Words are powerful--and a bit of a tangent!

We all know words are powerful—most powerful is the Word Godself, Jesus—the Word of God incarnate.  

Our words are important and so often it is the little ones who make the biggest impact on us, and not interchangeable.  I think of the two words and and or—little words, but powerful.  Imagine the words we heard in the baptism service on Sunday, “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might.”  You can’t just sub in the word or—it is not the spirit of wisdom or understand, the spirit of counsel or might.

I was reminded of this the past few days at synod assembly and as I had the chance to read what some people write.  In one of the resolutions, and in the document about Women and Justice, there is a reminder about the use of inclusive language.  For many of us we don’t pay attention to this, it doesn’t affect us directly.  At the assembly, we sang a song that has the phrase “blinded by idols and lies.”  The bishop shared his offense at this language as a person who is blinded, physically.  We know the statement in the song is not meant to be offensive, but for some it is.  The same way when we use gender specific language for God—who is beyond gender, who is just … God.  I try my best when not to use the word he for God, and it gets challenging at times.  Godself, God in God’s abundant mercy—I know a pronoun would make the sentence flow better, but what is the appropriate pronoun for God?  I struggle at times when I don’t catch the use of gender language in our songs in worship.  Back when I was young, the word man could mean those who are gendered male, but also inclusive of humanity.  That is not the case anymore—but many of our hymns, including those that are more contemporary still use gender specific language.

It would appear that I am challenged by pronouns, at least I think they are.  I hear pastors say “my congregation” or referring to committees or boards, my council.  I think I used to do this, and I am guessing I still fall into this trap.  But if you look back at what I have written, I try to say I serve with the people of Ascension.  I am but a servant, along with the others in the congregation who strive to be faithful in our mission to Christ and the world.  The youth are not my youth, the council is not my council, my president (you can confirm that with Kris if you want!), my anything.  The work of the church is done by many people, differently gifted by the one and same spirit.  Some of us are called to lead, and I will own that.  But leading does not make my ministry any more important than those who are doing to the work—not that leading isn’t also work.  

In a couple weeks, we will confirm, or maybe we should say we will be witnesses to the affirmation of faith of seven of our young people.  Of these seven, I had the honor of presiding at the baptism of at least one of them when under a previous call.  I have struggled, and laughed, and sometimes cried with these young people as they began to embrace their own faith.  I pray that in my preaching and teaching, empowered by the gifts ordained by God, they were strengthened in their faith.  But I want to be clear, I was only a part.  Thank you to the parents, the congregation, guardian angels, grandparents, the camp staff, friends, council, volleyball coaches, brothers, and the countless numbers of people who share their faith with these young people.  

Ok, so I went off on a tangent—I have been known to.  All this to say, we are church together, no member of the body more important than another.  Not in the congregation of Ascension, not in the synod, not even in the ELCA.  We are called, we are.  We are part of the mission of Christ.  And I am grateful that God has called me to serve with the people of Ascension Lutheran Church, who daily remind me that we can do so much more together than I could alone. 

I is such a tiny little word, and it can point away from our call to serve God together, looking out, through the eyes of Jesus Christ. 

National Day of Prayer--May 3, 2018

Today is the National Day of Prayer.  Since 1952, by a joint resolution of Congress, this day was signed into law by President Truman.  In 1988 it was amended by both the House and Senate, and signed into law by President Reagan that the first Thursday of May would be designated as a day of national prayer.  Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

The theme this year is Unity.  The theme verse is from Ephesians 4:3—“Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  One of my favorite scriptures comes from John 17, Jesus’ prayer before he was crucified.  Jesus prayed that his disciples, his followers would be one, and Jesus and the Father are one.  I believe that God, in design created us to work together, to spread the truth of Jesus Christ. 

Having said all this, I was happy to accept an invitation to serve as the song leader at this years National Day of Prayer for Saginaw Township, held this year at Hopevale Church, due to the weather.  I was excited that congregations and denominations could come together, unified in prayer for our nation.  That we could come together with prayers of peace, understanding, mission, service, and in the name of Jesus Christ.  United, but different—because my understanding is that we can be united, and still not be the same; united and diverse.

I am going to admit, I was nervous.  I walked in and saw all female greeters, and a circle of men.  Come to find out, these men were the scripture readers, and the prayers.  Eventually another woman joined the circle in addition to me, and she did participate by praying.  I didn’t think much of it, but it is always interesting to me to see this; but I also know maybe the women that were asked had other commitments.  

It started off pretty good, readings from the Psalms and an introduction by the Township supervisor.  I let the singing of Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.  Any time a group of people join in song, I find it moving. 

We moved into a time of prayer.  The author of the prayers used national monuments and the inscriptions on these monuments for introduction and focus; the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, the Washington Monument.  I was praying, focusing on the will of God to unite us in liberty, freedom to pray, the gospel… and then we got to what I wasn’t expecting: prayers that the issues of multiculturalism, same sex marriage, lack of adherence to the Bible—and I was reminded why we have so much trouble being united. 

Why was I expecting our prayer to be about peace, about listening and understanding, about the welcoming of strangers, care for the poor and neglected, helping those who are weak and heavy laden, reaching out to those that Jesus would have reached out to, grace, the uniting of all people in the arms of Christ.  There was talk about the media which doesn’t speak facts but speaks their interpretation (which I agree with this, but I got the sense that the prayer was only referring to the liberal media). 

I believe I am a conservative Christian, though others might label us, and me, liberal.  I believe that the moral compass of Christ is love, it is welcoming the stranger in our midst, it is living with grace and forgiveness.  

I believe that we in the church must take a lead in our country and in our world, as it is the kingdom of God; not yet what it will be.  But the kingdom is not a place of human judgement.  So I want to take a stab at a prayer as this day ends.  By the way, it might be a longer prayer than “normal” as I also came to understand we Lutherans pray much shorter prayers than our partners in the gospel!

Let us pray:

Uniting God, creator of all, you created all in your image and said it is good.  You scattered people in many lands, and over time, migrations occurred and people moved from land to land.  Like your people Israel, we often became strangers in a strange land.  In time, this nation was formed out of people from many lands, many languages, and many customs.  We welcomed the gifts these new people brought to our land and to our communities; we confess we also were unwelcoming and prejudice against some races, including participating in human atrocities toward others.  In spite of these sins, our nation strived for liberty, to provide freedom for religious worship and prayer, freedom of speech, the freedom to strive for life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.  For this, we give thanks.

We continued to welcome people from all lands, many through the gates of Ellis Island, as people read the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”  These words are reminders of the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”   Gracious Lord, empower your Church, and empower this nation to return to who we were formed to be; knowing that situations change, but your purpose does not.  Remind us in the words of Scripture that the Lord requires us to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).   As your Church, we disagree in our polity, in some of our understandings of Scripture; but we do strive to believe in the one true God.  Empower us to unite in the mission of service, in the mission of justice, in the mission of love, unite us in hope.  Unite us in the things that bind us together; better yet, bind us in the who that binds us together; Jesus Christ, OUR Savior and Lord.  Let these words be so, in Jesus’ name, Amen!

Good Friday Reflection

Good Friday Reflections

This afternoon and tonight we held Good Friday worship at Ascension, as did many throughout the world.  Our worship centered on the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, done in a very traditional way.  Not alot of music, nothing upbeat; instead it was stark and silent.  There were periods of intentional silence, which was uncomfortable. 

At Ascension, it is almost never quiet; but today there wasn't alot of conversation among the congregation before either worship.  Lights were low.  We didn't begin with a song.  Service began in prayer and scripture.  During the sermon, there was silence as we reflected on our sin buried with Jesus, and our stuggle to trust God enough to leave it there.  I closed my eyes, intending about 4 minutes of silence--about the time of a song--but opened my eyes to see less than a minute had passed.  So I closed my eyes again and waited.  If I was uncomfortable I knew others were.  Ended my sermon with Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us.

Then we had silence during the bidding prayer.  Not as uncomfortable.

The most uncomfortable time for me was at the end of service.  I was kneeling at the rail, we had sung "Were you There?"   People were invited to stay as long as they wish for prayer and meditation.  I listened for people to go.  I could hear a little rustling of paper, but felt that people were staying.  Were they staying because they were praying?  I am sure some were.  But for most, including me after a while, I stayed because I wasn't sure what to do. 

I am sure that is similar to that first Good Friday, and all the Good Friday's since.  We don't know what to do.  Attendance between the services was just under 100 people.  Among those attending were people grieving the death of a brother and a son who died unexpectedly on Tuesday.  There were those who attend every year, but tell me they really don't like Good Friday.  People left worship tonight saying Happy Easter.  People are already posting Easter stuff.  This not yet, uncertain time is way too uncomfortable for many of us to embrace.

As I sit at home, watching women's basketball and eating a late dinner, I wonder if that is part of our problem, our challenge in faith.  We want the Jesus who is actively healing, preaching, causing people to talk.  We want the Jesus who challenges authority, who holds children, and raises a dead friend.  We want the Jesus that prompts us to decorate the worship space with poinsettias or lily's. 

The truth is, and the older I get the more aware I am, is that this day, this day where we adore the cross, is the day when Jesus gifted us with healing, love, and grace beyond any measure.  It was love that made him willing to go to the cross, it was love that he willingly took away our sin. To participate in Easter without experiencing this uncomfortable time would leave Easter a bit empty for me.  I know a lot of people will be at worship on Easter, but there is no Easter without Good Friday.  There is no resurrection without death.  

Our scripture tonight began with the day of preparation.  I pray that whether you attended worship this day or not, you will prepare yourself for the festival.  Read the story of the crucifixion, share it with friends.  Live in the uncomfortableness of  preparation--for it is in this that the joy will come!  a

January 1, 2018 NEW WORD-- THRIVE

2018         The New Year—New Word--Thrive

We know words are powerful and life giving; they can also be hurtful.  At the beginning of 2017, I encouraged the people of Ascension to choose a word that would help guide them through the year.  I know some people chose words like balance, faith, love, patience, hope.  The word I chose was commit.

At the beginning of 2017, I was still recovering from the illness that had me in the hospital for 5 days and dealing with some of the issues surrounding that.  I had realized that the pain I had been experiencing had been going on probably for weeks and I had just been ignoring and working.  I had too much to do, at least in my mind to take time out to deal with my health, or anything else.  So as I chose the word “commit” I also set my goals—which including saying yes or no as is appropriate, setting personal boundaries and not just doing what people want me to do to avoid conflict and to address some areas of leadership and focus on worship leadership.  

I also set goals relating to finances, friends and family, recreation and physical well-being.

As I reflect back on 2017, I did ok.  I didn’t fully achieve the goals I wanted, but in some ways I made some good strides.  I continue to work on them, and as I begin 2018, believe that I will continue my goals, but I’m going to change my word.

My word for 2018 will be THRIVE.  I believe life is more about thriving than surviving.  In some ways, this past year was about surviving for me, getting what needed to be done done.  But I want my life to be more than mere survival, yet I am sure there will be days that is my goal.  I want to THRIVE in life.  To exceed expectations when appropriate and when I can.  To make decisions and choices that aren’t just good ideas but truly impact whatever it is improving. 

So for my goals, I am going to work on thriving in my:

•  Physical/Spiritual and Emotional life:  getting sleep, setting boundaries, get to walking more (got to get in shape for Houston!), and eating health
•  Finances:  become debt free—which got off course when I decided to update my house last year.  Decreasing eating out and impulse shopping.  Continue to tithe or above.
•   Friends/Family:  Pay attention to these relationships.  Honor them.  Care and train for Bailey as she is in her first year of life.
•  Recreation:  Read 25 books for fun this year, take vacation, use some day offs for day trips around Michigan and enjoy this state that has much to offer.  Get back to quilting and sewing.
• Vocational with congregation:  Work on leading more than managing, continue to trust the leadership structure and keep our hope and goals always in mind, work with the four ministries to THRIVE.

What will your word be for 2018?  

 

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the parent loves the child. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For the love of God is this, that we obey his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome, for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith. Who is it that conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?