“Eat Our Own Dog Food”

This is a saying that supposedly has its roots in the dog food industry and perhaps in corporate industry as well (see Wikipedia submissions). Last Sunday’s message was entitled “Where the Hypocrites Roam” and was an attempt to help us as God’s people to confront the accusations that we are hypocritical (we are). I used the phrase “eat our own dog food” as an illustration pointing to the fact that persons who strive to follow Christ need to eat our own dog food … practice what we teach/preach/read … you get the point. In doing so, I ate several bites (throughout the three services), what looked like canned dog food. In reality, it was Hormel Corned Beef Hash which looks like and smells like canned dog food … I would even suggest that cold and straight out of the can that it tastes like dog food as well.  Anyway, when such a dramatic illustration is used there is always the danger that folks will experience the “wow” effect, getting so caught up in the image that they will miss the point that the illustration is trying to make.

Ah ha… another form of hypocrisy; getting stuck on the show instead of the message. The same is true in our lives as well. Sometimes we get so caught up in our image, our wow effect, or whatever that we actually miss-communicate the actual message that we intended to convey. We in essence aren’t eating our own dog food.

So here it is. Eating our own dog food or practicing what we teach doesn’t always taste good… in fact it is sometimes down-right disgusting. However, there is nothing like being true to our Savior and ourselves as we journey down the path of faith. It is probably high time for me to take a bite out of my own dog food … to clean the inside of the cup instead of worrying so much about the outside (Matthew 23:25-28).

Closing a Door; Opening a Heart

Six years of my life (10-16) were spent in Danville, VA; where my dad served as pastor of Schoolfield United Methodist Church. Those were interesting and complex years. The transition from Virginia Beach to Danville was difficult, even for a 10-year-old boy. However, it was in Danville that my love for baseball was nurtured. I also realized that there was an opposite sex (and that I was interested in them). Here I entered High School, and was taught how to drive. In the midst of these life experiences and others there was another significant event—Confirmation. On a Sunday morning at Schoolfield United Methodist, I accepted for myself the vows of baptism that my parents took for me some 14 or so years before at Scott Memorial United Methodist Church (less than 2 miles from where I currently live and work). Through the process of confirmation, I accepted God’s promises for my life. I have not always lived out of those promises; there were plenty of times that I struggled or even turned my back on Christ. Nonetheless, a major milestone along my journey of faith was confirmation at Schoolfield United Methodist Church.

The people of this church expressed love that was recognizable even at a tender age. There was a sweet lady who gave us sourdough bread every week, a woman (who is now a pastor) who was willing to take up the challenge of being a youth leader for 3 young persons, and a family that nurtured and mentored me as I learned how to make money by cutting grass. Through a memorial fund honoring the husband, I was later able to participate in a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. And of course, who could forget the lock-ins where sleeping bags mysteriously ended up in different places than they began or the trips to Carowinds amusement park? The relationships that developed there those years are still strong.

On May 17th of this year, I had the privilege of being a part of Confirmation Sunday for 25 young persons at the church I now serve. On this same Sunday Schoolfield United Methodist, the church where I was confirmed, celebrated its last homecoming. Ironic? Yes, but also promising. Promising in that the ministry of the Church is greater than any one local church, person, or event.

There is sadness in realizing that Schoolfield United Methodist is closing. Through misty eyes, I rejoice and give thanks for the faithful persons and ministry of Schoolfield United Methodist Church. Through her faithfulness by God’s grace I was shaped in ways that I am even now just discovering. The day-to-day ministry of Schoolfield may be coming to a close, but the effects of her ministry will be experienced by many through many for years to come.

Back to the Future; A Return to Innocence

My wife and I recently settled on a movie. Our decision process concluded; we were off to see Star Trek. While getting settled in my seat, I was surprised by a preview for a G.I. Joe movie… and then an upcoming Transformers movie. Here I was, getting ready to watch Star Trek… and there are reminders of my childhood. I was beamed (pun intended) to Saturday mornings of long ago—the safety and security of not worrying about what the day held; oblivious to anything other than my parents and brothers while I enjoyed Saturday morning cartoons. There in the movie theatre, I wondered; “How old am I? What year is it?”

Now, I know that movies are produced based on what Hollywood believes will make money. Could it be that right now money can be made as persons want to be reminded of another time? I was raised in a secure environment. I didn’t have concerns or worries about the world around me. There are words that now have significant meaning that as a child meant nothing—terrorism, economy, nuclear weapons, bills, meetings, etc. Not to say that these things did not exist, but rather in my mind they did not exist. I may be reading too much into a couple of previews… but, as I sat in that theatre reminiscing on the blissful ignorance of childhood I remembered how Jesus welcomed children.

In the Bible there is a story where Jesus welcomes the children even as the disciples try to shoo them away. Jesus gathers the children close and instructs that persons are to enter God’s Kingdom like a child (Mark 10:13-15). This means that we come to Jesus like a trusting child—trusting in the safety and security that he offers. Whether we have tried to follow Jesus for a few years, or if we are just now discovering the possibilities of how Jesus can change our life; it is always good to be reminded of how we are to first seek him—like a trusting child; allowing Christ to give us peace in a tumultuous world. Today, may we find rest in the sustaining grace of Christ—regardless of our age.

Concrete and Cardboard Tensions

The church I serve has a keen and acute heart for those who are less fortunate. We display in many ways what it means to reach out and share the love that we experience in Christ. The challenge is that God will not simply leave us where we are… For, it is where we are right now that is comfortable; but, where we might be going could be uncomfortable—and thus the tension of being God’s people in a foreign land. This tension is not in only knowing what we are supposed to do in tough circumstances… but also in having the mojo to actually do it!

The real issue: we live in a broken world. This is evidenced by the fact that there are people who do not have adequate sleeping arrangements. There is a group of persons that have found sanctuary at the portico’s of the worship space at the church I serve. This means that on any given night, there are multiple persons crammed together in a small space that is somewhat protected from the elements. These persons are somewhat organized: they help by picking up trash and providing an extra level of security for our young persons working in the parking lot. They police their own by calling the cops when someone comes on site drinking or etc., and they try hard not to be there at times when they would be in the way of church folk coming and going—they are not always successful in this.

However, for persons who frequent the church facilities for reasons other than sleeping; there is an uneasiness of seeing folks preparing to bed down for the evening on a concrete slab. There is also the frustration of seeing others’ belongings stowed in the bushes by day—bushes can only hide but so much. And of course there is always a concern for safety—particularly of the unknown. But, there are others who visit and converse with them while offering a sandwich; trying to get to know them so that they can walk with them to a more fulfilling way of life.

Because of the incredible ways that we answer God’s call in our context, our faith community has grown and now includes persons that may not ever come into our buildings to sing hymns, listen to sermons, or fill the offering plates. But none the less, these persons experience the presence and peace of Christ on the grounds of the church. They are indeed a part of the faith community.

Why does God put us in these places? How will we reconcile our concerns with who we are as God’s people in the midst of a broken world?

commDIGIunity

I have recently been reminded of the lack of a personal accountability and prayer partner, something that I once practiced regularly, yet in recent years (& circumstances) have neglected to pursue—no one to blame but myself. However, in preparations for an online CE course entitled “Would Paul Twitter?” my mind began to wander. This will be the first for me in doing a live on-line classroom experience (guess that I am behind the times a little). Anyway, in doing some scripture reading, personal reflection, and getting set up with camera/microphone I had a realization. I realized that with current technological and digital means, I could use my laptop to do a live session with an accountability partner. Granted, we would not be able to shake each other’s hand, but we could eat (break bread) together from the comfort of our own home, see each other via the webcam, converse, and spend some time in prayer.

My mind did not stop there, what if the church (I am sure that there are some already doing these) offered Bible study or small group experiences in somewhat the same manner? Folks could do it from the comfort of their homes. For those with children, they could put the kids to bed, and then log on at a specified time. That means no worry about paying for childcare in your home while you are away, or worries about having the kids out late in the nursery (which can provide for a stressful evening with the family at home after a great time of study and fellowship). For others that work late or have struggles with getting home and then to the designated place for a study, they could simply logon from their home. If churches offered some of these things, then we could do Bible studies or small groups at 9 or even 10pm (sorry Leno).

Obviously, there would be some things to consider; the “touch” aspect and physical presence of one another. In addition, would persons be more apt to be vulnerable or less if they were doing it up close and personal online – yet from the comfort and distance of their “own” space? I don’t know. I am sure that there are other things to consider here, but it would be well worth our time to consider and even possibly experiment with this “way” of doing community and fellowship.

sex-ed grace

Last evening I watched “Definitely, maybe” , not really my style or type of movie… but I enjoyed watching it with my wife. It is about a young separated father who picks up his young daughter from school, to discover that she was taught sex-ed that day. Of course, this begins a conversation that ends with the father agreeing to tell his daughter the story of him and her mother. The story that he tells is full of twists and turns and several relationships. He tries hard to mask aspects of the story but his daughter is quick and is able to see through the smoke screens. After one such attempt in the movie, the daughter turns to her dad and says something along the lines of, “Dad, I can’t believe that you drank, and smoked, and were such a slut… But I still love you.” Well, this got me thinking (unfortunately for you) about a child’s acceptance and love for their parents; which then led me to think about God’s love expressed towards us … even though we did such and such. This is what the church refers to as grace.

It’s that word that we use frequently, sometimes so frequently that its meaning or consequence in our life becomes diluted—particularly in a world where everything is earned or purchased. Many of our behaviors are based on our attempt to get something from someone else. Think about it. At work we may seek approval of our co-workers or boss; at school we seek approval of our professors/teachers; even in our families some of our behaviors are based on an attempt to elicit some sort of response. When we refer to God’s grace—God’s love expressed towards us—we are referring to God’s action towards us that we cannot manipulate. There is nothing that we can do to earn it or to even justify it after we realize that it is there for us.

So here is the question: What are the behaviors that you and I practice out of an attempt to earn God’s love? Our answer has something to do with how we see ourselves AND how we interact with others…

ID-entities

This week’s sermon is about living in one world while residing in another. Persons that follow Jesus experience this. We live in one world while our allegiance is to another. We eat, work, play, interact, and function in the present physical state that we find ourselves in… Yet, we also know that there is something more. There is an organic need within all of us to know and be known by the Creator. We are created for something more than this life—we are wired to enjoy and be enjoyed by the Author of this world.

In reflection on this whole two world thing, I can not help but consider the differences in the physical world and the virtual world. Virtual profiles consist of the data and programs that we use to communicate via the internet. For instance, my “virtual profile” is shaped by this blog, twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, and other web based programs. I can interact, keep up with, participate in games (rather poorly), and share my life with others from anywhere there is internet access.

This is a sort of residing in one world, while functioning in another. Of course, one has to wonder how the church can take advantage of such avenues of communication. A fellow blogger even asks the question, Would the Apostle Paul Twitter? As persons of faith that live in one world; yet confess allegiance to another Kingdom, we are always on the alert for how we might share the Good News of this “other Kingdom”. Our avenues of communication will change, even as the message itself is constant. The Apostle Paul used the then common way of communicating through written letters; yet, he also recognized the sacredness of the physical (Romans 1:10-12) —we can follow his example. We are to use available mediums of communication while looking forward to the sacredness of being present with one another—realizing our true identity is only found in that guy we call Jesus.

SATURDAY

Sharing Holy Communion at the Pancake Brunch.

It’s been a long time. So in an effort to get in the swing of things, I will share my Saturday with you.

Saturday began with a Men’s breakfast where a speaker shared the story of his experience with Jesus while behind bars, and the way that he now helps persons transition from community-life behind bars to life in the.

Then I sat in on the Youth Sunday rehearsal; observing the chaos and confusion that God shaped and formed into inspiring and relevant worship! I chatted with a young man who was to preach and I learned how he connected with the church. His parents have no involvement, yet because of some guys he works with he has entered into the community of faith.

After this I went to our second Saturday free pancake brunch that is available for anyone who is hungry. Many of the persons that come do not have consistent or safe housing. We share not only pancakes and sausage, but we also celebrate Holy Communion. On this particular Saturday, we provided and offered to mail Mothers day cards. Announcing this brought a round of applause. While eating some sausage, I had the opportunity to talk with a couple of guys. The conversation focused around children. One of the guys wished that he was younger when he had his. He feared that he would not get to meet his grandchildren. The other gentleman shared how he got to see one of his kids about once a year. I heard pain in their voices—pain no different than what you or I experience.

Then—a wedding! None of us truly know what we are getting into as we prepare to enter into the marital covenant. No different for this couple; yet there is something beautiful about each wedding—maybe it is simply the reminder of my own…

I often write about reform that I believe is needed in the church. Today, I’m enjoying the beauty of Christ’s church and how God works through her ministering to persons in their different stages of life.

Risk and Circumstance

I’m working on the sermon for Sunday. It’s based on Matthew 25:14-30 where Jesus tells the story of a person who before going on a long journey leaves his money in the care of 3 of his servants. While the master is away, 2 of the servants invest and double the money; the 3rd hid his share. When the master returns, he is greatly pleased with the first 2 servants… but very unsatisfied with the other. Jesus ends the story saying that persons who do well with what they are given will receive more; but for those who do nothing—what little they have will be taken away from them.

Wow… who wants to preach this in the midst of the current economic environment… A few years ago—even a few months ago—it was easy to say that God calls us to be willing to risk what we have for the Kingdom. However, the environment is different… we want to hear how God will take care of us and sustain us in challenging and difficult times. However, this Sunday at the Church I serve we’ll hear how God wants us to use what we have for the purposes of Jesus and his Kingdom.

Here is the thing. In telling the story, Jesus gives no details about the economic environment. He doesn’t tell us if the rains are good or bad that year. He doesn’t tell us that the vineyards are abundant or scarce. All we know is that the servants receive a part of the wealth to manage while he is away. That’s the clue.

It was not their own wealth… it was their masters. Additionally, the economic environment must be irrelevant for Jesus’ purposes. So here it is, somehow or another, we have to realize that everything we have in this life is actually “on loan” from God. Secondly, despite (or in spite of) a changing environment, God is stable. If we put the abilities and resources that we have to work for the Kingdom, God will one way or another bless it and do something amazing.

Problem is this… too often I resemble the servant that buries what he has; hoping not to loose anything… Can you relate?

Kingdom Recession

Year end figures are in; similar to the situations of other organizations, many churches are faced with shortfalls. The question, “How do we expand ministry as God’s called out people in the midst of troubling economic times?” I believe that faithfulness is measured by how we respond to God’s call in the midst of changing circumstances around us.

There is a story in the Bible of a group of people that God rescued from a very difficult situation. After rescuing them, God directed them to a land that God promised to them long ago. As they drew near to the land, they sent scouts ahead to scope it out. When the scouts returned, they all reported about how beautiful and plentiful it was. However, all but two also reported of the dangers in the land. The people who currently inhabited the land were too big and barbaric. The scouts were afraid that going into the Promised Land would lead to their certain annihilation. The people knew of God’s promise, but they were scared because of the outside circumstances.

The struggling economy may very well be the churches “barbaric” enemy. However, the concern is that the church (not necessarily the church I serve, but the church in general) will act as if God’s promises and vision have changed because we do not know how God might steer us through a very uncomfortable and gloomy situation!

Here is the thing, has the call and vision for us as God’s people changed? Or, are we in danger of following the example of the ancient Hebrews—doubting that God will be faithful in delivering God’s promise!