Today's word

Wine
"Unfermented grape juice is a bland and pleasant drink, especially on a warm afternoon mixed half-and-half with ginger ale. It is a ghastly symbol of the life blood of Jesus Christ, especially when served in individual antiseptic, thimble-sized glasses. Wine is booze, which means it is dangerous and drunkmaking. It makes the timid brave and the reserved amorous. It loosens the tongue and breaks the ice especailly when served in a loving cup. It kills germs. As symbols go, it is a rather splendid one." ---In "Listening to your life" by Frederick Buechner.

A Word for today

"Suffering is increasing in the world today. People are hungry for something more beautiful, for something greater than people round about can give. There is a great hunger for God in the world today. Everywhere there is much suffering, but there is also great huinger for God and love for each other." --from "A Gift for God" by Mother Teresa.

"I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst." --Jesus, Gospel of John 6:35.

God's Word in Worship
August 13
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34:1-8
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Gospel: John 6:35,41-51

This week at Zion

Tonight we have congregational care team.
Tomorrow night we have worship and music team.
Thursday night is church counci.
Sunday morning and Monday night we will convene the new Christian discipelship team.
I am gathering and previewing Sunday morning materials---"Seasons of the Spirit." Its a lectionary based curriculum for all age levels from Logos Publishing. It looks pretty good so far.
I'm also preparing to introduce the "ONE Lutheran" Campaign to end poverty; part of the ONE Campaign to direct an additional 1% of the U.S. budget to meet the most basic needs in poor countries. See the link on the right to learn more.

"Because Hezbollah has positioned itself as the "David" in this war, every day that the killing continues burnishes its reputation within the Arab world. Every day that more of the Lebanese infrastructure is turned to dust, Beirut's fragile democracy becomes weaker, both in its ability to function and in the eyes of its people.

The impact is not limited to Lebanon or Israel. Every day America gives the green light to further Israeli violence, our already tattered reputation sinks even lower. The reluctance of our closest allies in the Middle East even to receive Secretary Rice this week in their capitals attests to this fact.

It is time for the United States to step forward with the authority and balance that this moment requires." So wrote former Secretary of State Warren Christopher on the current crisis in the Mid-East. The following link, A Time to Act, will take you to the complete article in the Washington Post, printed on Friday, July 28th.

In a recent "Christian Century" article on the holy land, Shaul Magid a religious studies teacher and a Jew, commented on the Zionist movement and Jewish sovereignty over the holy land. He wrote, "In recent years, certain Jewish and Christian communities have proclaimed that exclusive Jewidsh sovereighnty over the holy land is a thrological right and necessity, a condition for the unfolding of the messianic era." He then points to previous theological understandings, posited by Martin Buber, that might offer a more plausible proposal for sharing the land. He wrote, "Buber argues that Zionism is, or can be, a unique national movement precisely because it is not based on national rights or a myth of origins, but on dwelling in a land that belongs to no one people precisely because it belongs to God. Israel's mission as caretaker is to make that land a place that mirrors its owner, thereby making those who dwell on it a people who reflect the divine." "Christian Century, July 25, 2006, p.24. Is not the source of most of the tension among Jews and Arabs stemmed from a dark theology of the land? Maybe they should read some Wendell Barry to get a richer perspective on the stewardship of the land.

Links

Today more than ever, the home is the primary place of faith development. It can and must become for families, a place of unity and solitude, a shelter and a source of strength. Parents must provide this for their kids' health and faith. It is the only place of refuge from the chaos we call 21st century North American culture. Lutheran writer, Marva Dawn, has two books that all sould read. "Keeping the Sabbath Wholly" and "Reaching out without dumbing Down". These books are edgy when it comes to anti-culture, but intelligent and thought provoking. I dare say, possibly life changing! At any rate, one of my callings is to equip families to live in safety and health under the loing rule of Jesus. I will provide resources for basic use in the home in order to instill faith, peace, joy, hope, and health---what the Jews call Shalom. A total wholeness that is Spiritual and physical.

For some initial faith in the home stuff, click on my "daily discipleship" link on the right.

discipleship at Zion

“If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Disciples are called out to follow the Lord Jesus. God’s Word makes believers and disciples. They are trained and equipped in the works of ministry to which the church is called; to baptize and teach, to share the good news, to worship, pray, and study; to serve all people according to their needs, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

Discipleship is a lifelong faith journey that begins with Holy Baptism and ends when God welcomes His people into the Kingdom of heaven. The journey is both personal and communal. The church is the collective body of pilgrims, making the journey of discipleship together.

So how do we make disciples? How do we invite people into relationship with Jesus, train them to follow Him, and free them to serve in His name?
I have given a lot of thought to our current ministry model. I think we can improve some things and be more effective in forming disciples. Here is my vision for Sunday morning learning beginning in September. Using a lectionary-based curriculum called “Seasons of the Spirit” we invite people of all ages to join us from 9:15 to 10:15 am. Every week, we gather in large group (all ages) in the sanctuary at 9:15 for an opening celebration. Pastor will lead it. The week’s lesson/theme will be introduced with prayer, song, and occasional skit. Then we break out into respective classes until 10:05. I envision four or five classes: pre-K, school-age (maybe two groups?), teens, and adults. We close with a summary and a blessing in the fellowship hall at 10:05. One of the gifts of using this material is that it ties us together through the lectionary readings, while also tying us to worship. Everyone will be studying the same stories throughout the year with developmentally appropriate material. And, the material can be used in a rotation workshop model for kids! A goal for 2006-2007 should be to increase participation on Sunday morning. Another goal may be to better equip people for ministry in daily life.

True Humility

"True humility doesn't consist of thinking ill of yourself but of not thinking of yourself much differently from the way you'd be apt to think of anybody else."-Frederick Buechner, "Listening to Your Life", p. 197.

For you

Welcome. Everyday I intend to share some thoughts for reflection that might somehow provide growth in your walk of faith. Please feel free to comment/dialogue with me on these things.

Baptisms

Yesterday my son, Luke, and four other children were baptized at Zion. Pastor Dave Fisher, assistant to our Bishop baptized my son. I did not ask him to do so because I am a heretic who believes that if I baptized my own son it wouldn't take effect or something. I asked him to do so, so that I could be his father and not his pastor.
I thought the celebration was wonderful yesterday. What did you think? Baptizing four kids is always awesome. I took the opporunity to preach on the power and grace of infant baptism. I tried to bring out the significance of the moment. I used the story of "The Lion King" as illustration of the two fold effect of baptism: to make one a child of God and to give that child a divine purpose and mission in the world. Since we were both baptizing and recognizing the affirmation of faith of four teens it was appropriate to utilize a story that sugggested both identity and mission as two sides of the baptismal coin. Often I think Lutherans have focused attention on the identity side of the coin, but have failed to deliver an inspiring sense of baptismal mission. I hope we teach both in our words and actions here.
Oh, and watch "The Lion King". The part where Simba sees his father reflected in the water and Rafiki says, "He lives in you," will give you chills. At the beginning of the movie the infant Simba is anointed with some kind of oil and dust. I immediately saw the connection between the anointing at Baptism and Ash Wednesday. WOW. Anyway, the themes of identity and mission found in the movie are outstanding. Not to mention the fact that it is one of Disney's best animated features. See it again I say!

blogging

What is the point of it? If no one is reading, then why write? I only blog to communicate. I intend for this blog to be a source of learning for a community of faith. If its not being read, I might as well stop writing.
I was asked to comment about blogging to a news reporter doing a story on pastors who blog. I was the youngest one, surprisingly. But none of the others are intentional about the purpose for their blog. I hope to include more content and material on the blog in the months ahead.

Praying for Peace

It all started with the news of the escalating Israeli/Lebanon conflict. It seems that the violent are insatiable on both sides. Who is trustworthy? Militant Terrorists who choose to kill innocent people? Or a sovereign nation, who in the name of defense, bombs a neighboring nation, killing innocent people? Either way the innocent suffer and die. This war will continue as long as the parties involved choose to breed hatred toward one another and foment that hatred with acts of violent aggression.
Anyway, I have decided to do something. For a start, we are praying for peace every Monday at noon. I am also contacting government officials to solicit a more non-violent response. But what can we do, but feel powerless? So we pray for peace.

World War III?

Have you been watching or reading the news over the past few days? Sunday on “Meet
the Press” former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich called the state of the world’s fighting the beginning of world war III. He referred to the regional chaos of the Middle East, missile launches in N. Korea, and the broadly scattered terrorist plots that have been uncovered by the intelligence community in recent months as clear indicators that we are on the brink of world war. Really? I was astounded by the remark, even though it makes sense. World War III may indeed be upon us. How do we respond to such a reality? Admittedly, as a Christian person and as a local clergy person, I have said little publicly about the war in Iraq or the global violence/terrorism we have witnessed since 9.11.01. What is there to say? It is difficult to speak and pray for peace, while supporting the President and those who protect us. It is paradoxical to love our enemies and maintain a position of isolation from those who might actually hate us. And so in our ambivalence we fail to speak or act in a way that is remarkably convincing or passionate. But I realize that my silence, indeed, the silence of Christian people in the U.S., has contributed to the ongoing crisis. I am becoming conscious that I am insulated, isolated from the pain and terror that so many of our global neighbors face everyday. I understand that my quietly dispassionate approach to global war has simply invited the hostility to increase. I turn on the news, witness the violence, turn it off, and go to bed in relative peace. Don’t you? But as the price at the pump continues to rise, I realize that we are affected---More than we know or choose to recognize. Higher gas prices are but a minor symptom of the larger threat that results from our global apathy. The project of a creative, progressive, and tolerant humanity is at stake. A harmonious global community for our children is at stake. It is ironic that in a free, democratic nation such as ours, many of us feel powerless as potential agents of change. Perhaps, we have learned to trust the powers-that-be to such an extent that we have neglected our personal responsibility as citizens with good consciences, who might dare to speak the truth to power, even when that truth might cost us. Should we not reflect as a nation on our national sins and repent globally through deeds of mercy and compassion? I realize that my unresponsiveness as a Christian person does not bear witness to the hope and faith that I wish to profess with my life. Who will choose mercy over vengeance, love over hate, blessing over curse? The people who follows Jesus will. And perhaps by making a public witness, by taking action, by freely speaking Christian conscience we will build peace.

the news

North Korea's Kim Jung Ill refuses to apologize for their recent military missile launches, despite growing concern from the global community and the UN. In a reactionary move, President Bush has ordered that all Korean Americans, including adopted children and US citizens, be detained for questioning at an undisclosed US military facility.

In other news: The disputed Mexican election has been resolved in favor of the conservative candidate. In a rare move the US Supreme Court ordered that the election be closed and the President-Elect named, to insure that democracy is upheld. This move came after President Bush declared Mexico an extension of texas. in a press conference he said, "Texaco ain't just a gas station anymore."
In a related story, Karl Rove was said to have been seen "tanning" on a rooftop in Mexico City this week. Rove was quoted as saying: "I found the border adequately guarded on both sides. In fact, I had to crawl for 11 miles on my stomach, catch a pickup full of chickens and peppers, and walk eight city blocks to get to my 5-sthotel." Fortunately for Karl, his salary is slightly higher than 50% of Mexicans who make $5.00 a day or less. God forbid they cross the border to make $5.15 an hour doing a job few "privileged" Americans would stoop to do.

Quote of the week: President Bush on turing 60. "60 isn't as old as you think." Profound.

"Superman Returns" comes out in theatres this week, I guess. Apparently, this resurrected hero has some new life in this flick. After two lousy Superman movies and the paralysis of Chris Reeve, it seemed that the caped one was dead. Had we lost hope? The genre itself had been reborn with the X-Men, Spiderman, and "Batman Begins" blockbusters of recent years. I think people like to see an action film in which a seemingly ordinary person is somehow transformed, reborn, and enhanced with some powers and capacities rendering him or her extraordinarily useful to humanity. Why? How else will we get out of the mess we're in, the mess we've made. How else will evil be combated and justice restored? It will take the extraordinary gifts of an ordinary person to get it done. Superman is a caricature of our greatest hope. A Christ figure, prepared to suffer for the sake of humanity. One who is prepared to use his power for the common good. Ah, in today's American political climate, wouldn't such a one be a breath of fresh air?

Okay, so I took an extended break. I was on parenting leave for crying out loud. 5 weeks ago, Cherie gave birth to Luke Timothy, a 6 lb. boy with a furrowed brow and a powerful kick. He often seems frustrated or bitter with his arrival. Perhaps its that he realized quickly that he was born with me as his father. O joy.

At any rate, the church offered me a month off to change diapers, sleep less than lab mice on crack, and basically parent my two sons. I've managed to do my fair share of night feedings, rocking, diapering, etc...I've also managed to take my wife out to dinner once and take my two year old to the zoo--his third home, after home and church.
Jonah, the two-year-old, loves the baby. At least, to the extent that he hasn't attempted to actually harm or kill him yet. He calls him Lukey and enojoys watching him do the limited things babies do. His entertainment value is, at this point, weak. After all, the baby's novelty wears thin when crying like a siren from a bullhorn ensues. According to Dr. Weissbluth--author of the book, Healthly Sleep Habits, Happy Child---Luke is at the height of fussiness, a perfect time for me to return to work. Of course, leaving Cherie alone with a two-year-old who is more demanding than Tyra banks at Starbucks and an infant poised to exercise his lungs by screaming like a banshee in heat is tantamount to torture. If she were Muslim I'm sure she would begin to make terrorist threats, simply to be removed by the feds for several years of "detention". And I;ve only been back to work for a day and a half! I just keep teling her, "It will get better". Please God, let it get better...

Holy Spirit

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus, came to the disciples. Since then, the church has argued about the Spirit’s presence, power, and gifts. Who has the Spirit? How does one get it or receive it? And in our own time, the question is even more ambiguous. Is there a spiritual realm and, if so, how are people spiritual in nature? People will try to connect to a deeper sense of self-identity in many ways. Some Christians consider themselves the exclusive recipients of the Holy Spirit, to the exclusion of the rest of us. This causes divisive strife and, likely, is the source of much disenchantment with religion and church. In a related expression, I’ve heard people say, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.” Or “You don’t have to go to church to be a spiritual person.” I wonder why there is such a disconnect between the church and the spirit-filled life?
Marva Dawn, in her book “Talking the Walk: Letting Christian Language live again” writes about the ways that we reject the Spirit dwelling within and among us. “Consequently, we renounce the Spirit when we do not let the Inspirer through the Word in biblical texts form our language and lives, when we are not attuned enough to the Spirit to let the Holy Guide direct our attitudes, speech, and deeds. We admire certain people who seem to be Spirit-filled, but do not comprehend that the Spirit’s indwelling is a gift fully available to us all. We also repudiate the Spirit when we do not submit to the Empowerer’s gifting so that we might work out of God’s strength rather than our own. How often we rely on our own skills, experience, understanding, or talent rather than letting the Spirit have full sway in our lives and deeds. Sometimes we hide the Spirit’s gifts and don’t let them work through us for the well-being of the community or even ourselves.”
The Holy Spirit is not a feeling or emotion, not a tickle in the gut or a chill up the spine. We often expect some feeling to accompany the Spirit’s presence. But what if God’s Spirit is at work in your daily life devoid of any strong feeling? The Spirit gives us many things: a sense of peace or conviction or courage or endurance or guidance or quiet or hope or willful submission. Would you like to discover how Jesus’ Spirit, gifted to you for LIFE at Holy Baptism, is at work in you? Wouldn’t you like to be inspired, to experience a connection with Jesus, and to embrace a new way of life that is full of purpose and meaning? Wouldn’t you like to identify yourself as a spirit-filled person with spiritual gifts, assets, and abilities to share for the betterment of others? Wouldn’t you like this congregation to be known as a people full of the Spirit and life of Jesus, a place to which the Spirit draws people into fellowship?

DaVinci Code

Easter 6 2006
“The DaVinci Code” opened in theatres this weekend. Yes, the book dares to suggest that there are misdeeds in church history. Yes, it does suggest that the existence of certain sacred orders within the Catholic church are covering up “the truth” about Jesus. Yes, it does build an elaborate conspiracy theory with “evidence” from actual historical artifacts like DaVinci’s “Mona Lisa”, “the Last Supper” and the temple church in London. All of these things can be explained away or, with the stretch of the imagination, considered possible or even valid. Have you looked at the painting of the last Supper? The person seated beside Jesus is strikingly feminine. That the person is Mary Magdalene, the wife of Jesus, is the book’s claim. Could it be? If so, is it possible that Jesus wed Mary and had children? Is it possible that the church has kept this secret for 2,000 years as a means of accruing wealth and social control? Is it possible that the church is corrupt and the truth lost? Let me weigh in on this matter before someone asks me about it. I read the book when it came out, cover-to-cover in a couple of days. It was one of the most engaging, fast-paced mystery rides I’d ever taken in a fictional novel. Oh, right. It is fiction, isn’t it? Dan Brown is no scholar refuting biblical tradition and theology. He is a writer and a half decent one at that. He got 40 million copies of his book sold and read. He got a movie deal and a lot of buzz from a good mystery. So, why all the fuss?
The fuss is not about DaVinci or the priory of Scion or Opus Dei or Mary Magdalene or “Jesus’ blood line” or Dan Brown. The fuss is, at its heart, a crisis of faith of the highest proportion. The fuss is not that the book may cause a faith crisis, but that a faith crisis already exists which the book potentially fuels. It reveals that 21st century western people are incapable of discerning the truth from fiction, God from an idol, Jesus from DaVinci. The fuss is over authority. Who can say what scripture really means? Who can tell us the truth? Who can tell us what is faithful and heretical? Who can define Christianity? Is it the church? The Pope? Anybody with a pen and a penchant for storytelling? The crisis is that people are longing for mystery and revelation of the divine kind, but don’t know where to find it. People are longing for a touch of Jesus’ life, a sign of God’s presence and truth. People are hoping for a new vision of the world, in which institutions governed by corruption are exposed and brought down. People seek a vision of a world in which faith and hope and love abide. A world where Jesus is known fully and we are fully known. And loved. If that is not the compassionate mission of Jesus carried out by his faithful followers, I don’t know what is. So, see the movie. The book will be better, though. They always are.
with love, PM

"A dysfunctional family is any family with more than one person in it." Mary karr.

"The United States goes around the world telling countries that a few more nuclear warheads are dangerous and immoral---whil it has 12,000 nukes of its own" Fareed Zakaria (Newsweek, April 17).

No telling what you might hear

Frederick Buechner writes:" When a minister reads out of the bible, I am sure that at least nine out of the ten people who happen to be listening at all hear not what is really being read but only what they expect to hear read. And I think what most people expect to hear read from the bible is an edifying story, an uplifting thought, a moral lesson---something elevating, obvious, and boring. So that is exactly what very often they do hear. Only that is too bad because if you really listen---and maybe you have to forget that it is the bible being read and a minister who is reading it--there is no telling what you might hear!