tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-150514902024-03-06T22:41:00.429-05:00Tidings of Comfort and JoyJournal of everyday, extraordinary thingsSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-78740791509632286852013-05-26T10:24:00.000-04:002013-05-26T10:24:48.020-04:00Sunday Sermon: Unwrapping Gifts<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Favorite Things: Unwrapping Gifts</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31; Romans 5:1-5: John 16:12-15</span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 13px;">You know that survey you all had the chance to fill out for the past month? The one where you were asked to tell us your favorite things -- everything from favorite hymns to favorite ice cream toppings -- well, today we begin a summer of sharing together some “favorite things” -- favorite things of the congregation and -- it’s possible -- some of my favorite things, too. It being summer and all, some Sunday, I just may preach a favorite sermon from my past. If I find on that fits, it could happen . . . </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You saw the survey questions. Why, there might be ice cream this summer. There could be dancing. Who knows? Do you like surprises? Is one of your favorite things unwrapping presents? All wrapped up -- who knows what might be inside?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, next week, you are going to come to church and open your worship bulletin and you will see three hymns -- as usual. Each of those hymns will be special because each and every hymn you will find in the bulletin is a favorite hymn of someone in this congregation. Maybe one of <i>your</i> favorite hymns will show up in the worship service next week. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Every week, a surprise package -- a gift to unwrap -- just like Christmas or a birthday -- looking to see: </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Did you get what you wanted? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Is it what you asked for? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Does it fit? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And the most important thing: Will you try it on? When Dr. Z starts to play a worship song that was not on your personal wish list of favorite hymns -- will you sing it as if it was just what YOU asked for?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unwrapping gifts -- sounds like fun, right? Think of the colorful paper -- curly ribbons -- tissue paper holding treasures -- what would a birthday party be without birthday gifts? A Christmas tree looks all the more festive ladened with presents.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">What is in those wrapped presents? Only the giver knows. Unwrapping presents is fun when it’s something from <i>my</i> wish list. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Unwrapping gifts might be the most fun thing about church life -- and the most challenging.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So much of church life happens on schedule, by the book, as expected. We come to church. We do all the right things, all the things that are good and righteous things for all God’s children to do: We baptize our babies, we confirm our youth, we join the church. We take Communion, we serve on church committees. So many of you come to worship faithfully, serve God willingly, give generously. Each of these are more-or-less expected things to do -- and important things for us to do -- no surprises -- these are all “gifts of God for the people of God.” These gifts come wrapped in regularly showing up, and suiting up, and getting on the playing field. We would be surprised to find anything less than each other -- doing what we do -- in church life together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Ahh -- but just when we think we’ve unwrapped it all, the apostle Paul crashes the party. No sugar plums and lollipop party for the apostle Paul. Paul lets us know that there are gifts yet to open. Our God is a generous God. Unwrapping God’s great goodness and mercy is a party that never ends. And it’s a party like no other. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Paul was such an Interim Pastor -- always on the move! He got called into places -- and called back to places -- where there was uncertainty -- where there were challenges -- where there was wild anticipation of a future that hadn’t yet brought everyone together.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Paul knows that suffering happens even in lives lived in the Spirit. Paul knows that the suffering of Jesus didn’t end human suffering. Paul especially knows the suffering that happens when we join together as God’s people -- the church. Paul knows that, when we come together, we each show up carrying our own personal trials and tribulations. Paul knows real life, and he is not afraid to unveil the swamps of life with all of its dangers, toils and snares. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Paul speaks boldly about suffering -- he doesn’t deny suffering -- he doesn’t glorify suffering. Rather, Paul puts suffering in context of the story of God’s grace: Suffering is the box that HOPE comes in:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Suffering produces endurance -- (not passive “putting up with” but going through) -- endurance is a gift -- </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Endurance produces character -- (really knowing who you are and what you are made of) -- character is another gift -- </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and character produces -- here’s that word again -- HOPE.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Even when it looks for all the world as if there is nary a gift under that tree -- and maybe the Grinch took the tree, too -- THAT is when we rejoice more boldly, praise more loudly, sing that unfamiliar song that I didn’t choose and am not even sure I like, <i>anyway</i> -- and be grateful! For whether the suffering of the present age is excruciating pain, or the frustrations of church life -- to keep on rejoicing in the midst of suffering -- that’s HOPE! For it is HOPE itself that unwraps the gift of hope.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The reason this text is used today is surely because it is Trinity Sunday. God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit -- all three are here in this passage, playing their part. Paul is not so concerned with getting their roles in proper perspective. Paul is <i>very</i> concerned for the actual transformation of our lives. Our relationship with God, our acceptance of Jesus as Lord, our life lived fueled by the Spirit -- that’s the gift of LIFE itself. And can’t you just see the gift being handed to you -- to <i>you</i> -- to open and all eyes are on you: Loving Father God, your brother Jesus Christ, and Mother Wisdom -- they wait to see if you will love the gift as much as they loved the giving. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Do you like unwrapping presents? Unwrapping gifts might be the most fun thing about church life -- and the most challenging. I rejoice that this congregation is up for the challenge! You are embracing the challenging work of this time of pastoral transition -- and you are opening the gifts that are coming your way. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That is HOPE that leads to HOPE. HOPE wrapped up in gifts that are yet to be imagined. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Even now, a gifted pastor is starting to feel a little God nudge -- still wrapped in mystery -- already being Spirit-prepared for you, even as you prepare for her or him.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A gift of God for the people of God.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And the best part: the look on your face when you delightedly say, “Thank you. It’s just what I always wanted!” Amen.</span></div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-55350559005182932152013-04-19T08:27:00.001-04:002013-04-19T08:28:10.944-04:00Friday Five: Healing Spaces<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5HsgztJE5l0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">RevGal D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">eb authors <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-healing-space-friday-five.html">today's Friday Five</a> blog prompt. She writes: So, with the events of the violence and tragedy from the Boston Marathon fresh in our memories, I thought it would be good for us to focus on where as RevGalBlogPals, we find healing, peace and strengthening. As a chaplain, there are days where I never seem to catch my breath, and invariably, those are the days that I need it the most! So with all this in mind, share with us these healing things:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">A piece of music -</span></b>- Bobby McFerrin's "Psalm 23" (video above). An amazing and generous church choir sang this at my ordination 20 years ago. This version celebrates women throughout history. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">A place </span></b>-- Nature. Just about any nature venue. Digging in the dirt. Beach. Mountain. River. Farm. Orchard. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">3. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">A favorite food</span></b> (they call it "comfort food" for a reason) -- The family tradition -- <a href="http://comfortjoy.blogspot.com/2010/10/joy-of-tradition-enchiladas.html">enchiladas</a>!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">4. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">A recreational pastime</span></b> (that you watch or participate in) -- Playing games with family and friends.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><b>A poem, Scripture passage or other literature</b></span> that speaks to comfort you -- Romans 8:38-39. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">BONUS: People, animals, friends, family - share a picture of one or many of these who warm your heart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What else could it be? Here's the most recent pic of my precious grandchild:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For the love of Daniel and for all of creation: Let there be peace on earth.</span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-1553417667587780132013-03-22T08:35:00.001-04:002013-03-22T08:35:04.348-04:00Friday Five: Deep Breath<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_Kw1NB7dNRDcjt0IUAsZnuIF_Y6aRngXkbQUzhCpJIWgrPJC_kZk3TCVgD3nv6NsQx0w-9S7XMS1q2V9pWbZc3Rsqyc5KWSjz6KVkcCBjGJDmiHXH_GC00glJ776sUzAiE4IMg/s1600/IMG_0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_Kw1NB7dNRDcjt0IUAsZnuIF_Y6aRngXkbQUzhCpJIWgrPJC_kZk3TCVgD3nv6NsQx0w-9S7XMS1q2V9pWbZc3Rsqyc5KWSjz6KVkcCBjGJDmiHXH_GC00glJ776sUzAiE4IMg/s320/IMG_0294.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the NOLA skyline while walking at City Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Holy Week is catching up to me and breathing down my neck. For this pastor, there are bulletins to get ready, sermons to prep, and details upon details that are still hanging. Even this week, this congregation is moving ahead with launching a new ministry: Welcome, Men's Breakfast Fellowship! This is a challenging week for me to fill the gap between the last church office maven and the next one. The opportunities to receive God's mercy never cease!<div>
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Today, we are prompted to respond to a RevGalBlogPals Friday Five that invites us to breathe:<div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>This week's Friday Five is simply a moment to BREATHE. Stop and tell us five ways that you "catch your breath" and then move on in the work God calls you to do.</b></span></div>
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Thank you, Deb, for this one.</div>
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Here are five ways that I take a deep breath when I need to. And I need to.</div>
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<li>Take a walk</li>
<li>Phone a loved one</li>
<li>Drink herb tea</li>
<li>Let the tears come</li>
<li>Stop and actually take some deep breaths</li>
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My own personal BONUS du jour: I came into the office very early today. Unprompted by anything except that I was here early and he knows how much I love coffee, the church custodian, who is a gem of a person, offered to make me a few cups. That brand of kindness is what makes the tears flow. Thank you, Michael!</div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-31923790034925196642013-03-15T09:39:00.003-04:002013-03-15T09:39:31.902-04:00Friday Five: Techno-Happy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsmits/5364777267/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Keyboard by watcherob, on Flickr"><img alt="Keyboard" height="213" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5088/5364777267_4304ed7386.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today's <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2013/03/friday-five-technology.html">RevGalBlogPals Friday Five</a> writing prompt is all about technology. RevGalBlogPal Jan is in Washington state visiting relatives in a senior living facility where she will be without her usual electronic devices.<br />
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Jan's questions invite us to explore our use of, and desire for, technological devices:</div>
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1. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What types of technologies, like cell phones, computers, TVs, etc., do you routinely use? How frequently?</span></b></div>
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<li>Cell phone -- not-the-newest iPhone (with me and in use every day)</li>
<li>Computer -- MacBook (almost every day, both at the office and at home)</li>
<li>eReader -- KindleTouch (use for reading books, a few games, and preaching sermons)</li>
<li>TV -- I don't have one, but watch at times one or two days a week</li>
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I am on the computer most often, doing things related to church and ministry -- emails, worship prep, sermon prep, newsletter prep, more emails.</div>
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2. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Social media: </span></b></div>
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<li>Facebook (daily) </li>
<li>Pinterest (daily)</li>
<li>Twitter (occasionally) </li>
<li>Linked-In (I'm on there but rarely in there)</li>
<li>Social media games (now, only Words With Friends)</li>
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3. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Do you separate online activities between home and work? Or is it all the same everywhere?</span></b></div>
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There is a lot of online activity involved in getting things done for church, so that's is what I am most often using technology for at work. There are occasional breaks for Facebook and Pinterest. Facebook does (really!) help me keep up with people in church who are posting there. We also use our church Facebook page to communicate church things. I use the internet to keep up with the latest that is going on in New Orleans and in the world. Most of that happens at work.</div>
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At home, there is more "Words With Friends" but there is also a lot of sermon prep and other church-related writing, as well as some other writing that I want to do. Yeah, work and home are often a lot alike, except for the ready availability of coffee and quilts.</div>
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My favorite thing to do at home is to use Skype to keep in touch with my geographically-scattered loved ones.</div>
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4. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Do you have a smart phone or iPhone?</span></b></div>
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Yes, I have an iPhone that I have come to depend on. Let me count the ways: check the email, check the weather, use Mapquest to get where I'm going, find a restaurant or coffee shop, and to google things that I don't know.</div>
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5. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What do you wish you had -- or do not have -- in relation to these devices?</span></b></div>
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What I don't have is an iPad or iPad mini (or is it mini iPad?). I don't know if I want one or how badly I need one or what I would realize I was missing now if I got one. There is probably something like that in my techno-future.</div>
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Bonus: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What is the difference between your attitude towards these means of technology and a generation older or younger than you?</span></b></div>
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In my experience, attitudes toward technology have not been strictly generationally defined. Younger people are definitely more comfortable with technology and have been invaluable in helping me to stay current and comfortable in the techno-world. I know 80+ year olds who use email to stay in touch with their friends, and they play Words With Friends (with me!) on their Kindle Fires or iPads. I also know younger people who are still skeptical about the use of technology and online access in church life.</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-12423462372142508182013-02-23T09:25:00.002-05:002013-02-23T16:37:39.980-05:00Lenten Photo Challenge: Catching UpEach day's photos for this week's <a href="http://rethinkchurch.org/lenten-challenge">Lenten Photo Challenge</a> actually were taken each day. They were posted less often, occasionally on Facebook or Twitter. I'm near-disciplined. So, here they are:<br />
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 17: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SETTLE</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QDKDe4llFJcNv2X1h__Lo4l5kF97OPOVTDKqm3wmMFCbk5XYvFzHQ1LK8nYZNXnO0jd9yoXv11vW9kAhbxJUKFApJi-Eued3sazVNXOkXC4wIDdEvCRFWdYtLenCcduvorneQA/s1600/47785_10151261873660841_33362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QDKDe4llFJcNv2X1h__Lo4l5kF97OPOVTDKqm3wmMFCbk5XYvFzHQ1LK8nYZNXnO0jd9yoXv11vW9kAhbxJUKFApJi-Eued3sazVNXOkXC4wIDdEvCRFWdYtLenCcduvorneQA/s1600/47785_10151261873660841_33362_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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As in . . . Do not settle.</div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 18: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WORLD</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLm1Erkxl2ke2DE-W9yMJii0NpNsq0LaQkOkuhJOCd0CMjfe-pT4Au99ghquJXqBSRCMZIVjx31M6d8CduI55dEhsnYIJUK1QYJu0hTuIEWmHUW4zTJ1bS4kw5TnSmtHFhH1JtA/s1600/IMG_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLm1Erkxl2ke2DE-W9yMJii0NpNsq0LaQkOkuhJOCd0CMjfe-pT4Au99ghquJXqBSRCMZIVjx31M6d8CduI55dEhsnYIJUK1QYJu0hTuIEWmHUW4zTJ1bS4kw5TnSmtHFhH1JtA/s320/IMG_0341.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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God loves the world. </div>
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Seems to me that's the real point. </div>
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God loves. That much. </div>
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And more.</div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 19: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">WONDER</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH-TtgfPVEPX_dR_1b9RV4keeGjF5o2T17AgWFt-EYCeoyLmv16tROWMfypEab48f_wUkpMFMaleuirM_3AUXPSmXcjdo3SqnJ6fKyIbDBDYqrLUZ0tY64zDp7C_fdFBEu6TL2g/s1600/IMG_0340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH-TtgfPVEPX_dR_1b9RV4keeGjF5o2T17AgWFt-EYCeoyLmv16tROWMfypEab48f_wUkpMFMaleuirM_3AUXPSmXcjdo3SqnJ6fKyIbDBDYqrLUZ0tY64zDp7C_fdFBEu6TL2g/s320/IMG_0340.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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From the CHICAGO song: </div>
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"Does anybody really know what time it is?</div>
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Does anybody really care?"</div>
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I wonder . . . </div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 20: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">EVIL </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn_Soa51mKVsziVDRHYaTzBYz8YzM3_6RD-RQOYb_M3aO3bDTniyJ9s8NlaCyE7H4t3QGVrFTM57_yVhMpHXbeRCuxm-rDhcHHCvwApjMhWhwHmhbtkf9RBT-MgkGU91Zodmqfg/s1600/IMG_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwn_Soa51mKVsziVDRHYaTzBYz8YzM3_6RD-RQOYb_M3aO3bDTniyJ9s8NlaCyE7H4t3QGVrFTM57_yVhMpHXbeRCuxm-rDhcHHCvwApjMhWhwHmhbtkf9RBT-MgkGU91Zodmqfg/s320/IMG_0344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As in: The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.</div>
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[1 Timothy 6:10]</div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 21: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LOVE</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAflOHGIhTGCSXU-0EKge3bsDlVRuVfPqZuKELcV96bNN2LBgCjSzV1RLdIjjwm6zXHbEiAJ8KgOIHjKHZk8FYreAyUFaDdIYRUpQaT0Yt_KtmbaMzH4E6b-0_lA1SXcjwTEFFLg/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAflOHGIhTGCSXU-0EKge3bsDlVRuVfPqZuKELcV96bNN2LBgCjSzV1RLdIjjwm6zXHbEiAJ8KgOIHjKHZk8FYreAyUFaDdIYRUpQaT0Yt_KtmbaMzH4E6b-0_lA1SXcjwTEFFLg/s320/IMG_0339.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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"Love" is everywhere.</div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
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Feb. 22: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SPIRIT</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMc_Se8JdaC_EEa1YEl-Bvwt-moJKrx7MbwRh0vsdJLv86sipThgUJ09NHV6qIk1hjy2qkczv6a3srHyOtoKovAAqW2Yb1sd654sDlqq7wnWmoYHUR2-O2fKtiPK3ARds5AFPSQ/s1600/IMG_0348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMc_Se8JdaC_EEa1YEl-Bvwt-moJKrx7MbwRh0vsdJLv86sipThgUJ09NHV6qIk1hjy2qkczv6a3srHyOtoKovAAqW2Yb1sd654sDlqq7wnWmoYHUR2-O2fKtiPK3ARds5AFPSQ/s320/IMG_0348.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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The setting for a spirit-filled experience on this day.</div>
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*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~*</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-18278758755465445732013-02-16T14:10:00.001-05:002013-02-16T14:14:57.047-05:00Lenten Photos Day 4: Injustice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA6MuXXVExsH6Ol_fCKyoILzIdXHaVx92nQX3WlYJ5PA_6aXY0mn9_Lg4O0OjPqWoMaWqkGQrhIikbHFf_7WOlOrJwSaB-3YlRgDse9ei1Wiaa6JnvtJ55QpjIoOk2WbDEGaDhA/s1600/P1000335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNA6MuXXVExsH6Ol_fCKyoILzIdXHaVx92nQX3WlYJ5PA_6aXY0mn9_Lg4O0OjPqWoMaWqkGQrhIikbHFf_7WOlOrJwSaB-3YlRgDse9ei1Wiaa6JnvtJ55QpjIoOk2WbDEGaDhA/s320/P1000335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Every day, I drive by this "Home Depot" on my way to the church office.<br />
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Every day, in the parking lot, I see as many as 40 men waiting there. I've been told that they are waiting there for someone to come by and give them some work for the day. Today was Saturday. I took this picture when I stopped at next-door Rouse's for a few groceries. I counted 11 men there at noon. On a Saturday.<br />
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The Home Depot store itself has a huge "Help Wanted" sign posted on its building exterior.<br />
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In 2007, Home Depot CEO Robert Nardelli received a severance package of $212 million. Worth it? He "earned" himself a spot on CNBC's list of the "<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/30502091?slide=5">Worst American CEO's of All Time</a>."<br />
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<a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2012/04/03/home-depot-raises-ceo-frank-blakes.html">Home Depot's current CEO</a> Frank Blake makes 700 times minimum wage ($10.8 million).<br />
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I've also heard that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/geraldo-rivera-trayvon-martin-hoodie_n_1375080.html">someone in a hoodie has every reason to expect the worst</a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/23/geraldo-rivera-trayvon-martin-hoodie_n_1375080.html">.</a>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-32938363520579245922013-02-15T16:47:00.001-05:002013-02-15T16:47:34.807-05:00Lenten Photos Day 3: See<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1niHX-NVcGfwn0t-Gke4MFc4eF2MU9rlvQ0kpe1jukFmN52nvgrOqAOFxa6EgwwJReWWcJbWhfPEgdS58S5yvcH8YTKH0_c40yY9OJc8Sezq5MzGABpYYUzVsCkvCX1Eb2LGT_w/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1niHX-NVcGfwn0t-Gke4MFc4eF2MU9rlvQ0kpe1jukFmN52nvgrOqAOFxa6EgwwJReWWcJbWhfPEgdS58S5yvcH8YTKH0_c40yY9OJc8Sezq5MzGABpYYUzVsCkvCX1Eb2LGT_w/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Some things I see from my office windows</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-20573505320520673652013-02-14T11:31:00.000-05:002013-02-14T16:21:12.284-05:00Lenten Photos Day 2: Return<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk2YYm3S6scj9SPkiAFPw_1A0FZ0PQfYt9ShP_jX7ZW1ux0geEvISRq-ujZqiG1j0yDAZ23S-XVZMfcSr-VzykMjwbzv9vGWWNbsDWKhW13c472rp0EPUMYu6ezKNnmvhbGsi3Q/s1600/IMG_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJk2YYm3S6scj9SPkiAFPw_1A0FZ0PQfYt9ShP_jX7ZW1ux0geEvISRq-ujZqiG1j0yDAZ23S-XVZMfcSr-VzykMjwbzv9vGWWNbsDWKhW13c472rp0EPUMYu6ezKNnmvhbGsi3Q/s320/IMG_0327.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Funny thing:<br />
<br />
I took this pic this morning, thinking it might make a good "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b>" photo.<br />
<br />
I remembered that, when I lived in Pennsylvania or Ohio, a vacation week in Louisiana always included a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b>, with my sis, to one of the Louisiana-based coffee shops called<a href="http://www.communitycoffee.com/CCsCommunityCoffeeHouse.aspx"> CC's Community Coffee House</a>. <br />
<br />
I aimed my phone at the CC's sign, thinking about my <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> to Louisiana about 5 months ago. That more permanent move was a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> to long-missed familiar things -- crawfish boils, warm weather, Cajun accents, and CC's. Knowing I would be a "regular" there, I got my very own CC's card. I keep a few bucks on it, which makes it easy to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> there often.<br />
<br />
This particular CC's is within walking distance of my New Orleans home. I <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">returned</span></b> there this morning for a cup of coffee to take to the office. I took the pic on my phone as I went in, because I had an inkling that there could be a connection with my CC's habit and today's word: "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b>." There was the chance, too, that there would not be another better photo op later in the day.<br />
<br />
I stepped up to the counter and ordered my usual: A grande, half dark roast, half medium roast, with room for cream. (The 2 dashes of cinnamon don't take any room, so why mention that?) <br />
<br />
The young barista seemed rattled, and I wondered what was so hard about my fairly ordinary order. She said she was afraid that the CC's card reader wasn't working. She told me she wouldn't be able to give me my receipt. <br />
<br />
That CC's receipt is my <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> ticket. With the receipt, I could <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> any time that same day to any CC's and present the receipt and the empty cup for a free refill. It's a nice perk. Still, I said "That's OK. Don't worry about the receipt."<br />
<br />
She tried again to get my CC's card to read. No luck. She didn't want to tell me, so I asked: "It's not charging the coffee to my card either, is it?" She nodded and tried the card again, and again, ever more flustered. The coffee had been already been poured. A line was forming behind me.<br />
<br />
My move. I offered to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> to my car and get cash for the coffee. Relief poured off her face.<br />
<br />
That's how it happened that I got to <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">return</span></b> to CC's in that same trip. The photo was just right. Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-20208056514182676142013-02-13T23:03:00.000-05:002013-02-14T11:37:22.548-05:00Lenten Photos Day 1: Who Am I?As part of my Lenten practice this year, I have decided to participate in the <a href="http://rethinkchurch.org/lenten-challenge">Lenten 40 Day Photo Challenge</a> at <a href="http://rethinkchurch.org/">rethinkchurch.org</a>. The idea is to take a photo that is about the word or phrase of the day. It is supposed to require paying attention and being intentional, which sounds like a spiritual discipline to me!<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeSOv6YrdEJMEB0LryoSd7GSlIIMROniukvp3l29Zr3dRHDMNNxejCvxvjHWoEjRzmALNaDmEjSPTOHjijQNaL6hyphenhyphenNsQ3Lg_OCyWEZh7AXymOhA9ZbebmPhmm1XA6jmSiNv5yVg/s1600/IMG_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDeSOv6YrdEJMEB0LryoSd7GSlIIMROniukvp3l29Zr3dRHDMNNxejCvxvjHWoEjRzmALNaDmEjSPTOHjijQNaL6hyphenhyphenNsQ3Lg_OCyWEZh7AXymOhA9ZbebmPhmm1XA6jmSiNv5yVg/s320/IMG_0323.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who Am I?</span></div>
<div>
Today I am:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Starting the day a concerned mom and grandmother </li>
<li>An early riser in Baton Rouge; commuter to New Orleans</li>
<li>Interim Pastor at Central St. Matthew UCC in NOLA</li>
<li>In need of a hair cut and a massage</li>
<li>The recipient of ashes twice in one day</li>
<li>Offering ashes from the (covered) Carrollton Ave. campus front steps during cold rain at noon (pic taken there)</li>
<li>Singing and praying there, too, with some who came by.</li>
<li>Enchilada cook at lunch (nothing new there!)</li>
<li>Relieved about good medical test results for a loved one</li>
<li>Messaged and encouraged during sermon prep</li>
<li>Preacher for our NOLA clergy-sponsored service tonight</li>
<li>Face-to-face with "the Chicago thing" . . . again.</li>
<li>Peaceful about "the Chicago thing" . . . really</li>
<li>Reasonably satisfied about the preaching tonight</li>
<li>Gluten-free in a gluten-filled Communion world (it seems)</li>
</ul>
</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-86026591932544761192013-02-08T15:22:00.000-05:002013-02-08T15:22:37.893-05:00Friday Five: Sneaky, Sneaky!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVcIteZHwHKtASdqrcaG6XJeSlkJ80dtV_iM91bAeDg_YAJj8ZXo3QHOybCpSHkLxzLNTXu8mq4e0bFR2hPmtwLucVqO11t0FXe3EQdfI40U3jCd1-KID1IvvVeawf4m0qdUHKw/s1600/DSCF1045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVcIteZHwHKtASdqrcaG6XJeSlkJ80dtV_iM91bAeDg_YAJj8ZXo3QHOybCpSHkLxzLNTXu8mq4e0bFR2hPmtwLucVqO11t0FXe3EQdfI40U3jCd1-KID1IvvVeawf4m0qdUHKw/s320/DSCF1045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How did you sneak in here?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Karla, Karla, Karla. So, the deadline for putting up the Friday Five sneaked (snuck?) up on you. It's not like you've been away on a <a href="http://comfortjoy.blogspot.com/2013/02/my-serious-enough-continuing-education.html">serious (enough) study leave</a>. And then there's that blizzard that's bearing down on you. With all of that, you have still managed to put forth a wonderful Friday Five! And, you have enticed me to play the <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/">RevGalBlogPals</a> <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2013/02/sneaky-friday-five.html">Friday Five</a> again after far too long. Thank you for some really sneaky, and great, questions. Here goes:<br />
<br />
1) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">What is sneaking up on you, and what have you been thinking about?</span></b><br />
What is really sneaking up on me is income tax time. I know today is only February 8, but that denial of "time flies" is what makes it so sneaky. But I'm not thinking about that at all! I'm thinking about Mardi Gras and what part(s) of that I get to go to this weekend. Mardi Gras parade: probably. Crawfish boil: definitely!<br />
<br />
2) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">What will you have for lunch today?</span></b><br />
Well, it's after 2:00 p.m. here, and I still don't know. I'm seriously considering checking out the Thai place across the street. Sadly, there is no sushi bar on this boat. <br />
<br />
3) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">If you were to get snowed in for two days, and you need to hunker down, what essentials and treats would you store up?</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa</i></div>
<br />
OK, sorry. It's a balmy, short-sleeved 65 degrees and cloudy here in New Orleans . . . (ahem) . . .<br />
<br />
This would be a serious question for me if I still lived in the house I still own in Pennsylvania, because I know the snow is coming. There. Not here. For the Two-Day Snowed-In Hunker Down, treats and essentials are hard to tell apart: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://comfortjoy.blogspot.com/2010/10/joy-of-tradition-enchiladas.html">Enchiladas!</a></li>
<li>a <a href="http://www.anktangle.com/2011/11/foodie-friday-gf-turkey-noodle-soup.html">pot of Amy's turkey noodle soup</a> or some chili</li>
<li>coffee and half & half</li>
<li>cocoa & mini-marshmallows</li>
<li>movies, Netflix (if there is electricity) & books and crochet (my new hobby) </li>
<li>comforters & pillows & all kinds of flannel</li>
<li>wind-up radio/flashlight</li>
<li>candles and flameless light sources</li>
</ul>
<div>
4) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Tell me a story about one awesome thing you have experienced in the last couple of weeks:</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once upon a time, in the last couple of weeks, I took a 9 hour drive that took me from New Orleans to Jacksonville. My wonderful congregation sent me on a serious (enough) study leave. So, I got on a great big boat and sailed away. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I hugged dear friends and met new ones, now dear ones. Faces went with online names of women who had become celebrities to me, and I couldn't help being a starry-eyed fan. (I hope they understand.) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We laughed. And laughed. We wrote and wrote. And wrote some more. Sometimes we wrote less, as few as six words to tell a story of God's good news breaking through the fog. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Alfredo flirted with us and danced for us. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We told supper stories. And late night stories. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And stories fueled by sushi circles, melting cake dinners, and mojito toasts. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then we laughed some more. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Encouraged by sweet generosity, I picked up crochet again. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am still swaying to the music. I'm rolling with the waves. I'm looking for sushi.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And I'm thankful. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So thankful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5) <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">What is your favorite office supply to splurge on? (now THAT is random, right?)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yes, that IS random, dear Karla! Markers or pens, definitely!</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-67178782330546653042013-02-06T13:32:00.001-05:002013-02-06T13:32:59.253-05:00My Serious (Enough) Continuing Education WeekI returned Saturday from <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/">RevGalBlogPals</a> <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/05/big-event-60-in-her-own-words.html">Big Event 6.0</a>. <a href="http://www.rachelhackenberg.com/">Rachel Hackenberg</a> led us to to play -- and play some more -- with the Living Word "In Her [Our] Own Words." I came back refreshed and inspired and blessed beyond measure!<br />
<br />
Someone asked me to bring back a picture of me having fun on the trip. Here ya go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHjOH42uS5iGTCDXrHmEIMV5Jm3kxnaK4lrDQPRLX-JSmJSd-gdSz_zVUbtuihVpV61uOQokV_KQgXAOSZTkKEtMteibtT0OG-9XbpDwWXiu1Mdi0s7AO1dhIj0fKyS29akDxzg/s1600/14297_487795281257247_1027399406_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiHjOH42uS5iGTCDXrHmEIMV5Jm3kxnaK4lrDQPRLX-JSmJSd-gdSz_zVUbtuihVpV61uOQokV_KQgXAOSZTkKEtMteibtT0OG-9XbpDwWXiu1Mdi0s7AO1dhIj0fKyS29akDxzg/s320/14297_487795281257247_1027399406_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alfredo's Fan Club: With Karla and Celeste (photo by Holly)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSPud77m7orjO9sCf3NZQBkOj0IwjrhAH63iBxqfNXXTRtm0r-d4ZW9iId-o8CCbeTU4AzU3zPlVmQ2kZTL0iG4r2R13cyvZo-aN5fHewLh0MdnY2K0nq7qVw7XHlIrhW03R8Fg/s1600/P1000326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSPud77m7orjO9sCf3NZQBkOj0IwjrhAH63iBxqfNXXTRtm0r-d4ZW9iId-o8CCbeTU4AzU3zPlVmQ2kZTL0iG4r2R13cyvZo-aN5fHewLh0MdnY2K0nq7qVw7XHlIrhW03R8Fg/s320/P1000326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Kelly at the southernmost point (Key West)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA1_YX-m-78vjL4emCd4i50Omm0rSZIQEnYqFaXotYIF2lmCwj9tKxewiscGC6reygMpVlaqbqO9NLikAkKXlMwUA4vFd8QCYetGPnTJtlEwpXMnsMYpS6EZHmw_KeC_qOTcCIQ/s1600/P1000331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidA1_YX-m-78vjL4emCd4i50Omm0rSZIQEnYqFaXotYIF2lmCwj9tKxewiscGC6reygMpVlaqbqO9NLikAkKXlMwUA4vFd8QCYetGPnTJtlEwpXMnsMYpS6EZHmw_KeC_qOTcCIQ/s320/P1000331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Flan (Key West)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdtbu9UaL1Cio0sLLiqp1iz_YXgy_bnZ9Ss3kChfb9Ki4GDmK6py6sRLFZ1afsOCOvbb2d5IzSsV5jlRfa801A8yEMBKVXb5MJGPzhEoJ3cbX-m18aRym9FzKqvfHfcRrqRDnlA/s1600/798210_10151296943368526_1773166493_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdtbu9UaL1Cio0sLLiqp1iz_YXgy_bnZ9Ss3kChfb9Ki4GDmK6py6sRLFZ1afsOCOvbb2d5IzSsV5jlRfa801A8yEMBKVXb5MJGPzhEoJ3cbX-m18aRym9FzKqvfHfcRrqRDnlA/s320/798210_10151296943368526_1773166493_o.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing women!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCO1JvKkzA53YYwUzULzB47uXHUOOPKNxxg4LFXQGn21XtKrrvxeZyPgyxwwZLhEGXxOHL6zc-Pjnnl_rqsB0Sp34QEfXM-2PVTMayObKkANjh6EnOKLMft8CR_CW6-mXIwPcsQ/s1600/P1000330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCO1JvKkzA53YYwUzULzB47uXHUOOPKNxxg4LFXQGn21XtKrrvxeZyPgyxwwZLhEGXxOHL6zc-Pjnnl_rqsB0Sp34QEfXM-2PVTMayObKkANjh6EnOKLMft8CR_CW6-mXIwPcsQ/s320/P1000330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roaming along the streets of Key West</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrSDA4Hmi4a3uMv25BvyNJq8_IRaT3mm6qnw1pwGfY8Fv8h3KKSLQQGTgTlrp5WIAhH9AQDZJZ5D1JeBlK7QonnAy6yNL5S6KcMNtuQ_eW3Rk__slXSZ2rQQc7Uckf5N2iQkoNQ/s1600/P1000316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrSDA4Hmi4a3uMv25BvyNJq8_IRaT3mm6qnw1pwGfY8Fv8h3KKSLQQGTgTlrp5WIAhH9AQDZJZ5D1JeBlK7QonnAy6yNL5S6KcMNtuQ_eW3Rk__slXSZ2rQQc7Uckf5N2iQkoNQ/s320/P1000316.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who could it be? (Not me!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-8859836198066094612013-01-21T11:25:00.002-05:002013-01-21T19:14:47.603-05:00MLK Day 2013: The Joy of Celebrating<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnWtWw-lUp-Xkv-PI8yrUnmSuUqM8r9GxKdGhC8Oy9YjndTH4kMjqrNua0KFapLPO5ndKu4giSjhJfL3sD1W1JXFg41cLKtZ-ojVr5ONxqW7g45Nhat8HkS9k1q0Wl0lL_CrKoQ/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnWtWw-lUp-Xkv-PI8yrUnmSuUqM8r9GxKdGhC8Oy9YjndTH4kMjqrNua0KFapLPO5ndKu4giSjhJfL3sD1W1JXFg41cLKtZ-ojVr5ONxqW7g45Nhat8HkS9k1q0Wl0lL_CrKoQ/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some things haven't changed</td></tr>
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As a teenager in Baton Rouge, LA -- in the mid 1960‘s -- our family was a little out of the church-going habit for awhile. A friend kept trying to get me to go to her church. She could talk very enthusiastically about Jesus and salvation and things like that. My parents weren’t all that big on us going to church. But one day, I got into some serious trouble at home when I tried out a word that my friend used freely -- an “n” word referring to people who, at that time, were not welcome by the people who lived in our all-white neighborhood to go to our all-white school. Indeed, another friend justified her family's objection to integrated schools because they "knew" that it was a scientific fact that "Negroes are not fully human."</div>
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At about the same time, a white Southern Baptist pastor -- a kind and courageous man I would meet a few years later in Dallas TX -- was being ostracized by Istrouma Baptist Church in Baton Rouge because his congregation did not want to have as their pastor someone who was involved in the Civil Rights movement. This pastor wouldn’t be quiet about liberty and justice for all from the pulpit.*<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">These are business as usual stories. Nothing unusual here. In the 60’s it was dangerous to your job to speak up for racial equality, and it was normal for churches and church people to say that God and the Bible blessed segregation and endorsed white supremacy. None of this is news.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is also not news that, in most white communities and white congregations, MLK day is "celebrated" by a few congregations. They have some idea that King was a good man, and that celebrating him somehow relates to faith, so it's is a good idea. I guess they have not been personally inspired by King's message and courageous actions and his inspiring legacy. They have not been justice-deprived or bound by laws and traditions that benefit other people and ask them to wait for their turn. How can they celebrate King well when they have no idea what there truly is to celebrate?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yesterday, business as usual came to a blessed end for me. In the 60th year of my life -- and in the 20th year of my ordination -- I finally got to spend Martin Luther King Sunday yesterday in a congregation truly celebrating the words and work of Dr. King. A group of people -- black and white -- began our worship service with a spoken prelude of King's prophetic words. The choir processed in with all of us singing "Lift Every Voice" and it was magnificent. A young black woman, dressed in colorful cloth, read her chosen excerpt from King's "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" as part of the children's time, and the little children were silently attentive. In word and song and prayer, we celebrated King, we celebrated Jesus' gift of bread and cup, and we celebrated The Beloved Community.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the congregation were blacks who marched with King. Absent yesterday from the congregation were those who had traveled to Washington D.C. to celebrate the second-term inauguration of Barack Obama.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the congregation were parents who, back in the day, struggled to explain to their children why they couldn't take them to City Park in New Orleans because they wouldn't be allowed to ride the little train. Yesterday, they could celebrate because, today, their grandchildren are just some of the kids on the train.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In the worshipping community yesterday were gay couples who had given up on church until they found this one. Here, they can be out and proud in our congregation. They can serve here and not be afraid that the sermon will sneak a bite of them. Now, in some states, they can be legally married. </span></div>
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And there was me -- their very-blessed interim pastor -- whose American Baptist seminary hadn't minded receiving tuition money from women earning their M.Div. degree there. However, when she and the other recently-graduated women received only rejection letters from ABC churches, the seminary said that there was nothing they could do about so many congregations who just weren't ready to call female pastors. </div>
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And so there we were. Together. Celebrating because we had a lot to celebrate. It's not quite the Promised Land -- not yet. But it was a really fine and generous glimpse. Thanks be to God!<br />
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[ * Bruce Lowe continued to advocate for equality for all. That Dallas church where we met, <a href="http://www.dallasvoice.com/hes-challenged-better-10126019.html">Royal Lane Baptist Church recently honored 97 year old Bruce</a> and his spouse, Anna Marie, for their dedication to creating a place at the table for everyone.]</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-89112206071591515182012-12-16T08:50:00.000-05:002012-12-16T08:54:05.927-05:00Sunday Sermon: Hope Shall Bloom<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; letter-spacing: 0px;">Hope Shall Bloom</span></h2>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Luke 3:7-18; Zephaniah 3:14-20</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For Central St. Matthew UCC, New Orleans, LA</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I confess: I had a hard time with this one.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I had a sermon -- it was about the hoops we jump through instead of living out hope -- but then, 20 little children were killed in their school, along with six of their teachers and administrators on Friday, so Thursday’s sermon idea is not going to preach today.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I don’t claim to know, but I wonder how news of a mass shooting in a school affects this congregation.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Many of you are teachers, retired teachers, administrators, associated with children and youth in learning situations. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And then, there’s Katrina, a devastation that happened about the time that those 20 precious children at Sandy Hook were born. Are you thinking: We know the names and ages of each of these children and we know that there were 20 of them. It is unknown how many people lost their lives in Katrina, so who knows how many were children? Dozens? Hundreds?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You all know all too well the despair of a tragedy unfolding that cannot be contained or stopped no matter how loud the screams. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You know that those who initially get hit -- who make the news the first day -- the first week -- they are just the first ones affected -- the circle of pain and sorrow spreads out from there, in ever-widening circles. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You know that when someone says that things will never be the same after this, that is true. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You know the despair and grief that is PARTICULAR to tragedies that could have been prevented, if only ... someone ... had ... done what could have been done.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, as your pastor at this time, I wonder how you are doing? Not only how are you doing with this week’s news, but how are you doing seven years since tragedy came to New Orleans.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s OK to admit that it’s not all OK. It’s OK to say that it’s not fixed -- that restoration is not complete -- whether of buildings or people or relationships.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You might imagine the road ahead for the parents of the children who were killed. A child’s death is a heavy heavy stress on the parents’ marriage. What about the grief of siblings and classmates?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">At what point will this CT community be most tempted to give up? When will it be most difficult for them to know “God with us” and to make sense of how a loving God can co-exist with life-robbing evil and hearts breaking? You all might have some idea of how this will go.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You may also have an idea of where hope is when things looks scariest.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Fred Rogers:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><i>"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." To this day, especially in times of "disaster," I remember my mother's words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.</i>"</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You know all about the helpers. You are the helpers. You host and feed the helpers. Helpers show us hope, blooming. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“What then should WE do?” today . . . </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s an old story It’s the story that prepares the way for “God With Us.” In a certain desert, when John the Baptist finally got his curiosity-seeking “congregation” to see a picture of how messed up their world is, and how messed up they are -- when they finally saw the futility of their usual approaches and strategies -- when they were ready to repent -- change their minds -- change their direction -- finally take some kind of ACTION, it all came down to one question:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“What then should we do?” now . . . </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The answer (a lot like Mr. Rogers):</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” </span><span style="font: 9.3px Verdana; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><sup>12</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” </span><span style="font: 9.3px Verdana; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><sup>13</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” </span><span style="font: 9.3px Verdana; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><sup>14</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">“What then should we do?” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Simply put (you know this! You do this!): Do acts of justice and compassion and kindness. We don’t ask “What would Jesus do?” because, from this side of the manger, we know what Jesus DID. And where the Jesus way becomes our way, hope shall bloom. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Each of us has something we can do in response to this tragedy. For someone, it might be sending a card to that school or to our UCC church in Newtown. For someone else, it might be writing letters to Congress. Someone else might make a new or renewed commitment to a local school or to neighborhood children. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Whatever else we do, we simply must -- finally -- address the big picture. “We must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers.” That was the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King -- in 1963 -- after the killing of four innocent young girls in a church bombing. Almost 50 years ago, a prophet of our time called it, named it, showed us where hope COULD bloom: “We must be concerned not merely about who murdered them, but about the system, the way of life, the philosophy which produced the murderers.”</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It will go on. An average of 8 children and teenagers are killed by gunfire in the U.S. every day. Who will they be today? Who will they be tomorrow?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s time to get serious about all the conditions</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">that make the U.S. the leading nation -- by far -- in gun violence.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">If we can’t agree on how to control access to guns,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">can we find common ground in providing better access to mental health care?</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Twenty little children didn’t come home on Friday to play outside, to watch cartoons on Saturday, to go to Sunday School today. Six adult teachers and administrators lost their lives. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">See what we have become. Hear the cries of mothers everywhere, grieving for children we have lost and for children we don’t want to lose to a world gone mad. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Their cries remind us that God loved THIS VERY WORLD so much to send his own child into this world. The mother who placed him in the manger also saw him die on the cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; letter-spacing: 0.0px color: #121012;">Christmas Eve is not the end of the story, but neither does the story end with “the massacre of the innocents.” We are Easter people. “In the end </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">neither Herod, or Pilate, or even the Devil himself was able to stop God’s plan. We are not helpless before the powers of this world. No matter what power evil and sadness has in the world – and -- [know this] -- it’s a temporary and dying power – it cannot stop God’s goodness, and love, and forgiveness, and redemption ... [God’s realm -- our home -- is where hope blooms, where joy is born, where love grows, where peace is waged] whatever sorrows or loneliness or memories or illness befall us, during this season or any season. Whatever your circumstance at Christmas, Christ was born for you.” </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Amen.</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="font: 14.0px Verdana; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Grateful for the concluding words I was looking for, the last two paragraphs were adapted from and quoted from </span><span style="font: 14.0px Arial; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pastor Joelle Coville-Hanson, a UCC pastor and one of my <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/">RevGalBlogPals</a> from Ridgeway Iowa. </span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This sermon was also strongly influenced by sermons by <a href="http://amyphaynie.blogspot.com/2012/12/advent-3c.html">Amy Peden Haynie</a> (about what we can do) and <a href="http://mysoulinsilencewaits.blogspot.com/2012/12/like-rachel-we-are-weeping-for-our.html">Rev Dr Mom</a> (the MLK quote), also two of my RevGal sisters.</span></li>
<li style="font: 14.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I got to host, and be nourished by, two RevGal 11th Hour Preacher Parties that kept us going this weekend, <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/12/11th-hour-preacher-party-where-is-joy.html">one on Friday</a> and <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/12/11th-hour-preacher-party-its-pink.html">one on Saturday</a>. Thanks to all of you!</li>
</ul>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-4535786721765208342012-12-14T12:33:00.000-05:002012-12-15T10:15:37.703-05:00Putting the Christ in Christmas, if you please<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4VO82bJk4PiCVR_PhneK1MGpzZdzu-bHYztoeKlyqeGeH3eZaGr5GXWjfkDAZ3DbmX-FRc81iXiJZpcvyyGIfNkzue3Ms9vKGFEP9v3Xifoz66UwDmw8Qe-O0FHFCLoB3qM0Ng/s1600/P1000299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4VO82bJk4PiCVR_PhneK1MGpzZdzu-bHYztoeKlyqeGeH3eZaGr5GXWjfkDAZ3DbmX-FRc81iXiJZpcvyyGIfNkzue3Ms9vKGFEP9v3Xifoz66UwDmw8Qe-O0FHFCLoB3qM0Ng/s200/P1000299.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Adapted slightly from my church newsletter article archives of December 2010, wherein I offered the following modest proposal: </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">QUIT talking about putting the <i>Christ</i> back into <i>Christ</i>mas! (please????)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yes, that's coming from this pastor, duly ordained as a minister of the gospel, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and -- before you ask -- I do love Christmas. I love the Christmas carols, the wonderful smells, the delicious food, the colorful lights, the family gatherings, the decorated church and homes, the Advent wreath, the Bible story, and I love celebrating the birthday of Jesus. So, it's not that I have one thing against Christ or Christmas! I'm asking you to quit fighting a "war on Christmas" and see the season in a new way:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSYevW__qtCtMpAN187eTc9stjx8Z0kMsM4iApPzuPcd0rZdM_5q_vtsXedMxi29a_JVPm6ksyMIEK_Egksjm1mo-aVuHgFE3nkAHpYye6hyfKaPZEKNU_Y4Ouo7f0qNow-7eFg/s1600/P1000292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSYevW__qtCtMpAN187eTc9stjx8Z0kMsM4iApPzuPcd0rZdM_5q_vtsXedMxi29a_JVPm6ksyMIEK_Egksjm1mo-aVuHgFE3nkAHpYye6hyfKaPZEKNU_Y4Ouo7f0qNow-7eFg/s200/P1000292.jpg" width="150" /></a>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Be logical</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: Christmas (the word) always has Christ (the first syllable) in it. You can't take the Christ out of Christmas, even if you try!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Be historically informed</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: If it irritates or offends you to see Christmas spelled as Xmas, please know that X is not our letter X. X is really </span><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">χ</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">, the Greek letter "chi" (pronounced KIE, rhymes with "pie") which is the first letter of the Greek word "Christos" meaning "anointed". </span><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">χ</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> began to be used as a shorthand way to write Christ's name in 16th century Europe by monks and scholars who knew the Greek origins of using </span><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">χ</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">. Xmas does keep the Christ in Christmas and is not a sign of disrespect. Remember that no one ever called Jesus Christ by his English name anyway!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Be polite</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: When a server or a salesperson or a checkout helper says "Happy Holidays" it is not our cue to teach them a lesson by replying, with force, "Merry <b>Christ</b>mas!" </span>I heard a great quote recently: <i>"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit and wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad."</i> As Christians, what we proclaim is not Christmas; what we proclaim is Jesus Christ. They'll know we are Christians by our love, not because we put them in their place. If you do have people you must teach, then:</span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Be accurate</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: The season we Christians celebrate before December 24/25 is not Christmas, but Advent. If we are going to teach </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Christian</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Christmas tradition, then we would teach that Christian Christmas ("Merry Christmas!") begins on Dec. 25, or when the Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve. Or . . . go ahead and be merry, not accurate!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Be open</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: People celebrate a variety of holidays during this season. Some people celebrate more than one. We like to go ahead and celebrate Christmas (early!), so why not be open to the many celebrations (plural) of the season: Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, the day the boss gave you a half day off for the Christmas party, your Christmas vacation days from work. Expand! Jesus did. "Happy holidays" spreads the joy!</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i style="text-decoration: underline;">Be doers of the word and not hearers (or talkers) only</i> (see James 1:22 & Matthew 7:24-27)</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">: Let's keep Christmas holy in the <i>things we do</i>. Attend worship regularly. Make celebrations more about love than things. Spend more time than money on loved ones. Make a gift to the mitten tree at church. Dust off your Bible and bring it to church. Come back to Sunday School again. Put the Christ back into everyday life, not just back into Christmas.</span></span></li>
<li style="font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span style="font: 12.0px Symbol; letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><i>Lighten up!</i></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> Share the spirit of the season, which is full of fantastic things that Jesus himself did not ordain specifically. Enjoy the holidays, as many holly-jolly-holidays as you are offered or can take for yourself. </span></span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I look forward to Christmas Eve at our church (or yours!) as we celebrate Christmas together!</span></span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-83965291273846155312012-09-20T13:16:00.002-04:002012-09-20T13:16:46.204-04:00What I Know With 10 Days to Go<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0dsKmDq7yaseKjAwHWZVPEo2O1Wh67J1Ftd3U3UdwpJZE2uKLZDKP8nn9Ree5-RoXWefKu3JwLnq8lF8AI5wofyg7UKHgewCwCMZP7lPUqj91xm4ytLHQk1jNILR7H3pV_mo7Q/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0dsKmDq7yaseKjAwHWZVPEo2O1Wh67J1Ftd3U3UdwpJZE2uKLZDKP8nn9Ree5-RoXWefKu3JwLnq8lF8AI5wofyg7UKHgewCwCMZP7lPUqj91xm4ytLHQk1jNILR7H3pV_mo7Q/s320/IMG_0180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby, resting up for the big adventure!</td></tr>
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September 30 is my last Sunday serving as Interim Senior Pastor of my current congregation. For the first time in 19 years of clergy life, I am leaving a ministry setting without knowing where the next ministry setting will be, or if there will be a "next ministry setting" at all.<br />
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"What are you going to do?" I get asked this a lot. "Where will you go?" I don't have many answers to "What's next?"<br />
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I do know that I am moving. My house is for sale. I have given away lots of stuff. I still have too much stuff. This I do know!</div>
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I do know that this interim ministry is ending as it needs to and when it had to. The work was hard and good. And hard. A lot. The congregation worked very hard, and is still working. Hindsight is helping us all to see how far we have come. We are finding some hope in that.</div>
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I do know that on October 1, I will pack up the cat and some stuff in my smallish car and drive to Baton Rouge and be there for awhile, or longer. It has been 25 years since I've lived in my native Texas or in my adopted Louisiana. That adds up to 25 years in Ohio and Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia, Dayton, Bradford County (PA), and the Lehigh Valley (PA). The kids were 2, 8, and 9 when we moved. We were married back then, too. One seminary education, seven congregations, and a few serious "life-quakes" later, it's just me and a cat named Ruby taking on this new adventure.</div>
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I do know that there is a chance I will be in a ministry setting somewhere in the area. I am in "that dance" right now with a couple of places. I will be fine if one of them works out. Even excited. I'm not burned out. Just done. Here.</div>
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I am counting on having other options, one of which could be a return to my first career as a medical technologist. Another wild card dream job or two are also swirling around in the mix.</div>
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That's all I know about what happens on, and after, October 1.</div>
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Ten days -- and two Sundays -- to GO. I'm going. Yep. I really am.</div>
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Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-39433614073560411522012-08-03T11:48:00.000-04:002012-08-04T08:44:54.985-04:00Friday Five: 'Tis a Gift to Be Simple<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWDCFXAtbPnXvvmLW2oIkOs2oJ8KLQuovoAlQXNXQpudedmp-8S1xd1e3aZjxpbjyYFrOz9aCFdAu3TNlMwC4nHYlr0AOk_5ByYKZTiny0VlGriSm1rSRw-4sQ2vZx9aHgzMEZw/s1600/DSCF1330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWDCFXAtbPnXvvmLW2oIkOs2oJ8KLQuovoAlQXNXQpudedmp-8S1xd1e3aZjxpbjyYFrOz9aCFdAu3TNlMwC4nHYlr0AOk_5ByYKZTiny0VlGriSm1rSRw-4sQ2vZx9aHgzMEZw/s320/DSCF1330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by my niece, Laura Nichols, the day I let her use my camera!</td></tr>
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Today's <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/08/revgalblogpals-friday-five-smarter-not.html">RevGalBlogPals Friday Five</a> is courtesy of kathrynzj who is coming off of a week of vacation and is interested in streamlining her life. She invites us to respond to this question:<br />
<br />
What are 5 things you do or things you have bought that have made your life simpler or easier?<br />
<br />
That's EASY!<br />
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1) Kindle Touch -- Let me count the ways!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Easier to hold than a traditional book and easier on the eyes.</li>
<li>Less space to keep books. </li>
<li>Lots of free and very very inexpensive books to have and others to borrow.</li>
<li>Can carry around a Bible (or more) and even simple liturgies for home Communions or hospital crises.</li>
<li>For sermons, it's the best -- simple & sleek! (Ditto about funerals and weddings) I like<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Kindle-Touch-Leather-Cover/dp/B004SD22PQ/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt"> the leather case</a> that my sister gave me. </li>
</ul>
<br />
2) <a href="https://drive.google.com/start#home">Google Drive</a> (formerly Google Docs) -- I am trying to get all of my documents into two backup places and this is one of them. (The other is an external hard drive that I back up once a week.) In Google Drive, I get 5 GB for free and I haven't used all of that. After that, it will be $2.50 a month, which I think will still be worth the peace of mind.<br />
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3) <a href="http://zenhabits.net/">Zen Habits blog</a> -- Inspiration for gentleness and simplicity. <a href="http://zenhabits.net/savor/">Simplify and Savor Life</a> or <a href="http://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/">72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life</a> would be good places to find ideas for today's topic.<br />
<br />
4) <a href="http://bemorewithless.com/">Be More With Less blog</a> -- More good ideas and challenges for simplifying and downsizing. I think it would be great to try <a href="http://bemorewithless.com/2012/50-days-with-100-things/">50 Days with 100 Things</a>.<br />
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5) Gluten Free (and now almost) Grain Free Eating: At first glance, this might sound more complicated and more trouble than it's worth. Aside from the health benefits (for me -- your mileage may vary), there are simplicity benefits. Think about it: there are whole sections of the grocery store that I no longer need to mess with. Searching a menu is easier. I am "limited" to making choices of among things that are less processed and have fewer ingredients, which itself is probably healthier. <a href="http://comfortjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/news-fast-day-4-joy-of-limitations.html">The Joy of Limitations</a> may not appeal to everyone, but my INFP personality finds my life a whole lot simpler when I live within certain limitations.<br />
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BONUS: Something I wish I could manage better: Right now I am trying to manage getting ready to move. I am ready to downsize and I know what I want/need to get rid of. The challenge: how to get rid of what I am ready to let go of. Sell? (How?) Donate? (To whom?) I wish I could do it better and (please) a whole lot faster.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-87667086804035692902012-07-27T20:45:00.001-04:002012-07-27T20:51:35.034-04:00Friday Five: What To Take Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37675905@N06/6044425173/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bubble bokeh - Explored #17 Aug 15 2011 by janefk - slowly catching up :), on Flickr"><img alt="Bubble bokeh - Explored #17 Aug 15 2011" height="320" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6199/6044425173_d4d14dfb81.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">RevGal Sally writes this for <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/07/minimalist-friday-five.html">today's Friday Five</a>: "We are packing to move, boxes are everywhere, stuff has been taken to charity shops, more needs to go to the tip. Once again I am asking myself where all this stuff has come from, once again I'm thinking that I should really reduce and simplify.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So bearing in mind you are allowed the Bible, a bed + linen, a functioning kitchen, and a comfy chair, clothes within reason ( no dragging last centuries wardrobe in case), and probably essential today a lap-top OR computer choose one from each of the following as your luxuries:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. A book</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2. A piece of music (albums/ sets allowed)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3. Piece of electronic/ tech equipment</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">luxury item of clothing</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. One item of your choice- it can be as normal or as weird as you like"</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">* * * * * * * * </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Well, guess what?! I, too, am donating and selling things in anticipation of a possible (probable?) move, and I am also asking myself where this stuff came from, and -- yes -- attempting to simplify. You'd think simplifying would be simple, but no. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, from Sally's list, here's are the luxuries I would choose:</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">1. BOOK: <i>The Artist's Way</i>, by Julia Cameron</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">2. PIECE OF MUSIC: Loreena McKennitt <i>Book of Secrets</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">3. PIECE OF ELECTRONIC/TECH EQUIPMENT: My Kindle Touch (which would open up #1 & #2)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">4. LUXURY ITEM OF CLOTHING: Plaid Flannel Robe (hey, that, plus the rest it implies is luxury to me!)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-color: white;">5. ITEM OF CHOICE: Absolutely, it would be CANDLES!</span></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-32222376889457168252012-06-15T11:50:00.001-04:002012-06-15T11:59:48.944-04:00Friday Five: Dream, Girls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/denise-ann-wells/5239908248/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Dreamcatcher Tattoo Design by Denise A. Wells by ♥Denise A. Wells♥, on Flickr"><img alt="Dreamcatcher Tattoo Design by Denise A. Wells" height="212" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5244/5239908248_ee03b9474a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jan at <a href="http://yearningforgod.blogspot.com/">Yearning for God</a> has been studying Carl Jung and dreams with a group of friends. She invites us to play today's <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/06/friday-five-dreams.html">RevGalBlogPals Friday Five</a> by asking some dreamy questions:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: inherit;"><b>Everyone dreams: Do you remember your dreams? How often?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Yes, I almost always remember my dreams. I dream in color and sound and am aware of feelings in the dreams.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Did you or do you have a recurring dream? Share it, if you'd like.</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Over my lifetime, I've had four memorable recurring dreams, sequentially through my life, it seems. My earliest dream memory was a vivid abandonment recurring dream. The second was an ominous prophetic recurring dream. The third was a FairyTale-esque recurring dream. This one pretty much stopped at the time of the end of a 23 year marriage, 15 years ago. However, I did have one of these fairly recently.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Have you ever had recurring themes or images in dreams? Examples?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">This involves my most recent of the four recurring dreams. I have been having these since the time that there was not to be another actual pregnancy or baby in real life, and I have it even now. One variation involves discovering I am pregnant -- in my dream I can feel the baby movement in me -- and being totally amazed and delighted by this. Another variation involves a baby -- always an infant girl. She is mine -- biologically, or at least to take care of -- and sometimes, in the dream, that is challenging, but most often it is peaceful and happy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><b>Do you day dream? About what?</b></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Yes. Most often I daydream about what miracles might be possible.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">What are your dreams/hopes/goals for the future?</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">More pleasure, more play, more health and energy, more creativity and enjoying the gifts in each day. I hear that sounding pretty vague with a tinge of Pollyanna. But, at the end <i>(I hope and pray it's the end) </i>of a way-too-long period of drama and angst and trying too hard at things that bore little or no fruit -- and blaming myself far too much -- I'm ready for more JOY! </span></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-76363608393476365532012-06-08T11:03:00.002-04:002012-06-08T11:03:48.081-04:00Friday Five: Rambling Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mdf1281/4504461170/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Funny cat pictures by Mdf1281, on Flickr"><img alt="Funny cat pictures" height="320" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4071/4504461170_39cb81b4ea.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Today's RevGalBlogPal Friday Five is from revkjarla who offers us this Friday Five in honor of sp</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">ontaneous thinking!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">So...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">1. What religion/faith besides yours captures your curiousity and why?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Neo-paganism, I think, because it's earthy, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">celebrative, and diverse. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">2. What is the first or most memorable pop song you ever learned as a kid?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Oh gee, I grew up in the early 60's so my life played out to all the Beatles songs. But the first one I remember was a real oldie from the 50's: "Que Sera, Sera" by Doris Day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">3. If God were a color.....(finish this sentence creatively) ... there would have been an "only begotten" gay child! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">4. If you were going to make a sandwich right now for lunch, and you magically had all the items you need for it, what would that sandwich be?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">A gluten free wrap with Chipotle-esque ingredients: grilled meat, black beans, seasoned rice, multiple salsas, avocado, cheese and sour cream. I'll have some Sangria with that!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">5. How are you doing? Really, how are you?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Considering everything -- and by "everything" I mean multitudes of unbloggable church-related stuff -- I'm doing very well, thank you very much. In the midst of feeling confused and sad and impotent, I also am very excited about a future that has not been revealed. And I have a massage appointment today!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Bonus: What are you enjoying/loving right now?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I'm going with a "general" right now instead of a "right this very minute" right now:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Sunny days, pictures and videos of my grandson, good food and a little wine with good friends on a regular basis, and getting back to sewing some stuff.</span></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-52011563206877483842012-05-25T07:03:00.002-04:002012-05-25T08:55:03.153-04:00Friday Five: The Ups, The Downs, and The Cutely<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rmKmhQkq1FQ" width="420"></iframe><br />
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For todays' <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspirations-friday-five.html">RevGalBlogPal Friday Five</a>, Sally prompts us to quickly answer these five questions:<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">What has encouraged you?</span></b><br />
Relating to congregational life: A group of people are now having honest and open and reasonably respectful conversations about difficult things. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>What has challenged you?</b></span><br />
Relating to that same congregational life: The conversations, while honest and open and respectful, are steeped in "logical" misinformation and inability to see around the next corner. Helping to facilitate these conversations and feed them digestible information is challenging. Perhaps most challenging is that it feels important (even essential) to celebrate progress, but that is not in the local culture DNA, where they seem to be stuck in lament and criticism mode.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>What has inspired you?</b></span><br />
The people who "GET" me! And they let me know that they get me. And they play along. That literally has breathed life into me this week.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>What has made you smile?</b></span><br />
The <a href="http://www.anktangle.com/2012/05/happy-birthday-jaymz.html">above video from Amy's blog</a>: I have smiled every time I watch Daniel, the wonderful grandchild, saying "Happy Birthday, Papa" for his dad's birthday this week. He also said "Bye Bye YaYa" to me on the phone the other day just as cutely. Yes, "cutely" is a word, and he's the poster kid! My own (now grown) kids still show up with the "cutely" on a regular basis. They are each good for a smile! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>What has brought a lump to your throat or a tear to your eye in a good way?</b></span><br />
Last week's Confirmation Sunday, definitely. God's still speaking voice and still-calling Spirit blesses and surprises our best, and worst, attempts at being the church.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-20933315020841324582012-04-14T21:36:00.001-04:002012-04-14T21:43:04.924-04:00Sunday Sermon: See the Light<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sprengben/6830207657/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Majestic Sunrise from the Summit of Mount Fuji by Sprengben [why not get a friend], on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img alt="Majestic Sunrise from the Summit of Mount Fuji" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6830207657_62b9623901.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.35462515125982463" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #741b47; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">See the Light of God Revealed</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John 20:19-31; 1 John 1:1-2:2</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">April 15, 2012</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our gospel today gives us a picture of a church.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s a church which had no fancy organ, or even an old upright piano. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No choir. No pastor, even. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In fact, it’s a picture of a most miserable little gathering – how could they even take upon itself the name, “church.” We see the disciples of Jesus, gathered after his resurrection. Here, is the church at its worst — “scarred, disheartened, and defensive.”[Tom Long] </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can these fearful followers even be expected to keep on FOLLOWING a Jesus who had disappeared – not just dead but </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dead and gone</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – gone from their sight.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If only they could see him . . .</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seeing is believing -- right?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We just celebrated “He is risen!” last Sunday. Just like those disciples -- we have been told that Jesus is alive! Mary Magdalene went and told us, just as she “went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her.” The disciples that Upper Room mourned that Jesus was dead and gone; we celebrate that he is risen indeed! </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can they believe in a risen Christ they haven’t seen? </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How can we?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then there’s Thomas -- we know him as “Doubting Thomas” – we might more accurately call him “Honest Thomas” – he told the truth about his desire to see Jesus – and he told the truth about what it would take for him to believe – nothing less than seeing the nail scars in Jesus’ hands and touching them himself. </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If only Thomas could see Jesus for himself . . . </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thomas wasn’t the only disciple who needed proof – ALL of the disciples were stuck in disbelief until they could see Jesus for themselves. Thomas was the only one who </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">admitted</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> his need for proof – Thomas was the only one saying what is obvious to us – seeing </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> believing.</span></span></b><br />
<a name='more'></a><b id="internal-source-marker_0.35462515125982463" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of those disciples who got to see the risen Jesus for himself – was John. And this gospel story of Jesus has John’s name on it – literally -- JOHN wrote it – and he had a purpose in writing this gospel good news story of Jesus: “written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” Believe – so that you may have life!</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time John wrote his gospel he was an old man – a generation or two had come and gone. John </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">had seen</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How could he tell his children – and their friends – and his grandchildren – and their friends – the good news of Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ crucified and then ALIVE! </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Believe – so that you may have life.”</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They probably looked at John with curiosity and disbelief: “Easy for you to say, Grampa John. YOU saw Jesus. YOU walked with Jesus. YOU saw him risen – so YOU SAY. How can WE believe when we have not seen?”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those who were born too late to see for ourselves are blessed and encouraged by the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who have not seen – and yet still believe.” Believe what? Believe </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">what</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about Jesus – about God – believe </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">what</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about Jesus and God?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-- for remember that John’s good news gospel is – “written so that you may come to BELIEVE that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t we know – if we are as honest as Thomas was – don’t we know – that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">belief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> does not lead to life? </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether it’s </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">belief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about who Jesus was – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">belief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about the best economic recovery options – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">belief</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about a pressing issue in church life – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RIGHT</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BELIEF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – leads to arguments – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RIGHT</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BELIEF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – leads to division – fights – wars – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RIGHT</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">BELIEF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> turns out to be more like the road to sin than the road to life.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It turns out – BELIEF did not originally mean believing a set of doctrines – BELIEF did not originally mean “what do you believe ABOUT” (something) – In both Greek and Latin the meaning of BELIEVE was </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to give one’s heart to</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John wrote so that we </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">might come to give our hearts</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to Jesus – God’s anointed – God’s Son -- that through giving our hearts away – we might have life in his name.</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Give your heart away …</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to church tradition that same John wrote the letter we call 1 John. We can hear his same purpose declared in this 1 John letter: “We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John doesn’t use the word “believe” here – but rather he very clearly uses heart language – he is writing with a clear goal in mind – RELATIONSHIP – </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">fellowship</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> together – </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">fellowship</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> with God – </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">KOINONIA</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – intimacy – and </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">complete joy</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>charis</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> = grace, thanksgiving). </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And so began the very first Easter season – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so began the community of the Risen Christ – </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not a RIGHT BELIEF community but an OPEN HEARTS community –</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And I would love to tell you that means easy sailing for the Christian community. I would love to tell you that to accept Jesus as Risen Lord means the end of misunderstanding – the end of missteps – the end of miscommunication – the end of mutually-inflicted misery among those who live in the light of the Easter message. </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fellowship that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>is</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> possible to enjoy with one another in the church is the fellowship of sinners, forgiven sinners. And “sinner” doesn’t just describe all those OTHER people – John holds up the mirror so that EACH of us can see OURSELVES reflected in the light – “If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will cleanse us from all unrighteousness." </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HONEST – like Honest Thomas -- confessing doubt – yes, even sin – opening hearts to the light of fellowship with God and with one another. John is pretty down to earth here. To live in the light of God is to know that even our disillusionment with each other is itself sin. How easily we </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>forget</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>remember</i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that our fellowship is the fellowship of forgiven sinners. How surprised we are to find out that God’s beloved community is identified NOT by shared virtue – NOT by right beliefs – we find our identity in God’s grace. (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>charis</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> = gifts, joy, gratitude)</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently I heard of a one woman play, "Shirley Valentine," in which a middle-aged housewife faces into her fears of breaking out of the box her life has become. She is much aware of her sagging flesh, its stretch-marks and its lines. Part of Shirley's transformation is to claim her stretch-marks and lines as signs that she has "lived." Instead of being embarrassed and wishing them gone, she ventures forth bearing these marks of suffering as badges of honor, of life lived.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus himself reveals the light of God in a most convincing way – not after "nip and tuck" or Botox or airbrushing – but Jesus embracing our doubts and fears – all the while bearing the very real wounds of living his own life fully and faithfully. Believing is LIVING -- life in His Name. Thanks be to God!</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><br /></u></span></span></b></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-74605772646983170622012-01-27T12:09:00.001-05:002012-01-27T12:09:36.886-05:00Friday Five: Odds & Ends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoXCdbLMQ9kVAT9BKvQko5DQ0IFc_9G-QZ2sZVQFP_LDewFVxmAIDJqRP6syS_f92lvvQqJd8cOwov-UKi3tGw8tSqI8xtXKOe0yMJlKvpJ_tFKyloRgLmbatDf_0USIkzhpWVQ/s1600/IMG_0166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoXCdbLMQ9kVAT9BKvQko5DQ0IFc_9G-QZ2sZVQFP_LDewFVxmAIDJqRP6syS_f92lvvQqJd8cOwov-UKi3tGw8tSqI8xtXKOe0yMJlKvpJ_tFKyloRgLmbatDf_0USIkzhpWVQ/s320/IMG_0166.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/01/odds-and-ends-friday-five.html">RevGal Sally invites us to play this week's Friday Five</a>:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I have had a ridiculously busy week so apologies for the fact that this is rushed and even a bit late, but here goes, even in the busyness of the week what has</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">1. Inspired you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2. Challenged you</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">3. Made you smile</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">4. Made you cross/ made you want to weep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">5.Kept you going?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
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Sally, thanks! I've been busy, too, but not too busy today to play along.<br />
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1. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What has inspired me</span></b>: I was inspired by the Confirmation classes on Monday night. The younger class is not into it, even yet, but they keep coming and trying to figure it out. The second year class has formed a group, is interested in church life and is responsive to their pastors. They are so full of potential and energy and they, at least at the moment, want to spend some of that on/at church.<br />
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2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>What has challenged me</b></span>: A conversation with a beloved young relative who is choosing a non-traditional path and part of that is being unashamedly "not Christian" although exceedingly Christ-like. I am challenged to be a whole lot more clear on the desired outcome of my own life and ministry. I'm also challenged about my role in "church as usual" even though that's not what I want either.<br />
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3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>What has made me smile</b></span>: One goofy thing: This cat thing in the picture above. It sits on the middle of my mom's dining room table. During the day, its hand waves up and down because of that solar cell. Waving hello . . . or good-bye . . . ? ? ?<br />
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4: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><b>What made me want to weep</b></span>: The struggles of another beloved young relative.<br />
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5: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">What kept me going</span></b>: VACATION! I arrived in Baton Rouge Tuesday about noon and have been hanging out with that branch of my family until I go to New Orleans tomorrow to get on the big boat for BE 5! The anticipation of ten days of vacation & continuing ed, a little Cajun Country time, sun, laughter . . . that's what's been keeping me going for awhile now.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-66724878512988799882012-01-06T12:20:00.001-05:002012-01-06T12:56:48.894-05:00A-HA!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/canicuss/1929222866/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vintage Light Bulb by Canicuss, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Light Bulb" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2199/1929222866_f10b18586c.jpg" width="240" /></a>Welcome 2012! A New Year brings a new resolve to write the blog more regularly. After spending the last few days trying to decide when and how to jump back into the blog pond, here comes inspiration from <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2012/01/friday-five-a-ha-moments.html">this brand new Friday Five</a>, thanks to kathrynzj at <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/">RevGalBlogPals</a>. <br />
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The question: What are five (more or less) of your "A-ha" moments. Where have you had a moment of clarity?</div>
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Some of the many "A-HA!" moments that have brought light and hope to my world:</div>
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<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Don't take anything personally. </span></b> Receiving someone seriously (respectfully, attentively) is more helpful. Whether it's a cut-to-the-heart criticism or a glowing compliment, it says much more about the one who delivers it than the one to whom it is delivered. This "a-ha" was courtesy of Don Miguel Ruiz' book <i>The Four Agreements</i>. Each is simple (not necessarily easy) and "a-ha"-inducing: </li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Be Impeccable With Your Words</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't Take Anything Personally</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't Make Assumptions</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Always Do Your Best</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I <i>am</i> still standing. </span></b> The title of one of my favorite Elton John songs, "I'm Still Standing" could be the title of the "a-ha" moment I had during one particularly dark moment as I was living through the aftermath of the end of my 23-year marriage. I couldn't see even as far as the next moment. No way could I figure out what I would do or how I could make it financially, emotionally, physically, professionally -- you name it. It all seemed hopeless and empty. And then I took an honest, more objective, inventory of what was really there. I had food in the house; I had a house to live in; I had children who loved me and who hadn't rejected me; I could count on some friends to be friends; I had a job (two jobs actually!) and income capability . . . the list probably went on, but it didn't need to. It wasn't even about "counting your blessings" but rather seeing all that is there rather than what isn't there.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"> I'm just not that into . . . Christianity. </span></b>The "a-ha" was finding out that neither was Jesus. Jesus was a Jewish rabbi and carpenter who predated Christianity. Jesus showed us what God is like, not what religion should be about. Jesus embodied life and love, not law and rules. Jesus welcomed and included and invited and turned things upside-down, all the while pissing off the powers-that-be and the religious apologists and traditionalists. A-ha! Maybe it's OK to be a Jesus-called, Christ-devoted pastor serving the institutional church and appreciating church history, and still not be (too much) into the religion of Christianity. </li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><b>I'm more suited for interim ministry than settled pastorates. </b></span> It turns out that it is possible to be successful by certain standards, and still be unfaithful to the real me. So, now I am through measuring "ministry success" by particular accomplishments or by how well-received I am in congregations I serve. I have been very blessed in each setting in different ways. But in interim ministry, I am more ME, more authentic and free, and I have more fun and get to play games. A-ha! Maybe those I serve will be more free, too!</li>
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<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">I'm older than I thought I was!</span></b> I know very well that I'm 58 years old, but when I got an invitation to the denomination's retirement planning seminar -- two years ago! -- and realized that invitation wasn't extended at all prematurely, it was a real, and not-altogether-unpleasant, "a-ha" moment. You mean I get to be this age and still feel this good and enjoy life this much?! WOW!</li>
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</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-52361058862372626102011-10-15T12:07:00.001-04:002011-10-16T05:28:48.790-04:00Living Messages<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/akuchling/50310316/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Charlie Brown: Good News Charlie Brown by A.M. Kuchling, on Flickr"><img alt="Charlie Brown: Good News Charlie Brown" height="320" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/27/50310316_04dbcb0dc7.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sermon for Oct. 16, 2011</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Thessalonians 1:1-10</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exodus 33:12-23</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 22:15-22</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On one end of our story today, we see Moses – begging for a glimpse of God. And on the other end of the story we have the early church in Thessalonica – waiting – expectantly – for Jesus to return as promised.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just a glimpse – pleaded Moses. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon and very soon – we are going to see Jesus – have said GENERATIONS of Jesus followers.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Like Moses, if we are going to step out in faith, if we are going to take this trip with God, we want to KNOW that God goes with us. Moses even says, “Hey God, if you aren’t really going to go with us, just let us stay here.” And EVEN WITH God’s reassurance that God will go with us, and give us peace – Moses wants more – something more concrete. Moses wants to see God in all of God’s glory.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, we know the rest of the story – what God will and will not do to reveal God’s Self to Moses. God will let Moses get a glimpse of God’s backside, but that’s all. That’s hardly God’s glory revealed completely.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And we also know that – as of October 16, 2011 at (whatever time) – what the Thessalonians expected in the return of Jesus – and what we have expected in the second coming of Jesus has not happened – at least as far as we know. Yet, the desire to SEE JESUS – that longing that preoccupied the Thessalonians and others in the early church – that longing continues to this day – some TWO THOUSAND YEARS later.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because – as Moses well knew – the journey with God is a long journey for us instant-gratification humans. And – as the Thessalonians well knew – the way of Jesus is not always easy or smooth.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You probably know more about the story of Moses than you might about the Thessalonians and Paul – so let me give you the background. One Bible trivia fact about the Bible book of 1 Thessalonians is that it was likely written before any other book of the New Testament. Thessalonica was the largest city and capital of the province of Macedonia. Paul visited there on his second missionary journey. Paul went to the Jewish synagogue and preached there for three Sabbaths. By that time, many had come to believe the gospel – including Jews, pagans, and some leading women of the city.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That sounds great, but it’s also a problem for the powers that be. For you see, it wasn’t long before that, that a certain Jewish rabbi named Jesus had done something very similar. Jesus had captivated the attention of many people of HIS day. Jesus painted a picture of what the Kingdom of God is like – and Jesus himself was a picture of what God’s will on earth looks like when a human being lives as God intended. People who are attracted to God’s realm are the strangers who are welcomed, the hungry who are fed, the naked who are clothed, the women who immediately gain full personhood, the outcast who is invited into the core group, the children who are embraced and looked up to. The good news of God’s realm IS good news for the least, the lost, the lonely and the love-starved. And so Jesus is handed a coin – and confronted by the political leaders AND the religious leaders. To answer the question, "Should we pay taxes or not," Jesus spoke in the language that is very well understood by citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven – “Give to Caesar what it Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.”</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The powers that be in Thessalonica saw people beginning to look at life differently – getting fired up over a new way – coming together to make a difference in the world that was the opposite of government ways of doing. Love instead of demands. Caring for the least instead of lining the pockets of the influential. An economy that begins with the poor instead of the rich. And the sure and certain knowledge that, while it is true that the image stamped on the government-minted coin is that of Caesar – the image indelibly stamped on human beings from the beginning of time is the image of God. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[Some of the above paragraph from Nora Tubbs Tisdale, "What Makes a True Patriot" </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Day One</i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Oct. 9, 2008, quoting Dr. Albert Curry Winn]</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of the story is that the good news of Jesus Christ had been so powerfully preached and so openly received that the people had become – as the Bible says – “living messages” – the gospel no longer confined to a place or to words preached, but now proclaimed in the very lives of these new converts. Paul was asked to leave – threatened really – and in order to preserve the good work that had begun in the community of believers, Paul left by night.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So their first pastor Paul – now gone – writes to them of his joy that they accepted his message. Paul knows of their suffering. You can imagine the persecution they must have suffered when they began to live boldly as God’s agents of transformation and reconciliation – the trouble they must have faced as they were labeled as living messages of good news to women, to the poor, to the outcast.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can just feel the peer pressure when they dared to oppose the Caesars of war and torture.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can relate to what they endured when they confronted sexism and racism and homophobia and divisions of every kind.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can just about feel how hard it was for them to leave behind making enemies and to stop being intolerant and to stop practicing economics that leave so many behind. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They were new creations.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The eyes of their hearts had been opened.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They now KNEW that they were stamped with the image of God – and they COULDN’T HELP being living, breathing messages of God’s liberation – convincing communicators of God’s love for ALL humankind (no exceptions).</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">They had soaked up their TRUE identities in Christ – and Paul thanks God – and thanks them – for their faith in God and their loving work – AND – for their firm hope in Jesus Christ.</span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thessalonica might seem to have very little in common with [name our specific area] – our corner of the world – except for this:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are still people – all kinds of people – who really do want to know if God is real. They would love to get a glimpse. Some of these are religious people looking for a second coming of Jesus. Some of these are people who look for spiritual ecstasy in drugs or sex or shopping or hoarding things &/or money. Some of these are young people who long ago gave up looking to church to be a place for THEM to encounter God who speaks their language. Some who want to know God are people who think they don’t have a place in church because of their gender, age, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation or because they were born in New Jersey or Texas or some other flat land place. And SOME people who have given up on the living God are people who still come to church – hoping, and praying, that God will appear – for real – in all of God’s glory.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was as true in Thessalonica as it is today around here.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is still as true now as it was then that the good news is good news for those who are perishing and foolishness for those who think they already have found a better way – which is often Caesar’s way or the way of another idol. So, it will happen that the good news of Jesus Christ announcing the arrival of God’s realm will be met with everything from disbelief to outright anger and opposition.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is also true – as true now as it was then – that a pastor – whether his name is Paul or her name is Sharon [or other pastor] – is only the pastor – only (on a good day) a messenger – ONE messenger of God’s claim on our lives, ONE messenger of the good news of the grace and forgiveness and call to discipleship that can be found by following Jesus Christ. A pastor is ONE messenger of God’s eternal desire for all people to live as one with justice and peace and freedom for all. A pastor is ONE messenger of the power that the Holy Spirit pours out upon a community FAITHFUL to gather – WILLING to be changed – the power there is where two or more are gathered with God’s agenda and priorities uppermost. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I understand the gratitude of Pastor Paul of Thessalonica because Pastor Sharon of the [X] United Church of Christ is ONLY the pastor – not the church – WE are the church. When the pastor leaves the building – the church does not cease – the good news does not stop being told – and when a pastor enters the building – that lets no one off the hook – FOR YOU, my friends – YOU – every day and in every way – YOU are the witness to what God is doing here at this church – what God is doing in the world – the love that God pours out on ALL the PEOPLE. I hope you know that the faithful witness of good news is YOURS to share. The gospel is a treasure that YOU bear to the world. Not just me [and Pastor X] – but YOU – are called to be convincing communicators – living messages – of God’s permanent-ink image imprinted on each person from the beginning.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preach the good news always – if necessary – use words. </span></div><div style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">[quote often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, its origin is unknown]</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Amen.</span></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15051490.post-91948431517391132822011-10-07T06:24:00.001-04:002011-10-07T06:24:42.945-04:00Friday Five: The Things We Do For Love<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/32081016@N07/3938273706/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Love can work miracles.... by Carl Loves Poppies, on Flickr"><img alt="Love can work miracles...." height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3938273706_d09c7690e7.jpg" width="269" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Songbird's invitation to today's <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2011/10/friday-five-things-we-do-for-love.html">RevGalBlogPals Friday Five</a>:</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I have a friend who, when she has to be away from her child, goes to the trouble of planning a present for each of the days they will be apart. (This is not one of those stories where "a friend" means the person who is telling the story.) I'm impressed by her organizational skills and her creativity and her thoughtfulness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">She does these things for love.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">And although love looks different depending on how we best express it, there are definitely things we do for love. So for today's Friday Five, please share the following five things:</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">1) </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Something you did for love that was a hit</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Probably because of the story above, the first thing that came to mind is ancient history now: When they were little, I used to make faces out of the finger food on the kids' plates.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">2) </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Something you did for love that was more of a miss</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">In ways big and small, I have been trying to show love and support and respect to some beloved loved ones at a special and critical time and it's made things worse it seems.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">3) </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Something someone did for love of you</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">A biggie: For my 50th birthday, my daughter helped the congregation arrange a really wonderful surprise party and gift me with a liturgical robe that I had been wanting. Her unexpected presence there was a big part of the delightful surprise!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">A nice thing: I have gotten some very sweet emails lately, unexpected ones, thanking me for what we've shared &/or for being in each other's lives.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">4) </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Something you *wish* someone would do for love of you</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">Someone recently planned a fun and relaxed, bordering on zany, time of just goofing off together. I love when that happens. I feel loved </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">and understood when that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919; line-height: 18px;">happens. I *wish* it happened more often.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;">5) </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Something you've done for love of God</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #191919;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The United Church of Christ has embraced a thing that Gracie Allen said to George Burns way back: "Never place a period where God has placed a comma." Very often, I'm tempted to place a period and orchestrate completion and resolution. Sometimes I can't do it for myself, or even for someone else, but loving God, I let there be a comma and stay open and ready.</span></span>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00664886080822930195noreply@blogger.com5