Some Assembly Required!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
W00t - there it is!
I once knew a pastor who would often allow the youth of the church to give her a word that she would have to fit into her sermon on Sunday morning. The challenge for the youth was to find a word that would cause some sense of consternation for the preacher, while it was the challenge of the preacher to fit a moot word into her sermon and make it relevant to the sermon.
Someone tried that with me this past summer to see if I could use the word “binturong” in my sermon. I told them that I would have to wait until I preached on Noah the next time. If you don’t know what a binturong is, I guess you are going to be doing some online searching today, along with some of the other words I use.
I like new words, and I have always been told that if you intend on learning a new word, you must use it. It is like a name. If you intend on learning someone’s name, it is said that you must use it immediately upon learning a name.
When learning new words, it is interesting to know its etymology or origins. It gives us some understanding of how the word evolved and how it came into popular use. Sometimes it even suggests why certain languages will use different words to describe something that is the same. For example, do you know why Russians call their space explorers “cosmonauts” while Americans call them “astronauts?” Again, another online search if you don’t know.
As you can imagine, Merriam-Webster is also very interested in words. Each year, they publish a word of the year. It is a word that has influenced the culture in which we live and often is a word that is new or evolving.
Well, you could say that preachers are not the only ones making up new words. This year’s word of the year according to Merriam-Webster is “W00t.” “W00t” is spelled, W Zero Zero t. But what I can’t find in the etymology is where it will be placed in alphabetical order. For that matter, Merriam-Webster doesn't even have it as a word defined online. Curious!?!. And what I find even more curious is that my computer recognizes it as a correctly spelled word.
“W00t” according to Merriam-Webster and the associated press writer Stephanie Reitz is “a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness or triumph.” The word topped all others that were submitted for consideration in an online poll for the word that best sums up the year 2007. Merriam-Webster’s president says that the word is an ideal choice because it is a blend of “whimsy and new technology.”
As you know, the church is observing the season of Advent. Traditionally, the season is a season of preparation and waiting. Repentance is part of the tradition of the church as we anticipate the arrival of Christ both as a child and as King. Colors of purple, gray, somber hues, and more recently blue are used to mark the time. Advent, from the Latin “adventus” meaning “to come,” is translated from the Greek “perousia” meaning second coming.
The Third Sunday of Advent has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday.” It is the Sunday that we light the Rose or Pink Candle on the wreaths. It is a Sunday that is more joyous in celebration and anticipation. There is a joyous undertone to the readings and to the day as we anticipate Christ’s arrival and birth. Does that mean that if we were being contextual, we would have called this “W00t Sunday?”
Regardless of whether you are celebrating this week in a joyous tone or by proclaiming “W00t”, I do pray that you are continuing to prepare for Christ’s arrival.
“W00t in the Lord always, again I say W00t.”
This week in worship, we will be lighting our fourth candle on the Advent Wreath. My sermon is “Wake me up when this is all over.” I look forward to seeing you in worship. Remember that this is a season of invitation – invite others to worship with you and give them a gift that carries with it no price tag but will make eternal difference in their lives.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Someone tried that with me this past summer to see if I could use the word “binturong” in my sermon. I told them that I would have to wait until I preached on Noah the next time. If you don’t know what a binturong is, I guess you are going to be doing some online searching today, along with some of the other words I use.
I like new words, and I have always been told that if you intend on learning a new word, you must use it. It is like a name. If you intend on learning someone’s name, it is said that you must use it immediately upon learning a name.
When learning new words, it is interesting to know its etymology or origins. It gives us some understanding of how the word evolved and how it came into popular use. Sometimes it even suggests why certain languages will use different words to describe something that is the same. For example, do you know why Russians call their space explorers “cosmonauts” while Americans call them “astronauts?” Again, another online search if you don’t know.
As you can imagine, Merriam-Webster is also very interested in words. Each year, they publish a word of the year. It is a word that has influenced the culture in which we live and often is a word that is new or evolving.
Well, you could say that preachers are not the only ones making up new words. This year’s word of the year according to Merriam-Webster is “W00t.” “W00t” is spelled, W Zero Zero t. But what I can’t find in the etymology is where it will be placed in alphabetical order. For that matter, Merriam-Webster doesn't even have it as a word defined online. Curious!?!. And what I find even more curious is that my computer recognizes it as a correctly spelled word.
“W00t” according to Merriam-Webster and the associated press writer Stephanie Reitz is “a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness or triumph.” The word topped all others that were submitted for consideration in an online poll for the word that best sums up the year 2007. Merriam-Webster’s president says that the word is an ideal choice because it is a blend of “whimsy and new technology.”
As you know, the church is observing the season of Advent. Traditionally, the season is a season of preparation and waiting. Repentance is part of the tradition of the church as we anticipate the arrival of Christ both as a child and as King. Colors of purple, gray, somber hues, and more recently blue are used to mark the time. Advent, from the Latin “adventus” meaning “to come,” is translated from the Greek “perousia” meaning second coming.
The Third Sunday of Advent has traditionally been called “Gaudete Sunday.” It is the Sunday that we light the Rose or Pink Candle on the wreaths. It is a Sunday that is more joyous in celebration and anticipation. There is a joyous undertone to the readings and to the day as we anticipate Christ’s arrival and birth. Does that mean that if we were being contextual, we would have called this “W00t Sunday?”
Regardless of whether you are celebrating this week in a joyous tone or by proclaiming “W00t”, I do pray that you are continuing to prepare for Christ’s arrival.
“W00t in the Lord always, again I say W00t.”
This week in worship, we will be lighting our fourth candle on the Advent Wreath. My sermon is “Wake me up when this is all over.” I look forward to seeing you in worship. Remember that this is a season of invitation – invite others to worship with you and give them a gift that carries with it no price tag but will make eternal difference in their lives.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Cliff Claven Moment of the Day
Hey Norm, did you know that in the original version of the 12 days of Christmas, it wasn't talking about four calling birds? Its a little known fact that indeed it was four "Colley" birds. Colley bird is another name for black bird. Colley means as black as coal, as in collier or colliery.
Just thought I'd share that just in case you are ever on Jeopardy.
Merry Christmas!
Just thought I'd share that just in case you are ever on Jeopardy.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Priorities
On Monday before I left the office, I wrote a brief list of things that I had to do. I occasionally write these lists hoping to remember all of the things that I have to do. I don’t always get to them all, but at least they are written down as a reminder. Sometimes the lists grow as the day goes along. Sometimes things get crossed off the list, other times, items linger.
Those lists often are sometimes more about priorities than lists of items that need to be accomplished. We may have many things that have to be done, but only the really important things get on the list. They become priorities.
I’m thinking about priorities today, because I’ll be truthful with you – this E-pistle was not one of them. In fact, it was lower down the list. The first thing that I needed to accomplish today was a Christmas letter. When that was done, I felt like I could spend some time on this.
That got me thinking about how we prioritize things in our life, especially during this time of year. Unfortunately, there are so many things that have to be done, that it becomes a matter of prioritizing our life and the tasks that have to be accomplished. You may be saying – how is that any different than any other time of year. I guess it’s different because of the pressures to get everything done.
That raises a question in my mind. Are you making worship a priority during this busy time of year or is it falling down the list of things to be done? Are you spending time in quite, in prayer, in devotion; or is it just something that can’t be done?
In a time when we make such a fuss over making appearances at holiday parties because we sent an RSVP, or making sure that we give a gift because it is something that is expected, are we making time for the important things?
Christmas and Advent are seasons of wonder, expectation, love and joy – but they can also be times of busy schedules and trying to meet the demands of everything that we put on our plates. So I guess this e-pistle is a simple reminder that in the midst of everything that we need to do, make sure you take some time for the things that really matter. In the end – I know that you will be blessed.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.
This week in worship, our children will be proclaiming the Word in their Children’s program. I know that this will be one of the special moments of the season. I hope you will make it a priority in your life. Following worship we will share in a congregational meal. Don’t forget to invite other to worship. I look forward to seeing you and welcoming you personally.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Those lists often are sometimes more about priorities than lists of items that need to be accomplished. We may have many things that have to be done, but only the really important things get on the list. They become priorities.
I’m thinking about priorities today, because I’ll be truthful with you – this E-pistle was not one of them. In fact, it was lower down the list. The first thing that I needed to accomplish today was a Christmas letter. When that was done, I felt like I could spend some time on this.
That got me thinking about how we prioritize things in our life, especially during this time of year. Unfortunately, there are so many things that have to be done, that it becomes a matter of prioritizing our life and the tasks that have to be accomplished. You may be saying – how is that any different than any other time of year. I guess it’s different because of the pressures to get everything done.
That raises a question in my mind. Are you making worship a priority during this busy time of year or is it falling down the list of things to be done? Are you spending time in quite, in prayer, in devotion; or is it just something that can’t be done?
In a time when we make such a fuss over making appearances at holiday parties because we sent an RSVP, or making sure that we give a gift because it is something that is expected, are we making time for the important things?
Christmas and Advent are seasons of wonder, expectation, love and joy – but they can also be times of busy schedules and trying to meet the demands of everything that we put on our plates. So I guess this e-pistle is a simple reminder that in the midst of everything that we need to do, make sure you take some time for the things that really matter. In the end – I know that you will be blessed.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness. And all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33.
This week in worship, our children will be proclaiming the Word in their Children’s program. I know that this will be one of the special moments of the season. I hope you will make it a priority in your life. Following worship we will share in a congregational meal. Don’t forget to invite other to worship. I look forward to seeing you and welcoming you personally.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Being a Prophet
On my first Sunday in my first appointment, a young boy walked up to me and proclaimed, “My name is Joel, and I’m gonna be seven in seven days.” My response was, “Nice to meet you Joel whose gonna be seven in seven days.” I could tell that this little guy was loaded with energy and excitement. It certainly was a welcome greeting.
In my first years at this appointment, there were few children. So, in order to put on a children’s play during Christmas, we had to think creatively. In order to make it as simple as possible, we thought of a simple retelling of the nativity with the kids acting out the parts while the adults read from scripture.
As we were dividing parts, there were certain parts that were more popular than others. The first to go were the more glamorous parts like the Kings; and Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was always reserved for the newest born child in the congregation, so that was an easy part.
But you may remember that before any of those other characters even come into the play, there is this other character named John the Baptist. The Gospel of Matthew tells of him appearing in the wilderness proclaiming a message of repentance.
When it came to finding a child to play the roll of John the Baptist, we were not having much luck; seems that the roll was not as high profile as one might like. Immediately, I thought of Joel for the part. We had envisioned the part simply being one to go around the congregation and shout, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” That didn’t excite him.
So I quickly thought about what might get him to bite on the part. So I described this quirky character as being one who loved being outdoors. He wore a camel’s hair coat and lived off the land. He ate nothing but bugs and honey! I tried to make him as excited as possible. But that didn’t even get him to budge.
So I had to switch tactics because I really wanted Joel to fill the part. I said, “listen Joel, I’ll make you a deal. If you play the part of Johnny B, I’ll talk to your mother about not making you take a bath for an entire week before the play. You can be as dirty and stinky as you want to be – that’s exactly who John the Baptist was!” I could tell I was making headway as his eyes widened.
And with that he blurted out, “I’ll do it!”
It turns out that Joel’s reluctance at 7 years old doesn’t change much as we age. Being a prophet in today’s age is not only an unglamorous job, but it is difficult too. We become reluctant to take on the roll of a prophet for many reasons, but I think that chief among them is that we don’t want to be put in the position of delivering a message that is uncomfortable.
In recent years, there has been this ongoing conversation about whether you should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Obviously, as Christians we should be standing up for and saying Merry Christmas as a witness to our faith and as proclamation of what we believe. But moreover, I believe that we should be proclaiming it as a prophetic stance that we believe that Christ will come to be “the Way.”
All of us are acting the prophet’s part as we shop, as we sing, and as we stand in line at the grocery store. You are preparing the way for Christ in a world that needs to hear that Peace, Joy, Hope and Love are possible even in the midst of the chaotic lives that we live. Say Merry Christmas to everyone! You are preparing the way. You are offering others not an uncomfortable word, but Grace.
I invite you to play that roll this Christmas Season. Let me know if I have to speak to your mother about personal hygiene.
This week in worship, the Choir will be presenting their Cantata entitled, “Together for Christmas: a worship experience for the community of faith” by Pepper Choplin. We are excited about the time together. Be a prophet this week and invite someone to worship with you. Extend them not only the invitation, but offer to meet them at the front door so they won’t be so uncomfortable if they are new. Say Merry Christmas to someone just out of no where and prepare the way of Christ.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
In my first years at this appointment, there were few children. So, in order to put on a children’s play during Christmas, we had to think creatively. In order to make it as simple as possible, we thought of a simple retelling of the nativity with the kids acting out the parts while the adults read from scripture.
As we were dividing parts, there were certain parts that were more popular than others. The first to go were the more glamorous parts like the Kings; and Mary and Joseph. The baby Jesus was always reserved for the newest born child in the congregation, so that was an easy part.
But you may remember that before any of those other characters even come into the play, there is this other character named John the Baptist. The Gospel of Matthew tells of him appearing in the wilderness proclaiming a message of repentance.
When it came to finding a child to play the roll of John the Baptist, we were not having much luck; seems that the roll was not as high profile as one might like. Immediately, I thought of Joel for the part. We had envisioned the part simply being one to go around the congregation and shout, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” That didn’t excite him.
So I quickly thought about what might get him to bite on the part. So I described this quirky character as being one who loved being outdoors. He wore a camel’s hair coat and lived off the land. He ate nothing but bugs and honey! I tried to make him as excited as possible. But that didn’t even get him to budge.
So I had to switch tactics because I really wanted Joel to fill the part. I said, “listen Joel, I’ll make you a deal. If you play the part of Johnny B, I’ll talk to your mother about not making you take a bath for an entire week before the play. You can be as dirty and stinky as you want to be – that’s exactly who John the Baptist was!” I could tell I was making headway as his eyes widened.
And with that he blurted out, “I’ll do it!”
It turns out that Joel’s reluctance at 7 years old doesn’t change much as we age. Being a prophet in today’s age is not only an unglamorous job, but it is difficult too. We become reluctant to take on the roll of a prophet for many reasons, but I think that chief among them is that we don’t want to be put in the position of delivering a message that is uncomfortable.
In recent years, there has been this ongoing conversation about whether you should say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays. Obviously, as Christians we should be standing up for and saying Merry Christmas as a witness to our faith and as proclamation of what we believe. But moreover, I believe that we should be proclaiming it as a prophetic stance that we believe that Christ will come to be “the Way.”
All of us are acting the prophet’s part as we shop, as we sing, and as we stand in line at the grocery store. You are preparing the way for Christ in a world that needs to hear that Peace, Joy, Hope and Love are possible even in the midst of the chaotic lives that we live. Say Merry Christmas to everyone! You are preparing the way. You are offering others not an uncomfortable word, but Grace.
I invite you to play that roll this Christmas Season. Let me know if I have to speak to your mother about personal hygiene.
This week in worship, the Choir will be presenting their Cantata entitled, “Together for Christmas: a worship experience for the community of faith” by Pepper Choplin. We are excited about the time together. Be a prophet this week and invite someone to worship with you. Extend them not only the invitation, but offer to meet them at the front door so they won’t be so uncomfortable if they are new. Say Merry Christmas to someone just out of no where and prepare the way of Christ.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Sunday, November 25, 2007
As the Deer Pants for the Water
I'll be taking some time away this week to look for the illusive Buck. It may be panting for water, but I am just looking to put some meat in the freezer. I have been hunting since my time in Titusville, and continue to enjoy it. But there is one thing that I have not yet done and that is bagged the big one! Because I have a doe tag, I intend to fill it. But because of the antler restrictions in Pennsylvania - seeing a buck with at least four points on one side is often difficult. I have seen buck - but often they are too small. So this year as in all the others, I hope this is the year.
At the very least, I will be out in the woods enjoying some quiet time and time with friends. If you're out there - be safe and good luck!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Festivus for the Rest of Us!
In honor of Brett and his five week's of Advent, this year College Hill has decided to go with Festivus. We have erected a traditional festivus pole out front. High strength aluminum.Here is an exerpt from the episode of Seinfeld.
Frank Costanza: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.
Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?
Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!
Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?
Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born: a Festivus for the rest of us!
On one of the Sundays, I think we will have the traditional "airing of grievances."
Actually though - this is the flag pole that is being erected by one of our young men for his Eagle Scout Project. He should be done soon, but as we were standing around the pole on Sunday as it was going up, someone mentioned Festivus - so I thought it was an apt picture.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Спасибо
Two years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to Moscow, Russia on a mission trip. It was the first time that I had ever been out of the county, as a communicating human. That is a strange way of saying that I had once been to Canada as a toddler. I wouldn’t know it other than the fact that I have seen a picture of me with the caption “Niagara Falls.”
Because it was the first time that I was able to travel out of the county, I was given a lot of advice about traveling and some things that I would need to know in order to make my trip more enjoyable. One piece of advice that I heard often was that you should learn the language at least well enough to communicate some basic words.
In preparation for that trip, I did just that. I purchased a phrase book and began to learn some basic words and phrases. In addition, I also learned the alphabet and pronunciations. Therefore, even though I could not always pronounce words accurately all the time, I was able to grasp the language at a basic level. As we traveled, I was able to pick up on words and phrases other than those I learned from the book. This was especially helpful when we were traveling on the subway – I was able to read the stops and be reasonably confident where we were based upon our maps.
Of the words that I was told I should learn, probably the most important was Spasiba. It is a basic expression of gratitude. I used it often in conversation and you could tell that there was some appreciation on those we encountered a willingness for our learning their language.
I often catch myself today, two years later, using the word around the house and in casual conversation. It kind of sticks with me as a way of expressing thanks. Spasiba is Russian for Thank You.
This week, I am sure that you are doing a lot of thinking of things for which you are giving thanks. But I guess my question is, “Are you actually saying it?” We do lot of preparing, thinking, sitting down, eating, watching football, preparing for shopping the next day – but do we do much giving thanks. Further, do we actually express it verbally?
And I guess that question goes as deep as you want it to go. Have you actually said, “Thank you” to God for those simple things and expressed them in a way that is more just a passing thought? Have you prayed about those expressions of thanksgiving and really said it?
Again, one of the best pieces of advice when I traveled oversees was to learn some basic expressions. I was told that it would make my journey more enjoyable. It would break barriers and express something deep within us. Even if you didn’t know other words – these words would get us past the barrier. So “thank you” was one of those expressions that made the journey more enjoyable. I probably said it more than anything else on that trip – even for the little things.
So I’m going to try to say thank you, spasiba, Dankschen, merci, gracias as often as I can this week. For the food, for you, for the little things, and for the big things, thank you. Thank you for being a part of our lives and Thank God for ways in which he is present in our lives.
The Psalmists talked a lot about thanksgiving. Psalm 100 says: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Spasiba and Happy Thanksgiving
This week in worship we will be talking about the end of the world. Actually, we will be talking about Christ the King which is a celebration of Christ’s anticipated return in triumph. I pray that you have a great Thanksgiving Weekend and I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.” REM.
Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Because it was the first time that I was able to travel out of the county, I was given a lot of advice about traveling and some things that I would need to know in order to make my trip more enjoyable. One piece of advice that I heard often was that you should learn the language at least well enough to communicate some basic words.
In preparation for that trip, I did just that. I purchased a phrase book and began to learn some basic words and phrases. In addition, I also learned the alphabet and pronunciations. Therefore, even though I could not always pronounce words accurately all the time, I was able to grasp the language at a basic level. As we traveled, I was able to pick up on words and phrases other than those I learned from the book. This was especially helpful when we were traveling on the subway – I was able to read the stops and be reasonably confident where we were based upon our maps.
Of the words that I was told I should learn, probably the most important was Spasiba. It is a basic expression of gratitude. I used it often in conversation and you could tell that there was some appreciation on those we encountered a willingness for our learning their language.
I often catch myself today, two years later, using the word around the house and in casual conversation. It kind of sticks with me as a way of expressing thanks. Spasiba is Russian for Thank You.
This week, I am sure that you are doing a lot of thinking of things for which you are giving thanks. But I guess my question is, “Are you actually saying it?” We do lot of preparing, thinking, sitting down, eating, watching football, preparing for shopping the next day – but do we do much giving thanks. Further, do we actually express it verbally?
And I guess that question goes as deep as you want it to go. Have you actually said, “Thank you” to God for those simple things and expressed them in a way that is more just a passing thought? Have you prayed about those expressions of thanksgiving and really said it?
Again, one of the best pieces of advice when I traveled oversees was to learn some basic expressions. I was told that it would make my journey more enjoyable. It would break barriers and express something deep within us. Even if you didn’t know other words – these words would get us past the barrier. So “thank you” was one of those expressions that made the journey more enjoyable. I probably said it more than anything else on that trip – even for the little things.
So I’m going to try to say thank you, spasiba, Dankschen, merci, gracias as often as I can this week. For the food, for you, for the little things, and for the big things, thank you. Thank you for being a part of our lives and Thank God for ways in which he is present in our lives.
The Psalmists talked a lot about thanksgiving. Psalm 100 says: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Spasiba and Happy Thanksgiving
This week in worship we will be talking about the end of the world. Actually, we will be talking about Christ the King which is a celebration of Christ’s anticipated return in triumph. I pray that you have a great Thanksgiving Weekend and I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday. “It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine.” REM.
Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A Classic Double Edged Sword
As you can imagine, I have been thinking about technology quite a bit over the past few weeks. Having come face to face with the possible loss of information and frustration of losing a hard drive on a laptop computer, I have thought a lot about how I use technology. At the same time, however, I have been thinking a lot about how technology uses me.
Having just turned 37 years old, I feel as if I am not that out of date. I use technology to a point that is somewhat cutting edge. I frequent the Internet, I have a cell phone, I use a palm pilot for my calendar and phone book, and I can often figure things out without using directions (much to the chagrin of my wife.)
Yet that double edge sword reaches into my 37 years, and I realize that there is so much more that has passed me by and I am actually out of touch. Last night I sat and watched my nephew type “text messages” with feverish pitch. It would have taken me 10 minutes to type what took him 10 seconds.
Technology is for me a classic double edged sword. It is both a blessing and a bane, it is both useful and useless, it is awesome and at the same time disgusting.
I love email. I can type emails off to people instantly and know that they will receive it. But if I tried to call them, I may have to leave a message or not get through at all. I love my computer. I can look up a passage in the bible with a keyword, rather than thumbing through a concordance or relying on memory. I can type a letter much cleaner and neater than I would by handwriting a note, and I can have it done much quicker too.
I am itching to move into new areas of technology too. It’s not limited to my computer, cell phone, and my palm pilot. They say that an MP3 player could hold your entire collection of CD’s that linger on your shelves. For some that may be your collection of Moody Blues, or Third Day, Rush, or dare I say Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass.
Yet the very thing that connects and frees us, actually disconnects and burdens us. Substitute the word us for me, me for you, you for whomever you choose. While the technology has allowed us more time, it takes us away from the things that really matter the most.
When my computer was down, I actually had to pick up the phone. When my computer was down, I actually had to write some notes. When I forget my cell phone, I actually have to sit and pray.
Yet I also realize that if I didn’t have technology, I wouldn’t be able to connect like this with you. We are affected by this thing called technology in different ways, but I hope that in the end, we can always be mindful of what our purpose is, and how we use it for benefiting our relationships, rather than substituting them.
It’s amazing to me to think that a type-set copy of the Bible was technology a long time ago. It was the way that God was able to get his message into our hands, to connect with us, and to make himself known. Before that – people had to rely on something different.
So I guess there are benefits to the newest, the latest and greatest. I would however, hope that that will not supplant your personal relationship with God. There is nothing that will substitute for the personal relationship that comes with communicating with God. On those same lines, there is nothing that can really substitute for person to person relationships.
I invite you to come and have contact with a human being this week in worship. We’ll be using some technology from various periods in our history, but it won’t substitute for our personal relationships that we have with each other. We’ll have an opportunity to give thanks for so many things as we prepare for our Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope to see you in worship. Until then,
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Having just turned 37 years old, I feel as if I am not that out of date. I use technology to a point that is somewhat cutting edge. I frequent the Internet, I have a cell phone, I use a palm pilot for my calendar and phone book, and I can often figure things out without using directions (much to the chagrin of my wife.)
Yet that double edge sword reaches into my 37 years, and I realize that there is so much more that has passed me by and I am actually out of touch. Last night I sat and watched my nephew type “text messages” with feverish pitch. It would have taken me 10 minutes to type what took him 10 seconds.
Technology is for me a classic double edged sword. It is both a blessing and a bane, it is both useful and useless, it is awesome and at the same time disgusting.
I love email. I can type emails off to people instantly and know that they will receive it. But if I tried to call them, I may have to leave a message or not get through at all. I love my computer. I can look up a passage in the bible with a keyword, rather than thumbing through a concordance or relying on memory. I can type a letter much cleaner and neater than I would by handwriting a note, and I can have it done much quicker too.
I am itching to move into new areas of technology too. It’s not limited to my computer, cell phone, and my palm pilot. They say that an MP3 player could hold your entire collection of CD’s that linger on your shelves. For some that may be your collection of Moody Blues, or Third Day, Rush, or dare I say Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass.
Yet the very thing that connects and frees us, actually disconnects and burdens us. Substitute the word us for me, me for you, you for whomever you choose. While the technology has allowed us more time, it takes us away from the things that really matter the most.
When my computer was down, I actually had to pick up the phone. When my computer was down, I actually had to write some notes. When I forget my cell phone, I actually have to sit and pray.
Yet I also realize that if I didn’t have technology, I wouldn’t be able to connect like this with you. We are affected by this thing called technology in different ways, but I hope that in the end, we can always be mindful of what our purpose is, and how we use it for benefiting our relationships, rather than substituting them.
It’s amazing to me to think that a type-set copy of the Bible was technology a long time ago. It was the way that God was able to get his message into our hands, to connect with us, and to make himself known. Before that – people had to rely on something different.
So I guess there are benefits to the newest, the latest and greatest. I would however, hope that that will not supplant your personal relationship with God. There is nothing that will substitute for the personal relationship that comes with communicating with God. On those same lines, there is nothing that can really substitute for person to person relationships.
I invite you to come and have contact with a human being this week in worship. We’ll be using some technology from various periods in our history, but it won’t substitute for our personal relationships that we have with each other. We’ll have an opportunity to give thanks for so many things as we prepare for our Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope to see you in worship. Until then,
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Just a Little Reminder
Yesterday, the girls were home from school. It was an in-service day and also a day for parent teacher conferences. They have enjoyed being home and having a few days of rest and a few days to stay up late and sleep in too. Last night we even let them stay up later than usual so that they could watch a little of the Steelers game.
Mondays are usually a day for me to make lunches for the kids, but because they were home for the day, I had a reprieve. But what made the day even more special was that they actually made lunch for me! Tracy helped them put together the lunch so that it wasn’t just Kit-Kats and crackers. Just to be sure that I knew it was mine at the office; they even put my name on it!
It was a great lunch – a sandwich, a banana, and some yogurt. Perfect! But what made the lunch even more special were the notes that I found in it. It was a great day – three notes from my girls and a card from Tracy!
Each one was special because it reminded me that I am loved. They each put their special personal touch into the notes, saying something special. Bekah had a chart, Elisabeth shared a scribble, and Sarah even included a scripture verse from Philippians 4:19. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” There was even a little P.S. – eat well.
I know that I am loved and I know that my life is even more rich because of it. I also know that I am loved by God, and because of that love I am able to be who I am and seek the transformation to which God calls me. But isn’t it good to be reminded of that every so often, to read it, and to have it be said?
There are so many people in the world who don’t know that, and I think that is unfortunate. People don’t get notes in their lunches, and people don’t even express it personally. That’s why I think we need the church and I think it is why we need to constantly hear that God loves us. We need to hear, express, and know that God is love.
Maybe you know this, but you are loved. If it’s not by someone very close to you, I do know that you are loved by God. And the scriptures are that reminder for us.
So, today I think I will just send you a note reminding you that you are loved. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that who ever would believe in him would live for ever.
God loves you. Maybe you knew that. But if you don’t, I’m sending this to you for a little lunch reminder.
This week, we conclude our congregational study, Treasures of a Transformed Life and we will be celebrating Consecration Sunday in Worship. Rev. Fred Leasure from the United Methodist Foundation will be preaching. I look forward to seeing you this week. Remember, whatever you commit to in your prayers, presence, gifts and service, God will supply us with everything that we need through Christ. I think I found that note in my lunch this week and in scriptures too!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Mondays are usually a day for me to make lunches for the kids, but because they were home for the day, I had a reprieve. But what made the day even more special was that they actually made lunch for me! Tracy helped them put together the lunch so that it wasn’t just Kit-Kats and crackers. Just to be sure that I knew it was mine at the office; they even put my name on it!
It was a great lunch – a sandwich, a banana, and some yogurt. Perfect! But what made the lunch even more special were the notes that I found in it. It was a great day – three notes from my girls and a card from Tracy!
Each one was special because it reminded me that I am loved. They each put their special personal touch into the notes, saying something special. Bekah had a chart, Elisabeth shared a scribble, and Sarah even included a scripture verse from Philippians 4:19. “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” There was even a little P.S. – eat well.
I know that I am loved and I know that my life is even more rich because of it. I also know that I am loved by God, and because of that love I am able to be who I am and seek the transformation to which God calls me. But isn’t it good to be reminded of that every so often, to read it, and to have it be said?
There are so many people in the world who don’t know that, and I think that is unfortunate. People don’t get notes in their lunches, and people don’t even express it personally. That’s why I think we need the church and I think it is why we need to constantly hear that God loves us. We need to hear, express, and know that God is love.
Maybe you know this, but you are loved. If it’s not by someone very close to you, I do know that you are loved by God. And the scriptures are that reminder for us.
So, today I think I will just send you a note reminding you that you are loved. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that who ever would believe in him would live for ever.
God loves you. Maybe you knew that. But if you don’t, I’m sending this to you for a little lunch reminder.
This week, we conclude our congregational study, Treasures of a Transformed Life and we will be celebrating Consecration Sunday in Worship. Rev. Fred Leasure from the United Methodist Foundation will be preaching. I look forward to seeing you this week. Remember, whatever you commit to in your prayers, presence, gifts and service, God will supply us with everything that we need through Christ. I think I found that note in my lunch this week and in scriptures too!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Goin' Old School
On Friday, just as I was about to prepare to write my sermon, my computer crashed! So I quickly went to a local establishment where a "Geek" is looking at it. He cleverly laughed and said that this was usually a hard drive issue, but they would run a diagnostic on it.
So long and short of it is that I will not be doing much on a computer from the office this week. Not a problem for most pastors, but when the office is thirty minutes from home, it is.
So, I'm thinkin' about goin' old school this week. I'm thinkin' typewriter, ditto machine, model T. I don't know - I might even try to borrow a horse to see what it's like to get to work.
I just hope the Nerd Herd can recover some of my data so I don't have to reinvent the wheel too.
See you all soon.
So long and short of it is that I will not be doing much on a computer from the office this week. Not a problem for most pastors, but when the office is thirty minutes from home, it is.
So, I'm thinkin' about goin' old school this week. I'm thinkin' typewriter, ditto machine, model T. I don't know - I might even try to borrow a horse to see what it's like to get to work.
I just hope the Nerd Herd can recover some of my data so I don't have to reinvent the wheel too.
See you all soon.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Dirty Job?
Do you have a repertoire of channels that you watch on television? Yes, maybe I should have first asked if you watch television. But I assume many of you do, so I asked the first question.
It’s rhetorical. It’s rhetorical, because it just opens the discussion and allows me to say that I do and I’m probably not alone. My channel surfing generally begins in the early channels and moves quickly to the sports channels. But it doesn’t take me long to get to the Food network, the History Channel, and ultimately to the Discovery Channel.
I don’t know why I go to the Discovery Channel so much, but I think it’s because I’m learning something new. I guess that’s why they call it Discovery. Some of my favorite shows on the channel are “How it’s Made,” “Myth Busters,” “Man v. Wild,” and even “Cash Cab.” The latter is less educational, but interesting if you’ve ever seen it.
But my favorite show recently has been, “Dirty Jobs!” Have you seen it?
The premise of “Dirty Jobs” is that the host, Mike Rowe, explores the less than glamorous world of jobs that people do each and every day in less than clean conditions. He calls them the unsung heroes of our lives. They do things that most people will not do.
The Dirty Jobs Website says this about the show.
Our brave host and apprentice Mike Rowe will introduce you to a hardworking group of men and women who overcome fear, danger and sometimes stench and overall ickiness to accomplish their daily tasks. Not one to just stand by, each week, Rowe will assume the duties of the jobs he's profiling, working alongside rattlesnake catchers, fish processors, bee removers, septic-tank technicians and other professionals: average folks tackling extraordinary tasks that simply must get done.
At the end of Dirty Jobs, the producers invite people to write to the show if they think that they perform a dirty job. Presumably, Mike Rowe will come and experience their job first hand. It makes me think about all of the dirty places that I’ve been where people work. I keep encouraging a friend to write about the foundry where they work – it certainly is a dirty job. And then there are all the jobs that I used to see performed on the farm just below our first church in Titusville.
I have actually thought about it from a personal perspective too. I wonder if what we do in the church would qualify as a dirty job. I have a picture on my bookshelf of a mission trip with Habitat for Humanity; I was pretty dirty in that picture. I have some pictures from Russia in our work at the United Methodist Seminary. I even think about painting someone’s home, sorting food, serving homeless at a soup kitchen, or even meeting someone on the streets who most people pass on a daily basis. Does this qualify as a dirty job?
But aside from the few pictures and examples that we can submit – I wonder again, does what we do as a church qualify as a dirty job? Do we do it daily, do we do it enough?
Recently, the church began a Visioning process. The Vision Team has set out on a journey to discover where God is calling us to be. The process and the vision is supposed to engage us and stretch us to points of being uncomfortable. A vision helps us define who we minister to, and a vision helps you decide when you choose to act and what to do. Sometimes, Vision calls us to get our hands dirty and go to the places that we do not want to go, but sometimes where God is leading us to go.
In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the judgment of the nations and warns us about how we will be judged. I think it’s pretty explicit and calls us to do the things that might land us on Dirty Jobs. It may just call us to do things that we take for granted, and calls us to places that people do not normally go.
Do we do enough? Are we getting our hands and our feet dirty for the sake of the cross? Are you going to the places that no one will go? Where will you be when the Son of Man comes in Glory? For that matter, will I be on my Lay-Z-Boy watching Dirty Jobs, or will I be out there performing one?
“God, we know where we are supposed to be, and yet we are sometimes afraid. Call us to the places of need in our community and in the world, places where we might just get a little dirty for the sake of the cross. Protect us and give us strength, for in all ways we trust you and we do it for you. In Jesus Name. Amen.”
This week in worship we continue with our Congregational Study and talk about the importance of Presence in church. You have to come to hear it and you will understand how important it is to be here. God wants you here, the church needs you here. I look forward to greeting you here.
I have to go now to submit my proposal to Dirty Jobs.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
It’s rhetorical. It’s rhetorical, because it just opens the discussion and allows me to say that I do and I’m probably not alone. My channel surfing generally begins in the early channels and moves quickly to the sports channels. But it doesn’t take me long to get to the Food network, the History Channel, and ultimately to the Discovery Channel.
I don’t know why I go to the Discovery Channel so much, but I think it’s because I’m learning something new. I guess that’s why they call it Discovery. Some of my favorite shows on the channel are “How it’s Made,” “Myth Busters,” “Man v. Wild,” and even “Cash Cab.” The latter is less educational, but interesting if you’ve ever seen it.
But my favorite show recently has been, “Dirty Jobs!” Have you seen it?
The premise of “Dirty Jobs” is that the host, Mike Rowe, explores the less than glamorous world of jobs that people do each and every day in less than clean conditions. He calls them the unsung heroes of our lives. They do things that most people will not do.
The Dirty Jobs Website says this about the show.
Our brave host and apprentice Mike Rowe will introduce you to a hardworking group of men and women who overcome fear, danger and sometimes stench and overall ickiness to accomplish their daily tasks. Not one to just stand by, each week, Rowe will assume the duties of the jobs he's profiling, working alongside rattlesnake catchers, fish processors, bee removers, septic-tank technicians and other professionals: average folks tackling extraordinary tasks that simply must get done.
At the end of Dirty Jobs, the producers invite people to write to the show if they think that they perform a dirty job. Presumably, Mike Rowe will come and experience their job first hand. It makes me think about all of the dirty places that I’ve been where people work. I keep encouraging a friend to write about the foundry where they work – it certainly is a dirty job. And then there are all the jobs that I used to see performed on the farm just below our first church in Titusville.
I have actually thought about it from a personal perspective too. I wonder if what we do in the church would qualify as a dirty job. I have a picture on my bookshelf of a mission trip with Habitat for Humanity; I was pretty dirty in that picture. I have some pictures from Russia in our work at the United Methodist Seminary. I even think about painting someone’s home, sorting food, serving homeless at a soup kitchen, or even meeting someone on the streets who most people pass on a daily basis. Does this qualify as a dirty job?
But aside from the few pictures and examples that we can submit – I wonder again, does what we do as a church qualify as a dirty job? Do we do it daily, do we do it enough?
Recently, the church began a Visioning process. The Vision Team has set out on a journey to discover where God is calling us to be. The process and the vision is supposed to engage us and stretch us to points of being uncomfortable. A vision helps us define who we minister to, and a vision helps you decide when you choose to act and what to do. Sometimes, Vision calls us to get our hands dirty and go to the places that we do not want to go, but sometimes where God is leading us to go.
In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about the judgment of the nations and warns us about how we will be judged. I think it’s pretty explicit and calls us to do the things that might land us on Dirty Jobs. It may just call us to do things that we take for granted, and calls us to places that people do not normally go.
Do we do enough? Are we getting our hands and our feet dirty for the sake of the cross? Are you going to the places that no one will go? Where will you be when the Son of Man comes in Glory? For that matter, will I be on my Lay-Z-Boy watching Dirty Jobs, or will I be out there performing one?
“God, we know where we are supposed to be, and yet we are sometimes afraid. Call us to the places of need in our community and in the world, places where we might just get a little dirty for the sake of the cross. Protect us and give us strength, for in all ways we trust you and we do it for you. In Jesus Name. Amen.”
This week in worship we continue with our Congregational Study and talk about the importance of Presence in church. You have to come to hear it and you will understand how important it is to be here. God wants you here, the church needs you here. I look forward to greeting you here.
I have to go now to submit my proposal to Dirty Jobs.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The Face of Christ
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Recently, College Hill Church completed a major undertaking: a church pictorial. For those who have ever been involved in the process, you will know that it is no small undertaking. It takes many people to complete the task of arranging all of the details necessary to get everyone in the church photographed, and then making arrangements for publishing.
This year as part of our 100th Anniversary Celebration, our directory was quite involved. The company that photographed the congregation and published our book provided us with many opportunities to make it a great directory. In addition to the directory, we were able to get welcome brochures published as well as a Portrait Mosaic.
Over the past few weeks, we have received the directories and began to hand them out. In a separate shipment, we then received the welcome brochures and the Mosaic. To be honest, it was the Mosaic in which I was most interested.
The Portrait Mosaic is literally what it sounds like. It is a mosaic using all of the pictures from the directory. In our case, we chose a Mosaic of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. It reminds me of a stained glass window that I have seen from time to time.
If you have ever looked at a mosaic, you know that when you stand close to the artwork, you may not see anything except the material that was used. Sometimes it may be small rocks, or clay pieces. Sometimes children will make mosaics out of beans of different colors. In order to see the true work, you need to stand away from the art. When you do this – you see!
When I first opened our Mosaic, what I saw were the faces of the congregation. Each portrait that is in the directory is part of the Mosaic. I had forgotten which image we had chosen, so initially, I was unable to see the real image. I had to step back, and when I did, I finally saw it. It was the face of Christ.
As I stood there, I had an overwhelming feeling come over me. It was quite amazing for me to see all of those faces from the church making up the face of Christ. I said to myself as I stood there, “We are the face of Christ.”
Sure, we may understand that from an immediate standpoint. We often say that we are the church, we represent Christ, and we do his work. We even go to great lengths to understand ourselves at the Body of Christ. We read from Paul’s words in First Corinthians that we are baptized into that Body, but have we ever seen it in a portrait?
This mosaic is really making an impact with me this week. It is really causing me to think about our ministry and what it is that we do as a church. I hope that the image is not just an image though, but something much deeper and more meaningful. “We are the face of Christ” tells me that we have a job to do – and there are needs that must be met. We may just be the only face of Christ that people see!
Have you ever thought about that? More importantly, what are we doing about that?
St. Theresa of Avila wrote “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”
You are the face of Christ! That is a powerful statement, but even a more impressive image. Yet, I hope that it is more than just an image of what people see, but what they will experience from you this week. That will be my prayer.
“You have made us in your image, O God. And we simply pray that you would use us. We are your hands and your eyes. We are your feet, we are your body. Help us to reach out to those who are in need this day. We pray these things humbly, O Christ. Amen.”
This week in worship we will be continuing our series on Transformed Living. Our sermon will focus on prayer and drawing water. I look forward to seeing you all this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Recently, College Hill Church completed a major undertaking: a church pictorial. For those who have ever been involved in the process, you will know that it is no small undertaking. It takes many people to complete the task of arranging all of the details necessary to get everyone in the church photographed, and then making arrangements for publishing.
This year as part of our 100th Anniversary Celebration, our directory was quite involved. The company that photographed the congregation and published our book provided us with many opportunities to make it a great directory. In addition to the directory, we were able to get welcome brochures published as well as a Portrait Mosaic.
Over the past few weeks, we have received the directories and began to hand them out. In a separate shipment, we then received the welcome brochures and the Mosaic. To be honest, it was the Mosaic in which I was most interested.
The Portrait Mosaic is literally what it sounds like. It is a mosaic using all of the pictures from the directory. In our case, we chose a Mosaic of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd. It reminds me of a stained glass window that I have seen from time to time.
If you have ever looked at a mosaic, you know that when you stand close to the artwork, you may not see anything except the material that was used. Sometimes it may be small rocks, or clay pieces. Sometimes children will make mosaics out of beans of different colors. In order to see the true work, you need to stand away from the art. When you do this – you see!
When I first opened our Mosaic, what I saw were the faces of the congregation. Each portrait that is in the directory is part of the Mosaic. I had forgotten which image we had chosen, so initially, I was unable to see the real image. I had to step back, and when I did, I finally saw it. It was the face of Christ.
As I stood there, I had an overwhelming feeling come over me. It was quite amazing for me to see all of those faces from the church making up the face of Christ. I said to myself as I stood there, “We are the face of Christ.”
Sure, we may understand that from an immediate standpoint. We often say that we are the church, we represent Christ, and we do his work. We even go to great lengths to understand ourselves at the Body of Christ. We read from Paul’s words in First Corinthians that we are baptized into that Body, but have we ever seen it in a portrait?
This mosaic is really making an impact with me this week. It is really causing me to think about our ministry and what it is that we do as a church. I hope that the image is not just an image though, but something much deeper and more meaningful. “We are the face of Christ” tells me that we have a job to do – and there are needs that must be met. We may just be the only face of Christ that people see!
Have you ever thought about that? More importantly, what are we doing about that?
St. Theresa of Avila wrote “Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ's compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”
You are the face of Christ! That is a powerful statement, but even a more impressive image. Yet, I hope that it is more than just an image of what people see, but what they will experience from you this week. That will be my prayer.
“You have made us in your image, O God. And we simply pray that you would use us. We are your hands and your eyes. We are your feet, we are your body. Help us to reach out to those who are in need this day. We pray these things humbly, O Christ. Amen.”
This week in worship we will be continuing our series on Transformed Living. Our sermon will focus on prayer and drawing water. I look forward to seeing you all this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Dumpster Diving
So this has no theological implications whatsoever, but I thought I'd let you in on something stupid that I just did.
Had pizza for dinner tonight from one of our favorite pizzerias. Tracy had a meatball sub. All very good.
Following dinner, I thought I'd be a good husband for once and take the pizza box outside to the dumpster. Yes, we live in a church parsonage next to the church, so we use the dumpster.
Came back to the wife who is doing dishes who summarily asks, "Did you bring back the pizza cutter with you?" To which I responded, "no, where is it?"
Her response, "In the pizza box?"
Did I go get it? Your job is to now complete the story just like an old fashioned Mad Lib.
Had pizza for dinner tonight from one of our favorite pizzerias. Tracy had a meatball sub. All very good.
Following dinner, I thought I'd be a good husband for once and take the pizza box outside to the dumpster. Yes, we live in a church parsonage next to the church, so we use the dumpster.
Came back to the wife who is doing dishes who summarily asks, "Did you bring back the pizza cutter with you?" To which I responded, "no, where is it?"
Her response, "In the pizza box?"
Did I go get it? Your job is to now complete the story just like an old fashioned Mad Lib.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Turn It Up!
Many of you know that I have been attending the YMCA since May of 2006. It was around that time in my life that I realized that I needed to make some lifestyle changes or I was going to be on a quick path to self-destruction. Over a period of years, my weight had been increasing and I was feeling awful most of the time.
In order to lose weight and get into shape, not only did I need to change what and how I ate, but I needed to add some physical activity to my lifestyle. I accomplished that part of the routine by joining the Y.
Over the past eighteen months, I have done a lot at the YMCA. I work out on strength training machines, cardiovascular machines, and I even swim on occasion. I mix things up so that my body doesn’t become too used to one routine. I enjoy going to the Y – it gives me a chance to manage my response to stress, and I have improved my overall health.
As I participated in the various cardio activities at the Y, I began to hear a lot about a cardiovascular class called Spinning. I would watch the participants work extremely hard and often say that I would try that someday. At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know if I would like it and didn’t know if I could handle it physically.
But about six months ago, I finally took a Spin Class and I was instantly hooked. If you don’t know what it is – Spinning is a form of studio cycling. It is a cardio class taken on a stationary bicycle. Participants follow the lead of an instructor who takes the class through a series of movements that mimic outdoor cycling. Pace as well as resistance vary throughout the hour. It has been said that it is one of the most taxing and efficient cardiovascular activities. Different instructors have different styles, and different instructors offer different classes. There are classes for all levels from beginners to advanced, and there is even a class for seniors.
Long and short of it – I love it! I take the class about 2 to 3 times a week. By the end of an hour class – I am usually exhausted and soaked. And for those of you who have seen me sweat – you know that is not a stretch.
Recently, one of the instructors has been encouraging participants to “Turn it up!” She reminds people that if they are not challenging themselves, they are not going to make any gains. Different people have different goals, but you should be setting them and challenging yourself to make a difference in your own fitness life. Each person is different, and only you will know if you are challenging yourself. I can even hear it now, “If you’re not challenging yourself, you need to turn it up!”
Do I take that personally? I Sure do! I think about it every time it is said. I think about it from my own personal life and how much I have been able to do since I began taking the spin classes. Am I challenging myself? Am I doing everything I can to take the next step?
This coming week, we formally begin our Transformed Living Study at College Hill. In many ways, you can say that it is God’s call for us to “Turn It Up!” Think about it from your own personal perspective. Maybe you have been one of those people who has just been running through the routines of church and now it’s time to really take a step forward toward transformation.
As part of the study, you will have the opportunity with everyone in the congregation to read a book, participate in a small group setting, and hear messages during worship that are specifically geared toward your own personal transformation. Each person is different and only you will know if you are challenging yourself.
At the end of the study – you should notice a difference. Are you going to sweat? You might. Are you going to be challenged? I think so. But only you know whether you have put yourself into the study. To mimic the spinning philosophy – it’s your ride. But I do know one thing – you will be transformed if you allow the Holy Spirit to work within you to challenge and sustain you on a six week journey of faith.
This week during worship, I told people we are going to memorize Paul’s words during the next six weeks. I think they speak to us and speak to our need to be transformed. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable, and perfect” Romans 12:2.
Challenge yourself to be transformed. If you’ve been coming to church for a while, it’s time for you to Turn it Up!
“Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the call to transformation. Some may not be in a position to change much, but we pray that your Spirit would touch and guide us all to a spiritual transformation. Speak to us words of encouragement. Feed us when we are hungry, and give us that spiritual water that we need when we thirst for you. We pray these things in Christ’s name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we begin our series with a sermon entitled, “Transformed Living – Priming the Pump.” If you have any questions about the small groups that are meeting, I encourage you to talk to me. We’d love to have you join us, there is room for everyone. In fact – why don’t you be a friend and encourage someone to join you? See you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
In order to lose weight and get into shape, not only did I need to change what and how I ate, but I needed to add some physical activity to my lifestyle. I accomplished that part of the routine by joining the Y.
Over the past eighteen months, I have done a lot at the YMCA. I work out on strength training machines, cardiovascular machines, and I even swim on occasion. I mix things up so that my body doesn’t become too used to one routine. I enjoy going to the Y – it gives me a chance to manage my response to stress, and I have improved my overall health.
As I participated in the various cardio activities at the Y, I began to hear a lot about a cardiovascular class called Spinning. I would watch the participants work extremely hard and often say that I would try that someday. At first, I was a little apprehensive. I didn’t know if I would like it and didn’t know if I could handle it physically.
But about six months ago, I finally took a Spin Class and I was instantly hooked. If you don’t know what it is – Spinning is a form of studio cycling. It is a cardio class taken on a stationary bicycle. Participants follow the lead of an instructor who takes the class through a series of movements that mimic outdoor cycling. Pace as well as resistance vary throughout the hour. It has been said that it is one of the most taxing and efficient cardiovascular activities. Different instructors have different styles, and different instructors offer different classes. There are classes for all levels from beginners to advanced, and there is even a class for seniors.
Long and short of it – I love it! I take the class about 2 to 3 times a week. By the end of an hour class – I am usually exhausted and soaked. And for those of you who have seen me sweat – you know that is not a stretch.
Recently, one of the instructors has been encouraging participants to “Turn it up!” She reminds people that if they are not challenging themselves, they are not going to make any gains. Different people have different goals, but you should be setting them and challenging yourself to make a difference in your own fitness life. Each person is different, and only you will know if you are challenging yourself. I can even hear it now, “If you’re not challenging yourself, you need to turn it up!”
Do I take that personally? I Sure do! I think about it every time it is said. I think about it from my own personal life and how much I have been able to do since I began taking the spin classes. Am I challenging myself? Am I doing everything I can to take the next step?
This coming week, we formally begin our Transformed Living Study at College Hill. In many ways, you can say that it is God’s call for us to “Turn It Up!” Think about it from your own personal perspective. Maybe you have been one of those people who has just been running through the routines of church and now it’s time to really take a step forward toward transformation.
As part of the study, you will have the opportunity with everyone in the congregation to read a book, participate in a small group setting, and hear messages during worship that are specifically geared toward your own personal transformation. Each person is different and only you will know if you are challenging yourself.
At the end of the study – you should notice a difference. Are you going to sweat? You might. Are you going to be challenged? I think so. But only you know whether you have put yourself into the study. To mimic the spinning philosophy – it’s your ride. But I do know one thing – you will be transformed if you allow the Holy Spirit to work within you to challenge and sustain you on a six week journey of faith.
This week during worship, I told people we are going to memorize Paul’s words during the next six weeks. I think they speak to us and speak to our need to be transformed. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good, acceptable, and perfect” Romans 12:2.
Challenge yourself to be transformed. If you’ve been coming to church for a while, it’s time for you to Turn it Up!
“Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the call to transformation. Some may not be in a position to change much, but we pray that your Spirit would touch and guide us all to a spiritual transformation. Speak to us words of encouragement. Feed us when we are hungry, and give us that spiritual water that we need when we thirst for you. We pray these things in Christ’s name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we begin our series with a sermon entitled, “Transformed Living – Priming the Pump.” If you have any questions about the small groups that are meeting, I encourage you to talk to me. We’d love to have you join us, there is room for everyone. In fact – why don’t you be a friend and encourage someone to join you? See you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Monday, October 1, 2007
From the world of the Bizarre
So what's your opinion? Is this Constitutionally protected speech? Or should we curtail obscenity by stopping such behavior? You decide.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
God Will Provide
It is hard to believe that next week will be October already. I hope that you have enjoyed the wonderful weather that we have been having. I keep saying to others, “Great Sleeping Weather.” It won’t be long before we will have to start closing the windows at night, and the heat will be turned on. For now, I guess we’ll just have to enjoy the weather we have.
October reminds me of harvest more than November does. Maybe it’s because of all of the late vegetables that you can get at the market, the apples, and the pumpkins. Maybe it’s the hayrides that begin to take place or maybe its just about giving thanks a little early.
In my devotional yesterday, I read a passage from the 17th chapter of First Kings. It begins by saying that there will be no dew or rain, except when God speaks. But it doesn’t take long in that passage for God to speak to Elijah and tell him to go and wait by a river. It is there that God provides for him, more than just dew and rain.
In a related text, today I read from Luke’s twelfth chapter where Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about what they will eat, or about what they will wear. Life is more than food.
As I read that Word, and the Word from the Old Testament, I kept coming back to the same thoughts and the thoughts of October Harvest. More than November, October reminds me of the abundance and the constant supply that we have in our lives.
Think back to a time in your life when you didn’t have to worry about what you would eat or drink. It may be right now, or it may be as far back as when you were a child. Without a doubt there were times when you didn’t have to worry much. I remember with gratitude my childhood years when there was always more than I could ever imagine. It is as if God was supplying my needs through my parents. Now, I am the parent and I am able to provide. Things just happen, food is on the table, and abundance is supplied.
Sure there are times when you have some stress when you are running to the end of the pay period, but God continues to supply even in the midst of those lean times. I imagine that if you went to your cupboard right now, there would be more than enough to make a meal. Maybe the children wouldn’t be thrilled that you were having tuna noodle casserole, but there would be food.
Often times, we take for granted that we have been given so much. We neglect to think about the supply that we have been given even in the midst of scarcity. Abundance is around us, and we should not worry.
Today, I am giving thanks for so much. I am thankful for everything that I have. I am thankful for the gifts that I have received, the roof over my head, my family, and most importantly my life. I hope that you have an opportunity to give thanks too.
“Almighty God, in whom I find life, health, and strength, and through whose mercy I am clothed and fed, grant to me a thankful and faithful heart. In the name and spirit of Christ. Amen.”
This week in worship we will be hearing a message entitled, “When the Game is Over” based upon 1 Timothy 6:6-19. We will begin to distribute copies of “Treasures of a Transformed Life” as we begin our Transformed Living Congregational Study. I hope to see you there.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
October reminds me of harvest more than November does. Maybe it’s because of all of the late vegetables that you can get at the market, the apples, and the pumpkins. Maybe it’s the hayrides that begin to take place or maybe its just about giving thanks a little early.
In my devotional yesterday, I read a passage from the 17th chapter of First Kings. It begins by saying that there will be no dew or rain, except when God speaks. But it doesn’t take long in that passage for God to speak to Elijah and tell him to go and wait by a river. It is there that God provides for him, more than just dew and rain.
In a related text, today I read from Luke’s twelfth chapter where Jesus tells his disciples not to worry about what they will eat, or about what they will wear. Life is more than food.
As I read that Word, and the Word from the Old Testament, I kept coming back to the same thoughts and the thoughts of October Harvest. More than November, October reminds me of the abundance and the constant supply that we have in our lives.
Think back to a time in your life when you didn’t have to worry about what you would eat or drink. It may be right now, or it may be as far back as when you were a child. Without a doubt there were times when you didn’t have to worry much. I remember with gratitude my childhood years when there was always more than I could ever imagine. It is as if God was supplying my needs through my parents. Now, I am the parent and I am able to provide. Things just happen, food is on the table, and abundance is supplied.
Sure there are times when you have some stress when you are running to the end of the pay period, but God continues to supply even in the midst of those lean times. I imagine that if you went to your cupboard right now, there would be more than enough to make a meal. Maybe the children wouldn’t be thrilled that you were having tuna noodle casserole, but there would be food.
Often times, we take for granted that we have been given so much. We neglect to think about the supply that we have been given even in the midst of scarcity. Abundance is around us, and we should not worry.
Today, I am giving thanks for so much. I am thankful for everything that I have. I am thankful for the gifts that I have received, the roof over my head, my family, and most importantly my life. I hope that you have an opportunity to give thanks too.
“Almighty God, in whom I find life, health, and strength, and through whose mercy I am clothed and fed, grant to me a thankful and faithful heart. In the name and spirit of Christ. Amen.”
This week in worship we will be hearing a message entitled, “When the Game is Over” based upon 1 Timothy 6:6-19. We will begin to distribute copies of “Treasures of a Transformed Life” as we begin our Transformed Living Congregational Study. I hope to see you there.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Friday, September 21, 2007
News from the Bizarre
I don't know why I found this - but take a look at this story of a man who was trying to row upstream. Tell me if this is not a metaphor for church work!
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liresc0921,0,6017627.story
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liresc0921,0,6017627.story
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Transformed Living
Several weeks ago, I walked into the hospital to visit a parishioner. I walked to the front desk to get a room number. I verified that the patient was in the same room, and I proceeded to walk around the corner toward the back hallway.
Before I could take two steps, the volunteer behind the reception desk stopped me and said, “You can’t go that way, the hallway is now closed.”
My reaction, both mental and verbal was, “Gee – when are they going to be done renovating these hallways.” I didn’t get a response.
I was sharing with some of my colleagues who also frequent that hospital about the renovation. We were all surprised that there was yet another “detour” through the hospital. We all shared our consternation over the fact that it seems that the hospital has been in a constant state of renovation for several years.
Just as I was getting used to the new detour, I was reminded of that conversation. I arrived at the hospital to find that this renovation project was shorter than the others, and was now complete. I wondered whether there would be something else under construction soon and where I would be sent next. As I walked down the hall, things did look different and cleaner. I could tell some work had been done. I may not know the purpose, but things were different.
As I was walking down that newly renovated hallway, I also began to think about my reaction differently. I was coming to understand that not only was this new transformation a good thing, but it was also necessary, regardless of how much it aggravated me in the beginning. If there was not a renovation or transformation, the hospital would be the same as it was when it first opened. Moreover, it would probably begin to fail, deteriorate, and move to a point that it was unable to fulfill the purposes of being a hospital in the 21st Century.
That idea serves as a great illustration for our lives as Christians, I think. We must continue to be transformed if we are to continue to be called as disciples of Jesus Christ. We can not, and should not be the same people that we were last year, or several years ago. We should be under a constant state of renovation, as we allow God to work on our lives to make us who God is calling us to be. No matter the detour or the cost, in the end we are different, hopefully better.
Paul’s words come to mind when I think of that renovation project. He tells the people of Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can know the will of God, so that you will know what is good acceptable and perfect.” That word transformed is important here and it is important for all of us.
In the coming weeks, we are going to be embarking on a church wide study called Transformed Living. Throughout the study, the congregation will be reading a book together entitled “Treasures of a Transformed Life,” studying in small groups, and hearing sermons that tie this all together. The team that has been working on this study is excited about seeing the transformation that happens.
I encourage you to look for opportunities to be transformed in the coming weeks and see how God can work within each of us toward transformation. By the way, it’s only a 40 day detour.
“God of transformation, we open ourselves to you this day and everyday. We open our hearts to your spirit for healing and wholeness, knowing that you are the God of everything in our lives. Help us to seek your will in all that we do, and be gracious in your leading. We pray these things through Christ who saves us. Amen.”
Before I could take two steps, the volunteer behind the reception desk stopped me and said, “You can’t go that way, the hallway is now closed.”
My reaction, both mental and verbal was, “Gee – when are they going to be done renovating these hallways.” I didn’t get a response.
I was sharing with some of my colleagues who also frequent that hospital about the renovation. We were all surprised that there was yet another “detour” through the hospital. We all shared our consternation over the fact that it seems that the hospital has been in a constant state of renovation for several years.
Just as I was getting used to the new detour, I was reminded of that conversation. I arrived at the hospital to find that this renovation project was shorter than the others, and was now complete. I wondered whether there would be something else under construction soon and where I would be sent next. As I walked down the hall, things did look different and cleaner. I could tell some work had been done. I may not know the purpose, but things were different.
As I was walking down that newly renovated hallway, I also began to think about my reaction differently. I was coming to understand that not only was this new transformation a good thing, but it was also necessary, regardless of how much it aggravated me in the beginning. If there was not a renovation or transformation, the hospital would be the same as it was when it first opened. Moreover, it would probably begin to fail, deteriorate, and move to a point that it was unable to fulfill the purposes of being a hospital in the 21st Century.
That idea serves as a great illustration for our lives as Christians, I think. We must continue to be transformed if we are to continue to be called as disciples of Jesus Christ. We can not, and should not be the same people that we were last year, or several years ago. We should be under a constant state of renovation, as we allow God to work on our lives to make us who God is calling us to be. No matter the detour or the cost, in the end we are different, hopefully better.
Paul’s words come to mind when I think of that renovation project. He tells the people of Rome, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you can know the will of God, so that you will know what is good acceptable and perfect.” That word transformed is important here and it is important for all of us.
In the coming weeks, we are going to be embarking on a church wide study called Transformed Living. Throughout the study, the congregation will be reading a book together entitled “Treasures of a Transformed Life,” studying in small groups, and hearing sermons that tie this all together. The team that has been working on this study is excited about seeing the transformation that happens.
I encourage you to look for opportunities to be transformed in the coming weeks and see how God can work within each of us toward transformation. By the way, it’s only a 40 day detour.
“God of transformation, we open ourselves to you this day and everyday. We open our hearts to your spirit for healing and wholeness, knowing that you are the God of everything in our lives. Help us to seek your will in all that we do, and be gracious in your leading. We pray these things through Christ who saves us. Amen.”
Monday, September 17, 2007
There Are Some Things Money Can't Buy, For Everything Else - There's Cheating
Video Tape for "Sideline Reporter"- $250,000
A New Hoodie for Bill Belichick - $500,000
Winning Three Super Bowls - Priceless!
A New Hoodie for Bill Belichick - $500,000
Winning Three Super Bowls - Priceless!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Current Events
Our daughter brought home an assignment last week. It was an assignment on current events and was part of her Social Studies curriculum. It was due today.
The assignment was simple. Find a current event from a news source and write about it. Tell about the source of the article, the title, the date, and the event. Then she was to take the article and describe in a certain number of sentences, the event and the significance for the class.
Easy right?
Not quite! There was a caveat. The article had to include a picture. Further, the current event could not be related to violence or weapons. Not so simple anymore, huh?
The assignment probably turned out to be just as much about being a parent as it was a fourth grader learning about current events. We began by looking at the few news sources to which we have access. I taught her how to find the date, and the title of the source on the newspaper. We talked about the sections and the information that would be found in those sections.
But what was so difficult was actually finding a story that both fit the assignment as well as the constraints. Once you got past being age appropriate for a story, the real struggle was finding one with pictures that didn’t involve violence and weapons. Keep in mind – I didn’t think that sports would fit the bill. That eliminated an entire section of relevant news.
You have probably heard – “if it bleeds, it leads.” In the news last week, that was true. There were terrorists on the covers of magazines. On one edition of the newspaper, there was the picture of a small coffin being carried by teens. They were carrying the body of an 11 year old twin boy who was killed by his brother. With so much news dealing with violence and weapons, it was difficult to find a news article. The one thing that kept running through my mind was, “wouldn’t it be great if there was a story about peace.”
Today, I’m thinking about that prospect a little. Six years ago today, we were planning to travel back to Pennsylvania after spending some time in North Carolina. Our bags were packed, our sandwiches were made, and with the exception of a migraine headache, we were going to leave for PA. But just about the time that we were about to leave, the first terrorist attack on 9/11 happened. Needless to say, we stayed in North Carolina for another day not knowing whether they would be shutting down Interstate Highways, and curtailing all travel.
Six years ago today, 9/11 was the current event. Images would have been flowing in and out of our minds without the hope of escaping them. I remember the same daughter who turned in her project today continuing to ask, “why did bad people do that to us?” Technically, that wouldn’t have fit the assignment either. Violence, once again.
Today, I am praying for peace. Isaiah talks about peace and the day when the house of God will be brought to full recognition. At that time, says the prophet, “He shall judge between nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4.
Someday, hopefully soon, fourth graders will have nothing but positive lead stories which will be considered appropriate for a current events project. Hopefully that time won’t be too far into the future. And today, as we remember a current event that is still fresh in our memories, let’s all pray for peace.
“Almighty God, how can we not consider peace a possibility today. Our minds recall so much pain and violence, so much hurt. Images flood our memories and the terror returns. Help us to seek your peace and assurance each day, yet not forget the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. May the day come soon, when we shall learn war no more. In his name we pray. Amen.”
This week in worship, we will be talking about the parable of the Lost Sheep. I promise no violent images or weapons will be included, but it will be current and topical. The title of the sermon is “Who’s number One!?!” I hope that you will join us.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
The assignment was simple. Find a current event from a news source and write about it. Tell about the source of the article, the title, the date, and the event. Then she was to take the article and describe in a certain number of sentences, the event and the significance for the class.
Easy right?
Not quite! There was a caveat. The article had to include a picture. Further, the current event could not be related to violence or weapons. Not so simple anymore, huh?
The assignment probably turned out to be just as much about being a parent as it was a fourth grader learning about current events. We began by looking at the few news sources to which we have access. I taught her how to find the date, and the title of the source on the newspaper. We talked about the sections and the information that would be found in those sections.
But what was so difficult was actually finding a story that both fit the assignment as well as the constraints. Once you got past being age appropriate for a story, the real struggle was finding one with pictures that didn’t involve violence and weapons. Keep in mind – I didn’t think that sports would fit the bill. That eliminated an entire section of relevant news.
You have probably heard – “if it bleeds, it leads.” In the news last week, that was true. There were terrorists on the covers of magazines. On one edition of the newspaper, there was the picture of a small coffin being carried by teens. They were carrying the body of an 11 year old twin boy who was killed by his brother. With so much news dealing with violence and weapons, it was difficult to find a news article. The one thing that kept running through my mind was, “wouldn’t it be great if there was a story about peace.”
Today, I’m thinking about that prospect a little. Six years ago today, we were planning to travel back to Pennsylvania after spending some time in North Carolina. Our bags were packed, our sandwiches were made, and with the exception of a migraine headache, we were going to leave for PA. But just about the time that we were about to leave, the first terrorist attack on 9/11 happened. Needless to say, we stayed in North Carolina for another day not knowing whether they would be shutting down Interstate Highways, and curtailing all travel.
Six years ago today, 9/11 was the current event. Images would have been flowing in and out of our minds without the hope of escaping them. I remember the same daughter who turned in her project today continuing to ask, “why did bad people do that to us?” Technically, that wouldn’t have fit the assignment either. Violence, once again.
Today, I am praying for peace. Isaiah talks about peace and the day when the house of God will be brought to full recognition. At that time, says the prophet, “He shall judge between nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah 2:4.
Someday, hopefully soon, fourth graders will have nothing but positive lead stories which will be considered appropriate for a current events project. Hopefully that time won’t be too far into the future. And today, as we remember a current event that is still fresh in our memories, let’s all pray for peace.
“Almighty God, how can we not consider peace a possibility today. Our minds recall so much pain and violence, so much hurt. Images flood our memories and the terror returns. Help us to seek your peace and assurance each day, yet not forget the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. May the day come soon, when we shall learn war no more. In his name we pray. Amen.”
This week in worship, we will be talking about the parable of the Lost Sheep. I promise no violent images or weapons will be included, but it will be current and topical. The title of the sermon is “Who’s number One!?!” I hope that you will join us.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
It's That Time of Year Again
What time of year is it? If you were asked that question, you might answer it differently depending upon your mindset, your activities, or even your family circumstances.
It’s that time of year again, may mean that it’s High School Football season once again. Maybe your son or daughter plays in the marching band, or you have a child involved in the sport in some way.
It may also mean hunting season for you. Those of us who don’t hunt in this season probably wondered what the big fuss was over when the State decided to shut down the fire arms clearance site for a few days for upgrades. However, if you were a hunter who enjoys dove season, this issue may be important to you.
Most of us have forgotten that the Pirates are still playing, because the Steelers season begins in earnest this Sunday. Many throughout Western Pennsylvania will be glued to the television this week to watch the “Stillers” battle the dreaded “Cleve Brownies.”
Summer is over, so regardless of what the calendar says, it’s fall – that’s another season. School began for most of our children – so it’s homework season. Before too long, churches will be talking about money – so it’s stewardship season too.
But whether we know it or not, all of the above amount to something very important in the church. It’s harvest season.
I’m not talking about the harvest of all of the fruits and vegetables that is occurring right now, but the harvest of souls. Because what happens whether we know it or not, there is a season that exists right now when people are more likely to come to church. There is something happening right now when people know that its that time of year and it happens right about now, many times during Christmas, and then again at Easter. It’s harvest time because people are more likely to come to church, and they are more likely to respond to an invitation to church.
Sure it happens at other times too, but often times those seasons become intensely personal. Personal circumstances in life make people respond to church differently: change in job status, relocation, loss of a loved one, or even coming to college for the first time.
I have been reading some of the ninth chapter in Matthew’s Gospel recently and began to think about the harvest a lot. In that ninth chapter, Matthew is talking a lot about how Jesus Christ was reaching out to those who are outside the church including the sick, the tax collectors, and the lost – he called them sheep without a shepherd. He then went on to say, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Sure, harvest season is all the time. But sometimes I guess we need a little reminder that there may be someone new to you over the next coming weeks who needs to hear that they are loved, wanted, and needed right here in the church. I think we need that little reminder because each of us has our own priorities in mind at time of the year.
Let’s pray for that harvest. Almighty God, there are so many around us that need to hear your Word in their lives. They are hungering and thirsting for you and for your love. Help us to go out into the fields of harvest that you have made ready, and glean those who have been left behind by the world. Give us strength to see beyond our own perspective and see the needs of those who come seeking the shepherd. In Jesus Name, Amen.
This week in worship, we will be hearing a message on the cost of radical discipleship. My message title is “I Need Your Answer by Noon.” But if worship goes over this week by a few minutes, you can get me your answer then. But even before that, remember that Sunday School starts this week throughout the building for all ages. Invite someone, invite a child, invite a friend – they might just be waiting for an invitation. Hope to see you then.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
It’s that time of year again, may mean that it’s High School Football season once again. Maybe your son or daughter plays in the marching band, or you have a child involved in the sport in some way.
It may also mean hunting season for you. Those of us who don’t hunt in this season probably wondered what the big fuss was over when the State decided to shut down the fire arms clearance site for a few days for upgrades. However, if you were a hunter who enjoys dove season, this issue may be important to you.
Most of us have forgotten that the Pirates are still playing, because the Steelers season begins in earnest this Sunday. Many throughout Western Pennsylvania will be glued to the television this week to watch the “Stillers” battle the dreaded “Cleve Brownies.”
Summer is over, so regardless of what the calendar says, it’s fall – that’s another season. School began for most of our children – so it’s homework season. Before too long, churches will be talking about money – so it’s stewardship season too.
But whether we know it or not, all of the above amount to something very important in the church. It’s harvest season.
I’m not talking about the harvest of all of the fruits and vegetables that is occurring right now, but the harvest of souls. Because what happens whether we know it or not, there is a season that exists right now when people are more likely to come to church. There is something happening right now when people know that its that time of year and it happens right about now, many times during Christmas, and then again at Easter. It’s harvest time because people are more likely to come to church, and they are more likely to respond to an invitation to church.
Sure it happens at other times too, but often times those seasons become intensely personal. Personal circumstances in life make people respond to church differently: change in job status, relocation, loss of a loved one, or even coming to college for the first time.
I have been reading some of the ninth chapter in Matthew’s Gospel recently and began to think about the harvest a lot. In that ninth chapter, Matthew is talking a lot about how Jesus Christ was reaching out to those who are outside the church including the sick, the tax collectors, and the lost – he called them sheep without a shepherd. He then went on to say, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Sure, harvest season is all the time. But sometimes I guess we need a little reminder that there may be someone new to you over the next coming weeks who needs to hear that they are loved, wanted, and needed right here in the church. I think we need that little reminder because each of us has our own priorities in mind at time of the year.
Let’s pray for that harvest. Almighty God, there are so many around us that need to hear your Word in their lives. They are hungering and thirsting for you and for your love. Help us to go out into the fields of harvest that you have made ready, and glean those who have been left behind by the world. Give us strength to see beyond our own perspective and see the needs of those who come seeking the shepherd. In Jesus Name, Amen.
This week in worship, we will be hearing a message on the cost of radical discipleship. My message title is “I Need Your Answer by Noon.” But if worship goes over this week by a few minutes, you can get me your answer then. But even before that, remember that Sunday School starts this week throughout the building for all ages. Invite someone, invite a child, invite a friend – they might just be waiting for an invitation. Hope to see you then.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
A Gift
Have you ever seen some of those shows that “discover” how much something is worth? People find things in obscure locations and find out that it is worth tremendous amounts of money. Often times these items are in near perfect condition, hardly used, and probably seldom enjoyed.
I have often thought about some of the things that have been discovered and think back to the items that I once had: Star Wars toys and figurines, Steel Tonka trucks, and large sized G.I. Joes. All of these toys that I once had could have been on a list of things discovered. Only one problem – I played with them.
I have a doll (I choose to call it a toy) in my drawer. His name is Harry Baby. I don’t think that’s his original name, but it is my name for him. He is a cloth doll with hard rubber arms, head and legs. He has electrical tape holding his head on. His fingers and toes have been chewed off, and he has had several appendectomies. He is my toy, but he was enjoyed by my siblings as well.
If he was not about to fall apart at the slightest breath, I would probably let my children play with him. I am told that it was/is a Madame Alexander Doll. Some might know what that really means, but to me he was just a bald and naked baby doll that I carried around by its neck. I guess if we hadn’t played with him, he could be one of those discovered treasures.
This year, our children received very expensive dolls for Christmas. They are American Dolls. Some children get the dolls and they dress them up and put them on a shelf, only to be admired, looked at, and never touched. When we were looking at the dolls and asking questions of the representative, we were discouraged at one point from even buying a particular doll. “Your daughter is too young for Falicity,” we were told.
When my kids got them, I guess they could have done the same as some children and place them into mothballs, but they didn’t. My parents who actually gave the girls the dolls told them, “these dolls are for play, not show.” Good thing too – I don’t think putting it on a shelf would have worked in our family.
Gifts are an amazing thing. Yet often times we choose to put them on a shelf, or in a cupboard so that they won’t be broken or destroyed. Sure, you may be able to “discover” them later in life, but what do you gain in the meantime. You may also see that the gift goes unused, only to see its value diminished in the future.
I for one am in favor of playing away. My life is much better having played with my Harry Baby and my Star Wars figures, and our daughters are better off playing with their American Girl Dolls.
The Gospel of Matthew tells a story in chapter 25 about talents. It is a parable that talks about being given so much. The characters are just given the gifts, one five, one two, and the other one. They go off each in their own direction, each with their talents. Two invest, and one decides to play it safe and put his on a shelf.
That story reminds me of the gifts that we are given. We have a choice to bury them, put them on a shelf; or use them and discover the hidden treasure that is revealed. It is a story that talks about how God has given us so much, so many gifts. We have a choice to make. We can either choose to neglect those gifts, or use them.
I guess you know where I stand.
Maybe as we move forward into a new year within the church, you should be asking yourself some tough questions. What gifts have I been given? Have I been using them to the glory of God? Am I building the kingdom, or just hoping to reap some benefit for myself later? Finally, how can I use the gifts that I have been given?
Gracious and loving God, you have given us so much. For that we give thanks. But we pray this day that we might first discover what you have given to us and not waste the provisions and the gifts that you share. Embolden us to service, O Lord, that others will come to know you and your great love. In Jesus name, Amen.
I have often thought about some of the things that have been discovered and think back to the items that I once had: Star Wars toys and figurines, Steel Tonka trucks, and large sized G.I. Joes. All of these toys that I once had could have been on a list of things discovered. Only one problem – I played with them.
I have a doll (I choose to call it a toy) in my drawer. His name is Harry Baby. I don’t think that’s his original name, but it is my name for him. He is a cloth doll with hard rubber arms, head and legs. He has electrical tape holding his head on. His fingers and toes have been chewed off, and he has had several appendectomies. He is my toy, but he was enjoyed by my siblings as well.
If he was not about to fall apart at the slightest breath, I would probably let my children play with him. I am told that it was/is a Madame Alexander Doll. Some might know what that really means, but to me he was just a bald and naked baby doll that I carried around by its neck. I guess if we hadn’t played with him, he could be one of those discovered treasures.
This year, our children received very expensive dolls for Christmas. They are American Dolls. Some children get the dolls and they dress them up and put them on a shelf, only to be admired, looked at, and never touched. When we were looking at the dolls and asking questions of the representative, we were discouraged at one point from even buying a particular doll. “Your daughter is too young for Falicity,” we were told.
When my kids got them, I guess they could have done the same as some children and place them into mothballs, but they didn’t. My parents who actually gave the girls the dolls told them, “these dolls are for play, not show.” Good thing too – I don’t think putting it on a shelf would have worked in our family.
Gifts are an amazing thing. Yet often times we choose to put them on a shelf, or in a cupboard so that they won’t be broken or destroyed. Sure, you may be able to “discover” them later in life, but what do you gain in the meantime. You may also see that the gift goes unused, only to see its value diminished in the future.
I for one am in favor of playing away. My life is much better having played with my Harry Baby and my Star Wars figures, and our daughters are better off playing with their American Girl Dolls.
The Gospel of Matthew tells a story in chapter 25 about talents. It is a parable that talks about being given so much. The characters are just given the gifts, one five, one two, and the other one. They go off each in their own direction, each with their talents. Two invest, and one decides to play it safe and put his on a shelf.
That story reminds me of the gifts that we are given. We have a choice to bury them, put them on a shelf; or use them and discover the hidden treasure that is revealed. It is a story that talks about how God has given us so much, so many gifts. We have a choice to make. We can either choose to neglect those gifts, or use them.
I guess you know where I stand.
Maybe as we move forward into a new year within the church, you should be asking yourself some tough questions. What gifts have I been given? Have I been using them to the glory of God? Am I building the kingdom, or just hoping to reap some benefit for myself later? Finally, how can I use the gifts that I have been given?
Gracious and loving God, you have given us so much. For that we give thanks. But we pray this day that we might first discover what you have given to us and not waste the provisions and the gifts that you share. Embolden us to service, O Lord, that others will come to know you and your great love. In Jesus name, Amen.
Humble Thyself
Last week on a retreat, our covenant group had some candid and honest conversations about Leadership and moving forward in ministry. We talked a lot about not getting distracted by things that may seem of the earth, while at the same time being Biblically focused and Christ Centered.
Today in my devotion (trying to do that following our discussion), I read scripture not only from Psalm 1, but also Matthew 20. The Matthew text reminded me of our discussion on Thursday and Friday and reinforced it completely. In order to become great, we must be a servant first.
And then I read a great selection from a reading. James Allen wrote in "As a Man Thinketh" this passage.
And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the Vision(not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. you will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration . . . .
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. "Gifts," powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build you life by, this you will become.
Leadership is not an easy task. And we must be careful to be mindful of all that God is continuing to bring to us in scripture, thought, prayer, and ultimately service.
Let's pray that we continue to look to God for the Vision of our hearts.
Today in my devotion (trying to do that following our discussion), I read scripture not only from Psalm 1, but also Matthew 20. The Matthew text reminded me of our discussion on Thursday and Friday and reinforced it completely. In order to become great, we must be a servant first.
And then I read a great selection from a reading. James Allen wrote in "As a Man Thinketh" this passage.
And you, too, youthful reader, will realize the Vision(not the idle wish) of your heart, be it base or beautiful, or a mixture of both, for you will always gravitate toward that which you, secretly, most love. Into your hands will be placed the exact results of your own thoughts; you will receive that which you earn; no more, no less. Whatever your present environment may be, you will fall, remain, or rise with your thoughts, your Vision, your Ideal. you will become as small as your controlling desire; as great as your dominant aspiration . . . .
In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. "Gifts," powers, material, intellectual, and spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized.
The Vision that you glorify in your mind, the Ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build you life by, this you will become.
Leadership is not an easy task. And we must be careful to be mindful of all that God is continuing to bring to us in scripture, thought, prayer, and ultimately service.
Let's pray that we continue to look to God for the Vision of our hearts.
Monday, August 27, 2007
First Thoughts
Mike Vick made a statement following his appearance in court today. It was not the most eloquent statement that I have ever heard. I question his sincerity and some of the advice that he may have been given.
I was shocked by one statement. After saying that he was going to "turn to God" through this situation, he proceeded to say "I will redeem myself."
Wow! Didn't know that was really possible.
I think he has some more "turnin' to God" to do.
I was shocked by one statement. After saying that he was going to "turn to God" through this situation, he proceeded to say "I will redeem myself."
Wow! Didn't know that was really possible.
I think he has some more "turnin' to God" to do.
Back to School
Well, it's that time of year again. Back to school. In so many ways, we are relieved that it is here. Back to a normal schedule, Normal as possible I guess. Trying to put back some routine into a child's life is a good thing. Reminds me that I too need to be back to the things that make Disciples. Let's all pray for the students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and all those who work with our children this week. Thank God for their lives and for their influence in our children's lives. May they be good Christian examples.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
When the Rain Comes
It is hard to believe that just a few short weeks ago, our region was on a drought watch. Our water tables had dropped below acceptable levels, and we were being asked to voluntarily conserve water in some areas. How quickly things change.
Flooding throughout the country caused by extreme weather has been the story nationally. Globally, the story has been Hurricane Dean which hit landfall this morning in the Yucatan Peninsula with record winds and record lows for barometric pressures. And locally, the rains have come once again. Rising creeks and streams seem to be the attention seekers these days, but we know that culverts also overflow and basements flood in unusual places as well.
Some of us are lucky during these times. We can simply hunker down in our homes, hope that the lights do not go out, and ride out the storm with a good book. But many are not lucky. Simply the threat of rain has them looking out their doors wondering if the waters will rise. They enter the dark reaches of their life and completely shift boxes and hope that the water heater doesn’t get flooded. They pack up their things, and hope that they have a shelter to which they can return.
I think about those people in these times. Hurricane victims in regions of the globe who have no hope; residents of communities that have no choice but to remain in their homes, no one would buy their house from them; older individuals who find it hard to live paycheck to paycheck let alone try to pay for a new furnace. I think about them.
But I also think about those whose lives are damaged by the difficulties they encounter each day. These stories often don’t make the headlines: People facing cancer treatments, people who are depressed, families enduring abuse, and those whose lives seem directionless.
Those people often feel as if they have somehow been separated from God. But I am reminded that the promise we have is that there is nothing that can separate us from God and his love. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Romans, that there is nothing that can separate us from that great love. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, principalities or powers, angels or demons, and I might add that neither rains nor floods can remove that love. God is with us. We are not alone.
One of my favorite Christian Artists is the group, Third Day. They have a song that talks about this rain and reminds me that even when the rain comes, God is still there.
When the rain comes it seems that everyone has gone away.
When the night falls you wonder if you shouldn’t find someplace.
To run and hide, escape the pain
But hidings such a lonely thing to do.
I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.
When the rain comes you blame it on the things that you have done.
When the storm fades you know that rain must fall on everyone
Rest awhile, It’ll be alright
No one loves you like I do.
I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.
When the rain comes I will hold you.
Let’s pray for those experiencing the rain this week. May God continue to hold them in the palm of his hands.
Almighty God, we come praying for those who watch the rising waters and falling rain. We feel hopeless, but we know that there are those without any hope. We pray that you would restore that hope and remind them that you are present. Hold them, dear Lord, until the rain goes, and the sun reappears. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.
This week, we will be hearing a message entitled, “It’s for you” from the prophet Jeremiah. I hope that you have a great week. One more week until school starts in many places, and college students are returning this week. Remember to pray for them too.
Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Flooding throughout the country caused by extreme weather has been the story nationally. Globally, the story has been Hurricane Dean which hit landfall this morning in the Yucatan Peninsula with record winds and record lows for barometric pressures. And locally, the rains have come once again. Rising creeks and streams seem to be the attention seekers these days, but we know that culverts also overflow and basements flood in unusual places as well.
Some of us are lucky during these times. We can simply hunker down in our homes, hope that the lights do not go out, and ride out the storm with a good book. But many are not lucky. Simply the threat of rain has them looking out their doors wondering if the waters will rise. They enter the dark reaches of their life and completely shift boxes and hope that the water heater doesn’t get flooded. They pack up their things, and hope that they have a shelter to which they can return.
I think about those people in these times. Hurricane victims in regions of the globe who have no hope; residents of communities that have no choice but to remain in their homes, no one would buy their house from them; older individuals who find it hard to live paycheck to paycheck let alone try to pay for a new furnace. I think about them.
But I also think about those whose lives are damaged by the difficulties they encounter each day. These stories often don’t make the headlines: People facing cancer treatments, people who are depressed, families enduring abuse, and those whose lives seem directionless.
Those people often feel as if they have somehow been separated from God. But I am reminded that the promise we have is that there is nothing that can separate us from God and his love. Paul reminds us in the letter to the Romans, that there is nothing that can separate us from that great love. Neither life nor death, height nor depth, principalities or powers, angels or demons, and I might add that neither rains nor floods can remove that love. God is with us. We are not alone.
One of my favorite Christian Artists is the group, Third Day. They have a song that talks about this rain and reminds me that even when the rain comes, God is still there.
When the rain comes it seems that everyone has gone away.
When the night falls you wonder if you shouldn’t find someplace.
To run and hide, escape the pain
But hidings such a lonely thing to do.
I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.
When the rain comes you blame it on the things that you have done.
When the storm fades you know that rain must fall on everyone
Rest awhile, It’ll be alright
No one loves you like I do.
I can’t stop the rain from falling down on you again.
I can’t stop the rain but I will hold you till it goes away.
When the rain comes I will hold you.
Let’s pray for those experiencing the rain this week. May God continue to hold them in the palm of his hands.
Almighty God, we come praying for those who watch the rising waters and falling rain. We feel hopeless, but we know that there are those without any hope. We pray that you would restore that hope and remind them that you are present. Hold them, dear Lord, until the rain goes, and the sun reappears. We pray these things in Jesus name. Amen.
This week, we will be hearing a message entitled, “It’s for you” from the prophet Jeremiah. I hope that you have a great week. One more week until school starts in many places, and college students are returning this week. Remember to pray for them too.
Pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
From the world of the Bizarre
If any of you have ever had the pleasure of walking into a toy room with bare feet, you may have stepped on a Lego or something small enough to send white hot streaks of pain shooting up your nervous system. You hop and fume, you may even spew a bowling word or two. If you live in a house with all girls, the small objects are usually something like a Polly Pocket. It wasn't enough that they created small rubber suits that call for nimble fingers. But no, they created hard plastic clothes that stick to Polly and her plastic faced friends' bodies with magnets.
But alas, there is relief! There is a recall! Now I just have to convince my children that Polly and friends needed to go back to the Grinch's workshop.
Well, I bet you can tell that ain't gonna happen. So I guess that I'll just have to keep the magnets out of their mouths, and the hard clothes off the floor.
But alas, there is relief! There is a recall! Now I just have to convince my children that Polly and friends needed to go back to the Grinch's workshop.
Well, I bet you can tell that ain't gonna happen. So I guess that I'll just have to keep the magnets out of their mouths, and the hard clothes off the floor.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Gifts that Differ
“For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function.” Romans 12:4
There are moments in life when you know some things to be true. There are things that we have learned and they become part of our collective understanding of reality. Then there are times when we learn something, and it goes completely against everything that we come to know as truth.
There are also moments in life when you hear something again and it only reinforces ideas or concepts that you have previously accepted. Sometimes, by hearing something again, you hear it differently than you had the first time. You can gain new insights, new ways of thinking, and for that matter, a new energy for moving forward.
That’s how I felt after having attended a continuing education event last week. I am a firm believer in Leadership Development and so having an opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit gave me an opportunity to hear some new and exciting ideas as well as being reminded of some things that I had already come to accept. Further more, I was given new energy to move forward in innovative and exciting ways in ministry.
In addition to hearing from the likes of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek, Carley Fiorina who served as CEO of HP, and Colin Powell, we had a session with business consultant and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. In Buckingham’s books, he gives new insights to maximizing strengths and understanding the crucial differences between management and leadership.
Buckingham’s discussion centered on his new book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work.” In our society today, most people think that we need to fix the characteristics that are our weakest. However, he argues that we need to build around our strengths and manage our weaknesses. This is counter-intuitive, but it makes a lot of sense.
Think about it. If you want to make a strong marriage, are you going to study good marriages or bad ones? If you want to know what makes people happy, are you going to build upon what makes them happy, or ask them what makes them sad? If you want to know what makes people healthy, are you going to study the well or the sick? He would argue obviously toward the characteristics that lead to strengths. I like that!
Buckingham concluded that afternoon by talking about 4 signs of strengths. First of all, we find success when we operate out of our strengths. There are things that happen more out of our instincts. We can see growth in our lives. Finally, when we operate out of our strengths, there are certain needs that are met; when we fulfill those needs, you feel effective. You can say, “I feel strong when I ______.” You fill in the blank.
Events such as the Leadership Summit are designed in many ways to make personal application. But, they are also designed for leaders to develop other leaders. Certainly there are personal applications, but there are so many that apply to those who sit in the pews. I am looking forward to reading Buckingham’s book. But I am also excited to think about how this applies to the church.
Everything that Buckingham argues is exactly what we find in the scriptures. Paul argues in the book of Romans that each of us has different strengths. In the church we call them Spiritual Gifts. There are some that are more suited to certain activities. Some are leaders, some are teachers, some are preachers, and some are prophets. However, not everyone has the same gift, nor should everyone be doing the same thing.
If we combine those two thoughts, it would follow that maybe what we should be doing is targeting our strengths, our spiritual gifts, and use them rather than complain when someone asks us to do something toward which we are just not gifted. We should be maximizing our spiritual gifts, and managing those things that are just not our strongest.
I know people who have the gift of hospitality. You feel welcomed by them anytime you are in their presence. I know people with the gift of compassion, their heart breaks any time that tragedy strikes. You know people who have the gift of generosity, they would give you the shirt off their back without a question.
Doing those things, and operating out of those strengths only make those persons stronger. They also make the body of Christ stronger. There are also studies that show that when we operate out of our giftedness in the church, we are less likely to burn out, give up, and ultimately throw up our hands in frustration. When we are passionate about what we do, great ministry can happen.
What Buckingham is preaching is something that I needed to hear. Some of his insights were new twists on things that I had already come to know, but some of what he argues just goes against conventional wisdom. However, this idea of operating out of our strengths is exactly the truth that I have come to believe. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:6
But I think you knew that.
Won’t you pray for your strengths? “Gracious and loving creator, I thank you that you have given me so many gifts. I am unique and wonderfully made. Use me, O God, for the work of the church that your name might be glorified. Strengthen me for your purpose and toward you will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”
This week, Hengust Robinson will be preaching at College Hill. I will be preaching at my home church of St. Paul’s in Allison Park, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration that is happening over the next few months. They have invited former pastors, and those who have been called into ministry from the church to preach. I am excited about it – it was the place where I came to know that I had some Spiritual Gifts to share. I will miss being with you this week, but know that Hengust will be spectacular! Don’t miss it!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
There are moments in life when you know some things to be true. There are things that we have learned and they become part of our collective understanding of reality. Then there are times when we learn something, and it goes completely against everything that we come to know as truth.
There are also moments in life when you hear something again and it only reinforces ideas or concepts that you have previously accepted. Sometimes, by hearing something again, you hear it differently than you had the first time. You can gain new insights, new ways of thinking, and for that matter, a new energy for moving forward.
That’s how I felt after having attended a continuing education event last week. I am a firm believer in Leadership Development and so having an opportunity to attend the Willow Creek Association Leadership Summit gave me an opportunity to hear some new and exciting ideas as well as being reminded of some things that I had already come to accept. Further more, I was given new energy to move forward in innovative and exciting ways in ministry.
In addition to hearing from the likes of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek, Carley Fiorina who served as CEO of HP, and Colin Powell, we had a session with business consultant and best-selling author Marcus Buckingham. In Buckingham’s books, he gives new insights to maximizing strengths and understanding the crucial differences between management and leadership.
Buckingham’s discussion centered on his new book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work.” In our society today, most people think that we need to fix the characteristics that are our weakest. However, he argues that we need to build around our strengths and manage our weaknesses. This is counter-intuitive, but it makes a lot of sense.
Think about it. If you want to make a strong marriage, are you going to study good marriages or bad ones? If you want to know what makes people happy, are you going to build upon what makes them happy, or ask them what makes them sad? If you want to know what makes people healthy, are you going to study the well or the sick? He would argue obviously toward the characteristics that lead to strengths. I like that!
Buckingham concluded that afternoon by talking about 4 signs of strengths. First of all, we find success when we operate out of our strengths. There are things that happen more out of our instincts. We can see growth in our lives. Finally, when we operate out of our strengths, there are certain needs that are met; when we fulfill those needs, you feel effective. You can say, “I feel strong when I ______.” You fill in the blank.
Events such as the Leadership Summit are designed in many ways to make personal application. But, they are also designed for leaders to develop other leaders. Certainly there are personal applications, but there are so many that apply to those who sit in the pews. I am looking forward to reading Buckingham’s book. But I am also excited to think about how this applies to the church.
Everything that Buckingham argues is exactly what we find in the scriptures. Paul argues in the book of Romans that each of us has different strengths. In the church we call them Spiritual Gifts. There are some that are more suited to certain activities. Some are leaders, some are teachers, some are preachers, and some are prophets. However, not everyone has the same gift, nor should everyone be doing the same thing.
If we combine those two thoughts, it would follow that maybe what we should be doing is targeting our strengths, our spiritual gifts, and use them rather than complain when someone asks us to do something toward which we are just not gifted. We should be maximizing our spiritual gifts, and managing those things that are just not our strongest.
I know people who have the gift of hospitality. You feel welcomed by them anytime you are in their presence. I know people with the gift of compassion, their heart breaks any time that tragedy strikes. You know people who have the gift of generosity, they would give you the shirt off their back without a question.
Doing those things, and operating out of those strengths only make those persons stronger. They also make the body of Christ stronger. There are also studies that show that when we operate out of our giftedness in the church, we are less likely to burn out, give up, and ultimately throw up our hands in frustration. When we are passionate about what we do, great ministry can happen.
What Buckingham is preaching is something that I needed to hear. Some of his insights were new twists on things that I had already come to know, but some of what he argues just goes against conventional wisdom. However, this idea of operating out of our strengths is exactly the truth that I have come to believe. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” Romans 12:6
But I think you knew that.
Won’t you pray for your strengths? “Gracious and loving creator, I thank you that you have given me so many gifts. I am unique and wonderfully made. Use me, O God, for the work of the church that your name might be glorified. Strengthen me for your purpose and toward you will. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.”
This week, Hengust Robinson will be preaching at College Hill. I will be preaching at my home church of St. Paul’s in Allison Park, as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration that is happening over the next few months. They have invited former pastors, and those who have been called into ministry from the church to preach. I am excited about it – it was the place where I came to know that I had some Spiritual Gifts to share. I will miss being with you this week, but know that Hengust will be spectacular! Don’t miss it!
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Day Two
What another great day at the Leadership Summit. I am so excited about Leadership Development, but my only regret is not taking some members of my congregation with me. I need to refocus sometimes and think about continuing education, or leadership development from a congregational level sometimes.
Friday we heard from Harvard Business School's Michael Porter on Strategy and Leadership. He was first of all, very learned. He is widely regarded at the leading authority on Strategic Planning. His primary focus for the day was to focus in our institutions where we can have most value. Social benefit per dollar = value. In order to do this we need to think strategically with goals. Strategy and goals can not be confused. I enjoyed this lecture.
Secondly, we heard from Colin Powell. Powell has always operated on a set of axioms that he uses. He shared some of these in a conversation with Hybels. It was really great. All I can say at this moment is that the United States lost a great chance at having him as our First African American President. I have a lot, and I can not stress that enough, a lot of respect for this man. What passion! What conviction!
Finally for the afternoon (we missed the last one due to an Ingomar Commitment) was John Ortberg. Wow, what an inspirational and powerful speaker. His conversation was on a Leader's Greatest Fear. Leaders have many fears, fear of failure, fear of mutiny, fear of criticism, but he talked about the greatest fear - the fear of something that can happen in all of us as leaders. Our greatest fear in our ministry is moving from our mission to what he called a shadow mission. Shadow missions are the ones in our lives that are not that different that our primary mission, but they are self serving and self-destructive. He reminded us that Jesus' shadow mission was to be the messiah without suffering, Lordship without the cross. Jesus faced this shadow mission with the devil in the desert, with Peter, in the Garden, and even on the cross as others called for him to save himself. Powerful stuff.
Well the drama continues at the Cox Household. Elisabeth got sick last night at the aforementioned Ingomar Function. Yes, my worst fear came true. She vomited buckets in public at the Heinz History Museum, right in front of a huge room of people who were eating. Yup, I felt like Gil in Parenthood. So I am home, and Tracy is off to hear Jimmy Carter and Bill Hybels again on the last day.
I can't wait till next year. I think that this should be one of the events that our Annual Conference should be promoting for leaders throughout our connection!!!
Friday we heard from Harvard Business School's Michael Porter on Strategy and Leadership. He was first of all, very learned. He is widely regarded at the leading authority on Strategic Planning. His primary focus for the day was to focus in our institutions where we can have most value. Social benefit per dollar = value. In order to do this we need to think strategically with goals. Strategy and goals can not be confused. I enjoyed this lecture.
Secondly, we heard from Colin Powell. Powell has always operated on a set of axioms that he uses. He shared some of these in a conversation with Hybels. It was really great. All I can say at this moment is that the United States lost a great chance at having him as our First African American President. I have a lot, and I can not stress that enough, a lot of respect for this man. What passion! What conviction!
Finally for the afternoon (we missed the last one due to an Ingomar Commitment) was John Ortberg. Wow, what an inspirational and powerful speaker. His conversation was on a Leader's Greatest Fear. Leaders have many fears, fear of failure, fear of mutiny, fear of criticism, but he talked about the greatest fear - the fear of something that can happen in all of us as leaders. Our greatest fear in our ministry is moving from our mission to what he called a shadow mission. Shadow missions are the ones in our lives that are not that different that our primary mission, but they are self serving and self-destructive. He reminded us that Jesus' shadow mission was to be the messiah without suffering, Lordship without the cross. Jesus faced this shadow mission with the devil in the desert, with Peter, in the Garden, and even on the cross as others called for him to save himself. Powerful stuff.
Well the drama continues at the Cox Household. Elisabeth got sick last night at the aforementioned Ingomar Function. Yes, my worst fear came true. She vomited buckets in public at the Heinz History Museum, right in front of a huge room of people who were eating. Yup, I felt like Gil in Parenthood. So I am home, and Tracy is off to hear Jimmy Carter and Bill Hybels again on the last day.
I can't wait till next year. I think that this should be one of the events that our Annual Conference should be promoting for leaders throughout our connection!!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
On a High
Today, I attended the first day of the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It was awesome in so many ways. I believe very strongly in leadership development, and this is only a small part of my own growth.
Bill Hybels began the day with a talk about casting vision that you would be willing to die for in the church. It was a dynamic beginning. He talked about the new approaches to building vision that is based upon team ownership rather than the old model called the Sinai Model. Many old school pastors remember casting their own vision that they got from on high and then tried to sell it. Doesn't work that way anymore.
Next we heard a conversation between Hybels and the former CEO of HP, Carley Fiorina. This was an interesting engagement talking about character and authenticity. She said that leadership requires passion. Good stuff.
The next speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake was interrupted by this afternoon's storm. We were moved to the basement for the Tornado Warning. Good decision, but we missed the greater part of his opening. He was not as easy to follow.
Finally, the best part of the day was with Marcus Buckingham. if you ever get a chance to read some of his stuff, I would recommend it. He was engaging and dynamic. He was talking about putting our strengths to work in an atmosphere were we always seem to want to focus on our weaknesses. He was talking about Building around strengths and managing our weaknesses. Awesome.
I can't wait for tomorrow when we hear from Colin Powell, and Jon Ortberg among others.
Bill Hybels began the day with a talk about casting vision that you would be willing to die for in the church. It was a dynamic beginning. He talked about the new approaches to building vision that is based upon team ownership rather than the old model called the Sinai Model. Many old school pastors remember casting their own vision that they got from on high and then tried to sell it. Doesn't work that way anymore.
Next we heard a conversation between Hybels and the former CEO of HP, Carley Fiorina. This was an interesting engagement talking about character and authenticity. She said that leadership requires passion. Good stuff.
The next speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake was interrupted by this afternoon's storm. We were moved to the basement for the Tornado Warning. Good decision, but we missed the greater part of his opening. He was not as easy to follow.
Finally, the best part of the day was with Marcus Buckingham. if you ever get a chance to read some of his stuff, I would recommend it. He was engaging and dynamic. He was talking about putting our strengths to work in an atmosphere were we always seem to want to focus on our weaknesses. He was talking about Building around strengths and managing our weaknesses. Awesome.
I can't wait for tomorrow when we hear from Colin Powell, and Jon Ortberg among others.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Filling Up
I really try my best to attend continuing education events, or seminars. I do not feel that the expectation of continued learning is a burden in my professional career. I see it as a part of my overall growth personally and professionally.
There are some who find the concept beyond their "need" or responsibility in ministry. I find this attitude misguided. However, there is the other strain of professional that just finds it overwhelming to fit it into the weekly grind.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will be attending the Leadership Summit at Orchard Hill Church in the North Hills. I am very excited. Mostly because this is exactly what I need right now, but also because this is the kind of seminar that really revives me.
That being said, I am falling into that previous category of those who find it hard to fit in. No doubt, I am going. But today, I am feeling the pressure of getting things done and prepared for this weekend.
There are some who find the concept beyond their "need" or responsibility in ministry. I find this attitude misguided. However, there is the other strain of professional that just finds it overwhelming to fit it into the weekly grind.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I will be attending the Leadership Summit at Orchard Hill Church in the North Hills. I am very excited. Mostly because this is exactly what I need right now, but also because this is the kind of seminar that really revives me.
That being said, I am falling into that previous category of those who find it hard to fit in. No doubt, I am going. But today, I am feeling the pressure of getting things done and prepared for this weekend.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Remote Controlled
At what point do we become ruled by earthly things? At what point do we become captive to the things in our lives? Excellent question you may say. But why the questions, you may ask?
There are points in my life when I realize that I have a relatively firm grasp on things. First and foremost, I strive each and everyday to live not to myself, but for God and Jesus Christ. I like to think that ultimately, God has control over my life and through God’s grace I have control over my life. Because of that grace, things do not lord over me and control me. I like to think that I have a firm grasp of my health. I like to believe that I have a good sense of abiding by rules. I like to assume that debt and consumerism do not control my every action. I do not live in fear, so therefore I assume that the world and everyday circumstances do not dictate whether I go outside. Even after this past week’s tragedy in Minneapolis, I like to think that bridges are safe and therefore I will travel over them. Living in Western Pennsylvania, we have no choice but to cross bridges, even if they are “structurally deficient.”
But just when I think that I have things in control, there are moments when I realized just how enslaved I am to some things.
Friday night, Tracy and I left to go to a rehearsal dinner for a wedding I officiated this weekend. During the day, we knew that the television was used and the remote control was facilitating that use. While we went to the rehearsal, our girls stayed at home for another hour and then went to a date night co-op event that was held at the church.
Later that night when we returned home, we put the girls to bed and Tracy and I prepared to unwind from the evening, watch the evening news and eventually go to bed. When I attempted to turn the television on, I could not find the remote. Upon asking the inevitable question, the answer came, “I don’t know.”
Here’s where the control or lack of control comes into focus. Thirty years ago, it would have been nothing to manually turn the television on and sit back and watch a program. But after 25 years of having a little clicker thingie in my hand, I could not. We checked everywhere for that remote and it was no where to be found. Yes, we even checked between the cushions in the couch.
You would have thought that having a firm grasp on reality would indicate that the remote was indeed in the house. But the enslavement took over and I actually went to the store on Saturday morning to buy a new remote.
I bet you know where this story is going. And you would be in the same camp as my wife who later used a very familiar phrase, “I told you so.” You guessed it! The remote showed its unruly head just as I had completed the complicated task of programming my entire entertainment system into my universal remote.
If you have any sympathy for my situation and my enslavement, you will agree that remote controls do not belong in the toy room, in the craft box, under construction paper. I know some crafty people would have found it there, but remember I have an aversion to crafts – therefore the craft box would be the last place I would look.
I know that I should have just slowed down, taken a deep breath and pretended that it was 1977 again, but I could not. I was totally wrapped up in this remote. Which led me to think about a passage from Colossians 3.
1So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.
I have to constantly remind myself about being controlled by earthly things. Yes, I knew that the remote was going to show up sometime – it didn’t have legs, and the girls were absolutely sure that it didn’t leave the house – but I just couldn’t imagine getting up to change the channels until we found it. At that moment, I realized that I was being controlled by a remote control.
So what’s got a hold of your life this day? What do you need to do to remove it, and focus on Christ?
“Gracious and loving God, help me to always focus on you and on your kingdom. Free me this day from the things that control me and allow my life to be more holy each day. Remove all wrath and passion, and the greed that controls me. Replace that desire with a desire to love you more. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we will continue our series on the sacraments, and focus on Baptism. I hope to see you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
There are points in my life when I realize that I have a relatively firm grasp on things. First and foremost, I strive each and everyday to live not to myself, but for God and Jesus Christ. I like to think that ultimately, God has control over my life and through God’s grace I have control over my life. Because of that grace, things do not lord over me and control me. I like to think that I have a firm grasp of my health. I like to believe that I have a good sense of abiding by rules. I like to assume that debt and consumerism do not control my every action. I do not live in fear, so therefore I assume that the world and everyday circumstances do not dictate whether I go outside. Even after this past week’s tragedy in Minneapolis, I like to think that bridges are safe and therefore I will travel over them. Living in Western Pennsylvania, we have no choice but to cross bridges, even if they are “structurally deficient.”
But just when I think that I have things in control, there are moments when I realized just how enslaved I am to some things.
Friday night, Tracy and I left to go to a rehearsal dinner for a wedding I officiated this weekend. During the day, we knew that the television was used and the remote control was facilitating that use. While we went to the rehearsal, our girls stayed at home for another hour and then went to a date night co-op event that was held at the church.
Later that night when we returned home, we put the girls to bed and Tracy and I prepared to unwind from the evening, watch the evening news and eventually go to bed. When I attempted to turn the television on, I could not find the remote. Upon asking the inevitable question, the answer came, “I don’t know.”
Here’s where the control or lack of control comes into focus. Thirty years ago, it would have been nothing to manually turn the television on and sit back and watch a program. But after 25 years of having a little clicker thingie in my hand, I could not. We checked everywhere for that remote and it was no where to be found. Yes, we even checked between the cushions in the couch.
You would have thought that having a firm grasp on reality would indicate that the remote was indeed in the house. But the enslavement took over and I actually went to the store on Saturday morning to buy a new remote.
I bet you know where this story is going. And you would be in the same camp as my wife who later used a very familiar phrase, “I told you so.” You guessed it! The remote showed its unruly head just as I had completed the complicated task of programming my entire entertainment system into my universal remote.
If you have any sympathy for my situation and my enslavement, you will agree that remote controls do not belong in the toy room, in the craft box, under construction paper. I know some crafty people would have found it there, but remember I have an aversion to crafts – therefore the craft box would be the last place I would look.
I know that I should have just slowed down, taken a deep breath and pretended that it was 1977 again, but I could not. I was totally wrapped up in this remote. Which led me to think about a passage from Colossians 3.
1So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.
I have to constantly remind myself about being controlled by earthly things. Yes, I knew that the remote was going to show up sometime – it didn’t have legs, and the girls were absolutely sure that it didn’t leave the house – but I just couldn’t imagine getting up to change the channels until we found it. At that moment, I realized that I was being controlled by a remote control.
So what’s got a hold of your life this day? What do you need to do to remove it, and focus on Christ?
“Gracious and loving God, help me to always focus on you and on your kingdom. Free me this day from the things that control me and allow my life to be more holy each day. Remove all wrath and passion, and the greed that controls me. Replace that desire with a desire to love you more. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.”
This week in worship, we will continue our series on the sacraments, and focus on Baptism. I hope to see you this week.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
Monday, August 6, 2007
Weighing in on 755
Saturday night, Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants, tied a longstanding record for career home runs in the Major Leagues by hitting number 755. He tied the great Hank Aaron who broke the record long before I was a baseball fan.
I love baseball and have ever since I was a kid. I love going to the ball park to watch games, and I really do love to see a great game. The Long Ball makes games exciting, and so being in the presence of some great players and watching them crush a ball can be a thrill.
I'm not a baseball purist, that is to say, that I do not mourn the breaking of records. Records, as they say, are meant to be broken. They are great milestones in history and it can be exciting to watch it happen.
That being said, I can't really say that I'm all that concerned with this one. Yes, it's too bad that the controversy surrounds it and it has to happen this way, but normally I would like to see history in the making. I don't feel that way with this one. I guess I'm ambivalent!
I would, however, like to see Bonds' record be broken. That may actually happen very soon.
Then maybe we will have something to celebrate in Baseball.
I love baseball and have ever since I was a kid. I love going to the ball park to watch games, and I really do love to see a great game. The Long Ball makes games exciting, and so being in the presence of some great players and watching them crush a ball can be a thrill.
I'm not a baseball purist, that is to say, that I do not mourn the breaking of records. Records, as they say, are meant to be broken. They are great milestones in history and it can be exciting to watch it happen.
That being said, I can't really say that I'm all that concerned with this one. Yes, it's too bad that the controversy surrounds it and it has to happen this way, but normally I would like to see history in the making. I don't feel that way with this one. I guess I'm ambivalent!
I would, however, like to see Bonds' record be broken. That may actually happen very soon.
Then maybe we will have something to celebrate in Baseball.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Getting Close to the Fire
The secretary of the church just returned from a week of vacation in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Her extended family went away for a week of camping and relaxation.
For all intents and purposes, it was a great week to go camping. There were no major storms that hit their area and the weather was generally cooperative. However, the expectations of warm temperatures were met by the unexpected cooler temperatures that we experienced last week.
The secretary was telling me all about the week and how it was just nice to be away. It was a nice relaxing week away. But, she explained, the evening temperatures were much cooler than they expected. They had a bonfire each night, and some in the family even pulled out some heavy coats.
She continued, “But you can imagine what it was like with 27 people all huddled around the camp fire. By the end of the week we couldn’t get close enough to get warm. By Friday night, we had to build three separate camp fires.”
Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone and get stuck on one thing that the person said to you? You think about what they said, and you don’t hear much of what they said after that? That’s what I experienced when I heard that statement about the fires.
I know that I am probably unlike other people. I sit and hear stories and think about the theological implications. I go to movies and look for the Christ figure. I think about everyday situations and conversations, and look for God.
So back to the conversation; I was struck by the theological significance of that one statement. “Try to imagine 27 people huddled around the camp fire. By the end of the week we couldn’t get close enough to get warm. By Friday night, we had to build three separate camp fires.”
There is a message in that statement. I think the message is about the church and about our relationship with Christ. Often our relationship in church happens in a group. We grow and we grow in our relationship, that sometimes we grow so close that we can’t help but split up into separate groups. Our relationship with Christ is the same way. We are attracted so much by the fire of Christ that burns within us, that we can’t help but to want to be closer to the light, the fire. Sometimes, the only way that we can get closer is to divide.
Last’s week’s E-pistle was about small groups. I called them accountability groups. This is another way of thinking about a small group. It is a group of people getting closer to each other and to Christ. At some point, however, small groups can only get so close – and they need to make more fires.
This campfire made me think of the early church and how it grew. Acts Chapter 2, with which many of you are familiar says,
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. . .Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
We are getting closer to camp fire season; the program year is about to begin. As we move closer and closer to the end of summer and the beginning of what you might call the church calendar year, we will have more and more opportunities to grow closer together and to Christ. One of those opportunities will be in October when the whole church will be studying together, “Treasures of the Transformed Life” as we look at how God is calling us to be the church. You can look at it as time around the camp fire. I hope that you will find those opportunities to get warm and to invite others to the fires of Life and Hope.
Remember, It only takes a spark . . .
“Dear Lord, we thank you for all that you have given to us, and for the message of your love and grace. Help us in these summer days, to grow closer to you and to those we call brothers and sisters in Christ. Give us the opportunities to open our circles to others, to share the message and to multiply those who are being saved. You are such an awesome God. Amen.”
This week, I will begin a two part series on our Sacraments in the church. This week we will be discussing and receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Have a blessed week, and I hope to see you in worship.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
For all intents and purposes, it was a great week to go camping. There were no major storms that hit their area and the weather was generally cooperative. However, the expectations of warm temperatures were met by the unexpected cooler temperatures that we experienced last week.
The secretary was telling me all about the week and how it was just nice to be away. It was a nice relaxing week away. But, she explained, the evening temperatures were much cooler than they expected. They had a bonfire each night, and some in the family even pulled out some heavy coats.
She continued, “But you can imagine what it was like with 27 people all huddled around the camp fire. By the end of the week we couldn’t get close enough to get warm. By Friday night, we had to build three separate camp fires.”
Have you ever had the experience of talking to someone and get stuck on one thing that the person said to you? You think about what they said, and you don’t hear much of what they said after that? That’s what I experienced when I heard that statement about the fires.
I know that I am probably unlike other people. I sit and hear stories and think about the theological implications. I go to movies and look for the Christ figure. I think about everyday situations and conversations, and look for God.
So back to the conversation; I was struck by the theological significance of that one statement. “Try to imagine 27 people huddled around the camp fire. By the end of the week we couldn’t get close enough to get warm. By Friday night, we had to build three separate camp fires.”
There is a message in that statement. I think the message is about the church and about our relationship with Christ. Often our relationship in church happens in a group. We grow and we grow in our relationship, that sometimes we grow so close that we can’t help but split up into separate groups. Our relationship with Christ is the same way. We are attracted so much by the fire of Christ that burns within us, that we can’t help but to want to be closer to the light, the fire. Sometimes, the only way that we can get closer is to divide.
Last’s week’s E-pistle was about small groups. I called them accountability groups. This is another way of thinking about a small group. It is a group of people getting closer to each other and to Christ. At some point, however, small groups can only get so close – and they need to make more fires.
This campfire made me think of the early church and how it grew. Acts Chapter 2, with which many of you are familiar says,
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. . .Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
We are getting closer to camp fire season; the program year is about to begin. As we move closer and closer to the end of summer and the beginning of what you might call the church calendar year, we will have more and more opportunities to grow closer together and to Christ. One of those opportunities will be in October when the whole church will be studying together, “Treasures of the Transformed Life” as we look at how God is calling us to be the church. You can look at it as time around the camp fire. I hope that you will find those opportunities to get warm and to invite others to the fires of Life and Hope.
Remember, It only takes a spark . . .
“Dear Lord, we thank you for all that you have given to us, and for the message of your love and grace. Help us in these summer days, to grow closer to you and to those we call brothers and sisters in Christ. Give us the opportunities to open our circles to others, to share the message and to multiply those who are being saved. You are such an awesome God. Amen.”
This week, I will begin a two part series on our Sacraments in the church. This week we will be discussing and receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Have a blessed week, and I hope to see you in worship.
Please pray for me, and know that I am praying for you.
Greg
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