Gathering Around the Word

No Shepherds...

2011-12-28T19:46:00.004-06:00

Hmmmm.....

This year I decided to have a special conversation with the children on Christmas Eve. My plan was to have a discussion about each piece of the nativity and what it meant--telling the story is always more fun with props. Well... there were no affordable nativity sets to be found that included shepherds. Yes, that is correct... no shepherds! I had a small nativity set that I could use, but that too did not have shepherds. Even went to a Christian book store to look at the children's nativity sets and found them. However... no shepherds once again. Of course, I could have bought a set for several hundred dollars with all the pieces but it was far too fragile for kids.

Is that what we have come to? Placing front and center the esteemed wise men along the Holy family, but not one lowly shepherd? Are they too lowly? Too humble? What does that teach our children... that only the wise (and rich and powerful) are worthy of a place by the manger? Why must it always be that the lowly are invisible and ignored? Why do we let society get away with it?

I'm know, I could have found one online... eventually. But that isn't the point is it? Or maybe it is. As followers of Jesus, we must not expect culture to supply what we need--we must search it out ourselves... and for our children. And that is just what I did. I found a couple of very suitable shepherd ornaments that adorned my stable along with an angel that would sit upon the stable top (even if at a slight angle).

And it was perfect!!!

The Spirit working again...

2011-12-18T17:12:00.005-06:00

As a pastor, one of the things that often is most frustrating is working on a bulletin for hours, only to find that once it is printed (and only an hour before worship begins) that you had mistakenly used the same hymn twice. argh! Good hymn, great message... but using the same hymn twice in one service is a bit over the top.

That was my life today and it was frustrating, especially knowing that there would be quite a number of visitors for our Children's Christmas Pageant and the Choral Cantata (both of which turned out beautiful by the way). So I picked out a new hymn, hand wrote it in the bulletins and proceeded to get ready to worship. And worship we did!

Later after getting home, the frustration at myself was still there despite all of my rationalizing that grace abounds and my salvation was not dependent upon a bulletin error. In an effort to turn my frustration around, I lit our advent wreath candles and sat down with my bible, an advent devotional, and a book of contemplative reflections.

I opened the devotional first, read it through and then proceeded to read the short scripture passage and the 'challenge' of the day. (This devotional provides a discipleship growing challenge for each day.) However, this day... yes, this day the word 'challenge' was mispelled (chalenge). Oh thank you Lord, my heart smiled as I laughed out loud. I'm not the only one who messes up something simple.

Then, after reading all of the suggested scripture passages, I opened the contemplative reflections book. These are not dated reflections and I usually read one each day as they are enough to fill one's thoughts for hours. The book opened to the place marked from yesterday, I turned the page and that this is what I found...

Stop fretting.

Be quiet.

Learn peace.

Birth peace.

Eight simple words in four simple sentences tapping me on the shoulder and drawing me back to a place of calm... and I was at peace, knowing that God knew the frustration in my heart and was working it out of me.

Sure glad I opened my devotional book--and my heart--to God's gentle, grace-filled hand.

Now... on to the quiet thing...

Thank you, Lord!

2011-11-30T15:41:00.009-06:00

As we gathered in the Fellowship Hall for our Thanksgiving Worship and Potluck Dinner, there was joy-filled conversation and the wonderful smells of home cooked potluck dishes. The evening began with worship as Salome (from the 16th chapter of Mark) joined the gathering to share messages from the past. The first was a message from Paul of thanksgiving for their faith (read Colossians 1:2b-12).

Salome reminded us the faith shown and fruit born point to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul's letter is a prayer of thanksgiving painted in hues of joy and praise, of support and reassurance that the Holy Spirit is working within usto bring the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to this community. But Paul believes that our work not only bears fruit, but it is a fruit that leads to continued growth in knowledge and wisdom of God. Many of us have traveled through many places and met many people over the years. The power of God’s Light has been working through others to touch us, to form us, to mold us as Christ’s own. And God’s Light continues on, working through us as we engage the world through the mission and ministry we embrace.

Salome reminded us to Trust in the power of God’s Light—for our Lord does rescue us from darkness. Live in the hope that is offered, sharing this same hope with others. Believe the truth that just as God worked through other people to touch our lives, God is working in and through us to touch others. The second message Salome brough us is a message of presence (read Genesis 28:10-19). God's presence is with us no matter where we are. Jacob had stated, “Surely the LORD is in this place—and I did not know it!” When those words came out of Jacob’s mouth, there was no temple in Jerusalem. Without one designated place to make their offerings, people in Jacob’s world were free to see the whole world as an altar. The Divine could erupt anywhere, and when it did they marked the spot in any way they could—even a pile of rocks covered with oil. However, there was no sense hanging around the pile of rocks for long, since God stayed on the move.

Marking the places where we meet God is important. Places like our church buildings are important. But we must be careful never to wrap ourselves up so much in any building that we forget God continues to stay on the move… making sanctuary where it is most needed. God meets us where we are. God speaks into our lives with messages for our future. God moves with us in our comings and goings, reaching out to us with grace and love giving us sanctuary in God’s presence.

Salome then asked us some questions: Where are the places you’ve met God? Have you marked the spot? …or at least marked your memory of the spot to return to in your mind? She then invited us to take some time around our tables to share a story of where we've met God. The stories were wonderful examples of presence--God's presence!

We have only to look as far as our everyday activities to see that God is present and alive. Remember the places where you have met God… where you have been touched by God.
Remember… and give thanks for the living presence of this Holy God that loves you!

Lastly, Salome brought us a message of giving thanks for things. She said, "As I gather here with you tonight, I realize that my attire stands out against your more modern clothing. At first I felt a bit uncomfortable, but then I had to laugh at myself. We gather here tonight in thanksgiving for what God has blessed us with… and what we are wearing has really no bearing on our blessings. Oh, sure, we may feel that because we can afford nice things that we have been blessed by God. But the reality is that God’s blessings go far deeper than any clothing we wear… or house that we live in."

And these blessings are many... We are blessed by a mother’s arms… A father lifting us as a child into safety… The love of friends and family… Comfort and support when we most need it… Joy upon joy as our cup overflows with the bounty of little things in the life that bring a smile to our heart. These are the things that matter. Clothing styles will continually change over the years—and society will constantly try to tell us that our clothes or means of transportation or houses are what matter. But we know better. We know that having God at the center of lives; that embracing the gift of Life that Jesus has given us; that letting the Holy Spirit blow through our lives is what really matters. Striving for the kingdom of God is far more important to us.

Salome then shared with us that at one point in his ministry, Jesus sat on the side of a mountain and shared some pearls of wisdom. She shared a portion of what he said that day… (read Matthew 6:25-33).

God knows what we need… which is not necessarily what we want. Yet, God knows best what is vital for life… full, wholesome, meaningful life… and God provides. For this we give thanks and praise God with all our being.

It was an evening of fun and laughter, prayer and praise, song and good food. Check out our pictures on BPCs Facebook page.

Thank you, Lord!

Grace Abounds!

2011-10-07T08:15:00.004-05:00

"Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace,

as it extends to more and more people,

may increase thanksgiving to the glory of God."

2 Corinthians 4:15 (NRSV).

According to the Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Grace is described as "unmerited favor." God's grace is described as "God's goodness toward humanity as expressed in the unmerited, undeserved favor given surpremely in Jesus Christ to bring salvation, forgiveness, and new life."

A man I once knew told me that for him, "that only time we didn't have God's grace was when we pushed it away."

As I look around on any given day, we can easily see God's grace in creation. What beauty we see in the fall colors! What wonder we discover in the birth of a child! God's goodness is truly Good! But grace is deeper and wider and broader than even this wondrous things. God's grace is about being given the gift of new life... both now and in the world yet to come. God's grace of new life began with God choosing to come to earth and take on the judgment of our sin. And yes, that means the judgment of all of our sins! You, me, the world. It has already happened. Grace has already been gifted to us.

So why do we push it away? Does our modern day sensibilities tell us that to receive such a gift we must be able to return a gift of equal value? Do we think that it couldn't possibly be for us? (After all, we've done some pretty terrible things.) Are we wondering why us? What is there about us that God cares so much?

Friends, you have already received God's gift of grace. There is nothing you or I can do to earn it, deserve it, achieve it, or repay it. God's grace is bigger than we can ever imagine... and it is already there showering us with love and forgiveness. Why? Because God loves the creation that God has created! Because God loves YOU and wants to be in relationship with YOU! Because God wants to see YOU thrive as well as survive the ups and downs of life. "Everything is for your sake" scripture tells us.

So... Accept the Grace. Embrace the Love. Welcome the message of Jesus into your heart and let the seeds of God's love grow! Your life depends on it!

Jessie!

2011-09-23T13:39:00.007-05:00

Pets are a part of our lives--we love them, care for them, enjoy their company, play with and occasionally scold. They are family! If you have ever had a pet that died, you know the heartache of losing a dear, dear friend. Jessie died this month and there is a gaping hole in our lives (and our hearts) with her absence. No routine to keep us grounded in the daily ebb and flow of the basics of life--food, water, outdoor runs to find the "spot" that is just right.

Interestingly, other pets in the household are affected as well. They go looking for her and when she is not found they look at you like, "okay, so just what did you do with our friend." And our hearts break all over again!

While it may seem crazy, I've had a vision in these past weeks which has reminded me that pets are God's creation too. In my understanding, pets are another way that God reaches down in to our world and touches our lives, reminding us of the need to think about the other more than we think about ourselves, to be our companions. To accept others just as they are is a challenge for humans, but not for dogs. They accept us regardless of how grumpy or happy we are. They even work to make a really bad day do an about face. Anyway, my vision.

The area is bright and sunny. Jessie is sitting with her face up looking at a dark haired person who is bent over almost nose to nose. Jessie is licking the man's face, though the face is not visible. Now... Jessie was never one to lick a person's face, or even hand for that matter. Which is what makes this act seem so unusual, so special... so worshipful. It's as if she is saying, "I did good, didn't I? didn't I? I did good, right?" all the while continuing to lick. The man is smiling and laughing and saying, "Yes you did, Jessie-girl, yes you did." Then the scene changes and all that is visible is the man and Jessie headed into the woods. The only part of Jessie that can be seen is her back half with that big puffy black tail at full wag as she follows what is now seen as only the back of the man's legs entering the lush, green woods. There is no looking back, only joy... joy in the present... and in The Presence. And the words resound, "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Master."

Our pets teach us how to faithfully serve. Are we listening? Are we learning?

May our prayer be that we, too, can approach the throne of God with the confidence that "I did good, didn't I?" so we too can enter into the joy of our Master.

Reflections on Big Tent

2011-09-02T17:35:00.003-05:00

As I reflect back on the events of Big Tent and the interactions of so many people, I am once again deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in an even that was uplifting, hopeful, and Spirit-filled. Full reflections would take pages, so here are portions of the information that filled my mind and my heart during the Big Tent.

Mark Labberton got me to laughing in our opening worship as he pointed out that Matthew's gospel is like the "smelling salts gospel" an 'up the nose' gospel as it is so raw in its call for us to follow Jesus... raw and to the point that we are to follow how Jesus lived. He notes that "if the church makes things small, then we are not loving in Jesus' way... the way that is focused not with the church as our destination, but the kingdom of God as our destination... the way that shows the initiative of the character of Jesus' love." Labberton reminded us that being a follower of Jesus is not about being mild mannered, but how to live risky, faithful, and sacrificially in the world. It was an energizing opening worship for an energizing couple of days!

Serene Jones provided helpful calm in the turmoil of the changes in our denomination. Her 'social theory of just breathe' was a welcome balm. 'Just breathe' is a reminder for us to stay awake, cast off from our shoulders the ridiculous burden that it is all up to me/us. Just breathe and recognize that the person standing in front of us is a child of God. Jones referred to John Calvin as one whom in the midst of “a world cracking open” as one who stayed awake. Calvin refused to close his eyes to what was happening in the world around him and used scripture's stories to keep his eyes open. Keeping to the Big Tent theme, Jones notes that “the cross of Jesus is the center piece that holds up God's big tent!” “In our broken world, we cannot deny the broken symbol of the cross. … Yet the cross is empty and an empty cross is the abyss that has nothing upon it but an openness that we call grace. … And in that grace, we see the truth called love.” In returning home, and facing the turbulence of the times, it was a helpful message to be reminded to 'just breathe' and to remember that the person in front of me is a child of God.'

In one of the sessions I attended that shared myths and facts about growth in the PCUSA we were given information about positive and negative indicators for growth. Positive indicators included: caring for kids and youth; welcoming new people (many attendees had been there five years or less); and members participating in congregation life in different ways. Some of the negative growth indicators were: only working on growing spiritually (for only their members); only focusing on the external community; only working on sharing the faith within their church and worship life. Certainly food for thought as we seek to grow the body of Jesus Christ.

Lastly, I wish to share an insight from James Choung. He pointed out that each generation asks a different question of life and knowing these questions can better equip us to reach out to each generation. For Boomers (1946-64) the question is "What is true?" If you can find truth then everything surrounds truth... and it will change people's lives. For Gen Xrs (1964-1984) the question is "What is real?" Witness became about people sharing the most vulnerable parts of their lives and how God is in that. For Millennials (1984-2002) the question is "What is good?" Millennials are used to working together so want to get together and change the world. They are more willing to look to their elders for assistance and are civic minded, wanting to volunteer. Choung had so much more to say, but I'll refer you to "The Big Story" on youtube.com to hear his thoughts on that.

God was certainly blowing through the Big Tent, opening ideas and creativity with so many thoughtful insights into being the body of Christ in the 21st century. My prayer is that we can live into all the learning and ideas we brought home with us.

Enough for now... though I could go on for pages and pages. I guess what that means is that if you have an opportunity to go to the Big Tent next time... don't hesitate!!! It is so very worth your time!!

Yours in Christ,
Julie Peterson

Water of Life

2011-08-26T08:11:00.003-05:00

Have you ever considered that the life giving water of Jesus Christ is like an ever flowing stream? Think of it. Jesus as the Water of Life flowing like a stream, nourishing everything it touches. But also think about this. Water knows what it is; water knows what to do. It flows... ever flowing downward to the lowliest places, creating a pool of nourishment, sustanence, life. Water can be obstructed, but never distracted from who and what it is.

We, however, are often distracted by the obstructions we face in life: work, illness, daily struggles of making ends meet, filling our planners with meetings and kids events. Okay, so these are things of life, things needed to survive. But can't we find Jesus in each of these? Isn't our Lord calling us each to a vocation where we are gifted? Isn't is possible that we can do with less? Don't we have the option to block off some of our planner for family or personal time to renew and refresh our spirits? Yes it is possible! We can make changes in our lives that lead to a healthier, wholesome life if we recognize our Lord in each of these moments. To recognize Jesus in each decision we make is to flow with him around the obstructions while not being distracted.

Jesus calls us to flow with him to the lowliest places, places where we abide with one another in humility for what we can share with and learn from one another, places where we reach out to those in need and receive help for our own ailments.

Jesus, as the Water of Life, does not climb the ladder into self-centeredness and power that flows against the purpose of life. No, our Lord, flows down to the lowliest places, pooling with (abiding with) the least and the lowly, the lost and forsaken, the tired and weary.

It is a refreshing pool of life and sustenance. Let's jump into the stream and flow there together!

Hope in the Lord!

2011-08-19T14:26:00.006-05:00

Not often, but occasionally the work of our Lord presses down on us and we wonder...what is this church stuff all about. Is it really just about getting committees filled and teachers for Sunday School and people lined up to bring food? Is it simply about organizing a worship service and providing some feel-good sermon so we all can feel nourished for the hard work of the week ahead? No, it's not... and Yes, it is.

It sometimes takes a stepping back and a regrouping as we seek the Holy Spirit's presence blowing through our hair and our minds to clear the fog and see the joy and goodness of the people and activities around us. No, it's not about busyness. Yes, it's about events and activities and fellowship and mission work that pull us together as one in Christ. No, it's not about organization charts. Yes, it's about valuing and celebrating the varying gifts that God has given us and using them to the best of our abilities to further the work of our Lord.

We care because we have been given a gift that is far too beautiful to keep to ourselves. God loves us... and all of this stuff is part of how we live out our thanks for that love. Okay, so maybe we get carried away. We organize things that are probably better left unorganized. We process paperwork that may only set on a shelf and get used when someone wants to remember the way we used to do things. We even get uptight when things don't happen. But somewhere in all of it God is speaking, laughing, encouraging, pulling and pushing and dancing us in the right direction.

I know, God's thinking is a mystery. Yet, I also know that you and I are here at this moment in this place because God has called us here. I know that as we continue to search for clues and direction, guidance and assurances, God is faithfully present with us. I know that the meaning behind all of it is Divine Love as best defined through Jesus Christ. And in him we place our hope, our trust, our future!

So relax and enjoy the dance! :-)

Been thinking...

2011-08-11T11:15:00.003-05:00

This past week as I was pondering Matthew 14:22-33, I got to wondering about Jesus' command to Peter to "Come." It was an act of faith for Peter to step out of the boat... and yes it can be just a "little faith" (the side of a mustard seed) that gives us the imputus to get out of the boat when Jesus calls. And that is where we put our focus-on our faith, or lack there of.

But what if we began to think about the command to "Come." as a call to experience the power of Jesus? After all Peter was able to take a number of steps and after they returned to the boat, Peter's experience caused all of the disciples to worship Jesus. What could an experience of holy power do to us? for us? Are we afraid what will happen if we do experience that kind of power? where will it take us? what will it require of us? how will it change our lives?

It is an unfortunate reality that when we do experience this holy power, we will eventually lose faith and sink like Peter did... for we are like Peter. The miracle here, however, is not that Jesus--God in human flesh--can walk on water. We expect that God has power over all of creation. The miracle is that Jesus saves us even when we have but a "little faith."

When we trust Jesus enough to bravely and trustingly engage the power of the holy, we are assured of a helping hand when our faith wanes in response to strong winds. And that, my friends, is a witness to the power of our Lord as well as to the depth of his mercy. Our experience of Jesus is a powerful testimony and enough to transform a whole boatload of people into worship Jesus and proclaiming, "Truly you are the Son of God."

Prayers in Community

2011-08-05T08:20:00.006-05:00

Sat with a number of members this morning in our outdoor worship space. What a beautiful location for early morning prayers.

Have you spent time with God in prayer today?

Sharing time with God is not only about lifting up our prayers of concern and prayers of thanksgiving for blessings... it's also about spending time listening for God to speak to us.

Apparently last week and this week, God's asked us to pull a few weeds to make our worship space more beautiful-we each grabbed a handful and yes... it looked better. As the day progresses, we are assured that God will continue to speak to us; we are atuned to God's Spirit this day for we are listening... listening for the Word of God.

We are a community-a connection in Christ felt by each of us in this shared time and space. As we went our separate ways, there was a recognition that while we may have different activities we are brought together by these small moments of abiding with God... and with each other.

The Experience of Jesus

2011-07-28T09:06:00.002-05:00

Last fall during our stewardship campaign, a couple of people here at BPC shared their thoughts about what their faith means to them… what BPC means to them. These stories gave us all an opportunity to think through our own’ experience of faith’ in Jesus, and the faith family we participate in here at BPC. Okay, so maybe many of you were thinking, ‘thank goodness she didn’t ask me to do that!’ Well, there’s time… I still might! J Stories of faith, also called ‘experiences of Jesus,’ are important to each of us as disciples. Whether we like to share them publicly or not, we all have these stories. These stories form and transform us; but they also form and transform others as we share the importance of Jesus in our lives. In some way, shape, or form, we have all encountered the Divine Presence that leads us to faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Recently an article I read raised a question that so struck me I added it to my screen saver on my computer. Now after my laptop has been idle for a while the question pops up and poses the question to me again and again. The question is centered on what Jesus really means… to me… to you… to us. I share this question with you today so you, too, can ponder the question and more importantly the answers which are vital to our spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in the world. (Sorry, I don't remember the article or I would post it. If you also read that article, please add a comment with the source.)

“What's my experience of Jesus that my neighbor can't live without?”

Have you ever thought about it that way before? I cannot say that I have, but it has been in mind ever since. What is my experience of Jesus? What is so very important about my relationship with Jesus that my neighbor simply can’t live without? I’ll admit the question led me to think about the things that formed my calling into ministry as a vocation. But this question is not about ministry as a vocational job—it is about our vocation as disciples, followers, believers of Christ. It is question for all of us.

My ‘experience of Jesus’ began as a child. Learning the stories, singing the songs, absorbing the depth and breadth of God’s love, all while wondering about the stories of violence and death and mystery—just how was God working in them. As a young adult, I came to understand that church was not a place for perfect people (as some of my friends thought). Church was really about a people who knew their own brokenness and found God’s grace pouring over them a welcomed relief to the trials and tribulations of the world.

But my most personal ‘experience of Jesus’ was in the throes of our daughter’s illness soon after her birth. It was heart wrenching and painful to have no control as we watched her fight for life and then live with brain damage from which she would never recover. I remember one afternoon in particular when I was holding her in my arms once again in tears thinking of all the joys in life that she would never experience. And in that moment, the Holy Spirit touched my soul and a wave of compassion and calm and hope that somehow I would survive washed over me. God was in that moment. Jesus was cradling me, just as I was cradling Amy… and I knew that no matter what happened I would not be alone in my pain. Jesus was weeping right along with me. Ultimately after 12 years Amy was relieved of her suffering and entered into the fullness of God’s love… and I was filled with tears of joy for her new life.

So here is my ‘experience of Jesus,’ my Good News that my neighbor can’t live without: Jesus comes to us in our deep and painful need. Jesus weeps with us, holding us when we cannot hold ourselves. Jesus fills us with a holy assurance that no matter what, no matter where, no matter why… we are loved! And it is God’s love that will truly and deeply heal us in a way that allows us to go on, to once again experience joy, to cry when we need to cry, and to celebrate the precious moments of life that we have.

To know the depth and breadth of your own story is to know your ‘experience of Jesus’ that each and every neighbor you have cannot live without.

What is your experience of Jesus?
What is the Good News that your neighbor cannot live without?”

Family... and the breaking of the bread

2011-07-22T10:18:00.006-05:00

Today we head out for some good summer family time-the Peterson Reunion. We will catch up and laugh, possibly cry some, but overall we will simply enjoy being together as we share the stories of our lives.

One of the most important things about family gatherings is that they center around food... or what I would call table fellowship. In the gathering and sharing of our lives, we also find our way to sitting down together in the sharing of a meal. Yes, we may be at card tables or the 'kids table' or outside or in the living room or (if you are lucky) at the actual dining room table. In these moments, while it isn't Holy Communion, it is a holy communing, a breaking of the bread together as a family. How often do we forget that our Lord took such similar opportunities to remind us that when two or three are gathered in His name, He is there. Yes, our Lord is in our family's breaking of the bread, just as He is present at the Lord's Supper.

When we lift up a 'grace' or 'dinner prayer' or a 'thanksgiving for the bounty before us' we are breaking bread together in the same manner that Jesus did with his disciples. Okay, so maybe our dinner conversations aren't an exposition on our Lord's recent teachings. But wait... may they are! As we allow the time and space to share the unfolding of our lives, aren't we actually sharing the intersection of our faith and our lives? Doesn't the conversation show what is important to us? Isn't our faith and our beliefs showing through the thoughts and ideas that we lift up? I believe so.

If you have been graced this summer with the gift of family... and family reunions... embrace the time as a moment of holiness-a sacred place-in the presence of our Lord as you break bread together!

Morning Prayers

2011-07-15T07:46:00.004-05:00

This morning a handful of us gathered in morning prayers. The outdoor worship space was beautiful in the early morning... birds singing, chipmunks, rabbits, and squirrels dancing. (Thankfully the mosquitos were still asleep!)

We started by enjoying the space with a reading from Psalm 148. We then prayed for people, our church, our world. Of course along the way we had conversation and laughter, insights and regrets... and all throughout the presence of the Holy Spirit guided our first endeavor into morning prayers, reminding us that we are loved. Thank you Lord!!

What or Whom do you pray for today???

PCUSA Big Tent Experience

2011-07-08T14:14:00.006-05:00

It's been a week since Big Tent and I'm still trying to get my mind around all the information collected in those few short days. If I were to be asked what was the one big thing I brought home, it would be a diagram and the discussion behind it to explain what it is to be a follower of Jesus to someone who doesn't know Jesus. For more information you can go to www.jameschoung.net or see a short www.youtube.com video. Search for James Choung and The Big Story.

But there was so much more than just this one thing. Gathering with colleagues who I haven't seen since seminary (and meeting new ones) is always fun and helpful as we share ideas and insights into this thing we call ministry. The worship is always a highlight for me... to sing with hundreds of people, to hear fabulous preaching, to commune with this body of people who will go back to their own communities and share the excitement of these days... is a deeply meaningful experience.

In this day and age when the church is seeking direction and guidance-not only because of the drastic changes in culture and how to be church, but also our specific PCUSA changes-it was helpful to hear from a number of different places that we need to just breathe, be patient, give the Spirit time to work in these times of change. Observe, listen, and breathe. The church has been through these dramatic changes in the past, and will again. So to hear that it is okay to not have all the answers and to simply observe, listen, and breathe seems to take the pressure off. It also is empowering to recognize that simply being present with people in the midst of this dramatic change is sometimes the best thing to do.

A statement I heard a number of years ago at one such similar type of conference is always a good reminder: "No matter what we do or don't do, God will always be God." And that is wonderful news. So yes, I plan to experience each moment as it comes, try not to worry excessively that it is all up to me to make this work, and lean on the Spirit who is moving us into the unknown future. I will be present... observe, listen, and simply breathe!

"From this time forward ..."

2011-06-30T20:25:00.008-05:00

I am excited about being at the PC(USA) Big Tent. Wasn't so sure I would be... what with all that I've dealt with the last months. But that is probably just exactly why I chose to be here, to refocus my attention to the Spirit's calling, to be rejoined to others who have traveled with me on this path of ministry, to encourage and be encouraged for the journey ahead. Reading tonight I happened upon Isaiah 48:6b-7 "... From this time forward I make you hear new things, hidden things that you have not known. They are created now, not long ago; before today you have never heard of them, so that you could not say, "I already knew them."

Tomorrow the lessons begin; lessons about growing the church in faith, about stretching our arms wide to embrace the friends we have not yet met, about deepening our understanding of this mission that God calls us to. But for tonight, I anticipate what new things God will "make [me] hear," what "hidden things that [I] have not known." What does God have in store for Brookfield Presbyterian Church? What does God have in store for me?

Later in chapter 48 God continues (10-12), "See, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tested you in the furnace of adversity. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for why should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another. Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called: I am He; I am the first and I am the last."

Have the trials been a "furnace of adversity" for God's sake? I believe God uses trials to supply new strengths to face the difficulties of life. God also uses weaknesses so that we are required to lean on God. For me, that was most tangible through the care, support, and love of my husband and a congregation of people. But for what? For God's sake so that together we can continue our pilgrimage of faith; so that we can better lean on each other when the times are troubled.

This is all for God's glory... not ours. Our devotion, our love, our very lives are owed to the One who called forth the foundations of the earth. It is to this Creator, the Lord Almighty, that we tarry on this path of faith. So much to learn... so much to share as we deepen our relationship with this mysterious God whom we love. Father, Son, Spirit-guide us in these days so we can hear the Word of your mouth in the midst of the words. Amen and Amen!

Micah's Cadence

2011-01-29T07:18:00.003-06:00

In pondering Micah 6:1-8, I've come to wonder about the familiar phrase, WWJD, What Would Jesus Do? I find it interesting that we can even begin to comphrehend what it would be that Jesus would do in any given situation. Certainly scriptures tell his story, his call on our lives, his sacrifice, his gift of eternal life. And yes, they all give us very good clues as to what Jesus would do. Yet, Jesus is God, Human, yet Very Divine... so can we ever know?

Micah, however, steps in and offers us a alternative cadence that gives us clearer direction. In response to the people's exaggerated lists of 'what more could God ask of us?' Micah sings out a cadence that God writes on our hearts.... To do Justice and Love Kindness and Walk Humbly with Your God! Do Justice.... Love Kindness... Walk Humbly! Each verb a call into the very heart of God. Each verb a command from our Holy God. Each repetition being watched over by the mountains and the hills, the mountains and the foundations of the earth who God has called to be our jury, to serve as a reminder that the heart of God is about our connection as a holy community made in the image of our Triune God.

There's a love musical cadence in the "Sing the Faith" supplemental hymnal for the PCUSA (as well as in "The Faith We Sing" a Methodist supplemental hymnal) that sings this cadence into our very souls. And as we continue to sing the cadence, it becomes a part of our lifesong, our life-verbs of recognizing the heart of God in our daily actitivies.

What does the Lord require of you? To do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God!

"Forgiven" or "Excused"

2011-01-22T05:16:00.008-06:00

In his book The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis ponders this thought...

"I find that when I think I am asking God to forgive me I am often in reality (unless I watch myself very carefully) asking Him to do something quite different. I am asking Him not to forgive me but to excuse me. But there is all the difference in the world between forgiving and excusing. Forgiveness says "Yes, you have done this thing, but I accept your apology; I will never hold it against you and everything between us two will be exactly as it was before." But excusing says "I see that you couldn't help it or didn't mean it; you weren't really to blame." If one was not really to blame then there is nothing to forgive. In that sense forgiveness and excusing are almost opposites."

Lewis continues "forgiving does not mean excusing. Many people seem to think it does. They think that if you ask them to forgive someone who has cheated or bullied them you are trying to make out...that there was really no cheating or bullying. But if that were so, there would be nothing to forgive. They keep on replying, "But I tell you the man broke a most solemn promise." Exactly: that is precisely what you have to forgive. (This doesn't mean that you must necessarily believe his next promise. It does mean that you must make every effort to kill every taste of resentment in your own heart--every wish to humiliate or hurt him or to pay him out.) The difference between this situation and the one in which you are asking God's forgiveness is this. In our own case we accept excuses too easily; in other people's we do not accept them easily enough."

It is no secret that forgiveness is a hard thing. It takes work, thought, practice, and yes even great struggle to truly forgive and "accept your apology" and "never hold it again you" and for "everything between us to be exactly as it was before." Yet, that is the nature of forgiveness... to look at one another with clean, fresh eyes and see the person before us as beloved. To 'excuse' is to almost set aside the belovedness in each of us... it is a cheapening of God's gift of unrelenting love.

Lord, help me to live forgiveness so that I can uphold the belovedness in others. Amen.

Is there really any ‘Ordinary Time’?

2011-01-20T08:07:00.000-06:00

As you know, the church calendar has an ebb and flow of liturgical seasons. We began the new church year with Advent, then Christmas and Epiphany. Now we are in the first segment of what is called “Ordinary Time” (or, the Time After Epiphany).

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. Acts 4:13 For a long time, I’ve thought “Ordinary Time” is a rather odd term for a liturgical season. However, the longer I come to experience the light of Jesus Christ in my life. I find that ‘Ordinary Time’ is the perfect liturgical term for these two large segments of our church year. During the lead up to Christmas and Easter there is a heightened sense of God’s glory and Divine Presence that breaks into our lives in magnificent and vulnerable ways. These are times that call our attention and cause us to ponder the depth of God’s love and his willing sacrifice for us. And when they are over, we seem to have a sense of relief that life can get back to normal and be simply ‘ordinary’ for a while.

Yet, as we travel through ‘Ordinary Time,’ what we experience is often so much more than ordinary. How can we say that experiencing the Holy in our work places or schools or homes is ordinary? When is feeling the touch of God calm our weeping hearts or anxious souls, ordinary? Why would we even begin to think that the connections we make with each other as we live in the Light of Jesus Christ are simply ordinary?

They are not… and that is the true beauty of ‘Ordinary Time.’ Jesus takes what we see as ordinary and makes them special, makes them more. A loaf of bread becomes the Bread of Life. A glass of wine becomes the Cup of Salvation. A broken relationship becomes a moment for forgiveness and reconciliation. An illness becomes an opportunity to reach out with compassion and healing. A heart heavy with grief opens the door to receiving care and mercy to take the next step. The hungry and homeless and disenfranchised become friends and work together for a better world. A child’s laughter and antics can brings smiles to even the grumpiest of attitudes.

As companions of Jesus in this “Ordinary Time” of life, we find so much more… so… much… more! Jesus, our Lord and our Savior, called us… simple ordinary men and women to walk at his side, to share in his life, and to enter into the glory of God the Father when our life in this earthly kingdom comes to an end. And for Jesus, that is the ‘ordinary’ way that God showers love on His people. I pray you have an ‘ordinary’ day!

Moving 4 God

2010-04-08T12:49:00.002-05:00

In the past couple of months, as Jeff and I have embarked on a new journey back to our home state of Wisconsin, I've been thinking about the importance of family. I know that this move is God centered and a call to a new faith family... which has welcomed us with open arms. Their hospitality has been to biblical proportion with their housing us for almost 6 weeks until we could close on a home in the area. Yes, we have been warmly welcomed by this new faith family...which in reality was, is and always will be our 'family'... just as Petersburg, Louisville, Winneconne, and Winchester have been, currently are, and always will be our family.

You see, while we may be closer to our blood-line with children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, etc. we are always with 'family' when we are followers of Jesus. Our neighbor, our co-worker, the traffic cop (okay, we don't have many of those any more, but you get the idea) are all very possibly our 'family' ... our faith family.

So, if they are our family, I wonder... do we treat them as such? Do we forgive them as easily? Do we give the grace we would allow a sibling or a child? Are we quick with life sustaining words of love, or quick to criticize actions we don't (and can't) understand?

And what about others of different faiths? Aren't they a part of our human family? And how does our treatment of them reflect on our family of faith and Christ's call on our lives?

I wonder what our world could be like if we could see a member of our family in the eyes of someone we have just met?

I know... it's a lot of pondering. But what else does one do when unpacking boxes?