in their community to suffer a tragedy on their own."
That's the way it should be! That's what we are here for! The church is called to share the love of Christ with all people and when tragedy strikes, we need to be there for each other!
Unfortunately, I am aware of a couple of friends who are struggling right now, but are not willing to allow me to support them. I am struggling with that! It is so much a part of who I believe we should be for each other! I know when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, I appreciated the support of the church! Praying for all those who feel they need to face tragedy alone! It does NOT have to be that way!
I've been reading a book a friend suggested that I might value... "Think No Evil: Inside the story of the Amish schoohouse shooting and beyond." by Jona Beiler and Shawn Smucker. It is a good book about a TERRIBLE event that happened. Beiler grew up Amish and left it as a young adult, so the perspective is interesting. In one of the chapters describing what happened immediately after the shooting, he talks about the way the Amish responded to the tragedy... the same way they respond to all tragedies... they come together quickly to support one another. And he makes this comment... "If there is one thing you can guarantee about the Amish, it's that they will NOT allow anyone in their community to suffer a tragedy on their own."
That's the way it should be! That's what we are here for! The church is called to share the love of Christ with all people and when tragedy strikes, we need to be there for each other!
Unfortunately, I am aware of a couple of friends who are struggling right now, but are not willing to allow me to support them. I am struggling with that! It is so much a part of who I believe we should be for each other! I know when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, I appreciated the support of the church! Praying for all those who feel they need to face tragedy alone! It does NOT have to be that way!
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