|
||||||||||||||
The Christian Lampstand Newsletter
As I sit down to write for this issue of the Christian Lampstand it is becoming very easy to tell that Fall is in the air. And with this season comes a feeling, a sense of something different from the days of Summer, and with that feeling there comes to mind some images. One is the anticipation of the Autumn leaves, a sign of this annual changing season; and second is the image of the Fall Harvest. (Now, there aren't too many ministers who'd pass up the opportunity to relate these two images to the life of the Church. So, neither will I.) As we all know, Fall is a season of change. Somewhere two people stand together on a hill overlooking a country-side filled with trees, bathed in the warm glow of a sun about to set. Two people, two perspectives; one person speaks of leaves dying, and all the work of cleaning them up; the other talks of the beautiful colors and the best way to use the falling leaves for compost. How we view things affects the attitude we hold of them. Two people enter into a Worship service on Sunday morning. It's not as full as it could be, and it's not as young as it should be. One person walks away with a sense that, that congregation is dying. The other joins in, seeing the potential for future growth and ministry. If we have a choice, then let s look at the positives in the life of our church and the strength we can receive from it. The Fall Harvest is another image which can be seen as either, the tediousness of labor or the reaping of reward. In Luke 10:2, Jesus speaks about the harvest and says that we are "to send out laborers into his harvest." And in John 4:36-38 we are told "that sower and reaper rejoice together... others have labored and you have entered into their labor". This is what the life, the work, and the ministry of Mentor Christian Church are all about. The Lord is sending us out as Laborers for the Church. We make ready the soil (provide a place and opportunities for faith to grow.) We plant seeds (bringing in new members, of course some will find us on their own, but our job is to bring them in.) We help them to grow (through Worship, Bible Study, and caring Fellowship.) And then we rejoice in the harvest (when new people taking on new responsibilities and are given and supported in new opportunities of leadership.) This is the life of the Church. What will this year's harvest be like, here at Mentor Christian Church? It begins with providing a place, planting seeds, and working to help them grow. Let us pray for God s love and grace and wisdom to guide us in the days and years ahead as we grow in and for the ministry of our Lord. As we do so let's remember these words from Matthew 9:35-38.
"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages,
teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom,
and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had
compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "'The harvest is plentiful,
but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest.'" (Will one of them be you?)
Writings From The Rev. You may have heard someone, at sometime, say that you can justify just about anything using the words of the Bible, especially when they are taken out of context. Well, that's not entirely true, but it can and has been done. In fact, I almost did it myself the other day. I was going to base this whole article on an Old Testament saying that I have heard used before. It was a phrase that I've seen used to challenge people to greater stewardship, as well as support the need for revival and the courage for change. It simply states, "A people, without vision die!" The problem was, I couldn't remember exactly where it was located in the Old Testament. I thought it was somewhere in Isaiah, but a quick manual search proved to turn up nothing. This is when a computer Bible program becomes a wonderful tool for Bible study. However, it's not as quick and easy as some might think. Although I can search through several different Bible translations at the same time, the key is having the correct phrase matched with the appropriate translation. It's also good to narrow the search area as much as possible. Since I first thought that it might be in Isaiah, that's where I started, using the phrase, "A people without vision." To my surprise nothing came up. I widened the search to the whole Old Testament, and still nothing. Then I shortened the phrase to "without vision." Here I turned up 1 reference in Micah 3:6, but it was not what I was looking for. When I just used the word "vision" it was too much, with several hundred references throughout 6 translations. Finally I decided to change "without" to "no." This worked much better, only 2 repeated references came up in 3 of the translations, one from Lamentation and the other from Proverbs. When I clicked on Proverbs 29:18, in the American Standard Version, it read, "Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint;..." This was not quite what I'd hoped for. It read the same in two other translations as well. Then in the King James Version I found what I had been searching for, it read, "Where there is no vision, the people perish:..." It was a great statement, but what did it mean in context to the writer? Clicking through a couple of commentaries revealed that "vision" here was not a reference to future thinking or forward movement, but the "Word of God revealed." The whole verse reads, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law (the Word of God), happy is he." In the NIV it reads, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law." This congregation is moving forward, we are thinking about our future, the mission and ministry that lay ahead of us, but without an understanding and a sharing of God's Word it is all for nothing.
Let us pray for a greater awareness of God's Word
in our lives. Let us be open to the revelation of God's Will for this community
of believers. Let us serve not just what we would like, but work for the
glory of God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Writings From The Rev. When did it all start. I suspect it was long before the movie with that title, long before logging onto the Internet, even long before the days of the Apostle Paul. It might well have started the day that Moses came from the mountain top with two tablets in his hands, saying to the people "You've Got Mail!" Let's be honest. We love to hear those words. Even though we complain about all the junk mail that fills our mail boxes or computer screens. Even though we know some days bills out number the advertisements, we still wait in anticipation to receive something in the mail. Especially a personal letter, a note from someone we really know sharing at times both good news and joy, as well as, heartache and sorrow. This was illustrated very clearly during my week as one of the Assistant Directors at Hiram Conference this summer. Each morning the camp secretary heads into the beautiful metropolis of Magnetic Springs and picks up the mail from the Post Office. Back in the camp office it is then sorted alphabetically into four stacks, plus one for counselors and one for staff. After the noon meal, mail callers stand outside the dining hall in their assigned section and the campers gather around in hopes of hearing their name, longing to hear, "You've Got Mail!" This is no different for the counselors, who get their mail in the morning staff meeting. (Actually, over the past couple of years technology has caught up with Camp Christian with the use of a FAX machine. This year we averaged about 30 FAXes a day.) Afternoons are hard on Assistant Directors, because a good part of the time deals with a flurry of kids coming to the window, all asking the same question, "Did I Get Mail?" "I was doing dishes..." "I didn't hear my name, but someone else said they thought they heard it." A quick look through the pile of leftovers usually reveals that they were mistaken, which almost always produces a look of disappointment. On occasion we will have something waiting for them, and they leave with a smile, and sometimes in giddy joy. This year I think was the first time that I knew that everyone in the whole camp received a letter from a friend. Each of us got a note of hope and encouragement that I'm sure put a smile on everyone's face. I'd like to share mine with you, with the hope that you will realize that this letter is also written for you. "I am writing to say how much I care for you and to say how much I want you to know me better. When you awoke this morning, I exploded a brilliant sunrise through your window hoping to get your attention, but you rushed off without even noticing. Later, I noticed you were walking with some friends, so I bathed you in warm sunshine and perfumed the air with nature's sweet scent, and still you didn't notice me. As you passed by, I shouted to you in the thunderstorm and painted a beautiful rainbow in the sky and you didn't even look. In the evening, I spilled moonlight onto your face and sent a cool breeze to rest you. As you slept, I watched over you and shared your thoughts, but you were unaware that I was so near. I have chosen you and hope you will talk to me soon. Until then I will remain near. I am your friend and love you very much." Your Friend, Jesus Jesus is sending us notes, messages, everyday. They come in a variety of ways. We just need to take the time to notice. So, the next time you open your mail box or check your E-mail, even if nothing is there, remember the love letter Jesus sends you everyday.
Writings From The Rev. The time is almost upon us, a time filled with both excitement and anxiety. It's a time that some are eagerly awaiting, while others wait in dreaded anticipation. That's right folks. We're only a week or so away from the annual SUMMER VACATION. Kids, Rejoice! Moms, Beware! Dads, hold on to your wallets! It's almost here, "12 glorious weeks of NO SCHOOL!" Come on Mom and Dad, don't you remember what it was like back then? Don't you remember how much you looked forward to that Summer Vacation? Free from the daily routine of the classroom. The thing is, vacations are important, and every now and then we all need to experience one. Whether you attend school, or work in an office, or drive a truck, or build houses, or teach, or run a household, every so often we need to have a Vacation. How does that old saying go, "All Work and no Play . . . is bound to make your hair turn gray." (Well, maybe that's not exactly how it goes.) Anyway, the point is, the mind and body both need time to relax and retreat from life's daily routine. So, by withdrawing for a time there is opportunity for regeneration and new growth. Time and time again we hear the medical profession warn of the dangers that come from not taking adequate time off from life's pressures. Vacations are good things to have. But, have you ever thought about taking "Spiritual Vacations?" No! It doesn't mean sleeping in on Sunday mornings a couple of times a year, or sharing a cup of coffee with Robert Schuller in front of the TV, instead of sharing the Bread and Cup at Communion with the Family of God. A Spiritual Vacation is actually a time of renewal and growth for the heart and soul. Hear these words from the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he RESTORES my soul." Have you ever thought of Sunday Worship as a Spiritual Vacation? Sunday is supposed to be the Christian Sabbath, a day of rest, a day of renewal. Sunday is the day we set aside from the rest of the week, in order that we might retreat from the demands of the world around us. It doesn't mean that we hide from those demands, it means that we allow ourselves time to pull back, to reflect upon our lives and our relationship with God as we rest by the "stilled" waters which God provides. Worship is not truly worship if we cannot retreat from our busy world long enough to let God in. For many of us there are two kinds of Vacations coming up this summer. One will be for a well-earned rest from our daily jobs, in order to renew and refresh the mind and the body. The other should be a weekly "Spiritual Vacation" for the renewal of our hearts and our souls. PLEASE! Don't get the two of them confessed, thinking that your Work Vacation is also a vacation from the Worship of God and the Fellowship of the Church. God is the ultimate renewer of life, both physically and spiritually, so as you vacation this summer, whether it is in green pastures, or by stilled waters, or on the beach, or in the mountains, don't forget to take the time to vacation with God.
Writings From The Rev. Last week I came across this comic strip in the newspaper. I always try to read B.C. because most times it brings a smile, a chuckle, or a good laugh. Then every so often it causes me to ponder and at times to say right out loud, "YES!" This was the case with following:
Much like Charles Schulz, of "Peanuts" fame, Johnny Hart is a strong Christian. Not too long ago he was the cover story for an issue of Guidepost. His faith often peeks out from behind his humor, and at times his humor peeks out from his faith. In fact, this is true of all the comic strips that he writes for. If you're not familiar with the storyline from the above comic, let me quickly summarize. First you need to understand that B.C. is a prehistoric place with a contemporary frame of mind. Several weeks ago Peter came to the profound conclusion that the earth was indeed round. And as it is with most profound understandings he was teased and laughed at by his friends. So, he built a raft and set out to prove that what he thought was truth, was actually truth. He began his journey full of confidence and optimism, and perhaps a bit naive to the length of the journey. Now after several weeks we find him at this low point, lamenting over his decision, yet still unaware that someone "IS" watching over him. Actually, it's very reminiscent of some of the Psalms that you may have read. As in Psalm 121:1, "I lift up my eyes to the hills-- from where will my help come?" The answer to this question is given in verse 2, "My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth."
Wars, hatred, violence, murder, natural disasters,
illness, financial worries all can work to bring us down, zap our enthusiasm,
deflate our optimism. And yet, to live in Hope, is to live by Faith. God
has, is, and will continue to provide for us, not always in ways we will
fully understand or in the timeliness that we would want. The truth is, God
watches over us, because God loves us. So, let us continue in our journey
of faith and in our ministry for Jesus Christ.
Writings From The Rev. "So, how are you spending Easter?" I've heard people asking this question over the past couple of weeks as we journey closer to the Celebration of Christ's resurrection. It's an interesting choice of words, don't you think? "How are you spending Easter?" On the surface it's an easy question to answer. "Why we plan to attend the Early Easter Service." "We go to services, then we'll head over to my parents to eat and have an Easter Egg Hunt for the children." "We're taking the family on a well deserved vacation out west, find a small church, then see the sites." "I'm hoping this year to just get my kids to church before they become a chocolate mess." Actually, it's the word "spending" that interests me. Maybe it's not intended to be used in this way, but I sometimes wonder if Easter would gain a great importance in peoples lives if they saw it not as a day or an event, but as a commodity, something we have, something to be used up, something that enables us to get something else. If you stop to think about it, that's just what it is. Easter is a gift. A wonderful powerful gift of redemption. The gift of salvation is given at Easter, prepared on the Cross, wrapped in the tomb, presented to us by our resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ. The Good News of Easter is a gift which, once given, must be spent, used, shared. This precious gift which is given to each of us, can only maintain its worth if it is given away. Paul shared that understanding so well with the Church in Corinth when he told them:
Easter is not only a day or an event in history; it
is the gracious gift that enables us to move forward. A few days after the
resurrection, the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus appeared one last time to
his disciples. On the lake shore Jesus told Peter that if he truly loved
him, then, "Feed my Lambs," "Tend my Sheep," Feed my Sheep." In other words,
take this gift of Easter and spend it.
Writings From The Rev. A few years ago I was leading a Lenten Study session and for some strange reason the the subject of God happened to come up. It's not that surprising, since the theme for that Lenten Study was based on the book by J.B. Phillips titled: "Your God Is Too Small." Actually the subject wasn't about GOD, so much as it was about "gods" with a small "g". God with a big or capital "G" is the one true God, the Supreme Being, the Creator of the Universe and ourselves. The other kind of "god", with the small "g" refers to things that tends to dominate our lives, which is why we talk about them in terms of "gods", because there seems to be so many of them. There are all kinds of little gods hanging around just waiting to be worshipped. The sad part is we don't even realize that we're worshipping them. In fact, we get upset if anyone tries to tell us that we even have these little gods dominating our lives. For some people that little god may a their CAR. You've seen them, they're the ones who put all their free time and a lot of money into maintaining it, to the point that it becomes more important to them then the people around them, their family and friends. For someone else their little god might be MONEY! You've seen them to, they're the Scrooge McDuck's and some of the Pro Athlete's of the world. For them money is everything, their whole self-worth is measured by a dollar sign. Money is their whole life, making and having money, however possible, is more important than the people around them. "Show Me The Money!" Then there's the ultimate little god, the one that involves the worship of oneself. This is the one that we try not to see. The little god of self comes into being when someone lives their life as though they were the center of the universe, that everyone and everything must revolve around them. To them they are the most important thing in all the world. They come first, and if there is anything leftover, they make sure it's safely tucked away for the next time they need it. These people exercise self-love to a fault. Now these are just a few of examples of the little gods that we are tempted to worship. You may have your own list. The point is these little gods have a way of eclipsing the one true God. After Jesus was baptized he went into the wilderness in order to fast and reflect on the direction of his life and his ministry to the world. During that time he was tempted by many of the same "little gods" that we are tempted with today; fame, fortune, and power. The thing that we need to keep in mind is that Jesus was not tempted at the beginning of his fasting, it was toward the very end. And how true that is with us, for rarely are we tempted to worship the little gods of life as we begin our journey of faith. It just kind of creeps up on us.... "I don't need to go to Sunday School, I grew up in the Church and I learned all that stuff when I was a kid. And besides, I get all the Christian Education I need by listening to the sermon." "Well, let me see I know that I have a Bible somewhere in the house." "Why I've been a member of the congregation for years and years, now just give me a minute and I'll tell you what the Minister's name is." The Season of Lent is a time of reflection and sacrifice. It is my hope and prayer that you will reflect upon your life and take notice of the little gods, and find ways to move around their shadows and step into the Light of Christ Jesus, the one who came to show us the true "GOD" of life. Giving up little gods can be a great sacrifice, but in doing so you will gain so much more.
In this Season of Lent, let the Light of Christ help
you to see the big "G" and may the joy of Easter fill your heart!
Writings From The Rev. As some of you already know, my lovely wife, Terri started off her celebration of Epiphany (January 6th) by slipping on the ice on the front steps of our home and broke her left ankle in three places. It meant that she had to have surgery to put everything back together in right order. Which means that although she is not the "Bionic Woman", she may well set off a metal detector with her two pins, plate and six screws, from now on. Terri is now into her third week of recovery, a total of ten weeks before she no longer needs to use her boot brace. And as it would seem, the first week had to be the hardest. She was pretty much confined to bed rest, keeping the ankle elevated and iced. The irony was that she now needed to be cared for in much the same way as her work required her to provide care for other people. Terri is a Registered Nurse Home Care Supervisor and part of her job is interviewing perspective clients and assessing their needs for home health care. This is the first time that Terri has broken any bones. In fact, she is the only one in our family who, so far, (Thank God!) has broken a bone. And as it is with most families, I hope, we rose to the occasion of becoming Home Care Givers. Believe me, a lot of things change when the Main Care Giver (usually Mom or Wife) becomes the major Care Receiver. It slowly begins to sink in just how much time is consumed with giving care to someone. So much is taken for granted and we begin to realize that the role of Main Care Giver borders close to "Sainthood." Especially, when the Main Care Giver has little or no support givers. The whole situation has given both Terri and myself new insights and greater awareness of both Care Giving and Care Receiving. As word got around to our church family, as well as family members and friends, offers of help and support and prayers came flooding in. And we fell into the same trap as many do, we appreciated the offers, but we begged off, saying that we could handle it by ourselves. How many times had I counseled others about graciously accepting help when it is offered, especially when it is truly needed. How many time had I told others that we always find it easier to give and than to receive. "Blessed are those who give, but even more blessed are those who allow others the opportunity to give." And blessed are those who hear the turning down of help, and go ahead and give it anyway. I remember telling people that we didn't need meals brought in, I actually am a pretty good cook. But that wasn't the point, and when the meals came anyway, what a relief it was to know that I didn't have to deal with that in the midst of everything else that was required of me that day. It allowed me to force more of my attention on Terri. In like manner, the phone calls, cards and prayers that Terri has received have been spiritually and emotionally up lifting. We are truly blessed and grateful to have such a caring group of family and friends. Being a Care Giver is one of the main roles of the Church. Caregiving is part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We are the Body of Christ, the Church, and Jesus calls us as the faithful community to, not only give of ourselves, but to create opportunities and teach the art of both giving and receiving.
Jesus said, "just as you did it to one of the least of these
who are members of my family, you did it to me." (Matt 25:40, NRSV)
Writings From The Rev. (Editor's Note: There was no January issue for 2000, we hope you will still enjoy this message from last year.) When you stop to think about it JANUARY is avery interesting month. Orignially, it was not the first month of the new year. In anicent Roman history it was the 11th month, until the 2nd century bc. The name of this month came from Roman mythology and the god known as JANUS. The statues of Janus showed him with two faces, looking in opposite directions. Janus was the god of doors and gateways, as well as the god of beginnings, which the Romans believed would ensure good endings. And so it makes sense that Roman would eventually place January at the beginning of the new year. In many ways that notice of looking in two different directions is something that each of us do at this time of the year. We look back and we look ahead. Actually, I think that we do more looking ahead than looking down. It only seems nutural, looking back at where we've been and what we've done throughout the past year is not as stimulating as looking ahead to what might be and where we might end up. Don't get me wrong, reflection has it's value, it can very well help in any future descission that will need to be made, it may even help to clam to fears of those who are not sure what the journey has in store, what's around the bend in the road ahead. What is true for individuals is also true for groups and orginizations, and even the Community of Faith. We as a congregation are setting out for a new journey into a new year. In part, the direction that we are headed has been shaped by where we've been and what we've done. We begin this journey with both caution and challenge. But the most important thing to remember is that whether as individuals and as a congregation we do make this journey alone. The main point to our celebration of Christmas has been to share the "Good News" that "God Is With Us!" In this month of January, we move from Christmas to Epiphany. Epiphany, January 6th, is the celebration of the revelation to the Gentiles of Jesus Christ as the Savior, as portrayed by the coming of the Three Wise Men. From this event the word Epiphany itself has come to mean: a sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something; an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event); an illuminating discovery. As we walk with the Lord into this New Year, may all these means play a part in our growing and moving faith. May we embrace this New Year unafraid, trusting that God will be leading us with Jesus Christ as the lamp to light our way. May we also hear the call to Mission and Ministry that is in store for us. Using all the gifts that we have receive from our most loving God, our talents, skills, visions, ideas, and time to the glory of Emmanual and the service of His Church. May The Love And Grace Of God Truly Bless You In This New Year!
Writings From The Rev. As you read this, we will be in what most of the world believes is the last month, of the last year, of the last century, of the second millennium. The exceptions are the Chinese, Jewish, and Muslim calendars, the calendars of Mayan and Aztec peoples, and a couple of other scientific dating theories. Actually, as with so many other roots of modern civilization, the calendar emerged from Mesopotamia. The division of the year into months according to the cycles of the moon and the sun happened at about the same time writing was invented. Today most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, which Pope Gregory XIII established in 1582 after problems developed in the Julian calendar that was established in 46 BC, which adopted a 365-day year, with one day added every fourth, or "leap," year. It was remedied by directing that ten days be dropped from the calendar and that the day after Oct. 4, 1582, should be October 15. He also directed that 3 times in every 400 years the leap-year arrangement should be omitted. It was adopted by Roman Catholic, but Protestant and Eastern Orthodox countries long continued to use the Julian calendar. The new calendar was not adopted in England until 1752, when it was necessary to drop 11 days. The Eastern Orthodox church accepted it in 1923, when 13 days were "lost." The Chinese had adopted it in 1912. Another reform that the Gregorian calendar effected was general adoption of January 1 as the beginning of the year. Until then some nations began it with December 25, others with January 1 or, as England did before 1752, March 25. Christianity, for most of its major festivals, adheres to the Jewish lunar calendar. Therefore, many of its feasts are movable. The chief holiday, Easter, always falls on the first Sunday following the full Moon that falls on or after the vernal equinox. Therefore, most of the church year, including the pre-Easter season of Lent, is always adjusted to the date of Easter. Other festivals, such as Christmas and New Year, are fixed. And so here we are fixed on both the End and the Beginning. We are waiting with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Looking back at what has been, and looking forward to what might come. It is a time of waiting, which fits so well into our Church Season of Advent. This season is also a time of endings and beginnings. It's the ending of the Church Calendar Year, but it is also the preparation and celebration of the Coming of Christ into the World, and the hope of his returning. As the world waits with a mixture of excitement and fear for Y2K, and whatever it might bring. In the life of the Church, our waiting is fixed not on calendars or time tables, but on the promises of our Lord, Jesus Christ who said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3) My prayer for each of you is that you have an Awe-Filled season of Advent, Christmas, and a blessed New Year. Knowing that our past, present, and future are fixed in the Love of God, the Hope of Christ Jesus, and the Promise of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (From all of the Staff and all of the Volunteers who minister through Mentor Christian Church in the name of Jesus Christ, as well as from Terri and myself, we wish you all a Heartfelt "Merry Christmas!")
Writings From The Rev.
Return to First
Page:
Mentor Christian Church |
||||||||||||||