Mark 10:2-16
Isn’t it fun to watch little kids? They are so interesting, and in many ways, so predictable. I have a little thought experiment for you. There is a plate of candy sitting on a table. Now, there is a little kid in the room and you tell the kid to not touch the candy. To make it even more interesting, you say, “Now, don’t touch any of that really yummy candy!” Then, after saying that, you walk out of the room. I am sure all of us would agree that the kid will go about doing whatever the kid was doing previously and will not, no matter how long the kid is left alone, touch the candy.
Who am I kidding! We know that the kid, no matter how good, will eventually go over and take a piece of the “really yummy candy!” That is just the way kids are. The moment you tell them “no,” it is then that they want to do exactly what you told them not to do.
And even though we are adults, I think we are still guilty of this behavior. I have seen people in stores handle things while standing in front of a sign that says, “Please Do Not Touch.” I have seen people graze their way through a grocery store knowing that they will never pay of the things they have eaten. We are told, “No, we should not do this,” but we still knowingly break the rules.
Does this behavior make us horrible people? Does it make us terrible people? Does it make us “BAD?” No, nothing of the sort! So what does this behavior make us? Well, it makes us human. Part of being human is to see how far we can push the rules. Don’t believe me? It this weren’t so, we wouldn’t need police; we would all know that rules and not break them. But because we are human, we always push the rules.
And if anyone would understand this, it would be God. God knows we are going to push the rules. Heck, more than that, we will knowingly break the laws God has given us. God has given us freewill and in the use of freewill, we WILL go against wishes of God. That is just a simple statement of life.
So, because kids, and adults, are going to break the rules, does this mean that we totally abandon all laws? Because just about everyone ignores speed limits, does this mean that we never have speed limits? Well, of course not. We have rules and laws in place because it is a good thing to do. Rules and laws keep us safe. Rules and laws make life easier to live. Rules and laws are a good thing. Rules and laws make our lives better.
But we still have the problem of breaking the rule. Well, there are the possible consequences such as getting an upset stomach from eating too much candy or burnt fingers from touching the hot pan on the stove. There are also other consequences such as the anger and disapproval of the parents or possible fines. But even with all the consequences, I think we would all agree the world would be a better place if we would all just follow the laws and the rules. But, alas, being human, we just aren’t going to always follow the rules.
Is God going to abandon us if we don’t follow God’s laws? Or should God just stop making rules and laws and allow us to do whatever we want? Of course the answer to both of those questions is, “No.” God will not abandon us if we don’t follow God’s laws. God wants us to follow God’s laws and rules, these make life more enjoyable, but God will not abandon us. And God is not going to stop expecting the best of us. Just as we expect the best for our children, God expects the best from us. But God is not going to abandon us if we fall short of the goal. Just like we would not abandon our own children if they fall short, God will not abandon us.
This is the lesson we are to learn from today’s scripture readings. God has great plans for us, but when we fall short of these plans, we are not abandoned. God wants what is best for us, but when we don’t live up to these plans, God does not leave us dangling. Although God wants what is best for all of God’s children, God loves us enough to have some contingency plans.
Jesus tells us that divorce was not part of God’s plans for us. God does not want our relationships to fall apart. I am sure we have all seen some pretty messy divorces and I am sure we can agree that a world where divorce was not necessary would be a pretty wonderful thing. But I think we would also agree that in some situations, divorce can be quite a blessing. Although we may not want to see marriages end, in some cases, the best thing that can happen is for a marriage to end and for the people to continue their lives apart. Divorce is not what God wants for us, but because we are human and we have freewill, divorce is given to us. Divorce, even though it is not the ideal, is still a gift.
God knows that we are not perfect. God knows that we are going to wander away and try to do things our own way. God knows that even though we are given an ideal, because of freewill, we will fall short of that ideal. And in God’s goodness, we have that out. But Jesus also reminds us that this is not what God had wanted for us. Just like we do not want our kids to get into trouble, and we would like for our children to listen to us, God wants us to pay attention and to learn. But when we fall short, we are not abandoned.
Now lets do a quick jump to the end of the gospel reading. At the beginning of the reading we have all this talk about divorce and adultery, all this really deep stuff. But suddenly, at the end of the reading, we are talking about children. "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” The shift is almost jarring. However, it is this jarring shift that should make us think.
The children are brought into the picture to help us to gain perspective. How do we love and care for our children? We set up rules, we set up laws. We provide expectations and we send them on their way. We know that our children will make mistakes, but we also know that our children will learn from their mistakes. We would hope that our children would listen and learn, but we also know that our children will have to experience life in their own way. We would hope that we could pass our knowledge on to our children, but we know that our kids will go out and find the truth themselves.
And as jarring and disjointed as this shift may seem, it does make sense. God has a vision for our lives. God has a dream for our lives. But God also knows that we, just like we know our children will do, will go out and experience life. We will run over God’s law and we will experience the pain of our mistakes. But in the midst of our experiencing of life, we are given the assurance that because we are the beloved children of God, we can still come to Christ, and we will still be accepted with open, loving, arms. "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them…” That is what Jesus is saying to us. God would prefer we follow God’s plan for our lives, but when we take the candy from the candy dish, we can rest assured that we are still loved and accepted.
We are the children of God and we are all accepted. Even if we fall short, God is there for us. Even when we flaunt God’s law, God still calls us to the table. God is the ultimate parent; we are loved more than we can ever know. We are called to the table in love, and we are called to spread that love to the world.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
More on Depression
Dr. Ur-Spo commented that I had been whining (my word, not his!) about being depressed, but I did not give any information on what to do for people who are depressed. This got me thinking. What would I want people to do to help me in my depression?
First of all, I will agree with Ur-Spo's comment, "most people who try to help have good intent, but don't know what to say or do." I really do believe that people do have good intent. And to make people feel self-conscious about interacting with people who are depressed is not my intent. But, maybe, helping people think of other ways of saying things is my intent. I don't know.
I will state that all of what I am saying applies only to me. I do not know what others are thinking or feeling.
When I get depressed, I am feeling horrible about myself. I have a majorly over-developed superego. The litany of "shoulds" go marching through my head. "You should be more successful." "You should be better." "You should be perfect." "You should not make mistakes." "You should be all things to all people." When people do the "count your blessings" thing, all that I hear is "You should see the good in this and you don't." And it just heaps burning coals.
Also, there are people who feel that just telling the person that God loves them is all that is needed. I want to say, "If this is how God demonstrates love, I would hate to see what happens to those God does not love! If this is how God demonstrates love, it is really kind of pathological."
What would I want to hear?
I would want to hear from people an acknowledgment that sometimes life does suck. But first off, be real. Losing a house, a job, status in society, a place in community, ability to do what you once enjoyed, your freedom of movement... This may seem like high level whining, but relative loss is psychologically real. The Bible book of Revelation is based on perceived loss and relative loss.
Going from having the ability to travel where you wanted with little thought of cost, to having to plan for your one-week, once a year, vacation, which you almost didn't go on because of financial difficulties, can bring you down a bit. Saying that you should be happy to be able to travel feels like a slap in the face.
By acknowledging the difficulties, you do not "feed into" the depression. By acknowledging the difficulties, it helps to reaffirm that I am seeing, at lest some things in the world, accurately. Try to find something that you can affirm as accurate. It just adds to the feeling of helplessness when it seems that everything I see seems to be wrong.
Some redirection is probably good too. Just don't be too abrupt about it!
Me: I feel like Hell.
You: The Cubs won last night.
Me: Nobody seems to listen.
You: When was the last time you had your oil changed?
Kind of unorganized, but hopefully some insight can be found.
First of all, I will agree with Ur-Spo's comment, "most people who try to help have good intent, but don't know what to say or do." I really do believe that people do have good intent. And to make people feel self-conscious about interacting with people who are depressed is not my intent. But, maybe, helping people think of other ways of saying things is my intent. I don't know.
I will state that all of what I am saying applies only to me. I do not know what others are thinking or feeling.
When I get depressed, I am feeling horrible about myself. I have a majorly over-developed superego. The litany of "shoulds" go marching through my head. "You should be more successful." "You should be better." "You should be perfect." "You should not make mistakes." "You should be all things to all people." When people do the "count your blessings" thing, all that I hear is "You should see the good in this and you don't." And it just heaps burning coals.
Also, there are people who feel that just telling the person that God loves them is all that is needed. I want to say, "If this is how God demonstrates love, I would hate to see what happens to those God does not love! If this is how God demonstrates love, it is really kind of pathological."
What would I want to hear?
I would want to hear from people an acknowledgment that sometimes life does suck. But first off, be real. Losing a house, a job, status in society, a place in community, ability to do what you once enjoyed, your freedom of movement... This may seem like high level whining, but relative loss is psychologically real. The Bible book of Revelation is based on perceived loss and relative loss.
Going from having the ability to travel where you wanted with little thought of cost, to having to plan for your one-week, once a year, vacation, which you almost didn't go on because of financial difficulties, can bring you down a bit. Saying that you should be happy to be able to travel feels like a slap in the face.
By acknowledging the difficulties, you do not "feed into" the depression. By acknowledging the difficulties, it helps to reaffirm that I am seeing, at lest some things in the world, accurately. Try to find something that you can affirm as accurate. It just adds to the feeling of helplessness when it seems that everything I see seems to be wrong.
Some redirection is probably good too. Just don't be too abrupt about it!
Me: I feel like Hell.
You: The Cubs won last night.
Me: Nobody seems to listen.
You: When was the last time you had your oil changed?
Kind of unorganized, but hopefully some insight can be found.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Continued Thoughts on Depression
I really wish people would stop using the "Count Your Blessings" method of trying to cheer people up. On many levels, it really doesn't work. Actually, it gets me more depressed and adds anger to it. "Oh sure, now not only do I feel like shit, but I now feel guilty because I don't see the WONDERFUL!!!! things in my life." And trying to be happy when you have a job making coffee while others who have less experience are working full time doing church things is frustrating. I am not wishing ill will to my colleague, I am just asking for a little equality.
What comes across is that not only am I doing something wrong, but I can't even see the blessings in life properly. I know it sounds crazy, but welcome to depression. If it were logical, it wouldn't exist. What also people don't get is that, at least for me, I AM trying to look for the positive things in life, but even that gets really tiring. I am tired of feeling like I am "settling."
What comes across is that not only am I doing something wrong, but I can't even see the blessings in life properly. I know it sounds crazy, but welcome to depression. If it were logical, it wouldn't exist. What also people don't get is that, at least for me, I AM trying to look for the positive things in life, but even that gets really tiring. I am tired of feeling like I am "settling."
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thoughts on Depression
I had a friend who once said that varicose veins was proof that we were not an apex species. I would also say that depression is proof. How can something that comes into your life and removes all joy be a benefit to a population?
I could see if the depression energized a person to make changes, but it seems to do the opposite; it seems to sap energy. It seems to leave the person less able to make changes in their life than before the depression set in. Is it a means of cleaning the filter of the gene pool?
But that would not seem like a possibility, because many who have depression do go on to produce another generation. Also, depression seems to attack those who do have things that are of benefit to a society.
Why the pondering? I just had the floor fall out from underneath me, yet again. I seemed to be doing fine and then I started to contemplate my status in life and began to feel totally lost; totally backed into a corner. The vacation was nice, but instead of fortifying for continued living, it just brings the frustrations of life into sharp focus. And when I look around, all I seem to see is what life is not. I try to look toward the positive things, but these keep getting drown by the frustrations and the let downs. I really don't want to be doing this any more.
Sorry for the bummer. I hope it clears the thoughts and lets me go on.
I could see if the depression energized a person to make changes, but it seems to do the opposite; it seems to sap energy. It seems to leave the person less able to make changes in their life than before the depression set in. Is it a means of cleaning the filter of the gene pool?
But that would not seem like a possibility, because many who have depression do go on to produce another generation. Also, depression seems to attack those who do have things that are of benefit to a society.
Why the pondering? I just had the floor fall out from underneath me, yet again. I seemed to be doing fine and then I started to contemplate my status in life and began to feel totally lost; totally backed into a corner. The vacation was nice, but instead of fortifying for continued living, it just brings the frustrations of life into sharp focus. And when I look around, all I seem to see is what life is not. I try to look toward the positive things, but these keep getting drown by the frustrations and the let downs. I really don't want to be doing this any more.
Sorry for the bummer. I hope it clears the thoughts and lets me go on.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
More Vacation
The next day, Nick and I went with my nephew to Backbone park. This is a great park with lots of rocks to climb on. Nick was a great sport and climbed up. In the picture above, I am looking down at the car. It is there in the trees. Unfortunately, couldn't move the tree or the rock to get a better picture.
But before that, we went to the beach. Yes, there is a beach in Iowa. The Mississippi River has a lot of sand bars on it and this beach was one where I spent many summer days as a teen.
Then we went to the North Buena Vista Grotto. This is SOOOOOOOOO much better (NOT!) than the Dickeyville Grotto. Note the fluorescent light as Mary's Halo. (click on Mary to see!)
Restroom sigh at the Potosi Brewery. I love the glasses in the hands.
And here we are in a cleft in the rock that Nick climbed so bravely!
Home Again
Well, Nick and I are home from vacation.
I guess it was a good thing, the problem is, you can never have a vacation without having to to return from the vacation. (ok, if you DIE on vacation, then you don't have to return, but we won't go there.) So now I am in the process of returning from vacation.
I have to work tomorrow. Well, at least we have new people working and my shifts have been reduced. This is good in that I will have time to get church things done.
But vacation was a good thing. It was time to get away from work and the problems of the day. We visited with my parents and family and also traveled to visit the "roadways of my youth" and some friends.
We visited some long-time friends of Nick on the way there. We had a nice chat and some good food! Unfortunately, the air mattress decided to give up the ghost in the middle of the night and the dog had killer breath.
We finally made it to my parents house and were treated to home made beef stroganoff. I love the stuff! And so stuff is what I did. Yum!!
The next day we went to the Amana Colonies. On the way there we found this road. Yes, it is a real road. I want to live on it!! It really wasn't that hilly, but the name was great. On the way home, we found the most BORING gay bar in existence. Club Basix is interesting in that it was a McDonalds, but we don't need to be paying for beers to be ignored by the Bartender. (He was not cute either!) He gave us our beers and proceeded to turn his back on us and watch the tennis match. No tip for that twink!
More later!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Brenda
In one of my former congregations, I had a council member named Brenda. Brenda will always stand out in my mind as an example of maturity; an example we should all strive to emulate.
Brenda was not old by any extent; she was in her 40's, so this wasn't "the wisdom of the ages." Brenda was just a very bright woman and a woman of integrity.
The situation that I remember involved a vote that was before the council. This vote involved moving some rooms within the church building. Brenda was not for the moving of the rooms and stated such. When the vote came through, Brenda was the only person to vote against the proposal. I appreciate her integrity in voting against the proposal that she did not agree with. She did not fold under pressure.
A few days later, I got to the church and Brenda and her daughter was in the church arranging the furniture in the rooms that had been changed by the proposal. They were setting up tables and placing table clothes over them. Brenda was moving stuff around and looking at it with her decorator eye.
I was a bit confused.
I asked Brenda what she was doing. She told me that although she was against the changes, she was part of the council and the congregation. The proposal had been voted in by the council and as a council member, it was now her duty to see that this proposal succeeded!
Brenda had the maturity to see that sometimes some things were bigger than her. She had the maturity to see that sometimes the Spirit may be moving but not giving us the all the insights. She trusted that God was moving and that although she may not know what God was doing, she should not stand in the way, and should use her gifts to help in whatever way possible.
I love Brenda!
Brenda was not old by any extent; she was in her 40's, so this wasn't "the wisdom of the ages." Brenda was just a very bright woman and a woman of integrity.
The situation that I remember involved a vote that was before the council. This vote involved moving some rooms within the church building. Brenda was not for the moving of the rooms and stated such. When the vote came through, Brenda was the only person to vote against the proposal. I appreciate her integrity in voting against the proposal that she did not agree with. She did not fold under pressure.
A few days later, I got to the church and Brenda and her daughter was in the church arranging the furniture in the rooms that had been changed by the proposal. They were setting up tables and placing table clothes over them. Brenda was moving stuff around and looking at it with her decorator eye.
I was a bit confused.
I asked Brenda what she was doing. She told me that although she was against the changes, she was part of the council and the congregation. The proposal had been voted in by the council and as a council member, it was now her duty to see that this proposal succeeded!
Brenda had the maturity to see that sometimes some things were bigger than her. She had the maturity to see that sometimes the Spirit may be moving but not giving us the all the insights. She trusted that God was moving and that although she may not know what God was doing, she should not stand in the way, and should use her gifts to help in whatever way possible.
I love Brenda!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
"Liar"
I cannot believe we have gotten to the point where someone would actually call the President "liar" during an address to the congress. But he apologized. Aw, how nice.
Maybe we need to just say "please" and we will get the health care we need. "Oh, please quit hoarding finances into your (how many homes do you have Mr. McCain?) homes and help those who cannot afford to even stay alive! (Hyperbole, I know.)
Other things that have been happening have been problems at work (surprise, surprise!). I guess I am getting close to getting fired because of being back late from breaks and lunch. Not way long, just two minutes late. Really, I have ten years of college and I have to be careful of being two minutes late from a break! I should follow the example of the Lead Barista and just roam around while on the clock. I did not get a break on Tuesday because the management scheduled things so there would have been a new person alone. This person had no experience and could not run the cash register. It is ok that I get no breaks, but I come back late and I get in trouble. And the meeting to "council" me takes longer than two minutes anyway!
Oh well...
Piss and Moan.
Maybe we need to just say "please" and we will get the health care we need. "Oh, please quit hoarding finances into your (how many homes do you have Mr. McCain?) homes and help those who cannot afford to even stay alive! (Hyperbole, I know.)
Other things that have been happening have been problems at work (surprise, surprise!). I guess I am getting close to getting fired because of being back late from breaks and lunch. Not way long, just two minutes late. Really, I have ten years of college and I have to be careful of being two minutes late from a break! I should follow the example of the Lead Barista and just roam around while on the clock. I did not get a break on Tuesday because the management scheduled things so there would have been a new person alone. This person had no experience and could not run the cash register. It is ok that I get no breaks, but I come back late and I get in trouble. And the meeting to "council" me takes longer than two minutes anyway!
Oh well...
Piss and Moan.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Starting of Anniversary Season
Well, I am a little slow on posting this, but with the way life has been, I feel slow is better than not at all.
Last Sunday marked the fourth anniversary of when Nick and I met. It wasn't the actual date, but it was the "Day." We met on the Sunday before Labor Day and that is much easier than trying to remember that it was Sept. 4th. (Hey, I am into "easy to remember!")
Other anniversaries for this time is when we started "dating" and finally ending with when we, well, you know.
Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to add an actual "Wedding Anniversary" to the list. We had thought of getting married on this trip to Iowa so that it would fall in the Anniversary Season, but alas, that will not be possible. That is ok, though, it will happen as it will happen.
Last Sunday marked the fourth anniversary of when Nick and I met. It wasn't the actual date, but it was the "Day." We met on the Sunday before Labor Day and that is much easier than trying to remember that it was Sept. 4th. (Hey, I am into "easy to remember!")
Other anniversaries for this time is when we started "dating" and finally ending with when we, well, you know.
Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to add an actual "Wedding Anniversary" to the list. We had thought of getting married on this trip to Iowa so that it would fall in the Anniversary Season, but alas, that will not be possible. That is ok, though, it will happen as it will happen.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Such as it is...
I have been in a really funky place as of late. It seems as if the stress will never let up.
Between work, church, finances, and pets, things have just been nuts. It feels as if life is just pushing me farther and farther back into a corner. There seems to be no way out of this corner.
I have felt this way before. The first time I remember would have been around when I was five or six years old. I remember having what seemed to be all the kids in the neighborhood making fun of me. Calling me names and calling me stupid. I felt trapped. I felt misunderstood. I felt flawed and hurt. It seemed that no matter what I did, I was not going to be able to make these people stop. I kept being told that I was no good, I was bad. It seemed that the only thing to do was to run away; to get as far away from these people who were hurting me as possible. So off I rode on my bike, trying to get as far away from these people who were hurting me as possible.
This is the feeling that I have been having lately. I feel hurt, flawed and misunderstood. I feel like no one cares and that I am totally trapped. I feel like to voice my opposition is just being dramatic, but to not oppose what is happening is to just succumb to the situation.
It seems like the world has just become a bunch of complacent people who don't want to make any waves. Those who know how to take advantage of this complacency just cruise through life. And everyone else around them just finally give up because they get tire of beating their head against the wall. I feel like I am a bleating sheep, but is seems as if no one is listening.
I begin to wonder: Am I the crazy one?
Between work, church, finances, and pets, things have just been nuts. It feels as if life is just pushing me farther and farther back into a corner. There seems to be no way out of this corner.
I have felt this way before. The first time I remember would have been around when I was five or six years old. I remember having what seemed to be all the kids in the neighborhood making fun of me. Calling me names and calling me stupid. I felt trapped. I felt misunderstood. I felt flawed and hurt. It seemed that no matter what I did, I was not going to be able to make these people stop. I kept being told that I was no good, I was bad. It seemed that the only thing to do was to run away; to get as far away from these people who were hurting me as possible. So off I rode on my bike, trying to get as far away from these people who were hurting me as possible.
This is the feeling that I have been having lately. I feel hurt, flawed and misunderstood. I feel like no one cares and that I am totally trapped. I feel like to voice my opposition is just being dramatic, but to not oppose what is happening is to just succumb to the situation.
It seems like the world has just become a bunch of complacent people who don't want to make any waves. Those who know how to take advantage of this complacency just cruise through life. And everyone else around them just finally give up because they get tire of beating their head against the wall. I feel like I am a bleating sheep, but is seems as if no one is listening.
I begin to wonder: Am I the crazy one?
Saturday, September 05, 2009
You're Welcome!
One time, I was at a conference where the speaker was talking about Welcoming Congregations. He said that he has never met a congregation that did not consider itself welcoming. He said that every congregation, when asked to describe themselves, would say that they were “Welcoming.” It wouldn’t matter what the emotional temperature of the congregation was, they always saw themselves as warm and welcoming.
Truthfully, I don’t think he is too far off. Most people would not want to think of themselves as cold an aloof. And also, I don’t think that the congregations were lying, they probably truly think they are warm and welcoming. And for every congregation out there, there is probably a group of people who, upon entering the congregation, feel warmly welcomed.
Knowing that most congregations will say they are welcoming, when I interview in a congregation, I will purposely ask the question, “How would you describe your congregation?” But I always put a stipulation on the question; the people have to describe the congregation without using the words “warm” or “welcoming.” It is interesting to watch the wheels turn as they process what this actually means. Most congregations are quick to toss out the old saw that they are a “Welcoming Congregation,” but often they cannot go beyond that to tell me exactly what they mean by “welcoming.”
Being welcoming is such an interesting concept. Being welcomed is how we know that we are part of the group or how we know if we are outsiders. If we enter a new place and we feel truly welcomed, we know that this is a place for us. If we find a place that is “nice” but not welcoming, then we know that this is not the place for us. How a person is welcomed has a lot to do with whether a person will return or will stay away.
Welcoming is also an important concept for us as Christians. It is in how we welcome those who are new in our midst that we show the world the love of Christ. And it is in how we welcome those whom we have disagreements and anger that we share Christ’s love with each other. When we are welcoming, as Christ would welcome, we are letting people know that they are part of the “in group,” part of Christ’s promise. But if we give a cool welcome, we also send a message that Christ’s love is not for these people.
In the epistle reading for today, James talks about how we live out our faith in our lives. He especially focuses on how and who we welcome. Do we welcome only those who fit our stereotype of a “good” person? Do we only welcome those whom we know? Do we reach out in warmth and love to those whom we may not find comfortable? Or do we just treat them with cool kindness.
Christ welcomed all people to his table. He welcomed the rich and the poor. He welcomed the noble born and the lowly. Jesus called as his disciples the simple fishers, the tax collectors, and the physicians. Jesus did not only pick those who were well healed or the most respectable. Jesus knew that all people needed to be welcomed, needed to feel part: Needed to belong. This is the example that we are given and the example we are to follow. But how do we do this? How can we know?
Something that may help us to assess how we can go about welcoming is to look at our Vision Statement. You may not have noticed it, but it has been on our bulletin for some time now! If you look you will find it right on the bottom. It says, “To spread the joy of Christ’s love through prayer and Christian action.” What that statement is, is the guide for all of our actions as a church. In everything we do, we should be asking ourselves if these actions are in keeping with our vision statement. From the way the ushers greet people to the way the building looks should be influenced by this statement. How is the way we welcome people an expression of our Vision Statement? How is the way we welcome each other an expression of our Vision Statement? Is the way we are presenting ourselves to the world in keeping with our vision?
But something else that would help us to be truly welcoming Christians is to have a true understanding of ourselves. Who are we as a congregation? What are our concerns for ourselves and for our community? What do we present to a nonbelieving world? These are important questions. If we do not look at them intentionally, they will just be answered haphazardly. If we are not intentional about answering the questions about WHO and WHOSE we are, we are saying that these questions are unimportant and the world will notice. But if we intentionally answering these questions, we become more comfortable with ourselves and in return, can become more welcoming.
We are called to reach out beyond our own doors and beyond our own comfort zones. We are called to reach out to the people of the world who need to find the love and support of God. In seminary, we were always reminded that the church is NOT for the people who are within the walls; the church is a body that is to reach out to those beyond the walls. As Christians, we are called to bring the light to even the darkest corners.
James reminds us that we probably are not going to find people who “look like us” in these dark corners. We are going to find those people who are different. But even those who are different need to know about Christ’s love; maybe even more so! Would we rather have our sanctuary sing with a multitude and variety of voices or echo in emptiness? If we want it to sing, we need to look at all aspects of our church life. We need to look at our worship. We need to look at ourselves.
This won’t be easy, but we will not be alone in the process. We have Christ, the great leader, teacher, and Savior. We have the Spirit guiding and encouraging us. We have our Lord God creating a way for us to go!
We are called to be a place of rest, a place of sanctuary, a place of growth, and a place of peace. We are called to be a place of joy and a place where people can find joy. We are Christians and we are called to be welcoming, love filled presence to the world.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Eulogy for a Poodle
It is kind of weird, having Amber put down is effecting me much more than having Madeline put down. There are several reasons I think this is. One is that dogs are much more part of the "pack" than are cats. Amber would run to the door when you would come in. Claudia actually runs away when the door opens.
I see things of Amber's, her bowls, her leashes, even the container that kept her food. When I see them, I begin to get teary eyed. She was my hiking buddy. She would go bounding through the tall grass. Even when she couldn't see over the grass she would just go, she was always ready to go.
Even thought she was Nick's dog, Amber was an equal-opportunity lover. She was willing cuddle up to anyone.
But she is gone now.
It is just getting to be too much. Between job stress, money problems, idiot coworkers, and now two pets gone. I am feeling like I am losing it and afraid I may never find it again.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Gay Amish
Sorry! No picture!
I was driving on some back roads last Sunday when I saw it! A GAY AMISH! A group of Amish boys (teens) were playing volleyball in the yard. There were wearing black pants and suspenders and white shirts; EXCEPT ONE! He was wearing black pants and suspenders and a PINK shirt! And he looked FABULOUS!
I was driving on some back roads last Sunday when I saw it! A GAY AMISH! A group of Amish boys (teens) were playing volleyball in the yard. There were wearing black pants and suspenders and white shirts; EXCEPT ONE! He was wearing black pants and suspenders and a PINK shirt! And he looked FABULOUS!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Be Doers of the Word
James 1:17-27
Be doers of the word.
Such a simple statement. Be doers of the word. This really shouldn’t be something that needs to be preached upon. But from pulpits all over the world today, preachers will be extolling their congregations to not just be hearers of the word, but to be doers of the word.
This should be the thing that we are about. We should be about living out our faith in the world. All who claim the title of Christian should be living out their faith just because of who they are. The past week at work we have been surrounded by people dressed in green and white and living out the live of an MSU student. I jokingly commented about a Michigan State shirt, that of course Michigan was a state and that the woman was standing in the state. And this woman looked at me like I was a nut! For these people, being a Spartan was just who they were and just a natural expression of their being. To be otherwise would just be weird.
So too, for us Christians, our faith should just be so much of us that we cannot help but live out the word. Not that we need to be wearing tee shirts emblazoned with Christian slogans all the time. But we should be putting the teachings we have learned through our faith into action in our lives.
Now, lest we get confused, we need to make sure we get the order of events correct. Again, I will use the MSU people as an example. You would all find it kind of odd if I were to tell you that getting accepted to MSU was dependent upon how much MSU clothing you could wear, right? You would find it silly to think that if you totally tattooed yourself green and white that you would get the top scholarships, right? That just seems silly to say. But some still believe that the teachings we find in the book of James is the rule book on how to get salvation. Some believe that we have to DO all of this stuff before we can finally be accepted.
Well, that is not the case.
The folks that are arrayed in green and white are so proudly displaying the school colors because they have ALREADY been accepted! They are part of the group! So they display the colors as a means of spreading their excitement. In the same manner, we do not live the word in the world to earn Christ’s salvation, we have been assured of that salvation in Christ’s death and resurrection, and we have further been assured of that salvation in our baptism. Our salvation is a given. Christ is not going to take it back! So when we are called to go out and be doers of the word, we do it to share with the world the joy that we have found!
So, if we are to be doers of the word in the world, what would that look like? James gives us some ways. We are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, [and] slow to anger.” That is some good advice. We are to bridle our tongues and be sure that when we speak, that we are to be careful of our words. You know, if we could all just do that, the world would be so much better. So often we are so very quick to become angry and then to speak. We are so quick to speak without listening to what the other is saying.
But whether we like it or not, when we claim the title of Christian, we are also claiming to be the voice of God in the world. When we claim the title of Christian, we are claiming to be the heart of God in the world. When we claim the title of Christian, we are claiming to be the arms of God, reaching out to send the unending love of God into the world.
When the world encounters us, what does it find? What does it find about Christianity as a whole? Is this the image that Christ would have been proud to die for? Is the worlds view of Christianity that of love or that of intolerance? When the world encounters the Episcopal Church, does it find love, care, and joy or does it find judgment and oppression? How ‘bout us as a congregation? What does the world think about us? What do visitors think about us? What does Swampland think about us? A difficult question would be, “Does Swampland even know we exist?” If not, they why not? How can we as a community built in the love of Christ be doers of the word? We don’t need to be a megachurch to be a mighty church. We have been promised God’s love and care in our actions. But we need to be more than just hearers. We have done great things, we have helped families in need, but can we be doing more? And finally, each of us; we need to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to be doers of the word?” Are we content to just sit and listen, or are we willing to be out in the world. Are we willing to be doers of the word?
I often feel bad doing sermons like this. I feel bad because I am not able to give you a clear cut, three point plan on how to be doers of the word. It would be nice if I could, but I don’t think it really is my place to tell you. You see, we each have our own unique talents and gifts. We each have our own unique way of living the word and doing the word. We each have our own special way and our own special voice.
And as a congregation, we each have an important part to give. We are all inspired by the Spirit to reach out. What I find sad is that so often we forget that our inspiration most often IS from God and that we can act boldly upon it! We begin to second-guess our actions and then fall into inaction. We go from being doers to being listeners. When we are generous in giving, and when we are generous in love, James tells us that we can trust that that impulse is coming from God. We can trust that we are being grown into the first fruits. Or to use more modern language, God is forming us into the best we can possibly be.
We are the beloved, accepted, redeemed children of God. That is something that will not be taken from us. The love of God surrounds us, fills us, and sustains us. And it is through this love that we go out and be doers of the word in the world. My prayer is that you feel this love of God so strongly that, like the MSU students, you cannot keep it to yourselves; you just have to let it out! And when you feel that urge, DO IT! Let the love of Christ show throughout your life!
Be doers of the word.
Such a simple statement. Be doers of the word. This really shouldn’t be something that needs to be preached upon. But from pulpits all over the world today, preachers will be extolling their congregations to not just be hearers of the word, but to be doers of the word.
This should be the thing that we are about. We should be about living out our faith in the world. All who claim the title of Christian should be living out their faith just because of who they are. The past week at work we have been surrounded by people dressed in green and white and living out the live of an MSU student. I jokingly commented about a Michigan State shirt, that of course Michigan was a state and that the woman was standing in the state. And this woman looked at me like I was a nut! For these people, being a Spartan was just who they were and just a natural expression of their being. To be otherwise would just be weird.
So too, for us Christians, our faith should just be so much of us that we cannot help but live out the word. Not that we need to be wearing tee shirts emblazoned with Christian slogans all the time. But we should be putting the teachings we have learned through our faith into action in our lives.
Now, lest we get confused, we need to make sure we get the order of events correct. Again, I will use the MSU people as an example. You would all find it kind of odd if I were to tell you that getting accepted to MSU was dependent upon how much MSU clothing you could wear, right? You would find it silly to think that if you totally tattooed yourself green and white that you would get the top scholarships, right? That just seems silly to say. But some still believe that the teachings we find in the book of James is the rule book on how to get salvation. Some believe that we have to DO all of this stuff before we can finally be accepted.
Well, that is not the case.
The folks that are arrayed in green and white are so proudly displaying the school colors because they have ALREADY been accepted! They are part of the group! So they display the colors as a means of spreading their excitement. In the same manner, we do not live the word in the world to earn Christ’s salvation, we have been assured of that salvation in Christ’s death and resurrection, and we have further been assured of that salvation in our baptism. Our salvation is a given. Christ is not going to take it back! So when we are called to go out and be doers of the word, we do it to share with the world the joy that we have found!
So, if we are to be doers of the word in the world, what would that look like? James gives us some ways. We are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, [and] slow to anger.” That is some good advice. We are to bridle our tongues and be sure that when we speak, that we are to be careful of our words. You know, if we could all just do that, the world would be so much better. So often we are so very quick to become angry and then to speak. We are so quick to speak without listening to what the other is saying.
But whether we like it or not, when we claim the title of Christian, we are also claiming to be the voice of God in the world. When we claim the title of Christian, we are claiming to be the heart of God in the world. When we claim the title of Christian, we are claiming to be the arms of God, reaching out to send the unending love of God into the world.
When the world encounters us, what does it find? What does it find about Christianity as a whole? Is this the image that Christ would have been proud to die for? Is the worlds view of Christianity that of love or that of intolerance? When the world encounters the Episcopal Church, does it find love, care, and joy or does it find judgment and oppression? How ‘bout us as a congregation? What does the world think about us? What do visitors think about us? What does Swampland think about us? A difficult question would be, “Does Swampland even know we exist?” If not, they why not? How can we as a community built in the love of Christ be doers of the word? We don’t need to be a megachurch to be a mighty church. We have been promised God’s love and care in our actions. But we need to be more than just hearers. We have done great things, we have helped families in need, but can we be doing more? And finally, each of us; we need to ask ourselves, “What are we doing to be doers of the word?” Are we content to just sit and listen, or are we willing to be out in the world. Are we willing to be doers of the word?
I often feel bad doing sermons like this. I feel bad because I am not able to give you a clear cut, three point plan on how to be doers of the word. It would be nice if I could, but I don’t think it really is my place to tell you. You see, we each have our own unique talents and gifts. We each have our own unique way of living the word and doing the word. We each have our own special way and our own special voice.
And as a congregation, we each have an important part to give. We are all inspired by the Spirit to reach out. What I find sad is that so often we forget that our inspiration most often IS from God and that we can act boldly upon it! We begin to second-guess our actions and then fall into inaction. We go from being doers to being listeners. When we are generous in giving, and when we are generous in love, James tells us that we can trust that that impulse is coming from God. We can trust that we are being grown into the first fruits. Or to use more modern language, God is forming us into the best we can possibly be.
We are the beloved, accepted, redeemed children of God. That is something that will not be taken from us. The love of God surrounds us, fills us, and sustains us. And it is through this love that we go out and be doers of the word in the world. My prayer is that you feel this love of God so strongly that, like the MSU students, you cannot keep it to yourselves; you just have to let it out! And when you feel that urge, DO IT! Let the love of Christ show throughout your life!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Life Shots
Well, life at BUX has been interesting. I have not been trying to get the Lead Barista fired, but he has been doing pretty well in getting there. If you are not up on his shenanigans, let me fill you in.
He is notorious for just roaming around the store instead of helping us. He is notorious for lying instead of just doing the work. He is also notorious for seeing how far he can push people, just to see if he can.
Well, he may have pushed too far. When I found out that I had been trained, read the training materials, and signed the training material (none of which happened!), I got very angry! I told my boss and his boss that I DO NOT appreciate having my name and data forged! I also purposely did this in the presence of another co-worker because the boss is notorious for having a "bad" memory when it suits her.
I get to work with him today. This should be interesting.
I am still excited about the decision of the ELCA Churchwide assembly. As you can guess, this has opened up a lot of possibilities. My biggest challenge is to not get too far ahead of life. There are some things that will need to happen. Part of the "problem" is that I had to leave the ELCA to join the ECUSA. Now I will have to see if there is a problem with returning. I also feel a sense of betrayal to the ECUSA. They took me in when I needed it and helped me in a desperate time. Now it seems like I am giving them a smack in the face for helping me. But I never felt like an Episcopalian, try as I might. I don't really want to spend the rest of my life in the Episcopal closet.
Nick and I are gearing up for our trip to Iowa. We are going to visit my family and to start people thinking of the concept of two guys getting married. My family is accepting of my gayness, they just are a little unsure about all the other stuff. Nick and I are ok with giving them time.
The change in the weather has started me thinking of Christmas. (How surprising is that!) I have the impetus to start working on Christmas glass. We are going to have a craft sale at church so I need to get some things done for there. I also need to get working on the Santa for this year. (People new to the blog may not know that I make my partner Nick a new stained glass Santa every year. Nick loves Santas.) It wasn't much of a summer, but now that fall seems to have poked its head, I am feeling a new sense of energy.
I have finally gotten some health insurance through work. It is going to be a bit of a financial hit, but it is necessary. I wish I could cover Nick with the insurance, too, but in Michigan, that is not possible.
Congregation is doing fine, although I think churches seem to be Nut Magnets. I guess that is a good thing because even nuts need somewhere to belong too. Problem is, in a small congregation, the nuts stand out more than they do in a fruitcakes. Trying to find the fruitcake around the nuts can be interesting.
Putting the cat down has not been as traumatic as I thought. I think we have been grieving her loss for many years. Every time she would get impacted, the question would again arise. Sometimes having her gone smacks me "upside of the head" when I see her favorite toy or think I hear her in the night. But both She and her sister were/are independent cats so not having her constantly around is not odd.
So, there is life in a nutshell. I guess life is what you make it! Around here, that would make life stained glass coffee!
(The photo at the top of the post is of some flowers we saw when we were at The Tridge last weekend.)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Just Stick Around, It Gets Even Better!
I usually provide a link to my sermons, but this week, considering what has been happening, I think I will post the whole thing.
John 6:56-69
Well, did you feel it? Did you feel the axis of the Earth shift? Events of the past week have caused a rift in the cosmic fabric that may NEVER BE REPAIRED! People are appalled! APPALLED I SAY! And why? Why are the ducks going to be flying north this fall and south next spring? Why? Well, it seems that Michelle Obama emerged from Air Force One wearing… oh, it pains me to say it…wearing SHORTS!
Yes, after listening to the news from the past week, you would think that she did something horrible like show up in public with her dress stuck in her pantyhose or something. But all she did was act like a normal human, on vacation, in Arizona, in the summer. But because she decided to do something a little different, a little change on what was expected, she was plastered all over the TV and internet.
The words flew across the ether, “No other First Lady ever wore shorts as she emerged from Air Force One before.” That is right, no other has. This might be a difficult new teaching for us to learn. Now, I am sure no one is planning on moving to a different country just because of this one event, but there are probably a few who are thinking of changing parties. The SHORTS INCIDENT was the last straw.
Lately, this seems to be the mentality of the world: As long as things are going our way, we will stick around. But when the tide starts to change, we go off looking for a new place. But really, we don’t want a new place; we just want to continue to live in the old place. We don’t want a new place; we want the good old days. Whenever I hear that phrase, “the good old days,” I think of a line in a song by Billy Joel. He says, “The ‘Good Old Days’ weren’t always good and tomorrow’s not as bad as it seems.” But so often, we, as a people want to go back to those “Good Old Days.” But the truth is, for the most part, we really DON’T want to go back. Are we really willing to go back to the days of no cars, phones, central heating, or central air-conditioning? At first glance, it may seem nice, but I don’t think we really want to go back. That is the problem with life. We are caught in this horrible bind: We don’t like change because it is scary, but staying still will become stagnant and eventually kill us. We are caught in this internal tug. We like the thought of what is new, but we are frightened. We like the comfort of what is expected but if we have too much of it we will find it boring.
Really, this is not a new situation to our times; it is similar to the situation the disciples find themselves in in today’s gospel reading. The people are anxious: they are looking for a new teaching. They are following teachers all over the place. They find a teacher they like and they begin to follow. But when that teacher says something that is controversial or goes against their personal belief, they pick up and find a new teacher. That is why the disciples are concerned. They have been getting a big following! But Jesus has been saying things that have been causing discontent among the masses. The disciples probably want Jesus to tone back the rhetoric. They probably were pulling Jesus aside saying, “Hey Jesus, you are doing well with the talking points we agreed upon, why are you going off topic! You are losing the people!”
But Jesus didn’t stick to the talking points just because they were “easier.” He continued to speak the truth, even if it made people uncomfortable, even if it made some people turn away. Jesus would not silence the truth; he spoke the truth even if it meant his own safety would come into jeopardy.
But Jesus leaves us with a bit of a problem and not much of a solution.
The problem is: How do we know what is true teaching and what is false teaching?
This is a really difficult one and a problem that has plagued faith forever. Do we accept the uncircumcised as Jews? Do we accept the Gentiles as Christians? Do we accept women as teachers and leaders in church? Do we accept women in the pulpit? Do we accept people of color? Do we accept those who are divorced? Do we accept those who are gay? Do we accept those who have had abortions? Do we accept those who are different than us?
I truly believe that both sides of these arguments are acting in good faith and are doing what they feel God is calling them to do. I think the Pharisees were not out to dupe the people, but were trying to lead the people appropriately. But there seems to come a time when the will of God seems to run !smack! into the will of God! So at that point, what are we to do?
History seems to point us in the direction of what NOT to do. In the Gospel reading, Jesus asks the disciples if they wished to go away. In so many words, “Do you believe that I can see you through this? Or do you wish to turn your back on me and follow a new teacher?” Jesus does not want us to just pick up and leave. Jesus wants us to stay with the teaching, no matter how difficult it may seem.
But, we are not just to stand in place, the crowds did not stay in the same place, they moved, they followed. We are to remain in contact with Jesus. We are to remain in prayer and community. We are to gather in groups to learn and to grow. When we turn our backs, we become isolated, we remove ourselves from the work of the Spirit within the corporate body. When we remain - when we stay connected - when we keep the lines of communication open, we grow. It is part of the tradition the Anglican Communion: that we can gather at the table, even though we may not be able to agree on theology. That even though we may not be able to know exactly what God wants of us, we can still come together as a family. This is a very good psychological thing. If you can share a meal together, you are more likely to be able to reach a compromise acceptable to both. But when people turn their backs, the work of Christ peoples’ lives become so much more difficult.
Probably the most difficult part of this teaching is how do we discern what is a correct teaching and what it a false teaching. Not all difficult teachings are right nor are all easy teachings false. And using our feelings on the matter is not necessarily accurate, either. Many were feeling like the words that Jesus was speaking were wrong. But these words, as uncomfortable as they were, were the new message that was being sent to the people. The uncomfortable message was the message that Jesus wanted the people to hear and to follow.
We have dealt with difficult teachings in the past. At one point, women were not allowed to preach. At one time, those who were divorced were not allowed into the pulpit. At each of these times, there was much discord and people declaring the demise of the church. But you know what? We are still here!
There will always be changes. Even something we hold as dear as the church will have changes. Even our interpretations of the Bible may change. But we are not to turn our back on the community. We are not to turn our backs on those who disagree with us. Christ calls us to keep our faith in him and to not turn our back. Christ calls us to hold fast to our faith, even though we may not understand what is happening. But as long as we remain faithful, and as long as we keep working to understand, as long as we remain engaged, we can trust that Christ will be there.
John 6:56-69
Well, did you feel it? Did you feel the axis of the Earth shift? Events of the past week have caused a rift in the cosmic fabric that may NEVER BE REPAIRED! People are appalled! APPALLED I SAY! And why? Why are the ducks going to be flying north this fall and south next spring? Why? Well, it seems that Michelle Obama emerged from Air Force One wearing… oh, it pains me to say it…wearing SHORTS!
Yes, after listening to the news from the past week, you would think that she did something horrible like show up in public with her dress stuck in her pantyhose or something. But all she did was act like a normal human, on vacation, in Arizona, in the summer. But because she decided to do something a little different, a little change on what was expected, she was plastered all over the TV and internet.
The words flew across the ether, “No other First Lady ever wore shorts as she emerged from Air Force One before.” That is right, no other has. This might be a difficult new teaching for us to learn. Now, I am sure no one is planning on moving to a different country just because of this one event, but there are probably a few who are thinking of changing parties. The SHORTS INCIDENT was the last straw.
Lately, this seems to be the mentality of the world: As long as things are going our way, we will stick around. But when the tide starts to change, we go off looking for a new place. But really, we don’t want a new place; we just want to continue to live in the old place. We don’t want a new place; we want the good old days. Whenever I hear that phrase, “the good old days,” I think of a line in a song by Billy Joel. He says, “The ‘Good Old Days’ weren’t always good and tomorrow’s not as bad as it seems.” But so often, we, as a people want to go back to those “Good Old Days.” But the truth is, for the most part, we really DON’T want to go back. Are we really willing to go back to the days of no cars, phones, central heating, or central air-conditioning? At first glance, it may seem nice, but I don’t think we really want to go back. That is the problem with life. We are caught in this horrible bind: We don’t like change because it is scary, but staying still will become stagnant and eventually kill us. We are caught in this internal tug. We like the thought of what is new, but we are frightened. We like the comfort of what is expected but if we have too much of it we will find it boring.
Really, this is not a new situation to our times; it is similar to the situation the disciples find themselves in in today’s gospel reading. The people are anxious: they are looking for a new teaching. They are following teachers all over the place. They find a teacher they like and they begin to follow. But when that teacher says something that is controversial or goes against their personal belief, they pick up and find a new teacher. That is why the disciples are concerned. They have been getting a big following! But Jesus has been saying things that have been causing discontent among the masses. The disciples probably want Jesus to tone back the rhetoric. They probably were pulling Jesus aside saying, “Hey Jesus, you are doing well with the talking points we agreed upon, why are you going off topic! You are losing the people!”
But Jesus didn’t stick to the talking points just because they were “easier.” He continued to speak the truth, even if it made people uncomfortable, even if it made some people turn away. Jesus would not silence the truth; he spoke the truth even if it meant his own safety would come into jeopardy.
But Jesus leaves us with a bit of a problem and not much of a solution.
The problem is: How do we know what is true teaching and what is false teaching?
This is a really difficult one and a problem that has plagued faith forever. Do we accept the uncircumcised as Jews? Do we accept the Gentiles as Christians? Do we accept women as teachers and leaders in church? Do we accept women in the pulpit? Do we accept people of color? Do we accept those who are divorced? Do we accept those who are gay? Do we accept those who have had abortions? Do we accept those who are different than us?
I truly believe that both sides of these arguments are acting in good faith and are doing what they feel God is calling them to do. I think the Pharisees were not out to dupe the people, but were trying to lead the people appropriately. But there seems to come a time when the will of God seems to run !smack! into the will of God! So at that point, what are we to do?
History seems to point us in the direction of what NOT to do. In the Gospel reading, Jesus asks the disciples if they wished to go away. In so many words, “Do you believe that I can see you through this? Or do you wish to turn your back on me and follow a new teacher?” Jesus does not want us to just pick up and leave. Jesus wants us to stay with the teaching, no matter how difficult it may seem.
But, we are not just to stand in place, the crowds did not stay in the same place, they moved, they followed. We are to remain in contact with Jesus. We are to remain in prayer and community. We are to gather in groups to learn and to grow. When we turn our backs, we become isolated, we remove ourselves from the work of the Spirit within the corporate body. When we remain - when we stay connected - when we keep the lines of communication open, we grow. It is part of the tradition the Anglican Communion: that we can gather at the table, even though we may not be able to agree on theology. That even though we may not be able to know exactly what God wants of us, we can still come together as a family. This is a very good psychological thing. If you can share a meal together, you are more likely to be able to reach a compromise acceptable to both. But when people turn their backs, the work of Christ peoples’ lives become so much more difficult.
Probably the most difficult part of this teaching is how do we discern what is a correct teaching and what it a false teaching. Not all difficult teachings are right nor are all easy teachings false. And using our feelings on the matter is not necessarily accurate, either. Many were feeling like the words that Jesus was speaking were wrong. But these words, as uncomfortable as they were, were the new message that was being sent to the people. The uncomfortable message was the message that Jesus wanted the people to hear and to follow.
We have dealt with difficult teachings in the past. At one point, women were not allowed to preach. At one time, those who were divorced were not allowed into the pulpit. At each of these times, there was much discord and people declaring the demise of the church. But you know what? We are still here!
There will always be changes. Even something we hold as dear as the church will have changes. Even our interpretations of the Bible may change. But we are not to turn our back on the community. We are not to turn our backs on those who disagree with us. Christ calls us to keep our faith in him and to not turn our back. Christ calls us to hold fast to our faith, even though we may not understand what is happening. But as long as we remain faithful, and as long as we keep working to understand, as long as we remain engaged, we can trust that Christ will be there.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Thoughts on the ELCA vote
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) passed resolutions today committing itself to finding ways to allow churches to "recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable" committed same-gender relationships and also to allow those in committed same-gender relationships to serve as rostered church leaders.
I want to cheer, but I also feel sorry for those to whom this decision brings feelings of pain and abandonment. Believe me, I understand those feelings. I felt them when I signed papers removing myself from the roster because I chose to be true to my life, my partner, and my congregation rather than to lie.
I could have lied. I could have stayed in the church. But what kind of witness was that? It was in being true to the person that I was created to be that I found happiness and life. Not just biological life, but life as a person. I have never regretted my choices, I have only regretted others' reactions to those choices.
Now comes the choice: Do I stay or do I go. Actually, I have already made my choice. I want to return to the ELCA. I feel like I am being ungrateful for wanting to bail, but I have never felt like the Episcopal Church was my home. I appreciate that the ECUSA helped me when I felt abandoned, but I am afraid that I would become resentful by staying.
I pray that the people who are threatening to bail will not. I pray that they may see that God could be moving in a way they are not seeing. Just because we cannot see the hand of God does not mean it is not there. I wish they would stay and add their voice - not stridently screaming - but a voice of challenge.
This opens a whole new chapter. I don't know what is going to happen, only God knows. But a new beginning is underway.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Vote Aftermath
You may or may not have felt the earth shake yesterday at around 6:30 pm Eastern Daylight Time. It was at this time that the ELCA voted to accept the Statement on Human Sexuality.
Now, there are cheers and jeers. People are cheering because it passed and people are planning on transferring to other denominations.
The statement needed a vote of 676 to be able to pass by a 2/3 margin. This was not a simple majority here, it needed a supermajority. After the voting buttons had been pushed, the numbers appeared and the number of "Yes" votes was 676! Exactly!
As you can guess, the immediate effect was that the con side wanted to claim that there were problems with the voting equipment.
Why is it that, even after placing stumbling blocks in the way, when the motion passes, it is still seen as a conspiracy? Why can't people believe that maybe the Spirit is at work in the world?
If the motion failed and people left, the liberals would have been considered bad sports at best, and trying to play God as worst. But when the right leaning folks leave, they will consider themselves to be "faithful?"
Why can't we see hate for what it is? Why can't we see that maybe God is trying to teach us that what we are doing is hateful? I don't think the people ARE hateful, but they may be acting in a hateful way.
Oh, and BTW,
Michelle Obama was on VACATION! She can wear shorts. People are just jealous that she looks better in shorts than they do.
Now, there are cheers and jeers. People are cheering because it passed and people are planning on transferring to other denominations.
The statement needed a vote of 676 to be able to pass by a 2/3 margin. This was not a simple majority here, it needed a supermajority. After the voting buttons had been pushed, the numbers appeared and the number of "Yes" votes was 676! Exactly!
As you can guess, the immediate effect was that the con side wanted to claim that there were problems with the voting equipment.
Why is it that, even after placing stumbling blocks in the way, when the motion passes, it is still seen as a conspiracy? Why can't people believe that maybe the Spirit is at work in the world?
If the motion failed and people left, the liberals would have been considered bad sports at best, and trying to play God as worst. But when the right leaning folks leave, they will consider themselves to be "faithful?"
Why can't we see hate for what it is? Why can't we see that maybe God is trying to teach us that what we are doing is hateful? I don't think the people ARE hateful, but they may be acting in a hateful way.
Oh, and BTW,
Michelle Obama was on VACATION! She can wear shorts. People are just jealous that she looks better in shorts than they do.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
It Seems To Be Pouring
I keep wondering how to make some lemonade out of this whole thing. There must be some way to frame this so that it makes sense.
While I am typing this, one kitty is sitting near me, the other is off somewhere. It is the other that is part of my angst. The other has fecal impaction and has had this problem for four years. The problem is that right now, I cannot afford to take her to the vet to have it treated. Also, this has been going on for over four years and one has to wonder how long to let it go. She requires medication twice a day and this almost always involves a "game" of hide-and-seek. It also makes it difficult to go anywhere because we need to be around to give her the "butt drugs." So I have decided that nine years has been a good long life for my kitty.
Banks are just too much fun to deal with. They remind me of a bully. They look for the first sign of weakness and then exploit it to its fullest potential. Case in point: Because an unexpected payment hit my account before a check cleared, my account went south. The first I heard about this was almost 6 days after it occurred when I got the letter. (I know, I should more closely monitor my account.) The letter said that to cover $77 in NSF, would cost nearly $300! I would have been better off going to a "Predatory Lender!" Since this time, the amount has topped $650.
This, in part, was precipitated by the practice of the church treasurer. She will not give me a check, she must mail it. And she arranges it so that the check will arrive (assuming the US Mail works the way it should) on either the 1st or the 16th of the month. If that date should fall on a weekend, well, "it sucks to be you!" (I will have to say, she did not use those words, but that was the perceived intent.) If the day should fall on Friday, I would not get the check until after work so the money would not become available in my account until almost 5 days after payday. Her comment was that in a business, when it is payday, it is payday. I told her that this is not a business, it is a church. What I can tell is she feels she is doing us a favor and how dare we ask her to do any more. I don't see how giving me the check early would be a problem. She said that I would be cashing the checks early and that is not the way business works. She also said that when you have to write six checks you write them all on the same date. (I am the only check that is needed at the chruch)
When it suites the treasurer, checks can be written earlier. In April, I received both checks for the month on the first of the month because she would be too busy with taxes around April 16th to write the check. I guess when it suites her, I can be very trustworthy.
One of the great problems of this arrangement is that the treasurer has been in church maybe twice in the year I have been here. And her mother is one of the most anxious people I know. Her mother told me to clean my office and would walk into my office and start looking for things. Her mother, working on information I am assuming came from the treasurer, has approached an organist and told me that I better talk to this organist "sooner as opposed to later." Get the treasurer pissed, and it gets played out through the mother. And mom has been part of the congregation since the "glory days." I thought vestry members were supposed to be a living part of the congregation.
The payment that hit my account was a school loan payment. My loans have been in forbearance for two years while I am under employed. Staying in the current situation does not help this situation. But trying to find a job in Michigan is nigh on to impossible.
/rant off
Time to go to my exceedingly *full sarcasm* fulfilling job of making coffee.
While I am typing this, one kitty is sitting near me, the other is off somewhere. It is the other that is part of my angst. The other has fecal impaction and has had this problem for four years. The problem is that right now, I cannot afford to take her to the vet to have it treated. Also, this has been going on for over four years and one has to wonder how long to let it go. She requires medication twice a day and this almost always involves a "game" of hide-and-seek. It also makes it difficult to go anywhere because we need to be around to give her the "butt drugs." So I have decided that nine years has been a good long life for my kitty.
Banks are just too much fun to deal with. They remind me of a bully. They look for the first sign of weakness and then exploit it to its fullest potential. Case in point: Because an unexpected payment hit my account before a check cleared, my account went south. The first I heard about this was almost 6 days after it occurred when I got the letter. (I know, I should more closely monitor my account.) The letter said that to cover $77 in NSF, would cost nearly $300! I would have been better off going to a "Predatory Lender!" Since this time, the amount has topped $650.
This, in part, was precipitated by the practice of the church treasurer. She will not give me a check, she must mail it. And she arranges it so that the check will arrive (assuming the US Mail works the way it should) on either the 1st or the 16th of the month. If that date should fall on a weekend, well, "it sucks to be you!" (I will have to say, she did not use those words, but that was the perceived intent.) If the day should fall on Friday, I would not get the check until after work so the money would not become available in my account until almost 5 days after payday. Her comment was that in a business, when it is payday, it is payday. I told her that this is not a business, it is a church. What I can tell is she feels she is doing us a favor and how dare we ask her to do any more. I don't see how giving me the check early would be a problem. She said that I would be cashing the checks early and that is not the way business works. She also said that when you have to write six checks you write them all on the same date. (I am the only check that is needed at the chruch)
When it suites the treasurer, checks can be written earlier. In April, I received both checks for the month on the first of the month because she would be too busy with taxes around April 16th to write the check. I guess when it suites her, I can be very trustworthy.
One of the great problems of this arrangement is that the treasurer has been in church maybe twice in the year I have been here. And her mother is one of the most anxious people I know. Her mother told me to clean my office and would walk into my office and start looking for things. Her mother, working on information I am assuming came from the treasurer, has approached an organist and told me that I better talk to this organist "sooner as opposed to later." Get the treasurer pissed, and it gets played out through the mother. And mom has been part of the congregation since the "glory days." I thought vestry members were supposed to be a living part of the congregation.
The payment that hit my account was a school loan payment. My loans have been in forbearance for two years while I am under employed. Staying in the current situation does not help this situation. But trying to find a job in Michigan is nigh on to impossible.
/rant off
Time to go to my exceedingly *full sarcasm* fulfilling job of making coffee.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
I Guess This Must Be A Bit Of A Pity Party
I really enjoy Facebook. It is really quite cool. I have been able to get back in touch with many friends. But the other side of the whole thing is being daily confronted with my former classmates from seminary.
I look at them and hear about their lives in their churches. I hear about their vacations and their new houses. And quite frankly, I get really pissed.
I have had another set back with a situation involving a church check that did not clear in time because the treasurer has a freaky control thing and feels the need to HAVE to mail my check to me. When the 1st or the 16th fall on Saturday, that means that it might take up to four days to get the check to clear. Well, you guessed it. I knew this was going to happen, and it did.
But if I did not have to leave the ELCA, I would probably still be in a congregation that could pay me enough so I could be paying my bills instead of putting them in forbearance. I could be doing church things instead of doing coffee things. I could pay to take the cat to the vet instead of trying to get her to crap on her own. (Don't ask.)
I enjoy keeping in touch with my friends, but I also hate it. It is like having salt continually rubbed into my wounds.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Double Speak
I just wish people would say what they mean.
I had a situation where someone in my congregation was going to have gall bladder surgery. It was going to be laproscopic surgery and she was going to be outpatient surgery. When she mentioned it, she downplayed the whole thing. I mentioned something to her on Sunday after service that I hope all goes well and to get in touch with me if there is any need. (I am only quarter-time, and she was not making it sound like it was anything big.)
On Thursday, at the vestry meeting, her husband, who is the senior warden of the vestry, said that she was upset that I didn't say anything during the service. In my year at this church, I have never had a special prayer for a person having surgery. Not that it couldn't be done, it just hasn't been in the past.
Suddenly, I am getting "OMG" things from the archdeacon who can't believe that I would "forget" this lady. Remember, this lady downplayed the whole surgery thing and didn't ask that I come to see her before the surgery.
Then I hear, "You need to work on 'connecting' with people" from the senior warden. And when I call the senior warden's wife to see how she is doing, she also says I need to "connect with people."
Huh?
I see people on Sundays and when I run into them in town. I am only quarter time. I don't know what else I should be doing. These people made no effort of inviting me over to their home or finging opportunities to connect. But because I did not do something that they thought that I should, then I was not "connecting."
Please people, be kind to your clergy. They are humans trying to do the best they can. They are not psychic: if you don't tell them, they don't know. They have lives and troubles. They DON'T have "the pastor" to talk to because they ARE the pastor. You are NOT the main focus of their life. They care about you, but there are also things that happen in their lives too.
Monday, July 20, 2009
General Musings
Life has been interesting around here lately.
Some of the more petty annoyances has been putting my phone through the wash. Now I have a Blackberry Pearl, which is fun, but I have to learn again how to use it. But the price was right! $0.99 out of the store! I guess they figure if they get them into peoples' hands, then use will go up. I guess so. All I know is that the gadget geek in me is loving it!
Church has been trying. Actually, work and church has been trying. As I have said before, I feel like I am not doing either job well. I am getting totally sick of the SBX thing and I feel like I am doing a half-fast (say it out loud) job with the church. The whole thing has been popping up feelings that have been buried for years. Memories of being a totally defeated six-year-old have surfaced in all their terrifying glory.
Nick and I have joked about inviting Dr. Ur-Spo up for a visit. He must bring his prescription pad, though.
I have found some more friends on Facebook. This is very cool! I have found a friend that I haven't seen since kindergarten and I have found a friend whom I worked with at camp. The friend from camp was interesting because I have found that he is "family!" Makes me feel less guilty about lusting after him at camp. (DJ, if you are reading this, welcome to my blog!) I find it retroactively comforting to know that I wasn't the only one dealing with conflicted sexuality that summer.
Lots of other things to say, but a little too much wine to make it a fruitful process.
Have a good evening all!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A Church I Can Be Proud Of!
Some great news from the triennial convention. Isn't it interesting that when Christians act like Christians, others who claim to be Christians show their true colors?(Thansk to Box Turtle Bulletin)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Weekend Tourists
My aunt and my nephew came to Michigan on a surprise visit. So we had to take them to the best tacky spots around.
Here is me saving Nick in Hell, MI
We are thinking of using this for our wedding invitations.
Nick interviewed for a job in Frankenmouth.
And I tried on a new "hat" at Bronner's. It is interesting what you can do with a Christmas tree and a wreath!
Here is me saving Nick in Hell, MI
We are thinking of using this for our wedding invitations.
Nick interviewed for a job in Frankenmouth.
And I tried on a new "hat" at Bronner's. It is interesting what you can do with a Christmas tree and a wreath!
Sunday, July 05, 2009
A Biblical Based Marriage
Since I have this Sunday off from the church, I decided to post something to enlighten us all!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Continuing Saga
Well, I talked to my parents. I dropped the suggestion that Nick and I might be coming to visit and maybe get married while we are there. Mom was not overly exuberant, but she was not against it. I talked to Dad and he was a bit quiet. I asked if he was ok with it. He was quiet. I asked if he needed some time to think about it. He said, "yes," and gave the phone to my Mom.
Mom and I chatted a bit more and Dad decided he would be ok with it.
I told Mom that we didn't care who showed up or not. If they can't deal with it, so be it!
So we are looking at a *cue chirping birds* SPRING WEDDING! We are planning on driving to Iowa in the fall to visit and to begin to make some plans. This way, it gives people some time to get used to the idea. My cousin from Denver already told me that she intends to be there!
I keep forgetting that I have to give people time to get used to the situation. I have been living it for many years, but they are still learning to adjust.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Family Homophobia
Well, my charmed homo existence has come to an end.
I seemed to have had the family that most dream of. I came out to them with little or no repercussions. Nick and I went to stay at my parents' house last summer and were allowed to stay in the room in the basement with no problems. As I said, I seemed to have the dream coming out.
But all of that seems to have changed.
I called my oldest sister to discuss a possible wedding since Iowa is more enlightened than the rest of the country, and since my family lives there, I thought it would be nice to share this my family. She seemed strangely distant when I told her but I didn't really put much more thought into it. My sister has always been supportive of me and has always been kind to Nick.
Then the next day, I got a call from my sister. She told me that she thought if I got married, it would kill my dad. That I would be upset when no one showed up at the wedding. And how dare I come there, stir things up, and then leave her to deal with the aftermath.
My sister had never made me feel ashamed before. But at that moment, I was devastated. I was not trying to rabble rouse, I just wanted to share a wonderful part of my life with my family. Was she implying that I should wait until Dad died? I know that people can't hurt us unless we let them, but that really hurt me. I trusted my sister. I feel possibly irreparable damage has been done to our relationship.
I really want to just cut my family off and go on with my life. I know that is not healthy, but ...
My sister married a guy who was a drug addict and was cheating on her. She now lives with a guy even though she claims to be Roman Catholic.
My brother is married to "the nicest manipulative bitch" I have ever met. She does nothing to raise the kids because she is off partying. She won't even visit my parents when my brother comes over.
My other sister married an abusive alcoholic who committed suicide. Then married another good old boy who made us delay the wedding so he could finish his beer.
And me wanting to marry the man I love would kill my father? Oy Vey!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Random Thoughts
Ok, I am sorry that Michael Jackson is dead. Mainly because I didn't have to hear about him 24/7 before he died.
Do we have to talk everything to death?
Will we be subjected to a 24-hour Billy Mays commercial marathon?
Sunday went well. I had difficulty writing a sermon so I did what I normally don't like to do: I preached off the cuff. It actually went well!
OMG! Ruth Madoff had to give up her limo to take the subway. AND I AM SUPPOSED TO FEEL SORRY FOR HER?
Oh well, gotta go to work. NOT TAKING A LIMO.
Do we have to talk everything to death?
Will we be subjected to a 24-hour Billy Mays commercial marathon?
Sunday went well. I had difficulty writing a sermon so I did what I normally don't like to do: I preached off the cuff. It actually went well!
OMG! Ruth Madoff had to give up her limo to take the subway. AND I AM SUPPOSED TO FEEL SORRY FOR HER?
Oh well, gotta go to work. NOT TAKING A LIMO.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Oh, So Sorry You Had To Wait!
I heard something yesterday morning on the radio that got me angry: One of the reasons that was given for opposing universal health care was that it might cause long waits for service.
This has got to be one of the most elitist reasons I have ever heard! How sad, you might have to wait! But if you have to wait, I may actually get health care! I know I should have things like cholesterol tests and other tests, but I can't afford them. Even waiting in line I can't afford them. So just because you don't want to wait means that I may have to die. (Not trying to be a drama queen, but the truth. My father had his first heart attack at 43.) Because some have good insurance and can afford to get access to the medical industry, others have to go without health care and then show up at the emergency room when the condition reaches a crisis.
This has got to be one of the most elitist reasons I have ever heard! How sad, you might have to wait! But if you have to wait, I may actually get health care! I know I should have things like cholesterol tests and other tests, but I can't afford them. Even waiting in line I can't afford them. So just because you don't want to wait means that I may have to die. (Not trying to be a drama queen, but the truth. My father had his first heart attack at 43.) Because some have good insurance and can afford to get access to the medical industry, others have to go without health care and then show up at the emergency room when the condition reaches a crisis.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Random Happenings
Hi all!
I rally haven't been too bloggy lately. I guess I have been distracted.
Things have been happening. I have been dealing with truck problems, church things, work, and Pride month. It has been busy.
Work has been the age old dilemma: I hate working but I love the money. I often want to throw the coffee at the person instead of handing it to them. But I have been restraining myself. There is a twink at work who is a lot of fun to work with. We stand around and rate the guys going through the U-Scan lanes. Actually, the people I work with are nice, a little quirky, but aren't we all?
The truck has been annoying. It has been not wanting to start in the morning. That always makes mornings a thrill. When the truck doesn't work, I get to "enjoy" the mass transit system here. Always way too much fun.
Church has been a combination of good and bad. I love the place and the people. I hate the pay scale! I get stuck working most of my time at SBX and end up feeling like I am shorting the church. I also am not so good a switching gears when I get off of work. I can't come home and just jump into doing church things.
I spoke with the Bishop a couple of weeks ago to see if there is ANYTHING that we can do to move toward being more involved in the church. The big problem is that this cannot be an incremental switch: I can only cut back on SBX hours so much before they will ask if I really want to work there. (Which I don't.) There are some possibilities of doing two-point ministries. Or some other options.
Then there is the possibility of going management at work. This would not be SBX management but management at the store the SBX is in. I have loans that are sitting in forbearance which is nice because I don't have to pay, but not good because the loan keeps getting bigger.
Then there has been discussion of going for a visit in Iowa. Yes, my family lives there, but also laws have changed there! This is all in process right now. Who knows, maybe we will go there and never come back!!!
Pride month has been a bit of a bust. Motorcity in Detroit was way crowded. Michigan Pride in Lansing was a bust. The post-party was nice but small. We will be eating hot dogs and beans for weeks to come.
But, to quote John Cougar Melancamp or whatever his name is, "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone."
I rally haven't been too bloggy lately. I guess I have been distracted.
Things have been happening. I have been dealing with truck problems, church things, work, and Pride month. It has been busy.
Work has been the age old dilemma: I hate working but I love the money. I often want to throw the coffee at the person instead of handing it to them. But I have been restraining myself. There is a twink at work who is a lot of fun to work with. We stand around and rate the guys going through the U-Scan lanes. Actually, the people I work with are nice, a little quirky, but aren't we all?
The truck has been annoying. It has been not wanting to start in the morning. That always makes mornings a thrill. When the truck doesn't work, I get to "enjoy" the mass transit system here. Always way too much fun.
Church has been a combination of good and bad. I love the place and the people. I hate the pay scale! I get stuck working most of my time at SBX and end up feeling like I am shorting the church. I also am not so good a switching gears when I get off of work. I can't come home and just jump into doing church things.
I spoke with the Bishop a couple of weeks ago to see if there is ANYTHING that we can do to move toward being more involved in the church. The big problem is that this cannot be an incremental switch: I can only cut back on SBX hours so much before they will ask if I really want to work there. (Which I don't.) There are some possibilities of doing two-point ministries. Or some other options.
Then there is the possibility of going management at work. This would not be SBX management but management at the store the SBX is in. I have loans that are sitting in forbearance which is nice because I don't have to pay, but not good because the loan keeps getting bigger.
Then there has been discussion of going for a visit in Iowa. Yes, my family lives there, but also laws have changed there! This is all in process right now. Who knows, maybe we will go there and never come back!!!
Pride month has been a bit of a bust. Motorcity in Detroit was way crowded. Michigan Pride in Lansing was a bust. The post-party was nice but small. We will be eating hot dogs and beans for weeks to come.
But, to quote John Cougar Melancamp or whatever his name is, "Life goes on, long after the thrill of living is gone."
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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