The prophet Isaiah once dreamed what seemed an utterly impossible dream. Imagining the world’s nations, he foresaw a day when they would, “Beat their swords into plowshares, and neither would they study war anymore.” In the 1960s, that vision became lyrics to a Vietnam protest song. The words are frequently used as shorthand for peace advocacy. Most soldiers, of course, no longer use swords, and I suspect John Deere has replaced most plowshares. Nevertheless, it’s beautiful to dream that our energies would go toward productive enterprises more than destructive ones.
Maybe an updated form of that vision, therefore, would go: “They will transform their bomb factories into football factories, and study war no more.” FYI, by football, I mean what Americans typically call soccer, contrary to the rest of the world. And for us football (soccer) fans, the next few weeks will be awesome. The World Cup Finals are finally upon us!
For the uninitiated, here’s a brief explanation. The World Cup gathers together almost every country every four years into one collective, athletic enterprise. Currently, the Finals are being held in Brazil, but the tournament began a couple years ago. Over many months, each country played teams from other countries in their region for the right to compete in Brazil. 32 countries “made it through”, as we football fans say, and now the great game is on.
Exactly one century ago, the world was focused on one collective enterprise too. But that great game, you’ll remember, wasn’t international football. It was war. June 28 is the centennial anniversary of an event that ignited World War I. An angry young man in Sarajevo assassinated an Austrian archduke and soon after, the globe was fighting. Last year, I read a comprehensive history of that war, and the brutality shocked me anew. Beforehand, humanity seemed unaware of just how destructive our modern machines could be. They quickly learned, however, to the horror of all, and dubbed it, “The war to end all wars.” Tragically, a few decades later, Nazi politicians proved how naïve that claim was too.
And maybe all predictions of peace are naïve in some way, from Isaiah’s to Vietnam protestors. International sporting events like the World Cup often style themselves as alternatives to armed conflict among nations. It’s a neat ideal, and since the 1940s widespread violence hasn’t threatened the global order, thankfully. But that hasn’t stopped some nations from invading other nations, armed groups from holding citizens hostage, troubled individuals from bombing roadside cafes, or flying planes into buildings.
From our movement’s beginning, Christians have struggled over war and peace. Jesus said both, “Turn the other cheek,” and “I came not to bring peace, but the sword.” So…that’s confusing! Especially if you think our task is to apply Jesus’ words literally. I don’t believe that, however, knowing that the Gospels’ records of Jesus’ life and words are, necessarily, incomplete. Rather, I think we’re called to discern the big picture of God’s plan through the great themes of Jesus’ ministry. And it seems that, complications aside, God advocates peace, while honoring sacrifice and compassion.
After all, Jesus gave his life so all life could receive abundant life. He put himself at risk to help “the least of these.” Confronting the Roman Empire- as he did- to lift up that message would’ve seemed naïve, as he hung on the cross. But days, weeks, centuries later, another picture emerges. One of the Prince of Peace triumphant, a global religious movement of unity and love. It hasn’t conquered the worst angels of humanity’s nature, yet, but important progress has transpired. There’s less death by war in our century than ever in human history. Peace advocates helped end wars, and secured important rights for marginalized people. In the face of news stories that show brutality continuing, conflict raging and struggle enduring, maybe it’s the naïve amongst us- the peacemakers- we should bless and turn to again. At least, that’s what will be on my mind as I watch the World Cup this month, and pray for Iraq, Ukraine Syria. That football cleats will become more prominent that assault weapons, and we’ll study soccer tactics, no longer war.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
Neighbors…
My garage faces an alley, and across that alley is another house. Its residents are kind, generous people. This past winter, without my asking, the father snowblowed our driveway several times. They’ve closed our fence when it was open, to keep our dog safe inside. We wave and smile regularly. Tabitha ensured we gave them a Christmas Card last year. They seemed grateful. It’s a developing neighborly relationship.
But I don’t know them well, for good reason: I don’t speak great Spanish. And the homeowners- Alex and Lupe- don’t speak great English, although their children are impressively bilingual. Tabitha does better with conversing than I do. Nevertheless, we haven’t had many opportunities to chat. Even when we try, it doesn’t get very far, since I don’t know the words to say.
Then, several weeks back, I arrived home one evening to their teenage daughter in my driveway, surrounded by seven young men holding lace parasols, moving together in practiced choreography. That my garage was blocked wasn’t surprising. Alex sometimes parks his minivan there when they have people over. I honk. He comes running to move it, always apologizing, though I always say “It’s fine!” Rather, I was shocked by this unexpected dance routine (they moved quickly to let me inside, of course). The daughter- Gysel- saw my inquisitive look. She said, “It’s my Quinceañera.”
For those unaware, a Quinceañera is a coming-of-age ritual for young women, common in Latino communities. Like a bar/bat mitzvah for Jewish youth, or a Sweet Sixteen, Quinceañeras provide 15-year-old girls a chance to say, “I’m growing up!” I’ve heard of these events before, but had never seen one. Frankly, I’m conflicted about the practice. On the one hand, rituals of maturation are wonderful things, usually. On the other hand, Quinceañeras seem like mini-weddings, reinforcing gender norms I typically avoid. But most important, they’re not part of my cultural heritage, so I have no right to judge. I saw Gysel’s beaming smile upon announcing this, so enthusiastically responded, “Congratulations!”
Soon after, as Tabitha and I ate bratwurst outside, she returned to our backyard gate, handed us a formal invitation and asked if we’d attend her Quinceañera. That was unexpected too! For starters, we like the family, but- as I said- don’t know them well. Plus, we’re white, and at least I worried about imposing on their hospitality. But last Friday, Alex saw me outside and said, “My daughter’s Quince tomorrow. You come?” With that endorsement (and the fact we saw the youngsters practice outside another few times and were curious), we said, “Alright.”
It was a lovely event, at a local hotel ballroom. People dressed nice. The food tasted wonderful. The young men and Gysel performed three formal different dance routines of varying difficulties. As an announcer emceed the festivities, I kept asking Tabitha to translate. “What’s he saying?!” We left before too long, and I was glad we’d attended. Apparently, they danced until 1 AM!
Truth be told, as often as I preach about us needing to be “good neighbors,” I struggle with that occasionally. I’m an introvert. When I’m at home, I like relaxing alone, keeping to myself. I’m not mean or standoffish, but small talk is rarely energizing to me. Add that to language barriers, and it can be tough for me to translate a desire to be a good neighbor into proactive behavior that makes a good neighbor.
Which is why I’m so glad Tabitha nudged me to dress up for our neighbor’s Quinceañera. Besides cultural curiosity, we wanted to show Alex and Lupe that we thought well of their family. Indeed, it taught me that “knowing the right thing to say” or sharing the intimate details of our personal stories aren’t the most important ingredients of neighborliness. Simply showing up is powerful stuff. In like manner, both Alex and Gysel were incredibly neighborly when they extended hospitality. Therefore, just as crucial to being a good neighbor is accepting hospitality. I doubt that tomorrow, I’ll become fast friends with Alex. But we’re better neighbors now. Words often matter less than we think (says the preacher!). Kindness and acceptance are transformative enough.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
But I don’t know them well, for good reason: I don’t speak great Spanish. And the homeowners- Alex and Lupe- don’t speak great English, although their children are impressively bilingual. Tabitha does better with conversing than I do. Nevertheless, we haven’t had many opportunities to chat. Even when we try, it doesn’t get very far, since I don’t know the words to say.
Then, several weeks back, I arrived home one evening to their teenage daughter in my driveway, surrounded by seven young men holding lace parasols, moving together in practiced choreography. That my garage was blocked wasn’t surprising. Alex sometimes parks his minivan there when they have people over. I honk. He comes running to move it, always apologizing, though I always say “It’s fine!” Rather, I was shocked by this unexpected dance routine (they moved quickly to let me inside, of course). The daughter- Gysel- saw my inquisitive look. She said, “It’s my Quinceañera.”
For those unaware, a Quinceañera is a coming-of-age ritual for young women, common in Latino communities. Like a bar/bat mitzvah for Jewish youth, or a Sweet Sixteen, Quinceañeras provide 15-year-old girls a chance to say, “I’m growing up!” I’ve heard of these events before, but had never seen one. Frankly, I’m conflicted about the practice. On the one hand, rituals of maturation are wonderful things, usually. On the other hand, Quinceañeras seem like mini-weddings, reinforcing gender norms I typically avoid. But most important, they’re not part of my cultural heritage, so I have no right to judge. I saw Gysel’s beaming smile upon announcing this, so enthusiastically responded, “Congratulations!”
Soon after, as Tabitha and I ate bratwurst outside, she returned to our backyard gate, handed us a formal invitation and asked if we’d attend her Quinceañera. That was unexpected too! For starters, we like the family, but- as I said- don’t know them well. Plus, we’re white, and at least I worried about imposing on their hospitality. But last Friday, Alex saw me outside and said, “My daughter’s Quince tomorrow. You come?” With that endorsement (and the fact we saw the youngsters practice outside another few times and were curious), we said, “Alright.”
It was a lovely event, at a local hotel ballroom. People dressed nice. The food tasted wonderful. The young men and Gysel performed three formal different dance routines of varying difficulties. As an announcer emceed the festivities, I kept asking Tabitha to translate. “What’s he saying?!” We left before too long, and I was glad we’d attended. Apparently, they danced until 1 AM!
Truth be told, as often as I preach about us needing to be “good neighbors,” I struggle with that occasionally. I’m an introvert. When I’m at home, I like relaxing alone, keeping to myself. I’m not mean or standoffish, but small talk is rarely energizing to me. Add that to language barriers, and it can be tough for me to translate a desire to be a good neighbor into proactive behavior that makes a good neighbor.
Which is why I’m so glad Tabitha nudged me to dress up for our neighbor’s Quinceañera. Besides cultural curiosity, we wanted to show Alex and Lupe that we thought well of their family. Indeed, it taught me that “knowing the right thing to say” or sharing the intimate details of our personal stories aren’t the most important ingredients of neighborliness. Simply showing up is powerful stuff. In like manner, both Alex and Gysel were incredibly neighborly when they extended hospitality. Therefore, just as crucial to being a good neighbor is accepting hospitality. I doubt that tomorrow, I’ll become fast friends with Alex. But we’re better neighbors now. Words often matter less than we think (says the preacher!). Kindness and acceptance are transformative enough.
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Responsibility…
Seventy years ago this Sunday, General Eisenhower announced that Allied forces had successfully landed on the shores of Normandy. It became known as D-Day. Some of you, I think, have memories of that event. With it, the final push to defeat Nazi Germany began in full. Somewhere around 4,500 Allied forces died in the assault. Estimates for Germans losses range between 4,000 and 9,000. The day was as brutal as it was important.
Recently, I heard a story about the event that I’ve heard before, but it gets me every time. Apparently, General Eisenhower penned a communique for release in the event the attempted landing failed. Two features of that note, scribbled in pencil and stuffed into his pocket, are worth remembering. The first is an underline. He planned to say that the soldiers couldn’t gain a toehold in the landing area, so he withdrew the men, and ended with, “If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt- it is mine alone.” He underlined, “Mine alone,” knowing full well that he wasn’t the only person involved in the planning. He’d spent months, years even, in fractious meetings with multiple countries’ military personnel, politicians, and strategists. Ultimately, the plan was approved by many, leaving to him only the exact date the landing would commence. Weather appeared uncooperative, though, until June 5, when a break in storms seemed possible. It was either go the next day or wait another two weeks. Eisenhower decided to strike.
It’s good he did. The alternative date saw the worst storms of the summer, which would’ve rendered the English Channel crossing impossible. Nevertheless, he knew that victory wasn’t inevitable, and planned what to say if the worst did come. And rather than seek cover or others to share the blame, he underlined his responsibility. “Mine alone,” he emphasized, hoping- I’m sure- the need would never arise.
The second feature of note in that letter augments that decision. He’d originally written the second sentence as, “This particular operation at this time and place was based upon the best information available.” He subsequently crossed that out and began with, “My decision to attack at this time…” Again, the change was from distancing himself from potential negative attention to putting himself in fuller responsibility.
I can’t imagine the burden the general carried on the night he made that decision. The thousands of families whose lives would be forever changed. The hopes of nations teetering on edge. Leadership of whatever variety- in the military, of course, but so too in our churches, communities, families- requires a clear enough mind to understand a situation’s stakes, and a sturdy enough spine to shoulder the costs.
But so too does leadership require a courageous, empathetic and wise heart. I suspect that’s a critical ingredient in Eisenhower’s willingness to face the music should it have all gone wrong. The devastating guilt and loss, shame and terror that would’ve washed over his soldiers and his nation could’ve paralyzed people, unhinged countless spirits, further set back the cause for which they fought. In that tempestuous fervor, should he have deflected blame, cast dispersion across the waters, there would’ve been no holding tank for the fear that would arise, no focus or outlet for their grief. I’m glad we don’t know whether this letter, in fact, would have served as a needed pressure valve, an act of sacrificial leadership. But I suspect it would have, and am impressed by the emotional intelligence and fortitude those simple edits reveal.
Which is to say, when you think about how best to help your children, serve your church, better your community, I hope you ponder the needs and challenges within your hearts as much as your minds. There are programs to plan or strategies to adopt, surely, but so too are there fears to calm and dreams to uplift. Success will only come when you’re as attentive to those concerns as you are to resources and ideas. And just as critical, when it comes time to decide, don’t wallow in worry or look always to others. Be responsible, trusting in the One who made you to sustain you, and guide whatever may be.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Recently, I heard a story about the event that I’ve heard before, but it gets me every time. Apparently, General Eisenhower penned a communique for release in the event the attempted landing failed. Two features of that note, scribbled in pencil and stuffed into his pocket, are worth remembering. The first is an underline. He planned to say that the soldiers couldn’t gain a toehold in the landing area, so he withdrew the men, and ended with, “If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt- it is mine alone.” He underlined, “Mine alone,” knowing full well that he wasn’t the only person involved in the planning. He’d spent months, years even, in fractious meetings with multiple countries’ military personnel, politicians, and strategists. Ultimately, the plan was approved by many, leaving to him only the exact date the landing would commence. Weather appeared uncooperative, though, until June 5, when a break in storms seemed possible. It was either go the next day or wait another two weeks. Eisenhower decided to strike.
It’s good he did. The alternative date saw the worst storms of the summer, which would’ve rendered the English Channel crossing impossible. Nevertheless, he knew that victory wasn’t inevitable, and planned what to say if the worst did come. And rather than seek cover or others to share the blame, he underlined his responsibility. “Mine alone,” he emphasized, hoping- I’m sure- the need would never arise.
The second feature of note in that letter augments that decision. He’d originally written the second sentence as, “This particular operation at this time and place was based upon the best information available.” He subsequently crossed that out and began with, “My decision to attack at this time…” Again, the change was from distancing himself from potential negative attention to putting himself in fuller responsibility.
I can’t imagine the burden the general carried on the night he made that decision. The thousands of families whose lives would be forever changed. The hopes of nations teetering on edge. Leadership of whatever variety- in the military, of course, but so too in our churches, communities, families- requires a clear enough mind to understand a situation’s stakes, and a sturdy enough spine to shoulder the costs.
But so too does leadership require a courageous, empathetic and wise heart. I suspect that’s a critical ingredient in Eisenhower’s willingness to face the music should it have all gone wrong. The devastating guilt and loss, shame and terror that would’ve washed over his soldiers and his nation could’ve paralyzed people, unhinged countless spirits, further set back the cause for which they fought. In that tempestuous fervor, should he have deflected blame, cast dispersion across the waters, there would’ve been no holding tank for the fear that would arise, no focus or outlet for their grief. I’m glad we don’t know whether this letter, in fact, would have served as a needed pressure valve, an act of sacrificial leadership. But I suspect it would have, and am impressed by the emotional intelligence and fortitude those simple edits reveal.
Which is to say, when you think about how best to help your children, serve your church, better your community, I hope you ponder the needs and challenges within your hearts as much as your minds. There are programs to plan or strategies to adopt, surely, but so too are there fears to calm and dreams to uplift. Success will only come when you’re as attentive to those concerns as you are to resources and ideas. And just as critical, when it comes time to decide, don’t wallow in worry or look always to others. Be responsible, trusting in the One who made you to sustain you, and guide whatever may be.
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Breathe Deeply…
Nowadays, people talk a lot- and for good reason- about brains. Over the past century or so, we’ve learned many important things about how brains work and what they do. Much remains to understand, but we’ve got a handle on one critical fact: Our brains control our lives. When they function optimally, they allow for blood circulation, speech, memory, creativity. In other, we think brains make human life possible. By contrast, when they cease functioning properly, life diminishes. For instance, post-traumatic stress disorder, of the kind endured by some combat veterans or disaster victims, is a brain injury, we’ve learned, when something malfunctions upstairs, and the results can be sad. Altered personalities, higher rates of depression, isolation, and in extreme cases, suicide. That’s why care for people suffering PTSD is so critical, and needs to be taken seriously.
And, of course, when the brain stops working altogether, life ends completely. I imagine none of this strikes you as controversial or new. The brain is the seat of the soul, many now imagine. In previous eras, however, smart people weren’t as aware of the brain’s critical role in life. They recognized that acute head trauma could incapacitate a person or end her life, of course. But not having our advanced research techniques and imaging machines, they couldn’t peak under the skull for a fuller picture. Instead, they observed life’s outward effects, and came to an alternative conclusion. They saw that when life ended, breathing stopped. Always. We now describe that as a function of brain activity; neural connections that control the lungs and heart no longer tell those vital organs to work. But our ancestors didn’t know that. They simply noticed that breath seemed decisive. With it, life endured. Without it, life was no more.
Perhaps for that reason, the authors of Hebrew scripture made a profound (and holy) leap of imagination. Wondering how to describe the incredible, divine force of Creation and life, they turned to breath, joining the two together. We use two words: Spirit and Breath. They used one: Ruach. What that meant was that the Spirit (Ruach) of God, which they claimed in Genesis created life out nothingness, order from chaos, was nothing less than the Breath (Ruach) of God. One and the same, spirit and breath. By extension, the breath within in each of us was our own special portion of life itself- spirit/breath. And it makes a beautiful, poetic kind of sense, I think.
After all, we still believe, in some fashion, that spirit and life are intimately connected. What that has to do with our brains, how they interact, well, I won’t even begin to guess! But they matter in some conjoined way. Likewise, pre-scientific humans, who put breath above brains, simply comingled this source of life with spirit. Who can blame them? Remember that the next time you take a big breath. In comes spirit, in enters life. Your exhaling, then, is your releasing of spirit and life’s power to go beyond yourself in the world God created.
Anyway, awkward descriptions of ancient psychology/anthropology aside, I bring this up for an important reason. This summer, I’m hoping we Plymouth Creek folk will breathe deeply together all season long. A Servant Leader told me a few weeks back, “Shane, we should take the upcoming summer to explore rest. God knows I’m tired!” I get tired too, and I love the idea that we’d dig into our spiritual tradition to learn its wisdom about recreation, relaxation, Sabbath.
Turns out, there’s quite a bit for us to encounter. Not only does the Bible compare breathing to Spirit and Creation, but God even commands God’s people to think about Time as a balance between work and inactivity. Jesus retreated from teaching and healing into prayer. Few things matter more to Scripture than peace. So when you come to church this summer, expect to learn about resting and reenergizing; i.e. proper breathing. And don’t forget to breathe deeply. After all, our ancestors believed that’s the Spirit you just may be bringing in. They didn’t know about the brain’s role in all of that, obviously, but I bet they were onto something…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
And, of course, when the brain stops working altogether, life ends completely. I imagine none of this strikes you as controversial or new. The brain is the seat of the soul, many now imagine. In previous eras, however, smart people weren’t as aware of the brain’s critical role in life. They recognized that acute head trauma could incapacitate a person or end her life, of course. But not having our advanced research techniques and imaging machines, they couldn’t peak under the skull for a fuller picture. Instead, they observed life’s outward effects, and came to an alternative conclusion. They saw that when life ended, breathing stopped. Always. We now describe that as a function of brain activity; neural connections that control the lungs and heart no longer tell those vital organs to work. But our ancestors didn’t know that. They simply noticed that breath seemed decisive. With it, life endured. Without it, life was no more.
Perhaps for that reason, the authors of Hebrew scripture made a profound (and holy) leap of imagination. Wondering how to describe the incredible, divine force of Creation and life, they turned to breath, joining the two together. We use two words: Spirit and Breath. They used one: Ruach. What that meant was that the Spirit (Ruach) of God, which they claimed in Genesis created life out nothingness, order from chaos, was nothing less than the Breath (Ruach) of God. One and the same, spirit and breath. By extension, the breath within in each of us was our own special portion of life itself- spirit/breath. And it makes a beautiful, poetic kind of sense, I think.
After all, we still believe, in some fashion, that spirit and life are intimately connected. What that has to do with our brains, how they interact, well, I won’t even begin to guess! But they matter in some conjoined way. Likewise, pre-scientific humans, who put breath above brains, simply comingled this source of life with spirit. Who can blame them? Remember that the next time you take a big breath. In comes spirit, in enters life. Your exhaling, then, is your releasing of spirit and life’s power to go beyond yourself in the world God created.
Anyway, awkward descriptions of ancient psychology/anthropology aside, I bring this up for an important reason. This summer, I’m hoping we Plymouth Creek folk will breathe deeply together all season long. A Servant Leader told me a few weeks back, “Shane, we should take the upcoming summer to explore rest. God knows I’m tired!” I get tired too, and I love the idea that we’d dig into our spiritual tradition to learn its wisdom about recreation, relaxation, Sabbath.
Turns out, there’s quite a bit for us to encounter. Not only does the Bible compare breathing to Spirit and Creation, but God even commands God’s people to think about Time as a balance between work and inactivity. Jesus retreated from teaching and healing into prayer. Few things matter more to Scripture than peace. So when you come to church this summer, expect to learn about resting and reenergizing; i.e. proper breathing. And don’t forget to breathe deeply. After all, our ancestors believed that’s the Spirit you just may be bringing in. They didn’t know about the brain’s role in all of that, obviously, but I bet they were onto something…
Grace and Peace,
Shane
Read more!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Let them come…
If you weren’t in church Sunday, you didn’t hear the announcement Tabitha and I shared. Long story short, we’re currently in the process of becoming foster parents. It’s been in process for a while already, but we wanted to wait to let the church know until after we’d met with the social worker in charge of placing children with us. And that happened last week.
So…how cool is that?!
Here are more details, though if you’ve got questions I don’t cover, please ask. We’ve requested elementary school children since we both have full-time jobs and don’t want that to change. Given our relative youth, we presumed that middle or high school students would find better parents in another home. We’re open to a broad range of potential children for placement, including children from different ethnic backgrounds than us, LGBTQ youth, kids with behavioral challenges. Many children in foster care, of course, exhibit challenging behaviors, given the circumstances that often lead to a child’s removal. Some, however, have very special needs that we’ve asked not to take on, for now. You may know already that the foster care system’s primary goal is family reunification. Studies find that foster kids who find permanent placement in families of origin turn out better, on average, than peers who don’t. But should we foster a child (or two) for whom that isn’t an option, we’re open to being adoptive parents too.
In the meantime, we’re waiting, and aren’t entirely sure what that will bring or when the waiting will end. We’ve asked to begin with one child- we’re new parents, after all!- but the county’s needs are great, and many foster children have siblings. Maintaining those relationships matter, so perhaps we’ll find ourselves with two elementary age children (three is too many for our house). It could be in early July or August; we’re not quite sure. Probably before summer’s out is the most we know.
And that could mean, Plymouth Creek friends, you’ll soon have another child or two in your midst. That’s not certain, please be aware. Foster parents have different rights and responsibilities than birth parents. The main focus, of course, is on the well-being of these kiddos who’ve just experienced the trauma of leaving their homes. They might be confused over why, feel guilty, miss their parents, their siblings, their friends. Part of our job will be maintaining for them as much continuity as possible. In some cases, that might mean keeping the kids connected with a church (or synagogue, or mosque) they already attend. In fact, the county believes- and I wholly agree- the children have rights to practice religion as they see fit. We’ll invite them to join us at our church, of course, but if that’s not appropriate, we’ll be understanding, and I thank you for being so too.
But should the children we foster become active Plymouth Creekers for a time, that will be neat as well. Indeed, it helps me see our church with a new set of eyes; not just as pastor, but as potential dad. I like what I see in many respects, though I echo the sadness many of you (especially our parents) express about the slightness of our child population. We shouldn’t feel bad about that, but we could explore together what we have that might change this situation.
And the best opportunity I see is a community of potential, additional grandparents and aunts and uncles, available to assist modern young families, often overworked and living far from home. You could, then, play with a child at the back of the sanctuary, while her parent leads worship or simply wants to take a break (for once!). A group could babysit some evening while parents go out for dinner to enjoy one another without kids. Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me; for such as these belong God’s Kingdom.” If you’re willing to be extended family for young families so desperately needing that in these fast-moving, uprooting days, they might come unto us, and we’d be glad to respond. In any case, I look forward to you playing that role for my soon-to-expand family!
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
So…how cool is that?!
Here are more details, though if you’ve got questions I don’t cover, please ask. We’ve requested elementary school children since we both have full-time jobs and don’t want that to change. Given our relative youth, we presumed that middle or high school students would find better parents in another home. We’re open to a broad range of potential children for placement, including children from different ethnic backgrounds than us, LGBTQ youth, kids with behavioral challenges. Many children in foster care, of course, exhibit challenging behaviors, given the circumstances that often lead to a child’s removal. Some, however, have very special needs that we’ve asked not to take on, for now. You may know already that the foster care system’s primary goal is family reunification. Studies find that foster kids who find permanent placement in families of origin turn out better, on average, than peers who don’t. But should we foster a child (or two) for whom that isn’t an option, we’re open to being adoptive parents too.
In the meantime, we’re waiting, and aren’t entirely sure what that will bring or when the waiting will end. We’ve asked to begin with one child- we’re new parents, after all!- but the county’s needs are great, and many foster children have siblings. Maintaining those relationships matter, so perhaps we’ll find ourselves with two elementary age children (three is too many for our house). It could be in early July or August; we’re not quite sure. Probably before summer’s out is the most we know.
And that could mean, Plymouth Creek friends, you’ll soon have another child or two in your midst. That’s not certain, please be aware. Foster parents have different rights and responsibilities than birth parents. The main focus, of course, is on the well-being of these kiddos who’ve just experienced the trauma of leaving their homes. They might be confused over why, feel guilty, miss their parents, their siblings, their friends. Part of our job will be maintaining for them as much continuity as possible. In some cases, that might mean keeping the kids connected with a church (or synagogue, or mosque) they already attend. In fact, the county believes- and I wholly agree- the children have rights to practice religion as they see fit. We’ll invite them to join us at our church, of course, but if that’s not appropriate, we’ll be understanding, and I thank you for being so too.
But should the children we foster become active Plymouth Creekers for a time, that will be neat as well. Indeed, it helps me see our church with a new set of eyes; not just as pastor, but as potential dad. I like what I see in many respects, though I echo the sadness many of you (especially our parents) express about the slightness of our child population. We shouldn’t feel bad about that, but we could explore together what we have that might change this situation.
And the best opportunity I see is a community of potential, additional grandparents and aunts and uncles, available to assist modern young families, often overworked and living far from home. You could, then, play with a child at the back of the sanctuary, while her parent leads worship or simply wants to take a break (for once!). A group could babysit some evening while parents go out for dinner to enjoy one another without kids. Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me; for such as these belong God’s Kingdom.” If you’re willing to be extended family for young families so desperately needing that in these fast-moving, uprooting days, they might come unto us, and we’d be glad to respond. In any case, I look forward to you playing that role for my soon-to-expand family!
Grace and Peace,
Shane Read more!
Friday, May 16, 2014
Our Future…
I’ve had the earth on my mind as of late. Our community garden will open soon. A member donated a new dishwasher to us so we can waste less and care for Creation more. To do that, by the way, we all must bring coffee cups to church, which we’ll use during fellowship (instead of Styrofoam). And to make that happen, we’re setting a fun goal for June 1, that every Plymouth Creeker brings an “ugly mug” to worship. Whomever’s submission is deemed the most wonderfully “ugly mug” gets a free bag of coffee or box of tea from our earth-friendly, free-trade Equal Exchange store. We’ll then hang the mugs on our coat rack and place in the dishwasher after using. The child care center will replace for us once clean, and our waste will decline, and the earth will say, Wahoo!
And not only our waste will decline, but so too has waste from the child care center already. They’re daily making use of it, lowering our facility’s environmental impact dramatically. It also lowers their operating costs, ensuring they can focus better on their kids and teachers. When the church is a good partner with God’s Creation and our neighbors, we do God’s work. Simple as that.
Which brings me to another way I’ve been thinking about the earth: the church’s long-term relationship with our child care center tenant. As you know, Yellow Brick Road has operated in our facility over the past seven years. During that time, their business has grown and improved, as has their working relationship with us. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. YBR keeps costs for families well below their competitors because they rent with us. That allows some families who otherwise can’t find quality, affordable early learning to do exactly that! At the same time, PCCC could not sustain our current budget without YBR’s contribution. That means the worship, choir, small groups, outreach, fellowship, funerals, etc. wouldn’t take place if not for our YBR friends.
But the relationship comes with costs as well as benefits, which understand better now than ever. We each have growth pressures we struggle to meet with the other in our spaces. PCCC incurs significant facility depreciation costs as 40+ young ones joyfully run around daily. In a couple years, their lease will end, so we’re thinking about the future now. And as that’s occurred, a solution has emerged that I wanted to share with you.
Namely, we need to build; a new wing for primarily child care center use. It will be available for church use when necessary, but will mostly house YBR’s operations. The Board considered this idea at its March retreat, and it appeared good stewardship of God’s gifts and mission to us. Plans are still under discussion; a buildings team is working with YBR to achieve what’s best for both entities. FYI, some of the current arrangement will remain, like the nursery and toddler classroom.
But gone will the Sunday slog of chairs and tables out of the sanctuary into fellowship hall. Gone will be kids daily running up and down our main hallway and narthex. Gone will be our rarely scheduling weekday/night activities for not having enough space. Bathrooms will be cleaner. Clutter will decrease. And we’ll build something as green as we can make it.
Financially, you’ll want to know that YBR intends to pay for the expansion, if we take out the loan. This is risky for both sides, so will include a 15+ year agreement to be good partners together. And that’s a positive thing! When good ministry is happening, we should sustain and grow it, be that quality early learning for kids in need, or loving, free-thinking, open-tabled church. Indeed, that’s the main thing I learn as I ponder the earth- When we have a chance to enhance its long-term good, we take it. That betters the world. It’s responsible. It serves God!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
P.S. - And, of course, I want to hear your thoughts as we go about this process. It’s still very early on, which is why I’m bringing it up now, so our collective wisdom can make it the best it can be! Read more!
And not only our waste will decline, but so too has waste from the child care center already. They’re daily making use of it, lowering our facility’s environmental impact dramatically. It also lowers their operating costs, ensuring they can focus better on their kids and teachers. When the church is a good partner with God’s Creation and our neighbors, we do God’s work. Simple as that.
Which brings me to another way I’ve been thinking about the earth: the church’s long-term relationship with our child care center tenant. As you know, Yellow Brick Road has operated in our facility over the past seven years. During that time, their business has grown and improved, as has their working relationship with us. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. YBR keeps costs for families well below their competitors because they rent with us. That allows some families who otherwise can’t find quality, affordable early learning to do exactly that! At the same time, PCCC could not sustain our current budget without YBR’s contribution. That means the worship, choir, small groups, outreach, fellowship, funerals, etc. wouldn’t take place if not for our YBR friends.
But the relationship comes with costs as well as benefits, which understand better now than ever. We each have growth pressures we struggle to meet with the other in our spaces. PCCC incurs significant facility depreciation costs as 40+ young ones joyfully run around daily. In a couple years, their lease will end, so we’re thinking about the future now. And as that’s occurred, a solution has emerged that I wanted to share with you.
Namely, we need to build; a new wing for primarily child care center use. It will be available for church use when necessary, but will mostly house YBR’s operations. The Board considered this idea at its March retreat, and it appeared good stewardship of God’s gifts and mission to us. Plans are still under discussion; a buildings team is working with YBR to achieve what’s best for both entities. FYI, some of the current arrangement will remain, like the nursery and toddler classroom.
But gone will the Sunday slog of chairs and tables out of the sanctuary into fellowship hall. Gone will be kids daily running up and down our main hallway and narthex. Gone will be our rarely scheduling weekday/night activities for not having enough space. Bathrooms will be cleaner. Clutter will decrease. And we’ll build something as green as we can make it.
Financially, you’ll want to know that YBR intends to pay for the expansion, if we take out the loan. This is risky for both sides, so will include a 15+ year agreement to be good partners together. And that’s a positive thing! When good ministry is happening, we should sustain and grow it, be that quality early learning for kids in need, or loving, free-thinking, open-tabled church. Indeed, that’s the main thing I learn as I ponder the earth- When we have a chance to enhance its long-term good, we take it. That betters the world. It’s responsible. It serves God!
Grace and Peace,
Shane
P.S. - And, of course, I want to hear your thoughts as we go about this process. It’s still very early on, which is why I’m bringing it up now, so our collective wisdom can make it the best it can be! Read more!
Friday, May 9, 2014
Intern-al Communications
I have some reflections as your intern
“They sing of a life free and simple, with time for one another, and for people’s needs, based on the dignity of the human person, at one with nature’s beauty, crowned by poetry. If that dream dies, all our struggles die with it.”
In the early church community, where diversity of religions and peoples were common, all within the confines of the Roman culture of assimilation, the followers of Jesus responded to the invitation to be different. Different than those being forced to live under the Roman way of culture, philosophy and way of being.
These followers of Jesus were free to be people, loved by a God who came down, died, resurrected, and had invited them to a new way of life. This life was free from the confines of Greek or Jew, free or slave, male or female. All were to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, through Jesus the Christ. In this freeing experience, the followers of Jesus were invited to see this truth within each person they encountered. All are invited into this relationship with God and community.
“They sing of a life free and simple, with time for one another, and for people’s needs, based on the dignity of the human person, at one with nature’s beauty, crowned by poetry. If that dream dies, all our struggles die with it.”
In the early church community, where diversity of religions and peoples were common, all within the confines of the Roman culture of assimilation, the followers of Jesus responded to the invitation to be different. Different than those being forced to live under the Roman way of culture, philosophy and way of being.
These followers of Jesus were free to be people, loved by a God who came down, died, resurrected, and had invited them to a new way of life. This life was free from the confines of Greek or Jew, free or slave, male or female. All were to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, through Jesus the Christ. In this freeing experience, the followers of Jesus were invited to see this truth within each person they encountered. All are invited into this relationship with God and community.
We express this same truth every Sunday, when we as Disciples invite people in to share our lives with each other in this Great news! To be known and loved because God has first loved us. Our faith journey requires us to resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and lost…because we know that we ourselves have been all of these within our own lives.
I have some reflections as your intern, which you have privileged me to be over this last year, realizing that and being grateful for that. Only because you showed up and I was here could we have spent this year the way we did. You all have offered many hours of your life in my presence as your intern. I respect, admire, and love you for that. To be in your company and learn from you has been phenomenal as well as a privilege.
I wish to quote from Medard Laz from his book Love Adds a Little Chocolate.
I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful things, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you my love, but I cannot force it upon you
I can teach you to be a friend, but I cannot make one for you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot make you show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
I can tell you lofty ideas, but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make you moral.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life, and I will!
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your inviting me into your community, to share what I know and who I am, and to learn from you all that you know and who you are as well. I have been very blessed by your life stories, witnessing God’s love manifested in all of you.
Because of your invitation and blessing me so much, I leave here secure and confident to go into my ministry, working with those transitioning from this life to the next.
Humbly, your servant in Christ Jesus,
Lyle
Read more!
“They sing of a life free and simple, with time for one another, and for people’s needs, based on the dignity of the human person, at one with nature’s beauty, crowned by poetry. If that dream dies, all our struggles die with it.”
In the early church community, where diversity of religions and peoples were common, all within the confines of the Roman culture of assimilation, the followers of Jesus responded to the invitation to be different. Different than those being forced to live under the Roman way of culture, philosophy and way of being.
These followers of Jesus were free to be people, loved by a God who came down, died, resurrected, and had invited them to a new way of life. This life was free from the confines of Greek or Jew, free or slave, male or female. All were to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, through Jesus the Christ. In this freeing experience, the followers of Jesus were invited to see this truth within each person they encountered. All are invited into this relationship with God and community.
“They sing of a life free and simple, with time for one another, and for people’s needs, based on the dignity of the human person, at one with nature’s beauty, crowned by poetry. If that dream dies, all our struggles die with it.”
In the early church community, where diversity of religions and peoples were common, all within the confines of the Roman culture of assimilation, the followers of Jesus responded to the invitation to be different. Different than those being forced to live under the Roman way of culture, philosophy and way of being.
These followers of Jesus were free to be people, loved by a God who came down, died, resurrected, and had invited them to a new way of life. This life was free from the confines of Greek or Jew, free or slave, male or female. All were to be welcomed into the Kingdom of God, through Jesus the Christ. In this freeing experience, the followers of Jesus were invited to see this truth within each person they encountered. All are invited into this relationship with God and community.
We express this same truth every Sunday, when we as Disciples invite people in to share our lives with each other in this Great news! To be known and loved because God has first loved us. Our faith journey requires us to resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and lost…because we know that we ourselves have been all of these within our own lives.
I have some reflections as your intern, which you have privileged me to be over this last year, realizing that and being grateful for that. Only because you showed up and I was here could we have spent this year the way we did. You all have offered many hours of your life in my presence as your intern. I respect, admire, and love you for that. To be in your company and learn from you has been phenomenal as well as a privilege.
I wish to quote from Medard Laz from his book Love Adds a Little Chocolate.
I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, but I cannot be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, but I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful things, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, but I cannot accept it for you.
I can give you my love, but I cannot force it upon you
I can teach you to be a friend, but I cannot make one for you.
I can teach you to share, but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, but I cannot make you show honor.
I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
I can tell you lofty ideas, but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make you moral.
I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God.
I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love all of my life, and I will!
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your inviting me into your community, to share what I know and who I am, and to learn from you all that you know and who you are as well. I have been very blessed by your life stories, witnessing God’s love manifested in all of you.
Because of your invitation and blessing me so much, I leave here secure and confident to go into my ministry, working with those transitioning from this life to the next.
Humbly, your servant in Christ Jesus,
Lyle
Read more!
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