March 11, 2009
Day 13 : ‘Let my people go’
Scripture for reflection: Exodus 3
Prayer: God of grace,
So many people still live under the tyranny of oppression. I pray that you would
raise up peacemakers and prophets to speak your words of truth, justice and
grace. May your words ‘Let my people go’ rumble like thunder to unsettle
despots and governments aligned to the politics of menace. God of peace, do
not let me sit by − empower me to petition for and work towards peace. Amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Prayer for Tuesday, March 10
March 10, 2009
Day 12 : The year of the Lord’s favor
Scripture for reflection: Luke 4:14-19
Prayer: Jesus the Liberator,
You began your ministry by proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for
the prisoners, sight for the blind, release of the oppressed and equality and
justice for all. I pray that Australia becomes a place where such good news
is a reality for all. May we become a nation marked by forgiving attitudes, real
reconciliation and costly love. Amen.
Day 12 : The year of the Lord’s favor
Scripture for reflection: Luke 4:14-19
Prayer: Jesus the Liberator,
You began your ministry by proclaiming good news to the poor, freedom for
the prisoners, sight for the blind, release of the oppressed and equality and
justice for all. I pray that Australia becomes a place where such good news
is a reality for all. May we become a nation marked by forgiving attitudes, real
reconciliation and costly love. Amen.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Prayer for Monday, March 9
March 9, 2009
Day 11 : Leaving things behind
Scripture for reflection: Luke 19:1-10
Prayer: Liberating God, I pray that like Zacchaeus I would be able to leave behind those things that are not really mine. So often the possessions that I think I own turn out to own me. Free me from those things that bind me. Heal my soul that I might experience a lightness of spirit. May I learn to dance the liberated dance of the unburdened. Amen.
Day 11 : Leaving things behind
Scripture for reflection: Luke 19:1-10
Prayer: Liberating God, I pray that like Zacchaeus I would be able to leave behind those things that are not really mine. So often the possessions that I think I own turn out to own me. Free me from those things that bind me. Heal my soul that I might experience a lightness of spirit. May I learn to dance the liberated dance of the unburdened. Amen.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Prayer for Sunday, March 8
March 8, 2009
2nd Sunday : What does it mean to be a ‘Christian’?
Scripture for reflection: Mark 8:31-38
Reflection – Nero
(Nero was a Roman emperor who is rumoured to have played his fiddle as he watched
Rome burn)
All I need has been provided. In Jesus there is bread from heaven as well. Yet the
‘hedonic treadmill’ says more is needed. This is the trap of the developed world. More
is enough!! In truth, less is needed. More is obesity of the spirit, less is healthy. Do I
trust more in consumerism than I do in poverty of spirit?
Surely in today’s affluent first world, discipleship requires giving away and letting go. Too
often I hang onto treasures that rust away or are devoured by moths. Too often I want my
bank balance high and my stomach stretched. Am I not a Nero who plays while the less
fortunate suffer?
Prayer for Lent Event project : East Timor
Scripture for reflection: Mark 2:23-28
Prayer: Farmer God, you tend your creation, care for your people and invite us to be
pilgrims on your way. We can imagine our brother Jesus walking in fields, caring
for animals and working with wood, the sun on his neck, a splinter in his thumb
and, sometimes, in his throat a raw cough from blowing sand or scratchy seed.
We remember before you people among whom he lives still, people who each
day must submit themselves and their families to what weather gives. We stand
with him among people whose too common experience leads them to worry
whether there will be enough food. May farmers in East Timor and Australia
gain skills that make the most of their gifts, support when they need it, markets
for their produce and fair reward for their effort. We look for the day when the
systems that shape our lives embody your fairness, the day when all your
creation honours you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
2nd Sunday : What does it mean to be a ‘Christian’?
Scripture for reflection: Mark 8:31-38
Reflection – Nero
(Nero was a Roman emperor who is rumoured to have played his fiddle as he watched
Rome burn)
All I need has been provided. In Jesus there is bread from heaven as well. Yet the
‘hedonic treadmill’ says more is needed. This is the trap of the developed world. More
is enough!! In truth, less is needed. More is obesity of the spirit, less is healthy. Do I
trust more in consumerism than I do in poverty of spirit?
Surely in today’s affluent first world, discipleship requires giving away and letting go. Too
often I hang onto treasures that rust away or are devoured by moths. Too often I want my
bank balance high and my stomach stretched. Am I not a Nero who plays while the less
fortunate suffer?
Prayer for Lent Event project : East Timor
Scripture for reflection: Mark 2:23-28
Prayer: Farmer God, you tend your creation, care for your people and invite us to be
pilgrims on your way. We can imagine our brother Jesus walking in fields, caring
for animals and working with wood, the sun on his neck, a splinter in his thumb
and, sometimes, in his throat a raw cough from blowing sand or scratchy seed.
We remember before you people among whom he lives still, people who each
day must submit themselves and their families to what weather gives. We stand
with him among people whose too common experience leads them to worry
whether there will be enough food. May farmers in East Timor and Australia
gain skills that make the most of their gifts, support when they need it, markets
for their produce and fair reward for their effort. We look for the day when the
systems that shape our lives embody your fairness, the day when all your
creation honours you, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Prayer for Saturday, March 7
March 7, 2009
Day 10 : Trusting the Spirit
Scripture for reflection: John 16:5-16
Prayer: Holy Creating Spirit, Help me to know what a responsible and faithful lifestyle is. The testing times in which we live demand a rethinking of the way that I relate to your world. I need
your wisdom and guidance. I need your courage and your conviction. I need to
be reminded that it’s not all about me. Thank you for showing me a new way.
Thank you for journeying with me, and for the assurance that I, along with all
humanity, am within your care. Amen.
Day 10 : Trusting the Spirit
Scripture for reflection: John 16:5-16
Prayer: Holy Creating Spirit, Help me to know what a responsible and faithful lifestyle is. The testing times in which we live demand a rethinking of the way that I relate to your world. I need
your wisdom and guidance. I need your courage and your conviction. I need to
be reminded that it’s not all about me. Thank you for showing me a new way.
Thank you for journeying with me, and for the assurance that I, along with all
humanity, am within your care. Amen.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Prayer for Friday, March 6
March 6, 2009
Day 9 : A tempted people
Scripture for reflection: Hebrews 4:14-16
Prayer: God of grace and love, I give you thanks that Jesus was tempted as I am tempted. Help me not to see temptation as a sign of weakness and defeat but as an opportunity for obedience. Gracious God, strengthen me in the times that temptation comes and grant me the assurance of your forgiveness for those times when I have failed you. May the image of Christ grow in me, that I might faithfully live out the life of discipleship. Amen.
Day 9 : A tempted people
Scripture for reflection: Hebrews 4:14-16
Prayer: God of grace and love, I give you thanks that Jesus was tempted as I am tempted. Help me not to see temptation as a sign of weakness and defeat but as an opportunity for obedience. Gracious God, strengthen me in the times that temptation comes and grant me the assurance of your forgiveness for those times when I have failed you. May the image of Christ grow in me, that I might faithfully live out the life of discipleship. Amen.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Week 2 of Lent: March 8
This is the second Sunday of Lent. We will continue our themes from Lent Event. This week, the theme is "What Does It Mean to Be Christian?". The Scripture is Mark 8.31-38. To get the full impact of the story, read also Mark 8.27-30.
[Quick Bible study tip: Mark 8.31 starts with the word "Then". Then? When? Read the immediately preceding verses to get the context and to understand why the Bible writer felt that one event connected to another. In this case, "then" tells us that Peter and the disciples had just confessed Jesus as the Christ. In this next section, Jesus foretells his death and Peter begins to rebuke him. Can you see how these two events would seem incongruous next to a confession of the deity of Jesus?]
The worship bulletin is here.
Keep up with your Lent Event resolutions!
[Quick Bible study tip: Mark 8.31 starts with the word "Then". Then? When? Read the immediately preceding verses to get the context and to understand why the Bible writer felt that one event connected to another. In this case, "then" tells us that Peter and the disciples had just confessed Jesus as the Christ. In this next section, Jesus foretells his death and Peter begins to rebuke him. Can you see how these two events would seem incongruous next to a confession of the deity of Jesus?]
The worship bulletin is here.
Keep up with your Lent Event resolutions!
Prayer for Thursday, March 5
March 5, 2009
Day 8: Prayer for the people of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Romans 12:3-15
Prayer: From many languages, centuries-old cultures and an enriching gospel, over
forty years ago you loved into being the United Church of Papua New Guinea.
On strung-out islands, coffee growing hills and among overcrowded settlements
there are people who serve you, love their neighbour and steward your creation.
Cast out powers that privilege some and impoverish others; that under-pay
growers, that extract resources without adequate payment; that limit access
to education, health and basic support; and that deepen conflict. We pray for
safe water and good sanitation for all people in Papua New Guinea and around
the world. Sustain those susceptible to nature’s blessing and cruelty amid the
effects of climate change. Open hearts to people whose land is disappearing
and who are forced to relocate. Convert us to live within the limits of creation,
honouring the earth and valuing the water. We thank you that in Christ you
shorten the distance between us and gather us to eat and drink at the same
Lord’s Table, justly and equitably, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Day 8: Prayer for the people of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Romans 12:3-15
Prayer: From many languages, centuries-old cultures and an enriching gospel, over
forty years ago you loved into being the United Church of Papua New Guinea.
On strung-out islands, coffee growing hills and among overcrowded settlements
there are people who serve you, love their neighbour and steward your creation.
Cast out powers that privilege some and impoverish others; that under-pay
growers, that extract resources without adequate payment; that limit access
to education, health and basic support; and that deepen conflict. We pray for
safe water and good sanitation for all people in Papua New Guinea and around
the world. Sustain those susceptible to nature’s blessing and cruelty amid the
effects of climate change. Open hearts to people whose land is disappearing
and who are forced to relocate. Convert us to live within the limits of creation,
honouring the earth and valuing the water. We thank you that in Christ you
shorten the distance between us and gather us to eat and drink at the same
Lord’s Table, justly and equitably, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Prayer for Wednesday, March 4
March 4, 2009
Day 7 : A Baptised people
Scripture for reflection: Romans 6:1-14
Prayer: God of new life, You have taken your people through the waters of baptism. The old has died and the new has come. I pray that in my life and in the lives of the baptised
around the world, the fruit of the new life would be seen. In the words of Bishop
Desmond Tutu, remind me every day that ‘Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than
death; victory is ours through him who loved us. May the church be constantly
renewed to live out the values of your kingdom’. Amen.
Day 7 : A Baptised people
Scripture for reflection: Romans 6:1-14
Prayer: God of new life, You have taken your people through the waters of baptism. The old has died and the new has come. I pray that in my life and in the lives of the baptised
around the world, the fruit of the new life would be seen. In the words of Bishop
Desmond Tutu, remind me every day that ‘Goodness is stronger than evil;
Love is stronger than hate; light is stronger than darkness; life is stronger than
death; victory is ours through him who loved us. May the church be constantly
renewed to live out the values of your kingdom’. Amen.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Prayer for Tuesday, March 3
March 3, 2009
Day 6 : Prayer for creation
Scripture for reflection: Romans 8:18-27
Prayer: Saviour Jesus, You came into this world to save all creation. I pray for the strength to stand with you against the environmental abuse of this world. I look to join with others
who seek a more sustainable pattern of living. Encourage me as I seek ways to
walk more lightly on your earth. Holy Spirit, when I am lost for words, intercede
for me with groans that speak of the fragility of this beautiful world. Despite my
weaknesses, help me never to lose hope. Amen.
Day 6 : Prayer for creation
Scripture for reflection: Romans 8:18-27
Prayer: Saviour Jesus, You came into this world to save all creation. I pray for the strength to stand with you against the environmental abuse of this world. I look to join with others
who seek a more sustainable pattern of living. Encourage me as I seek ways to
walk more lightly on your earth. Holy Spirit, when I am lost for words, intercede
for me with groans that speak of the fragility of this beautiful world. Despite my
weaknesses, help me never to lose hope. Amen.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Monday March 2, 2009
Day 5 : Prayer for the downtrodden
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 22:1-14
The issue is not what we will give to the poor. It is when will we stop taking
from the poor? Jim Wallis
Prayer: God of mercy,
Many people in this world are trodden down under the weight of our
materialism. I pray today for those who stand on the fringes of the world
economy. I pray that those on the streets will find shelter, that those who
hunger will find room at your banqueting table. Holy Spirit of God, challenge
me to confront and overcome demons of greed. Spirit of God, challenge me
about the areas of my life where I contribute to social injustice. Don’t let me
forget those who are forced to live at the edges, for forgetting is a luxury your
kingdom cannot afford. Amen.
Day 5 : Prayer for the downtrodden
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 22:1-14
The issue is not what we will give to the poor. It is when will we stop taking
from the poor? Jim Wallis
Prayer: God of mercy,
Many people in this world are trodden down under the weight of our
materialism. I pray today for those who stand on the fringes of the world
economy. I pray that those on the streets will find shelter, that those who
hunger will find room at your banqueting table. Holy Spirit of God, challenge
me to confront and overcome demons of greed. Spirit of God, challenge me
about the areas of my life where I contribute to social injustice. Don’t let me
forget those who are forced to live at the edges, for forgetting is a luxury your
kingdom cannot afford. Amen.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Sunday March 1, 2009 1st Sunday : With whom do we stand? Scripture for reflection: Genesis 9:8-17 Reflection – Covenant The drenching rain lessens− then drizzles to a halt. The sun peeps through the broken clouds and a shot of light bathes the landscape in gold. A rainbow arches across the sky and speaks of the wonder of God. Cockatoos screech into flight while cicadas start their drumming. Frogs are croaking – wallabies go back to their grazing. If you listen carefully you can hear the footsteps of God in this place. If you listen carefully you can hear a whisper on the breeze – ‘Behold, it is very good.’
Prayer for Lent Event project - Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Revelation 21: 1-6
Prayer: Pure loving God, as we turn a tap, drink from a glass or are massaged by freeflowing shower water, we thank you for the gift of pipes bringing water to homes, the skill of plumbers, infrastructure built up over years and money to pay for it. We remember before you women and children in Papua New Guinea who trudge for hours to fetch poor grade water and whose arms and heads ache from the containers they carry. We celebrate what our connections, a little money and a few basic supplies help achieve: children who can now go to school, mothers who have time to offer community leadership, infants safe from water-borne bugs, and an ecology further protected, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer for Lent Event project - Papua New Guinea
Scripture for reflection: Revelation 21: 1-6
Prayer: Pure loving God, as we turn a tap, drink from a glass or are massaged by freeflowing shower water, we thank you for the gift of pipes bringing water to homes, the skill of plumbers, infrastructure built up over years and money to pay for it. We remember before you women and children in Papua New Guinea who trudge for hours to fetch poor grade water and whose arms and heads ache from the containers they carry. We celebrate what our connections, a little money and a few basic supplies help achieve: children who can now go to school, mothers who have time to offer community leadership, infants safe from water-borne bugs, and an ecology further protected, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
Saturday February 28, 2009 Day 4 : Thankfulness for organisers Scripture for reflection: Ephesians 4:1-16 Prayer: Holy Spirit of God, I give you thanks for the ways in which you bless us as your people and call each of us to be a part of what you are doing in this world. We, across your worldwide church, praise you for imagining a world without extreme poverty. Thank you for the vision of Lent Event and the connections it makes between congregations and communities of the Uniting Church and with our partners around the world. Thank you for the organisational gifts of those who have made Lent Event possible in my community. I pray that all those involved in developing Lent Event are blessed by the knowledge that the lives of many have been touched by their efforts. Amen.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Today
February 27, 2009
Day 3 : Letting go
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 6:19-24
Prayer: Creator God, All that I have belongs to you. You call me to be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me. But I confess that sometimes I want to hold it for myself. So easily it becomes precious to me. I think of myself as having ‘earned’ it by my own hard work, or ‘deserved’ it due to my own good nature. Then your good news can sound like bad news to my ears. Spirit of grace, continue in me your transforming work this Lenten season. Grant me the strength to let go of the things of the world, that I may gain abundant life. Amen.
Day 3 : Letting go
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 6:19-24
Prayer: Creator God, All that I have belongs to you. You call me to be a good steward of all you have entrusted to me. But I confess that sometimes I want to hold it for myself. So easily it becomes precious to me. I think of myself as having ‘earned’ it by my own hard work, or ‘deserved’ it due to my own good nature. Then your good news can sound like bad news to my ears. Spirit of grace, continue in me your transforming work this Lenten season. Grant me the strength to let go of the things of the world, that I may gain abundant life. Amen.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent Event Prayer and Scripture for Thursday, February 26
February 26, 2009
Day 2 : Thankfulness for traveling companions
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 4:18-22
Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for all who are joining together as part of Lent Event. May walking
together show us what it means to participate in the community of faith. May
we all hear Jesus’ words ‘Follow me’ and remember that we are his disciples.
May we reach out to others with the love you have so freely offered us. Loving
God, grant us the generosity of spirit to be an encouragement to others and
the grace to allow others to encourage me. Amen.
Day 2 : Thankfulness for traveling companions
Scripture for reflection: Matthew 4:18-22
Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for all who are joining together as part of Lent Event. May walking
together show us what it means to participate in the community of faith. May
we all hear Jesus’ words ‘Follow me’ and remember that we are his disciples.
May we reach out to others with the love you have so freely offered us. Loving
God, grant us the generosity of spirit to be an encouragement to others and
the grace to allow others to encourage me. Amen.
Sunday March 1, 2009
This is the first Sunday in Lent! I will be doing a program with the youth group, so Seth Ginter will be preaching. His title is "Garbage In/Garbage Out" and his Scriptures are:
Psalm 19
Matthew 15.17-20
This week's worship bulletin
Psalm 19
Matthew 15.17-20
This week's worship bulletin
Lent Has Begun!
The season of Lent officially got underway yesterday with Ash Wednesday. I was in the Ott Y working out early in the morning, and one guy already had his ashes on. I saw VP Joe Biden on the news yesterday, and he was talking to a group of people, and he had his ashes on. Last night, I got my ashes, along with a just about capacity crowd in the chapel at Catalina.
[A brief diversion an explanation] LENT? Huh?
What is Lent? The season of Lent has been observed from the earliest of times in the Christian Church as a period of serious reflection and prayer. In particular, it was traditionally a season of intense preparation for new Christians approaching their baptism at Easter. For Christians it was a time to renew and deepen their faith. It mirrors Jesus’ forty days of testing in the wilderness prior to commencing his public ministry. As such, the Lenten tradition of depriving ourselves of something is not a self-imposed form of penance, but rather is to bring a focus and intentionality to our spiritual life. In his period of testing in the harsh wilderness, being without any earthly comfort, Jesus found
sustenance in his identity as the beloved Son of God, and meaning in his purpose as the servant Messiah. In the Lenten practices of prayer and abstinence, we too are invited to find our identity and purpose. Setting aside material comforts and pursuits, we are invited to focus on our relationship with God, and our participation in God’s mission of
mercy and grace within the world.
[and now, back to our regularly scheduled program...] AND I socked away the first $2 in my Lent Event envelope. See, I normally drive (instead of bike) on Wednesdays, which means I normally go to Ike's for coffee. So, I did not go to Ike's, and I did put the money I would have spent in my Lent Event envelope. I am so excited about Lent Event! It is a way to DO something positive and world-changing while exercises some spiritual discipline. It takes the old "give up something for Lent" and makes it mean something. By the way, I'll be putting $2 more in today. And $2 for Saturday (I usually treat myself to coffee before Casa Maria) and $2 more on Sunday. Oooooo...that's $8 this week going toward important projects in needy parts of the world!
In case you have somehow missed it, here is some info on Lent Event:
Why Lent Event?
God has a dream – to save what is lost, to restore what is broken and to establish justice. God is speaking of this dream through the global movement to overcome extreme poverty. God is calling us to respond to this tragedy of our times. Lent Event is a movement to eradicate world poverty by challenging those of us who live in the first world to re-evaluate our priorities, our use of God’s resources and the systems that drive our economy. Lent Event is about inviting God to shape our lives more fully with Christ’s love and compassion. Through Lent Event we express God’s solidarity with people who are poor, entering with them into a future of hope. At the same time, we experience the blessings of a life lived more faithfully with God, and a world order more reflective of God’s dream.
How Does Lent Event Work?
During Lent, individuals and communities:
• reflect on the place of Christ within their lives and society as part of the continual reordering of priorities and values that is the journey of discipleship.
• forgo something of their choice during the 40-day period of Lent as an entryway to the broader spiritual disciplines of Lent.
• learn about international development projects that have a transformational impact on impoverished communities
• immerse themselves in Christian education to nourish their spiritual journey through Lent.
When is Lent in 2009?
Lent is the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Easter Saturday. Sundays are not counted in the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday is on 25 FEBRUARY 2009 and Easter Saturday is on 11 APRIL 2009.
If you don't have a Lent Event envelope yet, just hold on to the cash and pick up an envelope on Sunday on the back table in the hall.
Also on the back table will be a handout called "Finding Faith in Testing Times" and this is the prayer and Bible study booklet for Lent. There will be a new installment each week with a prayer and Scripture for each day and then an in-depth Bible study that you can do all at once, or a little of each day.
[A brief diversion an explanation] LENT? Huh?
What is Lent? The season of Lent has been observed from the earliest of times in the Christian Church as a period of serious reflection and prayer. In particular, it was traditionally a season of intense preparation for new Christians approaching their baptism at Easter. For Christians it was a time to renew and deepen their faith. It mirrors Jesus’ forty days of testing in the wilderness prior to commencing his public ministry. As such, the Lenten tradition of depriving ourselves of something is not a self-imposed form of penance, but rather is to bring a focus and intentionality to our spiritual life. In his period of testing in the harsh wilderness, being without any earthly comfort, Jesus found
sustenance in his identity as the beloved Son of God, and meaning in his purpose as the servant Messiah. In the Lenten practices of prayer and abstinence, we too are invited to find our identity and purpose. Setting aside material comforts and pursuits, we are invited to focus on our relationship with God, and our participation in God’s mission of
mercy and grace within the world.
[and now, back to our regularly scheduled program...] AND I socked away the first $2 in my Lent Event envelope. See, I normally drive (instead of bike) on Wednesdays, which means I normally go to Ike's for coffee. So, I did not go to Ike's, and I did put the money I would have spent in my Lent Event envelope. I am so excited about Lent Event! It is a way to DO something positive and world-changing while exercises some spiritual discipline. It takes the old "give up something for Lent" and makes it mean something. By the way, I'll be putting $2 more in today. And $2 for Saturday (I usually treat myself to coffee before Casa Maria) and $2 more on Sunday. Oooooo...that's $8 this week going toward important projects in needy parts of the world!
In case you have somehow missed it, here is some info on Lent Event:
Why Lent Event?
God has a dream – to save what is lost, to restore what is broken and to establish justice. God is speaking of this dream through the global movement to overcome extreme poverty. God is calling us to respond to this tragedy of our times. Lent Event is a movement to eradicate world poverty by challenging those of us who live in the first world to re-evaluate our priorities, our use of God’s resources and the systems that drive our economy. Lent Event is about inviting God to shape our lives more fully with Christ’s love and compassion. Through Lent Event we express God’s solidarity with people who are poor, entering with them into a future of hope. At the same time, we experience the blessings of a life lived more faithfully with God, and a world order more reflective of God’s dream.
How Does Lent Event Work?
During Lent, individuals and communities:
• reflect on the place of Christ within their lives and society as part of the continual reordering of priorities and values that is the journey of discipleship.
• forgo something of their choice during the 40-day period of Lent as an entryway to the broader spiritual disciplines of Lent.
• learn about international development projects that have a transformational impact on impoverished communities
• immerse themselves in Christian education to nourish their spiritual journey through Lent.
When is Lent in 2009?
Lent is the period of forty days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Easter Saturday. Sundays are not counted in the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the resurrection of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday is on 25 FEBRUARY 2009 and Easter Saturday is on 11 APRIL 2009.
If you don't have a Lent Event envelope yet, just hold on to the cash and pick up an envelope on Sunday on the back table in the hall.
Also on the back table will be a handout called "Finding Faith in Testing Times" and this is the prayer and Bible study booklet for Lent. There will be a new installment each week with a prayer and Scripture for each day and then an in-depth Bible study that you can do all at once, or a little of each day.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday Review: Stay in Love with God
Well, if you were at The Refuge yesterday, you heard my rant about how the Reuben Job's phrasing of rule 3 ("attend unto the means of grace" --Wesley) is less than impressive to me. I think "stay in love with God" sounds very ambiguous and a little too sentimental for me. I would say "stay connected to God".
Here are some thoughts to ponder in review:
How connected do you feel to God? Why is that?
When I connect with our good, loving, life-giving God, I will be drawn even closer to God.
I can only live out rules 1 and 2 (do no harm, do good) when I have the guidance, motivation, inspiration, compassion, and strength that comes from a connection with God.
It's a cycle (or maybe a spiral): as I live out rules 1 and 2, I am drawn closer to God. We encounter Christ when we serve others. (Matthew 25.37-40)
It is a good suggestion to devise a rule of life. How am I going to be intentional about doing no harm, doing good, and staying connected to God?
Manskar's article Opening Ourselves to Grace, is a good introduction to the concept of a rule of life that incorporates the three simple rules.
Here are some thoughts to ponder in review:
How connected do you feel to God? Why is that?
When I connect with our good, loving, life-giving God, I will be drawn even closer to God.
I can only live out rules 1 and 2 (do no harm, do good) when I have the guidance, motivation, inspiration, compassion, and strength that comes from a connection with God.
It's a cycle (or maybe a spiral): as I live out rules 1 and 2, I am drawn closer to God. We encounter Christ when we serve others. (Matthew 25.37-40)
It is a good suggestion to devise a rule of life. How am I going to be intentional about doing no harm, doing good, and staying connected to God?
Manskar's article Opening Ourselves to Grace, is a good introduction to the concept of a rule of life that incorporates the three simple rules.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wednesday Preview for February 15: Stay in Love with God
This is the final part of our study on Reuben Job's Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, which is a modern adaptation of John Wesley's General Rules. Let me say this: Job's book is very readable, and his tone is one of much grace and encouragement. I would encourage EVERYONE to read this book! The last section is a guide to daily prayer that is truly helpful and practical.
This last segment of Job's work is phrased "stay in love with God". Wesley phrased this rule "Attend unto the means of grace". Wesley was telling us to stay connected to God. I personally like this phrasing much better than "Stay in love with God". "Stay in love with God" may sound sappy and unattainable. How do we love God? Is it a feeling? How do we stay in love with God if we are not sure if we have loved God in the first place?
Lets go back to the Scripture we began the whole study with: Matthew 22.36-40. This Scripture tells us that the first commandment (most important--first in priority) is to love God. This cannot refer to the feeling we would routinely call love. How can you command a feeling? The second part of this Scripture tells us to love our neighbor. Again, this may be--at the same time--easier to comprehend and harder to do. We can comprehend loving another person whom we can see and with whom we can interact. However, seeing that person and interacting with them may make loving them (in the routine sense of the word) more difficult! It is obvious to me that Jesus is saying "act toward them in a loving way--regardless of your feelings." That can be commanded, and it can be obeyed. So, how does this relate to the first part of the Scripture: love God? We must interpret this to be comprehended also. What does it mean to love God? It means to give God your total allegiance; to make your first allegiance be to God above all else and all others. This is not something we are going to do once and be done with it. It is not something we are ever going to do perfectly. But it is the target--the goal--for which we strive. It is what we continually bring ourselves back to when we find ourselves being led around by other allegiances. It is a decision. It is a matter of the will, not the feelings, and it can be commanded.
But, I can make this easier. Here's how: I believe that God is infinitely good, infinitely kind, infinitely lovable. The more I know about God (in Jesus) and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will love God, the more I will see that giving God my first allegiance is the best and only sensible thing to do. The more I know about God and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will want to give my first allegiance to God. Yes, it is counter-productive to command feelings. But as I know God, feelings may come. Of course, feelings may go, too. That is why the main issue here is obeying God's command to give God my first loyalty, my first allegiance in all things.
If my first allegiance is to God, I must stay connected with God. How can you be loyal if you do not know the wishes of your Lord? So, I make it a priority in my life to stay connected with God. Wesley encourages this by telling us to attend unto the means of grace. What mediates God's grace into your life? Well, do those things! Included in the means of grace are the sacraments: baptism and communion. Also included are spiritual practices.
Here is why attending to the means of grace is such a big deal: (in fact there are several reasons)
>I will grow in my love for and allegiance to God the more I know God.
>The only way to follow God (do no harm, do good) is to listen for God's leading. Life is complex. How can we know the way? God directs us. God can direct us best when we pay attention to God.
>As I receive inspiration and encouragement and grace and love from God, I am able to share the same with those around me.
And this only scratches the surface. What are other reasons for attending to the means of grace/practicing spiritual disciplines can you think of?
Three Books and Three Websites about Spiritual Practices:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster--the BEST book on spiritual practices
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson
The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life by Tony Jones
rejesus.com
SpiritHome
Spiritual Disciplines Introduction [and follow the links on the left for the rest of the chapters]
Worship bulletin for February 15, 2009 is here.
This last segment of Job's work is phrased "stay in love with God". Wesley phrased this rule "Attend unto the means of grace". Wesley was telling us to stay connected to God. I personally like this phrasing much better than "Stay in love with God". "Stay in love with God" may sound sappy and unattainable. How do we love God? Is it a feeling? How do we stay in love with God if we are not sure if we have loved God in the first place?
Lets go back to the Scripture we began the whole study with: Matthew 22.36-40. This Scripture tells us that the first commandment (most important--first in priority) is to love God. This cannot refer to the feeling we would routinely call love. How can you command a feeling? The second part of this Scripture tells us to love our neighbor. Again, this may be--at the same time--easier to comprehend and harder to do. We can comprehend loving another person whom we can see and with whom we can interact. However, seeing that person and interacting with them may make loving them (in the routine sense of the word) more difficult! It is obvious to me that Jesus is saying "act toward them in a loving way--regardless of your feelings." That can be commanded, and it can be obeyed. So, how does this relate to the first part of the Scripture: love God? We must interpret this to be comprehended also. What does it mean to love God? It means to give God your total allegiance; to make your first allegiance be to God above all else and all others. This is not something we are going to do once and be done with it. It is not something we are ever going to do perfectly. But it is the target--the goal--for which we strive. It is what we continually bring ourselves back to when we find ourselves being led around by other allegiances. It is a decision. It is a matter of the will, not the feelings, and it can be commanded.
But, I can make this easier. Here's how: I believe that God is infinitely good, infinitely kind, infinitely lovable. The more I know about God (in Jesus) and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will love God, the more I will see that giving God my first allegiance is the best and only sensible thing to do. The more I know about God and the closer I bring myself to God, the more I will want to give my first allegiance to God. Yes, it is counter-productive to command feelings. But as I know God, feelings may come. Of course, feelings may go, too. That is why the main issue here is obeying God's command to give God my first loyalty, my first allegiance in all things.
If my first allegiance is to God, I must stay connected with God. How can you be loyal if you do not know the wishes of your Lord? So, I make it a priority in my life to stay connected with God. Wesley encourages this by telling us to attend unto the means of grace. What mediates God's grace into your life? Well, do those things! Included in the means of grace are the sacraments: baptism and communion. Also included are spiritual practices.
Here is why attending to the means of grace is such a big deal: (in fact there are several reasons)
>I will grow in my love for and allegiance to God the more I know God.
>The only way to follow God (do no harm, do good) is to listen for God's leading. Life is complex. How can we know the way? God directs us. God can direct us best when we pay attention to God.
>As I receive inspiration and encouragement and grace and love from God, I am able to share the same with those around me.
And this only scratches the surface. What are other reasons for attending to the means of grace/practicing spiritual disciplines can you think of?
Three Books and Three Websites about Spiritual Practices:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster--the BEST book on spiritual practices
Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson
The Sacred Way: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Life by Tony Jones
rejesus.com
SpiritHome
Spiritual Disciplines Introduction [and follow the links on the left for the rest of the chapters]
Worship bulletin for February 15, 2009 is here.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Monday Review: DO GOOD
Re-read the Scriptures from Sunday.
3 John 11 What do you think are the implications of this verse? What are all of the ideas/truths that we can take away from it?
Luke 6.27-28 What truths do we see from these verses about doing good? Is Jesus asking too much of us?
Acts 10.38 Peter was one of the people who followed Jesus. He literally lived with Jesus night and day for almost 3 years. He heard Jesus teach and saw the miracles Jesus did. What did Peter take away from that experience? One thing was this: Jesus went about doing good.
Matthew 16.24-26 Doing good may be simple, but it is not easy. Who are some of the people to whom you will find it difficult to do good? What are some situations in which you will find it difficult to do good?
I displayed the chart based on the General Rules of Wesley with the Jerusalem Cross. I found this chart in the works of Steven Manskar. The sheet I handed out is here. I took some of my ideas from Manskar's Opening Ourselves to Grace, which is worth reading.
3 John 11 What do you think are the implications of this verse? What are all of the ideas/truths that we can take away from it?
Luke 6.27-28 What truths do we see from these verses about doing good? Is Jesus asking too much of us?
Acts 10.38 Peter was one of the people who followed Jesus. He literally lived with Jesus night and day for almost 3 years. He heard Jesus teach and saw the miracles Jesus did. What did Peter take away from that experience? One thing was this: Jesus went about doing good.
Matthew 16.24-26 Doing good may be simple, but it is not easy. Who are some of the people to whom you will find it difficult to do good? What are some situations in which you will find it difficult to do good?
I displayed the chart based on the General Rules of Wesley with the Jerusalem Cross. I found this chart in the works of Steven Manskar. The sheet I handed out is here. I took some of my ideas from Manskar's Opening Ourselves to Grace, which is worth reading.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Do Good: Preview for Sunday, February 8
This Sunday, we will consider the second of Wesley's General Rules: do good. This is part of a study based on Reuben Job's contemporary adaptation of Wesley's Rules called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. It seems that it would be a no-brainer that Christians are to be doing good, but it seems that there are a lot of other things competing for our time and attention these days. It seems that doing good is overshadowed by doing what is right sometimes. What I mean is that some Christians are so consumed by being on the "right" side of an issue, that any thought of doing good is drowned out. We readily respond to people in a harsh or mean way and think that is showing how serious we are about defending God's way. Sometimes doing good is characterized as liberal or humanistic as opposed to spiritual. But it is following the way of Jesus.
In his journal, Wesley said: "There is scarce any possible way of doing good, for which there is not daily occasion...Here are poor families to be relieved: Here are children to be educated: Here are workhouses, wherein both young and old gladly receive the word of exhortation: Here are the prisons, and therein a complication of all human wants."
In other words, there are abundant opportunities everywhere we look, at all times. The issues are how do we choose what to do, and will we take the opportunities available to us.
In Acts 10.38, Peter is preaching about Jesus and characterizes Jesus this way: "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good...". This Scripture makes it clear that it is godly and spiritual to do good, and it is following Jesus, since doing good characterized his life.
3 John 11 tells us "...Whoever does good is from God..." Think about the implications of that for a minute. [Pause here and think.] If you do good, you are from God. If you don't do good, it doesn't matter how much you SAY you are from God, you are not. It seems to me that, in the Scriptures, we see a lot more emphasis on right action than we do on right belief or right doctrine. I think that is because the point is to LIVE what we say we believe (that sounds like a definition of doing good), and not just TALK about it. Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The point is for people to act and live and treat each other the way God wills for them to do.
Reuben Job tells us that this rule is even more radical than "do no harm", because I am called now not to just not hurt those with whom I disagree, or who are my enemies, but I am called to positively and actively to do good to them. This reminds me of the words of Jesus in Luke 6.27-28: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. That is the kicker: we don't get to choose to whom we do good. It is for everyone. I don't get to judge who is worthy of receiving the good I do. This rule is universal. It is also universal in that all people are called to participate in it.
Also, when I decide to do good, it means I do not wait to be asked. I am actively--proactively--seeking to do good for the people I encounter and in the situations I find myself.
In his journal, Wesley said: "There is scarce any possible way of doing good, for which there is not daily occasion...Here are poor families to be relieved: Here are children to be educated: Here are workhouses, wherein both young and old gladly receive the word of exhortation: Here are the prisons, and therein a complication of all human wants."
In other words, there are abundant opportunities everywhere we look, at all times. The issues are how do we choose what to do, and will we take the opportunities available to us.
In Acts 10.38, Peter is preaching about Jesus and characterizes Jesus this way: "...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good...". This Scripture makes it clear that it is godly and spiritual to do good, and it is following Jesus, since doing good characterized his life.
3 John 11 tells us "...Whoever does good is from God..." Think about the implications of that for a minute. [Pause here and think.] If you do good, you are from God. If you don't do good, it doesn't matter how much you SAY you are from God, you are not. It seems to me that, in the Scriptures, we see a lot more emphasis on right action than we do on right belief or right doctrine. I think that is because the point is to LIVE what we say we believe (that sounds like a definition of doing good), and not just TALK about it. Jesus taught us to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The point is for people to act and live and treat each other the way God wills for them to do.
Reuben Job tells us that this rule is even more radical than "do no harm", because I am called now not to just not hurt those with whom I disagree, or who are my enemies, but I am called to positively and actively to do good to them. This reminds me of the words of Jesus in Luke 6.27-28: “But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. That is the kicker: we don't get to choose to whom we do good. It is for everyone. I don't get to judge who is worthy of receiving the good I do. This rule is universal. It is also universal in that all people are called to participate in it.
Also, when I decide to do good, it means I do not wait to be asked. I am actively--proactively--seeking to do good for the people I encounter and in the situations I find myself.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Rule One Summary: Do No Harm
The first of Wesley's general rules is DO NO HARM. Look at Wednesday's preview blog for more info.
Lets look at Genesis to see our situation. We are broken/fallen/alienated from God, from each other, from the creation, and from ourselves. And these are all the areas in which we need God's redemption; God's salvation. We must consider each of these areas and strive to do nor harm in each of them.
Consider these Scriptures and what they say about how we should live; how we should do no harm.
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
How does this work? How can it work? This rule is very broad. How can you do know harm? In fact it is so broad and wide-ranging that we can be overwhelmed by it. We can be discouraged by the enormity, and the difficulty, and the ambiguous nature of the task.
Where do we start?
A-You must start with a decision, a commitment: I am going to follow the way of Jesus. I am going to surrender my life to God.
B-You must practice regular times of examination.
C-You must listen to the Spirit.
D-You must sensitize yourself to the Spirit through reading the Word.
E-You must make room for the Spirit with silence and reflection.
F-You must ask forgiveness for harm you have done, and make amends where you can.
G-But you must start now to stop digging yourself into a deeper hole.
The issue is finding a way to listen to the Spirit's guidance in how to do no harm. Regular times of reflection and self-examination will facilitate hearing God's guidance.
Here are some tools that can help you: http://catumc.org/files/Examination.pdf
A-Ignatian Examen
B-Journaling
C-Spending time in reflection and silence [link to contemplatio program]
D-Regular reading of Scripture
Pray slowly through the phrases of the Scriptures and documents below. Allow time for the Spirit to bring thoughts to your mind as you pray. The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Beattitudes or on the Examination handout above.
E-The Lord's Prayer
F-The Ten Commandments
G-The Beattitudes
H-Baptismal covenant
I-covenant prayer
Spend time this week in reflection. Make an appointment and use one of the methods above for self-examination. What is God leading you to change? How is God impressing you to do no harm?
Lets look at Genesis to see our situation. We are broken/fallen/alienated from God, from each other, from the creation, and from ourselves. And these are all the areas in which we need God's redemption; God's salvation. We must consider each of these areas and strive to do nor harm in each of them.
Consider these Scriptures and what they say about how we should live; how we should do no harm.
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
How does this work? How can it work? This rule is very broad. How can you do know harm? In fact it is so broad and wide-ranging that we can be overwhelmed by it. We can be discouraged by the enormity, and the difficulty, and the ambiguous nature of the task.
Where do we start?
A-You must start with a decision, a commitment: I am going to follow the way of Jesus. I am going to surrender my life to God.
B-You must practice regular times of examination.
C-You must listen to the Spirit.
D-You must sensitize yourself to the Spirit through reading the Word.
E-You must make room for the Spirit with silence and reflection.
F-You must ask forgiveness for harm you have done, and make amends where you can.
G-But you must start now to stop digging yourself into a deeper hole.
The issue is finding a way to listen to the Spirit's guidance in how to do no harm. Regular times of reflection and self-examination will facilitate hearing God's guidance.
Here are some tools that can help you: http://catumc.org/files/Examination.pdf
A-Ignatian Examen
B-Journaling
C-Spending time in reflection and silence [link to contemplatio program]
D-Regular reading of Scripture
Pray slowly through the phrases of the Scriptures and documents below. Allow time for the Spirit to bring thoughts to your mind as you pray. The Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Beattitudes or on the Examination handout above.
E-The Lord's Prayer
F-The Ten Commandments
G-The Beattitudes
H-Baptismal covenant
I-covenant prayer
Spend time this week in reflection. Make an appointment and use one of the methods above for self-examination. What is God leading you to change? How is God impressing you to do no harm?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Preview of Rule One: DO NO HARM
Bishop Reuben Job in Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living, says this about rule 1: "Even a child can understand what it means, and it is applicable to everyone at every stage in life. And when practiced, it works wonders in transforming the world around us."
While this is a simple rule, it is not an EASY rule. It is difficult to do no harm. Why? Because following this rule requires a radical trust in God: we give control over to God. It is difficult because striking back or striking out seems to be in our nature. It is the way of Jesus. If we are going to followers of Christ, we must commit to this simple rule. Try it out for the rest of this week: consciously focus on doing nothing that would harm anyone or anything else. Maybe you can check in on the blog here and give us a story or two.
Here are the Scriptures for this Sunday:
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
While this is a simple rule, it is not an EASY rule. It is difficult to do no harm. Why? Because following this rule requires a radical trust in God: we give control over to God. It is difficult because striking back or striking out seems to be in our nature. It is the way of Jesus. If we are going to followers of Christ, we must commit to this simple rule. Try it out for the rest of this week: consciously focus on doing nothing that would harm anyone or anything else. Maybe you can check in on the blog here and give us a story or two.
Here are the Scriptures for this Sunday:
Matthew 5.21-26
Matthew 5.38-48
Ephesians 4.17-32
Romans 12.17-21
Romans 13.8-14
Why not read each Scripture and think about how it relates to "do no harm". You could even leave your thoughts in the comments.
The worship bulletin for Sunday, February 1 is here.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Three Simple Rules Week 1 Discussion
This last Sunday we began our series in The Refuge on Reuben Job's Three Simple Rules, which is an adaptation of Wesley's General Rules (see previous post).
Here is a summary of our study from 1/25/09:
If someone asked you, "What does it mean to live as a Christian?" what would you say?
Read the article "Studying for the Wrong Test".
In our Christianity, can we say that the foundational truths that we live out are those found in Matthew 22.36-40?
Can we say that our Christianity is fulfilling Jesus' prayer in John 17 that all believers would be one--be unified--just as Jesus and the Father were unified?
In many ways, we have gotten into such deep ruts with how we express our faith that we cannot see any other way.
It matters how you live. Jesus expects you to live your regular, daily life in a certain way.
The way of Jesus is not complicated, it is not too difficult, and it is not just for hyper-spiritual people or religious professionals.
The way of Jesus will unite Christians and give life to their souls.
The way of Jesus will truly transform our world.
Paul fleshed these concepts out some in Galatians 5.22-26 and Colossians 3.12-17.
Questions for reflection and discussion (feel free to leave your responses as a comment and feel free to comment on each other's responses):
1-Jesus said that all Scripture could be summarized by "love God with all your heart and soul and mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself". What do you think it means to love God?
2-How can love--which we would normally consider to be an emotion--be commanded?
3-Read Matthew 7.12. How does it compare to Matthew 22.36-40?
4-We face so many problems trying to live as followers of Christ. How can "three simple rules" [do no harm, do good, stay in love with God] address these difficulties?
5-If Jesus were to make a list of the major issues facing Christ-followers today, what do you think he would put on the list?
Here is a summary of our study from 1/25/09:
If someone asked you, "What does it mean to live as a Christian?" what would you say?
Read the article "Studying for the Wrong Test".
In our Christianity, can we say that the foundational truths that we live out are those found in Matthew 22.36-40?
Can we say that our Christianity is fulfilling Jesus' prayer in John 17 that all believers would be one--be unified--just as Jesus and the Father were unified?
In many ways, we have gotten into such deep ruts with how we express our faith that we cannot see any other way.
It matters how you live. Jesus expects you to live your regular, daily life in a certain way.
The way of Jesus is not complicated, it is not too difficult, and it is not just for hyper-spiritual people or religious professionals.
The way of Jesus will unite Christians and give life to their souls.
The way of Jesus will truly transform our world.
Paul fleshed these concepts out some in Galatians 5.22-26 and Colossians 3.12-17.
Questions for reflection and discussion (feel free to leave your responses as a comment and feel free to comment on each other's responses):
1-Jesus said that all Scripture could be summarized by "love God with all your heart and soul and mind" and "love your neighbor as yourself". What do you think it means to love God?
2-How can love--which we would normally consider to be an emotion--be commanded?
3-Read Matthew 7.12. How does it compare to Matthew 22.36-40?
4-We face so many problems trying to live as followers of Christ. How can "three simple rules" [do no harm, do good, stay in love with God] address these difficulties?
5-If Jesus were to make a list of the major issues facing Christ-followers today, what do you think he would put on the list?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
It will be good to be back in the saddle again this Sunday! Photos from Snowblast 09 are here. No one got hurt, lost, or left, so I guess it was a successful trip!
What if we had a faith that was sustainable? A faith that united people and did not divide them? A faith that was simple and not confusing and convoluted? A faith that would actually work—that would make the world a better place? A faith that would credit Christianity as the solution and not as part of the problem? A faith that was life-giving and not life-draining? I think the faith of Jesus is intended to be simple, powerful, life-giving, and transformative. Let us seek this faith for our own.
This is from our worship bulletin this Sunday. This Sunday we begin a series called Three Simple Rules that is based on a book by Reuben Job called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. I have not found the book to be available locally, but you can get it from Amazon for $2. I would recommend buying it.
Three Simple Rules is an adaptation of John Wesley's General Rules which he formulated to help Methodists live out their call to holy living. There is some introductory material in the worship bulletin.
The worship bulletin for this Sunday is here.
We will have an online discussion available here at my blog. Each Monday, I will post a summary of Sunday’s study and a few questions for discussion and ideas for journaling or prayer or action. You can enter the discussion and ask questions by leaving comments on the post. Each Wednesday, I will post a preview of the next study with ideas for personal study.
What if we had a faith that was sustainable? A faith that united people and did not divide them? A faith that was simple and not confusing and convoluted? A faith that would actually work—that would make the world a better place? A faith that would credit Christianity as the solution and not as part of the problem? A faith that was life-giving and not life-draining? I think the faith of Jesus is intended to be simple, powerful, life-giving, and transformative. Let us seek this faith for our own.
This is from our worship bulletin this Sunday. This Sunday we begin a series called Three Simple Rules that is based on a book by Reuben Job called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. I have not found the book to be available locally, but you can get it from Amazon for $2. I would recommend buying it.
Three Simple Rules is an adaptation of John Wesley's General Rules which he formulated to help Methodists live out their call to holy living. There is some introductory material in the worship bulletin.
The worship bulletin for this Sunday is here.
We will have an online discussion available here at my blog. Each Monday, I will post a summary of Sunday’s study and a few questions for discussion and ideas for journaling or prayer or action. You can enter the discussion and ask questions by leaving comments on the post. Each Wednesday, I will post a preview of the next study with ideas for personal study.
Scriptures for Today:
Matthew 22.34-40
Colossians 3.12-14
Galatians 5.22-26
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday January 18, 2009
This Sunday, I will in the White Mountains with the Catalina youth for Snowblast 09!! Pastor Raven will be preaching.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MILK
Mindy and Bethany and I went to see MILK last week. It is a really good movie and the depiction of Harvey Milk's fight for civil rights for gay people is inspiring. Sean Penn did a super job.
Sobering...but what does it mean?
Follow the link below (I couldn't find any way to embed the animation) to see a US map that depicts chronologically and geographically the spread of Wal Mart across America. I'm not doing a good job describing it. Click on the link. Watch the animation. It starts out slow and then...WHAM! The year counter is in the bottom right hand corner and the store counter is in the top left corner. http://projects.flowingdata.com/walmart/
Friday, January 09, 2009
Now, for some controversy...
I have read with interest recent posts on pomomusings reviewing the book Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church by Jack Rogers. Here is a link to the first one. Read them all. It won't hurt some of you to read something that stretches you every now and then.
Yes, I caught up on my blog reading today.
Another gem from Mike at _awakening.
Living Inside.
We all find ourselves with this surprising ability to love God and to desire love from God, often with no reason in particular. That doesn't happen every day, truly, but hopefully more often a you learn to trust and rest in life. Moments of unconditional love sort of slip out of you and no one is more surprised than you when it happens! But when it does, you always know you are living inside a Larger Life than your own. You know, henceforth, that your life is not about you but you are about God.
[Richard Rohr - Things Hidden: Scripture As Spirituality]
Read Merton
Read this post by Mike DeVries from _awakening.
The Wisdom of the Desert.
Last week, I recorded a History Channel program on the life of Thomas Merton. It was quite well done and reminded me of how much I love the writings of Merton. With that thought I went back to my library to see if there was any Merton writings I had not read yet. Lo and behold, I had a small collection of teachings of the Desert Fathers which Merton had translated, entitled The Wisdom of the Desert
One of the sections in the introduction deals with the issue of love. Here's just a sample of what Merton wrote:
Love means an interior and spiritual identification with one's brother, so that he is not regarded as an "object" to "which" one "does good."The fact is that good is done to another as to an object is of little or no spiritual value.Love takes one's neighbour as one's other self, and loves him with all the immense humility and discretion and reserve and reverence without which no one can presume to enter into the sanctuary of another's subjectivity. From such love all authoritarian brutality, all exploitation, domineering and condescension must necessarily be absent...
Love demands a complete inner transformation - for without this we cannot possibly come to identify oruselves with our brother. We have to become, in some sense, the person we love. And this involves a kind of death of our own being, our own self. [p. 18]
Love demands a complete inner transformation - for without this we cannot possibly come to identify oruselves with our brother. We have to become, in some sense, the person we love. And this involves a kind of death of our own being, our own self. [p. 18]
Classic Merton.
Time with God?
I found this article by Thomas at Everyday Liturgy informative and it really resonated with my experience.
My Personal Revolution of Time
January 8, 2009 - 4:10pm by Thomas
I remember how poorly I did my "quiet time" in high shcool.
I had the quiet part down. I even had the time part down. But it was not time well spent.
I had bought into the common notion that if I was quiet for a certain length of time with a Bible in my hand I was becoming a better Christian.
The picture in my mind of me opening the Bible to a random page and reading for 10 minutes is kind of pathetic when you think of it. How is spirituality dictated by random pages and quantity not quality?
I have been getting quality time now, and it has been due to a personal revolution of how I view time. I do not give God ten minutes like a mother gives her child ten cents to buy a Jolly Rancher. My spirituality is no longer self-centered, in that God has given me a new day and it is his anyway---I can give him none of my time because it was his to begin with---so I need to live within God's time and pray that he establish himself in my life. He is present. I need to make myself present in his presence. I travel to him, he does not get chump change from me.
I pray in the morning, at noon, and at afternoon. I have the times set in my Outlook to go off as a reminder. I have pages of the noon daily office at my desk and write in my journal at around three o'clock for a few minutes. I am not giving God my time. I am letting his time redeem me and the time between prayer, when my work is pleasing to him (even if it is not pleasing to me all the time). My work provides for family and the kingdom. That is enough in his eyes (while not always in mine).
I am sometimes haunted by feelings that I haven't spent vasts amounts of time with God. I am haunted by the voice of my pastor in high school who commented on how "new Christians read the Bible for 15 minutes, then grow to 30 minutes, then grow to one hour when they are really spiritual." I am haunted by the concept of time as an idol, but I must not let that control me. All time is God's, and I dwell within his time. May I always recognize this.
My Personal Revolution of Time
January 8, 2009 - 4:10pm by Thomas
I remember how poorly I did my "quiet time" in high shcool.
I had the quiet part down. I even had the time part down. But it was not time well spent.
I had bought into the common notion that if I was quiet for a certain length of time with a Bible in my hand I was becoming a better Christian.
The picture in my mind of me opening the Bible to a random page and reading for 10 minutes is kind of pathetic when you think of it. How is spirituality dictated by random pages and quantity not quality?
I have been getting quality time now, and it has been due to a personal revolution of how I view time. I do not give God ten minutes like a mother gives her child ten cents to buy a Jolly Rancher. My spirituality is no longer self-centered, in that God has given me a new day and it is his anyway---I can give him none of my time because it was his to begin with---so I need to live within God's time and pray that he establish himself in my life. He is present. I need to make myself present in his presence. I travel to him, he does not get chump change from me.
I pray in the morning, at noon, and at afternoon. I have the times set in my Outlook to go off as a reminder. I have pages of the noon daily office at my desk and write in my journal at around three o'clock for a few minutes. I am not giving God my time. I am letting his time redeem me and the time between prayer, when my work is pleasing to him (even if it is not pleasing to me all the time). My work provides for family and the kingdom. That is enough in his eyes (while not always in mine).
I am sometimes haunted by feelings that I haven't spent vasts amounts of time with God. I am haunted by the voice of my pastor in high school who commented on how "new Christians read the Bible for 15 minutes, then grow to 30 minutes, then grow to one hour when they are really spiritual." I am haunted by the concept of time as an idol, but I must not let that control me. All time is God's, and I dwell within his time. May I always recognize this.
WOW! WOW! WOW! The best thing I've read all week. Literally.
This is from the Emergent Village website, and it is hands down the best thing I have read all week.Studying for the Wrong Test
By Don Heatley:
The Kingdom of God is like a student studying for an exam. Night after night, he studied Chapter Twelve of his history book. “Surely, I am prepared for my test,” he thought. The very next day he went to school and sat his desk. Behold! The test was on Chapter Thirteen. He had studied for the wrong test. He who has ears, let him hear!
Recently, I was having a conversation with a sincere fellow Jesus follower who demanded to know my beliefs. The questions they asked made it clear that this too was a test. The very first thing they wanted to know was my stand on homosexuality, my opinions about abortion, and my beliefs about the Bible.
I don’t think I passed.
Yet I wonder if, like the student in the parable, this person was studying for the wrong test. When we pass out the number two pencils and evaluate the orthodoxy of others, why are the criteria always issues that Jesus himself never addressed? Would it not be more appropriate to ask one another the questions Jesus asked, “Have you fed the hungry? Have you given water to the thirsty? Have you clothed the naked? Have you visited the imprisoned?”
In retrospect, I cannot recall ever being asked those questions by anyone who was attempting to size up my Christianity. I have never had someone ask me, as litmus tests, questions such as, “Does your church have a prison ministry?” or “What are you doing for the homeless?” No one ever asks how I feel about materialism, poverty, war, or if I turn the other cheek. No one ever asks if I have done justice, shown mercy, or acted humbly. No one asks if I have comforted the mourning, been a peacemaker, loved my enemies, or crossed to the other side of the road to care for an outcast. No one asks if I have loved everyone as Christ loves everyone.
That is a good thing, since I would probably fail those tests too. I can take some comfort in the fact that for the most part, no one is cast out of our churches for giving the wrong answers to these kinds of questions—the kinds of questions Jesus asked. Conversely, I routinely read about individuals being expelled from churches and whole congregations leaving denominations over issues that neither Jesus nor our creeds ever mention. I never hear about a congregation severing ties with their denomination because they felt the denomination did not put enough emphasis on loving our neighbors. Perhaps they should.
It is bad enough that we pass out exams to one another. What is even worse is that many of us are studying for the wrong test.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Sunday January 11, 2009 The Baptism of the Lord
Whoa...It's been a long time since I wrote anything here. But, during the holidays we all step back a little, don't we?
This Sunday, January 11, is the second Sunday in Epiphany and is the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. As we talked about before, the season of Epiphany (from January 6 to Ash Wednesday) is a season that is concerned with presenting Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Events in the life of Christ that are commemorated during this season are events like the visit of the Magi (Ephiphany proper--January 6), the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana (the first miracle), and the Transfiguration.
This Sunday is the Baptism of the Lord. We will examine four aspects of this subject: the implications of Jesus' baptism, the baptism of Jesus and our baptism, the significance and meaning of our baptism, and a brief service of reaffirmation of baptism.
The Scripture for this Sunday is Mark 1.4-11.
Here are some links on the subject:
Methodists: Means of Grace by Rev. Gregory S. Neal
A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism by Mark C. Trotter
By Water and the Spirit The official United Methodist document on baptism
This week's worship bulletin is here.
This Sunday, January 11, is the second Sunday in Epiphany and is the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. As we talked about before, the season of Epiphany (from January 6 to Ash Wednesday) is a season that is concerned with presenting Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. Events in the life of Christ that are commemorated during this season are events like the visit of the Magi (Ephiphany proper--January 6), the baptism of Jesus, the wedding at Cana (the first miracle), and the Transfiguration.
This Sunday is the Baptism of the Lord. We will examine four aspects of this subject: the implications of Jesus' baptism, the baptism of Jesus and our baptism, the significance and meaning of our baptism, and a brief service of reaffirmation of baptism.
The Scripture for this Sunday is Mark 1.4-11.
Here are some links on the subject:
Methodists: Means of Grace by Rev. Gregory S. Neal
A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism by Mark C. Trotter
By Water and the Spirit The official United Methodist document on baptism
This week's worship bulletin is here.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Incarnation by Denise Day Spencer
He stands,
poised on the brink of two worlds:
One, land of eternal day,
the other, earth of mire and clay.
Behind Him,
legions of heavenly host,
bright faces covered, praising,
all chanting, voices raising.
Before Him,
chaos yawning, swift and deep,
known, yet unknown. Fear unfurling,
death and darkness churning, swirling.
He turns.
One last look at golden glory.
The Three part; He is now One.
The Father’s voice says, “Go well, my Son.”
He leaps
into the abyss.
His next memory will be a Mother’s kiss.
~ Denise Day Spencer, January 1999
Thanks to internet monk for this.
poised on the brink of two worlds:
One, land of eternal day,
the other, earth of mire and clay.
Behind Him,
legions of heavenly host,
bright faces covered, praising,
all chanting, voices raising.
Before Him,
chaos yawning, swift and deep,
known, yet unknown. Fear unfurling,
death and darkness churning, swirling.
He turns.
One last look at golden glory.
The Three part; He is now One.
The Father’s voice says, “Go well, my Son.”
He leaps
into the abyss.
His next memory will be a Mother’s kiss.
~ Denise Day Spencer, January 1999
Thanks to internet monk for this.
Happy Christmas They Say in the UK
This is a beautiful graphic. The quote is from John 1. Thanks to Mark Berry for this!
Click on the image to see it full size!
Different Reasons
Great Christmas post from Fernando Gros:
What If There Is More Than One Reason For The Season?
Imagine Christmas as being like a giant bookstore, with a range of books; some serious, some populist, some trashy, some noble. Every book is a “Christmas” book though, of course, not every book is equal. People are browsing and choosing, talking and comparing. It’s an active and buzzing place - most people are not sure why they are there, but they are trying to make sense of it and trying to have a little fun. Do we really want to be hanging out in the comics section, chugging a slurpy and passing judgment on the people who “don’t get it?”
Thanks to Bob Carlton for this.
The key word here is "judgment".
What If There Is More Than One Reason For The Season?
Imagine Christmas as being like a giant bookstore, with a range of books; some serious, some populist, some trashy, some noble. Every book is a “Christmas” book though, of course, not every book is equal. People are browsing and choosing, talking and comparing. It’s an active and buzzing place - most people are not sure why they are there, but they are trying to make sense of it and trying to have a little fun. Do we really want to be hanging out in the comics section, chugging a slurpy and passing judgment on the people who “don’t get it?”
Thanks to Bob Carlton for this.
The key word here is "judgment".
Monday, December 22, 2008
Advent with Ted the Loser
I saw this on the internet monk site (a blog I follow) and I thought it was right on target both with the essence of Christianity and the Gospel, and with our failed perspectives in American Christianity. Yeah, and it was right on target with me and my experiences, too.
Here is the intro: "This post is inspired by a FoxNews piece updating the situation of disgraced megachurch pastor Ted Haggard. Haggard was a major leader in evangelicalism until he was brought down by evidence of sexual sin and drug use."
Read the post. Please.
Cornerstone CD Ready for Download
You can get a hard copy of the Cornerstone CD at The Refuge, or you can download it from:
Digstation
CDBaby
CDUniverse
iTunes
Saturday, December 20, 2008
These Advent Days by Brett McCracken
It’s a cold December night, less than a week from Christmas. The third Friday of Advent, to be exact. In two days, I’m going home. Home to Kansas for the holidays.
This is a season that swings from joy to sadness rather quickly and unexpectedly, but I’m on the joy side of it these days. I’ve been seeing depressing movies like they’re going out of style, reading depressing books, and watching the news (more depressing than usual it seems). But in spite of my best efforts to wallow in midwinter moodiness, I’ve been overwhelmed with happiness and cheer. Overwhelmed to the point of tears (of joy).
Joy to the world. The Lord is come. Let every heart prepare him room.
It’s a joy, I think, of recognizing the smallness of oneself, while at the same time noticing the ways in which God seems to pay attention to you. That’s when the joy weighs heaviest, when we see that it has absolutely nothing to do with what we’ve done, but everything to do with who we are. That is: who God is making us and shaping us to be.
This realization typically happens around this time of year for me, when I survey the year, write my little Christmas update letter (yeah, I still do that), and think about what I’ve done, who I’ve met, where I’ve gone, etc. As I was driving into L.A. last night for a Christmas party with some church friends, I had one of those “wow, I have been so blessed,” moments when all the faces of the people I’d shared my year with came parading into my head, not in a random montage of unrelated images, but in a sort of kaleidoscope of linkage and interconnectedness. It was one of those moments when I could vaguely, powerfully glimpse a little of the divine orchestration that is at work behind all of this mad, beautiful mess.
Because I do believe that this is the case. I’m convinced that this all makes sense—my part in it, your part in it, the fires and snow and cherry pies. It makes sense on a level of sense-making that is only graspable in the way that the universe is graspable through telescopes. We can see parts of it, and in that we can infer the greatness of the whole and feel the surrogate wonder.
So it was in my car, driving on the 10 through downtown L.A., listening to my “80s heroin shoegazer” Christmas mix. I was overwhelmed by the realization that so much was so clearly happening for a reason. My job, my house, my friends, my car, the things I hear and say, write and read, fear and love… It all fits into the stories and people and places that precede it. It is all very messy and imperfect and frequently painful, but it ultimately isn’t about me or my comfort.
As a Christian, I believe that I am part of God’s church—that is, his extension of himself (via the Holy Spirit) on earth, a mission-minded body of humans that are the hands and feet of a much larger force, working in and for the world. I also believe that this happens largely in spite of ourselves, and that left to our own devices we would probably just constantly be f-ing things up.
God sent Jesus to earth to start something new. And start something new he did. But the new world that began with baby Jesus in a manger is now a world that a wider body of mortals is asked to participate in, to develop more fully and to expand, looking towards the time when all will be redeemed, made right, and reconciled. It will be God who brings this about. Only he can make things as they should be. But he asks his people—the church—to live in such a way that aspires to and expects this glory.
And in that, we sometimes see glimpses of things we can barely understand. We taste the powers of the age to come (Hebrews 6:5). I think we all can experience this. I think it’s what I’ve been experiencing these Advent days.
This is a really good Advent post. It can be found at http://stillsearching.wordpress.com/Thursday, December 18, 2008
Sunday December 21, 2008
This Sunday, December 21, is the final Sunday in Advent. That means that Christmas is almost here. That means that 2008 is almost over. As we all say in unison "Where did the year go?", lets think about that. Why does time fly? Where does the time go? Our lives flow past us like a river as we sit on the bank watching. How do we slow it down? We can't. But we can jump in. I encourage you to jump in and really be present and mindful. Check out this article: The Art of Now (Psychology Today).
I think this is much more of a spiritual issue than we think. Living in the present, being present to our lives and souls, being mindful (all mean the same thing), is a key to our spiritual formation. This is a little preview of our December 28 study. So, why did I get on this subject now? I know. More later.
This Sunday, the theme for Advent is LOVE. I encourage you to check out three articles by Julie Clawson about the LOVE week in Advent. They are here and here and here. In her tradition, love is week 3, not week 4, but we will not let this sidetrack us and we will get the message. Just a short thought: God is love, and God asks us to love. That sums it up. This week's worship bulletin is here.
I think this is much more of a spiritual issue than we think. Living in the present, being present to our lives and souls, being mindful (all mean the same thing), is a key to our spiritual formation. This is a little preview of our December 28 study. So, why did I get on this subject now? I know. More later.
This Sunday, the theme for Advent is LOVE. I encourage you to check out three articles by Julie Clawson about the LOVE week in Advent. They are here and here and here. In her tradition, love is week 3, not week 4, but we will not let this sidetrack us and we will get the message. Just a short thought: God is love, and God asks us to love. That sums it up. This week's worship bulletin is here.
Advent Poem Day 18
This advent poem is from a blog I follow: Everyday Liturgy.
Advent Poem Day 18
December 17, 2008 - 3:19pm by Thomas
The shepherds, tucked beneath
Trees sans leaves, sans shelter—
Not one leafe to share for cover—
Look up into skies void of hope.
The young man, walking slowly
Back to his lover, his dearest,
Whom he loves in such duress,
Says that no room can be found.
The young woman, tucked beneath
Blankets with holes, with stains—
Not one fit for royalty or queens—
Looks up into skies for the answer.
The new born, breathing slowly
And searching—pasty arms reaching
For a mother fatigued from pain, reeling—
Cries out the groan of creation.
Advent Poem Day 18
December 17, 2008 - 3:19pm by Thomas
The shepherds, tucked beneath
Trees sans leaves, sans shelter—
Not one leafe to share for cover—
Look up into skies void of hope.
The young man, walking slowly
Back to his lover, his dearest,
Whom he loves in such duress,
Says that no room can be found.
The young woman, tucked beneath
Blankets with holes, with stains—
Not one fit for royalty or queens—
Looks up into skies for the answer.
The new born, breathing slowly
And searching—pasty arms reaching
For a mother fatigued from pain, reeling—
Cries out the groan of creation.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Old School Contemporary Service
Matt Zamora posted this video of our service in the hall from 2002. This was before I was preaching. It's funny that I don't know a couple of the people in the band...
Follow the link!
http://64.156.56.12/fs/v.aspx?v=896c668b61606e79a16c
Follow the link!
http://64.156.56.12/fs/v.aspx?v=896c668b61606e79a16c
Stand By Me
I was made aware of this video through Tony Jones' blog. Jones says this about the video: A note about the creator of this short music video: Filmmaker Mark Johnson traveled around the globe getting street musicians and others to record part of the track for Stand By Me. Using battery powered equipment and a pocket full of Frequent Flyer miles he got tracks from dozens of performers. Each one was able to wear headphones and hear what the other performers had done.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Sunday December 14, 2008
This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent, and the theme is JOY! The worship bulletin for Sunday is here. The Scriptures for Sunday are:
Isaiah 35.1-2, 8-10
Luke 2.1-20
Matthew 1.18-23
Our study will focus on the truth that joy comes from redemption. And this is the whole point of this Advent/Christmas story and season. God was not content to let us suffer; to leave us in our mess. God intervened in our story to deliver us--to redeem us. And that is what Advent is about. We have God's redemption, God's deliverance. But we wait. We wait for the full consummation of God's redemption and deliverance in the day of the Lord. We wait for the world to change--and for US to step up and change it--as the body of Christ. We symbolically wait for Christmas, for the re-telling of the birth of the Christ Child, which not only is the centerpiece of our hope for redemption, but is the centerpiece of all cosmic history.
Other Scriptures on redemption are: (read them with interest!)
Colossians 1.13,14
Ephesians 1.7
Romans 3.23,24
Titus 2.13,14
Galatians 4.4,5
Isaiah 35.1-2, 8-10
Luke 2.1-20
Matthew 1.18-23
Our study will focus on the truth that joy comes from redemption. And this is the whole point of this Advent/Christmas story and season. God was not content to let us suffer; to leave us in our mess. God intervened in our story to deliver us--to redeem us. And that is what Advent is about. We have God's redemption, God's deliverance. But we wait. We wait for the full consummation of God's redemption and deliverance in the day of the Lord. We wait for the world to change--and for US to step up and change it--as the body of Christ. We symbolically wait for Christmas, for the re-telling of the birth of the Christ Child, which not only is the centerpiece of our hope for redemption, but is the centerpiece of all cosmic history.
Other Scriptures on redemption are: (read them with interest!)
Colossians 1.13,14
Ephesians 1.7
Romans 3.23,24
Titus 2.13,14
Galatians 4.4,5
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Isn't Mother's Day in May?
Mindy also sent me this video, which you will probably see in worship in May. Very funny.
Did You Get the Recall Notice?
Mindy sent me this. Change your Christmas list to just say "Bicycle".
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