Just back from fellowship at Marty and Mona Kanne's with people who will be going on the mission trip to Honduras and several who have participated in past trips. There are some making their first trip outside the country - Cindy is one of them. I certainly anticipate a great trip and am confident lives will be changed.
One thing we ask people to do at Platte Woods UMC is participate in "risk-taking mission." We encourage people to do something beyond their norm at least annually. This year I plan to take a week and serve people in another culture.
Part of Christian growth and discipleship is growing in the grace of serving others. We will be working to construct a school for a village that has none at this time. Some of our members will be travelling to Mozambique later this fall. We are planning our first group to go serve in Joplin later this summer. There will also be a family mission opportunity to South Dakota.
When we go to serve I believe we are following the example of our Lord - "God demonstrates his love ..." We refer to these demonstrations of love as "incarnational ministry." With the Holy Spirit in our lives we join in "demonstrating God's love" to others. It is a great way to grow in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We had a good summer day at church. Thanks to Scott MacDonald for filling in on the piano at 9:30. Kristy Peto stepped up and led us in worship - great job. The Wesleyan Choir always brings worship to life. It was certainly fun to sing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing!"
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Reflections From Sunday Evening
I have a friend who is pastor of a very contemporary church. They effectively use screens in worship and other forms of media to enhance their services. Needless to say they do not use traditional hymnals in their worship.
One day my friend was participating with other clergy at a special service and they stood to sing opening their hymnals. Someone turned to my friend and pointed out the obvious. "This is a hymnal. It contains the words and music to the songs we sing."
My friend was quick to reply: "I know. I've seen them before ... in a museum."
It was all good-natured but it does point out the vast changes and rapid pace of change we experience in worship.
This month we are turning to the hymnal (not singing out of it but using it for a point of reference). We are working with the message contained in the hymns of our faith. In early days of Methodism the hymn book was the "theology" book where Christians found their faith formed. Of course their hymnals would fit in their coat pocket.
We continue to seek ways to form our faith. The music of the church helps us with our understanding of God.
Today we looked at the theme of "JOY." Our hymn was "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." Here is the basic message. When we "trust" the Lord and Christ dwells in our hearts we are being formed spiritually. A key formation comes through the fruits of the Spirit, one of which is joy.
On a foundation of trust in Christ the characteristic of joy is fashioned. When joy becomes our passion we find our mission. This makes us people extending the hope of Christ into our world.
All that from a hymn!
Join me as we continue to allow the Lord to form our faith through all means at God's disposal - even something as traditional as a hymnal.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
One day my friend was participating with other clergy at a special service and they stood to sing opening their hymnals. Someone turned to my friend and pointed out the obvious. "This is a hymnal. It contains the words and music to the songs we sing."
My friend was quick to reply: "I know. I've seen them before ... in a museum."
It was all good-natured but it does point out the vast changes and rapid pace of change we experience in worship.
This month we are turning to the hymnal (not singing out of it but using it for a point of reference). We are working with the message contained in the hymns of our faith. In early days of Methodism the hymn book was the "theology" book where Christians found their faith formed. Of course their hymnals would fit in their coat pocket.
We continue to seek ways to form our faith. The music of the church helps us with our understanding of God.
Today we looked at the theme of "JOY." Our hymn was "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." Here is the basic message. When we "trust" the Lord and Christ dwells in our hearts we are being formed spiritually. A key formation comes through the fruits of the Spirit, one of which is joy.
On a foundation of trust in Christ the characteristic of joy is fashioned. When joy becomes our passion we find our mission. This makes us people extending the hope of Christ into our world.
All that from a hymn!
Join me as we continue to allow the Lord to form our faith through all means at God's disposal - even something as traditional as a hymnal.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Reflections From Sunday Evening
It was good to be back at church after being away forAnnual Conference last weekend. Thanks to John Miller for sharing last week. Among many other things that took place at Annual Conference was the "fixing of appointments." We Methodist preachers are assigned to a church each year. All the Platte Woods UMC pastors were reappointed to serve this year. We are thrilled to be in ministry here.
Today we started a new sermon series - Lyrics. We will be taking four different hymns and looking at the messages. In earlier days the hymnal was the book where people looked to understand their theology or the way they understood God.
Today we looked at "Amazing Grace." The next three weeks we will look at the theme of joy - "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" - then "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." (By the end of June we will be looking for a Christmas carol.) Finally "I'll Fly Away."
On another note - one of the highlights of Annual Conference (check http://www.moumethodist.org/ and find the video summary) was our own Brody Smith. Brody spoke during the service our conference youth led on the last day of conference. His witness of faith and mission was totally inspiring.
On another note - Aaron Brown (pastor of St. Paul's UMC in Joplin - a church whose worship center was destroyed in the tornado) provided as inspiring a moment as I can remember from an Annual Conference session. Aaron's witness of faith in the midst of the tragedy had us totally engaged.
On another note - Cindy and I took a side trip to Joplin following conference. There are no words to explain what we saw. Joplin is a good mid-sized town (50,000). We were on the west side of town and could look across to the far east side - no houses, no trees, no buildings - But we are seeing the cleanup and it will be followed by rebuilding. We will continue to receive special gifts to send to Joplin.
On another note - watch for a complete update of the 'Trash & Treasure' sale. Sarah Majors organized the sale this year. She had great help from many, including Chris Sams. Bottom line is the sale has generated nearly $17,000 to this point. (If you need a high chair we are the place to come!) Amazing work - funds go to missions.
That about does it for today. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Today we started a new sermon series - Lyrics. We will be taking four different hymns and looking at the messages. In earlier days the hymnal was the book where people looked to understand their theology or the way they understood God.
Today we looked at "Amazing Grace." The next three weeks we will look at the theme of joy - "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" - then "Hark the Herald Angels Sing." (By the end of June we will be looking for a Christmas carol.) Finally "I'll Fly Away."
On another note - one of the highlights of Annual Conference (check http://www.moumethodist.org/ and find the video summary) was our own Brody Smith. Brody spoke during the service our conference youth led on the last day of conference. His witness of faith and mission was totally inspiring.
On another note - Aaron Brown (pastor of St. Paul's UMC in Joplin - a church whose worship center was destroyed in the tornado) provided as inspiring a moment as I can remember from an Annual Conference session. Aaron's witness of faith in the midst of the tragedy had us totally engaged.
On another note - Cindy and I took a side trip to Joplin following conference. There are no words to explain what we saw. Joplin is a good mid-sized town (50,000). We were on the west side of town and could look across to the far east side - no houses, no trees, no buildings - But we are seeing the cleanup and it will be followed by rebuilding. We will continue to receive special gifts to send to Joplin.
On another note - watch for a complete update of the 'Trash & Treasure' sale. Sarah Majors organized the sale this year. She had great help from many, including Chris Sams. Bottom line is the sale has generated nearly $17,000 to this point. (If you need a high chair we are the place to come!) Amazing work - funds go to missions.
That about does it for today. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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