Words from Evelyn Underhill in The Spiritual Life: "Any spiritual view which focuses attention on ourselves, and puts the human creature with its small ideas and adventures in the centre foreground, is dangerous till we recognise its absurdity...We mostly spend those lives conjugating three verbs: to Want, to Have, and to Do. Craving, clutching, and fussing, on the material, political, social, emotional, intellectual--even on the religious--plane, we are kept in perpetual unrest: forgetting that none of these verbs have any ultimate significance, except so far as they are transcended by and included in, the fundamental verb, to Be: and that Being, not wanting, having and doing, is the essence of a spiritual life."
I have encouraged the congregation to work on their spiritual journey which begins by understanding Living in the Presence of an eternal God who is, who was, who will always be. The invitation to become a disciple of Jesus Christ is only the beginning of the journey that last an eternity. Transformation is a process and every process begins with an initial step so to our journey to Christian perfection. The words of Evelyn Underhill that reflects how we are minimalized by the cares of the world help to unpack the call to go as a part of being to make disciples. One cannot be imprisoned by self and reflect the selfless life modeled by Jesus to those we are called to invite.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Am I Guilty
This week I have be wrestling with a question found in my devotional reading originating on a church sign...
"If you were put on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?"
I'm a facilitator at the seminary for a ministry formation group that is part of the first year programming. One of the members of my group reflected about the early church and the lived life of some of the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in the book of Acts we see Stephen martyred and can follow through Church history many more that sacrificed that what we find most treasured...life! But isn't that what Jesus did?
I don't know if I'll ever be asked to sacrifice my life but I do know that I am called to go into the world and make disciples. This command begs the question...where am I to go and when do I do it? I find myself busy with church meetings, dinners, and other related church stuff that there seems to be little time to engage through active presence those that are not in the circle of church participation. I know that the truth of the lived life in Christ can only be shared and embraced by others as we become immersed in societal community (being present outside the walls). This presence provides opportunity to share the gospel through our lived story stripped of the verbiage and church- righteousness that only resonates inside the walls but by becoming vulnerable and revealing authentic journey and the truth of struggle where one finds the assurance of the gospel as life sustaining as well as the never dimming beacon of hope. Where those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to meet me, be exposed to and examine my Christlikeness, and to ask the question that opens the door for an introduction to Jesus Christ.
I've concluded this week that other than my time spent throughout the week at the Y my response to the question is I don't know?
"If you were put on trial for being a Christian would you be found guilty?"
I'm a facilitator at the seminary for a ministry formation group that is part of the first year programming. One of the members of my group reflected about the early church and the lived life of some of the early disciples of Jesus Christ. Beginning in the book of Acts we see Stephen martyred and can follow through Church history many more that sacrificed that what we find most treasured...life! But isn't that what Jesus did?
I don't know if I'll ever be asked to sacrifice my life but I do know that I am called to go into the world and make disciples. This command begs the question...where am I to go and when do I do it? I find myself busy with church meetings, dinners, and other related church stuff that there seems to be little time to engage through active presence those that are not in the circle of church participation. I know that the truth of the lived life in Christ can only be shared and embraced by others as we become immersed in societal community (being present outside the walls). This presence provides opportunity to share the gospel through our lived story stripped of the verbiage and church- righteousness that only resonates inside the walls but by becoming vulnerable and revealing authentic journey and the truth of struggle where one finds the assurance of the gospel as life sustaining as well as the never dimming beacon of hope. Where those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to meet me, be exposed to and examine my Christlikeness, and to ask the question that opens the door for an introduction to Jesus Christ.
I've concluded this week that other than my time spent throughout the week at the Y my response to the question is I don't know?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Discipleship Today
Teresa of Avila said "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours and not feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ looks out with compassion on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless people now"
As I reflect on the storm that hit Ohio two weeks ago and the subsequent power outage coupled with the current financial crisis that threatens our economy, I feel many are reeling and wondering what's next. What an opportunity for God's people as we stand in the presence of perfect love that cast out fear. The witness of the lived life in Christ provides hope that transcends the temperament of the day. Where can the voice of the Church be heard above the clamor of fear and despair? I encourage you in a time such as this to a deeper encounter with God through His written Word, prayer, and reflection that will take the pressure off worldly concerns and provide comfort through the assurance of a faithful God whose love abides with us throughout life's trials.
Philippians 4:11b-13 ...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...v19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
...be the voice to share the Good News
As I reflect on the storm that hit Ohio two weeks ago and the subsequent power outage coupled with the current financial crisis that threatens our economy, I feel many are reeling and wondering what's next. What an opportunity for God's people as we stand in the presence of perfect love that cast out fear. The witness of the lived life in Christ provides hope that transcends the temperament of the day. Where can the voice of the Church be heard above the clamor of fear and despair? I encourage you in a time such as this to a deeper encounter with God through His written Word, prayer, and reflection that will take the pressure off worldly concerns and provide comfort through the assurance of a faithful God whose love abides with us throughout life's trials.
Philippians 4:11b-13 ...for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me...v19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
...be the voice to share the Good News
Friday, September 26, 2008
Relationship
I've had trouble with my commitment to update this blog weekly. I wrestle with myself and yet don't sit down and write. Why not?
I read a reflection by Robert Roland (Listen Christian):
I was hungry and you formed a humanity's club and discussed my hunger, thank you.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so very close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold--thank you.
As I read this I begin to think... Is this descriptive of me in relationship with this new communication tool? I don't like the answer!
I read a reflection by Robert Roland (Listen Christian):
I was hungry and you formed a humanity's club and discussed my hunger, thank you.
I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.
I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.
I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.
I was homeless and you preached to me of the love of God.
I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.
You seem so holy, so very close to God, but I am still very hungry and lonely and cold--thank you.
As I read this I begin to think... Is this descriptive of me in relationship with this new communication tool? I don't like the answer!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
New Kids Activities Coming Soon!
We are SO excited to start offering new activities Sunday, October 5. We're blessed with a big facility and we're excited to use it in new ways.
Pastor Leroy will be offering an adult Bible study at 9:00am before worship. Email Leroy with questions.
Every first Sunday of the month we'll have worship just for the kids. They'll stay with their parents for the opening songs in the gym and then hang out with Pastor Lori and Jenny. We'll also learn a song to share with everyone at the end of the service.
Every second and fourth Sunday there will be workshop rotations where kids can be active in how they learn about faith. Kids learn through science, cooking, games and media.
Every third Sunday all the kids will do Zumba with Camela! We'll do a devotion and then honor God with our bodies & exercise.
Every fifth Sunday we'll go swimming! We'll play games in the pool and deepen our faith in a fun way.
If you have questions or want to serve, contact Pastor Lori or Jenny.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
prayer walk
Today we did a prayer walk through five areas in the YMCA building during worship. We started in the lobby, moved to the fitness area, then the hallway by the swimming pool, then the teen area and ended in the gym. Here are the prayers we said...
1. Lobby
God you know every person who walks through these doors. You know whether they feel loved or lonely. Use us to show your love. Bless the YMCA staff that deeply cares about their members. Use us to shower your love to the staff so they also know your grace. Thank for each person who enters here that is committed to honoring God with their bodies through fitness. We know you love that. Thank you for the servants who create a welcoming space for our guests. Speak through our actions to everyone we meet. Amen.
2. Fitness Room
God, thank you for everyone who enters this room. Give people motivation when they get tired. Remind them a healthy body honors you. Help new people make friends in this room. Give them a safe place to belong. Create an environment where everyone feels like family. How could you use us to bless people in this room? Use us God. Anywhere, anytime. Amen.
3. Pool Hallway
God we thank you for people of all ages that use the swimming pool. For some, it’s their only form of exercise during the week. Thank you for the deep friendships that are formed in this room. Bless the lifeguards as they keep everyone safe. God we thank you for the people you’ll bring as we start using the pool. Show them how much you love them. Amen.
4. Youth Hallway
God we especially thank you for each one of the teens who hang out here playing video games and eating pizza. Many don’t have a safe place at home to be themselves. Thank you for all the servants who give their time at teen events to show them a different example of a loving adult. Use us to inspire as many teens as possible that they are special, loved unconditionally, and can dream bigger dreams than they ever thought possible. Amen.
5. Gym
And now God we thank you for this space. Six days a week you hear the sound of basketball, senior fitness, Zumba, running and laughter. On the seventh, you hear voices telling you how much we love you. How we want to give you our lives. Use us to share that love with everyone in this building. We might never know how it will change someone’s life. Thank you for the servants who arrive very early every week to set up this space. You use them to prepare us for worship and we’re deeply grateful. Amen.
1. Lobby
God you know every person who walks through these doors. You know whether they feel loved or lonely. Use us to show your love. Bless the YMCA staff that deeply cares about their members. Use us to shower your love to the staff so they also know your grace. Thank for each person who enters here that is committed to honoring God with their bodies through fitness. We know you love that. Thank you for the servants who create a welcoming space for our guests. Speak through our actions to everyone we meet. Amen.
2. Fitness Room
God, thank you for everyone who enters this room. Give people motivation when they get tired. Remind them a healthy body honors you. Help new people make friends in this room. Give them a safe place to belong. Create an environment where everyone feels like family. How could you use us to bless people in this room? Use us God. Anywhere, anytime. Amen.
3. Pool Hallway
God we thank you for people of all ages that use the swimming pool. For some, it’s their only form of exercise during the week. Thank you for the deep friendships that are formed in this room. Bless the lifeguards as they keep everyone safe. God we thank you for the people you’ll bring as we start using the pool. Show them how much you love them. Amen.
4. Youth Hallway
God we especially thank you for each one of the teens who hang out here playing video games and eating pizza. Many don’t have a safe place at home to be themselves. Thank you for all the servants who give their time at teen events to show them a different example of a loving adult. Use us to inspire as many teens as possible that they are special, loved unconditionally, and can dream bigger dreams than they ever thought possible. Amen.
5. Gym
And now God we thank you for this space. Six days a week you hear the sound of basketball, senior fitness, Zumba, running and laughter. On the seventh, you hear voices telling you how much we love you. How we want to give you our lives. Use us to share that love with everyone in this building. We might never know how it will change someone’s life. Thank you for the servants who arrive very early every week to set up this space. You use them to prepare us for worship and we’re deeply grateful. Amen.
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