“But Moooom! Father Tom said I could!” Oh, how I raged in that moment; convulsed by the injustice of life, or at least, of my mother.
Here’s what happened. St. Nicholas Episcopal, my church during elementary school, celebrated Good Friday with a service known as “The Stations of the Cross.” For those unfamiliar, that service symbolically ‘follows’ Jesus through Jerusalem from trial to crucifixion, ‘stopping’ at fourteen ‘stations’ to pray and contemplate. But it’s not a “sit down and listen to the preacher” experience. The church actually walks from station to station, which are located around the sanctuary’s edge. And our church didn’t just walk, we processed, with the crucifix (a long pole with a heavy brass cross on top) at the head. Carried by an acolyte. For an hour.
On the year in question, I was that acolyte, with my buddy Joel. And Father Tom, understanding how physically demanding that was for young boys said, “You can switch who holds the crucifix every few minutes. If you get tired, you may sit, even though everyone is standing.” Alas, Mom hadn’t heard his instructions. So in the middle of prayers and readings, she watched her son abandon his post to go relax in comfy chairs. “What’re you doing!?” she whispered heatedly, “Stand up!” “But Mooom…” You can imagine. Eventually, Father Tom nodded his assent, Mom calmed, and we agreed later it simply added a new wrinkle to the year’s service. “We won’t forget that Good Friday,” she said. She was right.
But it was the last Holy Week service I remember until college, since not long after, I switched churches, and the new one considered Lent and Holy Week suspect observances. In college, though, I was the token Christian among my secular friends. And one after the other, around Mardi Gras, they asked, “What’re you giving up for Lent?” “I don’t do that…” I answered, at first. But the more I was asked, the more I considered it, and eventually decided to try it out. I gave up coffee that year.
Never again.
Still, ever since, Lent has become important to my spiritual life. Some approach their faith differently (and that’s probably a good thing!), but Lenten routines help me feel like, when Easter, the most important day of our spiritual calendar, arrives, I’m prepared.
Prepared for…well, to be honest, that changes every year, and that’s what the month of Lent helps me discover. Obviously, I prepare to celebrate the central mystery of Christian faith- that our leader was killed because he challenged people with love, and then returned to new life. But life changes, so what Easter means to me changes. Like one year, I contemplated sin, and the depths of God’s unyielding forgiveness. Another year, I wondered if we should give up the word ‘sin’, and talk instead of injustice, self-defeat, pride… because ‘sin’ has been wielded like a club too much. This year, I’ve been exploring how God loves, and our response. Does God love like a parent, unconditionally and wisely? If so, will we move out of the House eventually, call every couple weeks to catch up? Does God love like a lover, intimately sustaining peace and well-being over a lifetime? If so, should we worry God might break up with us? Or like an intimate friend, or…? In our Lenten class, we discussed some of this, and I’ve been grateful for the conversation. It’s helped me know God better, and identify metaphors for God that I cling to too closely (i.e. idols). And through all that, I’ve prepared anew for Easter.
And now it’s here. He is Risen! The preparation is finished. So I wonder, however you chose to get ready, what does this Easter mean for you? Any new ideas challenging you? Any struggles finally becoming clearer? Worried about places in life- spiritual, emotional, financial, social- where a God-sized dose of resurrection could help? Whatever the answer, I pray you discover Jesus raised again- in our midst, beyond our walls, wherever (and however!) love is needed. And especially, I pray this year’s Easter services will be memorable in profound ways, even ways we haven’t prepared for!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
With Suffering…
Some claim that waay before globalization, the internet or the growth of KFC, the original multi-national institution was the Christian Church. I think that’s hyperbole, but it hints at something true. We are a world community of faith. We’re Middle-Easterners, Congolese, Bosnians, and Iowans. We speak many languages, hold divergent cultural assumptions. Our dinner table would offer an astonishing array of tastes! But at its center would be something all recognize- bread and a cup. And the host, our friend and savior Jesus, might look different than anticipated, but we’d recognize his voice, the mirth in his eyes, and the impossibly profound depths of his compassion.
If you ask me, the vast variety of that mosaic is wonderful. But, alas, the picture isn’t always as beautiful as I’d prefer. Recent revelations about clergy abuse in Ireland and Germany shockingly remind us anew that Christianity’s worldwide reach doesn’t always match the caring touch of our leader. Christian churches, for all our divine foundations, will also always be simply human institutions- flawed, limited, capable of much good and evil. Sometimes, Christians forget that, and act like God’s grace precludes them from criticism or loving every neighbor. I’m firmly convinced, however, that most Christians act otherwise, that our interactions with God’s Spirit nurtures humility and compassion. Not always, never perfectly, but in greater quantity than expected, and it’s that story- of the billions of ordinary compassionate Christians heroes- that makes our faith praiseworthy, regardless the bad decisions or disgusting actions of some Christian leaders.
In our denomination, we live that profound story in many ways, though among my favorites is Week of Compassion. Brief tutorial for those unfamiliar- Week of Compassion is a non-profit organization that raises and distributes funds from Disciples of Christ churches, so that together we can provide relief to some of the worst tragedies of our time. Like after Hurricane Katrina, Disciples gave WoC some $7 million to distribute in aid. The count so far regarding Haiti is roughly $2.3 million. Also, throughout the year, WoC partners with other respected Christian agencies (Church World Service, Catholic Relief Services, etc.) to provide development assistance, and quickly respond to natural disasters, domestic and international.
Some of y’all might remember November 2008, when my stepfather-in-law preached here. At the time, he was Week of Compassion’s Executive Director, and he described his many travels on our behalf. He talked about Bosnia and Herzegovina, where WoC has long-standing relationships with communities still overcoming the brutal effects of civil war. He celebrated the immense outpouring of care after a 2004 tsunami wreaked havoc in Indonesia. Current Director, Rev. Amy Gopp, has continued Week of Compassion’s pattern of strong leadership. She’s kept attention on Disciples’ efforts to help rebuild parts of Iowa overrun by 2008’s floods. She wrote recently of visiting Central Africa, where she met resilient, remarkable women receiving WoC assistance, some of whom fled remote villages to escape soldiers that, as she said, “use rape as a weapon of war.” It seems that for all the world’s beauty, the range of its suffering also looms large.
You might know that ‘compassion’ comes from a Latin word-combo meaning “with suffering.” To have compassion is to “suffer with” others; to walk a mile in their shoes, especially when that mile is hard, because you care that they need a companion, or some help. So when I claim that Christian faith’s greatest story is about billions of ordinary compassionate heroes, I think that’s what I mean. Though not always, still quite often, following Jesus gives us strength to suffer with others when needed, just as Jesus suffered the Cross.
Every year, we take up a special collection for Week of Compassion. We’ll do it Palm and Easter Sundays this year, so many can give. It’s only one way, but to my mind, it’s a good way to practice compassion, to attend to others’ sufferings because you care. I invite you to learn more about WoC and as you’re able, to give. Together, Jesus’ Disciples can do incredible good, when we’re willing to suffer with others. As Jesus showed, there’s immense power in such compassion, perhaps even the power of new life.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
If you ask me, the vast variety of that mosaic is wonderful. But, alas, the picture isn’t always as beautiful as I’d prefer. Recent revelations about clergy abuse in Ireland and Germany shockingly remind us anew that Christianity’s worldwide reach doesn’t always match the caring touch of our leader. Christian churches, for all our divine foundations, will also always be simply human institutions- flawed, limited, capable of much good and evil. Sometimes, Christians forget that, and act like God’s grace precludes them from criticism or loving every neighbor. I’m firmly convinced, however, that most Christians act otherwise, that our interactions with God’s Spirit nurtures humility and compassion. Not always, never perfectly, but in greater quantity than expected, and it’s that story- of the billions of ordinary compassionate Christians heroes- that makes our faith praiseworthy, regardless the bad decisions or disgusting actions of some Christian leaders.
In our denomination, we live that profound story in many ways, though among my favorites is Week of Compassion. Brief tutorial for those unfamiliar- Week of Compassion is a non-profit organization that raises and distributes funds from Disciples of Christ churches, so that together we can provide relief to some of the worst tragedies of our time. Like after Hurricane Katrina, Disciples gave WoC some $7 million to distribute in aid. The count so far regarding Haiti is roughly $2.3 million. Also, throughout the year, WoC partners with other respected Christian agencies (Church World Service, Catholic Relief Services, etc.) to provide development assistance, and quickly respond to natural disasters, domestic and international.
Some of y’all might remember November 2008, when my stepfather-in-law preached here. At the time, he was Week of Compassion’s Executive Director, and he described his many travels on our behalf. He talked about Bosnia and Herzegovina, where WoC has long-standing relationships with communities still overcoming the brutal effects of civil war. He celebrated the immense outpouring of care after a 2004 tsunami wreaked havoc in Indonesia. Current Director, Rev. Amy Gopp, has continued Week of Compassion’s pattern of strong leadership. She’s kept attention on Disciples’ efforts to help rebuild parts of Iowa overrun by 2008’s floods. She wrote recently of visiting Central Africa, where she met resilient, remarkable women receiving WoC assistance, some of whom fled remote villages to escape soldiers that, as she said, “use rape as a weapon of war.” It seems that for all the world’s beauty, the range of its suffering also looms large.
You might know that ‘compassion’ comes from a Latin word-combo meaning “with suffering.” To have compassion is to “suffer with” others; to walk a mile in their shoes, especially when that mile is hard, because you care that they need a companion, or some help. So when I claim that Christian faith’s greatest story is about billions of ordinary compassionate heroes, I think that’s what I mean. Though not always, still quite often, following Jesus gives us strength to suffer with others when needed, just as Jesus suffered the Cross.
Every year, we take up a special collection for Week of Compassion. We’ll do it Palm and Easter Sundays this year, so many can give. It’s only one way, but to my mind, it’s a good way to practice compassion, to attend to others’ sufferings because you care. I invite you to learn more about WoC and as you’re able, to give. Together, Jesus’ Disciples can do incredible good, when we’re willing to suffer with others. As Jesus showed, there’s immense power in such compassion, perhaps even the power of new life.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Reach out and touch someone...
A few years back, friends of mine found a website where you can make (a picture of) your own church sign. Considering I’m the token Christian in their lives, they sent me a link. The concept is simple- Picture something like what we’ve got, but you can type your own message. Naturally, this allows folk to be as reverent (“I Love You” -God), creative (Jesus Saves, He Passes to Gretzky, He Scores!!!) or irreverent (…) as they want, without having to slog through mid-winter snow. I found it clever. After all, Christian or not, most people know about “Church Signs.” They’re a cultural, and not simply religious, artifact of American life.
But I’ve been often wary of church signs. I remember an Assemblies of God church I drove by in Maine, and the sign said something like, “Don’t Want Jesus? Hell’s a Hot Alternative.” Booooo! I think that’s the worst kind of church sign theory- using the sign to lecture or condemn your neighbors (not to mention my strong disagreement with that theology!).
Still, there’re other ways to think about church signs. Take the advertising theory. Many churches have few marketing funds or expertise, but we’ve got signs, and think, “Let’s use that to advertise!” It’s a good thought. Indeed, that’s how I’ve thought of PCCC’s sign since I’ve been here. But I’ve noticed, that when we have used the sign as advertising, our efficiency rate is, basically, 0%. As best I can tell, I’ve not met one person who’s attended our services because of our sign. After all, folk visit a church because they know someone, or if not, these days they explore the website first so they don’t waste a Sunday morning! So a sign may not get folk in the door, but it might encourage folk to Google us…
Which brings me to church sign theory #3, which I began exploring last Fall, when Steve Weaver asked me to think deeper about using our sign. I started giving him sermon titles, and he’d put them out there (thanks Steve!). The reasoning was, “Perhaps the sermon title will pique folks’ interest, and maybe get ‘em in the door…” A good thought, but again, it wasn’t working. Then, someone helped me glimpse the deeper truth of Steve’s thought- The sign isn’t about nudging people in the door to consume something, ala TV advertising. It’s about doing what church does– initiating authentic relationships with neighbors.
So here’s the new church sign theory- Let’s invite people to experience our intimacy! Let’s not advertise our programs, but our selves! And as folk get to know us- our values, questions, approach to Jesus (not to mention our sense of humor)- perhaps it will minister to them, or be intriguing, or at least, they’ll know better who they live near. If you were at church on the 14th, you’ll notice that what’s on the sign currently is one person’s sense of what she took away from worship. She thought, “Perhaps those thoughts might give folk driving by the church something worth pondering...” And next Sunday, perhaps someone else (you?) will find something interesting about the sermon, scripture or music, or will be reminded of a quote or song lyric. If so, put it on the sign. If you don’t know how, ask me. Again, the idea isn’t, “Scare people, lecture people, make others gag.” That’s not how we do church, after all. We’re an open-minded, thoughtful, relaxed and fun-loving (and occasionally irreverent) bunch, who thinks Jesus transforms us and our world the more intimate we get, the deeper we live those values with each other. And that, if you ask me, is something valuable we can offer our neighbors. It’s why I’m proud I’m a member of this church. Our church sign isn’t the only way to bless others with those values. But it’s one way, perhaps, and I invite you to join the effort, to boldly share what matters to you about this church and its God! And if not this way, then I trust you’ll find another creative way to initiate loving, authentic relationships with others. Because that’s much of why we do church, right?
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
But I’ve been often wary of church signs. I remember an Assemblies of God church I drove by in Maine, and the sign said something like, “Don’t Want Jesus? Hell’s a Hot Alternative.” Booooo! I think that’s the worst kind of church sign theory- using the sign to lecture or condemn your neighbors (not to mention my strong disagreement with that theology!).
Still, there’re other ways to think about church signs. Take the advertising theory. Many churches have few marketing funds or expertise, but we’ve got signs, and think, “Let’s use that to advertise!” It’s a good thought. Indeed, that’s how I’ve thought of PCCC’s sign since I’ve been here. But I’ve noticed, that when we have used the sign as advertising, our efficiency rate is, basically, 0%. As best I can tell, I’ve not met one person who’s attended our services because of our sign. After all, folk visit a church because they know someone, or if not, these days they explore the website first so they don’t waste a Sunday morning! So a sign may not get folk in the door, but it might encourage folk to Google us…
Which brings me to church sign theory #3, which I began exploring last Fall, when Steve Weaver asked me to think deeper about using our sign. I started giving him sermon titles, and he’d put them out there (thanks Steve!). The reasoning was, “Perhaps the sermon title will pique folks’ interest, and maybe get ‘em in the door…” A good thought, but again, it wasn’t working. Then, someone helped me glimpse the deeper truth of Steve’s thought- The sign isn’t about nudging people in the door to consume something, ala TV advertising. It’s about doing what church does– initiating authentic relationships with neighbors.
So here’s the new church sign theory- Let’s invite people to experience our intimacy! Let’s not advertise our programs, but our selves! And as folk get to know us- our values, questions, approach to Jesus (not to mention our sense of humor)- perhaps it will minister to them, or be intriguing, or at least, they’ll know better who they live near. If you were at church on the 14th, you’ll notice that what’s on the sign currently is one person’s sense of what she took away from worship. She thought, “Perhaps those thoughts might give folk driving by the church something worth pondering...” And next Sunday, perhaps someone else (you?) will find something interesting about the sermon, scripture or music, or will be reminded of a quote or song lyric. If so, put it on the sign. If you don’t know how, ask me. Again, the idea isn’t, “Scare people, lecture people, make others gag.” That’s not how we do church, after all. We’re an open-minded, thoughtful, relaxed and fun-loving (and occasionally irreverent) bunch, who thinks Jesus transforms us and our world the more intimate we get, the deeper we live those values with each other. And that, if you ask me, is something valuable we can offer our neighbors. It’s why I’m proud I’m a member of this church. Our church sign isn’t the only way to bless others with those values. But it’s one way, perhaps, and I invite you to join the effort, to boldly share what matters to you about this church and its God! And if not this way, then I trust you’ll find another creative way to initiate loving, authentic relationships with others. Because that’s much of why we do church, right?
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Friday, March 12, 2010
To the edge…
Two weeks back, I stole one of your ideas and wrote about faith and mogul skiing. One of you responded to that letter with another great idea, which I will now steal shamelessly also!
Here’s what happened: I wrote that faith was like mogul skiing; moguls come at you so fast that the better trained you are, the easier it is to respond like you want. Ditto faithful living, goes the theory. Then, someone made a good observation, how often we speak of routine as a problem for faith, and talk about ‘keeping faith fresh.’ But maybe, he went on, there’s a positive way to think of spiritual routine, perhaps after the fashion of performers. “Ask any performer what happens when they take time off…How long does it take to lose your edge?”
That reminded me of a conversation I had years ago with a spiritual mentor. He and I spent an hour together weekly for about two years. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but I deeply respected his insight and spiritual maturity, and especially his ability to love me for who I was. And that’s helped shaped me into who I am today. So if any of you are searching for ways to make more of an impact with your life, consider becoming a mentor. It takes commitment and compassion, but helps people in lasting, profound ways (and you needn’t be a ‘spiritual mentor’; just hanging out with youth is enough). I have multiple ways to help you do that, by the way, just let me know.
Anyway, so Mark and I were chatting one afternoon, and we pondered what spiritual development takes. We were both musicians (he muuuuuuch better than I!), so he said, “Shane, think about concert pianists.” So I did. And I said, “I got nothing, Mark. What do you mean?” “Concert pianists practice their art daily. And they say that if they take a day or two off, they can really feel it. Others may have no clue, but they know. But if a week goes by without practice, they say critics will begin to notice; you know, those trained to pay attention. And give it a month without practice, they’ll say that the general public starts noticing. And that’s when trouble really begins!” Now, I can’t say if that’s actually true; I’ve never asked a concert pianist (some I’m relying on Jeremae- resident orchestra musician- to confirm or deny). But the analogy with how faith works is interesting. Faith requires regular practice, for it to accomplish what we want. And if practice stops, you might lose your edge.
Couple of observations- 1) Often people define “faith” as “what I believe.” But that’s wrong, or at least, incomplete. Actually, faith is something you do, something you can practice, a capacity you can build, or lose. And to narrow that to something like ‘belief’ diminishes the power of faith. In fact, it’s probably better to talk about what-faith-does by using the word “trust.” We trust that Jesus is Lord, which requires belief but means little if you don’t act or live like Jesus is Lord. Etc.
2) The way musicians practice their art is pretty straightforward- Sing every day; play scales on the piano; work on music above your skill level so you can build the capacity for more challenging material. Practicing our faith, however, isn’t always so concrete or straightforward. Jesus gave us general principles- Love God, and your neighbor as yourself- but left it to us to put that in action. And while some things are obvious ways to do this (give to Haiti relief efforts, mentor youth, assist with worship, etc.), do you ever think of such things as ‘practice’? Or is it more natural to think that is actually ‘doing faith’? Or is it both?
I notice I’m near the letter’s end, so let that be an open question. How do you “practice faith”, on a day-to-day basis? I’ll write a follow-up soon with some ideas and wisdom from folk who’ve thought about that question deeply. Until then, I pray you keep your edge sharp and shining bright. In all things,
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Here’s what happened: I wrote that faith was like mogul skiing; moguls come at you so fast that the better trained you are, the easier it is to respond like you want. Ditto faithful living, goes the theory. Then, someone made a good observation, how often we speak of routine as a problem for faith, and talk about ‘keeping faith fresh.’ But maybe, he went on, there’s a positive way to think of spiritual routine, perhaps after the fashion of performers. “Ask any performer what happens when they take time off…How long does it take to lose your edge?”
That reminded me of a conversation I had years ago with a spiritual mentor. He and I spent an hour together weekly for about two years. We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but I deeply respected his insight and spiritual maturity, and especially his ability to love me for who I was. And that’s helped shaped me into who I am today. So if any of you are searching for ways to make more of an impact with your life, consider becoming a mentor. It takes commitment and compassion, but helps people in lasting, profound ways (and you needn’t be a ‘spiritual mentor’; just hanging out with youth is enough). I have multiple ways to help you do that, by the way, just let me know.
Anyway, so Mark and I were chatting one afternoon, and we pondered what spiritual development takes. We were both musicians (he muuuuuuch better than I!), so he said, “Shane, think about concert pianists.” So I did. And I said, “I got nothing, Mark. What do you mean?” “Concert pianists practice their art daily. And they say that if they take a day or two off, they can really feel it. Others may have no clue, but they know. But if a week goes by without practice, they say critics will begin to notice; you know, those trained to pay attention. And give it a month without practice, they’ll say that the general public starts noticing. And that’s when trouble really begins!” Now, I can’t say if that’s actually true; I’ve never asked a concert pianist (some I’m relying on Jeremae- resident orchestra musician- to confirm or deny). But the analogy with how faith works is interesting. Faith requires regular practice, for it to accomplish what we want. And if practice stops, you might lose your edge.
Couple of observations- 1) Often people define “faith” as “what I believe.” But that’s wrong, or at least, incomplete. Actually, faith is something you do, something you can practice, a capacity you can build, or lose. And to narrow that to something like ‘belief’ diminishes the power of faith. In fact, it’s probably better to talk about what-faith-does by using the word “trust.” We trust that Jesus is Lord, which requires belief but means little if you don’t act or live like Jesus is Lord. Etc.
2) The way musicians practice their art is pretty straightforward- Sing every day; play scales on the piano; work on music above your skill level so you can build the capacity for more challenging material. Practicing our faith, however, isn’t always so concrete or straightforward. Jesus gave us general principles- Love God, and your neighbor as yourself- but left it to us to put that in action. And while some things are obvious ways to do this (give to Haiti relief efforts, mentor youth, assist with worship, etc.), do you ever think of such things as ‘practice’? Or is it more natural to think that is actually ‘doing faith’? Or is it both?
I notice I’m near the letter’s end, so let that be an open question. How do you “practice faith”, on a day-to-day basis? I’ll write a follow-up soon with some ideas and wisdom from folk who’ve thought about that question deeply. Until then, I pray you keep your edge sharp and shining bright. In all things,
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Living the Questions…
This letter is a shameless promotion of the current Adult Sunday School Class. But, hopefully, it’s worth reading whether you attend or not. Though you really might like it…
For those who haven’t attended Sunday School in awhile, let me give a sense of what’s been happening. Last year, the Board approved an educational experiment. We purchased a yearlong membership with a church lending library- Iowa Religious Media Services. IRMS has vast amounts of DVDs, Videos, Books and other resources, which they lend to paying member churches. Membership dues are on a sliding scale. So, being an intimate church, we come in at the low end- $106 p/year. I presented this to the Board last year, and they decided to designate part of our education budget for IRMS membership. Thus, we now have access to the ever-expanding IRMS catalogue.
I called this an experiment because, cool as it sounds, I didn’t know if it’d work at PCCC. I worried they were too far away, or that stuff we really wanted would always be unavailable. So we figured we’d try it out, and see how it goes. About six or so months into the experiment, my and others’ assessment is an unqualified YEAH! The IRMS staff is responsive and kind, and turn-around time on material is very quick. But most important, the resources we’ve found for Sunday School are great. The Youth have enjoyed the two DVD series we’ve tried (and I’ve been excited to discover how insightful, deep, funny and faithful PCCC youth are; it’s all our privilege to be in church with them!). And the adult Sunday School is three weeks into its third DVD series, called “Living the Questions.” Every Sunday is about a 50/50 mix of discussion and DVD watching. Though the sessions build on one another, each is self-contained enough that you can miss Sundays and not get lost. Or join the class after the third/fourth week, and feel completely in sync…I’m just sayin’.
So why write about this now? Well, when I first encountered IRMS, at a Regional event, they were promoting “Living the Questions.” I’d already seen these DVD sessions at my old church in Lexington, and loved them. I’d also heard that many other DoC and mainline churches had incredible experiences with LtQ . So I thought this could be interesting for PCCC. The problem was the DVDs cost $300; not a big deal for some church budgets, but WAY too much for us to spend on one curriculum. But IRMS was a way to get access to LtQ AND much more at a third the cost. Naturally, I was eager, and now it’s happening!
But what makes this series so interesting to me? Think about the title- Living the Questions- and then ponder our modern context. Some churches advertise themselves as answer factories, right? Come to worship, join our church, and we’ll teach you God’s most intimate secrets. Sound like a beautiful idea? Sure. Does it sound realistic? I don’t think so. And I’ve learned that doesn’t describe P triple C (PCCC...) either. Indeed, we’re proud that we don’t offer easy answers to life’s most profound questions. Not because we lack faith, but because we don’t think that’s how life works. For religious folk in this modern, pluralist environment, reducing God and God’s plan to a simple four-point formula is naïve, at best, or in some cases, dishonest and manipulative. And I think at PCCC, we value honesty and authentic faith, even if it’s more difficult than other options.
In other words, the modern religious life isn’t about discovering the “right” answers. It’s about asking better and better questions- about Jesus, God, family, morality, etc.- and living more faithfully as a result. Or at least, that’s what this DVD series proposes, and as you might’ve guessed, I think that’s basically right. That doesn’t mean you’ll agree with everything the DVD presenters say. But it’ll provoke, challenge, and encourage you to deeper Christian living. And that’s not a bad way to prepare for worship, amen? FYI, the class tells me they’re really enjoying this series, and that there’s still lots of room…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
P.S. - Class is 9-9:45 AM
Read more!
For those who haven’t attended Sunday School in awhile, let me give a sense of what’s been happening. Last year, the Board approved an educational experiment. We purchased a yearlong membership with a church lending library- Iowa Religious Media Services. IRMS has vast amounts of DVDs, Videos, Books and other resources, which they lend to paying member churches. Membership dues are on a sliding scale. So, being an intimate church, we come in at the low end- $106 p/year. I presented this to the Board last year, and they decided to designate part of our education budget for IRMS membership. Thus, we now have access to the ever-expanding IRMS catalogue.
I called this an experiment because, cool as it sounds, I didn’t know if it’d work at PCCC. I worried they were too far away, or that stuff we really wanted would always be unavailable. So we figured we’d try it out, and see how it goes. About six or so months into the experiment, my and others’ assessment is an unqualified YEAH! The IRMS staff is responsive and kind, and turn-around time on material is very quick. But most important, the resources we’ve found for Sunday School are great. The Youth have enjoyed the two DVD series we’ve tried (and I’ve been excited to discover how insightful, deep, funny and faithful PCCC youth are; it’s all our privilege to be in church with them!). And the adult Sunday School is three weeks into its third DVD series, called “Living the Questions.” Every Sunday is about a 50/50 mix of discussion and DVD watching. Though the sessions build on one another, each is self-contained enough that you can miss Sundays and not get lost. Or join the class after the third/fourth week, and feel completely in sync…I’m just sayin’.
So why write about this now? Well, when I first encountered IRMS, at a Regional event, they were promoting “Living the Questions.” I’d already seen these DVD sessions at my old church in Lexington, and loved them. I’d also heard that many other DoC and mainline churches had incredible experiences with LtQ . So I thought this could be interesting for PCCC. The problem was the DVDs cost $300; not a big deal for some church budgets, but WAY too much for us to spend on one curriculum. But IRMS was a way to get access to LtQ AND much more at a third the cost. Naturally, I was eager, and now it’s happening!
But what makes this series so interesting to me? Think about the title- Living the Questions- and then ponder our modern context. Some churches advertise themselves as answer factories, right? Come to worship, join our church, and we’ll teach you God’s most intimate secrets. Sound like a beautiful idea? Sure. Does it sound realistic? I don’t think so. And I’ve learned that doesn’t describe P triple C (PCCC...) either. Indeed, we’re proud that we don’t offer easy answers to life’s most profound questions. Not because we lack faith, but because we don’t think that’s how life works. For religious folk in this modern, pluralist environment, reducing God and God’s plan to a simple four-point formula is naïve, at best, or in some cases, dishonest and manipulative. And I think at PCCC, we value honesty and authentic faith, even if it’s more difficult than other options.
In other words, the modern religious life isn’t about discovering the “right” answers. It’s about asking better and better questions- about Jesus, God, family, morality, etc.- and living more faithfully as a result. Or at least, that’s what this DVD series proposes, and as you might’ve guessed, I think that’s basically right. That doesn’t mean you’ll agree with everything the DVD presenters say. But it’ll provoke, challenge, and encourage you to deeper Christian living. And that’s not a bad way to prepare for worship, amen? FYI, the class tells me they’re really enjoying this series, and that there’s still lots of room…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
P.S. - Class is 9-9:45 AM
Read more!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Gathering Bloom…
Some think of wedding registries as law, and I’m one of them. These people, perhaps creative elsewhere, feel no impulse of creativity when buying wedding gifts. We buy what’s on the registry and only what’s on the registry, unless someone else has bought that item, in which case we find something else…on the registry. Others, however, have a more liberated approach to the wedding gift process. Some use the registry items as ‘guides and suggestions’ rather than ‘the only items ordained by God which a wedding guest should ever purchase.’ Others forgo the registry altogether, relying solely on their judgment and knowledge of the couple. We received a few such gifts, and each was beautiful (if I tried that, I’d buy Broncos-themed Macaroni and Cheese Makers, so it’s best I stick to the registry).
One of the non-registry gifts from our wedding is especially noteworthy. It arrived a couple months late, but we didn’t know it was coming until, returning home one evening, we found a small box on our porch. Apparently, a family member had waited until the perfect time of year to send the gift. And good thing too. The box was alive!
Well, not the box, but the gift inside. We’d been given a flower bulb, potted and ready to grow, in need simply of water and sunlight. Again, it was unexpected, but we’ve enjoyed having this flower in our home the past few months. It’s been fun watering and waiting, moving it closer to the window, away from the window, watching as the first green shoots break the soil, and grow longer and thicker.
Just this past week, I’m happy to report, the bulb began to open. A flower emerges! Thus, a) I didn’t kill it, frustrating predictions of Vegas odds makers, and b) I’m finally seeing if the beauty within is as dynamic and profound as I’ve imagined these past months.
Do me a favor; reread that last sentence, starting at b). Thanks. Ready for a metaphor?
I say this gift is perfectly timed, because it’s almost Spring now, and already, blooming is beginning! Indeed, every Spring we have this earth-given opportunity to reflect on the power of new life, of transformation from within. Think about it. The bloom that emerges on my kitchen table received many external inputs- water, soil, sunlight- but I simply see something marvelous opening in front of me, acting like the bulb contained that spectacular display all along. The biological story is more complicated, of course. But the image is as simple as it is beautiful. New life, transformation, in this instance of God’s Creation, derives from those potentials and beauties within the flower, and all outside input gets applied to that goal.
Church works that way. That flower is my metaphor for Plymouth Creek. In the past weeks, we’ve seen some changes and shifts occur. The Worship Team has asked we embrace innovation and creativity, so we can more fully understand our 2010 theme (Go to All Peoples: Transforming Community with Disciples), and catch the vision of being a church who loves to worship together. The Mission-oriented folk asked us to adapt our mission strategy. Gone is the Mission-of-the-Month rubric; in its place is a familiar list of special offerings and a challenge to undertake one or two medium/long-term mission projects based on the power of community and relationship (decisions for that will be made on March 14 after church; please join in!). If you’ve participated in Board or Servant Leader conversations, you know the fresh ideas and emerging new forms of ‘doing church’ that our congregation is exploring and implementing.
And all that sounds like a blooming flower. I’ve seen so much beauty within this church already. And like many of you, I’ve imagined so much more that is possible. But it’s not all the stuff we could add to this church from the outside that’s makes me joyous, hopeful and elated. It’s the simple, profound, dynamic , generous, compassionate people and potentials within. And it’s a blast to watch you bloom.
Thanks for taking the risk to bloom, and show your beauty to your neighbors.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
One of the non-registry gifts from our wedding is especially noteworthy. It arrived a couple months late, but we didn’t know it was coming until, returning home one evening, we found a small box on our porch. Apparently, a family member had waited until the perfect time of year to send the gift. And good thing too. The box was alive!
Well, not the box, but the gift inside. We’d been given a flower bulb, potted and ready to grow, in need simply of water and sunlight. Again, it was unexpected, but we’ve enjoyed having this flower in our home the past few months. It’s been fun watering and waiting, moving it closer to the window, away from the window, watching as the first green shoots break the soil, and grow longer and thicker.
Just this past week, I’m happy to report, the bulb began to open. A flower emerges! Thus, a) I didn’t kill it, frustrating predictions of Vegas odds makers, and b) I’m finally seeing if the beauty within is as dynamic and profound as I’ve imagined these past months.
Do me a favor; reread that last sentence, starting at b). Thanks. Ready for a metaphor?
I say this gift is perfectly timed, because it’s almost Spring now, and already, blooming is beginning! Indeed, every Spring we have this earth-given opportunity to reflect on the power of new life, of transformation from within. Think about it. The bloom that emerges on my kitchen table received many external inputs- water, soil, sunlight- but I simply see something marvelous opening in front of me, acting like the bulb contained that spectacular display all along. The biological story is more complicated, of course. But the image is as simple as it is beautiful. New life, transformation, in this instance of God’s Creation, derives from those potentials and beauties within the flower, and all outside input gets applied to that goal.
Church works that way. That flower is my metaphor for Plymouth Creek. In the past weeks, we’ve seen some changes and shifts occur. The Worship Team has asked we embrace innovation and creativity, so we can more fully understand our 2010 theme (Go to All Peoples: Transforming Community with Disciples), and catch the vision of being a church who loves to worship together. The Mission-oriented folk asked us to adapt our mission strategy. Gone is the Mission-of-the-Month rubric; in its place is a familiar list of special offerings and a challenge to undertake one or two medium/long-term mission projects based on the power of community and relationship (decisions for that will be made on March 14 after church; please join in!). If you’ve participated in Board or Servant Leader conversations, you know the fresh ideas and emerging new forms of ‘doing church’ that our congregation is exploring and implementing.
And all that sounds like a blooming flower. I’ve seen so much beauty within this church already. And like many of you, I’ve imagined so much more that is possible. But it’s not all the stuff we could add to this church from the outside that’s makes me joyous, hopeful and elated. It’s the simple, profound, dynamic , generous, compassionate people and potentials within. And it’s a blast to watch you bloom.
Thanks for taking the risk to bloom, and show your beauty to your neighbors.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Friday, February 26, 2010
A Bumpy Road…
DISCLAIMER: The idea for this letter did not originate in my brain. Rather, I’m stealing it from Donna J., who said something awesome after service Sunday, which I needed to think about more deeply. This is my attempt at that. Ask Donna if I utterly misunderstood or not…
Disclaimer done. Let’s talk about skiing! You may know that some of my favorite High School memories are from sophomore year, when I joined the freestyle ski team at my favorite ski mountain. I competed in mogul racing, and it was an amazing year. I trained twice weekly with a coach who’d raced in the World Cup and on the Professional Tour. Some teammates tried out for US Ski Team spots, and I even raced against kids from other teams who skied for the US in the Olympics. I always lost badly to these folk, but it was a blast regardless!
Alas, some folk I’ve told about this just can’t understand my deep love for the sport. Indeed, some don’t even know what it is. Let me try to explain. Imagine a ski hill. Make it wide, and quite steep, and cover the hill with lots of BIG bumps. Imagine yourself skiing around those bumps at high speeds, making turns so narrow your knees nearly smack your chin. Then throw two large jumps into the mix, one near the top, the other near the bottom. That is mogul racing; glorious, amen?!
After watching the Olympics, I heard some say, “How do they do that? Those bumps come at them soooo fast!” That’s an understandable question; the speed is mindboggling. But what to the average viewer looks like someone shouldn’t be able to react that fast, to the Olympian seems, well, normal. Of course, these competitors have skills and athletic ability you and I can’t dream about. But it’s also true that, like any Olympic Sport, the best mogul racers have done this for years and years.
I think the physiological term is ‘muscle memory.’ Their legs are so accustomed to turning these exact ways that they don’t need to stop at each mogul, and decide the best way to turn. They look five, ten turns down the hill and anticipate that movement, while trusting their feet to react instinctively to the bump directly in front. These competitors move so fast because thousands of training hours shape such good muscle memory, their minds are free to contemplate other challenges. Like the final back flip!
Last Sunday, Donna said, “Shane, I think that’s how faith can work.” And you know what? I think she’s absolutely right! Indeed, we attend church weekly not just because Fellowship Hour coffee is free. But through song, sermon, fellowship and prayer, we’re training ourselves to perceive God all around us, and especially in our neighbors. That’s crucial because sometimes in daily living, we don’t have time to stop and ponder, “What would Jesus do?” We’re confronted with tricky situations and simply must respond, hoping to please God in the process. And as Donna said, that like good mogul skiers, if we’ve made knowing God and learning God’s story better a constant priority, our natural reactions will look much more…holy.
I heard a radio interview recently about experiments brain scientists are doing with ‘expert meditators’, i.e. people who’ve logged tens of thousands of hours in prayer and contemplation. One of their great findings is the ability of meditation and prayer to change your brain, specifically in ways that lead to increased capacity for compassion and mindfulness. What’s more is that the mind’s plasticity (ability to change) doesn’t end at age 7, or 27. The brain keeps trying to learn more, develop greater ‘brain skills’ like compassion, throughout life. And you don’t have to be a monk, to do this, nor do we all need to become ‘experts.’ If you do the math, weekly Worship and daily prayer really adds up. We can all develop greater instincts of compassion and mindfulness, if we regularly submit our thoughts and feelings to God’s attention. And like all mogul skiers know- it may sometimes be a bumpy ride, but WOW, is it worth it!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Disclaimer done. Let’s talk about skiing! You may know that some of my favorite High School memories are from sophomore year, when I joined the freestyle ski team at my favorite ski mountain. I competed in mogul racing, and it was an amazing year. I trained twice weekly with a coach who’d raced in the World Cup and on the Professional Tour. Some teammates tried out for US Ski Team spots, and I even raced against kids from other teams who skied for the US in the Olympics. I always lost badly to these folk, but it was a blast regardless!
Alas, some folk I’ve told about this just can’t understand my deep love for the sport. Indeed, some don’t even know what it is. Let me try to explain. Imagine a ski hill. Make it wide, and quite steep, and cover the hill with lots of BIG bumps. Imagine yourself skiing around those bumps at high speeds, making turns so narrow your knees nearly smack your chin. Then throw two large jumps into the mix, one near the top, the other near the bottom. That is mogul racing; glorious, amen?!
After watching the Olympics, I heard some say, “How do they do that? Those bumps come at them soooo fast!” That’s an understandable question; the speed is mindboggling. But what to the average viewer looks like someone shouldn’t be able to react that fast, to the Olympian seems, well, normal. Of course, these competitors have skills and athletic ability you and I can’t dream about. But it’s also true that, like any Olympic Sport, the best mogul racers have done this for years and years.
I think the physiological term is ‘muscle memory.’ Their legs are so accustomed to turning these exact ways that they don’t need to stop at each mogul, and decide the best way to turn. They look five, ten turns down the hill and anticipate that movement, while trusting their feet to react instinctively to the bump directly in front. These competitors move so fast because thousands of training hours shape such good muscle memory, their minds are free to contemplate other challenges. Like the final back flip!
Last Sunday, Donna said, “Shane, I think that’s how faith can work.” And you know what? I think she’s absolutely right! Indeed, we attend church weekly not just because Fellowship Hour coffee is free. But through song, sermon, fellowship and prayer, we’re training ourselves to perceive God all around us, and especially in our neighbors. That’s crucial because sometimes in daily living, we don’t have time to stop and ponder, “What would Jesus do?” We’re confronted with tricky situations and simply must respond, hoping to please God in the process. And as Donna said, that like good mogul skiers, if we’ve made knowing God and learning God’s story better a constant priority, our natural reactions will look much more…holy.
I heard a radio interview recently about experiments brain scientists are doing with ‘expert meditators’, i.e. people who’ve logged tens of thousands of hours in prayer and contemplation. One of their great findings is the ability of meditation and prayer to change your brain, specifically in ways that lead to increased capacity for compassion and mindfulness. What’s more is that the mind’s plasticity (ability to change) doesn’t end at age 7, or 27. The brain keeps trying to learn more, develop greater ‘brain skills’ like compassion, throughout life. And you don’t have to be a monk, to do this, nor do we all need to become ‘experts.’ If you do the math, weekly Worship and daily prayer really adds up. We can all develop greater instincts of compassion and mindfulness, if we regularly submit our thoughts and feelings to God’s attention. And like all mogul skiers know- it may sometimes be a bumpy ride, but WOW, is it worth it!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
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