That's What He Said... Comedy Central's The Cobert Report

Though I don't always catch Comedy Central's The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, I watch them when I can.  There is much I appreciate and resonate with in these shows. This article describes Colbert's quite Christian (Catholic) faith that under girds much of what he says and does on and off the show.  Stewart is vocal about being Jewish, and I also appreciate his use of Scripture and taking faith seriously, while at the same time not being afraid of poking fun at his own faith.  Both men, I believe, know what they believe, and have been raised in ways to ask healthy and helpful questions of their beliefs... accepting faith without questions is dangerous, and I appreciate them sharing their thoughts.

http://pewforum.org/Religion-News/RNS-Behind-Colberts-right-wing-funnyman-a-quiet-faith.aspx

What do you think?  Are these comedians sacrilegious or presenting the ancient faith in a 21st century, postmodern way? 

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

What If Jesus Meant All That Stuff?
A great letter to non-believers and those who question Christianity by Shane Claiborne!! It's from Esquire Magazine and is worth reading. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out.

Sermon for 9-5-10 "God's Overflowing Hospitality" (Favorite Things Summer Series)

Sermon for 9/5/10

Favorite Things Summer Series

Psalm 23; Matthew 25:31-46

"God's Overflowing Hospitality"

This morning our "A Few of Our Favorite Things" summer sermon series comes to a close with two passages you all chose that are likely familiar in some way or another to many of us.  Matthew's parable of judgment and Psalm 23's images of the shepherd are ones that come up in our lectionary readings from time to time.  Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture, and we often hear it's comforting words in the midst of our grief or journeys through the valley of the shadow death.   As I have examined these two passages and reflected on this summer, perhaps there is another message there to add to a layer of understanding to these passages.

[Communion "Hospitality" Table from May 2nd]

If you remember back with me to May 2nd--for those of you who were here that first Sunday of Craig's Sabbatical--I started our Favorite Things Summer Worship Series with my favorite passage from Scripture--Luke 24's telling of the disciples on the road to Emmaus on the evening of the Resurrection. We were invited to consider the hospitality that Christ offers to the disciples who are journeying along life's road, and at the same time the hospitality the disciples offer to the stranger by welcoming him to their table for a meal. The stranger turns out to be Christ.  As we reexamined Luke's text in light of our upcoming Sabbatical Summer, we were invited to be open to where we might see Christ in our midst?  Where might we share Christ's love and Christ's welcome with those whom we encounter this summer--whether it was in worship here together or in our daily journeys beyond these doors? 

[In Luke 24, Christ was revealed in the breaking of the bread.]

The text nudged us to think about Hospitality--both God's gracious hospitality to us and our hospitality to each other and those we encounter.  As I look back at the summer from today's 20/20 hindsight, I can affirm that hospitality was truly a theme for us this summer. 

Today we find ourselves at the end of this Sabbatical Summer.  And like May 2nd, our texts today invite us to examine Hospitality.  As I look at the passages that we heard this morning, I hear hospitality ring out in them in ways I had not heard before.  The passage from Matthew was chosen for today before the Sabbatical began.  Coincidence--I think not.  Whether you have been around Raleigh Moravian this summer or not, there is an invitation for us in these texts, so let's take a look at these passages.

Psalm 23 is certainly heard in memorial services, and we often focus on our journeys through the valleys of darkness.  It is comforting and reassuring when times are tough!  But think with me for a minute about another setting where this Psalm is also appropriate--a setting at least that I hadn't thought about before, but I really resonate with now.  It is possible that this Psalm was a type of prayer used around the thanksgiving table in worship for all God has provided. [1] Its a Psalm that celebrates God's hospitality toward God's people... people who have survived the journey through the desert, escaped their enemies, and found that God truly does provide all of their basic needs.  The book of Exodus recounts how manna and quail appeared when they were hungry, water overflowed when they were thirsty, and how a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day lead them to the land that was promised.  This Psalm expresses their thanksgiving for God's provisions and food they received--God's hospitality led them through the dark places and welcomed them safely to the promised land. "⁵You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long." (Psalm 23:5-6)

For the author, to dwell in the house of the Lord means they are part of the community of faith.  It takes this psalm from the purely personal to the greater community--a holy community.  God is a gracious host, and we have much to give thanks for!  As we pray this Psalm together, we claim the same hospitality from God--the hospitality of food and drink, shelter and security.  And God follows us each day of our lives--or pursues us, as the text can be translated, with goodness and loving kindness that only God can give. [2] 

The Psalm proclaims our cup overflows.  We have more than enough to go around.  Not only does God provide, but we are given more than we expect or need.  It reminds me of the saying about our outlook on life--is the cup half full or half empty?  Psalm 23 reminds us that not only is our cup half-full... it's full to overflowing.  When we see our lives as full to overflowing with God's love, we are able to share more freely.  We are more likely to offer the hospitality that has been modeled for us by God, because we recognize we have more than we could possibly need.

Taking a look at Matthew 25, it is easy to see the story of judgment on the surface.  But if we look a bit deeper, we see other things going on here too.  The passage is instruction on ways to inherit the kingdom of God.  These verses are instructions on ways to live today that are life-giving and show God's love and care--God's hospitality--to the people we encounter throughout our lives.  The part I find remarkable, as I think about this passage, is the acts of hospitality that are mentioned.  They are small things.  I think sometimes we get bogged down in how to share our faith or live as God calls us to with our neighbors around us.  We think it takes BIG gestures.  BIG events.  BIG whatever--or it doesn't count or isn't important.  Our culture teaches us that it's "GO BIG, or GO HOME".  Matthew's passage reminds us that God is interested in the details-- small things that matter a lot.  In sharing the small things with those around us, we are sharing God's hospitable love.  We are living out God's kingdom in the details of our lives.  We experience God's Kingdom in the details--the small things--as well.

In preparing for today's final sermon of the summer, and in beginning to catch up with Craig about this summer, I've had the opportunity to reflect back on many of the events that have gone on since May 2nd.  It's also provided me the chance to begin looking for where Christ has shown up in often-unexpected places, or where we've both experienced God's hospitality and shown God's hospitality to others.  I truly hope we will continue together to reflect on our Sabbatical summer experiences together, as I am sure there are many examples that I am unaware of where you have seen Christ present or God's kingdom at work.  I look forward to hearing all about it!  There are truly too many to list here, but here are a few. 

Many of these involved us gathering together, sharing in food and fellowship, living into the small things of our lives that together show us at least a glimpse of God's hospitality.  We supported the Komen Race for the Cure; won Best Team Spirit for our efforts in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life; and hosted a Bodacious BBQ that quite possibly was our best ever!  We engaged in worship while learning about our liturgies and prayers; told stories about the life of this community of faith; and served in mission with communities Tennessee and our mountains.  We had over 30 people gather for dinner to celebrate our friendships with our sister church in Costa Rica and greet our friends before they had to unexpectedly fly home early.  Our table literally overflowed that evening as we ate, laughed, and formed memories that will remind us of God's kingdom for years to come. 

As I thought about hospitality this summer, there was one other event that occurred that was much smaller and much less planned.  Some are probably not aware it even happened at all.  And yet, for me, it serves as a gigantic example of God's kingdom of hospitality at work in our midst.  One Sunday in June, Joan Burri and I was here getting ready for worship.  A few minutes after Joan arrived, I heard the main door open and the sound of a baby stroller and footsteps in the hall.  Then a family of 4 appeared in my office.  Father, mother, a 3 year-old son, and a less-than-month-old daughter--they looked as though they had spent the night in the ER, and as it was, they had.  They had wandered into our church from Rex Hospital, and were hoping to find somewhere cool to rest and something to eat as well.  Their food and shelter situation was in limbo, and they weren't quite sure what that Sunday held for them. 

I talked with the family for a few minutes, as they shared with me about their current predicament. Then I talked with Joan about what to do. Joan and I shared what was for both of us a moment of grace as we decided that our only option was to show them God's hospitality.  Minutes later others began arriving for worship, and we were able to invite others into the conversation.  While some folks were preparing coffee and finding whatever food we had around, someone else made sure they had enough formula for the baby.  I watched as one by one people began welcoming them to the table, so to speak.  They then joined us for worship.  As more people entered the conversation, it was decided that we would be sure they had lunch afterward.  A group often gathers at the Subway Restaurant after worship, so we pulled up extra tables and shared subs and chips together in a sacramental moment.  As people learned about what was going on, I had a few people stick cash into my hand that morning.  After lunch a group of us helped them get back to the place where they had been staying.  As we were standing at the motel waiting to get them situated, I realized that the cash that people had pushed into my hand was exactly the amount we needed to cover their room--to the penny.  And at some point during that morning, I remember pausing for a breath and wondering, "OK, God--what are you up to here?  Are You the one who is present here, just like you were in the stranger on the road to Emmaus?  I believe I'm in the presence of Christ right now."  After we dropped them off at the motel and made sure they were situated for the night, the group who had gathered to help scattered on to their normal Sunday afternoon routines.  This was such a small thing.  And yet, I believe it is exactly what Matthew is talking about.  We all witnessed God's hospitality overflowing that Sunday morning! 

God's hospitality runs as a theme throughout Scripture. But it doesn't stop there.  We all have the call from God to extend the same fit-another-chair-around-the-table, grab-another-plate and cup, sure---there-is-plenty-to-go-around, overflowing hospitality.  God calls us to recognize the hospitality we receive, and then to pay it forward to those around us.  In sharing it, not only is the table in front of us prepared and our cups overflow, but we have the opportunity to welcome more people to join us in experiencing God's overflowing hospitality.  Who do we have the chance to welcome to the table that might not be there?  Who welcomes us and prepares a place for us to gather?  Where can we offer the small things that can make such a difference? God's generous, overflowing hospitality invites us all.  May we reach out in small ways to share this gift from God with everyone we meet!  Amen.

[1] J. Clinton McCann, Jr.  Psalms.  New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. IV (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996) 769.

[2] J. Clinton McCann, Jr.  Psalms.  New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. IV (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996) 768, 770.

That's what they said: 20 Ways To Improve The World Even If You're Broke

I came across this article this week about easy Philanthropy... 20 ways to improve the world that doesn't involve spending money. Check it out!!!

http://www.csmonitor.com/Business/The-Simple-Dollar/2010/0917/Philanthropy-20-ways-to-improve-the-world-even-if-you-re-broke

That's what they said...

Here are a few links I've come across that are worth watching and reading... they are challenging for sure.  But they also feel right on some deep level, if I can look beyond the discomfort that I initially feel (at least for the poverty link). Meaning, I believe there is truth to be gleaned from them, and a perspective I need to hear.  So I thought, perhaps, you might like to see them too!  What do you think? 

Ben and Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen is known for his "Oreo-nomics" when it comes to the US budget.  I saw a video of him doing this presentation live with a group of senators in Washington.  It was fascinating.  This animated cartoon is the same basic presentation.  I believe there is much wisdom here!



This other link is to a blog I came across.  Reading "Being Poor" makes my stomach queezy, but yet, I believe it's important for us to hear them, especially those of us who live isolated from poverty or live with comfort.  The reality of poverty can be around the corner from many people, but the dominos fall right to help us avoid this reality.  For others, the path veers and they find themselves in a different situation in life.  Take a moment to read to the end of this list... John Scalzi offers powerful words from many people who live in poverty.
http://fartheroutnearerto.wordpress.com/2010/09/02/being-poor-by-john-scalzi/

"Soul Care and The Roots of Clergy Burnout" article and reflection

I came across this article today, and found it interesting...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/anne-dilenschneider/soul-care-and-the-roots-o_b_680925.html

How do you define a pastor's job description or role?  What do you think a pastor does all day or all week?  As I've gotten into the ministry myself, I have much more respect for my pastor role models from years ago.  So often people think a pastor only works one hour on Sunday... and I hear this often from folks, either joking or seriously (and sometimes it's hard to tell which).  I am finding that sometimes (most of the time) being a pastor includes 2 job descriptions: the one you were officially given, and the one everyone creates for you as they go...

Having been a pastor now for 2 years (I celebrated my 2 year ordination anniversary on August 10th), and being in my first call (though I consider this the 5th church I've served--given Seminary student pastorates and extensive volunteer work), I am still amazed and baffled at times by all the things a "Pastor" does.  I also continue to "add courses" (at least in my mental list) that I somehow missed or skipped in seminary (and I note--admittedly--I only skipped 2 class in 4 years, and one was a class I was auditing; I missed a few others for travel or illness in my 4 years, though).  Some of these classes that would have been helpful I've mentioned on the blog before: Basic Church Maintenance, HVAC/Plumbing/Electrical repair, Mission Trip Construction, Accounting, Statistics, Child Development, Conflict Resolution, Communications, etc.  [I note, though, I feel I got a really good education, and there was NO ROOM for any more classes in the schedule... it was FULL!]

Getting back to the article... I attended one of the handful of Seminaries that required a "Spiritual Formation" class, and really enjoyed the whole experience.  But I am still not sure how we can get back to the pre-1920s "care of souls" job of the pastor.  So much of what a pastor does, I am finding, is being "pastoral director", as the article calls it.  There are certainly parts of that job that I enjoy and find I have some gifts for.  There are other parts of the job that hopefully come with more experience, as I know I have lots to learn.  But as far as care of souls... do clergy redefine that role, or congregations, or both?  Where does it start and how do we take the first steps?  Thee are days when I do a lot of it, but it often feels like such a small part of my job.  

When I first started Seminary, a passage that really spoke to me about ministry was Mark 2.  It's the story of the friends that lowered the paralytic through the roof to place him in front of Jesus.  I felt it described the role of pastor--to help place people in front of Jesus, no matter what it took.  As I continue to be transformed through the work of the Spirit, I have grown to resonate with the story of Luke 24 on the road to Emmaus (hence the blog name).  I want to live daily on the road, looking for Christ along the journey, walking with Jesus, and engaging Scripture and God's work in the world, and seeing where and how and why those interact... I want to see how I am part of the greater Story of Faith, and how God uses that to direct and call me as I help others do the same.  So how do all of these things work together? 

On this August 13th, as I remember the work of the Spirit in the Moravian Church on August 13th, 1727 for the "Moravian Pentecost" how do I reclaim this calling and follow the movement of the Spirit?  Where is God at work, transforming, renewing, and empowering us for mission and ministry?  And what is my role in that?  How can I care for souls, mine included, that will allow us all to be more open to the movement of the Spirit?  How can we collectively place others in front of Christ and walk the journey together to see ourselves as part of God's greater story of faith?  I'm open to the answers... I just don't have them all right now.  But I guess... that's just part of the journey.  I hope you'll join me!

Congreations Gone Wild-NY Times articles

This is an interesting article from today's NY Times...about clergy's calling vs. congregation's expectations related to sermons and preaching.  
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/opinion/08macdonald.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

In the article, Jeffery MacDonald says, "In this transformation, clergy have seen their job descriptions rewritten. They’re no longer expected to offer moral counsel in pastoral care sessions or to deliver sermons that make the comfortable uneasy. Church leaders who continue such ministerial traditions pay dearly."

What do you think?  [Comment below...]

I know for me, in Seminary we were taught a few "slogans" related to preaching.
Examples:
"Preach with the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other."
"The Gospel comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable."
"Speak the Truth in Love."

[I know these are both famous quotes, but I don't know who they are attributed to.  (Sorry.)]

But... actually preaching in this manner is often more difficult to do in real life than in Seminary classes.  In my preaching classes, though we didn't all always agree, it was a safe space to speak the Truth in Love.  But in a congregation, preaching is different.  When you know people and know the things they are going through, it does make it easier at times, because I can sometimes see how maybe the words I have been given to speak can bring comfort to difficult situations.  But at the same time, it's difficult to follow what we were taught in Seminary, because it often gets us in trouble.  The Gospel's message is so radical, so inclusive, so pushing of social and political norms of the time (and of our times as well).  It got many in trouble by sharing it, including Jesus himself. 

As the article talks about, I understand how pushing the limits of what people are comfortable with becomes so very tiring and difficult at times. 

I also came across this article as well this past week.  It's also very true. So many clergy are tired, burned our, and/or unhealthy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/nyregion/02burnout.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Self-care, de-stressing, and taking care of ourselves was really emphasized in Seminary.  But putting that to practice is tough.  Days off, yoga, reading, watching TV, spending time with family and friends--these are a few ways I try to take care of myself.  How do you feed your soul and fill your own well to take care of yourself?

What do you think of these articles?

Sermon for 7-25-10 "Not Quite What Was Planned" Christmas In July, Favorite Things Summer Worship Series

Sermon for 7/25/10 "Christmas in July"

Favorite Things Worship Series

Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:2-7

"Not Quite What Was Planned"

Some weeks just don't go as planned.  Have you ever had one of those?  On Thursday afternoon your TO DO List from Monday is not even half finished, and you can't find the things you have done on the TO DO List anywhere. Well, this was one of those weeks.  As I was driving out of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport Parking lot on Thursday afternoon, the Ticket Reader said, "Have A Nice Day" and I paused for a moment, unsure whether to laugh or cry.  It was not quite what was planned.  Now, I love being in ministry, and I am glad that I can be open to the working of the Spirit.  I say some of this to answer the camper’s question from Mission Camp who asked, “So what does a pastor do all week?”  Let me back up and start at the beginning.

We have been working for months to bring guests from our Sister Church in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, here for a visit.  Roman Brady and I have planned. We've been in contact with Alma and her sister Ninfa from Fuenta Da Vida Moravian Church.  They waited on the US Embassy for Visas.  We purchased Plane Tickets thanks to last Christmas Eve's offering to help foster relationships with Fuenta Da Vida.  We were FINALLY able to have Alma, her son Jordy, and Ninfa's son Fernando come for a visit.  They arrived in Winston-Salem Thursday a week ago.  They journeyed to Laurel Ridge for Senior High Camp this week, and then were to join us here in Raleigh for this weekend to visit. That is until my phone rang Monday morning at 8:50am. 

Roman called from Laurel Ridge to say they had just learned that Alma's brother had died unexpectedly Sunday night and they all needed to return home for the funeral.  So--I spent Monday and Tuesday on the phone with Delta Airlines and Roman trying to rearrange their flights to get them back in time for the Funeral.  (As a side note--Delta Airlines has been phenomenally helpful and kind throughout this whole process--Thank you Delta!!)

As I was talking to the reservationists for Delta, one was asking about Alma and her family.  I couldn't answer most of her questions and finally almost broke down in tears.  I said to her, "I don't know them yet.  I was supposed to spend the weekend with them and get to know them, but now we won't get to.  I am just so disappointed."  It was at that point that I believe the Holy Spirit invited us to have a gathering to honor our guests and take the opportunity, however brief, to get to know them.  The email blast went out, the Facebook invitation was sent, and the party was a GO.

So-we had 30 people at our house this Wednesday evening for an impromptu cookout to meet our friends.  It was a wonderful time!  I took a moment to look around and enjoy the opportunity to watch everyone talking, laughing, playing games, and sharing a meal together.  Everyone showed up with something in hand to contribute to the meal, and we had a feast!  There was so much food eaten, and so much food leftover.  I recall hearing someone say it was like loaves and fishes being multiplied before our very eyes.  Food, friends, and fellowship make a festive, holy combination. 

Thursday morning I brought Alma, Jordy, and Fernando by the church to show them Raleigh Moravian.  Fernando found pictures of his dad and grandmother on our bulletin board, and they named many of the people in the pictures from back home.  Then we hit Interstate 40 and headed to the RDU Airport.  It had been less than 24 hours since I met them when I stood and watched them head through security.  It was a bittersweet moment.  I felt incredibly glad to have met them and had the time that we shared together, and so sad they had to leave and not be here for worship this morning to get to see all of you!

I headed to my car and pulled up to the gate to leave the parking deck. "Have a nice day."  It flashed the message at me, and I paused.  I thought to myself, "Have a nice day?"  My new friends are mourning the loss of a family member.  It's not really a nice day for them.  My week hadn't gone like I planned at all.  It was not really a nice day for me either.  And Sunday isn't going to be a celebration with our friends from our sister church, but instead a time to remember them in prayer during their time of loss. 

 [Suzanne, Steve, Pennsy, Alma, Fernando and Jordy after the party]

Funerals have such a way of changing our plans.  The visit was holy in so many ways, and so wonderful, but it was NOT QUITE WHAT WE PLANNED!  That's when it hit me.  Maybe, just maybe God was helping us to celebrate Christmas throughout this entire week instead of just on Sunday morning. 

Could it be?  I suddenly found myself feeling like Mary in some strange way.  I doubt giving birth in a manger with the animals and overflow crowd gathered around was quite what she had planned.  Births and deaths have a way of changing our plans.  They make us reexamine our priorities and adjust our schedule to reflect the new circumstances.  Our realities are different.  Life is different now, and it wasn't what we had planned.

The more I have thought about Jesus' whole life, the more this week feels interwoven with Scripture.  So many different stories from the Bible include tales of plans changed, journeys re-routed, and lives forever altered.  Just looking at the beginning of Luke--we see the old couple, Elizabeth and Zechariah, told they are finally going to have a child [Luke 1].  This was an answered prayer, but not what they expected.  Mary and Joseph were engaged, but their wedding and life together took a sudden and unexpected turn when she was visited by an angel [Luke 1].  I seriously doubt this was what she planned as she looked through the latest Bridal catalog, visited the local Bridal Boutiques, and filled out their personalized stone tablet on The Nazareth Knot.com registry. 

I doubt the innkeeper planned for the crowds that showed up due to the census being taken [Luke 2].  He was probably surprised to receive the knock on the door by this sojourning couple.  I imagine Mary was clearly about to give birth, and he found himself offering the best hospitality to this young couple that he could given the circumstances.  At least they were in from the weather, had straw to keep warm, and a place to lay their heads.  He might have even called in a midwife or local woman to be there to help with the birth--that is if time allowed it.  Speaking of "If time allows"--A year ago today my youngest niece was born, but it certainly wasn't what her family had planned for her birth.  She arrived so quickly that they didn't even make it to the car to head to the hospital.  Thankfully 911 was only a call away, and the paramedics arrived in time to help cut Lexi's cord.  When we got the phone call, we called 2 other family members just to confirm the story!  Births often don't go as planned.  Mary and Joseph knew that very well.

As for the shepherds in the fields trying to stay awake and guard the sheep... they were startled to be surrounded with a host of angels that night [Luke 2].  Perhaps they were sitting there, rubbing their eyes, and nudging one another, just trying to see if what their eyes saw was really happening?  It wasn't the night they had planned.  That night should have been like the night before--sitting peacefully in a field listening to the crickets chirp and the sheep doze on the grass.  What a tale they had to share!! “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: ¹¹to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10b-12)

I know many of us have been looking forward to Christmas in July today, and I've had some great conversations about Christmas!  At the Blood Drive on Monday, Carolyn Watts shared a quote with me from a seven-year-old named Bobby.  He said, "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."  I think that's pretty profound.  Christmas is all about Love. 

[Pastors Craig and Suzanne with our Decorated Lovefeast Buns from Christmas 2009.]

I must confess I love Christmas music, candles, decorations, and all the merriment of the Christmas season.  I love A Charlie Brown Christmas playing on TV and decorating the tree.  I love Christmas Eve Lovefeasts and the expectation of what yummy treats will appear inside my Lovefeast bun this year. And right about now those cold temperatures would feel mighty nice.

This was my lovefeast bun from the 2nd Christmas Eve lovefeast last year!

But celebrating Christmas in July, or any time besides December, allows us to celebrate without all the societal expectations of shopping, overspending, often-uncomfortable company parties, and overbooked schedules.  It helps us, I believe, to focus on what is most important--the good news of a baby that was born to show God's love to the world in the most tangible ways possible.  The prophets had promised this baby for centuries, and yet he arrived in a way no one planned.  The Light of the World is here. "For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." [Isaiah 9:6 NRSV] 

At our potluck on Wednesday night, we had the opportunity to spend time together in a room soaking in the love that was being shared.  There was no wrapping paper or bows strewn across the floor... instead there were people whose plans had been changed in unexpected ways because of both a death and a birth.  A family member was being mourned, and yet in the midst of that sorrow, God's love shone in the darkness.

I must tell this one story from the potluck.  When I arrived home on Wednesday from picking up Alma, Jordy, and Fernando in Winston-Salem, I opened the fridge.  In there was a bowl of dessert that I knew I hadn't made.  I asked Steve where it had come from.  He said his co-worker had seen my posting on Facebook about the potluck, and just happened to have the ingredients at home to make this chocolate cherry dessert.  So she showed up at work on Wednesday with a dish for our party just to make sure we had enough food.  God's love shines in the darkness and in the sweetness of chocolate and cherries.

On this past Wednesday and today, and hopefully every day, we celebrate a feast of love and joy and share the Good News that death does not have the final word.  In fact, Jesus' death didn't end as planned either.  The sorrowful disciples found out their plans had changed in quite unexpected ways when their loved one walked through the wall and joined the party.  Jesus' whole life and ministry did not go as people expected, and Jesus came to show God's kingdom often happens in unexpected ways as well.  It's the small things, like a bowl of dessert, that often show us God's kingdom of love at work.

May the Good News of Christmas cause us all to pause and reflect on the birth of God-With-US--Emmanuel.  Christ the Lord.  We can and should celebrate every day that the Promised Messiah has arrived, most unexpectedly and not at all how we planned, and our lives are forever changed by God's gift of love. Amen. 

Ten Thousand Villages School Kits Collection

Hi Everyone!  I'm back from a week at Mission Camp in Ashe & Alleghany Counties, NC.  It was a great week, and more will be posted later.  I wanted to post quickly about the 10,000 Villages Drive to collect kits for displaced school children. 

The email this week said:

"Ten Thousand Villages launches its 11th school supply drive to benefit displaced or orphaned children in places such as Haiti, Iraq, Nicaragua, North Korea, Serbia, Ukraine, U.S. and Canada. Last year over 100,000 school kits filled with new school supplies reached the hands of school-aged children whose lives had been interrupted by war or natural disasters. Supplies for the school kits can be dropped off at Ten Thousand Villages in Cameron Village from July 1 through August 31.

Include the following items in your school supply donations:

• 4 spiral-bound notebooks (about 8.5’’x 11”), 70-80 pages each
• 4 unsharpened #2 pencils
• 1 ruler, flexible plastic (with both 12” markings & 30 cm)
• 1 box/package of 12 colored pencils
• 1 large pink eraser

For more information email Marketing Coordinator Gricelle Font at marketing.raleigh@tenthousandvillages.com."

Check out this link for more info:

http://raleigh.tenthousandvillages.com/php/stores.festivals/store.events.php?date=&selected_date=1277956800&event_id=6401

Hope you're able to help and encourage your friends to do the same! Thanks!

Life's a beach...

 My cousin, well 3rd cousin once removed or something like that, has been written up in the local paper, and it's a story worth reading.  Tommy Adams, from Galax, VA just turned 50. He's my mom's first cousin. He was injured in 1974 just before he started high school and became a quadriplegic.  He recently got to see the ocean for the first time!  His outlook on life is sure to brighten any day, and he inspires many to focus on the good things in life!
The link for the article is here...
http://www.ecommunitiesonline.com/galax/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=808:tommy-adams-off-to-myrtle-berach&catid=101:latest&Itemid=77

U2's Music as Message to the Church!

I am a HUGE fan of U2's music and message.  I listen to them often, have read lots of books about them, their faith, and their music, and have been fortunate to attend two different concerts (Vertigo 2005 in Philly and 360 Tour in 2009 in Charlottesville).  Both concerts were worship experiences like I have not experienced before, and was so overwhelmed by these experiences of communal worship!

 [U2 in concert in Charlottesville, VA on October 1, 2009.  Photo by Suzanne Miller.]

I came across this article about their first single off of last year's No Line On the Horizon album.  It's about "Get On Your Boots", which is admittedly a strange song, and an even stranger video.  Check out this blog post and see for yourself... I agree with their interpretation that this song is a challenge to the church to get on our boots and do the work God is calling us to do!

http://www.faithandleadership.com/blog/07-09-2010/michael-and-anthony-emerson-church-you-don%E2%80%99t-know-how-beautiful-you-are

For full lyrics, click here.  

What do you think?  How do you interpret this song?

 [U2 in concert in Charlottesville, VA on October 1, 2009.  Photo by Suzanne Miller.  

Doesn't this stage even look like a cathedral?  It was an awesome concert!!]

Sermon for 7/4/10: "Risking It All" (Ruth 1:1-19-Favorite Things Summer Worship Series)

"Risking It All" 

Sermon for 7/4/10

Favorite Things Summer Worship Series

John Hus Communion

Ruth 1:1-19a; Mark 8:34-38

Let us prepare our hearts and pause in prayer from a hymn from Hus's time:

The Word of God, which ne're shall cease,

Proclaims free pardon, grace and peace,

Salvation shows in Christ alone,

The perfect will of God makes known.[1]

Life is full of choices, and many of our choices involve risks.  Big risks, small risks--risk comes in different shapes and sizes.  As I spent time this week thinking about the book of Ruth, the Independence day celebrations, and the celebration of John Hus, I was struck by the connections around risk.  They differ on many parts of the stories, but the connections are certainly there.  All three stories from our history have taken on a fairy tale or mythic quality, and these stories live on as we look at them again and again through the years.

The book of Ruth, like Jonah we touched on a few weeks ago, is short and deserves to be viewed as a whole story.  Due to space constraints and copyright laws, I couldn't print the whole thing in the bulletin today, but I invite you to re-read it sometime soon to relive the tale of widows trying to survive in a patriarchal society.  A story of food and family, gleaning and goodness from others and from God.  Naomi and her husband had left Bethlehem years before in search of food--ironic since Bethlehem means "House of Bread," and they ended up in Moab.  Ruth and Orpah married Naomi's sons, and all three men died.  The famine was over, and so Naomi is heading back home. Ruth and Orpah reached a fork in the road and had to make a choice. Go home to their families, or follow their Mother-in-law and take a risk.  Orpah followed directions.  Ruth took a risk.

Journeying as women without men around in that culture was unheard of, and for Ruth to leave behind her culture, her family, and her old life to follow Naomi back to Bethlehem was a huge risk.  She likely had to learn a new language, new customs, new traditions, new holidays, new foods, new everything.  She was willing to take the risk and set out on the journey with Naomi. We can't overlook or belittle Orpah as we praise Ruth for journeying with Naomi.  After all, most of us probably can relate to Orpah more closely.  We choose to stay where things are easy, or at least where things make sense.  The culture isn't foreign, we don't have to learn a new language, and our family is in the area.  It looks like Orpah made the right decision, or at least the easy decision. Scripture doesn't tell us what happened to Orpah.

For Ruth and Naomi, the risk worked out well for them. Ruth decides to follow not only Naomi, but believe in Naomi's God--Yahweh--The Lord Almighty. For Ruth and Naomi, we do know details about their story.  Spoiler Alert--Ruth ended up meeting Boaz, having a child, and becoming Great-Grandmother to King David and thus a distant relative of Jesus.  In fact, Ruth is one of only 4 women named in Matthew's Gospel in Jesus' lineage-a high honor indeed.  A stranger in a strange land ended up being in a royal family and relative to the Messiah.  For Ruth, the risk paid off.

With today being July 4th, I can't help but think of another group whose risk paid off.  The 4th of July now days is about food, fireworks, and fun.  The writers of the Declaration of Independence took a huge risk in trying to break away from England.  These renegade colonies were not seen favorably, and England was willing to fight for what they felt was their rightful land.  The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were committing treason, and were not making friends with the government at the time. I heard folks talking on the radio the other day about the early signers and the risk they took.  I don't often stop and think about that risk, because we know how the ending works out.  But they could not benefit from our 20/20 Hindsight, so they were risking their lives, their careers, and their families to stand up for what they thought was right.  They had to follow their conscience, and the risk paid off. 

For John Hus, or Jan Hus as he is also known, he took a risk as well, but whether it paid off for him comes with your perspective.  Hus grew up in what is today the Czech Republic, and though he was from a peasant family, was able to attend Charles University in Prague.  He ended up becoming a lecturer at the University, and later Rector.  He developed an interest in theology and was ordained to the Priesthood.  The church was fraught with controversy in the early 1400s, and Hus spoke out against the problems like the selling of indulgences.  He also preached in Czech, the language of the people, instead of Latin, the language of the church.  He believed that all church members should be allowed to receive both the cup and the bread during Communion instead of the cup only for the priests--a practice that was common at that time.  He felt that he could help bring reforms to the church and was willing to stand up for what he believed was what God wanted. 

Hus preached and spoke out against the church and leadership, and the church got more and more upset with him.  In 1415 he was invited to the Council of Constance, and was promised safe passage and return for his journey.  He took the risk and journeyed to Constance, where he was thrown in jail, convicted of heresy, and burned at the stake on July 6th, 1415 after he refused to recant on his beliefs.  Hus became a martyr for his beliefs, and his followers founded the Unity of the Brethren church in 1457, from which we trace our history as Moravians.  July 6th is a major holiday in the Czech Republic today.  It is a date Moravians remember by celebrating Communion--partaking both the bread and cup all these 500+ years later.  Hus' risk resulted in his untimely death, but it also resulted in a denomination that has spread throughout the world and he helped bring about reforms in the Catholic church as well.  Was his risk worth it?  I believe so.  But here again, our 20/20 Hindsight provides a viewpoint he didn't have. 

As we prepare to receive Communion today, we think back to all the saints--these spiritual forefathers and foremothers who came before us, paving the way and forging the paths for us to follow today.  They took risks to stand up for what they believed in, and we have what we have today thanks to their choices.  We also ultimately give thanks to Christ for the risks he took.  We hear his call to follow in the path he set forward through his life, death, and resurrection.  We hear his call to step out in faith and be his disciples, even when the road we travel calls us to take up our cross and follow-to take the risk. We think of Ruth who risked learning a new language and culture to follow the God that she had come to know and love.  We think of the early patriots who risked livelihood and family to live where they could practice their faith and life as they felt led to do.  We think of John Hus who choose death over recanting his beliefs, and his followers, the early Unity of the Brethren, who hid in forests and risked death to receive the cup and bread, and share their faith in their own language. 

We think about our own lives where God is calling us to follow as disciples, to risk the tough choices, and to stand up for what we believe is right.  We don't know where our journey will lead, but we know God goes before us and with us, and sustains us along the path.  Our Lord risked it all, and invites us to do the same.  May we all be willing to stand up for what we believe is right and follow wherever God leads.  Will you take the risk?  Amen.

[1] Allen W. Schattschneider and Albert H. Frank, Through Five Hundred Years and Beyond: A Popular History of the Moravian Church (Bethlehem, PA: IBOC, 2009) 13. This hymn was a rebel song from the 15th Century.

That's what they said...

Here is some food for thought for this first weekend in July.  I present another edition of "That's what they said.."

Considering a Career in the Clergy...by Michelle Goodman
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/career-clergy/story?id=11057335

Prophetic Leadership isn't an idle phrase... by Amy Butler
http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/5300/9/

Hourly wages... what is fair and reasonable?
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/walmart-ceo-pay-hour-workers-year/story?id=11067470

Sermon for 6-20-10 "Kairos Joy" Ecclesiastes 3 Favorite Things Summer Worship Series

Favorite Things Summer Worship Series

"Kairos Joy"

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15; Luke 6:6-11

6-20-10 

This summer we are on a sabbatical journey together as a community.  We are all part of a grand gift of rest and renewal, and have been given a wonderful opportunity to seek a different rhythm of living together as a church community.  As I am journeying through this summer, I have become more aware of Iona, an island off the western coast of Scotland.  This past week I encountered a new book, entitled Celtic Prayers from Iona that is a wonderful daily devotional used in Iona by the community who resides there.  Craig and Anna will be visiting Iona this August as part of this Sabbatical summer, so we will all, I'm sure, hear more about Iona when he returns from Sabbatical!

Iona is considered a sacred, holy island and has been since the time of the Celts.  A Christian mission was established there in the 6th century, and is considered the "Cradle of Christianity for much of Scotland and northern Europe."[1] Today there is a thriving Christian community that lives there, and they welcome guests to come and live with them for weeks and months at a time.  The Community in Iona lives and works together in a rhythm of life that is devoted to prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and work.  Iona is regarded as a "'thin place' in which the material realm is only thinly separated from the spiritual."[2] It is where "the eternal is 'seeping' through the physical."[3] Iona is a thin place that serves as a "sign of what is most deeply true of every place and every time." [4]

How many of us would like more time in our day?  How many of us find we often need more days in our weeks?  How many of us find time rushing faster and faster along?  Our favorite passage for today takes a look at time.  How do we keep time?  Where do we use our time for good and for ill?  Where do we use our time productively and restfully?  Where do we use our time for giving life and sharing peace?  This famous passage from Ecclesiastes 3 gives example after example of ways we use our time.  Now, if you're like me, it's hard to hear this passage without the Byrds' voices singing in the background.  "To everything, Turn, Turn, Turn.  There is a season, Turn, Turn, Turn, and a time for every purpose under heaven." [5] This hit from Pete Seeger in 1959 was released in 1965 by The Byrds, and comes almost exclusively from this passage in Ecclesiastes.[6]  The song, like the passage, reminds us of the rhythm and cycle of time and the seasons.  The seasons turn, and the hands of the clock turn, and we live in a rhythm of life and time.

Ecclesiastes, most scholars believe, was written by a wise teacher.  The author is often referred to by the Hebrew name Qohelet (or Koheleth), translated as "Teacher".  This book is written in the form of Wisdom Literature.  The Teacher is reminding us that there is a quote "alternative view of time, proceeding from the remarkable assurance that there is in fact an adequate and appropriate time for every necessary element of life." [7] This idea runs completely counter to our "highly time-conscious culture." [8]

Our passage is clear that God wants us to enjoy our time and that there is enough time for everything to happen.  It is not God who wants us to do more, be more, produce more, work more.  It is our culture that is putting this unhealthy pressure on is.  A time for work and a time for rest. We see this rhythm from the very beginning of creation.  In Genesis, the author illustrates how creation took place on the first six days, and then God rested on the seventh.  God begins by setting up a pattern of work and rest.  A time for work and a time for rest.  We see this pattern of work and rest explained to the Israelites in Exodus.  Exodus 20 details the 10 Commandments, which include: "⁸Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. ⁹Six days you shall labor and do all your work. ¹⁰But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work...¹¹For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and consecrated it." (Exodus 20:8-11 NRSV) This command is recounted in Deuteronomy as well, with a different reason.  This time the people are to keep the Sabbath to remember their release from captivity. [9] Deuteronomy 5 states, "¹²Observe the sabbath day and keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. ¹³Six days you shall labor and do all your work. ¹⁴But the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God.... ¹⁵Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the sabbath day." (Deuteronomy 5:12-15 NRSV) 

Keeping Sabbath is a practice that reminds us that there is enough time for every purpose under heaven.  Keeping Sabbath also reminds us that God had time to rest, and thus we have time to rest.  Keeping Sabbath reminds us that God's time is different than the time our culture tries to keep up with.  We even have two different words to describe time.  Chronos is the time of our culture and world.  It is chronology.  It is days, weeks, and years.  It is what our culture makes us think we need more of just to keep up.  It's what makes us exhausted, exacerbated, and empty. 

Kairos is the other type of time. [10] Kairos is God's time.  Kairos is what the teacher is referring to in Ecclesiastes and what the 10 Commandments are referring to in Sabbath. Kairos time is heaven-time.  It's time when we experience in those thin places in life.  Kairos moments are joy-filled, God-is-here, take-your-breath away moments when heaven and earth collide and you know something special is happening. 

Kairos moments often come through play, through being in community, and through taking time away from our regular routines.  They are often found when we are leaning into Sabbath and living a different rhythm to what our culture tells us is necessary.  Kairos moments bring healing, peace, and joy.  The man in our Gospel lesson this morning experienced a kairos moment during the sabbath.  I'm sure his JOY was palpable when Jesus healed his withered hand and brought peace and wholeness to his life.  Jesus was keeping the sabbath, but it was counter to what his culture expected.  Jesus' whole life was made up of kairos moments as he demonstrated what heaven and earth colliding looked like.  These moments brought joy for many he encountered, and through his life, he helped to redefine what Sabbath looked like in his culture. 

Sabbath is time out of our normal routines that bring healing, wholeness, and peace to us and those we encounter.  Sabbath is time when we seek to see the thin places where heaven is visible on earth.  Sabbath is when our time is lived in God's kairos rhythm, when there is time for everything and rest is valued and enjoyed. 

So what does Sabbath look like in our 21st Century?  How do we seek to live into God's kairos time and search for the thin places among us?  As Christians, our starting place for Sabbath is weekly worship.  Gathering as a community to celebrate sabbath together goes back thousands of years in history, and is as important today as ever.  Given our culture today, and the decrease in blue laws that limited Sunday activity, gathering for worship as a community of faith is more and more difficult, and more and more counter-cultural.  It is certainly my hope that everyone who associates with this church community makes every effort to attend weekly worship.  But I also recognize that it is harder and harder to do, especially given the sacrifices that are often required.  Our times for work and rest don't always correspond to the worship schedule, thus we have to be more intentional to set aside Sabbath time.

Sabbath takes on other forms as well as we look for ways to rest and live into Kairos moments.  While kairos moments can happen at work, and I hope they do for all of us, I believe it's easier for them to happen when we are not working and when our mind is free from work to intentionally look for the thin places around us.  In looking for Sabbath opportunities, think for a moment about what brings you joy?  What makes your heart sing?  Where have you gone or what have you done that allowed you to experience a kairos joy moment or see a thin place? Maybe it was in an art class, babysitting for a neighbor in need, or serving on a mission trip? Those are certainly work in one form, but they become sabbath with intentionality.  Maybe it was while at camp or on vacation?  Maybe it was playing board games with the family or playing Frisbee at the park? Where have you laughed, found joy, and been refreshed and renewed?  Those are sabbath moments. These sabbath moments remind us of God and help us live in God's rhythm of time.  If we keep our eyes open, we can see thin places in these moments. 

This weekend I saw a thin place around a track—a Kairos moment of Joy that was Sabbath amid activity.  Raleigh Moravian participated with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life on the track at Leesville Road High School.  This was our first time entering a team, and we worked hard to beat our fundraising goal--which is wonderful and will help many who need healing.  But there was something else that I think was more exciting for me to see.  During the closing ceremonies yesterday morning, as most of us were packing up and getting ready to head home for rest to relax our tired feet, we found out we won the Best Team Spirit award.  This award represents a thin place for me.  It's a kairos-joy moment.  We may not have raised the most money, or had the biggest team, but we had at least one participant from Raleigh Moravian compete in every silly game, every middle-of-the-night event, and every activity they hosted during the Relay.  We had folks show up to walk with us who were not on the official team roster.  We had an impressive group of 15 band members wake up early on a Saturday to provide walking-music.  Our team gave it their all... and celebrated being a community of Christ together.  We laughed together in our team space, walked together on the track, and worked together to raise money that will bring healing and wholeness to those in need.   It was work on one hand, but it was sabbath because it was breaking out of the normal routine.  It was an opportunity to live into God's kairos time, and be a part of something bigger than just ourselves, or even our one team.  It was an opportunity to celebrate the best of community and see heaven and earth collide on a track under the stars and bring joy to so many. We are Kairos Joy-kinda people...As Kristina said afterward, "Thanks to you guys, Raleigh Moravian is now known to Relay Folk as a place with upbeat, spirited, good hearted people."[11]  What a great way to show others what God’s spirit and way of living looks like!

As we all continue in our sabbatical summer, I hope and pray you will continue to take the opportunity this time provides to seek to live into God's time, seek the thin places around us, and find those kairos joy moments where heaven and earth collide.  And when this sabbatical summer comes to a close, I hope we continue seeking the kairos joy moments together with renewed hearts and minds.

Please pray with me:

O God who comes to us through the thin places in every day life, help us to seek you in each moment of our day.  Be with us as we live, and love, and laugh.  Help make every moment we have a time when we see your love for us and help us to use each moment, whether it is work or sabbath, to bring wholeness, peace, and healing to a world in need.  Help us to live into your rhythm, a rhythm or work and rest, that brings us joy, thus bringing you joy. In your holy name we pray, Amen.

[1] J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers From Iona (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) 7.

[2] J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers From Iona (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) 7.

[3] J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers From Iona (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) 7.

[4] J. Philip Newell, Celtic Prayers From Iona (New York: Paulist Press, 1997) 7.

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn!_Turn!_Turn!

[6] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn!_Turn!_Turn!_%28album%29

[7] Ellen Davis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Songs.  Westminster Bible Companion Series (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000) 183.

[8] Ellen Davis, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and The Song of Songs.  Westminster Bible Companion Series (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000) 183.

[9] Dorothy C. Bass, "Keeping Sabbath" in Practicing Our Faith: A Way Of life For A Searching People, Dorothy Bass, ed.  (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1997) 77-79.

[10] William P. Brown, Ecclesiastes.  Interpretation Series (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 2000) 44.

[11] Email from Kristina Leighton, Team Captain, to Relay Participants, 6/19/10.

That's what she said: Inovation

The following blog link comes from the Harvard Business Review from a Harvard Business Professor.  I invite you to read it with an eye toward church... It is written for business, but I believe some of it (most of it) can be applied to churches and thinking outside the box.

http://blogs.hbr.org/kanter/2010/06/innovation-who-else-is-doing-i.html

What do you think?  How can we think outside the box (worship box, choir box, pulpit box, Sunday School classroom box, board box, etc)?  Where might the Spirit be leading our congregation to think outside the box to join what God is doing in our midst?   Where is Got at work innovating and creating that we can hop on board?  It may mean stretching and risking, but that's a good thing... especially when we are seeking and discerning and are prayerful in the process.  Let's keep watch and listen together!

Keeping Sabbath: Sharing Ideas

My last sermon explored the idea of Sabbath--taking time to rest and renew.  It is important to help us live into God's Rhythm of time (Kairos time as opposed to Chronus time-chronology/cultural/world time).  I found a good list to start with for suggestions about how to keep Sabbath and wanted to share it.  How do you find Sabbath time?  What activities do you find helpful to break out of our normal rhythm and find some God-time for resting?

Four Ways to Keep the Sabbath

Ceasing: work, stress

Resting: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually

Embracing: Christian values, time, giving, wholeness, the world

Feasting: on the Eternal with music, beauty, food, and affection

 (Printed in Soul Tending, edsu Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2002)62.  Adapted from Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva J. Dawn)

I enjoy spending time with friends, attending a yoga class to stretch and de-stress, reading a good book, listening to music, walking, playing with my dog, and watching movies--just to name a few.  I'd love to hear your ideas for Sabbath Keeping.  What books do you enjoy reading?  What movies help you relax and laugh?  What activities feed your soul and help you see the joy around you? [Post your answers in the comments section!  Thanks for stopping by!]