Newsletter: Christmas Decorations

Now is the time to put out the Christmas decorations. You probably won’t have to drag all of them out of the attic or storage shed. If your family is like many families, you have a few decorations already on display. In fact, those strays have been up all year. You might have an orphan Rudolf on that shelf, Frosty the Snowman on a dresser, or a tree ornament that resembles the star of Bethlehem hanging on a string. In that initial sweep of the house in January, perhaps something was left behind. When you finally discover it, that little Santa figurine has celebrated Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. Why deprive it of the fireworks on the fourth of July? Perhaps, some of the decorations remain because we choose to leave them. They were given by a dear friend, or they inspire such wonderful memories.

It’s not a bad idea to keep reminders of Christmas around. On that day we celebrate God’s love that was revealed in Jesus Christ. God came to dwell among us and redeem us from sin and death. Nonetheless, life becomes unbearable if we relegate hope to a corner of the calendar. When we encounter hurt or loneliness, we shouldn’t have to wait till Christmas to hear again the words of the prophet: “Comfort, comfort, my people…”

The people of Israel were oppressed, dominated by powers greater than their own. They cherished the reminders of the coming of the Messiah, and we celebrate with the shepherds the joy of his advent.

The Lord has come, yet we eagerly await his second advent. In these days, our experiences of loss and sorrow are overwhelming. We know all too well that the victory that was won is not finished.

This Christmas surround yourselves with reminders of God’s love. Listen again to the words of Scripture. Hear the praises of God’s people. Eat the bread, and drink the cup. Act in compassion and mercy.

Merry Christmas.

Newsletter: Fear God, Honor the Emperor

“…fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17)

The headlines are screaming. We watch the devaluing of retirement funds. We hear about our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. We read about Russians marching in Georgia, Iran seeking nuclear weapons, and terrorism still threatening.

As of this writing, I don’t know who will be the next president of the United States. The job is a thankless one, and true leaders are rare. While wrestling with the tempest, even good intentions can lead to unintended consequences. The person who will serve in the Oval Office needs wisdom and humility. The next president needs our prayers. Regardless of party, pray for our political leaders. Be charitable.

Nonetheless, in these difficult times, we need to remember that our hope and faith does not lie in political leaders, military might, or stock markets. Uncertainty should not lead us to despair. We have a Savior who has defeated all the powers of this world including death. Some think our faith is merely “whistling in the dark,” but the faith which has sustained the Church is not a naïve opiate which dulls the pain. As the problems of this world swirl around us, we can face the next day because we know that Christ’s victory is assured.

At the end of November we will celebrate Thanksgiving. In darkest days of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln himself declared a “day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” With casualties mounting and property destroyed, Lincoln’s declaration seems ironic or even sick. Nonetheless, our hope in God, not our current circumstances, leads us to live lives of gratitude.

Our faith in Christ is a clarion call to action. As Jesus Christ declared, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20). We carry the good news of God into the world. We live it out in our relationships, teach it to our children, and share it with the hurting. We work for justice and peace precisely because the world is too important to leave to the politicians. Instead of shrugging at the weight of the world, let us joyfully serve--loving both God and our neighbor.

Newsletter: Go and Repair My House

Francesco Bernadone was the son of a wealthy merchant, and he was comfortable among the rich. In fact, he was a bit spoiled. In the Middle Ages, children of privilege were often trained in courtesy and the manners of the court, and Francesco was no exception. He enjoyed luxury, music, and dance. The young man had an attractive personality and often became the life of the party.

As a follower of the ideals of chivalry, the young man also tried his hands at soldiering. In a minor skirmish, Francesco was captured. For one year, he was held in prison. There, his health deteriorated. After his father finally paid a ransom, he returned home and rebuilt his strength. A second time he went out to seek glory as a war hero, but something stopped him short. In a dream, God told Francesco to return home. God took the ideals of the court that Francesco embraced, and God redirected them to service in the name of Jesus Christ.

One day, Francesco sat in prayer before a crucifix in a small chapel near Assisi. God spoke to him, “Francis, go and repair my house which, as you see, is falling into ruins.” St. Francis of Assisi didn’t carry a diploma from a prestigious seminary. He was a layman. Francis simply tried to embody the way of Jesus Christ. He practiced forgiveness and love. He preached the good news. He suffered. He even prayed with arms outstretched like Christ on the cross. Legend suggests that Francis followed Christ so closely that he received the wounds of our Savior in his own flesh. This man rejected riches, honor, and comfort—anything which distracted him from his calling to repair the Church.

We remember St. Francis for his kindness toward animals and the environment, but that love was rooted in a sense of our being created by God. Hence, he declared “All creatures of our God and King,/Lift up your voice and with us sing, /Alleluia.” Our spiritual obligation cannot be separated from our physical existence. The life of discipleship is practiced in a world of people and things.

God’s church faces multiple challenges in our own day. She faces division and disunity. She often lacks a sense of purpose. She is burdened with error and distraction. She fails to love. The calling of Francis is our calling: “Go and repair my house.” The man from Assisi even shows us the way. Live out your faith in the world. Hold to the truth. Be peacemakers. Love radically. Follow Jesus.

Newsletter: Inheritance

The various committees of the church are thinking about the future. As we do every year, we are planning ahead. We are writing down goals and objectives, developing calendars, and haggling about who will do what. Sometimes the task is exciting as we anticipate all the possibilities. Sometimes the preparation seems a bit more tedious. Either way, the work we do is necessary. We are merely exercising good stewardship over the inheritance we have received from God.

Our inheritance is large. We have a wonderful building and facilities which are now enhanced by the remodeling of the sanctuary and the new organ. We have some financial resources entrusted to the church by friends past and present. We have the talents of members and staff. We have the hard work of individuals seeking to give their best to God.

Our inheritance is even larger than we realize. We have a good name. Granted, denominations are not as important as they once were, but historically, being Presbyterian meant something. A Presbyterian knew the Scriptures and supported the programs which promoted that knowledge. Whether through Sunday Schools, colleges, or seminaries, Presbyterians have always supported educational opportunities for children and adults. Presbyterians have been compassionate as well. Our parents in the faith built hospitals and orphanages, and they cared for the sick, the poor, and the lonely. Presbyterians have also been on the forefront of reaching the world for Jesus Christ. Thanks to missionaries and indigenous congregations, the Presbyterian church is most vibrant and alive in those areas which were once mission fields.

Even beyond these things, we have a greater inheritance. We have the gospel. God has entrusted the good news of Jesus Christ to us. We have the Scriptures. and the Sacraments. We have the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Many of us remember the story of Esau who sold his inheritance for a bit of lentil stew. That story should remain as a warning to us all. Encourage the elders of our church to be good stewards of our inheritance, but don’t wait for them. Each member of our congregation has a share in this inheritance. We all pray for the church. We offer our talents and gifts to the mission of the church. We are present in the life of the congregation.

What will do with the inheritance? Let’s put our blessings to work.

Newsletter: Time Travel

If you could travel through time, where and when would you go?

This is one of those questions families might ponder on a multi-state car trip after the i-pod batteries die. The question has been the source of some great stories by authors as diverse as H.G. Wells, Mark Twain, and even Charles Dickens. The idea of zipping away in a time machine presents exciting possibilities. For some, time travel might mean going back to interact with figures from the past like Abraham Lincoln or your great-grandmother. Others want a chance to fix past mistakes. A few even want to escape into some utopian future.

In a sense, however, the premise is wrong. All of us are time travelers. We are traveling forward in time one second, one hour, and one day at a time. Time is a precious commodity, and sometimes we try to hoard it. Nevertheless, no matter what we try, we cannot stop its relentless march. Instead of saving time, we must learn to invest it. We invest it in families, friends, and the community of faith. We invest time in the people God calls us to love--the children, the poor, and the infirm. The time we have should be met with courage. As Mordecai told his cousin Esther, "Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)

Since you are traveling through time, where and when will you go?

Newsletter: Summer Recreation

Summer is here. It is true that official beginning, the summer solstice, doesn’t occur until June 21st, and school remains in session for one more week. Nonetheless, one can sense that the season is already in the air. People are planning vacations, trips to the lake, and visits with family. Children are looking forward to time at the swimming pool, summer camps, and a few more video games in air-conditioned comfort. We are thinking about summer foods—a glass of sun tea, lemonade, or an ice cream cone that melts faster that we can lick.

We associate summer with recreation, and many use the hotter months to rest and to play. We work hard, and ironically, we are very serious about our recreation. We invest our money to make our time off more relaxing and more fun. We use our precious minutes searching the internet for the best prices on flights, hotel rooms, and cruises. Something in our souls begs for time-off or just a little break. The word recreation itself literally means “re”-creation. We are rejuvenated, refreshed and renewed by our down-time.

The Scriptures teach us that we keep Sabbath because God rested after creating the world. They also teach us that creation was corrupted, and “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17 ). We are “re”-created by God, and we find rest finally in him. This summer, as you are frantically looking for times of recreation, don’t forget the opportunity to be re-created. We’ll see you on the Lord’s Day in worship.

(photo via freefoto.com)

Newsletter: Reminder

Several months ago, I became aware of a Presbyterian church. It’s in a small town, and it’s not the largest church in town. But interestingly, they are unwilling to define themselves by size. Instead, they define themselves by the fact they wish to make disciples.

They believe that the Christian life is meant to be lived. So, they prepare people to live it. They are very intentional. They don’t just assume people will understand. From the little ones to the seasoned citizens, they work hard to teach and prepare people to live out their ministry.

Although they believe the faith, they are unwilling to leave the issue there. They are constantly asking questions. To paraphrase Socrates, they believe that the unexamined faith is not worth living. They are not afraid. They have serious conversations about parenting, relationships, work, money and politics. They want to know how their faith impacts these areas. They want their faith in God to be deeper and richer. I find that refreshing.

They aren’t perfect. They do have conflicts. They disagree. On occasion, the vehemently disagree. Still they continue to look at the person across the table as a brother or sister in Christ. Everyone in room is seeking what is best for the church. I find that refreshing as well.

They work hard to love God and to love their neighbor. And they realize that the whole deal is resting on the grace found in Jesus Christ. We don’t deserve it but God still loves us. Even when we want to hate ourselves or hate others, God continues to love us.

That church is not that far away, but you won’t find it on a map. Instead, it is the church that we said that God wanted us to be.

Calling and Commitment of
First Presbyterian ChurcH

Our Calling:
We are equipping the Church for the life of faith.

Our Commitment:
Relying on the grace found in Jesus Christ,
we glorify and enjoy God in all things.

Holding closely to the truth of God’s Word,
we ask with courage difficult questions of our faith and life.

Loved by God,
we show compassion respecting each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Guided by Christ’s commands,
we strive to love God, to love our neighbor, and to make disciples.

Newsletter: April Fool

The time for jokes and jesting is almost upon us. April Fools’ Day is just around the corner. No one knows for sure the origins of the special day. Some have suggested that changing from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s created some confusion concerning the beginning of the new year. Others believe that some ancient king or emperor decided that political humor was born out of ignorance. As a result, the ruler made some jester king-for-a-day to teach the weight of the office. A few even believe that the fickle weather this time of year “fools” us thinking that winter or spring is here.

No matter the origin, I agree with Mark Twain on the purpose of April Fools’ Day. “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.” In life, we are constantly given opportunities to look foolish, and we rarely avoid them. Being a fool for an outdated fashion sense is one thing, but being a fool for prejudice or pride is another. In the Scriptures, Paul gives us another reason to be the fool.

Do not deceive yourselves. If you think that you are wise in this age, you should become fools so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows the thoughtsof the wise, that they are futile." (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)

The follower of Jesus Christ who holds to the truth, loves and forgives will look foolish to the rest of the world. Those thinking themselves to be wise act out of arrogance. Ironically, greater wisdom is found among those who know that they are fools. The poignant question remains for me: If I am a fool, for what reason am I foolish? For Christ or for the world?

Newsletter: Waiting for Easter

In 2008, Easter falls on March 23^rd. The holiday is coming earlier this year causing candy retailers much consternation. The National Confectioners Association expects a 6% drop in Easter sales due to the early date. Apparently folks will still be enjoying Valentines candy instead of marshmallow peeps this year. Thankfully for those Willy Wonkas, early Easters don’t happen too often. The next time Easter will fall on March 23^rd will be in 2160.

The dates for Easter vary from year to year. This variety causes some consternation, but it’s better than in the early days of the Church. Back then different congregations would celebrate Easter at different times. In fact, some congregations even celebrated Easter on a weekday. To promote Christian unity, the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 standardized the date to the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. Despite the attempt to have one date, the Eastern Orthodox Church calculates the date for Easter a bit differently. They will have plenty of time to buy candy since they will be celebrating on April 27.

If you are like me, all this talk of calendars and dates is a bit confusing. To celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ doesn’t require waiting for an annual date on the calendar. In fact, Christians celebrate Jesus’ victory over death every week. Very early, Christians replaced the Jewish Sabbath, Saturday, with the Lord’s Day, Sunday. Rather than waiting for a holy day, Christ redeemed all of time. Instead of waiting for the right moment, God will love us now. Chocolate bunnies cannot compare to the sweetness of God’s grace.

Newsletter: Spiritual Self-Contradiction

“I am told God loves me--and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul.”

These are the words of Mother Teresa in a prayer to Jesus as reported recently by Time magazine. The excerpt comes from a larger collection of letters and papers entitled, Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light. The press coverage of the new book has suggested a scandal.

The talking heads on the cable news shows cluck that Mother Teresa was a hypocrite. Here is a woman who dedicated her life to God. Nonetheless, she often wandered in a spiritual desert. She had days, rather years, in which God seemed silent. The author of the Time article suggests that Teresa’s life presents “a startling portrait in self-contradiction.”

I only know Mother Teresa through her public persona. She was born in Macedonia and began her ministry in India at the age of 19. There she ministered to the poor and dying of Calcutta in the name of Christ. I cannot speak to her inner spiritual life. I am in no position to judge. However, is it possible to follow God and not feel God’s presence?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1)

The psalmist believes that the answer is yes. In fact, Jesus himself speaks the psalmist’s words from the cross. Faithfulness does not mean happiness all the time. Discipleship can be accompanied by sorrow, silence, and suffering.

Human beings are emotional creatures. Our emotions can bring a passion and intensity to all of life. We should not neglect our feelings. Nonetheless, the love of God does not change when we cannot perceive it. We are saved by God’s grace in Jesus Christ, not our feelings. We must rely on the promises of the Scriptures and the collective faith of the church to sustain us when our own individual faith seems insufficient.

If you have never experienced the “self-contradiction” of spiritual dryness count yourself blessed. If you are like the rest of us, do not despair. Bring your fear, anger and doubt to God. Raise your concerns, and ask your questions. Wrestle with God, and even ask for a blessing. In the end, know that we belong to our faithful Savior, Jesus Christ, even if we cannot feel it.

Newsletter: Beyond the Answers

The answer is 42. You know, the answer to life, the universe, and everything. It’s 42. At least that is the claim of Douglas Adams in his science fiction farce, The Hitchhikers’ Guide to the Galaxy. The problem, according to the book, is not the answer. Instead, we don’t know the right question. Here, Adams pokes a little irreverent fun at the elusive nature of existential questions. Who are we? Why are we here? Knowing the answer and understanding its meaning are two separate things.

We stand with Christians throughout history proclaiming that Jesus is Lord. God has a claim on our life, and as a result, we live differently. The question remains, how shall we then live? Faithful living means asking that question. More importantly, it means having the courage to live with the answers. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we worship God, study the Bible, and pray. In humility, we then step out in faith.

In the past two years, our congregation has been in a season of discernment. After much worship, study and prayer, we acknowledge that God is calling us to equip the Church for the life of faith. Paul writes in the letter to the Ephesians…

It was [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

We want for our congregation what God wants for us--that we become mature in the faith. We would like our church to be a vibrant, dynamic community, alive in Christ.

Knowing our calling and living it out are two separate things. On August 24-26, the First Presbyterian Church will be hosting a conference on “Equipping the Church: Responding to our Call.” I encourage you join us for a weekend of teaching, fellowship, music and reflection.

Newsletter: Praise the Lord With Music

Praise ye the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary:
praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts:
praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet:
praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance:
praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals:
praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.
Praise ye the LORD.
Psalm 150 (KJV)

During our recent vacation to Washington D.C., our family attended a worship service at National Cathedral. Although we arrived a little late and sat in the back of the sanctuary, we could not avoid the music of the pipe organ. We really didn’t listen to the organ. Thanks to the acoustics, we were surrounded, enveloped by the music. Our praises to God flowed with the sound of the pipes. It was a magnificent experience.

The organ has been playing church music for a long time. Around the late fourth century, St. Jerome describes an organ in Jerusalem that could be heard more than a mile away at the Mount of Olives. Still, not everyone in the Church has been a fan. As the Puritans stripped away ornamentation from worship, they dubbed the instrument, “the devil’s bagpipe.” Despite the criticism, the organ remained the preferred instrument for church music until the late twentieth century.

First Presbyterian Church has had its organ since our building was built in the late 1960s. For the time, it was one of the best electronic organs around. Over the years, we have been blessed with some wonderful organists whose music encouraged our own praise to God. Unfortunately, the electronic components of the organ have deteriorated over those same years. Soon, we will be forced to decide whether organ music will remain part of our music ministry.

Currently, the movement in church music is away from the organ. Many churches have replaced their pipes with keyboards and guitars. Over the next several years, more and more good church music will be available for these instruments. Our own congregation must learn how to better utilize guitar, keyboard and other instruments in worship. God deserves praise using the broadest musical palette.

Although organ music pushes against the trend, should it retain a prominent place in our worship? Certainly, the organ's voice is very different from other instruments. Without it, we do limit our options. Moreover, the historical repertoire of the organ has incredible depth and range. When we use these great pieces of music in worship, we touch the living faith of generations past. We acknowledge that the church is more than about us. The timeless and eternal often trump the “new and improved.”

The challenge we really face is not about the organ. It is about our music ministry. How do we develop the musical talents of our community to the glory of God? How do we encourage an appreciation of the musical heritage of the whole Church? How best do we minister with music in the name of Jesus Christ?

Newsletter: Calling and Commitment

CALLING AND COMMITMENT
OF
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our Calling:
We are equipping the Church for the life of faith.

Our Commitment:
Relying on the grace found in Jesus Christ,
we glorify and enjoy God in all things.

Holding closely to the truth of God’s Word,
we ask with courage difficult questions of our faith and life.

Loved by God,
we show compassion respecting each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

Guided by Christ’s commands,
we strive to love God, to love our neighbor, and to make disciples.

Approved by the session, March 2007.

Newsletter: Our Calling: Equipping the Church

Over the past year and a half, our congregation has been engaged in a process of discernment. Instead of focusing on our wants and desires, we have actively sought out God’s will for the First Presbyterian Church. We have turned to prayer and Bible study. We have examined our heritage, our ministries and our community. Through all the efforts, we realized that God is calling us to a particular ministry here in this place and time: We are equipping the Church for the life of faith.

As Christians, we affirm that Jesus Christ is Lord. We accept the historic teachings of the church. We acknowledge our faith must be lived out in word and action. Moreover, we believe that God wants our congregation to take seriously Jesus’ command “to make disciples.” We are called to walk with others--to equip the Church for the hard work of worship, study, service and witness. Beyond simply imparting the facts of faith, we must equip the church on how to be Christ‘s ambassadors, how to develop the disciplines of prayer and Bible study, how to make the tough choices. Nonetheless, it would be the height of hubris to think we do this alone. In fact, we are merely instruments of God’s grace.

Now is the time for leadership. In the coming weeks and months, we will be practically applying our calling to our life together. What does worship look like in an equipping church? What is the best way that Christian Education can equip others for the life of faith? How do we do mission? What is stewardship? How can our facilities serve our calling? This won’t be an easy task. It will require energy, intelligence, imagination and love. Still, these are exciting times for the First Presbyterian Church as we respond to God’s call.

Newsletter: Bunnies and Butterflies are not Enough

The Apostle Paul says it in the clearest language possible, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith” (1 Cor 15:14). During Easter, the Church celebrates explicitly what we celebrate implicitly every Lord’s Day--Jesus Christ is risen. Trying to articulate our faith, we often resort to metaphor and analogy. The spring reminds us of new life after the death of winter. Bunnies and eggs, associated with renewal and fecundity, dominate our Easter decorations. Even butterflies who no longer lie dormant in their cocoons now grace our bulletin covers, vestments and banners.

Although helpful, metaphors also limit us. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not about the “Circle of Life” from some Disney movie. Death is real and terrible. Jesus Christ’s death was particularly horrific. Nailed to a cross, Jesus bled, suffered, and died. For all practical purposes, death was the final solution. All of the hopes inspired by Jesus should have been crucified with him. By definition, nothing should survive death.

Then Jesus rose from the grave. God shattered the power of death. The way the world had always worked was no more. In case we missed it the first time, Paul reiterates, “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15:17). With Jesus Christ alive today, God proclaims that hope is more than wishful thinking. We are freed from the bondage of ever day leading to an inevitable death. Breaking away, God offers forgiveness and grace unto life everlasting.

Newsletter: Lent With a Side of Sausage

I have a love-hate relationship with Lent.

For the unaware, the season of Lent begins forty days before Easter. Like the holy days of Christmas and Easter, Lent was a later invention of the Church. The season recalls Jesus being led by the Spirit into the wilderness for forty days after his baptism. There he fasted and was tempted by the devil. The Lenten season even suggests the forty years that the Israelites wandered in the desert. There God prepared and shaped them for life in his promised land. Lent is a time for repentance, prayer and fasting as we anticipate the glory of Jesus' resurrection.

As Christians, we rely only on the grace found in Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that we are undeserving, God continues to love us. Only through God's actions in Jesus, am I reconciled to God. That belief makes me cast a suspicious eye on Lent. Are we trying through our own piety to manipulate God to love us more? If so, it is a foolhardy attempt.

In 1522, a group of Christians in Zurich heady with the profound knowledge of God's grace ate sausages during Lent. The simple defiant act of eating meat during the prescribed fast threw the city into an uproar. The Reformation came to Zurich, and the disciplines of Lent demanded by the Church were rejected.

Christians like grace. As a small child, I asked my parents, "How do I know that I've done enough to get into heaven?" The answer is that God's love and mercy is sufficient for you and me. However, many Christians who embrace God's grace have forgotten about its high cost. Grace doesn't cost us anything, but God paid a heavy price. Jesus, our Emmanuel, suffered and died on a cross bearing the sins of the world. This costly grace calls us to faithfulness. We live lives of prayer, worship, and sacrifice. We delve into the Scriptures to understand better our Lord. We forgive, love and show mercy because of the grace that we have received.

No season is better than another. Still if we decide to spend Lent reflecting on the incredible cost of God's grace and our response, it will be time well-spent. If the disciplines of Lent are less about us and more about God, the time can be redeemed. As we enjoy our sausages, let us also be shaped for the life God intends.

Newsletter: WIJD

On my bookshelf I have a dusty old volume of Charles Sheldon’s novel, "In His Steps." The book was written in 1896 by Sheldon for his youth group in Topeka, Kansas. The novel tells the story of a pastor who challenges his congregation to live for one year asking the question, "What would Jesus do?" The rest of the book outlines the transformed lives of the parishioners as they tackle the problems of poverty, economic exploitation, graft, and the like. The story epitomized the social gospel movement and its optimism in human efforts solving human problems.

The book is not great literature, but amazingly it continues to make an impact. Just a few years ago, the book spawned a line of merchandising. One found WWJD everywhere, emblazoned on bracelets, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc. The question became a credo for an entire subculture of Christians. But the fad faded. No one any more seems interested in asking, "What would Jesus do?" Part of me is relieved.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m entirely in favor of promoting ethics based on the teachings of Jesus. The world would be a better place if more people patterned their lives after our Savior. However, the question itself is troublesome. "What would Jesus do?" is conditional. "Would" implies an "if" clause. "If Jesus was here, what would he do?" As Christians who live in the sunlight of Easter, we no longer can speak conditionally.

"Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed."

The resurrection refuses to allow Jesus to slip into the sands of time. Instead, we believe in his reality and his continued actions on our behalf. His teachings remain valid because his kingdom remains an actuality. Perhaps, with all respect to Rev. Sheldon, this Easter we should take on a new challenge. Because Jesus is alive, let us ask, "What is Jesus doing right now?" Let’s live the next year asking, "What is Jesus doing in our congregation, in our families, in our lives?"

Hat tip: The first time I encountered the question, "What is Jesus doing?" was in a sermon by Leonard Sweet.

Newsletter: Yes, Virginia, There is a St. Nicholas

Last December, Thomas and I caught the end of a Christmas animation special on television. When I think of animation and Christmas, I usually think of islands of misfit toys and boys with blankets quoting the gospel of Luke. However, this cartoon was different. Santa Claus rode a rocket sleigh propelled at dizzying speed by eight robot reindeer. Although there was no discernable plot, there were plenty of explosions and battle scenes. It’s as if the Power Rangers were given the opportunity to rewrite "A Visit from St. Nick." What a long strange trip it has been.

Long before being a pop culture icon, before being a huckster for rampant commercialism, before being "a jolly old elf," Santa Claus was simply Nicholas. The boy grew up in the third century in Patara, a small village in what is now modern Turkey. Born and baptized into the Church, his parents raised him to be a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. While still young, his parents died during an epidemic, and left him a small fortune. Moved by his faith, Nicholas used his entire inheritance in a ministry of compassion. In the name of Jesus Christ, he helped the needy, the sick, and the suffering. While still young, he became a leader in the church and was made Bishop of Myra. He was a leader of steady convictions which drew him into conflict with Roman authorities. Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Nicholas was exiled and imprisoned for his faith. In better times, Nicholas attended the Council at Nicaea in 325. There he and the other bishops hammered out a statement of faith accepted universally by the Church that Jesus Christ is fully human, fully divine.

Over the years, Nicholas’ story has become encrusted with fantasy, hype and cultural baggage. Much of it is harmless fun, like stories of giants and beanstalks. In the process, however, we lost a great man of compassion, faith and conviction. Nicholas belongs to the Church, he belongs to us, and his example is a witness to Jesus Christ. Tell Nicholas’ story. Share it with your children and grandchildren. Receive this Christmas season a visit from old St. Nick.

Grace & Peace,
James

Newsletter: Interesting Times

I am told that there is a curse used by the Chinese, "May you live in interesting times." No one can doubt that we are living in interesting times. In my adult lifetime, the Berlin Wall fell, the Soviet Union crumbled, terrorists attacked, and now we face another close presidential election. All this has happened in just the last two decades. If you’re older, your list of "interesting" events could fill this newsletter. It’s easy to be overwhelmed. It’s easy to be frustrated by events. Sometimes it appears as if we play only a walk-on part in the drama of history.

In college, a philosophy professor of mine spoke of our desperation this way: "Think of a dog tied to a cart. The cart is rolling down a hill. The dog can choose to trot alongside the cart or be dragged by it. That’s free will." Instead of being Masters of the Universe, modern philosophy posits an anxiety-ridden life where the Triumph of the Will is to be crushed by history.

However, as Christians, we live an alternative. God calls us to enter history. To stand and witness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We proclaim a God who binds up the brokenhearted that provides release for the captives. Although history may try to crush the Church, she cannot be overcome. After all, she believes in resurrection. In the Great Commission, Jesus tells his disciples that "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matt 28:18). As a result, we do not live in constant anxiety. We do not need to be consumed by the "interesting times" around us. God remains God.

In this last election, some are pleased by the outcome. Others are disappointed. Nevertheless, one thing is clear. "Interesting times" are here to stay. As Christians, we can stand without fear. We remain united in the Christ who is victorious.

Grace & Peace,
James

Newsletter: Stewardship Without Fear

“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

God’s first words to humanity are about stewardship. While the creation was still good, before it was tainted by human sinfulness, God commissions humanity to be stewards of his creation.
God’s command associates stewardship with words like “multiply,” “subdue,” and “dominion.” These words suggest that God has granted us incredible power over his creation. Some are understandably fearful of such power. They see the corruption of that power, and the desolation and destruction that follows. Their timidity, however comprehensible, leads to inaction. Stewardship becomes small-minded.

Too often, we limit our discussion of stewardship to budgets and financial receipts. We see stewardship as a struggle to preserve the status quo. However, our calling is not merely to maintain the church and her ministries, preserving them as they were decades ago. Our work is more than dusting and cleaning spills. We are called to stand with God against the chaos. We become co-creators with God.

As individuals and as a congregation, we should evaluate our calling to be God’s stewards. Is it marked by timidity? Is it an effort merely to maintain the status quo? Instead, our stewardship should always be measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness. Let us use God’s blessings to be a blessing and a witness to the world.

Grace & Peace,
James