Sunday, May 29, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We held a tornado drill at the end of the 9:30 service today. It went well. We learned some things to be sure to take care of should we ever be in a situation where a severe storm comes during worship.

We did the "live" drill on Wednesday and took great care of our PDO children.

We have amazing people on our church staff and we have amazing volunteers who do so much to care for our congregation. We are in good hands.

Today we invited people to make a special offering for the people of Joplin. I look forward to seeing and reporting on your generosity. I guarantee your gifts will make a significance difference in many lives.

Cindy and I spent eight years serving First UMC in Joplin. We have many people who we feel close to in that community. It has been difficult learning that many of them have lost their homes. Some have suffered the loss of family members. It is a horrible situation.
But in horrible situations people rise up in many ways.

Barry Sanborn, the youth director at First Joplin, is giving some great leadership. They are postponing their youth mission trip to Puerto Rico and contributing $25,000 to the relief effort in their community.

Pastor Aaron Brown who serves St. Paul's UMC - a church destroyed in the storm - spoke at the memorial service today. I know Aaron brought hope and comfort to his community.

There are stories after stories that may bear witness to God's presence among the people. Our daughter, Andrea, is in Joplin this weekend. She and a very good friend spent time this morning writing the speech for President Obama! They were providing stories from interviews held during the week for his remarks.

This was a week that changed the lives of many people. The community has years of rebuilding ahead. We will seek ways to help in any way we can.

This afternoon I am grateful. I am grateful for a great God who is active and redemptive even in the midst of tragedy.

I am grateful for people who rise up to give and serve.

I am grateful for the Church.

I am grateful to be your pastor.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Had a good day at church. Hope folks are getting some ideas about developing and maintaining a sustainable pace in life - especially the Christian life.

Here is a brief recap. To maintain a sustainable pace "divert daily" - take time each day to pray, play and rest. Today we talked about "withdraw weekly" - withdraw to rest, renew and be replenished. (Thanks to Rick Warren for his devotion that provides the idea.)

Next week we "abandon annually."

On another note -- the children's arts program was this afternoon. A real joy to share in that time with such an excited group of children. Those kids sure sing out! A special shoutout to Nicole Brant. Good job putting things together.

On yet another note - I've been checking weather reports from Joplin, Mo., this afternoon. A very severe tornado struck the town. Having lived there for eight years we have become aware of many familiar places destroyed or badly damaged by the storm. Join me in keeping the people and community of Joplin in your prayers.

A reminder that we have much to be thankful for. In that light - it's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Friday, May 20, 2011

"Rapture"

As I sit down to write this it is about 24 hours until the predicted "end of the world." The "rapture" has been predicted by a California preacher to come at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2011. So what about this?

Let me begin with a scripture reference. Matthew 24:36 tells us that no one knows the day or the hour when the Son of Man (Jesus) will return. Jesus tells his followers he does not have this information. Only the Father (God) knows.

Just let that scripture stand on its own. It seems curious that God would choose to reveal this sacred secret to anybody if he chooses to keep it from His Son.

Another thought. It's already tomorrow somewhere in the world. I won't belabor that point.
Let me offer some theological insights.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 is the scripture that people use to introduce the idea of the rapture. Basically this comes from an interpretation of scriputre that recognizes the church as the new Israel. There will come a time of severe tribulation. There will be a secret "catching away" of the Church prior to the tribulation.

Historically this is a doctrine of the Church that does not appear until around 1800. It came with the introduction of a new theological system called dispensationalism. (Google it.)

None of the apostles spoke of a rapture of the saints. Jesus did not. No early Christian theologian, thinker or leader referred to a rapture.

The early church spoke of the Parousia. There is certainly a sense that Jesus Christ will come again. The first witnesses to the resurrection expected him back by Thursday! (They didn't say that - but there was a sense of the imminent return of Christ.) Orthodox Christianity still expects the return of Jesus Christ.

The best I can tell there is no Christian teaching about the secret rapture of the Church before the early 1800s. For me it is not a credible doctrine.

An observation - In our culture people do not want to die and certainly don't want to suffer. It would be great if the church escaped hard times and thus avoided suffering and death. It's hard to find support for this idea in Jesus.

The doctrine goes on to pick out the "true" followers of Jesus Christ as those who will be raptured prior to Jesus' return. There are huge problems with one group determining who has valid faith and who does not. ntThat's for another day.

So here is the idea. We are expected to always be prepared to give an account of our faith and always ready to meet Jesus.

Will there be a judgment day? I expect it. Will we get a "heads up" on when it will come? I seriously doubt it.

What should I do if I am worried about this much-talked-about event? You should search your heart and commit or renew your commitme to faith in Jesus Christ. Then go live life in relationship with Christ. When he comes you will be embraced by his grace and power.

For my part I think it would be great if Jesus would come and take me away from an evil world and any pain and suffering - even death. If that happens I'm good with whatever God wants to do. But I will not be teaching or preaching a "rapture" theology for you. I consider it "pop" Christianity. I do not consider it a Biblical doctrine. I want to live (and I want you to live) a faithful Christian life - loving God and neighbor - doing good - growing in grace - being a full participant in the life of grace. I don't want to "escape" (and I don't want you to escape) this world.

I would encourage you to build your faith and understanding of what theologians call eschatology on traditional, historical Biblical interpretation rather than dispensational theology which came about in the early 1800s. Learn from the Church and not the Left Behind series.

I hope it helps a bit as we face the days in which we live. I'll be preaching on this in the next month or so (unless the Lord comes before that).

Chances are 6:00 p.m. tomorrow will come and go. Then we can move on to the Mayan calendar.
Blessings.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I had a great time at Catalyst Dallas this week. If you are not familiar with Catalyst try Googling it. The two-day event (three if you did labs on Wednesday) consisted of a number of speakers (some of the best in the country) and times of worship. There were interviews and antics. It was really good. We were inspired, challenged - learned things - got motivated.
Andy Stanley started and ended the event. Got good practical teaching from one of the best communicators in the church today. I could go through the list of people who challenged us with information about human trafficking (there are more people trapped in slavery today than at any time in history). You'll hear about this. Were inspired by stories of those who committed their lives to Christ and found themselves in mission to bring clean water to a million people.
Overall it was one of the most significant continuing education experiences I have participated in.

An aside -- I had a rough time at our Comfort Inn. First I kept inserting the key card upside down - only figured it out after having the desk clerk re-key it two or three times and actually come up and use it himself. Finally figured it out. I could give you my great reason but don't need to waste space. Then I was having a cup of coffee when I noticed liquid on the table in front of me. After about 5 minutes figured out my cup had sprung a leak. (Another good reason not to use paper coffee cups!) I went down early for breakfast and decided to fix a waffle. Poured the stuff in the iron and flipped it over but nothing happened. It hadn't been turned on so was not warmed up - bottom line - I made a nice mess. So I got some eggs. Took a bite and discovered they were cold - strike two - Went for the biscuit - -picked it up and found it was ice cold - so I had to toss it. Went for cereal and couldn't find any bowls - but I looked and found some - Raisin Bran was fine so all ended well!

Isn't it amazing. In the midst of some of our greatest spiritual moments we very well may encounter challenges and setbacks. But take it from me - a messed up waffle can't detract from a season of worship and hearing the Word. Your setbacks this week need not deter the work of God in your life.

One other thing. Tony Romo came out and shared his faith - pretty neat.

To top it off we had a great day at church today. Worship was inspiring - People were joyful.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Had a great weekend. On Saturday we had a surprise birthday party for my dad's 80th. Got family together, brother John and his family drove up - cousins, nieces & nephews - Dad was surprised and we all had a great time.

Not only was Friday my dad's 80th birthday (it was also Willie Mays' 80th) today was their wedding anniversary. More to celebrate.

Not only that but we also got to wish Mom a Happy Mother's Day.

So it's been a great weekend with family.

Mother's Day - we prayed for mothers in church today. Some have gone before us and we remember them with gratitude. Some continue among us and we are thankful. Over and over we stop and reflect on the encouragement, support, direction - and a host of other things - our mothers have meant to us. Thanks Mom.

So this has been a special day.

Today we also announced a couple of changes in our staff responsibilities. With Pastor Curtis taking on the responsibility of developing a new worship service we are making two adjustments to fill the need for Intentional Faith Development and the Evangelism dimension of Radical Hospitality.

Rachel Zolnowski will continue as our interim youth director until we fill the position and complete the transition. At that time Rachel will assume the responsibilities of director of Intentional Faith Development.

Secondly, Pastor Ginger will begin to focus on the evangelism part of Radical Hospitality. To fill the need for additional ministry in congregational care Rev. Christine Tucker-Key will be appointed here part-time. She will be a great addtion to our ministry team.

Lots going on in the life of Platte Woods UMC.

It's been a good day - Oh yeah, Cindy wanted to go to the Royal game today for Mother's Day so I went along! It's really been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.

Blessings.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

A Christian Response

For the past two days I've been reading, watching and reflecting on the demise of Osama bin Laden. First a person with evil intent has been eliminated. Bin Laden was the focus of the war on terrorism and with his killing the landscape changes. I am not sure I woke this morning in a safer world but the dynamics have changed. A person who wages war and puts themselves in the position of being searched for and sought out lives with a huge risk. He was finally found and killed.

These are facts. These events represent the way things work in our world, especially in the area of war.

Here are some reflections. I did not dance in the streets when the news came. That seems a lot like the response of some Middle Eastern people in the wake of 9-11.

I felt ambivalent when I learned of bin Laden's death. I did not really feel remorse. I did not feel joy. I guess I simply took it as the way things worked out.

Some people - especially those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers attack - experienced closure to a horrible time in life.

Some people rejoiced that our enemy was dead.

But what are we who follow Jesus Christ supposed to feel and do?

I have read some friends reminding us that we (Christians) do not delight in the death of the wicked.

We do not need to exact revenge on people - God deals with that.

We do seek justice - God works with that also.

I suppose what I would have loved to see happen would have been bin Laden riding his horse, lights flashing from heaven and the voice of the Lord calling out, "Why do you persecute me?" I would rather see an enemy converted than killed. But that did not happen.

So I guess my hope would be that we move forward. Don't dance in the streets and celebrate the death of someone - even someone with the evil intent of bin Laden.

Continue to seek the Lord and pray for peace.

I still feel odd about the whole thing. May God lead us.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Reflections From Sunday Evening

There is a lot to think about this evening.

First, I had an amazing time (along with Pastor Curtis) at the "Q" Conference in Portland, Ore., this week. It was a conference on Christianity and culture. There were about 600 people in attendance. The vast majority of those participating were young adults. The depth of thought and reflection on living the Christian faith in our culture today was exciting. I'm sure much of what was gleened during the time will show up in the days ahead.

It offers a great sense of confidence to see so many young people deeply committed to Christ and furthering the cause of Christ in the world today.

My favorite quote: Vocation is integral, not incidental, to the mission of God.

Second, our Faith in Action Weekend had a large number of people spending time and energy in service this weekend. Many took the faith into the community and made a difference in the lives of others. Faith in Action shows the community/world the life of Christ being lived by his people today.

Third, Pastor Ginger launched our "Vacation" series this weekend. Our hope is to encourage and equip you to excel in a sustainable Christian life. Next week, "Staycation," followed by "Divert Daily," "Withdraw Weekly" and "Abandon Annually."

Fourth - Fifty-one people made their profession of faith in Christ today. The waters of baptism washed clean - the Holy Spirit moved into the lives of our confirmands. It was a special day.

Fifth - This evening I took a moment at ReFuel (youth group) to share our plan for Rachel Zolnowski to move into the position of director of Intentional Faith Development. Rachel will be responsible for "identifying, recruiting and equipping leaders who will identify, recruit and equip people to serve" in the areas of Christian Eduction, small groups, young adults and college-age ministries. The transition will come once we get our new youth director in place.

So it's been a busy week and day. It has been a joy and source of encouragement to see so many signs of life. People are being called - serving in their daily lives - growing in faith - coming to Christ.

It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.