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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
