Ever heard about role-playing games? According to Wikipedia, these are (board, card, video) games “in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting.” In high school, certain RPGS were popular among my friends. ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, which basically created the genre in the 70s, continues to be faithfully played. I’m not an expert, but from what I know, I respect the concept.
Of course, some think these games are simply for fantasy and science fiction fans. But the same basic idea is behind Murder Mystery Dinner Parties. Someone hosts a dinner. Everyone ‘pretends’ the setting is some different time or place, and dresses accordingly. All the guests are assigned ‘roles’ (i.e. “You’re a 1950s flight attendant from Georgia who’s suspicious of men with mustaches”), and they work together during and after dinner to solve a ‘crime’ that’s been committed. If I’m right, years back Plymouth Creek organized such parties in members’ homes and folk had a blast! In fact, a couple ‘kits’ are in my office closet…in case you’re itching to host…
The point is role-playing games can be fun, and even at times instructive. Indeed, I think folk can learn things about themselves- what they love, how they react to others, what they’d like to get better at- by ‘inhabiting’ the role, or life, of another, fictional person. If they’re paying attention! It reminds me of acting classes. Crying on stage, I learned, often demands that actors discover and then recall sad memories or feelings in their own lives. That self-discovery process can be tough, but can also have positive effects that outlive the part one’s playing.
A couple weeks back, you’ll recall, a group of PCCCers led a ‘workshop’ on hospitality. We’d recently overhauled the Sunday morning greeting process to better reflect our values and vision and wanted folk to see what we’ve come up with. Well, one of the tools used at the workshop was…role playing. Don’t scoff. Providing good hospitality is hard! Sure, some folk are wonderfully gifted hosts. They’re naturals at striking up good conversation and setting people at ease. These are Hospitality All-Stars, admired by all. But I’m not that way! Many Christians aren’t. Nevertheless, we’re all called to help provide ‘unconditional hospitality’ to all who’d come share Christ’s Table with us.
In other words, hospitality is a skill. That Christians can, and must, build. So to practice, we role-played; acted out common scenarios we encounter with church visitors. In one ‘scene,’ I was “John Doe,” who wanted to be as anonymous as possible. Another was a Hopeful Skeptic, still another, a Church Shopper. After all, many different folk walk into our church and we, as faithful Christians, must be prepared to provide welcome. “But Shane,” you’d say, “It’s the Greeters’ job- not mine- to welcome visitors.” I’d respond, “Not true!” Yes, our Hospitality Hosts are step #1, but everyone contributes to a culture of unconditional hospitality. You needn’t become best friends with every visitor. But welcoming others is part of our Sunday morning duties; a requirement of membership in the Body of Christ.
The question becomes, then, “What kind of hospitality are your good at?” Or even, “How can you get better?” We’ll probably host more workshops and role playing events. If you want help better imagining what visitors desire from church, or to better understand your own blessings and limitations, join in. Or do a little role playing with the Greeter at the front desk next week. Until a visitor comes in, then put that practice into action! Or simply take a moment this week to imagine yourself welcoming others to church. What do they look like? What do they want? How can you help them? After all, we’ve all visited a church before, and most likely, how warmly we were welcomed contributed hugely to whether we had a good experience or not. Indeed, if I looked deep in your heart, I bet I’d see that’s what’s at the core of your faith. God somehow convinced you that you were welcome in God’s presence, and it made all the difference.
So how are you going to do that for someone else this week?
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Carpe Diem…
I had a great phone call a couple weeks back. A church member said, “Shane, I’m working on a plan with a local funeral home for my funeral, whenever it comes. Will you talk with me about it?”
YES! Absolutely! Thanks for asking!
Now please, don’t get me wrong; I don’t love morbidly dwelling on sad things. And I pray those plans we made won’t be implemented for many, many years! But this is one discussion we pastors really encourage. In fact, when asked, I pulled out a worksheet I’d got from a wise mentor that includes all manner of items for exactly that conversation. At our church in Lexington, the pastoral staff made known we’d love to chat about ‘planning for the future.’ By which we meant both the immediate term,and the final, unavoidable end.
But why?! Isn’t that…strange? Maybe, though I wish it weren’t. Again, it’s not that I wish people ill, or relish gloom and doom. I believe God’s a God of Life! That anyone focused on the hereafter misses the point of Jesus’ declaration, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is at hand (i.e. in our midst now)!” That said, while God seemingly plans for our lives to persist- in some fashion- eternally, for earthly existence, God set a finite time span. We don’t often enjoy pondering that inevitability, I hope. There’s more exciting stuff to think about. But because our lives are so precious, so limited, we should strive to make them count. Or to use another word I’ve wrote about before, we each will leave a legacy. Thus, a question we all can- should- ponder is, “What do I want my legacy to be?”
Of course, before putting too much pressure on yourself, remember that not every decision has eternal consequences. We have only the time we have. And that’s quite a bit, considering. Still, rather than avoid the topic perpetually, I bet we’d feel better about ourselves, our legacy, the lives we lead if we’ve paused to plan where we’d like to go, and how we’d like things to end. It’d probably make our days feel more seized. Yes, those plans will, invariably, need updating. Nevertheless, it’s helps to know what you’re building for so you can build as well as possible.
This Sunday, we’re being asked to bring pledge forms to church to commit a certain amount of money, time and effort for the church’s work over the next year. Thank you, again, for those gifts, for considering our ministry together a worthy investment! And remember, in a grand sense, this church is part of your legacy. The lives we impact, the souls we care for, the neighbors in need we lift up. Because you help with our expenses and initiatives, the good work Plymouth Creek does is the good work you do. In fact, something we’d cover while deciding a final plan is the people or organizations you’ve supported over time that you want to support in death also, and whether you’d made such provisions in your wills.
In other words, for all the dramatic-seeming heaviness of the idea that you’d talk with a pastor or funeral home director about your final plan, it’s really just a continuance of everyday stuff. What’re your favorite hymns? Whom do you love and want to be around? Where do you want to live? What do you spend your time and money supporting? What kind of future do you want for your family? All you ask then is, Can I do something now to make that all happen still when I’m gone? Sure, it takes a bit of courage; death is still scary, whatever we believe about God’s eternal love for us. But courage we’ve got, and a commitment to good stewardship. Which, I was reminded recently, can be extended not just during the annual pledge drive, but even to our final days, whenever they may be.
So if you want to have that conversation, call me up and we’ll chat. In the meantime, thanks for all you do now, and the love you’ll continue to share during the many years I pray we’ve left together.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
YES! Absolutely! Thanks for asking!
Now please, don’t get me wrong; I don’t love morbidly dwelling on sad things. And I pray those plans we made won’t be implemented for many, many years! But this is one discussion we pastors really encourage. In fact, when asked, I pulled out a worksheet I’d got from a wise mentor that includes all manner of items for exactly that conversation. At our church in Lexington, the pastoral staff made known we’d love to chat about ‘planning for the future.’ By which we meant both the immediate term,and the final, unavoidable end.
But why?! Isn’t that…strange? Maybe, though I wish it weren’t. Again, it’s not that I wish people ill, or relish gloom and doom. I believe God’s a God of Life! That anyone focused on the hereafter misses the point of Jesus’ declaration, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is at hand (i.e. in our midst now)!” That said, while God seemingly plans for our lives to persist- in some fashion- eternally, for earthly existence, God set a finite time span. We don’t often enjoy pondering that inevitability, I hope. There’s more exciting stuff to think about. But because our lives are so precious, so limited, we should strive to make them count. Or to use another word I’ve wrote about before, we each will leave a legacy. Thus, a question we all can- should- ponder is, “What do I want my legacy to be?”
Of course, before putting too much pressure on yourself, remember that not every decision has eternal consequences. We have only the time we have. And that’s quite a bit, considering. Still, rather than avoid the topic perpetually, I bet we’d feel better about ourselves, our legacy, the lives we lead if we’ve paused to plan where we’d like to go, and how we’d like things to end. It’d probably make our days feel more seized. Yes, those plans will, invariably, need updating. Nevertheless, it’s helps to know what you’re building for so you can build as well as possible.
This Sunday, we’re being asked to bring pledge forms to church to commit a certain amount of money, time and effort for the church’s work over the next year. Thank you, again, for those gifts, for considering our ministry together a worthy investment! And remember, in a grand sense, this church is part of your legacy. The lives we impact, the souls we care for, the neighbors in need we lift up. Because you help with our expenses and initiatives, the good work Plymouth Creek does is the good work you do. In fact, something we’d cover while deciding a final plan is the people or organizations you’ve supported over time that you want to support in death also, and whether you’d made such provisions in your wills.
In other words, for all the dramatic-seeming heaviness of the idea that you’d talk with a pastor or funeral home director about your final plan, it’s really just a continuance of everyday stuff. What’re your favorite hymns? Whom do you love and want to be around? Where do you want to live? What do you spend your time and money supporting? What kind of future do you want for your family? All you ask then is, Can I do something now to make that all happen still when I’m gone? Sure, it takes a bit of courage; death is still scary, whatever we believe about God’s eternal love for us. But courage we’ve got, and a commitment to good stewardship. Which, I was reminded recently, can be extended not just during the annual pledge drive, but even to our final days, whenever they may be.
So if you want to have that conversation, call me up and we’ll chat. In the meantime, thanks for all you do now, and the love you’ll continue to share during the many years I pray we’ve left together.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Unconditional Hospitality…
Last year, as we worked to identify a new vision for the church, we first spent time describing our values. We can’t grow and evolve as a community, after all, if we neglect the values that inspire and distinguish us. Besides, anything we try that conflicts with what we hold most dear will seem awkward, at best, and downright counterfeit, at worst- to visitors and ourselves. On the flip side, I believe that the more we put our values into action, the greater creativity and energy we steer into bringing our hearts’ dearest beliefs to life, the better everything our church does will be! We’ll worship with greater urgency and electricity. We’ll reach out more daringly and compassionately to our neighbors. Families will see with clarity the great value of raising kids in our midst; teaching children the values that seem so natural, motivating, life-giving to Plymouth Creekers. In short, every house needs a solid foundation. So as we pursue God’s Vision for our future together- becoming a beacon of Christian openness and service in the NW suburbs- we’ll need to keep our values central, alive and relevant.
Well, one PCCC value that I consider a great strength of our church (and it’ll grow greater, the more we let it shape all our thoughts and activities), is unconditional hospitality. Ever attend a church that didn’t let you take communion? Ever encountered a club where someone said, “We’re closed to people like you”? Ever walked into a party and read the thought in many people’s eyes, “What’s s/he doing here?” Not a great feeling, right? It’s a fact of life that we can’t include everyone into our inner circle of loved ones. But it’s also a fact of Jesus’ resurrected life (so we believe) that he’d like to do so, and thus invites all to come to him. I.e. At PCCC, we don’t put conditions on whether a person’s ‘qualified’ for our hospitality. Whomever you are, wherever you come from, there’s room for you at Christ’s table in our midst!
Of course, we can believe that to the depths of our hearts. But unless we actively promote it, change places in our work and worship where that message isn’t coming through, then folk won’t know. We’ll have this wonderful strength- our deep valuing of unconditional hospitality- that gets whispered rather than SHOUTED OUT! Indeed, until each visitor leaves saying, “Whatever else this church does, they’re really hospitable- to me, to EVERYONE- it seems…”, then we have more work to do.
So on Sunday, May 15 for about 45 minutes after fellowship, a team that’s been working for the past three months will host a Hospitality Workshop. Basically, we looked at how we currently welcome guests and visitors on Sunday mornings. Some of it we decided was great (personal attention the moment folk walk into the Welcome Center… YES!). Some of it we realized gets in the way of our message (it’s not very hospitable when a visitor’s asked for their personal info before their name…especially in the days of identity theft and too much junk (e)mail). Then, we asked, “How can we improve our hospitality so EVERY visitor leaves knowing what PCCC values?” And through some good questioning, willingness to think outside the box and telling me to be quiet, we crafted new Welcome and Follow-Up procedures. Actually, it’s more of an outline; an experiment we think is good, but will be refined over time. To get that process started, we thought it wise to host a workshop for anyone who wants to help with Sunday morning welcoming and/or increase his/her hospitality skills. We realize this isn’t a ministry for all church members, although we each can and should contribute to a culture of unconditional hospitality. But for those who really enjoy welcoming guests and visitors (or want to, and so hope to get better!), please join us. They’ll be role playing sessions, opportunities to offer input and (knowing this group) a whole lot of fun! Most important, we’ll take another step toward making our God-sized and Inspired Vision a reality. That, I hope you’ll agree, is well worth an enjoyable pre-lunch activity!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Well, one PCCC value that I consider a great strength of our church (and it’ll grow greater, the more we let it shape all our thoughts and activities), is unconditional hospitality. Ever attend a church that didn’t let you take communion? Ever encountered a club where someone said, “We’re closed to people like you”? Ever walked into a party and read the thought in many people’s eyes, “What’s s/he doing here?” Not a great feeling, right? It’s a fact of life that we can’t include everyone into our inner circle of loved ones. But it’s also a fact of Jesus’ resurrected life (so we believe) that he’d like to do so, and thus invites all to come to him. I.e. At PCCC, we don’t put conditions on whether a person’s ‘qualified’ for our hospitality. Whomever you are, wherever you come from, there’s room for you at Christ’s table in our midst!
Of course, we can believe that to the depths of our hearts. But unless we actively promote it, change places in our work and worship where that message isn’t coming through, then folk won’t know. We’ll have this wonderful strength- our deep valuing of unconditional hospitality- that gets whispered rather than SHOUTED OUT! Indeed, until each visitor leaves saying, “Whatever else this church does, they’re really hospitable- to me, to EVERYONE- it seems…”, then we have more work to do.
So on Sunday, May 15 for about 45 minutes after fellowship, a team that’s been working for the past three months will host a Hospitality Workshop. Basically, we looked at how we currently welcome guests and visitors on Sunday mornings. Some of it we decided was great (personal attention the moment folk walk into the Welcome Center… YES!). Some of it we realized gets in the way of our message (it’s not very hospitable when a visitor’s asked for their personal info before their name…especially in the days of identity theft and too much junk (e)mail). Then, we asked, “How can we improve our hospitality so EVERY visitor leaves knowing what PCCC values?” And through some good questioning, willingness to think outside the box and telling me to be quiet, we crafted new Welcome and Follow-Up procedures. Actually, it’s more of an outline; an experiment we think is good, but will be refined over time. To get that process started, we thought it wise to host a workshop for anyone who wants to help with Sunday morning welcoming and/or increase his/her hospitality skills. We realize this isn’t a ministry for all church members, although we each can and should contribute to a culture of unconditional hospitality. But for those who really enjoy welcoming guests and visitors (or want to, and so hope to get better!), please join us. They’ll be role playing sessions, opportunities to offer input and (knowing this group) a whole lot of fun! Most important, we’ll take another step toward making our God-sized and Inspired Vision a reality. That, I hope you’ll agree, is well worth an enjoyable pre-lunch activity!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Unresolved conflict…
Like many of us, I was surprised to learn this morning that Osama bin Laden was dead. By the time you read this, surely we’ll have heard more details than we have now. We’ll likely have become saturated, even overwhelmed by nonstop commentary. Whatever the case, it’s been hard to think of little else today. And I’ve been most struck by one detail that hopefully doesn’t spark one of those- seemingly endless these days- rounds of conflict in the American body politic. I refer to the fact that early this morning, some chaplain or sailor aboard an American aircraft carrier laid Osama bin Laden to rest in a watery grave, after washing his body and wrapping it in a ‘traditional’ white shroud. Or at least that’s what news reports I’ve read suggest.
We may learn soon that something different happened. Assuming not, though, I find this idea remarkable. Imagine being the chaplain on board that evening, and receiving a call you’ve never imagined possible. “Chaps, you’re trained for burials at sea, yes?” “Yes.” “Christian? Islamic?” “All of the above.” “Well, brush up on your Islamic burial rituals. Osama bin Laden’s dead, and you’re doing the honors.” “What?!”
How would you respond? Rick Warren, author of A Purpose Driven Life and mega-church pastor extraordinaire, sent a tweet of Proverbs 21:15 upon hearing the news, a kind of Biblical gloating it seems, "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Wow. Visceral, even understandable reaction, but not exactly inspiring to the better angels of our nature. A colleague and friend posted the following on Facebook, “Kyle wishes we wouldn’t rejoice in death. So tonight I pray that one day we’ll all know and experience a peace that passes all understanding.” That’s also Biblical, quoting Philippians 4:7, and perhaps more apropos to my allegiance to the Prince of Peace. Nevertheless, with apologies to Kyle, I was filled this morning by, not rejoicing, but still real happiness. Because justice had finally caught up with a murdering man who attacked my country and sought to hold us all- children and adults- hostage to hate and fear. I’d preferred if bin Laden came quietly, alive. But since that wasn’t realistically going to happen, I’m glad he’s dead. Jesus forgive me.
Yet for all the terror, sadness and insecurity he caused the US (and world), some military chaplain/sailor disposed of Osama bin Laden’s body with a kind of respect. Maybe it was a political act, avoiding backlash amongst some Muslim communities. Perhaps it wasn’t even as respectful as imagined by whomever gave the order. But I’ve been learning recently about Roman history. When they defeated an enemy, the body was brutally mistreated and grotesquely displayed. Whatever happened here, that didn’t happen, and I’m hopeful it was for good reasons.
Remember Jesus saying, “Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you?” Thus, a person like Osama bin Laden, for American Christians, provides a major test. I can’t, honestly, admit to loving him much. I’m disgusted by his ideology, angered by his disregard for human dignity. His death surprisingly completes something in my heart I didn’t realize remained unresolved still. And while that feels normal, given who he was, I’m also a bit ashamed. Can’t I have forgiven by now, even though he refused to repent? That’s how God treats me, after all. Couldn’t I have proved better by not gloating in revenge, but overcoming through love? That’s who I want to be, though part of me also wishes I’d celebrated at Ground Zero.
But mostly, I’m proud of whomever washed public enemy #1’s body, prepared it for burial “according to Islamic practice,” and prayed on the ship’s deck while it slipped into the deep blue. As his followers crashed airplanes into buildings, bin Laden surely didn’t do that. But to Christians, and many Muslims, overcoming enemies isn’t primarily about defeating them with superior strength. It’s about proving yourself more able to love, even when it’s hard. So to that nameless sailor/chaplain who prayed at bin Laden’s ‘funeral,’ assuming there is one, well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks for doing what many couldn’t.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
We may learn soon that something different happened. Assuming not, though, I find this idea remarkable. Imagine being the chaplain on board that evening, and receiving a call you’ve never imagined possible. “Chaps, you’re trained for burials at sea, yes?” “Yes.” “Christian? Islamic?” “All of the above.” “Well, brush up on your Islamic burial rituals. Osama bin Laden’s dead, and you’re doing the honors.” “What?!”
How would you respond? Rick Warren, author of A Purpose Driven Life and mega-church pastor extraordinaire, sent a tweet of Proverbs 21:15 upon hearing the news, a kind of Biblical gloating it seems, "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Wow. Visceral, even understandable reaction, but not exactly inspiring to the better angels of our nature. A colleague and friend posted the following on Facebook, “Kyle wishes we wouldn’t rejoice in death. So tonight I pray that one day we’ll all know and experience a peace that passes all understanding.” That’s also Biblical, quoting Philippians 4:7, and perhaps more apropos to my allegiance to the Prince of Peace. Nevertheless, with apologies to Kyle, I was filled this morning by, not rejoicing, but still real happiness. Because justice had finally caught up with a murdering man who attacked my country and sought to hold us all- children and adults- hostage to hate and fear. I’d preferred if bin Laden came quietly, alive. But since that wasn’t realistically going to happen, I’m glad he’s dead. Jesus forgive me.
Yet for all the terror, sadness and insecurity he caused the US (and world), some military chaplain/sailor disposed of Osama bin Laden’s body with a kind of respect. Maybe it was a political act, avoiding backlash amongst some Muslim communities. Perhaps it wasn’t even as respectful as imagined by whomever gave the order. But I’ve been learning recently about Roman history. When they defeated an enemy, the body was brutally mistreated and grotesquely displayed. Whatever happened here, that didn’t happen, and I’m hopeful it was for good reasons.
Remember Jesus saying, “Love your enemies; pray for those who persecute you?” Thus, a person like Osama bin Laden, for American Christians, provides a major test. I can’t, honestly, admit to loving him much. I’m disgusted by his ideology, angered by his disregard for human dignity. His death surprisingly completes something in my heart I didn’t realize remained unresolved still. And while that feels normal, given who he was, I’m also a bit ashamed. Can’t I have forgiven by now, even though he refused to repent? That’s how God treats me, after all. Couldn’t I have proved better by not gloating in revenge, but overcoming through love? That’s who I want to be, though part of me also wishes I’d celebrated at Ground Zero.
But mostly, I’m proud of whomever washed public enemy #1’s body, prepared it for burial “according to Islamic practice,” and prayed on the ship’s deck while it slipped into the deep blue. As his followers crashed airplanes into buildings, bin Laden surely didn’t do that. But to Christians, and many Muslims, overcoming enemies isn’t primarily about defeating them with superior strength. It’s about proving yourself more able to love, even when it’s hard. So to that nameless sailor/chaplain who prayed at bin Laden’s ‘funeral,’ assuming there is one, well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks for doing what many couldn’t.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Open Spirits, Open Minds…
Let me tell you about Liz. She was the daughter of close church family friends during my childhood, and three years my elder. I remember, during youth events, Liz playing guitar, leading prayer groups and bible studies, and often helping others go deeper in faith. Liz was very cool, I thought. In fact, I first undertook church leadership roles because I wanted to learn whatever Liz seemed to know about God. Serving other youth, as she did, seemed the way to do it.
A few years later, during college, I met Mark. He was the college group minister at a local church and brilliant acapella musician. A Christian acapella musician myself, I thought Mark too was very cool. As I got more involved in that church group, Mark and I grew closer. I learned about his personal devotional habit, even joined him for a few months of reading the entire New Testament in thirty days. And I believe that because I’d spent time learning what Mark knew about God, in Spring 2002 I decided to attend seminary.
In seminary, April the first year, I attended Laura’s church. She preached with passion and brilliance, personal investment and scholarly depth. Thus, I was really impressed. I thought, “Whatever this woman knows, about church and God, I need to learn.” So I asked to be Laura’s intern the next year and, thankfully, she agreed. It was the best internship I could’ve imagined. Her example and ideas still guide my steps. In fact, I trace the root of my decision to not be a Navy chaplain or full-time theology professor, but an honest-to-goodness church pastor, to her wonderful mentorship.
Maybe you’re noticing a pattern- Times that I’ve opened my spirit further to what God was doing in my and others’ lives have led to me opening my hands wider in service and stewardship to God and God’s church. And these are just mentor/friend figures; don’t get me started on my faithful parents and amazing wife! In fact, I think that’s one familiar- maybe typical- path for Christian spiritual growth. We open our spirits to God in some increasingly sincere way. God inspires us, feeds us, challenges us, leads us. Then, suddenly, we’re opening our hearts and hands wider to others.
This month, you’ll hear more about the many ways this idea has played out in many lives besides mine. Through scripture, guest speakers, sermons, etc., Open Spirits, Open Hands will PCCC’s May Theme. Not coincidentally, during May we’ll also ask you to make pledges for the 2011-2012 budget. As you may know, our annual budget ends every May 31st, so we’ll construct a new one to discuss and approve at the yearly June congregational meeting (June 26, this year). Therefore, we’re asking you to have pledges into the church on or before May 22nd. A letter with more detail and a pledge form will be mailed soon. I’m simply planting the seed so you can begin thinking now.
As a side-note, I hope you don’t take this as reason to skip church during May! Indeed, we won’t talk just about money, but the many ways we can be constantly growing as Christians- in our knowledge and love of God, our openness to God’s always different ways, our stewardship of the time, talent, treasure and earth God’s blessed us with, our service to God and others. In other words, while we’re giving May a specific ‘stewardship’ focus, the truth is that’s not very different than what we always do. Open our spirits wider to God. Leading to further opening of our hands and lives to others. It’s kind of the rhythm of Christian living. Yes, we’ll ask you this month to put a dollar amount on that and help build next year’s budget (and if you thought last year was big, I’ve got an even greater feeling for next year!). Nevertheless, I pray that’s only one step you take during May to grow in faith by growing in service and stewardship. And while I’m at it, let me again thank you for what you already give so generously and courageously, in so many ways!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
A few years later, during college, I met Mark. He was the college group minister at a local church and brilliant acapella musician. A Christian acapella musician myself, I thought Mark too was very cool. As I got more involved in that church group, Mark and I grew closer. I learned about his personal devotional habit, even joined him for a few months of reading the entire New Testament in thirty days. And I believe that because I’d spent time learning what Mark knew about God, in Spring 2002 I decided to attend seminary.
In seminary, April the first year, I attended Laura’s church. She preached with passion and brilliance, personal investment and scholarly depth. Thus, I was really impressed. I thought, “Whatever this woman knows, about church and God, I need to learn.” So I asked to be Laura’s intern the next year and, thankfully, she agreed. It was the best internship I could’ve imagined. Her example and ideas still guide my steps. In fact, I trace the root of my decision to not be a Navy chaplain or full-time theology professor, but an honest-to-goodness church pastor, to her wonderful mentorship.
Maybe you’re noticing a pattern- Times that I’ve opened my spirit further to what God was doing in my and others’ lives have led to me opening my hands wider in service and stewardship to God and God’s church. And these are just mentor/friend figures; don’t get me started on my faithful parents and amazing wife! In fact, I think that’s one familiar- maybe typical- path for Christian spiritual growth. We open our spirits to God in some increasingly sincere way. God inspires us, feeds us, challenges us, leads us. Then, suddenly, we’re opening our hearts and hands wider to others.
This month, you’ll hear more about the many ways this idea has played out in many lives besides mine. Through scripture, guest speakers, sermons, etc., Open Spirits, Open Hands will PCCC’s May Theme. Not coincidentally, during May we’ll also ask you to make pledges for the 2011-2012 budget. As you may know, our annual budget ends every May 31st, so we’ll construct a new one to discuss and approve at the yearly June congregational meeting (June 26, this year). Therefore, we’re asking you to have pledges into the church on or before May 22nd. A letter with more detail and a pledge form will be mailed soon. I’m simply planting the seed so you can begin thinking now.
As a side-note, I hope you don’t take this as reason to skip church during May! Indeed, we won’t talk just about money, but the many ways we can be constantly growing as Christians- in our knowledge and love of God, our openness to God’s always different ways, our stewardship of the time, talent, treasure and earth God’s blessed us with, our service to God and others. In other words, while we’re giving May a specific ‘stewardship’ focus, the truth is that’s not very different than what we always do. Open our spirits wider to God. Leading to further opening of our hands and lives to others. It’s kind of the rhythm of Christian living. Yes, we’ll ask you this month to put a dollar amount on that and help build next year’s budget (and if you thought last year was big, I’ve got an even greater feeling for next year!). Nevertheless, I pray that’s only one step you take during May to grow in faith by growing in service and stewardship. And while I’m at it, let me again thank you for what you already give so generously and courageously, in so many ways!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Getting involved…
Gretchen recently gave me an interesting opportunity. As you may know, she’s a big DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) supporter, and among other civic activities, DAR offers scholarships to graduating high schoolers. One of those awards is given to someone with demonstrated passion for and intent to pursue the study of history, and apparently, Gretchen chairs the selection committee. So needing a couple folk besides herself to review applications, she told me of the project and said, “Shane, you love history.” (It’s true…I’m currently halfway through an 800-page tome on American history, 1789-1815, as well as 98 episodes into a history of Rome podcast) “Will you help us out?” I said, “Absolutely! It’d be an honor.”
So she gave me a stack of applications, and one thing that jumped out was how involved these gifted young women and men were. Yes, they’d written wonderful essays on history. As you’d expect from a merit scholarship, they had fantastic grades. But each applicant also included details about extra-curricular activities at school and in the community. And, oh my good morning, these students were b-u-s-y! Eagle scouts, athletes, amateur archeologists; volunteer hospital assistants, tutors, world peace awareness raisers. I knew collegiate competition has been rising, but didn’t realize how involved that led some students to become. I thought I did lots of stuff in high school. Compared with these youth, I was minor league…at best. Please take a moment of silence, in solidarity with their frenzied parents (taxi drivers).
Lest you think I’m complaining, however, I love how involved these students are. Sure, in some instances, it seemed over-the-top; maybe a little resume padding was going on. But mostly, I think it’s great when people- young, old or otherwise- get involved in life. Too often, it’s easy to surround ourselves with what makes us comfortable- at home, in church, etc.- and not challenge ourselves to make a greater difference, learn a new skill, build relationships with folk we’d probably never meet otherwise. I’m guilty of that sometimes; most of us are. These young folk, however, were definitely not! Rather than see the world as filled only with heartbreak and pain, and so to be guarded against at all times, they apparently saw opportunities for growth and pitching in. We should all be so bold.
All of that is a loooong way of introducing something new happening at church. For just as these students inspire me to get more involved in God’s good world, so too has someone inspired me recently to get more involved in…worship. After our quiet, simple, reflective Ash Wednesday service, someone commented, “I loved it. Even though we ‘did less’ than normal, I prayed more; I felt more involved.” This led us to talk about whether, during our normal Sunday services, we’re giving ourselves enough opportunities to connect prayerfully, reflectively, deeply with God. Do we open enough space for people to get involved in the Spirit?
I don’t know that answer, entirely. For some, like me, getting involved in the Spirit can mean more upbeat, louder music. So if you’ll notice, we’ve been recently experimenting with contemporary Praise music, alongside our typical fare. This may help younger folk- or anyone who finds energetic praise helpful to experiencing God’s love and power- see our church as welcoming to them. We’re also moving around different parts of the service (sermon, choir, Table…), trying to create and maximize reflective moments. This may help folk who enjoy quiet and calm better ponder God’s goodness and mull over the scripture, sermon, etc. I hope you’ll let me, the Servant Leaders, the Pastoral Relations or Worship Teams know what you think about these experiments. Your feedback always helps as we together seek to become a beacon for Christian openness and service in our community.
And especially, I pray you’ll make a point of getting more involved- in our worship, church life, your community, family, serving the poor. For Jesus said, in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, life abundant.” And during this post-Easter week, just days removed from honoring Christ’s entrance into resurrected living, we’re all aware that abundant life has never been more possible!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
So she gave me a stack of applications, and one thing that jumped out was how involved these gifted young women and men were. Yes, they’d written wonderful essays on history. As you’d expect from a merit scholarship, they had fantastic grades. But each applicant also included details about extra-curricular activities at school and in the community. And, oh my good morning, these students were b-u-s-y! Eagle scouts, athletes, amateur archeologists; volunteer hospital assistants, tutors, world peace awareness raisers. I knew collegiate competition has been rising, but didn’t realize how involved that led some students to become. I thought I did lots of stuff in high school. Compared with these youth, I was minor league…at best. Please take a moment of silence, in solidarity with their frenzied parents (taxi drivers).
Lest you think I’m complaining, however, I love how involved these students are. Sure, in some instances, it seemed over-the-top; maybe a little resume padding was going on. But mostly, I think it’s great when people- young, old or otherwise- get involved in life. Too often, it’s easy to surround ourselves with what makes us comfortable- at home, in church, etc.- and not challenge ourselves to make a greater difference, learn a new skill, build relationships with folk we’d probably never meet otherwise. I’m guilty of that sometimes; most of us are. These young folk, however, were definitely not! Rather than see the world as filled only with heartbreak and pain, and so to be guarded against at all times, they apparently saw opportunities for growth and pitching in. We should all be so bold.
All of that is a loooong way of introducing something new happening at church. For just as these students inspire me to get more involved in God’s good world, so too has someone inspired me recently to get more involved in…worship. After our quiet, simple, reflective Ash Wednesday service, someone commented, “I loved it. Even though we ‘did less’ than normal, I prayed more; I felt more involved.” This led us to talk about whether, during our normal Sunday services, we’re giving ourselves enough opportunities to connect prayerfully, reflectively, deeply with God. Do we open enough space for people to get involved in the Spirit?
I don’t know that answer, entirely. For some, like me, getting involved in the Spirit can mean more upbeat, louder music. So if you’ll notice, we’ve been recently experimenting with contemporary Praise music, alongside our typical fare. This may help younger folk- or anyone who finds energetic praise helpful to experiencing God’s love and power- see our church as welcoming to them. We’re also moving around different parts of the service (sermon, choir, Table…), trying to create and maximize reflective moments. This may help folk who enjoy quiet and calm better ponder God’s goodness and mull over the scripture, sermon, etc. I hope you’ll let me, the Servant Leaders, the Pastoral Relations or Worship Teams know what you think about these experiments. Your feedback always helps as we together seek to become a beacon for Christian openness and service in our community.
And especially, I pray you’ll make a point of getting more involved- in our worship, church life, your community, family, serving the poor. For Jesus said, in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life, life abundant.” And during this post-Easter week, just days removed from honoring Christ’s entrance into resurrected living, we’re all aware that abundant life has never been more possible!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
A charmed life…
Y’all know Eric. You’ve maybe called him by a different name, but I’m sure you’ve met him. Eric was a guy in my high school who just seemed to have it all. Athletic, naturally confident, good looking, all the ladies loved him. Eric seemed to live a charmed life. Your Eric may not be named Eric, but I’m confident we’ve all met a gal or guy like that. Maybe you’re Eric.
And what was nice about Eric is he never really tossed his privilege in your face. Some do, and it’s nauseating. But Eric was kind and giving, fun-loving and friendly. Though we weren’t close, I enjoyed his presence on my soccer team. And I respected that, for as charmed a life he lived, he respected others, whatever their situation.
Speaking of which, you also know Tony, don’t you? Tony was another high school friend. But he came from a tough family, always struggled in class, constantly battled new problems, appeared frantic and socially marginalized. Certainly not Eric. Maybe you’re Tony.
And it didn’t really seem to be Tony’s fault, right? He tried hard enough. Well, sometimes tried too hard, but among problems in life, that’s as good to have as many. It’s just that life dealt Tony a hand that wouldn’t play well, and never let up. Is star-crossed the antonym of charmed? Then Tony, and many we know like him, led a star-crossed, unlucky life.
This Sunday is Easter. So we’re called again to celebrate the central mystery of our faith: Jesus of Nazareth, in some unexplainable way, rose from the grave into new life three days after his execution by Rome as an insurrectionist and blasphemer. Well, more like thirty-six hours, but it was on the third day, and that’s the tradition (i.e. don’t worry too much about the details!). Anyway, however it went down, since then the fundamental Christian task has been figuring out what this death and resurrection meant for us, the world he left behind. After all, though we know relatively little about the historical Jesus compared with, say, George Washington or Augustus Caesar, we’re quite sure that most things he did weren’t just for his own sake. He had this strange- some would say instructive- way of living always for the benefit of others…
And apparently, he had a way of dying for others too. At least, that’s the claim. So what’s the point? Glad you asked. Now, stand in line. I mean, people have asked that for millennia, right?! Many offered good ideas, some discovered great ones, others, you might say, are still waiting for inspiration. But diverse as Christian understandings about Jesus’ role in life and faith have been, often they’re in the same ballpark, one I’ve unilaterally dubbed “Grace Field.” In other words, in Jesus dying and resurrecting, God was offering something Christians call Grace.
What’s that? Again, good question, about which there’s not full agreement. Except…that it’s free. Whatever God wants to give us, thinks we need- whether you describe that as freedom from sin, eternal life, unshakable forgiveness, avoidance of Hell, constant companionship, inspiration and power to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” all/none of the above- it comes with no price. If it had a price in the first place, Jesus paid everything. God freely gives this mysterious cure-all called Grace. Take it! It’s yours!
Lucky you. Lucky us. Apparently, we’re all Erics in God’s eyes. To be honest, I feel more like a Tony many days. Wondering why I try so hard when things aren’t going right. Wondering why it seems easier for others, or if I’m just missing something critical. Even when I’m on top-of-the-world I know, “This too shall pass.” But the truth of life that every Easter we’re invited to remember, reclaim and shout “Thank you!” for at the top of our spiritual lungs is that we all can lead charmed lives. God gives Grace freely, lovingly, unconditionally. Jesus conquered death to convince us so.
May you know that in the bottom of your soul this Sunday, and carry that with you until next Easter, and the following, and…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
And what was nice about Eric is he never really tossed his privilege in your face. Some do, and it’s nauseating. But Eric was kind and giving, fun-loving and friendly. Though we weren’t close, I enjoyed his presence on my soccer team. And I respected that, for as charmed a life he lived, he respected others, whatever their situation.
Speaking of which, you also know Tony, don’t you? Tony was another high school friend. But he came from a tough family, always struggled in class, constantly battled new problems, appeared frantic and socially marginalized. Certainly not Eric. Maybe you’re Tony.
And it didn’t really seem to be Tony’s fault, right? He tried hard enough. Well, sometimes tried too hard, but among problems in life, that’s as good to have as many. It’s just that life dealt Tony a hand that wouldn’t play well, and never let up. Is star-crossed the antonym of charmed? Then Tony, and many we know like him, led a star-crossed, unlucky life.
This Sunday is Easter. So we’re called again to celebrate the central mystery of our faith: Jesus of Nazareth, in some unexplainable way, rose from the grave into new life three days after his execution by Rome as an insurrectionist and blasphemer. Well, more like thirty-six hours, but it was on the third day, and that’s the tradition (i.e. don’t worry too much about the details!). Anyway, however it went down, since then the fundamental Christian task has been figuring out what this death and resurrection meant for us, the world he left behind. After all, though we know relatively little about the historical Jesus compared with, say, George Washington or Augustus Caesar, we’re quite sure that most things he did weren’t just for his own sake. He had this strange- some would say instructive- way of living always for the benefit of others…
And apparently, he had a way of dying for others too. At least, that’s the claim. So what’s the point? Glad you asked. Now, stand in line. I mean, people have asked that for millennia, right?! Many offered good ideas, some discovered great ones, others, you might say, are still waiting for inspiration. But diverse as Christian understandings about Jesus’ role in life and faith have been, often they’re in the same ballpark, one I’ve unilaterally dubbed “Grace Field.” In other words, in Jesus dying and resurrecting, God was offering something Christians call Grace.
What’s that? Again, good question, about which there’s not full agreement. Except…that it’s free. Whatever God wants to give us, thinks we need- whether you describe that as freedom from sin, eternal life, unshakable forgiveness, avoidance of Hell, constant companionship, inspiration and power to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God,” all/none of the above- it comes with no price. If it had a price in the first place, Jesus paid everything. God freely gives this mysterious cure-all called Grace. Take it! It’s yours!
Lucky you. Lucky us. Apparently, we’re all Erics in God’s eyes. To be honest, I feel more like a Tony many days. Wondering why I try so hard when things aren’t going right. Wondering why it seems easier for others, or if I’m just missing something critical. Even when I’m on top-of-the-world I know, “This too shall pass.” But the truth of life that every Easter we’re invited to remember, reclaim and shout “Thank you!” for at the top of our spiritual lungs is that we all can lead charmed lives. God gives Grace freely, lovingly, unconditionally. Jesus conquered death to convince us so.
May you know that in the bottom of your soul this Sunday, and carry that with you until next Easter, and the following, and…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
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