I woke up each morning last week greeted by the faint ripples and peaceful rhythms of a narrow lake surrounded by forest. At the edges of St. John’s University, guarded mostly from sight, a simple series of bunkhouses and common rooms called the Collegeville Institute provides writers secluded rehearsal space to craft metaphors, fine tune sentences and magnify their souls. As you know, the Institute invited me and another ten young clergy to work and write together for the week, under the practiced pen of a fine instructor. So, immersed in verbs and nature, not dorm rooms or pep band camp (though we heard them practicing…), I created and I struggled, hoping somehow to write something my colleagues would enjoy, and our teacher wouldn’t demolish!
Mostly, I think that happened, although one or two of my efforts were not, well, ready for print. But I’m confident I return having grasped the basic thrust of the workshop- Words with rhythm are words that sing. Let me explain. Some of you, I’m sure, know about power verbs and controlling metaphors, free modifiers and balanced sentences. They’re all new to me, however, these technical tricks of the trade. Previously, I just wrote, whatever came to mind, imagining how someone might speak the words, how folk might hear them, whether my wife would respond (as she’s rightly done before), “It’s nice Honey, what- exactly- is your point?” But I learned this week that more than words a good sentence makes. The order they receive, the patterns they produce, the movement of metaphor to subject or idea to application, all can work for the writer or against the writer. Our choice.
And particularly important, the teacher taught, is paying close attention to the flow of words, the sequence of syllables, the internal rhythms. For these rhythms help readers hear the emotional content of one’s writings, the unwritten reasons, all the while burrowing into the soul and memory, leaving more lasting, even transformative impressions. Would you remember, word for word, “It’s important to distinguish carefully between fiscal allegiance to the political realm, and whether, or how much, it conflicts with God’s sovereignty?” Didn’t think so. But I suspect you recollect Jesus’ original balanced sentence: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s; give to God what is God’s.” Rhythm matters.
So we worked with writing rhythms all week, producing page after jumbled page with one goal in mind: storing those rhythms in our writing souls, imbedding them in our bones. The marrow of good writing, you might say, is the rhythm of its words. Which, if true, makes me think that good Christian living and good writing have something in common.
You’ve spent time in the woods before, right? Lounging beside a blissful lake, hiking a robust forest trail. Likely, you breathed deeper on those days, saw clearer, felt better. Maybe you seemed closer to God. Many, myself included, experience that in nature. We discern, if ever so slightly, those nearly hidden rhythms of life, the ones we normally rush past or crowd out, the beats of God’s heart, the subtle stops and starts of Creation. Beneath the winding rivers and buzzing bees, we hear the Spirit whisper or sing, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” And it always delivers peace. Maybe nature doesn’t do that for you. Perhaps a powerful song, beautiful prayer, time spent serving the poor or even a well-delivered sermon (!), perhaps these are what salve your soul, what reveal to you the rhythms of God’s heart, keeping the universe in time.
Whatever gets you there (and I trust something does!), it’s critical for good Christian living to not just enjoy those moments and hope to return, one day. Rather, we seek out such places, such divine concert halls, to learn the rhythms, to memorize the beats, and to make them our own. The marrow of good Christian living, you might say, is the rhythm of God’s words. Hearing, then recreating the cadence of God’s beating heart.
May you have ears to hear this week. May you love God and God’s Creation in return!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
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Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Just do it…
It’s NBA Finals season, for those who remain professional basketball fans. I think that number’s been declining since my teens; the heyday of Nike shoe icon Michael Jordan. Back then, I watched as many Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets games as possible. I even got to see “His Airness” in person once. He scored 39 points, decimating the hometown squad, but we didn’t care. We were in the presence of greatness, and we knew it. Since then, however, it seems the popularity of professional b-ball has waned, while NFL football has waxed like a candle on Christmas Eve. Nonetheless, I’ve watched a few playoff games this year, and am enjoying the final 7-game series. I don’t care much about the two teams competing- Dallas and Miami- but it brings me back to when the sport occupied a precious place in my heart.
I even used a sentence from Michael Jordan’s book as my ‘Senior Quote’ in the 12th grade yearbook. It read, “I can accept failure; I can’t accept not trying.” Easy words (and yes, for you grammar sticklers, a classic example of poor writing- double negatives being confusing and all) from someone who ended his career as the unqualified best. But even for us mere mortals, I think that idea applies. No one reading this, I’m certain, has succeeded at every venture they’ve attempted. You’ve likely went after many things for which success was far from assured. Still, you ‘just did it’ anyway. You tried, whatever the odds. And I’d bet there’ve been times- the best of times, as it were- things actually worked out!
I’ve pondered Jordan’s words a lot recently, anticipating this week in particular. As you may recall, I’m spending the week at St. Johns, having been selected to participate in a writing workshop for young clergy. Thus, all week, I’ll attend classes on metaphors and sentence structure and then, in the evenings, put those lessons into practice. A professional writer and writing teacher will be our guide, as well as our editor. I expect to see much red ink on what I give to her for judgment! But hopefully, I’ll come out the other side with greater grammatical refinement and increased authorial confidence. All in a tranquil, holy setting in the forests of Middle Minnesota.
I love writing. Probably an un-shocking revelation. But ask anyone who’s received an email from me. “Shane,” they’d say, “Sure seems to have lots to say…” Or, if you prefer, I’m long-winded; something I will concentrate on this week. Notwithstanding, it’s a special joy for me, most weeks, to sit at my laptop and hammer away at the keys, composing these letters or Sunday sermons with as much creativity and power as I can muster. That my job allows me this freedom is a great blessing. And yet, as much writing as I do, it took a long time for me to admit my love for it. Claiming to be ‘a writer’, or to even want to become one, felt pretentious somehow, or waaaaay over stating the case. I’d love, someday, to write books- or something- but haven’t had the courage or knowledge or skill set or…to try. Even applying for this workshop felt strange; as if that meant believing in something about myself that I had no right to believe. But when the opportunity arose, I eventually admitted I wanted to take a shot. I also remembered your collective encouragement and so ‘just did it.’ If I don’t say it enough, Thank You!
And who knows? Maybe I won’t enjoy this week. Or maybe I’ll learn I don’t have what it takes and will ‘be cured of the bug.’ But I hope not. I hope I’ll build more skills, discover even greater passion for the task and will return better at my job by being more confident and guided in this activity I love. The point is you never learn if you can succeed if you don’t risk failure. And in true ‘Air Jordan’ fashion, I’ve finally ruled out not trying.
So tell me, what is it you want to just do? I pray you’ll do it!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
I even used a sentence from Michael Jordan’s book as my ‘Senior Quote’ in the 12th grade yearbook. It read, “I can accept failure; I can’t accept not trying.” Easy words (and yes, for you grammar sticklers, a classic example of poor writing- double negatives being confusing and all) from someone who ended his career as the unqualified best. But even for us mere mortals, I think that idea applies. No one reading this, I’m certain, has succeeded at every venture they’ve attempted. You’ve likely went after many things for which success was far from assured. Still, you ‘just did it’ anyway. You tried, whatever the odds. And I’d bet there’ve been times- the best of times, as it were- things actually worked out!
I’ve pondered Jordan’s words a lot recently, anticipating this week in particular. As you may recall, I’m spending the week at St. Johns, having been selected to participate in a writing workshop for young clergy. Thus, all week, I’ll attend classes on metaphors and sentence structure and then, in the evenings, put those lessons into practice. A professional writer and writing teacher will be our guide, as well as our editor. I expect to see much red ink on what I give to her for judgment! But hopefully, I’ll come out the other side with greater grammatical refinement and increased authorial confidence. All in a tranquil, holy setting in the forests of Middle Minnesota.
I love writing. Probably an un-shocking revelation. But ask anyone who’s received an email from me. “Shane,” they’d say, “Sure seems to have lots to say…” Or, if you prefer, I’m long-winded; something I will concentrate on this week. Notwithstanding, it’s a special joy for me, most weeks, to sit at my laptop and hammer away at the keys, composing these letters or Sunday sermons with as much creativity and power as I can muster. That my job allows me this freedom is a great blessing. And yet, as much writing as I do, it took a long time for me to admit my love for it. Claiming to be ‘a writer’, or to even want to become one, felt pretentious somehow, or waaaaay over stating the case. I’d love, someday, to write books- or something- but haven’t had the courage or knowledge or skill set or…to try. Even applying for this workshop felt strange; as if that meant believing in something about myself that I had no right to believe. But when the opportunity arose, I eventually admitted I wanted to take a shot. I also remembered your collective encouragement and so ‘just did it.’ If I don’t say it enough, Thank You!
And who knows? Maybe I won’t enjoy this week. Or maybe I’ll learn I don’t have what it takes and will ‘be cured of the bug.’ But I hope not. I hope I’ll build more skills, discover even greater passion for the task and will return better at my job by being more confident and guided in this activity I love. The point is you never learn if you can succeed if you don’t risk failure. And in true ‘Air Jordan’ fashion, I’ve finally ruled out not trying.
So tell me, what is it you want to just do? I pray you’ll do it!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Good God…
“God is good!” I often open the service with that phrase. It’s part one of a call-and-response used in many African-American churches, and the right reply, you know, is, “All the time!”
Many folk in recent weeks, I suspect, have questioned that goodness. Maybe wondered whether God’s good some of the time, but takes days off. Life, after all, can be terribly tragic. Just ask friends in North Minneapolis or Joplin, Missouri who’ve watched homes and lives destroyed by devastating tornados. God is good? Really…
I realize it’d be foolish to assume we could, in this letter, adequately address that concern. Humans have sought to understand, from time immemorial, why bad things happen to good people, or- to put it simply- “Why me?” No final answer’s been given yet. My words won’t end debate. Our world is both fragile and wonderful, hostile and lovely. So it will ever be.
That’s not to say, however, that humans haven’t found ways to cope. For instance, I personally believe yes, God is good all the time, and no tornado can change that. And that belief resides at the core of my worldview. I accept as basic fact what 1 John 4:8 puts so elegantly, “God is love.” In my heart and soul, all things flow from that bountiful river, and when I’m feeling healthy and whole, even in the toughest of times, it delivers “peace that passes understanding.”
Wait. That idea mostly satisfies my heart and soul. There is, though, a little gnaw of doubt or incompleteness or compassion for folk in distress that causes me to sometimes double-back, to ask, “Is God’s love actually enough?” You’ll recognize my hesitation. It often accompanies a familiar question- “If God was so good, why didn’t God stop the tornado?” I’ll be honest; every answer I’ve ever explored seems not enitiiiirely like The One. Some say, “God’s got a plan. Just trust and believe.” If it were my house toppled, I’d hate that answer. Others say, “God is love. God couldn’t stop the tornado, but God won’t ever stop caring.” I like that better; it’s closest to my heart. till, it makes God seem powerless, right, like a sideline spectator who only cheers and boos our lives, and that’s weirdly dissonant with “The Creator of All.” Others say, “Accept there is no God.” Doubtful. I’ve had enough encounters with something ‘holy’ there ain’t no turning back. I have decided to follow Jesus. Come what may.
Ever read Job? Many know Job’s story- real decent guy has his world fall apart, then spends thirty-five chapters talking to his pals and complaining to God about it- but have you read those chapters? Stunning poems (some are the Bible’s oldest words, fyi), which describe the kind of courage all religious people ought to mimic. Job’s friends say, essentially, “It must be your fault things fell apart.” Job says, “No. It isn’t. And God needs to come here and account for Godself.” Calling God on the carpet…Saying, “Lord, if you’re so darn good, come tell me yourself cause all I got now is heartache, idiot friends and empty silence.” As I said, courageous!
And the good news? God shows up. Sure, the poet puts rather uncomforting words in God’s mouth. But the fact God arrives, actually gives Job an accounting, helps me, at least, abide my questions and doubts better. Like Job’s author, I think God can handle our outrage, our sense of being treated unfairly, our anger and pain. That God would attend to us, even as we suffer and storm, sounds right. That God doesn’t want us hiding our heads in the sand or turning away from God, but demanding answers to understandable, if unanswerable, questions seems appropriate. Beautiful, even. Because bottling them up, satisfying ourselves with despair or simple answers, won’t help anyone over the long run. Getting it out, though, saying, “Lord, help me believe,” is a coping strategy I’d stand behind. It won’t settle the doubts, probably. But it might help us take steps towards peace and acceptance. It helps me, at least, in light of hard events, to say God is good. And mean it.
All the time.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Standing secure…
Many of you know that Tabitha and I have begun looking at homes to buy; our first ever such purchase (Yeah!) (Yikes!). Which means we’re now occasionally taking walks through other people’s homes. There are fun parts- kitchens, living rooms, backyards; moderately-fun parts- bathrooms, closets, pantries. Then, there’s the basement. Basements (in the price range we’re considering!) don’t often have ‘fun things’ to see. Lots of concrete. Maybe an old washer and dryer. But mostly, these basements weren’t designed for, say, entertaining guests.
Still, we go to the basement in every house we look at. Why? You know- The Foundation. The first home we entered, the basement floor was cracking and brittle. Much of the house, otherwise, looked wonderful, but it’s like an underground lake was prepping to explode into the home at any moment. We won’t be making an offer. We saw other houses with foundation questions, some consequential, others less so. I like certain things about house shopping much more than checking the foundation, yet I know that’s what makes a building worth occupying. Or not.
Ready for the metaphor shift? Say it with me- “So it is with churches.” Our ultimate foundation, of course, is as secure as can be imagined. Christ has risen! But for every church, the unique elements that build their edifices of faith must hold together, or the entire structure could crumble. And by that, I don’t simply mean the building where they worship. I mean the stuff supporting the work and worship they do- stewardship, hospitality, administration. And in recent months, the Board (one important brick in our foundation) made changes y’all will want to know about, and perhaps weigh in on.
For one, we decided to move ahead on the Community Garden Project and with our church now the overall manager. Yes, some nearby neighbors raised concerns, and their input helped. But the overall goal of helping 40ish families grow their own food and flowers will be pursued. I pray we’ll enjoy this outreach project, build new relationships and feel proud about caring for God’s earth and others!
Second, the Board adopted two policies in recent months that focus our administration. The first was a Bus Usage Policy, addressing many issues related to this new ministry and ensuring we’re as safe as possible. The second was a Memorial Funds Usage Policy, deciding how to manage money donated in memory of loved ones who’ve passed. To make certain we’re using these gifts as intended, we decided, A) To establish an “Internal Line of Credit,” i.e. a safety net in the event we’re ever again in dire financial straits. Prayerfully, that money will never be used, but we thought it good stewardship of memorials to set aside emergency cash for very rainy days. And B) Anything above that can (and should) be used on capital improvements for the church’s ministry. This can mean hymnals, signs, new boilers or instruments. And, in the event we’re considering a non-emergency purchase above $5,000, the Board decided to ask the congregation to vote yeah or nay. Some things need general support to be effective additions to our life together. If you want to read these policies, I’ll get you a copy.
Lastly, the Board is also recommending that, at the June 26 Annual Meeting, the church modify its by-laws to change Board size and make-up. The recommended new language is in this newsletter. But here’s the cliff notes: We want to reduce Board size to six (2 new directors/year) and invest the President and Vice President with voting authority. This will make it easier to schedule meetings, have substantive conversations and vote on important issues. Further, with fewer Board Members, our collective energies can be better directed toward other ministry!
Like I said, it’s like walking through a basement- not real exciting, but vital. Indeed, that the Board takes time not simply to listen to reports, but to reflect seriously on church policy, i.e. the beams and foundation stones that make our church unique, should make us feel good. That work isn’t always amusing, but it provides vision and security that, with God’s help, will help us thrive over the long-term.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Still, we go to the basement in every house we look at. Why? You know- The Foundation. The first home we entered, the basement floor was cracking and brittle. Much of the house, otherwise, looked wonderful, but it’s like an underground lake was prepping to explode into the home at any moment. We won’t be making an offer. We saw other houses with foundation questions, some consequential, others less so. I like certain things about house shopping much more than checking the foundation, yet I know that’s what makes a building worth occupying. Or not.
Ready for the metaphor shift? Say it with me- “So it is with churches.” Our ultimate foundation, of course, is as secure as can be imagined. Christ has risen! But for every church, the unique elements that build their edifices of faith must hold together, or the entire structure could crumble. And by that, I don’t simply mean the building where they worship. I mean the stuff supporting the work and worship they do- stewardship, hospitality, administration. And in recent months, the Board (one important brick in our foundation) made changes y’all will want to know about, and perhaps weigh in on.
For one, we decided to move ahead on the Community Garden Project and with our church now the overall manager. Yes, some nearby neighbors raised concerns, and their input helped. But the overall goal of helping 40ish families grow their own food and flowers will be pursued. I pray we’ll enjoy this outreach project, build new relationships and feel proud about caring for God’s earth and others!
Second, the Board adopted two policies in recent months that focus our administration. The first was a Bus Usage Policy, addressing many issues related to this new ministry and ensuring we’re as safe as possible. The second was a Memorial Funds Usage Policy, deciding how to manage money donated in memory of loved ones who’ve passed. To make certain we’re using these gifts as intended, we decided, A) To establish an “Internal Line of Credit,” i.e. a safety net in the event we’re ever again in dire financial straits. Prayerfully, that money will never be used, but we thought it good stewardship of memorials to set aside emergency cash for very rainy days. And B) Anything above that can (and should) be used on capital improvements for the church’s ministry. This can mean hymnals, signs, new boilers or instruments. And, in the event we’re considering a non-emergency purchase above $5,000, the Board decided to ask the congregation to vote yeah or nay. Some things need general support to be effective additions to our life together. If you want to read these policies, I’ll get you a copy.
Lastly, the Board is also recommending that, at the June 26 Annual Meeting, the church modify its by-laws to change Board size and make-up. The recommended new language is in this newsletter. But here’s the cliff notes: We want to reduce Board size to six (2 new directors/year) and invest the President and Vice President with voting authority. This will make it easier to schedule meetings, have substantive conversations and vote on important issues. Further, with fewer Board Members, our collective energies can be better directed toward other ministry!
Like I said, it’s like walking through a basement- not real exciting, but vital. Indeed, that the Board takes time not simply to listen to reports, but to reflect seriously on church policy, i.e. the beams and foundation stones that make our church unique, should make us feel good. That work isn’t always amusing, but it provides vision and security that, with God’s help, will help us thrive over the long-term.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Greetings!...
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!
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!
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!
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