tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58816104900152262082024-03-05T09:48:52.122-08:00Unity Youth Pastor BlogLindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-74621363911641213062020-12-03T08:45:00.001-08:002020-12-03T08:45:07.219-08:00Testing<p> </p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lp5vqFYBD8o" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-15902237220578045802020-03-17T07:49:00.000-07:002020-03-17T07:49:02.873-07:00From My Cup of Coffee To Yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1abFoeRkO59P3eggA7oRLX3ej3uyoNK62SNrROPxHJqzbEZlo-Qcn_av266jhSVybSNh264pOTceMp6YbAm8a72jd3ZbCVRzdi8XVIiyFToLCC03wHgm-O3xIic0XQalU3LCP21KcDZk/s1600/coffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1abFoeRkO59P3eggA7oRLX3ej3uyoNK62SNrROPxHJqzbEZlo-Qcn_av266jhSVybSNh264pOTceMp6YbAm8a72jd3ZbCVRzdi8XVIiyFToLCC03wHgm-O3xIic0XQalU3LCP21KcDZk/s320/coffe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday morning, I ventured to the church. The streets of Fort Mill were emptier than usual (imagine it- no traffic in Fort Mill!!), and I felt myself nervous about church for the first time in a long time. It's rare that I feel nervous about church - I am very at home standing before you all in the place I feel called to be - so the morning was already...strange. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I entered the building, it was still okay. It's not unusual for me to be the first one on campus, and I often relish in those brief silent moments before the steady current of interactions begins. In these early morning moments at our church, I love to hear the birds singing outside my window, watch the sun get brighter and brighter, breathe deeply, and still my spirit for the stirring of God within me. I begin my steady mantra- not my will, not my words, but Your will be done, Your words be spoken.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcW1wePVSGO0ZhdS2r2w2kUt2YFgBFycogX1qCwPD7P5UmqmZDtYyOt-9E2kBbzFqOsI1B3rkOoWICoCSzOSpzxQq281v-6TJZHapJQT96JH4V46R7v-y5dblOIopRSmdQOHboBrQ6cag/s1600/IMG_20180401_070313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcW1wePVSGO0ZhdS2r2w2kUt2YFgBFycogX1qCwPD7P5UmqmZDtYyOt-9E2kBbzFqOsI1B3rkOoWICoCSzOSpzxQq281v-6TJZHapJQT96JH4V46R7v-y5dblOIopRSmdQOHboBrQ6cag/s320/IMG_20180401_070313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I've been in church alone many times. As a child, my parents cleaned the church. So after school, once a week, we would go to the church, and I would be expected to dust the pews before I could practice piano in the sanctuary. I have always been comforted by the silent sacredness that rests in the sanctuary, even when no one is there. There is a sense of the Spirit that still lingers like echoes after the business of worship on Sunday mornings is over. And even in its emptiness, the church is loud. It is loud with smells: of burnt coffee and melted wax, of furniture polish and dust, a lingering whiff of sausages from the last breakfast served, or the tart breath of grape juice after communion. It is loud with memories: of bright and loud laughter and deep, enveloping sobs, of voices joyfully ringing and the organ's bellowing tones filling the sanctuary with palpable sound, of gentle, shared moments: of placing ashes on foreheads, offering bread and cup, dripping water across the head of a child. It is loud with the gregarious and welcoming spirit of the church, and it is loud with the tsunami wave of untapped future potential. Even when it is empty, it is loud.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know some will say this borders on idolatry or misguided theology: of course, as Presbyterians, we believe that the church is far more than a building, that we the people are the true heart of the church, and we live it in our daily lives. Many have said this is a great time for us to be the church to one another, to be creative in our ways of being together without being together. And many are indeed grateful for technology that makes this possible. I know this, and I know that the sanctuary holds in itself nothing essentially special or sacred; it is the memory of what God has done, the present reality of what God is doing, and the future promise of what God will do that makes a sanctuary sacred. But as this past Sunday unfolded, I have to make space for myself to grieve for our empty, silent sanctuary.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-duB7MnLV60PDHMWKNf99EO-fREuKHtYsAyz32YkTuApuFgZPaCgqlaHc4Q5sEJTLPHIgG_VsMp_Qkub-KpenugpA8X6zik9OE9eh5tcck8c0IZUzPMTWgY5DhZNYYmhsu-Vu44yuLI/s1600/IMG_20190419_131450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-duB7MnLV60PDHMWKNf99EO-fREuKHtYsAyz32YkTuApuFgZPaCgqlaHc4Q5sEJTLPHIgG_VsMp_Qkub-KpenugpA8X6zik9OE9eh5tcck8c0IZUzPMTWgY5DhZNYYmhsu-Vu44yuLI/s320/IMG_20190419_131450.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met with Margaret and Susan and Jim down in the sanctuary at our appointed time, and as I walked toward it, the emptiness began to hit me. In 15 years of church work, in all of seminary, and in the 5 years I have served as your pastor, I could never have envisioned a scenario where we would be here, but the sanctuary would be empty on a Sunday morning. This type of emptiness, this precaution against being together, seems to run so counter. Surely Jesus, who touched lepers and a bleeding woman without fear to make them well, who constantly sat and ate bread and met with his disciples, who washed their feet, who spit in the mud, and who became physically present with us, surely not meeting is antithetical to who Jesus is right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not so sure. I, like Pastor Susan, am proud of, humbled by, and grateful for the work of our Session this past weekend to make the very difficult decision to close our campus. We felt that Jesus wouldn't ever invite some people to come to worship, while commanding others to stay home. We felt that Jesus' ministry shows us the importance and value of all the members of God's family; Jesus' touch and healing to lepers and unclean folks was an act of inviting them into worship, into the faith community, and perhaps Jesus is not calling us to literally touch lepers and risk the spread of infection but calling us to include everyone as we worship from our homes. We felt that if Jesus knew about a virus, he wouldn't put his people at risk. And the same Spirit who connects the saints through time and space, the same Spirit in whom there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, women or men, the Same Spirit who connects us whether in body or in spirit, this Same Spirit connects us even through newfangled technology. If caring for the common good of the community isn't the business of the church, what is? I support the decision of the Session, knowing that it was difficult and came about through much prayer and consideration.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Sunday. As the organ began, as we prepared to read and pray and sing, as I looked out on perfectly polished, shiny pews and prayed that someone was on the other side of that camera, my heart was overflowing with emotion. I was weepy with the grief that we were alone in our worship. I was tearful with joy that this service could still be shared beyond the boundaries of walls. And I was overwhelmed with my love for the church. Never again will I complain about having to shake too many hands or give too many hugs!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ezWX7_8m5qxQnCcm9WJrfQYnAKEraJpj7UFhMmUhGlln0vtena7tCh-tYx0mKs6BJAdKbIvmoIfHk2Rn1n-pIUSNPDhFyXIixNZg9aOuO1kgolhJOxLcdwkfCtkfZrFDp7k2SBk0ZeI/s1600/empty+pews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ezWX7_8m5qxQnCcm9WJrfQYnAKEraJpj7UFhMmUhGlln0vtena7tCh-tYx0mKs6BJAdKbIvmoIfHk2Rn1n-pIUSNPDhFyXIixNZg9aOuO1kgolhJOxLcdwkfCtkfZrFDp7k2SBk0ZeI/s320/empty+pews.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So this Sunday, we will try again. I know many of you joined us on Sunday morning, watching while sitting on your couches and sipping a cup of coffee, wearing comfortable clothes and feeling quite at home. And you know, there's something really theologically appropriate about that: if you can't feel at home worshiping God, where can you feel at home? If your heart doesn't find its home in the church family, where can it find its home? Church should feel like home, sometimes comfortable and easy, sometimes prodding us to go out into the world and take that home feeling to others, sometimes helping us to be grateful for what we have, and sometimes prompting us to care with empathy for others. Margaret and I will be here for worship again this Sunday, March 22 at 11:00 am Livestream only. We will be dressed casually and ready to meet you in your living rooms, ready to share worship with the comforts of "home." We will still have all the parts of worship, but they're specially tailored for following along at home (including shorter prayers, familiar hymns, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostle's Creed). The bulletin will be ready for you to download by Thursday on our website, so that you can follow along on your phone or print out. And from my coffee cup to yours, we will be present with one another in a way that only the Holy Spirit can make possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0FNKt26kFdng5t75SVavKgIPrDZ99lR3l90NG3TLpQqpZHAXUx61d3X_kWK5Qy3qhlUEWiuiI-4chQ52AzAdD7dCIJKgBezqIrrK9bCR5cifHA9f0xqRkLFwKdmu6pEwMKSGdGTojtI/s1600/coffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0FNKt26kFdng5t75SVavKgIPrDZ99lR3l90NG3TLpQqpZHAXUx61d3X_kWK5Qy3qhlUEWiuiI-4chQ52AzAdD7dCIJKgBezqIrrK9bCR5cifHA9f0xqRkLFwKdmu6pEwMKSGdGTojtI/s320/coffe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-66071198237354756152018-12-09T05:53:00.002-08:002018-12-09T06:02:18.587-08:00Snowy Sabbath<div style="text-align: center;">
There's a silence in snow that is unique and profound.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can remember in 1993 when Pittsburgh got 36 inches of snow overnight, and my father and I dug our way out of our house. There was a dampened silence in the air, as though the world demanded stillness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can remember it as an adult in 2010 when a blizzard made our cars look like barely identifiable drifts of snow. There was a silence that caught your breath, as though nature was showing off and insisting on our praise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXClADu-_AP4GzCBJovErga8naMHzHA_e3sHmsEVMuqYhz9pyD3x5KY7PgHnwXTz_bANGwfPMaATRvzEUTRxAu3k5eE1vxxbopsotBpsAjpTXoFn5YKyxAxggz7s3C9RleGAShtPm8h2Y/s1600/snowy+perry+lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXClADu-_AP4GzCBJovErga8naMHzHA_e3sHmsEVMuqYhz9pyD3x5KY7PgHnwXTz_bANGwfPMaATRvzEUTRxAu3k5eE1vxxbopsotBpsAjpTXoFn5YKyxAxggz7s3C9RleGAShtPm8h2Y/s320/snowy+perry+lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And every year, the first flakes of snow in the air bring a magical silence, a stillness that is dripping with awe and wonder. Last night, I stayed up and watched until the rain turned into snowflakes just so that I could see them reflected in the streetlamp.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps the silence is because people are not venturing out and making all kinds of noise. Or perhaps there is a scientific reason why quantities of snow dampen sound. And perhaps it's just the majesty of snow that changes my heart. But perhaps there is just something about the way that God designed snow that demands rest and sabbath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today, some of our very wise and thoughtful staff made the challenging decision to close Unity Presbyterian Church today and tomorrow to protect people from venturing out onto icy and snowy roads. It's never an easy decision, canceling church, and no matter how bad the weather, there is a sense of something missing on Sunday morning without it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lot of northerners scoff at the South for its cautious attitude toward white fluffy flakes, but I have found this to be the most endearing and beautiful thing about the South (besides biscuits...and grits...and fried chicken...). There is an attitude reflected in the South that the work will still be here tomorrow, and it won't miss us today. There is a sense that slowing down is not a weakness but a strength, that pausing is healthy and good. There is a value that perhaps the warmest, most beautiful memories can be made as families huddle up in their homes during a storm. While I'll never eat snow (I grew up in the city...you never know what's in your snow), I readily embrace the understanding that snow days are sacred, holy space, a space where God enters in unexpected and profound ways. God himself rests at the end of his work of creation: not because God was tired or couldn't continue, not because God was weak, but because God showed for us an example of the sacred gift of silence, the sacred space of rest. Perhaps Sabbath rest is God's version of a snow day: a chance be still, to be silent, and to appreciate all that God has done. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wrote this prayer to be read this morning in worship, but I wrote it on Wednesday, knowing I might not be sharing it from the lectern. At first, I considered pulling a previously written prayer, so that I wouldn't be doing extra work just in case we didn't have worship. But instead, I thought I might like to have some words for all of us. No matter if we're in our PJ's or sitting by a fire or still cuddled up in our beds, here is a prayer for us:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It</span> seems fitting that today we light the candle of peace as
the chaos of a storm brews around us. When I think of peace, I think of the
halting stop and the deafening silence that a good snow storm brings upon a
town. Peace, you see, is not the absence of chaos, but a sense of stillness,
calm, and rest when all around us is in chaos. As we come to a time of prayer,
we invite Jesus to bring peace into the chaos that fills our hearts, our lives,
and our world. Let us pray:<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Father God Almighty, like a kind parent, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>you hold our world
in the palm of your hand</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>You make wars to cease and you call us to put down
our weapons. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Bring peace to our country: </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>where there is hatred and division,
bring your love and acceptance. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there are men and women </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>who are fighting
in wars,</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>bring a solution and safety. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there are natural disasters, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>bring
help. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there are acts of hatred, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>may peacemakers rise up to spread your
word. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Lord Jesus, we invite you.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Messiah, Emmanuel, as God who dwelt among us in the flesh, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>you held out your hand </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>to include the outcasts, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>and you lived </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>as though the
world were full of people </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>just waiting to be loved. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>In our lives,</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i> where there
are family members we struggle to spend the holiday with, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>may we be agents of
your peace. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there are people being ugly at department stores </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>or in the
Amazon comment section, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>may we be agents of your peace. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there are hurt
feelings </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>and cranky toddlers and bitter teenagers, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>where there is anger and
brokenness, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>may we be agents of your peace. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Lord Jesus, we invite you.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Spirit of the Living God, as the power that breathes your
spirit in us, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>you seep into every millimeter of our being. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>You know us
entirely, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>physically, emotionally, and spiritually. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is doubt, bring
us serenity. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is fear, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>bring us a sigh of relief. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is
illness, bring us your strength. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is injury, bring us your patience. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is stress, bring us your calm. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Where there is chaos, bring us the
deafening silence of your snowy-calm peace, </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>that we may learn to look for your
quiet, restful presence </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>even in the most bustling of times. </i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>Lord Jesus, we
invite you.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><i>In this season of Advent, we wait for your coming, and we
invite you into our lives, in much the same way that you, Lord Jesus, invite
us. You invite us to be your disciples and to follow your ways. May we do so this day and every day, in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Have a blessed snow day everyone!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<br />Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-74999638392385368992018-06-06T13:26:00.003-07:002018-06-06T13:33:48.295-07:00Inspired: Reflections on Year of the Bible, Rachel Held Evans, and the Halfway Point of 2018<div style="text-align: center;">
Rarely in my life has a year been so singularly focused in my spiritual journey than 2018. At the beginning of the year, Unity Presbyterian Church undertook the journey of reading the Bible through one year, and Alex and I vigorously signed our names to the banner committing to Bible reading time as a couple for the first time in our 8 years together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took on this challenge for several reasons: I haven't read the Bible from cover to cover since my freshman year of college; I wanted this chance for Alex and I to do this together; I wanted to walk with the congregation I serve as they take on this challenge. But I would say one of the great motivating factors was my stubbornness. I want to take the bible <b>seriously. </b>I want to make myself uncomfortable with the gritty, violent episodes of the Old Testament and wrestle with the seemingly chauvinist, non-inclusive axioms of the New Testament. I didn't want anyone to be able to accuse me of not taking the Bible <b>seriously.</b> (Not always literally, but seriously. theres a difference).<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq1b3MRMeYctAihGEPZajPcGedUfUakw1QVg3Ap7qDccCOqB1DTglEeof9UQELD_-njR5g_1f3Z65bVwG0btRLqIq39cMmlTiStoTunY9kNGtKrUHj6fIPn7MFm9mrJkeF-CR0dUAqVE/s1600/woman-with-hand-over-her-mouth-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzq1b3MRMeYctAihGEPZajPcGedUfUakw1QVg3Ap7qDccCOqB1DTglEeof9UQELD_-njR5g_1f3Z65bVwG0btRLqIq39cMmlTiStoTunY9kNGtKrUHj6fIPn7MFm9mrJkeF-CR0dUAqVE/s320/woman-with-hand-over-her-mouth-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://ladyclever.com/culture/on-why-certain-words-are-still-more-than-just-words/attachment/woman-with-hand-over-her-mouth-2/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Warning: I'm about to say something shocking:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really don't care for Christian writings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've read so many memoirs, self-help books, trendy new understandings of faith, and with very few exceptions (basically just Lauren Winner), I overall find Christian writing to be lazy, self-centered, and overly simplified. I've often wondered why we offer simple, trite, McDonaldized art to the Almighty God who demands our very best. So, needless to say, when faced with the opportunity to read an advanced copy of <b>Rachel Held Evans' </b>new book called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Inspired</i>, I approached this reading with a strange combination of trepidation and excitement. <i>I wanted to fall in love with scripture again, but I was terrified to have my heart broken.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inspired-Slaying-Giants-Walking-Loving/dp/0718022319"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="329" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqXI-7Dt9ykIWz5fMaVXazBTWHw4aLXAo829dowQgctQSplrZHgyGGkGZLcE2bIIGHA-tBNxJFAur2JjpbeAr-8cVtS5X3Cy8wFS7_CgUhDLceZl0oKH5oXA_aoDIYCzpYy5qH50H7M0/s320/inspired.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
**********************</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began to read Rachel Held Evans' work with my same skepticism. After all, I'm a pastor. I have two degrees in theology, and multiple awards for my Bible Trivia knowledge; I'm a gosh darn Bible genius, and I'll probably end up going through the book like a red pen on Red Bull, making theological corrections and poking holes into inferior insights. That is, if I can deflate my head long enough to see the words on the page...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV71MSUjzV-4vG81J09zqlaIbZrP6aCyOQhPyqPeMgXwnhTegLPIycmGfH2R-E3Cj1fs6A3K7tGRSNBgvoMtFhgqWbe4wO8trQ6lA2uPlAd69tyqfm3nGlUd9e5Im7i6UsfNqgThfu6E/s1600/super+cool+pastor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="679" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV71MSUjzV-4vG81J09zqlaIbZrP6aCyOQhPyqPeMgXwnhTegLPIycmGfH2R-E3Cj1fs6A3K7tGRSNBgvoMtFhgqWbe4wO8trQ6lA2uPlAd69tyqfm3nGlUd9e5Im7i6UsfNqgThfu6E/s320/super+cool+pastor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Never-Dreamed-Would-Pastor-T-Shirt/dp/B01M3YRM66"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><br />
But this skepticism faded away rather quickly. There was something seductive, earthy, and tangible about the words that flutter across the pages of this book. Whimsical, reimagined stories; gritty, raw confessions; thoughtful, challenging assessments. <i>Inspired</i> is a beautifully written collection of creative stories based on scripture paired with thoughtful, academic-but-readable reflections on scripture. Even with my academic background and my stubborn attitude, I found myself captivated on Evans' every word, drawn in like a fish on a hook.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijan8Oop8Mg0nwlN6tPvITTxH295d6moeykgnpXaUkJpTf5qER2hS0ckSszMf064CVntAY7a12stuMbNKwX7HaIWtYug61G-QG-xDlX780f55oMWo6Jale3Vguh9tjzesmeFxQ5Q2Viw/s1600/inspired+quote+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijan8Oop8Mg0nwlN6tPvITTxH295d6moeykgnpXaUkJpTf5qER2hS0ckSszMf064CVntAY7a12stuMbNKwX7HaIWtYug61G-QG-xDlX780f55oMWo6Jale3Vguh9tjzesmeFxQ5Q2Viw/s320/inspired+quote+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The timing of reading this book alongside my journey through <i>Year of the Bible</i> was one of those serendipitous coincidences, kind of like buying Chips Ahoy and realizing you also have a can of Reddiwhip {best combination, or best combination? AmIRight?} Or maybe more appropriately, like breaking your leg in the parking lot of the emergency room. As I labor through the onerous task of Bible reading, I found <i>Inspired </i>to be a literal source of inspiration for me, a fount of realistic optimism, a fresh ointment for an old wound. Rachel has set up the chapters according to genre and roughly in sequence throughout the Bible. If I had had this at the beginning of the year, I would have led a small group to read through it alongside their Bible readings as a way of giving new perspective to challenging stories and encouragement when we get bogged down with the depressing stories of Judges and Kings. As is, I will be encouraging this as a study for the latter half of the year for our congregation. With a study guide available, this would be a highly engaging and easy-to-pull-off study for small groups or congregations. Rachel's theology is very much in line with mainline denominations, and her appeal stretches among multiple generations, genders, cultures, socio-economic statuses, and walks of life.<br />
<br />
*********************<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51apF5dztcP-xrzPPZRek5PzNxwtIHVoGleJKv1JjqO0Zr2xLP2x5OGa0oTSVRL9zS2Ehd5FUYKxXHhgBknXxG8zdvyr80chU96BRccdUdENpjEp5PsXL1tZ6Jp-Oj3rN8jc5VEs1S3A/s1600/inspired+quote+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51apF5dztcP-xrzPPZRek5PzNxwtIHVoGleJKv1JjqO0Zr2xLP2x5OGa0oTSVRL9zS2Ehd5FUYKxXHhgBknXxG8zdvyr80chU96BRccdUdENpjEp5PsXL1tZ6Jp-Oj3rN8jc5VEs1S3A/s320/inspired+quote+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The most compelling part of <i>Inspired</i> in my experience was the chapter entitled "Resistance Stories." In the world right now, progressive Christianity has a lot of wind in its sails. The PCUSA among other denominations made ground-breaking decisions about inclusion of the LGBTQ community with regard to marriage and ordination; protest marchers at the Women's March and March for our Lives touted signs with Christian messages; and more and more we are seeing people who are followers of Jesus Christ who look, believe, and act differently than we may have imagined 20 years ago. However, all too often, we progressives aren't leaning on Scripture or going back to the Bible to understand our world. Instead, we are dismissing parts of scripture as old, irrelevant, or too difficult.<br />
<br />
What I love about <i>Inspired</i>, in particular the chapter on "Resistance Stories" is that Rachel gives us a very clear, biblical approach to social justice in our world. While much of this book reflects views that can be found in other academic works, her attachment to storytelling and scripturally sound theological perspective are unique and authoritative. <b>This is the progressive manifesto we need in today's times.</b> And while she offers an unapologetic progressive viewpoint, I find it to be compelling to a variety of political, theological and social perspectives.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>An apocalyptic event or vision, therefore, reveals things as they really are. It peels back the layers of pomp and pretense, fear and uncertainty to expose the true forces at work in the world...</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Without accusation, persecution, or blame, Evans exposes the idolatry, power differentiation, and syncretism of our world today in a way that all of us can connect to.<br />
<br />
*****************<br />
<br />
Maybe you're like me and you're looking for someone to put your heartfelt struggle with scripture into eloquent words. Maybe you've never read the Bible and are looking for some guidance about how to start. Maybe you've read the Bible a million times and are looking for a fresh new perspective. Maybe it's time we all felt a little more..inspired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JYU1Mi-FZNyD9I-MzOvFzTnExtgHKLA6QUqrKEq2XazqfZADa4iLHaDWD1UlX-Wls3BVdAVpZ_nsK8rv-N0OMLpzNb6D130SOgKSohEZxUPwOws5dM7u-H557TBAd2oRGJSfwgVFE-o/s1600/inspired+quote+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="788" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JYU1Mi-FZNyD9I-MzOvFzTnExtgHKLA6QUqrKEq2XazqfZADa4iLHaDWD1UlX-Wls3BVdAVpZ_nsK8rv-N0OMLpzNb6D130SOgKSohEZxUPwOws5dM7u-H557TBAd2oRGJSfwgVFE-o/s320/inspired+quote+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-53001834240185430132017-11-13T09:25:00.002-08:002017-11-13T09:25:14.343-08:00The Santa Claus Dilemma<div style="text-align: center;">
More than once in the last week or two, I've had conversations with parents of elementary and middle school aged students about Santa Claus. As children in late elementary school and early middle school develop, learning logic and rational thinking, they begin to develop questions: how does Santa make it all the way around the world in one night? How does Santa's sleigh carry the weight of all those presents? Why do bad kids sometimes get lots of presents? (Or as we ask in Pittsburgh, "Hows come them jagoffs didn't get no coal, n'at?")</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZeU3Wxq59MS_Fk1jJC72aHXTWnJ-W2EUjY2uJ3fhRgz9nIv6ZUxFpRzgvkoBFCxZfGBMY-pIMKVeAIM3BUfEP1IXxVLTkEPSzCQtVX1AITbOmOK5Fi43RX8U_vhk2QOELEdMPxt-oSo/s1600/santa+shhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZeU3Wxq59MS_Fk1jJC72aHXTWnJ-W2EUjY2uJ3fhRgz9nIv6ZUxFpRzgvkoBFCxZfGBMY-pIMKVeAIM3BUfEP1IXxVLTkEPSzCQtVX1AITbOmOK5Fi43RX8U_vhk2QOELEdMPxt-oSo/s1600/santa+shhh.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[<a href="http://timbuktu.me/blog/how-to-deal-with-mom-is-santa-real/">source</a>]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{As a side note, how creepy is this picture of Santa? And why are there so many pictures of Santa telling us to be quiet?}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eventually these questions evolve into: "Is Santa Claus real?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a fundamentally hard question for parents to answer. In answering truthfully, we admit that we've been in essence lying to our kids for years; it feels like we've taken away with one word the twinkle and sparkle of innocent childhood. It is a transition for us to understand our awkward teeny-boppers as mini-adults. It is almost akin to baby's first steps: our world will never be quite the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So there are lots of ways to respond to this question, and I thought I would leave you with some blogs of real parents and how they've responded to the question.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Telling-Kids-Truth-About-Santa-27332439"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Sweetest Way to Tell Kids the Truth About Santa</span></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one tells us how to capture the spirit of who Santa is and the lessons we can learn from the Santa Claus myth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.today.com/parents/santa-real-handling-santa-talk-your-kids-t105765">The Santa Mission</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one empowers older kids to bring the Santa Claus spirit to others in their family and community.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-watson/my-open-letter-to-my-elev_b_4495380.html">The Real St. Nick</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one gives a good history of the real St. Nicholas and how his "spirit of giving" lives on through the Santa Claus myth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are lots of other ways, and I would love to hear your experiences! Let's work together to teach our children and youth to be caring people, to believe in things they can't see, and to believe that there is so much more good in the world than we know.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-5731118604647578512017-10-30T09:42:00.005-07:002017-10-30T09:42:37.573-07:00Reforma Et Semper Reformanda<div style="text-align: center;">
Tomorrow, aside from being Halloween, is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Protestants all over the world are celebrating, commemorating, and otherwise memorializing the historic split from the Roman Catholic Church. Most homes right now are focused on Halloween costumes and decorating pumpkins; in my house, we've spent countless hours debating the significance of this anniversary (that's what happens when seminary grads marry each other). Jeannie wove some of the significance seamlessly into her sermon yesterday (which in case you missed it can be viewed <a href="http://unityfortmill.org/live">here</a>). So I thought I would piggyback today to say why this date is important and how it affects our current church.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
A semi-boring history lesson</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi7FVZ_29q745fjll7mh6OMpi9C3fzFrofpCCX4WnOJQWSAB1_ZLFb2hjodgicJfcSeNpQl9T9WWm5HUW-HsPzBEqNM0kVpCKm7fFCzzUcDcpWg3_2g0wLW9zyg-YmZr61yVRjeBiB-8/s1600/martin-luther-9389283-1-402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi7FVZ_29q745fjll7mh6OMpi9C3fzFrofpCCX4WnOJQWSAB1_ZLFb2hjodgicJfcSeNpQl9T9WWm5HUW-HsPzBEqNM0kVpCKm7fFCzzUcDcpWg3_2g0wLW9zyg-YmZr61yVRjeBiB-8/s1600/martin-luther-9389283-1-402.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.biography.com/people/martin-luther-9389283"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me give you a 60 second summary of what you learned back in 10th grade World History about the Reformation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First, there's the Roman Catholic Church. At the time, most people were uneducated and poor, and they relied on the Catholic Church as a place of comfort and help. As family members died of disease or war, or when the land refused to yield crops, the people of Europe came to Catholic Priests for assurance that their loved ones would be at peace. Most of the Catholic Priests followed traditions, telling them to pray to saints and pray for their family members now residing in purgatory and to resist the power of sin. Some Catholic Priests saw an opportunity to advance the wealth of the church (or of themselves) and manipulated people by saying that in order for their family member to be saved or for them to be saved themselves, they needed to give a certain amount of money or large donation to the Catholic Church. This practice was called <b>indulgences</b>. Because the Roman Catholic Church is a church that is made up of a lot of humans, who are both capable of great good and great evil, the church was not perfect, and had lots of ways it could improve. But the "management" so-to-speak either didn't hear it or didn't care because the majority of people didn't realize what was going on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So on October 31, 1517, a Roman Catholic monk named Martin Luther wrote down 95 ways he felt the church could improve and fix some of its corruption. These were called the 95 Theses. And he nailed these Theses to the church door.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsoZdmI-dn5DzOu2qta20W3jfAF2dgpk-w6qsSMoSbNBl57LJrXwCG47uVZ9c0ofnXGfYGpMVLgJjiEVcrWHaynu7lAKnVmgmFDjrlLKaTXytUrP2Mi580wogMNDZIJwJHOsD7BZOnj4/s1600/nbcM9a9TyrfWdcpD9mEKqirF.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="560" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsoZdmI-dn5DzOu2qta20W3jfAF2dgpk-w6qsSMoSbNBl57LJrXwCG47uVZ9c0ofnXGfYGpMVLgJjiEVcrWHaynu7lAKnVmgmFDjrlLKaTXytUrP2Mi580wogMNDZIJwJHOsD7BZOnj4/s320/nbcM9a9TyrfWdcpD9mEKqirF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thinglink.com/scene/849646792105525250"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, Martin Luther didn't really want to ditch the church; he loved Roman Catholicism and just wanted it to be the best version of itself it could be. But last time I checked, just writing down a list of complaints and nailing them to the church door isn't maybe the cleanest and least offensive way of making change.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of Luther's main objectives was to make sure that all people could read and hear the Bible in their own language, something that had never been done before (all worship services were done in Latin, and a lot of people couldn't read). It so happens that the planets aligned and through the recent invention of the printing press, a German version of the Bible wasn't a far-off dream, something Luther worked for in his lifetime. With this new information and this first step, other men and women began writing and speaking and thinking about ways to make the church different and better, and many of these folks weren't so keen to stick with the Roman Catholic Church (OR the RCC wasn't too keen on keeping them around either).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of these folks was John Calvin, who was the father of the Reformed tradition, which eventually through John Knox in Scotland, produces the Presbyterian Church. John Knox borrowed a lot of theology about the sovereignty of God, about our understanding of sin, and about our understanding of salvation from the theology of John Calvin (who was practicing it in Switzerland). Knox combined this theology with a form of governing by the people to develop Presbyterianism as it is today. The Presbyterian Church form of government was adopted in part by the founding fathers of the United States to serve as a model for our country's government. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Semper Reformanda</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Reformation was famous for its witty slogans which included: sola scriptura (scripture alone!) and sola gratia ([we are saved] by grace alone) and soli deo gloria (glory to God alone). I like to imagine the reformer men wildly shouting them as though they were at a football game.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJS_9fm6HHEY0WKzrccNl2cNqHhc-i49LGLOOxAwWSrI1dBmT8dJrOiAnIuEP_mXszaKyep7U_5FT0V3JNp4azbcDDRmpFawsk7VvdkeZX7b0QlAeATzbjUDysyiWKZbICeEdZpBaFz8/s1600/protest+ants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="593" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJS_9fm6HHEY0WKzrccNl2cNqHhc-i49LGLOOxAwWSrI1dBmT8dJrOiAnIuEP_mXszaKyep7U_5FT0V3JNp4azbcDDRmpFawsk7VvdkeZX7b0QlAeATzbjUDysyiWKZbICeEdZpBaFz8/s320/protest+ants.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://reformationhelp.weebly.com/entertaining.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The one, however, that in my estimation is most important for this anniversary is this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">reforma et semper reformanda</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Reformed and <b>always being reformed</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You see, when Luther nailed those theses and Calvin wrote the Institutes, they opened up this big can of worms. Suddenly, it wasn't just 95 issues that Luther had with the church, it was 95 issues per congregation member in every church. It was not as though we could get through this list of issues and then go back to being perfect again; it was an acknowledgement that the church <b><i>has never been perfect.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we believe that human beings can never obtain perfection, that we are both sinners and saints, and we acknowledge that we bring both the sin and the saintliness into our congregations, we must then also recognize that the Reformation can never end. There will always be weeds to be weeded out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That said, not every weed is really a weed. If I got to list my complaints, chief among them would be the uncomfortable pews. But just because I don't like it doesn't mean it's the way the church should reform itself. The second part of the phrase, and always being reformed, is often misquoted as "always reforming." While this is true, I prefer the grammatically correct, "always being reformed" because it reminds us that our reforming should always be inspired by the Holy Spirit. We are always being reformed <b>by God.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Fractures and Healing</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This idea that God is constantly reforming us is important for the church, as in all the churches of Jesus Christ around the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>We don't get to own perfection as Protestants</b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because it's God doing the reforming and not us, it doesn't make Protestants more right than Catholics. In recent history, God has made reforms within the Roman Catholic Church with regard to speaking in the same language of the people and ethical codes for priests. In fact, almost everything Luther took issue with 500 years ago has been remedied.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And while there are many reforms that I think have been definitively the right moves for our church (like women's ordination and the adoption of the Belhar Confession), there are a lot of moves I think we are still trying to figure out if they're the most faithful. Like how do we deal with food allergies in communion, or should we have wine?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The truth of the phrase the church is "reformed and always being reformed" is important because we believe God is reforming <b>all of the churches</b> by the power of the Holy Spirit. This keeps the church relevant today rather than a time capsule of memories. It shows that God's promises are true for all of humankind in every generation and location, though they might look different according to culture. Nobody is forgotten; nobody is left behind. Perhaps the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is a chance for us to reclaim and rekindle our relationships with and respect for our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiR51eexfDPWw8s11brAqHEnSuwQ9BdjHxqWlzdW7plasV_8xnWBXcB8_6DTGkPH-uxg_1LwYJiuYu1G5XE4jjGybDlMDTX_tpfsOai1AA8ssVDw29lsi5_SG-W5IYTiKdTKFp6y35es/s1600/ead-stacked-hands-topper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="630" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiR51eexfDPWw8s11brAqHEnSuwQ9BdjHxqWlzdW7plasV_8xnWBXcB8_6DTGkPH-uxg_1LwYJiuYu1G5XE4jjGybDlMDTX_tpfsOai1AA8ssVDw29lsi5_SG-W5IYTiKdTKFp6y35es/s320/ead-stacked-hands-topper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://advocacydays.org/2017-confronting-chaos/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Long Distance Family</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My brother is four years younger than me. He is one of my best and closest friends; in fact, in high school we were so close, our youth group called us The McCarty Twins. While we have bickered as any siblings do, we have never been mean or stayed mad at each other for long periods of time. We've always been on the same team and we enjoy spending time together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSQYGbdI5VanjPmEvixHUYqD6JYXPmqLxFvjEN3yulYqM2hUwnj9bvNXzpHeuJZ8MwEGkF2DocV2wk0UdzSGZOdLNvcrjEUoXxKd6Tdd540WXluQJu8eM4EpUNa7k_ps0_VTLYSDOKz4/s1600/childhood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSQYGbdI5VanjPmEvixHUYqD6JYXPmqLxFvjEN3yulYqM2hUwnj9bvNXzpHeuJZ8MwEGkF2DocV2wk0UdzSGZOdLNvcrjEUoXxKd6Tdd540WXluQJu8eM4EpUNa7k_ps0_VTLYSDOKz4/s320/childhood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmvif93WJATilVu9gId5Jk0GY5FfLX27WMa-mR-EdgS1exIyYi64g8HmdWzqNehi_nwrqwVXHrR6WvRDLtMB1JwWBSreAlokHboIkn5z3JOZtutHIOTciGWjoodPgsWFzQp3p-SPtRaw/s1600/mothers+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="716" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmvif93WJATilVu9gId5Jk0GY5FfLX27WMa-mR-EdgS1exIyYi64g8HmdWzqNehi_nwrqwVXHrR6WvRDLtMB1JwWBSreAlokHboIkn5z3JOZtutHIOTciGWjoodPgsWFzQp3p-SPtRaw/s320/mothers+day.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love my brother. But I hope I never have to live with him again. At our age, we are better friends and better siblings because we do not live in the same house. This is not a dig at my brother or myself; simply put, we have different housekeeping standards and expectations, we have different social needs, and we are in different places in our lives. This isn't a negative thing in our relationship; on the contrary, it just shows where we are in life. The distance often enriches rather than harms our relationship.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is true in the church as well. Sometimes I think we can love our brothers and sisters in Christ better when we don't live in the same house. I have dear friends who are pastors in the Methodist, Baptist, and Episcopalian traditions, and we could argue all day long about our theological differences. But I love and respect each of them for the role they play in the larger Kingdom of God. Because we live in different houses, we can serve God better and love one another more. I know it's weird and foreign in our culture to think something "different" isn't necessarily better or worse than what we know, but if we as Christians could learn to see our denominational differences as ways God is continuing to reform our communities, perhaps we could learn to respect and love the way God is using each of us to do God's work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
We still have work to do...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the most important thing I think the 500th anniversary of the Reformation calls us to is the continued faithful discernment of reformation in our own congregations. Unity is preparing to wish a happy retirement to Pastor Dan and to welcome Pastor Mark to our church as the Interim. We are preparing for a journey of discernment, change, and thoughtfulness, as we begin the process of finding a new permanent pastor to step in after Dan's long tenure. The theme of our lives right now is reformation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are a church with 1300 members that sees about 50-75 visitors <b>on average</b> each Sunday. We see over 100 youth and over 100 children each Sunday through our various programs; we have members from infancy through 102 years old. We have missions and youth groups and dinners and women's circles and choirs and banners and...and...and... the list could go on and on. As we grow, it's time to think about what weeding and reforming God is going to be doing with our congregation. There may be friends who choose to live in a different house for a while, or permanently, but that is OK. There may be ministries that lose energy or become something different, but that is OK. There may be some things that feel uncomfortable or awkward, there may be mornings we just weep as we grieve this changing experience, and there may be days when we worry, but that too is OK. God has a plan for Unity Presbyterian Church, and all of it is a part of this reforming and refining process that Luther started 500 years ago. Unity, in fact, has been around almost half as long as the Reformation, and we wouldn't be where we are if we hadn't prayerfully discerned God's constant reformation in our community over the past 230 years. As we ring into November first, I will be actively holding our community in prayer for this reformation process, and I hope you will be too.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-53201683661605711402017-10-23T11:25:00.001-07:002017-10-23T11:25:53.235-07:00Praying for you...<div style="text-align: center;">
When it would come time for prayer in the worship service, my mother would silently remind my brother and me to bow our heads, fold our hands, and close our eyes to observe the time. Neither my brother nor I were particularly enamored by this time. I would press my folded hands into my eyes and watch the "firework display" until my eyeballs hurt; my brother crawled under the pew to color with crayons the boots of the fellow in front of us. I can remember the pastor droning on from the pulpit; I remember wondering how someone who was so funny and interesting at Vacation Bible School could be so dang boring when he started the Prayer of the People.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj4jfAAIkzfz9O-PvdXoyOGmD4qdxa4FwN8Uqr8YKUe_dfFB3cPXuGQjAT8l2txF5_MAMobFahRup9pNga8j10V_DiwRLhjdKq39iKZeXv3kCm6BObtbRe0KKrUwGYrv2GklGwcys3pA/s1600/sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="736" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifj4jfAAIkzfz9O-PvdXoyOGmD4qdxa4FwN8Uqr8YKUe_dfFB3cPXuGQjAT8l2txF5_MAMobFahRup9pNga8j10V_DiwRLhjdKq39iKZeXv3kCm6BObtbRe0KKrUwGYrv2GklGwcys3pA/s320/sleeping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/Christianmemes/catholic-memes/?autologin=true"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure many of you have similar stories about dozing off or checking your text messages during the long prayers in worship. And right now, my social media is full of people commanding me to pray for something or criticizing politicians for their tweets for prayers. Prayer has been on my mind lately, so I thought I would blog about some of the misconceptions about prayers and some of the ways that I have grown to understand prayer as an important piece of my spiritual journey. Here 8 myths about prayer and some reflection on why these are wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#8: Praying for things is a form of therapy to make us feel better.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Throughout my life, when things have gotten difficult, prayer has sometimes been helpful to calm my anxieties and give me a sense of peace about a particular issue. There is certainly truth to that. But this understanding of prayer can be misleading and taken to an extreme.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ultimately, prayer is not about us. Churches have taught us to kneel, bow our heads, fold our hands, and close our eyes, not [only] because it keeps wiggly kids from wandering off, but because it is a reminder to us as adults that we come before God as beggars, as those in need of God's mercy. Ultimately, prayer is a form of worship and praise of God. It is about giving God glory and honor, not about our personal agenda. <i>We don't bring our requests to God so that God will give us what we want; we bring our requests to God because we recognize that we can't control what is happening and we need to hand over our cares to God, who is in control.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ZsBq87XwR158myzD6y_d0hS6q1Obd6rY-A6p2YHKQpKPrxs6U5Y7pPPtG36cixAQBEhr2LvTAuDHmSNHMYqlPruT433saQU52PzO5wVIY3STFco-m0BrjP5RiHmx8y4Qn7xcfvshxM/s1600/pray+it+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1ZsBq87XwR158myzD6y_d0hS6q1Obd6rY-A6p2YHKQpKPrxs6U5Y7pPPtG36cixAQBEhr2LvTAuDHmSNHMYqlPruT433saQU52PzO5wVIY3STFco-m0BrjP5RiHmx8y4Qn7xcfvshxM/s320/pray+it+off.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/MyJesusJoy/funny-christian-memes/?lp=true"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Jesus teaches about prayer in Matthew 6, he shows us that this humility is important. He tells us to go inside to pray, rather than flaunting our fancy prayers and bragging about our abilities in the streets. His prayer begins by giving honor and glory to God the Father (<b>hallowed by Thy name</b>); it continues with <b>Your Will be done, </b>not my will, not what I hope is going to happen, but Yours. Period. No matter what. While praying might produce a sense of calm (Philippians 4), that's not the reason or motivation for prayer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#7: If we don't say it, God doesn't hear it.</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once there was some questionable ice coming down as students were leaving school. As I drove home, it briefly fluttered to my mind to worry about school letting out at this time, but I didn't give it a second thought until much later. I went home to put my thick wool socks on and cuddle up under a warm blanket, and it wasn't until after dinner that I looked at my phone to see that I had a message from a parent asking me to pray for the youth who were driving home. Of course this was 3 or 4 hours ago, but I wanted to affirm this prayer. Of course, I hadn't actually prayed out loud, except a prayer after the fact of thanks that the kids were home safely. I hadn't named those prayers; do they still count?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2E3rfU_jVsSQ1q6-qCOttEn5hZ1mH85I9ZiB8lnOtduoEDwq-aDm2q-nwqifWxdJTeZ8EHnRGFUyjuD8676YeXMd7GqCpBdH02FChU0ixLta5OObaUDqcHogt-CYRHVaMoK1D06vMfU/s1600/shame.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2E3rfU_jVsSQ1q6-qCOttEn5hZ1mH85I9ZiB8lnOtduoEDwq-aDm2q-nwqifWxdJTeZ8EHnRGFUyjuD8676YeXMd7GqCpBdH02FChU0ixLta5OObaUDqcHogt-CYRHVaMoK1D06vMfU/s320/shame.gif" width="289" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://tenor.com/search/embarrassed-gifs"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scripture is pretty clear on this one: you don't need to have a list of names or a grammatically correct sentence or even to have verbalized the prayer at all. In Matthew 6, Jesus says,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even more, Romans 8 tells us:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This feels sometimes like both a comfort and a curse. On one hand, when I've forgotten or run out of time or I didn't know what to pray for in the first place, I don't have to make myself feel terribly guilty because God knows before we ask. On the other hand, it means we aren't in control. It wasn't us that fixed it by naming it; it was God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#6: More Prayers = More Results</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"She needs all the prayers she can get." It's a phrase I've heard myself say because it expresses for us the desperation and the need for prayer; it's a wonderful way to invite others into prayer. And there is something spiritually wonderful when large groups of people come together in prayer for one thing. Powerful!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf72jRu5rsGF_UVGQ_LWAa61YrCIQyS7BhsPJacvMxJndPDEc5rj9O1OwnynRflTYr6qJooEvWoUqOFwew7Y6_s-u6iu0GvsZXceaInhQ6sOcxyWxkWF3cWJfUhMpMwVrlrerI1_zr80M/s1600/prayer+warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf72jRu5rsGF_UVGQ_LWAa61YrCIQyS7BhsPJacvMxJndPDEc5rj9O1OwnynRflTYr6qJooEvWoUqOFwew7Y6_s-u6iu0GvsZXceaInhQ6sOcxyWxkWF3cWJfUhMpMwVrlrerI1_zr80M/s320/prayer+warrior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/prayer-meme/?lp=true"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I don't know of anywhere in scripture that says that if you pray more often or have hundreds of people praying for something, that God somehow hears it more. And if we worship a God who knows our hearts, who counts the hairs on our heads, and who cares for the sparrow, we have to know that God hears even our smallest whisper. And if we look back, we know that prayer isn't just about getting what we want or asking for our own personal will to be done, so "results" don't have a direct correlation with "answers."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#5: What does it mean when God "answers" prayer?</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before cars had bluetooth and before you could talk on speakerphone while driving, I would occasionally pray out loud while I was driving home from work. I would think to myself that the other drivers I was passing might think I was talking to myself. And I'd be lying if I didn't ever feel the creep of doubt and despair at the idea that I was talking to silence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7nmQIBTQTZftjZCKsV380zdOZA6x-eiIX6tH5H1-NwPmU-ikkw-8w8bgsG9D7txu_wuFQYasrzyhzCSY2rcMoy5uypmsFXDbOyIvIKJQI1ppsTSDU2iaSAm05AoVlJiJEoyylZ7xQw8/s1600/pope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7nmQIBTQTZftjZCKsV380zdOZA6x-eiIX6tH5H1-NwPmU-ikkw-8w8bgsG9D7txu_wuFQYasrzyhzCSY2rcMoy5uypmsFXDbOyIvIKJQI1ppsTSDU2iaSAm05AoVlJiJEoyylZ7xQw8/s1600/pope.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.weareglory.com/blog/n-jeez-nameyour-turn-to-pray"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(^^ actual footage of me praying in my car...)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The idea that God "answers" prayer seems to assume that prayer is a question. But prayer does not have to be a question. It might be an expression of gratitude or thanks, a wail of mourning or a cry of pain; while we certainly ask for things like making the sick well or making our troubles go away, prayer is also the acknowledgement that Jesus shows us in Luke 22 when he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done." Most of the time, it seems to me that the answered prayer we are looking for is something we can bank as proof that God exists. It seems like the question we are asking in prayer is, does God exist? Are you <b>there</b>, God?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Asking if God is there is a good question: it's a question that was asked by Moses at the burning bush and Paul on the road to Damascus. It's a question that helps us tell the difference between God's work and the work of something else. But perhaps it's unreasonable or even audacious to ask for God to <b>prove</b> to us that God exists by giving us what we want or performing some miracle for our benefit. When we are requesting things of God, we need to remember that our expected outcome comes from our limited human experience; God's response to these requests does not need to fit into our understanding. The fact that Aunt Susan didn't get well does not negate God's mercy and kindness; Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead but many others died and stayed dead. The fact that cousin Jimmy got a cancer diagnosis does not mean that God is punishing us; plenty of bad things happened to Jesus, including torture, betrayal and execution, but God was not punishing him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bottom line: when we pray, perhaps we need to redefine what it would mean for God to answer us...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#4: Prayers to you. Our prayers go out to you.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is one of my personal pet peeves. It's fairly common even on a show like the Today's Show for a speaker to say, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to you," when a tragedy or disaster strikes. Even in my smaller circles who are praying for A's on tests and angry parents, I see folks saying, "Prayers to you." And sometimes people even ask for prayers or good vibes to be sent their way. And all I can think of is this ridiculous magical juju...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenIPpqYxobQeOzshc2SUWz6TeH_qDk49nXGc3xQ8tO5CrzZnwW9vRGsQWaOmvVp4yqprhyhD8TATuq-VUbKP1dvRRDNr0RobJ_YiGJhJtsk9gwqse_1rUnPGxBoNyomYs-op1kC-gY0Y/s1600/sending-good-vibes-zazzle-zingi-your-way-%25E2%2598%2587%25E2%2598%2587%25E2%2598%2587-8400669.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenIPpqYxobQeOzshc2SUWz6TeH_qDk49nXGc3xQ8tO5CrzZnwW9vRGsQWaOmvVp4yqprhyhD8TATuq-VUbKP1dvRRDNr0RobJ_YiGJhJtsk9gwqse_1rUnPGxBoNyomYs-op1kC-gY0Y/s320/sending-good-vibes-zazzle-zingi-your-way-%25E2%2598%2587%25E2%2598%2587%25E2%2598%2587-8400669.png" width="282" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://me.me/t/sending-good-vibes?s=new"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't get me wrong. I want people who are struggling to know that I am thinking about them, whether they are in grief or stress or just need to know someone else is out there. I also want people to know that I'm lifting them to Jesus in prayer so that they can derive comfort from that fact. But if we're sending our prayers to other people or we are praying TO them, well, that just ain't right. That's golden calf, idols, Baal worship kinda stuff. The Ten Commandments warn us against this, telling us not to have any God but The Lord. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might seem like simple semantics, the kind of thing only pastors worry about, but I think it's important and here's why. When it's just another word for good vibes and thoughts and spirit fingers, prayer doesn't mean the same thing. It's a horizontal connection between me and you. That horizontal connection is good, but it's not the end of it. Prayer is when I take that horizontal connection and invite the vertical one, the one that connects both of us to God. When I think of prayers on behalf of others (intercessory prayer), I think of the story of the the paralytic in Mark chapter 2. The man is lying on his mat, and his friends carry him to Jesus. They can't get in the front door, so instead of leaving him or giving him only the comfort they could provide, the lift him up, dig a hole in the roof, and lower him into Jesus' presence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2aVoPg2LJvA_sfn2A6sAhTbzWfie5Gb_cq7AJJpGr0LunLrOC4VisjYd6qSQ0WxhwmKFEYpDue_5DIV5lYR0J259mU1jjDL01FluT1QgWZjLLu2Y1TpiTxdibW6toBXKFMEEz_GIj0M/s1600/paralytic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2aVoPg2LJvA_sfn2A6sAhTbzWfie5Gb_cq7AJJpGr0LunLrOC4VisjYd6qSQ0WxhwmKFEYpDue_5DIV5lYR0J259mU1jjDL01FluT1QgWZjLLu2Y1TpiTxdibW6toBXKFMEEz_GIj0M/s1600/paralytic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://setfreetoday.wordpress.com/tag/jesus-heals-a-paralytic/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guys - intercessory prayer is so much more than sending our own thoughts and juju to our friends who are suffering. It is the acknowledgement, that what ails you, what makes you suffer, what brings you pain is beyond my capabilities to fix, so I lift you to the one who is able to abundantly more than what we could ever hope or imagine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#3: Prayer is always intercessory, a wish list, a list of names.</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was growing up, I had a Sunday School teacher who had written on a slip of paper in the front of her Bible the names of folks she prayed for every night. Then and now, I find this practice to be so movingly beautiful. I love and respect folks who have a spiritual gift of lifting folks to God in prayer. But for the longest time, I thought that this was all prayer was. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scripture shows us, however, that prayer occurs in a wide variety of ways. We find prayers of praise in Exodus when the Israelites come out of the dessert, prayers of confession in 2 Samuel after David commits adultery, prayers for strength in Joshua, and prayers for help in Esther. We find Jeremiah angrily cursing God and Jesus wrestling with God's will in the Garden of Gethsemane. We find David dancing with all his might and widows mourning and wailing. We find Eli praying for God to show himself and Job praying to be left alone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prayer, it would seem, has a lot of room for variation. It doesn't need to look the same for everyone and at all times. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#2: Prayer is always talking</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I think of prayer like the movie <i>Bruce Almighty</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzYrHCPS1VNT0bb0oRIPLkD21IcJYeunJB0CxBb27IdKpeNiiz0n4bpGq2ZfgK1Wr-V-VEvtNpxESlVAZupjMAQrtBDxg835XRus6zecSMBOQTrpzo-ghbFlTxLVXhq2vqhnWOA3PWd0/s1600/postits.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzYrHCPS1VNT0bb0oRIPLkD21IcJYeunJB0CxBb27IdKpeNiiz0n4bpGq2ZfgK1Wr-V-VEvtNpxESlVAZupjMAQrtBDxg835XRus6zecSMBOQTrpzo-ghbFlTxLVXhq2vqhnWOA3PWd0/s1600/postits.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://gfycat.com/gifs/search/postit"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, especially in worship, we spend a lot of time doing the talking. We tell God what we need, what we want, how we feel, what we've done... We talk and we talk and we talk, and we consider prayers to be words and sentences that we create to give over to God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But if, as we've mentioned before, prayer is really about saying "God's will be done," how can we discern God's will if we are constantly doing the talking? How can we hear what God is saying if we're talking over God's voice? Sometimes the best prayer is to <b>be still</b> <b>and know</b> that God is God, God is here, and God is at work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#1: When crappy things happen, the only thing we need is prayer</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the massacre in Las Vegas, many of my friends on social media, many of whom are Christians, started posting some version of this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqjJWxnI6uyJddjUrHkzIZYGwNsEq0lYjvFm5-IBks8q9_2IdcARH3zpWMtTP_MChhOCIjMyYx6YY4nmj8u3zYkzCTnxJVucLtmJgxKnJccWLnkVKYaYdn9X8r03Mko8Hfs7P4rlmOto/s1600/IllPrayForYou2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="420" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqjJWxnI6uyJddjUrHkzIZYGwNsEq0lYjvFm5-IBks8q9_2IdcARH3zpWMtTP_MChhOCIjMyYx6YY4nmj8u3zYkzCTnxJVucLtmJgxKnJccWLnkVKYaYdn9X8r03Mko8Hfs7P4rlmOto/s320/IllPrayForYou2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/secularspectrum/2014/10/the-receiverless-prayer/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5PN_O3LSr796vqNlmL0dSK9b_y-sslYTQnZVcRaGWkDW_aLORHyksqzsZYAfIyYHbJ2ebrdJpw7Eo5vCt-yg4Jan5aJUq6khpNOkaPS4ykJlVSMljBB2LeoZx4oN2pJWPJHn8EK2h40/s1600/buddy+jesus+prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5PN_O3LSr796vqNlmL0dSK9b_y-sslYTQnZVcRaGWkDW_aLORHyksqzsZYAfIyYHbJ2ebrdJpw7Eo5vCt-yg4Jan5aJUq6khpNOkaPS4ykJlVSMljBB2LeoZx4oN2pJWPJHn8EK2h40/s320/buddy+jesus+prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3ooace"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or this...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy6-4-U2QVUwmCBs-205Va3m_rhx3bFMzVeYK1Sszd8I0p2Vvqz09m9Bb5J9y_Fx2p_qdye07aELhyf4EVPPVtRXreVV8R7grdi7BCAe-LINP6vPVWHyioGKILXAtYu3ELl1kRp-7u_A/s1600/prayer+santa+claus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPy6-4-U2QVUwmCBs-205Va3m_rhx3bFMzVeYK1Sszd8I0p2Vvqz09m9Bb5J9y_Fx2p_qdye07aELhyf4EVPPVtRXreVV8R7grdi7BCAe-LINP6vPVWHyioGKILXAtYu3ELl1kRp-7u_A/s1600/prayer+santa+claus.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/LiveLoveDead/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In other words, prayers aren't enough. Gun legislation, mental health care, or some other form of action, in their minds, needed to happen. Prayers were simply words in the wind. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And this is true if we think of our prayers like we mentioned before, like juju vibes being sent in magical squiggly lines to one another. It's true if we're keeping this horizontal and only sending our prayers TO the victims. This is true if we rely on our government and legislators for our salvation and healing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's simply <b>not</b> true if we believe that prayer is lifting one another and this situation up to God. If we believe that in praying for someone, we acknowledge that what we can do for them is immeasurably less than what God can do for them. If we acknowledge that this situation is beyond a simple fix of gun legislation and mental health care; this is beyond a simple answer. In fact, when I think of the tragedies, both natural disasters and acts of violence, that are prevalent in our current society, I can think of no better situation to lift to God in prayer. So, I emphatically say, "No!" when folks say that prayers are useless.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That said, I continue to think of the paralytic in Mark 2. His friends did not just pray for him and hope that Jesus would pass him by. They did not even go to Jesus to tell him where the paralytic was. Rather they make the effort to carry the paralytic, to dig a whole in the roof of the house, and to lower the paralytic precariously down through that hole. God gifts us with the ability to make a difference to those around us. I can't change what happened in Las Vegas; but I can do something about the way that I treat the people around me, I can do something about violence in my own community, I can do something about making sure our communities are safe. Prayer reminds us that we can't fix the laws and the situation all at once on a larger scale, and it inspires us to do what we can. Simply put, actions that don't recognize the size of the problem and the sovereignty of God won't fix it; prayers that don't inspire us to action aren't enough. We are called to balance the two: to give it over to God in prayer and to be inspired to do our part in God's Kingdom on earth.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-40057849815033009832017-10-02T08:16:00.003-07:002017-10-02T08:16:39.238-07:00Imperfect, but true.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SITYltyl5NY/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SITYltyl5NY?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Alex and I were in Italy, one particular billboard overwhelmed the subway walls. The billboard advertised a gelato company called Grom, whose slogan was "Imperfetto ma vero". In English, this means, "Imperfect, but true." As I write this now, my mouth is watering for handmade gelato, a scoop of ice cream made by hand that might be extra chocolatey this time or extra creamy. Or maybe it has a few extra chocolate chips. Who wouldn't prefer hand made imperfection over sterile, manufactured monotony?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We both mentioned that a slogan like this, a slogan that brags of the imperfection of its product, would likely not fly in America. In the USA, we pride our products for being the best and for having consistent perfection in craftsmanship. When we go to restaurant or purchase a product, we expect flawless and immaculate products.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just yesterday, I went to Panera where I ordered a bowl of soup and an apple. As the employee set down my plate, my apple rolled off onto the table. Not the ground, not the seat, just the table. The employee looked mortified and said, "I'm so sorry, let me get you a new apple." I looked at him incredulously. "No thanks," I said, "I'll just keep this apple." It surprised me that my apple touching the table, which appeared to have been wiped off and cleaned before I sat down, would warrant a new apple. It was likely I'd set it down on the table anyway, to have more room for my soup. In fact, my soup was so filling, I put my apple in my bag for later, and God only knows what kind of bacteria might be lurking in there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mTA33XP2mPysc3jz9Ht3tC0yjADmeAspFKGiVj4734GTB3cl4jg5f0Ip-UU-e2fs_lUcbdU_EFw95pX1msEMvApSjkk2QckMUfydR2WWMaHAMyHUaEkaedE-tPep2SENFdhOR9YvcEU/s1600/bacteria+party.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mTA33XP2mPysc3jz9Ht3tC0yjADmeAspFKGiVj4734GTB3cl4jg5f0Ip-UU-e2fs_lUcbdU_EFw95pX1msEMvApSjkk2QckMUfydR2WWMaHAMyHUaEkaedE-tPep2SENFdhOR9YvcEU/s1600/bacteria+party.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/222707335"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Imperfect but true. No, this foreign saying is truly foreign to us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Babbling, Bumbling Band of Baboons</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In worship yesterday, I made the ultimate move of cockiness. I came to the Communion Table without the Words of Institution written anywhere. In the PCUSA, we tell the story of Jesus on the last night of his life by reciting words from 1 Corinthians 11. An ordained Teaching Elder (or Minister of Word and Sacrament) is charged to say these words each time we celebrate at the Table. It's a task I find deeply humbling and moving. Nearly two years ago, when I was ordained, I would recite the words in my car over and over as I drove from my house to the church and from the church to my house. Alex would find me mumbling them in the bathroom or whispering them before bed. I wanted them to be ingrained in me, to come from my mouth authentically, and of course, to be perfect. The task of being a pastor is humbling, and I am determined to live up to the call.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two years in, my imperfections caught up with me. As I lifted the silver cup at the 8:45 service yesterday, I thought the words in my mind, but from my mouth came a ridiculous string of words that did not go together. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Cup...blood...save...Jesus...the..."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt like Porky Pig stuttering over my words...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ilzFHM4_0dk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ilzFHM4_0dk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or like comedian, Brian Regan, spouting out words in his comedy act...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vlJpCKKY340pxyjlni9jv-6uNVT8tabeJhvWWHuzbn8UsJ2DSVDGybrQAtvtBK0MCrs7CTMvGkannd5KLNKSjtwx03nBxJAqh7QNMe5suaR6dymoyURnGARN68dEwKp6Fb7ksY7Zy9U/s1600/moosen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vlJpCKKY340pxyjlni9jv-6uNVT8tabeJhvWWHuzbn8UsJ2DSVDGybrQAtvtBK0MCrs7CTMvGkannd5KLNKSjtwx03nBxJAqh7QNMe5suaR6dymoyURnGARN68dEwKp6Fb7ksY7Zy9U/s1600/moosen.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://memegenerator.net/instance/56130422/brian-regan-moosen"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was utterly tongue tied. I began again, I executed well, and we moved on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know we all make mistakes. I know that perfection is unattainable. I know that many of my colleagues who read this will chuckle in memory of their own similar blunders. I know these things, but I still replay the moment over and over in my head with shame, embarrassment, and self-loathing. I still want to avoid mistakes, to be perfect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After worship, a woman in our congregation came to me and said, "Lindsay, you always keep it real." I know she meant this with love; I know she meant it as a good thing, but at that moment I felt so deeply ashamed. I would like to go back in time and change it, or hide behind my big fluffy robe so that you cannot see the redness of my face or the tears in my eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Imperfetto, ma vero</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was only in the afternoon, as I continued to reflect on this, that it occurred to me the joy in the woman's face as she told me that I "keep it real." It was a comfort for her to see the clergy not sparkling with perfection; it was a comfort for her to be in the same imperfect boat as me. And in truth, this has always been a part of my sense of call: that I'm an honest sinner, an imperfect saint, that I am a human with the same temptations, sins, and struggles as the next person. I do not have all the answers, but I'm praying for direction; I am just another disciple like anyone, and I hope that when we come together in worship, we are learning together about God's will.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But even with that in my mind, I remain uncomfortable with imperfection. Mistakes, or perceived mistakes, haunt me like irritating ghosts; they slowly pick and eat at me, until I'm debilitated by them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So the idea that my blundering of the Words of Institution could bring comfort and even joy to someone is a baffling, shocking notion. Maybe the people of Unity <b>need</b> me to be imperfect, they need me to be human. Maybe the world needs me to be imperfect, but true, but real, but honest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How would my life change if my goal was not to be perfect but to be true? What might I do differently if I was striving not to be immaculate but to be honest? What would be different if I aspired not to be infallible but to be real?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I'm not the only perfectionist around here, so I wonder if you sometimes feel this pressure. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, <span style="font-size: large;">"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." </span>Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>For when I am weak, then I am strong</b></span>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2 Corinthians 12.8-10</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What if all of us could lay down the idol of perfection, and pursued the realness, the truthiness, the honesty of God? What if we could relish or at least dwell in our weaknesses in order to rely on the power and strength of God?</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-12235338504518409612017-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:002017-09-25T10:00:31.575-07:00The Fire Within<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend, I had the great blessing of spending time at Surfside beach with 16 of our delightful high school youth. We focused on the idea of rest as a spiritual discipline and about how even with all the many things we have to do, we are called not let school or cross country or our jobs or any of the things of the world to rule our lives, but rather to let our lives be ruled by our love for God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcINXXFhBD7I5HpIby44-XL5Q8p7r1zAjhQ8Hn7e8-jyt5qrPadDfqF3db4YsOgG19Vos58LRVietXinaLFcpGDPmRinpgQ1qe6S0xM_Ov6jlvXRg5eYHSVdY6ddtOYrkKFriM5xfRuU/s1600/100_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcINXXFhBD7I5HpIby44-XL5Q8p7r1zAjhQ8Hn7e8-jyt5qrPadDfqF3db4YsOgG19Vos58LRVietXinaLFcpGDPmRinpgQ1qe6S0xM_Ov6jlvXRg5eYHSVdY6ddtOYrkKFriM5xfRuU/s320/100_0839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We also talked about how our lives aren't magically changed overnight, but we have to enter spiritual disciplines and sacred rest in small doses every day. One of the scriptures we reflected on was this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer up your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. <span style="font-size: large;">Do not conform</span> any longer to the pattern of this world, but <span style="font-size: large;">be transformed</span> by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Romans 12.1-2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The concept of <b>being transformed</b> is one that strikes me personally and one I hope might capture your heart as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Grammar Geek...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you don't like grammar, feel free to skip ahead. For those of us Grammar Geeks, let's think on this for a moment. I love in this passage that it says "<b>be transformed.</b>" In grammar, this is in the "passive voice" meaning the subject of the transforming isn't you; rather you are the object of the transforming. In other words, <u>you can't transform yourself</u>. Only God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, can do that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So transformation, then, doesn't look like me beating myself up when I'm not perfect. It doesn't look like me foregoing sleep so that I can read another chapter of the Bible or putting together a regimen of spiritual practices that I can in no way keep up with. It doesn't mean that I need to become perfect; it means I need to turn my attention to the one who is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really like this because I am an over-functioner. As a child I would practice writing my alphabet for hours a day, even long into my teenage years, so that I would have perfectly neat handwriting. To this day, when I am in a group and we need a scribe, I like to be the one writing because I know my handwriting will be perfect. When I am assigned a task, I do it right and I do it perfectly, or I do not do it at all. If it were my task to become perfect, I would literally push myself to insanity trying to accomplish self-transformation. It is a relief for me that the dotting of my eyes and the crossing of my t's comes not from my own efforts but from me resting in God's love and transforming me from the inside out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Yoga and the Third Niyama...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bring up yoga and eastern spiritual practices not because I am secretly trying to support another religion but because I thought this lesson had universal truth. Sometimes when I practice yoga, I think the words my instructors use give voice to parts of my faith I didn't have words for before. Maybe this isn't strictly perfect, but when I hear something that resonates more with a truth I know from my faith, I just steal it and change it for myself. Don't judge me too harshly!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcXgGCFFm1JebyU4x_72CIOlCiodg2eRuzV02YoAywywj08PFBSpSt-ku_lvnTpp3DEJJ9lDmvZFTMEPmiCZS0j84GoUobHgu_I-ebd05cO9sIrBrtA8ATP6xRFQBtUeU3_dMHHcoCOE/s1600/Yoga-image-7-sins-background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1024" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcXgGCFFm1JebyU4x_72CIOlCiodg2eRuzV02YoAywywj08PFBSpSt-ku_lvnTpp3DEJJ9lDmvZFTMEPmiCZS0j84GoUobHgu_I-ebd05cO9sIrBrtA8ATP6xRFQBtUeU3_dMHHcoCOE/s320/Yoga-image-7-sins-background.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.niharikayoga.com/author/nyadmin/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was in yoga last week, the instructor was talking about the third niyama called "tapas." Tapas refers to the fire in your belly, the energy you have for perseverance, the part of you that burns and churns for transformation. I immediately thought about the Romans passage for this weekend, among others. Scripture gives us lots of examples of spiritual transformation, but it doesn't have a word for the internal fire that responds and yearns for that transformation. There's something biblical about God placing a fire within us that urges us to change and transformation, and maybe it resonates with you also.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this concept because I am reminded that I'm not done, I'm not perfect, I'm not always right. I love this concept because I always want to be better, to be more humble, to be more like Jesus. I love this concept because there is always room for a closer walk with God. As a pastor, I believe sometimes people think I have all the answers or I have my act together all the time. I think sometimes people think I <b>should</b> have all the answers or my act together all the time. And I think sometimes people think I'll attain perfection after like 5 years in ministry or when I have children or when I retire or something. I love Romans 12 because it doesn't make exceptions; it doesn't say, be transformed by going to seminary or being in ministry. And while verse two sort of seems like there might be an end point, the whole chapter seems to show us that this is a lifelong journey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So anytime I stand to pray or to preach, to guide our youth, I stand as a work-in-progress, humbly accepting God's will and God's grace. I teach our youth to allow God to transform their lives 5 minutes at a time because God continues to transform my life 5 minutes at a time. As a pastor, I pray that we can learn and grow together, that we can walk on this journey together.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-29507257182560882942017-08-21T13:25:00.003-07:002017-08-21T13:33:04.194-07:00And the darkness did not overcome...<div style="text-align: center;">
The anticipation of today's eclipse has had many of us rushing to drug stores for glasses, worrying about South Carolina traffic, traveling to stay with friends and family...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps you bought some of the Krispy Kreme eclipse donuts:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjaCiYVjlvqsbWKgo_hvVbEeJ07mdLICy8vMJtyT6Y4NDOEzz38NN04Q-FE8ITZRU8NbQ_z2oPONlYHW4CSOr3cHLYYs7Qu05nXIaVlk2KNhxYo2qM5N2dq8SJnoPBM7-pAH1oDVHbyE/s1600/eclipse+donut.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="900" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjaCiYVjlvqsbWKgo_hvVbEeJ07mdLICy8vMJtyT6Y4NDOEzz38NN04Q-FE8ITZRU8NbQ_z2oPONlYHW4CSOr3cHLYYs7Qu05nXIaVlk2KNhxYo2qM5N2dq8SJnoPBM7-pAH1oDVHbyE/s320/eclipse+donut.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.krispykreme.com/menu/Doughnuts/EclipseDoughnut">krispy kreme</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or maybe you've been listening to Total Eclipse of the heart all day long:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8nrYWeMkrUU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8nrYWeMkrUU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(or you've been waiting to hear as Ms. Tyler sings it during the eclipse!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe you've been frantically reading about eye damage or listening to news stories of how the eclipse affects people's moods or the environment.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As I've been hearing about the eclipse for the past few weeks, because I'm a nerdy pastor and it's what I do, I've been reflecting on scripture that records what we can assume are eclipse-like events.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In Exodus, as Moses is appearing before the Pharaoh to free the Israelite people, God causes 10 plagues, the ninth of which was darkness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And there was <b>dense darkness</b> in all the land of Egypt for three days.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Exodus 10.22</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The darkness interferes with the daily lives of the Egyptians: they can't see or move or do their work. The plague of darkness did not, however, affect the Israelites, who continue about their business. The plague shows the mighty power and clear authority of God in the world: even the sun and moon and stars listen to the Lord our God.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then in Joshua, as the army of the Israelites is conquering the land of Canaan, God makes the sun stand still.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The sun stopped in midheaven, and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded a human voice; for the Lord fought for Israel.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joshua 10.14</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is debatable whether this is a true "eclipse" but the stillness of the sun in the sky is unique and interesting. Again, we witness a God who stands on behalf of God's people, and we are made aware of God's presence by the altering of the normal patterns of the sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The prophets describe the "Day of the Lord" or the day of God's judgment, as a day when the sun is dark and the world is topsy turvy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>See, the day of the Lord comes,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>cruel, with wrath and fierce anger,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> to make the earth a desolation,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>and to destroy its sinners from it.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>For the stars of the heavens and their constellations</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>will not give there light;</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>the sun will be dark in its rising,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> and the moon will not shed its light.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isaiah 13.9-11</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>When I blot you out, I will cover the heavens,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>and make their stars dark.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I will cover the sun with a cloud,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> and the moon will not give its light.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>All the shining lights of the heavens</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I will darken above you and put darkness in your land, says the Lord.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ezekiel 32.7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The earth quakes before them,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>the heavens tremble.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The sun and moon are darkened,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i> and the stars withdraw their shining....</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Truly the day of the Lord is great;</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>terrible indeed - who can endure it?</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joel 2.10-11b</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>On that day, says the Lord God,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I will make the sun go down at noon,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>and darken the earth in broad daylight.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Amos 8.9</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxWHSXCDS7b1w0Yb7AVT8-iUR9dWPXFyeVM_NeCPBL1IOP9x54VmhiVwN9tDLG9Zz8jKIDwqA6yskaigXX3Jr4vHz8sPtbMDpi7ubSp5CGRsaa4w5T6pDrnMP7BeLWP9u56F6pZ3-llg/s1600/eclipse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxWHSXCDS7b1w0Yb7AVT8-iUR9dWPXFyeVM_NeCPBL1IOP9x54VmhiVwN9tDLG9Zz8jKIDwqA6yskaigXX3Jr4vHz8sPtbMDpi7ubSp5CGRsaa4w5T6pDrnMP7BeLWP9u56F6pZ3-llg/s320/eclipse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/299137600219246173/?lp=true"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The idea of darkness during the day is one of terror, judgment, and fear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the gospels, we also witness an eclipse at Jesus' death.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three o'clock in the afternoon. ... Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew 27.45;50</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ... Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mark 15.33;37</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land, until three in the afternoon, while the sun's light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." Having said this, he breathed his last.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Luke 23.44-46</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVvN9jm1O_IilyEhuJqXaAP5B15ktw3FpQLkjuwUtawb0sdDZjq1C6YIEj5sMgr6N-HotTv3p6QtJgo6in90FtERV12GB5Fn7SeT-lanOxFgl5k6J2rIa3GInCIT23H76cMfrncnNaqE/s1600/jesus+death+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVvN9jm1O_IilyEhuJqXaAP5B15ktw3FpQLkjuwUtawb0sdDZjq1C6YIEj5sMgr6N-HotTv3p6QtJgo6in90FtERV12GB5Fn7SeT-lanOxFgl5k6J2rIa3GInCIT23H76cMfrncnNaqE/s320/jesus+death+dark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pemiwader.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/the-gap-between-the-death-of-jesus-and-explosion-of-the-church/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a sense that the cosmic power of Jesus' death is so enormous that it overwhelms even the sun. I also like to imagine that the scene of Jesus on the cross was so tragic that God averted God's eyes and drew the shade over the shame and pain of God's son. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, it should come as a surprise to us that over the centuries we have gone from an eclipse being a symbol of fear and pain and terror, a sign that the divine powers that be were enacting judgment on the land, to a marketing event. Instead of something to fear, an eclipse has become something that causes traffic jams, something to travel 100 miles to see, and something to have a sweet party about. With scientific study, we've learned that eclipses happen on a reliable basis; they are something that simply happens, a shift from the normal routine of the celestial bodies and, just as quickly, a shift back to the habitual orbits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, when I emerged from our church office to a chorus of cicadas and the automatic evening lights had come on in front of the sanctuary and all the air had a cloudy mysterious haze to it, I wasn't really thinking about science and orbits. It was downright spooky and a strange and almost a stumbling block to my brain and senses. Even this weird snake living next door to my friend, Mel, was thrown off his little groove as he stared at the sun {literally the only time I'm going to say anything cute about a snake}.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU-hO6yDsETZs6OE7_YJ4fQCJIwVREE1ItWbxuWSjH_vtgxc1PAQrAWVoecI-_vFQ8QQTnDrNQSiXkPAY-ozOG1p_9CWW5dqAO9LUTCY_fCaLyV33_1-N7LC23K0QymRDX213ZmaVPUI/s1600/eclipse+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJU-hO6yDsETZs6OE7_YJ4fQCJIwVREE1ItWbxuWSjH_vtgxc1PAQrAWVoecI-_vFQ8QQTnDrNQSiXkPAY-ozOG1p_9CWW5dqAO9LUTCY_fCaLyV33_1-N7LC23K0QymRDX213ZmaVPUI/s320/eclipse+snake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's a reason we stepped out from work or we drove 100 miles; there's a reason we hunted down eclipse glasses and purchased Sun Drop. <b>Somewhere in the midst of this eclipse, we all experience something ethereal, surreal, and divine.</b> The God who made the darkness over Egypt centuries ago eclipsed the sun today. The God who ordered the heavenly bodies made sure that there would be moments like these that would remind us that God is in charge. Whether you're black or white, Democrat or Republican, Christian or not, all of us craned our necks and shielded our eyes as the world stood still in darkness this afternoon. When the darkness crept into our world, we did what God has always called us to do: we looked up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I keep coming back to the gospel of John (who oddly does not record the eclipse at Jesus' death). John begins with these famous lines:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. <span style="font-size: large;">The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
John 1.1-5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's eclipse for me is a reminder that the darkness of the world does not last. I am comforted that even when the darkness seems to settle and turn the world topsy turvy, God, just like the sun sitting behind the moon, is still present, still active. The light and love of God is not something that can be contained by the dark and simple presence of the moon; no, the light is something that bursts forth, even when the shadows are unbearable and the world is in chaos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems appropriate to me that yesterday our youth led us in worship and we were able to experience such joy and light coming from the youth of our church, from the future of our church. It seems appropriate to me that we've kicked off another year of Sunday School. It seems right to me that people of literally all ages gathered yesterday for the ice cream social. These are the ways that the Kingdom of God was bursting through the darkness within the walls of our church. These are the ways that our church refuses to be blinded by darkness but constantly seeks the light.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The light of God <b>shines in the darkness,</b> and darkness did not, can not, and will never overcome it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-50637920141212069112017-08-15T09:43:00.004-07:002017-08-15T09:43:43.473-07:00So Fresh and So Clean Clean<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a point this summer when the mess in my office reached a totally unacceptable point. Not only was there the usual clutter: the stacks of papers, files, bibles, books, and post-its, but there were additional piles: old curriculum, donations of supplies, materials that hadn't been put away, receipts, first aid supplies, crafts, pictures. And then it got embarrassing: dirty dishes, empty water bottles, candy wrappers, forgotten lunches, and old candy. I had officially reached the status of Pig Sty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGZxlVj540N_xC1dhUfQOfyv4jPzSZyabtCKh6WzuOkQbnyQx5VFMC25NLdQjp37ljmNZ-mJo1weOa4wJgRpzBHs0Q85-_18RejnSH5d0p9ICMLJ1nNzl9SDfCWiTSDQH_CzBB7TwpYs/s320/cluttereds.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.investsoutheastengland.co.uk/things-that-make-office-messy-without-realising-it/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was so bad, that bless his sweet sweet heart, Albert, our Sexton, took it upon himself while I was away to organize my mess in to piles, to discard some of the more embarrassing items of trash, and to give my office a fresh feeling of newness. <b>I really cannot thank him enough.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I came to him to thank him for this kindness, he said, "Well, I figured you'd just gotten to a place where you were overwhelmed and couldn't keep up with it." It was so true. In Youth Ministry, you're liable to have things like toilet brushes, crayons, and Bibles tucked into every nook and cranny, and the fast pace of the summer makes it nearly impossible to keep up. But I had not done a great job of self-care and became easily overwhelmed with the items overflowing my office. It had come to a point that when I looked around, I wasn't even sure where to start, or how to make it right again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h4>
Maybe you know what I mean...</h4>
<div>
Maybe my office isn't all that far off from where a lot of us find ourselves. Maybe you also suffer from Messy-Desk-Syndrome, or maybe there is other mess and clutter in our lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I wonder if I've made too many mistakes. Perhaps people will judge me solely on the errors I've made or the things I've dropped the ball on. Sometimes, I wonder if I've made a reputation that is so messy and so set in one way that it is too late to be changed.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I am afraid. I'm afraid of violence and hatred I see on TV. I'm afraid of angry mobs and nuclear war. I am afraid of a world that is so different than the one I grew up in. I'm afraid of bullies, of people whose feelings have been hurt, of being wrong, and of accidentally hurting others. Sometimes, I'll admit, the fear I have in our ever-changing world feels like a mess I cannot begin to navigate. How can I make it through all this fear to the light on the other side?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes, when I was a teenager, I felt like people put me in a box. I was a band-geek, and an English nerd. I was a goody-two-shoes Christian. I was that girl who dated that weird guy who spread a bunch of rumors about her after they broke up. Sometimes I would wonder if anyone in my school would ever take the time to listen to me, to truly know me. Sometimes, my identity as a Middle or High School student felt like a mess I could not fix, a swamp of assumptions I could not escape.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvoTSnoDUviD2f_dmDC2hpTgCh-ILOJXSpMCsL5E-3mNP4gqNFTkUIqRFuo2vNrJ9zg4kF6VkXXWdztVdHsUM431J2HTv0_XMUO0-Z_sE0XkAMMRNFqsTP5kmvYTImxkOzYzlHfGVOW0/s1600/teen-mental-health.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="960" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvoTSnoDUviD2f_dmDC2hpTgCh-ILOJXSpMCsL5E-3mNP4gqNFTkUIqRFuo2vNrJ9zg4kF6VkXXWdztVdHsUM431J2HTv0_XMUO0-Z_sE0XkAMMRNFqsTP5kmvYTImxkOzYzlHfGVOW0/s320/teen-mental-health.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://drdeborahserani.blogspot.com/2016/03/is-it-teen-angst-or-is-it-depression.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The feeling of drowning in mess is not that foreign to us or to our teenagers, or perhaps even to our elementary aged children.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Starting Fresh</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday morning on the Today's Show I saw a segment about the fashion trends for Back To School, which highlighted that white tennis shoes, fresh crisp and clean were all the rage for this year's Back to School Fashion.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTJA22FTqEY2428VgJse5A6GZOg_iyW7nQ4L2qjsEAYxsnmpwWhpMr-XOwAiQ4lkK1RAJjArlt_drCkRtxGHQaD1rx3Q1UL1bD2OGVWt5nzDBUsN5J8NdoBY1HMbh0tmDxfzkFGlkKoc/s1600/back+to+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTJA22FTqEY2428VgJse5A6GZOg_iyW7nQ4L2qjsEAYxsnmpwWhpMr-XOwAiQ4lkK1RAJjArlt_drCkRtxGHQaD1rx3Q1UL1bD2OGVWt5nzDBUsN5J8NdoBY1HMbh0tmDxfzkFGlkKoc/s320/back+to+school.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.today.com/style/back-school-outfit-ideas-elementary-middle-high-school-t115055"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The description and the pictures brought me back to a dewy morning standing at the bus stop with my new Converse All-Stars on the first day of Middle School. I wore my baggy jeans and baby-T shirt; my horrible haircut fixed as best I could behind a headband, my brand new red Jansport book bag on my back. I remember thinking that this new school was a fresh start: I could leave the past behind, make new friends, be a new person, and live new experiences. Even though that hope faded throughout the school year, there was a part of me that lived for that fresh new feeling of hope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As Hoda Kotb described the crisp white tennis shoes, I thought both of the incredible blessing of a new school year and the harsh contrast it makes with the messy, scuffed up challenges of our everyday life. This week, our kids get a fresh start to make a new impression. They get to set a new trend for themselves in clothing; they redefine themselves (for better and sometimes worse) in terms of their personality; there are boundless opportunities for new friends, new classes, new schedules, and new lunch tables. The world is their oyster.<br />
<br />
<br />
Our world doesn't give us a lot of light to guide us through the mess, and it is not a far leap to feel hopeless, especially at the age of 13. But our God <b>does</b> give us this hope. Our God <b>does</b> provide crisp white tennis shoes when the world around us is scuffed and gray. Our God <b>does</b> hear the cries of God's people; God <b>does</b> give us the light to see clearly through the fog. Our God <b>does</b> give us the real-life and metaphorical Alberts to come clean out our messy lives so we can start fresh.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This is the message we have heard from Jesus and proclaim to you, that God is <b>light</b> and in him <b>there is no darkness at all.</b> If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, <b>we have fellowship with one another,</b> and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">-1 John 1.5-8</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
*****<br />
<br />
<i>Therefore, since we are justified by faith, <b>we have peace with God</b> through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and <b>we boast in our hope</b> of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and <b>hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts</b> through the Holy Spirit.</i><br />
-Romans 5.1-5<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So as we prepare for a fresh new school year, I pray that together we would take this as an opportunity to renew our hope in a bright future, to renew our faith that Christ is near us, and to renew our sense of commitment to that hope, knowing that we are beloved children of God walking in the light, even when the shadows cling so closely.<br />
<br />
<br />
*****</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-66562698131388355572017-05-18T12:15:00.001-07:002017-05-18T12:23:54.240-07:00Presence<div style="text-align: center;">
As we sit on the couch buried in our phones after work looking at our social media accounts, I ask my husband a serious question. Alex always thinks before he responds to my questions, so when I was met with silence I was patient and didn't respond. A half hour (and several scrolls through Facebook and a few rounds of Solitaire) later, I remembered that I had asked a question and never had an answer [or maybe he did answer, and I missed it because I was reading about someone's Pinterest fail]. So I asked, "Hey did you hear me ask a question?" Alex responded, "What? No."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are sitting a cushion away on the couch but are we present?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUeGurxvdLp6bNtrtHzW2pWgH6GchcpaWVAfp11vXcLESbqK8fys59THn1l-cKvezEYZO9ZQG5_kBC43IDPoZopCZ1pNLsyDY2lGzwrPpKbNUGDofGZAgn_E-jvMP6-z-xcgj5Hg10I/s1600/cell+phone.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUeGurxvdLp6bNtrtHzW2pWgH6GchcpaWVAfp11vXcLESbqK8fys59THn1l-cKvezEYZO9ZQG5_kBC43IDPoZopCZ1pNLsyDY2lGzwrPpKbNUGDofGZAgn_E-jvMP6-z-xcgj5Hg10I/s320/cell+phone.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love having our parents come to visit us. I love to share a cup of coffee and blueberry muffins in the morning with my mom. I love to show Alex's parents our favorite dining in Charlotte. I love to show our Grandmas around the Peach Stand and walk with our friends on the Greenway. But I'm also an anxious host.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkin0OriM730fDPlLM_AofAoPwTCJQfQi93anK4_fxbKqM0ucxIJGLgpGxz1MgWyyCBmOJ_pT6uWLYkQFxF6pRhWaHEF4jS0lXrimNyd4ymOJ49fDyAdvGju5D8OmLuFurRFGG4_T_tw/s1600/modern+family+cleaning.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkin0OriM730fDPlLM_AofAoPwTCJQfQi93anK4_fxbKqM0ucxIJGLgpGxz1MgWyyCBmOJ_pT6uWLYkQFxF6pRhWaHEF4jS0lXrimNyd4ymOJ49fDyAdvGju5D8OmLuFurRFGG4_T_tw/s320/modern+family+cleaning.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mother never leaves a dish in the sink and wipes down strangers' counters. She always empties the coffee grinds into the trash and does a load of towels in the laundry every day. Meanwhile, I will let my sink fill up until I can't fit anything else in, and I wipe the counters down on Fridays. I always forget the coffee grinds until the next morning, and my hubby is the laundry guru on Saturdays and Sundays. We have wonderful silver pitchers and plates in our home, which I know need to be polished, and we have half finished furniture and decorative projects everywhere. When we have guests, I find myself nervously over-cleaning and making sure that everything is prim and pressed and perfect for their arrival and stay with us. My house is clean, but did I hear what my guest just told me? My silver is polished but am I present?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A friend calls me while I'm watching the Penguin game in a crisis about something very difficult in her life. A youth texts me during dinner about something they are struggling with. The store clerk at Target tells me to have a great day, and I stumble along with my bags out the door.<span style="font-size: large;"> Do I have the patience and inner peace to really be <i>present</i> in these moments? Or am I so busy inside my own head I can't be bothered<i> to notice and be in the space of today</i>?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I soaked up some Sabbath time over the last week of stay-cation, I reflected often on the idea of being fully present, of noticing the world around me, and being non-anxiously aware of the world and my inner self. This appears to be one of the ways God is speaking to and teaching me on my journey right now...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Jesus: the example and the teacher</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the world, we often hear of being present as a trendy, hipster, Buddhist notion. You download the Headspace app and practice yoga and go unplugged for a weekend. It doesn't necessarily sound, at least to me, like a fully Jesus-inspired, uniquely Christian concept. What I've been reflecting on is something kind of similar, but wholly different. When I think of being present, I think of two stories of Jesus that show how he taught and lived out the principle of being present in life today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Teacher: Mary and Martha</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In Luke 10.38-42, we find Jesus at the home of two women. It is here that Jesus <b>teaches</b> us the lesson of presence. Mary and Martha could not be more opposite of one another, nor could they bicker more and be more bitter toward one another. Martha, who might be my kindred spirit, runs around the house like a chicken with her head cut off making sure she is hospitable. She is cleaning, cooking, setting the table, observing all the right societal customs and traditions. No silver would be unpolished, no counter unwiped, and certainly no coffee grounds would be left in her kitchen, if she were around today. Martha exemplifies this perfect, fastidious host, and in spite of the rest of the story, she has my greatest admiration and respect. I feel a touch of exhilaration just thinking about her experience of dinner preparations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mary, on the other hand, plops down in front of Jesus to hear him speak, leaving her sister with the weight of all the chores. Sometimes I imagine her like my brother, who loves to sit on the recliner in my parents' house in his robe until the very last second on Christmas Day. It comes to the point where Martha speaks up:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think we can all agree this is a reasonable request, given the circumstances of the meal and the household and the society at the time. But Jesus' response is surprising and, well, present:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.</b> Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Um, seriously Jesus? In Pittsburgh, we would call Mary a "jagoff" (for not helpin' to red up the haaase n'at). What can this lazy bum, this annoying little sister, this freeloader, what can <i style="font-weight: bold;">she</i> possibly teach <i style="font-weight: bold;">us</i>?!?!?!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj579h4erdht1_xRcXj9ETmfDOeoXXdZ7e8Gy2_T0siIze1mVSZIPovzRkZKoc0-CWcNmAJeTpExbCfuYzEK8JR-PPqM3777dH7QBZGv-DevLeGWASlTai6GT1GHiafWXc4KznznER0IT4/s1600/Martha_and_Mary_He_Qi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj579h4erdht1_xRcXj9ETmfDOeoXXdZ7e8Gy2_T0siIze1mVSZIPovzRkZKoc0-CWcNmAJeTpExbCfuYzEK8JR-PPqM3777dH7QBZGv-DevLeGWASlTai6GT1GHiafWXc4KznznER0IT4/s320/Martha_and_Mary_He_Qi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's look at Mary. Mary recognizes that it's not every day that the Messiah enters your house. She realizes that she may only have a couple of hours to be with Jesus: to hear his teachings first hand, to experience his compassionate eyes and soft voice, to watch him heal and save, to shake his hand and wash his feet, to be <i style="font-weight: bold;">present</i>. As Jesus captivates her gaze, the preparation of dinner (and the polishing of the silver, and the wiping of the counters, and the dumping of the coffee grinds) seems inane, unimportant, and irrelevant in comparison to the experience of Jesus in her midst. A perfectly clean home and a perfectly cooked meal and perfectly polished sliver, these things are temporary; the experience of Jesus in your midst is the kind of incarnational experience that lasts a lifetime, an eternity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through the example of Mary, Jesus teaches us the importance of <i style="font-weight: bold;">presence</i> in our daily lives, that if we are slaves to the things of society and of the world, we will miss our opportunity to do what is right and to be present at the feet of Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
The Life: The Hemorrhaging woman</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's one thing to teach; it's another thing to live the example. Of course, we would expect nothing less from Jesus, but it is telling that the gospel of Luke contains both a teaching of Jesus on the matter of presence (Mary and Martha) and an action of Jesus that demonstrates his presence with other people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In Luke 8, a man named Jairus comes to Jesus because his daughter is dying. Jesus begins walking to the man's home and the crowds follow. I always imagine Jesus walking at a very slow pace with a smirk on his face because he's proving that God has a plan for this day. [Also the Jesus of my imagination is a little sassy...I hope that's true.]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are people pressing in all around him and the crowd is reminiscent of an unrelenting, sweaty mosh-pit of over-excited Harry Stiles fans. I can't imagine this was a very fun journey for Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WCuKYYFyn2iZN4DJ6ycDsMYVlmD4V4mZvir_H2VZ41nKQZxC-lUWDe3lAXTVMyoeLtXTFVYWULSA_R7lYMKnQ3z5hQI35KLInEs6u4R94LfDMtSTo4XelaPWmxk9XeQafxpeOun4Yic/s1600/dont+touch+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4WCuKYYFyn2iZN4DJ6ycDsMYVlmD4V4mZvir_H2VZ41nKQZxC-lUWDe3lAXTVMyoeLtXTFVYWULSA_R7lYMKnQ3z5hQI35KLInEs6u4R94LfDMtSTo4XelaPWmxk9XeQafxpeOun4Yic/s320/dont+touch+me.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If it were me, I'd be like, let's just get through this as quickly as possible. Let's go another way to avoid the crowds. Let's use clothes-lining and violence if we have to. But not Jesus. Not only is Jesus intimately surrounded by humans and incidental touch and crowds, but he manages to be so present that he notices and identifies the touch of <i style="font-weight: bold;">one person</i>. Luke 8.42-44 tells us that a woman who had been subject to bleeding for 12 years came to Jesus and touched his cloak for his healing power. Jesus could have ignored this and just said, cool, another anonymous soul healed! He could have concentrated on the family of Jairus, the task at hand, and getting to Jairus' daughter before she died. Jesus was <u style="font-weight: bold;">busy. </u>Instead, Jesus turns to find out who touched him, approaches the woman face to face, calls her "daughter," and proclaims that her faith has healed her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Jesus shows us that he is never <u style="font-weight: bold;">too busy, too hurried, too distracted, or too important</u> to notice us and meet us where we are.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So...presence...today...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's May. May always seems to whip past me in a blur of graduation parties, cook-outs, field days, and Stanley Cup playoff games. It's sort of the perfect time to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off and take the message to heart:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC5SvpVfXYX1zgUC3MV1-IZGI8QfuTMVdZ40urGwpu0xBxaOHS3Za4qBYveoKupjvgs0ExfC1iVe0zRkpa-PVNpyuIpEdzkpMfTE8e8dyRF02XmaRB2AjnR4SsYDAorllNNd6huIgXS4/s1600/ferris+bueller.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsC5SvpVfXYX1zgUC3MV1-IZGI8QfuTMVdZ40urGwpu0xBxaOHS3Za4qBYveoKupjvgs0ExfC1iVe0zRkpa-PVNpyuIpEdzkpMfTE8e8dyRF02XmaRB2AjnR4SsYDAorllNNd6huIgXS4/s320/ferris+bueller.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think in the chaos of early summer and the crowds of our lives in May, Jesus is calling us to be present. Jesus is telling us to stop being Martha, to put down the spring cleaning and the dinner plans and the parties and the concerts and to be present in our homes and in our families. Jesus is showing us how to be present in the crowd, to hear the cries of our children and the struggles of our neighbors, to listen with compassion to the hurts of our friends and the life stories of our families.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because it is in these acts of presence and moments of intimacy, it is there, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that we find ourselves face-to-face with Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-78878724959165098972017-04-10T11:13:00.002-07:002017-04-10T11:21:03.596-07:00Holy Week: St. Iggy, Suffering, and Honesty<h3 style="text-align: center;">
My Homeboy: St. Iggy</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since January, I have found this connection with St. Ignatius of Loyola. In fact, the more I learn about him, the more I subconsciously refer to him as Iggy {Iggy Smalls, Notorius I-G-G, Fo Shizzle Ig Nizzle...}, my homeboy, my pal, my bro. You may have noticed this as I've been quoting him a lot in worship.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgscD0uJKwcMN7SizcP4KjXWoavhOUJN-VFch8qTHhQL6Ho02HLRvYZ3I64HeJA09Zd3_4oNyrPqGVBg8xjHMs_RJkJPFv1gIOVloyFgx6pGbxkmbZWRypWk1pJspXngtwDu86o2ehHo/s1600/quote-teach-us-to-give-and-not-count-the-cost-ignatius-of-loyola-346986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgscD0uJKwcMN7SizcP4KjXWoavhOUJN-VFch8qTHhQL6Ho02HLRvYZ3I64HeJA09Zd3_4oNyrPqGVBg8xjHMs_RJkJPFv1gIOVloyFgx6pGbxkmbZWRypWk1pJspXngtwDu86o2ehHo/s320/quote-teach-us-to-give-and-not-count-the-cost-ignatius-of-loyola-346986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Iggy has this great knack of picking out perfect words to express my spiritual thoughts and musings. As someone who is verbose to a fault and who is inundated with emotional complexity, I greatly appreciate when people can put into words what is swirling and bubbling in my soul. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More than that, Iggy has been the inspiration for my Lenten season. Each day (or as often as I was able), I recited the <i>Suscipe</i> to cultivate humility, generosity, and discipleship.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaZylDx-I3yacvoa18W2CvpBEsHAjKIg3Kd_sRdQCnm7d1lwIWufH4YHJ14W2GxAopo4tzWvKfbOYjjHCSi5JBvpQfrhPcPKAt4mqyDD2JGswD6iS1n0EzFyRoVkVQAEZ5uIDgkzLyeI/s1600/Ignatius-Loyola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaZylDx-I3yacvoa18W2CvpBEsHAjKIg3Kd_sRdQCnm7d1lwIWufH4YHJ14W2GxAopo4tzWvKfbOYjjHCSi5JBvpQfrhPcPKAt4mqyDD2JGswD6iS1n0EzFyRoVkVQAEZ5uIDgkzLyeI/s320/Ignatius-Loyola.png" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As Lent is coming to a close this Holy Week, I am extremely grateful for this prayer in my Lenten practice. Yesterday, my husband and I watched 2 hours of History Channel documentaries about Jesus (while loudly critiquing some so-called history, spouting our Church History knowledge with accentuated flourish, and exchanging our best facial expressions of dubiousness and disgust). The documentaries were obsessed with getting a historical look at Jesus and his followers, at proving the divine DNA strands of Jesus, and at creating a digital representation of Jesus physical appearance. There is this manic obsession about getting to the proven facts and exact images of Holy Week, and it is not only reflected in this dude who looks like Henry Winkler with a flock-of-seagulls hair-do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExkDhqlE9BOuxvobhkpcrfcqkNMc97jY7u61JE2fVG8by2avsO24RHH63BijTdOgosVLBy0hO40xZHjfQQ_2HAjUVF4mUaA1QmqNNeJfFbsfLMdlb43GKaUWv3w9nYZGS83D-qEki1R0/s1600/ray-downing-1398290359-medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExkDhqlE9BOuxvobhkpcrfcqkNMc97jY7u61JE2fVG8by2avsO24RHH63BijTdOgosVLBy0hO40xZHjfQQ_2HAjUVF4mUaA1QmqNNeJfFbsfLMdlb43GKaUWv3w9nYZGS83D-qEki1R0/s320/ray-downing-1398290359-medium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{I mean, who wouldn't want to watch hours and hours of commentary from this dude? His real name is Ray Downing...}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No, it's not just this guy; we all work really hard to get this Easter thing right, perfect, and accurate. Aside from History Channel documentaries, we have <i>The Passion </i> from several years ago that famously tried to portray in movie form the most accurate portrayal of the four gospels' version of Jesus death. We have numerous TV programs (including <i>The Bible</i> and <i>Jesus</i>) to edify us, and we have upcoming movies and books like <i>The Case for Christ</i> and <i>The Shack</i> to shed wisdom and knowledge onto our Easter week. And we pastors spend a lot of time exchanging ideas, making sure the paraments and Easter flowers and crosses and palms are all in order and perfectly executed through the week. We count the number of times we've retold the Easter story, and strive to tell it in a new and enticing way each year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even if it's not about the theology, Easter does sort of signify some sort of perfection. Growing up, I had this hand-made Easter dress and an Easter hat for church on Easter morning. Sometimes we would get new shoes or sweaters. We would spend hours dying Easter Eggs and preparing for Easter supper. Perhaps you spend time cultivating the perfect Spring Break or going through spring cleaning to spruce up your house. Perhaps you make lovely every inch of your garden or decorate with wreathes and bows and figures.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Easter has this classic association with <b>perfection</b>, with <b>brightness,</b> and with <b>new life.</b> We feel pressure to make sure those things are felt and felt fully.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In actuality, so much of Holy Week and Easter reflect imperfection, suffering, and honesty. The Suscipe has been a wonderful tool for me throughout Lent to check my ego and my expectations at the door and to seek to give over my heart and my will to God. What I love about Iggy Smalls is that he recognized that Easter isn't one and done, well we got it now, moving on; he recognizes that <b>I need to be reminded of my imperfection daily</b>, that I need to rely on the grace and love of God which are more than enough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Suffering</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The thing I love most about Lent and about Holy Week is that is raw and painful. When we think of holidays, in the church or otherwise, it is rarely a solemn depressing occasion. Imagine if we spent all of Independence Day fasting and mourning the loss of soldiers, or Christmas feeling sad for Mary without her midwives or aid. It isn't often that we get to sit in the suffering parts of the story. And yet in Holy Week, we need the betrayal of Maundy Thursday and the vicious pain of Good Friday to bring sweetness to Easter morning. Without the suffering of the week, we cannot fully comprehend the extent of joy and excitement that Easter morning brings. Without bloody, gruesome, gritty death, we cannot hope to experience resurrection.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really love this because my life is not always charming or happy. At times, I have gone through loss, grief, depression, anxiety, or very challenging circumstances, and well-meaning folks have advised me to look on the bright side or count my blessings. While certainly those are nice sentiments, I'm not sure if God always wants us to feel happy, joyful, and content. Several years ago, one of my cousins had a baby who died during labor. I heard many phrases like, "Heaven has another angel!" and "God has a plan!" and later, "Had that not happened, we might not have the two beautiful girls she has now!" and while those might be nice or even true, they don't eliminate the grief and suffering of losing Devon. And in fact, it seems wrong and unfair to place a time limit on the grief and mourning one can experience at the untimely loss of this precious child.<b><i> Holy Week reminds me that God honors our grief and our pain; God participates in our suffering and heartache</i></b>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Maundy Thursday, we will read Scripture that reminds us that Jesus prayed and was grieved to the point of tears and sweating droplets of blood as he prepared for the impending crucifixion (Luke 22.39-46). We will be reminded that Jesus said, "Not my will but <b>yours</b> be done" in prayer to the Father. The gospel of John will help us to relive moments when Jesus washes the feet that will flee from him in his darkest hour and breaks bread with the man who will betray him for a small fee. In Scripture, we will find that Jesus didn't feel all warm and fuzzy about the crucifixion, nor did he face death with a super-human joyfulness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Good Friday, we will hear Jesus cry out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" a phrase from the Psalms that reverberates in our hearts, a phrase we confess we have wondered in our darkest time of need. We will encounter a Jesus who cries out, who thirsts, who is beaten and shamed, who is in genuine suffering and pain. We will imagine God the Father, who covers the earth with darkness, whose heart is broken with loss, even with the foreknowledge that Easter is coming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms0uq4-sYA-AI58U2nQQ2VXVy9HjksoP203rmpO204ep6ijzRMETwegsxqrzsw5KGOVczuZ0DJJXZM8aMWXcd6saFiSGSPTnAc_IlbFyowu9rdX41Q5EwA_svFJsHNH_E7-KIZbto9AE/s1600/good+friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgms0uq4-sYA-AI58U2nQQ2VXVy9HjksoP203rmpO204ep6ijzRMETwegsxqrzsw5KGOVczuZ0DJJXZM8aMWXcd6saFiSGSPTnAc_IlbFyowu9rdX41Q5EwA_svFJsHNH_E7-KIZbto9AE/s320/good+friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So...honesty...</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, we come upon Holy Week with unbridled honesty. With this sense that life is both painful and wonderful, challenging and rewarding, we approach Holy Week with a raw and vulnerable emotion etched on our hearts. We experience Jesus, exposed and unfettered, in the stories that lead up to Easter, and we are both excited and confused, attracted and repulsed, comforted and discomforted by this Jesus that we meet. <i>Holy Week is when Jesus shows us the truth of who He is; it is also the week when we come before Jesus with the truth of who we are</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">We are...</span>doubters, betrayers, sinners; egocentric yet self-loathing beings; people who are barely treading water, yet who are addicted to stress, productivity, and anxiety; people who didn't really feel like giving up a Thursday evening for church or a half hour for prayer; people who would rather curl up in comfort and security rather than face the ugliness, brutality, and bitterness of the Holy Week story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whether we are lounging on some beach somewhere, yanking weeds from our garden, exploring a fabulous city, camping in the mountains, or traveling to see family, I challenge us (myself included) to spend some time in the raw, honest suffering of Holy Week this week. I challenge us not to turn away from Jesus' vulnerable position on the cross, and to expose to God our own honest hurts, sufferings, and doubts. I challenge us to see Holy Week as an invitation to an intimacy only God can confirm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're in town, we have the Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 on Thursday in the Sanctuary with communion, and a time of prayer and reflection on Good Friday from 12:00-1:00 pm (you can come on your lunch hour; self-guided prayer stations!) in the Columbarium. If you're not in town, stay tuned for a blog by me on the two services on Friday, and check out the daily scripture readings in the lectionary: <a href="http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/daily.php?year=A">Daily Lectionary Readings</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whatever you do, I pray that you know the truth of St. Iggy's words:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Take and receive, oh Lord,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>My liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>All that I have and all that I am you have given to me.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I surrender it all to you, to be disposed of according to your will.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Grant that I may have only your love and your grace,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>For with these I am rich enough.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Amen.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because Nadia Bolz-Weber is awesome: <a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2015/03/not-sure-if-you-want-to-go-to-holy-week-services/">Not Sure About Holy Week</a></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-46892494065886994812017-04-03T11:40:00.001-07:002017-04-03T11:40:15.215-07:00Hope: Sports, Resurrection, and Allergies<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, Dan gave a great sermon about Ezekiel 37, the dry bones becoming flesh, the power of hope in the Holy Spirit. If you missed it, you can watch it here:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://unityfortmill.org/live">http://unityfortmill.org/live</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This topic and Scripture are very timely for April 3, and I have been reflecting on hope for many weeks now. In many ways, April feels like a time of hope, and in many ways it does not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Sports</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our home, we organize our lives around sporting events. We often call the month of February and the first two weeks of March "The Sports Desert" because it's the most depressing time of the year. When we lived in Pittsburgh, you're pretty much guaranteed that 6 weeks will have 1 maybe 2 days of full sunlight, and there will more than likely be one more big snow to cap off the season. The Super Bowl ends the weekly football gatherings for the year. Professional Hockey and Basketball are in that middle part of the marathon season when it almost gets a little boring. College basketball is happening but doesn't really get exciting until March. And of course, Major League Baseball hasn't begun yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPirates%2Fvideos%2F10154940270672931%2F&show_text=0&width=560" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The drought begins to let up in the beginning of March when the pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training, when the trade deadline hits for the NHL, and the college basketball teams (both men and women) start to heat up. There is something electric that begins inside me the first time the Pittsburgh Pirates update their Facebook page and as ESPN starts to spend some time on Bracketology. That electricity builds through March Madness, the opening series of baseball season, Stanley Cup playoffs, the NFL Draft, all the way to midsummer with the Home Run Derby (arguably the best all-star sports moment of the year. And by then it's just a few more weeks until we have college football and the NFL starting back up, and we Yinzers (from Pittsburgh) begin to calculate the possibilities of a weekend when the Pirates, the Penguins, the Steelers, and the Pitt Panthers all play at home. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There's something more too it of course. Today, being opening day for the Pirates, the possibilities are endless and there are 160 games left to win. On the first day of March Madness, there's the possibility of reliving the one time ever when I picked the champion. Every team has a chance, and every year there's a surprise. There is this bubble of hope that begins to grow in the spring for sports; we believe in the underdog and commit ourselves afresh to the team that we believe will not let us down. There's a new passion and excitement in our daily routine: we look forward to discussing our brackets, congratulating our Gamecock fan friends, and mercilessly debating our rival pals. Watching folks running around in the sunshine inspires us to get out into the beautiful weather and enjoy it...perhaps in a lawn chair, but outside nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Spring sports bring me hope, energy, and excitement.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Jesus</h3>
<div>
Of course, we also participate in Lent, the Passion, and the celebration of Easter Sunday. In Lent, we commit ourselves to the hope that tomorrow we will be greater servants than we were today. We believe that the more we confess our sin and our faith, the more we will grow in our discipleship of Jesus. And we patiently wait for that beautiful morning when Jesus leaps from the grave in victory.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is lots of hope to be found in the beautiful Easter lilies, brightly colored Easter bonnets, Spring Break vacations, and the adorable decorations of eggs, chicks, and bunnies that surround us. While the secular version of Easter may have nothing to do with Jesus, the colors and images do give us that same spirit of hope and excitement for the season.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrBIcsDdUdjMzyxS3l0nycMvV647HeRvShUnRrVgo-sCQ21IGHDz1V3T7rH2D0qvqUsZNWMYTJ5WsrteBbyLDzp2rjnqdMNzigiagVFZazD8DzXCnTZqFkSNZT-WORB0B1KQViCDQfEk/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrBIcsDdUdjMzyxS3l0nycMvV647HeRvShUnRrVgo-sCQ21IGHDz1V3T7rH2D0qvqUsZNWMYTJ5WsrteBbyLDzp2rjnqdMNzigiagVFZazD8DzXCnTZqFkSNZT-WORB0B1KQViCDQfEk/s320/easter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dry Bones and Congestion</h4>
<div>
Sometimes it's easy to see all of these bright colors, exciting events, and joyful celebrations as an easy time of hope for our lives. But other times it doesn't feel that way. For me, the beginning of spring means extra allergy medications, a tablespoon of local honey every morning, and lathering Vicks all over my neck and face before bed. It means lilies, hyacinths, and pine straw, which make my nose itch, my eyes water, and my sinuses swell. It means an almost certain sinus infection in late April, and multiple trips to the car wash per week to get that pollen drop off my car and away from my nostrils.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Spring means another holiday without a loved one who has died. It means there are soccer games to get to or varsity teams to not make. It means the inevitable aggravation of taxes and the exhaustion of lawn work, social events, musicals, sports, picnics, and graduations. It means sometimes feeling guilty for not getting more done; it means one less hour of sleep for Daylight savings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes, Spring still feels like dry bones, like the idea of this field of dry bones taking on flesh seems utterly impossible. Sometimes, I think the sunshine will make me feel a little better, but instead it feels sharp, piercing, and glaring. Sometimes, Spring feels more like the desperation of Good Friday than the celebration of Easter Sunday. We are caught in the grim reality of death found in Ash Wednesday, and the confession of guilt and self-discipline associated with Lent. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes the process of hope isn't something that can be fixed in a day, or even 3 days, or even perhaps the whole season. Hope isn't always an instantaneous gratification, but a slow march toward summer. It becomes celebrating the little victories (including getting out of bed in the morning!) and forgiving ourselves for the challenges.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZA5VTvPzdlH6xFMNPmvPp-4qpnylkBiBOpFYuW6EjxHy7LCJWCJTaSFmas_0UzWo0qBJmbG3fWhe3EJdfQPoZLaZYVwMVDaZzr5NNNQuimtz4khyXB6ohYpKwTUiXqKuNr8aFjDUYvY/s1600/hope-quotes-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZA5VTvPzdlH6xFMNPmvPp-4qpnylkBiBOpFYuW6EjxHy7LCJWCJTaSFmas_0UzWo0qBJmbG3fWhe3EJdfQPoZLaZYVwMVDaZzr5NNNQuimtz4khyXB6ohYpKwTUiXqKuNr8aFjDUYvY/s320/hope-quotes-14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Confessions</h4>
<div>
I must confess that this Spring for me has been a season of dry bones. I've spent time caring for my mother after surgery and my husband during a particularly terrible batch of strep throat. The Pasta Night and Pine Straw fundraisers have been full of unexpected challenges and additional burdens I wasn't expecting, leaving me one step behind. I feel unprepared almost every day; I leave my extremely messy office with a feeling of being unfinished every day. As those around me have been suffering from loss, stress, illness, and injury, I have felt at times that my well is too dry to give good comfort and care to others.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As one person said to me, sometimes I feel so behind I think I'm in first.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's the first day of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball season, and it's also Day 1 of Spring Cleaning for Pastor Lindsay. I am beginning the slow arduous process of physically going through, cleaning, and organizing the piles of *stuff* that overtaken my office and my home. Every inch will be a battleground that will require me to fight for it, but I will fight for every inch. (If you think that sounds melodramatic, you should take a gander at the pig sty in my office, and your mind will be changed). Through this physical process, I am working to emotionally and spiritually prepare myself for the next months of ministry in this church. Summer is coming, and with it transformative, beautiful experiences emerge with youth at Montreat, mission trips, and summer after-church lunches. I am gleaning from the stuff and the memories both the wonderful ways the Holy Spirit has shown up here in this place and the ways that we need to change to get back onto the right path.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I invite each of you to join me on this spiritual journey of spring cleaning: what can we get rid of in order to make space for what really matters? How can we emerge from the clutter with greater spiritual energy for the days to come?</div>
</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-51386536498774206922017-02-27T14:29:00.001-08:002017-02-27T14:29:18.258-08:00My bad, just kidding...<div style="text-align: center;">
As many of you know, my husband and I are big movie buffs. We see at least one movie every weekend, and we read and write and talk about the Oscar buzz for months before the Academy Awards air on TV. (For some reason the Academy still doesn't consult us when selecting the winners or nominees, but we're working on it). As you can imagine, we went all out for the Oscars last night: a red-carpet of napkins across the table, finally using some beautiful gold embellished china for our snacks, popcorn in crystal glasses, and of course, a homemade ice cream sundae bar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We stayed up way past our bedtime to watch all the awards being given out. Unlike apparently the rest of the world, I absolutely despised La La Land, finding it flashy, superficial, cynical, and somewhat sexist. So when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, after a confused exchange during which I assumed they had trouble reading the tiny font because I sure would, announced that the winner of the most coveted award of Best Picture was La La Land, I threw my ballot on the floor and stomped to the dining room to begin eating Thin Mints.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdVYs3l5dwXkUJDZKWSby_aHRK9jYvm6o9MmCsKlCenTau42y9-8nuOVe1ycCic0ASBtR1Y8TPKZ2Rknl-5sy3oo1dgP9V2oXDqeML0rNAOmzfIGakDdXp4DP2JWkQ1mXU4kc0PW7y6s/s1600/the+precious.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdVYs3l5dwXkUJDZKWSby_aHRK9jYvm6o9MmCsKlCenTau42y9-8nuOVe1ycCic0ASBtR1Y8TPKZ2Rknl-5sy3oo1dgP9V2oXDqeML0rNAOmzfIGakDdXp4DP2JWkQ1mXU4kc0PW7y6s/s320/the+precious.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you probably know, this wasn't the end of the story. A gracious producer of La La Land was handed the correct envelope which indicated that in fact Moonlight had won for Best Picture. He displayed that goodness of humanity as he walked to the microphone and cleared the situation.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgGvCHGzcb8NM8n85e29xRfuUa637DwZm2gpq4ddObubKm_0PY7l0dQNHt8FudZOJXslY3_l1vU9VsPls6wGSfC1klGuQnX_28NeqFjADiwO_KgC-1YJ3xG8Wa33ZtSirkcHke946LJ4/s1600/oscars+fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgGvCHGzcb8NM8n85e29xRfuUa637DwZm2gpq4ddObubKm_0PY7l0dQNHt8FudZOJXslY3_l1vU9VsPls6wGSfC1klGuQnX_28NeqFjADiwO_KgC-1YJ3xG8Wa33ZtSirkcHke946LJ4/s320/oscars+fail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Um.. Oops. My bad. Just kidding.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07o9rlmS8SOj60s_5svTO_-7sUVZGHTvLHAdRU_O2D-Noxxnqb-OWazOO-aBrnGsifxLFjMPpqGSIKHc5Df4GEFhwILZzVUESL-deOtO5P7Fl7m2L6CpwI8_QE-6iTmLiriB8YVDXFJg/s1600/-Oh-my-bad-meme-38580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07o9rlmS8SOj60s_5svTO_-7sUVZGHTvLHAdRU_O2D-Noxxnqb-OWazOO-aBrnGsifxLFjMPpqGSIKHc5Df4GEFhwILZzVUESL-deOtO5P7Fl7m2L6CpwI8_QE-6iTmLiriB8YVDXFJg/s320/-Oh-my-bad-meme-38580.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean, seriously, how do you recover from that? You just gave the biggest award of the night to a group of people who thought their wildest dreams had come true, and then passed a card to them revealing it was all a sick joke...ahem, mistake...and they were forced to hand over their dream-come-true award to another group of folks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not only that, but movies mean more than just good acting and neat shots. We care about movies because they dig deeply into our emotions, they portray things on the screen we can't always express in our everyday life. It's hard for me to imagine two more diametrically opposed films from 2016 than La La Land and Moonlight. La La Land is about the American dream from the perspective of "if you work hard enough, you can achieve your dreams." It features two privileged white folks who have a zillion opportunities for success thrown their way. It displays the glitz and the glamour of accomplishment and success, of sugar-sweet romance and dreams coming true. Moonlight, on the other hand, is a story about a black boy growing up in Miami, son of a drug addict mom, neglected, skinny, runty, and coming to a new understanding of his sexual orientation (he's gay). He doesn't rise above the poverty stricken area in a conventional way; he becomes a drug pusher himself in his adult life and makes a fine living doing so. He never seems to find perfect happiness or contentment in a romantic relationship; rather the film is about the struggle and the moments of hope that blip on the radar. For the Academy to choose a movie about struggle and challenge, a movie about minorities and stigma, over a movie about the white American dream and romance makes an enormous statement about our society. Moonlight was an important movie of 2016 because it showed a story that hasn't yet been told, a story that many of us are unaware exists. It transports us to someone else's shoes and allows us to see a part of the world we don't understand and wouldn't necessarily voluntarily seek. When the Academy followed through to take the Oscar away from La La Land and give it to Moonlight, it made a statement that the Academy is looking for more movies about real life, movies about the gritty, real, day-to-day challenges of real people, rather than movies about fantasy and dreams.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My bad...Did I do that???</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think about this #OscarsFail and I just have this palpable compassion for those involved in making this error. I think of the anger and frustration on the part of the La La Land team who was swept up to the stage to be yanked off again. I think of the humiliation of the presenters, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunnaway who aren't often in the spotlight these days, who will have weeks of social media torture. I think of the team behind Moonlight who had a belated and subdued celebration of their victory and who did not have sufficient time to say thank you. I even think of Steve Harvey, who had to relive his humiliation of reading the wrong Miss Universe winner (the internet immediately speculated a conspiracy theory about him being involved). In our society, we do not handle mistakes well. We hold them against individuals and companies for years or decades. We rarely take responsibility for our mistakes publicly, and when we do, we offer an explanation or an excuse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Immediately amidst the craziness, Warren Beatty began to grab for the microphone in order to explain and excuse himself. He told the story that he had the wrong envelope that had the Lead Actress winner rather than Best Picture and that he and Faye were confused as to what had occurred. He provided an explanation, an excuse.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are a culture that simultaneously expects perfection and is burdened by errors; a society that buries mistakes and assigns mountains of blame. When we personally make mistakes, it is hard for us to acknowledge them without shifting the blame elsewhere. Sometimes, myself included, we are so embarrassed about a mistake that it consumes us with anxiety, regret, and fear. I think of one of my personal heroes as a child: Steve Urkel on Family Matters:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xz3ZOoYSMuw/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xz3ZOoYSMuw?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Steve was hopelessly uncoordinated and socially awkward. He threw bowling balls out the window and knocked over dentistry equipment and blew a fuse in the living room and would always say, with a sheepish look on his face, "Did I do thaaaat?!?!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Part of what made this so amusing was the fact that it was a shameless and odd thing to say. If you accidentally threw Carl Winslow's bowling ball out the window, the options for action might include: 1. profuse apology and self-shaming; 2. running with intense speed to get away; 3. crying; 4. coming up with some other excuse. We rarely ask someone, "Did I do that?" or "Was that my fault?" because we really don't want the answer to be "Yes, Steve, you did do that!" because then we are truly at fault. Then we've done something wrong and we are at the mercy of someone else to give us forgiveness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last night, the Academy chose the Steve Urkel route: they didn't rip up the card and pretend La La Land won and move on. They owned up to it: Yes, yes, we did do that, but we care enough about who we are as an organization and the movie that we wanted to reward that we will own up to our mistakes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So...Lent...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wednesday, of course, is Ash Wednesday, which begins the liturgical season of Lent. Traditionally, Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust and to dust we shall return, and Lent is the responsive 40 days of fasting and penitence that follow, days in which we confess both that we are sinful and that Christ is our salvation. Growing up surrounded by Roman Catholics, I had always taken this to mean that we give up those tempting candy bars and four-letter-words we all love. Sometimes, Lent has been a chance to start something new, to take on a new spiritual discipline, to focus on the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the Oscars last night show us that we are hungry for Lent to mean something more than tulips and colored eggs. We are challenged in Lent to own up to our failures and shortcomings, to the ways that we are not perfect and that we are not God. We are challenged in Lent to hand over the dream trophy to someone else. We are challenged to return to the truth about who we are and whose we are. We are challenged to celebrate the Moonlight moments of real, gritty, uncomfortable life, instead of just the La La Land moments of glitz and glamour. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As Lent comes upon us this Wednesday, I invite each of you to walk with me on this spiritual journey of letting go of the things that aren't fully us, even when they appear glamorous and opulent. The things that keep us from a real, substantial relationship with Jesus Christ. The places where we might long to build up our own ego at the expense of Jesus in our lives. On this journey, we will embrace fully the gritty, earthy, truth of life, of who we are, and of the earthy, humble messiah we worship. Let us walk with the human Jesus on the agonizing walk of love through Lent, from ashes to cross, and let us learn together more about who we are, and who Jesus is.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Some Lent Resources</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.pts.edu/devotional_1">Online Devotional from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/worship/christianyear/worship-resources-lent/">Presbyterian Mission Agency Lent</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-59536928085698076812017-02-20T10:24:00.003-08:002017-02-20T10:24:17.347-08:00When you pray to love your enemies, be prepared...<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, the lectionary was kind enough to provide us with the challenging text of Jesus commanding us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you. You can see the sermon here:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1767692802"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://unityfortmill.org/live">http://unityfortmill.org/live</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began praying over this text at least a month ago. I can't think of a more terrifying scripture from which to preach at this time. My social media accounts are saturated with the current political issues of the day, often from news sources that mock the character and credibility of our president, that speculate about possible policies, that turn careless phrases into prejudicial slurs. By no means is this a statement about politics: I'm not sure when the last time I had a conversation about politics and social/cultural issues in our country that did not take a turn into a personal attack from one side to the other. In fact, I confess that sometimes I find myself hearing the political opinion of a person in a way that alters my personal opinion of that person.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i>If that person supports that political candidate, they obviously hate women...or they don't care about my moral values...or they are oblivious to racism in our culture...or, wait, why do I even associate with them at all?"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I began to pray over this text, I found myself inundated with opportunities to pray for my "enemies." Simply, I began to pray for those who annoyed me on any given day. On Facebook and Twitter, it wasn't hard to find people for whom I was suddenly compelled to pray. But God began to sneak this into a lot of areas of my life. I began to pray for the show-off woman next to me at yoga.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBiQSr0Bm7D7UbOZz2N1t76vYLtBQ6YYRXlvip3Ufncr5nZXkkgRCvhxnc_c0lkDHQEkX__WwvSYLz15qqPC-8VH8ijVy_Gdneq2s3dLgR_ULmo6h9debTYwoO3MCth0pex-WiSA0Tk/s1600/me-doing-yoga.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuBiQSr0Bm7D7UbOZz2N1t76vYLtBQ6YYRXlvip3Ufncr5nZXkkgRCvhxnc_c0lkDHQEkX__WwvSYLz15qqPC-8VH8ijVy_Gdneq2s3dLgR_ULmo6h9debTYwoO3MCth0pex-WiSA0Tk/s320/me-doing-yoga.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I began to pray for the people we Pittsburghers call "jag-offs" who fail to use the turn signals in their car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedpjfBe27rlntngVamWIno9mZN4ZfmpfeLOXPwhvJyBurtjlssc4AcK5_43EMFzeQLch2Hcv9ZpGvGlX1xoqnDM6XpyOD8An33897C1gdYr1S7EZIhJoXJ5vsDcjjevrUmsmIC4w_Nx0/s1600/driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedpjfBe27rlntngVamWIno9mZN4ZfmpfeLOXPwhvJyBurtjlssc4AcK5_43EMFzeQLch2Hcv9ZpGvGlX1xoqnDM6XpyOD8An33897C1gdYr1S7EZIhJoXJ5vsDcjjevrUmsmIC4w_Nx0/s320/driver.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I began to pray for completely unhelpful grocery store clerks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1ucUdL_boXOMAYi_Gs_ca4wsoaMZ_-DmMhMExc8HUsD-MZdovcQ_ucmv2hm6OkT47sSnbtfQ1O9Z_0Gs7WS23iwDkXluNoIqzYd4PBc-LyOziKF-iqjjYO5qpobkYQpCO2XliGPK2is/s1600/after-shopping_o_931571.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1ucUdL_boXOMAYi_Gs_ca4wsoaMZ_-DmMhMExc8HUsD-MZdovcQ_ucmv2hm6OkT47sSnbtfQ1O9Z_0Gs7WS23iwDkXluNoIqzYd4PBc-LyOziKF-iqjjYO5qpobkYQpCO2XliGPK2is/s320/after-shopping_o_931571.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the more I began to pray for these simple things, the more opportunities to pray for more challenging situations presented themselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Friends wanted to talk some trash about what some other friends were wearing or who was responsible for so and so's relationship failure. I prayed for friends, both who wanted to talk smack and those whose lives were out of whack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched a documentary about white supremacists who commit hate crimes in our country, and I was overwhelmed with outrage: how on earth do people justify that kind of baseless hatred in their lives? How can they live from day to day so miserable? So I prayed for them, and I prayed for those who are hurt by their hurtful thoughts and actions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The list continues, but some of these stories are too personal to post. The more I began to gain an awareness of those who filled me with anger or frustration, the more I began to lift them over to God, the more I realized how many people this included. The more I realized that the very things that anger me about others are the same things that anger me about myself. The more I began to love, and care and consider my own self.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
********</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Leviticus 19.18</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began my sermon with the story of Michael Donald, a young black man in Mobile, AL who was murdered by members of the Klan in 1981. His mama, Beulah Mae Donald, won a civil suit against the Klan that effectively bankrupted and liquidated the official Klan at that time. I have read countless articles this week and watched a documentary that accounts for her great faithfulness and strength. I am so incredibly inspired by Miss Beulah Mae. Most of us, thankfully, will not have to live through the horrible nightmare that Miss Beulah Mae lived through, but she gives us an example to strive for.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When someone does or says something particularly hurtful, when my enemy slaps my cheek or sues me, the love I am commanded to hold in my heart does not exempt that person from consequences. Loving my enemies doesn't mean that they get away with abuse and violence, but it does mean that their hurtful actions and thoughts have less power over me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Far from being an expert at loving enemies, the preparation for this sermon has been a spiritual journey for me, and I hope that you'll join me in this challenging walk alongside Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For the full story of Michael Donald and Beulah Mae:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1987/11/01/magazine/the-woman-who-beat-the-klan.html?pagewanted=all">NY Times Article</a></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-79730268160226923392017-02-07T14:22:00.000-08:002017-02-07T14:22:09.851-08:00Pasta Night: It's more than spaghetti and money<div style="text-align: center;">
Every year, our high school youth put on the Pasta Night as a fundraiser to raise money for both the High School Mission Trip and Montreat Youth Conference. This money is absolutely crucial for our summer programming here at Unity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Dollar Bills, y'all</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few ways that money is needed for our summer trips:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
High School Mission Trip</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Budget:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$2,000</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Transportation:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To transport our youth to and from the trips, we need to rent vehicles, usually vehicles with a capacity to hold 8-12 kids. To rent a van for one week costs around $1,000. To fuel that van for one week, costs around $400. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Food</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To feed kids, we are able to do it relatively inexpensively, aiming for about $8 per day per kid ($64 per kid for the week). This is not including foods for food allergies, meals out, or any emergency food situations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lodging</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To stay at a church or facility, the charge is usually around $20 per kid per night ($140 per kid per week).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Materials</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While some thing we ask youth to bring with them, we often find ourselves purchasing hammers and nails, safety goggles, water bottles, gloves, handkerchiefs, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Chaperones</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While we charge each youth $250 to attend the Mission Trip, we are so grateful of chaperones giving of their valuable time, that we do not charge them for their week. This means we have to account for transportation, food, lodging, and materials for chaperones as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we take, for example, 15 youth and 5 chaperones (a likely estimate), the cost per student would be $525 per person (a total cost of $7,880). Pasta Night helps us to bring that total cost down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Montreat Youth Conference</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Budget:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$3,000</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Transportation:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To transport youth to and from, we need to either rent vehicles or ask adults to drive their vehicles, in which case we would need to reimburse for gas and mileage. We also need to ensure that enough seats exist in our vehicles throughout the week for all of our youth in case of an emergency and for our trip down the mountain. This costs between $1,400 and $2,800.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Camp Fees</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The registration fee for Montreat is $325 per person; the housing and meals cost $300 per person. This means that Montreat actually charges us $625 per person.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Chaperones:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We do have a chaperone budget of $1400. As our numbers increase for this event, we need more and more chaperones to help out. Our lowest possible cost for chaperones is $2,150.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we take for example 25 youth and 5 chaperones (a reasonable estimate), the total cost would be $18, 425, cost per student: $561. Again, Pasta Night helps us to bring that total cost down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So yeah, we won't sugar coat it, we need money to make these ministries possible. But is that the only reason we do Pasta Night? By no means...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Showing up</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hebrews 10.24-25</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not sure anyone who has spent any length of time in our congregation would deny that a crucial part of the DNA of our congregation is meeting together and enjoying one another's company. Just a few weeks ago, as we ordained Deacons and Elders, the greeting and fellowship that followed delayed worship for several minutes. This, my friends, is a gift and a call from God. When we gather for Congregational Breakfasts, when we meet for Sunday Night Live dinners, when we attend the Lunch Bunch or the Men's Breakfast, or the Mother-Daughter-Sister-Friend Luncheon (or many other things), we participate in the love of God through the communion of the Holy Spirit. We are a part of God's family; we rejoice in God's presence in our community.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our high school youth want to provide an opportunity for this joy and fellowship through Pasta Night. Pasta Night is for all of us, young and old, men and women, members and non-members, <b>all. of. us.</b> to come together and enjoy each other and enjoy God.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Servers</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, we always have the youth serve our guests by bringing them food and beverages, by showing them to their tables, by preparing the meal, but it is more than that. This church has stretched itself in a variety of ways to provide for the upbringing of its teenagers. We are not unaware of the many dollars donated, hours sacrificed, prayers offered, rooms cleaned, and work done so that we can meet on Sundays and bond as a youth group. We are extremely grateful for your love, and we want to remind you that Youth Ministry is not a ministry that hides from the congregation who loves it so dearly; rather Youth Ministry stands boldly and humbly as members of the congregation who love this church and want to know more its people and its history. This is a chance for us to give back to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Showing Off</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As a highly competitive person, the youth pastor wouldn't be satisfied without bragging on her teenagers. It is far too often that we see teenagers on TV as addicts, criminals, lewd, angry, rebellious, and selfish. I am sure that any adult who help with youth group can attest for you that our teenagers exemplify excellent moral character, unfailing kindness, and loving selflessness. Pasta Night is a chance for us to show off how absolutely wonderful our youth are here at Unity Presbyterian Church. It's a chance for you to be blessed by getting to know them in a new and perhaps unexpected way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So...is it too late?</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The deadline has passed for Pasta Night, but we do have about 50 spots left for reservations. Pasta Night is Saturday, February 11 (THIS SATURDAY), seatings at 5:00 and 6:30 pm or TO-GO; menu options: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chicken Alfredo, and Pasta Primavera. The cost is $12 for adults/youth and $6 for kids. Please email Lindsay before Thursday at 5:00 to make your reservation (<a href="mailto:lwhite@unityfortmill.org">lwhite@unityfortmill.org</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember! There will be a Silent Auction and fantastic entertainment along with scrumptious Italian food. Don't miss it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-28376700198256566332017-01-30T09:09:00.001-08:002017-01-30T09:09:29.799-08:00This is the song that never ends...<div style="text-align: center;">
Two weeks ago, 20+ students from our youth group spent two hours and considerable elbow grease dusting the both the new and old sanctuaries of our church.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q8y413HIw7UUCOz7yczq2vrwuPovuvYMIk4WTnyNhRQqdi-2NP-AJpJpxox-Naz2aqrGpjl5ORjAaYugj21EMOu3plm7dE1JUIF8G6XynSUesVCNUTKbmviupqaQtNKZ_LWW61FvuXA/s1600/dusting.1.15.2017.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Q8y413HIw7UUCOz7yczq2vrwuPovuvYMIk4WTnyNhRQqdi-2NP-AJpJpxox-Naz2aqrGpjl5ORjAaYugj21EMOu3plm7dE1JUIF8G6XynSUesVCNUTKbmviupqaQtNKZ_LWW61FvuXA/s320/dusting.1.15.2017.5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLZLzjtm31HC-AKBGcdYPelxpev9013aE6UD0p5vVkkW8_y5N08harELVabKmhf4rC4voHQp5qYofBF7Spg9bv1zktQ2kqvrp945HuwdySdhK7NRdNNS3KOcTkWfRQSkSyl8dKR4QqDY/s1600/dusting.1.15.2017.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLZLzjtm31HC-AKBGcdYPelxpev9013aE6UD0p5vVkkW8_y5N08harELVabKmhf4rC4voHQp5qYofBF7Spg9bv1zktQ2kqvrp945HuwdySdhK7NRdNNS3KOcTkWfRQSkSyl8dKR4QqDY/s320/dusting.1.15.2017.1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqU3vvMusYZGPDS4LhDWwchGe4Vq70rDx6hyJ7Wp37eYpTk4O2lfJGp7I1HfnxtYRlJCz2PDihlW_ztctFZEtVRQ5-qXsgzrGkGc6suiLIiWlYs3ryL8YLHvgVDgKG8SMF5XfQcUcOiw/s1600/dusting.1.15.2017.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqU3vvMusYZGPDS4LhDWwchGe4Vq70rDx6hyJ7Wp37eYpTk4O2lfJGp7I1HfnxtYRlJCz2PDihlW_ztctFZEtVRQ5-qXsgzrGkGc6suiLIiWlYs3ryL8YLHvgVDgKG8SMF5XfQcUcOiw/s320/dusting.1.15.2017.2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ahRHX6yn1ur4HEmr1Nd3r0VwGVM9MeO-qMlNILOyHmfJ15QxHNYcy0FVrSGzQ5l7J62u2j5RTcw14JyOlpiKomyyJ_QwQcWdxd6Lec0y5MK-p4Arvwuksx1of99ppxaVPu8w9vmLF_o/s1600/dusting.1.15.2017.4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ahRHX6yn1ur4HEmr1Nd3r0VwGVM9MeO-qMlNILOyHmfJ15QxHNYcy0FVrSGzQ5l7J62u2j5RTcw14JyOlpiKomyyJ_QwQcWdxd6Lec0y5MK-p4Arvwuksx1of99ppxaVPu8w9vmLF_o/s320/dusting.1.15.2017.4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx-iCTz2Y898H-a9AuDOObRx20wz72EB9RUBkhHgUyEOHjn_Ycj_c2a8zP7nWyx1onH1Vj7EarW5XFIBi8LANJ3sej2DfgE33OdWI-iDwMwRkzLRhATLiqQSUuCja5B1CmskeWCIFI-0/s1600/dusting.1.15.2017.8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx-iCTz2Y898H-a9AuDOObRx20wz72EB9RUBkhHgUyEOHjn_Ycj_c2a8zP7nWyx1onH1Vj7EarW5XFIBi8LANJ3sej2DfgE33OdWI-iDwMwRkzLRhATLiqQSUuCja5B1CmskeWCIFI-0/s320/dusting.1.15.2017.8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went over each surface at least twice. We stuck the corners of our rags into every crack and crevice. We worked hard. At the end of our time together, David (one of our sextons) came and thanked us for our work telling us we had done a great job. Before I could even reply, I heard a chorus of students behind me say, "Thank YOU David for all the hard work that you do so that we can have our programs."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You see, two people are in charge of the cleaning and care of our entire property, with all of its buildings and light bulbs and bathrooms and lawn work and dust and carpets and trash....and on and on and on. Our youth reflected about how many lightbulbs would need to be changed and how many surfaces collect dust each day. They reflected on all the things that need to happen in order for them to have youth group each week, all the trash that is taken out from their snacks, all the waste that is cleaned up behind them -- a lot of work, a lot of behind the scenes, thankless work. Spending two hours hard scrubbing might not be the most enjoyable afternoon, but it enabled our youth to reflect on the many things that are necessary for the church to function as it does, especially a church our size.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happily Ever After...Ish?</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Often, this is where we end out testimony. I am perhaps the most guilty of this: I like to tell you all the successes and the blessings and the joys of youth ministry in our congregation. I like you to know that your youth are learning and making a difference in their community. Even in times that aren't as great, I like to spin it around to sound good or talk about what we've learned or how we are going to do better in the future or frankly, I just leave out some of the mess. Everyone doesn't need to know all the sordid details of youth ministry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>We really like</i></b> <b><i>to tell stories of faith and mission that end with shiny pews and smiling sextons. But discipleship is not a fairy tale that ends with perfection and happily ever after.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Wednesday of last week, a crew came into the new sanctuary to climb a considerable height to change some of those light bulbs. (As a side note, I should have sat and watched, as the sheer cavernous quality of our sanctuary is mind-blowing to me.) As they worked, a sprinkle of debris turned into a blizzard of dust particles cascading in earnest onto the freshly polished chairs, pews, and and wood surfaces below. Many observers came to me and expressed their dismay about the dust:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh no, the work the youth did was completely negated.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Oh dear, the youth will feel so bad.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Even after all that help, now the sextons will still have to do the work of dusting once again.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I first heard these statements, I confess it was much the same feeling I have each week when I put on my freshly cleaned white Saturday sweatshirt, last week's coffee stain carefully and diligently removed, only to immediately spill my first cup of coffee down my front.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZAKhie5iHN0QaXY_Gcy8a9u_goKA6CBZKnpC5zmBzQ3NWAmDWkj4ZZW7atHro5Ocf6OeaUgzT672nnn2VUokWsCio8JtWePXps_cOPqgky1jYNKKZbRQRmoesaGlLH9gcwLw59qhznQ/s1600/dawson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZAKhie5iHN0QaXY_Gcy8a9u_goKA6CBZKnpC5zmBzQ3NWAmDWkj4ZZW7atHro5Ocf6OeaUgzT672nnn2VUokWsCio8JtWePXps_cOPqgky1jYNKKZbRQRmoesaGlLH9gcwLw59qhznQ/s320/dawson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgflip.com/i/18crv5"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Total frustration. Overwhelming exasperation. Admit it: you know the feeling I'm talking about. When you've just cleaned the kitchen sink and someone puts in a dirty plate caked with dried food. When you've just cleaned the litter box and your cat chooses that moment for his morning constitution. When you've just cleaned and organized your desk and a pile of papers comes into your inbox. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes it's like the chores of life never end; we just cycle back through them over and over again. Sometimes we put all of our effort into something that goes unrewarded and unnoticed. Sometimes no matter how hard we work, it's like we can't get ahead. Sometimes, if we are really honest with ourselves, we wonder why we even try, if our efforts really made a difference, if there was a point to any of this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The total monotony of discipleship</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The reality is that discipleship can often be like dusting our sanctuary: by the time you finish, the other side has already gotten dusty again. Whether it was workers changing light bulbs or just simply time, the dust returns and must be scrubbed away. We can avoid it, sure, but in a few weeks, as we pull out our hymnals, feeling the grit of their dirtiness and sneezing as the dust assaults our noses, we know it simply can't be avoided any longer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I think of the monotony of discipleship, I think about the Israelites in the desert. After weeks of wandering and eating nothing but manna, the Israelites cry out, "If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing but this manna to look at!" (Numbers 11.4-6).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We long for the cucumbers and the fish, the melons and the leeks, the onions and the garlic, the wild, flavorful, vibrant pieces of discipleship. We long to be doing exciting and adventurous things, things that make a big difference, things that make us feel good and like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. We signed up for this Christian journey for the excitement of the Promised Land and the hipster Jesus bracelets. We didn't sign up for manna...day in and day out...manna...bland, bland manna.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God responds that humankind does not live on bread alone but on the word of the Lord. We do not do this whole Christianity thing for the glory, and the warm fuzzy feelings and the total ecstasy we feel. We do this whole Christianity thing because we are following God, because we are committed to God's will and God's journey, because we want to give the glory and honor, praise and majesty to God. That means a lot of discipleship is eating boring manna. A lot of discipleship is endless dusting of the sanctuary and shredding documents and sitting in meetings and cleaning up the kitchen after we're done and stuff that's not sexy or glamorous but contributes to the real experience of worshiping Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6P7_LweAwG643O2oYTJ51KDKREcO_FRJROSSx4vuLMgLiKUISUPVhsx_VxJ32piThsnvxqfbYNlhJMHuWo14rLpG_TGx-jU3i3otbRLdOU35YsZWA2bhy6DmOQh2RdZVW9VVyqfN6lY/s1600/wat-s-a-manna-with-you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6P7_LweAwG643O2oYTJ51KDKREcO_FRJROSSx4vuLMgLiKUISUPVhsx_VxJ32piThsnvxqfbYNlhJMHuWo14rLpG_TGx-jU3i3otbRLdOU35YsZWA2bhy6DmOQh2RdZVW9VVyqfN6lY/s320/wat-s-a-manna-with-you.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just keep swimming...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So today, I want to encourage us to do a couple of things:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. Let's celebrate the monotony as well as the excitement. When we tell stories of discipleship, let's tell about dusting as well as about worship at Montreat; let's tell of digging post holes as well as the beach trip; let's tell of service as well as games. Let's not complain that the manna is getting bland and boring; rather let us give thanks that we have manna at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. Let's look not for entertainment but for Jesus, not for fulfillment but for Jesus, not for self-satisfaction but for Jesus. For Jesus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-44808223382692339192017-01-23T11:23:00.000-08:002017-01-23T11:23:32.330-08:00Some stuff I learned in Florida<div style="text-align: center;">
I receive a friend request from a former student on Facebook. I look at the name and the picture of the nearly unrecognizable young man and remember nearly 10 years ago being on a mission trip with him. I can vividly remember my eyes welling up as he spoke gently to folks with special needs and worked hard to clean up dinner. With eagerness, I accept the request and go to check out his profile. What I find is meme after meme of racist slurs and sexist remarks. What I find is a commitment to atheism and self preservation. What I find is not the kiddo I remember who had so much potential.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see a student I had as a camper on the news. She's at a demonstration downtown and proudly waving her atheist and anarchist flags. I wish I saw the beautiful, eager, and spiritually hungry girl I saw at camp, but I see an angry, bitter young woman who has walked away from the seeds that were planted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm on a mission trip, and I find out that my seniors, whom I've worked with for five years, are lying to me and keeping their cell phones. Although they are hard workers and have good hearts, they can be found lounging on work sites and leaving others out of their conversations. Five years of work, five years of love and kindness and discipleship, and here they are, disrespecting me and others in the group.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*****</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After three years of discipleship and intimate relationship, Jesus kneels at the last supper to wash the feet of his disciples. Jesus washes the feet of men who will run away merely hours from now as he's arrested. Men who will deny him in public. A man who will betray him for 30 pieces of silver. A man who will doubt when he is miraculously resurrected. This is not the Olympic team of disciples; these are not the close followers that perhaps Jesus could have hoped for, perhaps that he deserved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#DiscipleshipFails and other things I learned last week</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week, I had the great privilege of attending the annual Disciple Making Conference put on by Presbyterian Mission Agency in St. Pete Beach, Florida. The speaker, Rev. Jeff Eddings, a dear friend and mentor to me, focused our time on the spiritual disciplines and musings of St. Ignatius of Loyola. I have learned a lot from this, and I'm sure that it will bleed into much of what I talk about over the next several weeks, but one of the greatest pieces of insight we discussed was a movement from the phrase <b><i>"disciple-making"</i></b> to <b><i>"disciple-allowing." </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Failure:</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm rather competitive. I don't like to fail. I constantly assess my progress and skills. When I ran the half marathon in Pittsburgh 3 years ago, I was disappointed because I ran it two minutes slower than my goal (never mind that I ran the whole thing and still managed an 10:30 min/mile pace, which was great for me). I'm absolutely inconsolable today as I mourn the Steeler loss to [Bill Belle-cheat and the] New England Patriots [the refs were paid!]. As a child, I would do anything to convince my brother to swim races with me because I knew it was the only sport I could beat him in. I don't like failure and I have a high standard of what it means to succeed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I think many of us have been conditioned this way. Nearly every week, I am asked by congregation members how many youth are attending youth group each week. When our youth shared life-transforming stories on Youth Sunday, many of us were moved to tears hearing our young people standing up for their faith. That day really felt like a success, and I heard many folks tell me such. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">In 10 years of youth ministry, I honestly can't say that I don't have a minor panic every time a kid stops coming to youth group or gets in trouble for something or disappoints me in some way. I ride the high of Youth Sunday with vigor, and I crash along with my youth when I hear about their mistakes and unhealthy decisions. Sometimes ministry feels like one step forward, three steps back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">At the Disciple Allowing Conference, we had a discussion about #discipleshipfails. We talked about how failure is never the last word, but also how success is actually not the last word either. We talked about how we are obsessed [a disordered attachment] with whether or not we consider a ministry a success or failure; we are molded and sculpted by our production and consumerist society.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is God calling us to constantly produce? To produce perfect, cookie-cutter disciples? To produce seamless mission projects? To produce and produce and produce and for our congregation to consume consume consume?</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Scripture: The parable of the sower</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been reflecting on Matthew 13.1-9 and 18-23. In this parable, Jesus tells of a farmer who sows seeds in a variety of places: along the path, in rocky places, among thorns, and on good soil. Of course, in the less ideal places, the seeds do not take root and they are snatched up or wither and die. In the good soil, the harvest is plentiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I have read this parable over the years, I have focused on the meaning Jesus speaks of in vv. 18-23, I have focused on the seeds and how they grow. Recently, however, I have been reflecting on the farmer. I'm not a farmer, but my great grandparents were. My Pap Pap was very organized when he planted plants. His part of the garden was neatly planted and organized and labeled, But my Nunny (and my Uncle Butchy) would scatter their seeds wherever and hope that some of them would grow. As a result we would have sunflowers on the rocky path and tomatoes growing against the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am struck by the fact that this farmer just tosses seed wherever he goes. Each seed has this unlimited life potential as he tosses it in the fields, but he does not protect or control the seeds: he tosses seeds in places where growth might be stunted or unsure. It's almost as thought he isn't sure where the good soil might be or that he has hope for every kind of soil. Perhaps the job of the one sowing the seed isn't to judge the soil or manipulate the conditions for growth, but rather to simply plant the seeds and pray for their growth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Indeed, that seems to connect to 1 Corinthians 3. 6-9:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but <b>only God, who makes things grow.</b> The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps those of us who devote a part of our lives to making youth into disciples [youth advisors, pastors, friends, parents, teachers], perhaps we are trying to control the growth of disciples too much. Perhaps we are trying to take the role of God. Perhaps it is not our job to understand the quality of the soil or the progress of each disciple; perhaps it is our job to <b>indiscriminately spread the seed of the gospel.</b> Perhaps it is simply our job to create a situation where faith <i>might</i> grow, should the seeds decide to accept the nutrients of the soil and to transform into a plant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rev. Jeff Eddings described this another way: he said he thinks of our faith much like the story of the three little pigs. For many years, he felt as a pastor it was our responsibility to stand between the houses of the three little pigs and prevent the Big Bad Wolf from blowing them down. Perhaps it was even his job to help the piggies trade straw for brick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through his ministry, Jeff has learned that the Big Bad Wolf comes whether he is standing there or not. The piggies's houses blow down, whether they're made of straw or wood, or even brick. His job as pastor isn't to manipulate or prevent the wind or the building of the house. Rather, the job of pastor is to sit with the piggies in the pile of rubble that once was their house (their faith) and to sift through the mess to find what is good, to find the new beams and bricks upon which the new faith might be built. Ultimately, however, the piggies have to build their own houses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
By their own initiative...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little over a year ago, the Youth Ministry Team prepared 5 goals for youth ministry at Unity Presbyterian Church. In my personal opinion, the best, most comprehensive one is the first one:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>To create opportunities for youth to develop personal relationships with God <b>by their own initiative.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So basically, our goal is to spread some seed. No matter how many Montreats I go on, Confirmation classes we teach, youth groups I run, Bible Studies we lead, Sunday School lessons one attends, or mission opportunities we offer, I can't be the Holy Spirit. I can't force a kid to fall in love with Jesus. I'm imagining Bruce Almighty as he stands in the street and stares at Jennifer Aniston yelling, "Love me!!!!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f-zqGqDkF_cY1PC1as_gIrwSxHEs7iQBDQu5XR3lDsCK6s2iN1vugLo6lnwaaHxHVOyhCeJSlkGdZdhWiFCwvFuHaOmz8HXANKR2RFxNDEdQ20M6SORjWaw0du48DkrgP5xA5cXp6qQ/s1600/bruce+almighty.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0f-zqGqDkF_cY1PC1as_gIrwSxHEs7iQBDQu5XR3lDsCK6s2iN1vugLo6lnwaaHxHVOyhCeJSlkGdZdhWiFCwvFuHaOmz8HXANKR2RFxNDEdQ20M6SORjWaw0du48DkrgP5xA5cXp6qQ/s320/bruce+almighty.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love doesn't work like that. Neither does faith. Neither does discipleship. Each person has to develop a personal relationship with God <b><i>by their own initiative.</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This means I'm just a farmer. This means I just toss the seed out there and pray it takes root. This means, I don't judge the soil or pull the weeds or prevent the Big Bad Wolf from coming; it means that I am present, hopeful, and faithful. It means that you, also, as parents, as pastors, as educators, as advisors and mentors, you are just farmers, just folks doing the planting and the watering...y'all can't control the growth. Only God controls the growth of the seeds. This is both extremely frustrating as one who wants to make everything work perfectly, and extremely liberating in knowing that I have limitations. It's ego-deflating and humbling. It reminds me that God is God so that I don't have to be. It reminds me that when discipleship seems to #fail, the weeds and the thorns and the birds do not have the last word. The Holy Spirit continues to work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
****</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If Jesus can look Simon Peter in the eye and wash his feet, and serve him as his disciple and friend, knowing that in a matter of hours this man would pretend that he didn't know Jesus, if Jesus can do that, who am I to place discipleship in a box? The rock on whom Jesus built the church chose self-preservation over discipleship in the most critical moment, the moment when Jesus, as a human, needed him the most. The man that Jesus chose to spread his word to the Gentiles was Paul, exactly the man who was trying to kill Jesus' disciples and followers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't get to decide how these discipleship journeys end up. I don't get to evaluate whether we are succeeding or failing in our ministries. I don't get to force kids to love Jesus. I just get to spread the seed and make the opportunity possible. I just get to watch as God's garden grows.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Resources</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/disciple-making-church-conference-offers-spiritual-detox-soul/">Some articles about the conference</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-89442680791462813062017-01-09T08:48:00.002-08:002017-01-09T08:48:56.539-08:00Baptized in ICE<div style="text-align: center;">
They say it only takes one winter in a new place to change your blood, and I'd have to say I agree. I have never loved the snow or the cold, especially in my adult life when snow and cold means waking up a half hour earlier to clean off my car and struggle to get to work. This weekend's "snow" storm (which was mostly ice in my area) has not exactly been my cup of tea (although it has inspired me drink a lot of tea). Now mind you, I lived through the blizzard of 2010 in Pittsburgh:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYDS52sCNptPmcsQs3lJjDk0EJzqmDOmUWDAye50AHF7dlV7_XX-7-BLGKrEvm7wY3XdL3q2UAqv4cWHKFI0NwJZ5NY7iDFlH7uDuH57KfmL2TrmxJb8dBzJFg0N4mq0-o-8Sspsno7E/s1600/19747_519158091470_205763_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYDS52sCNptPmcsQs3lJjDk0EJzqmDOmUWDAye50AHF7dlV7_XX-7-BLGKrEvm7wY3XdL3q2UAqv4cWHKFI0NwJZ5NY7iDFlH7uDuH57KfmL2TrmxJb8dBzJFg0N4mq0-o-8Sspsno7E/s320/19747_519158091470_205763_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{my car}</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyRB98VC7jBaXGZ0HTvk4VA-T4YbZJrxuoH4X3-OFtisg_SRCEG5TqcpbhILqJGSLossT1AJbrobZSXcEmBANkV6d4x1Dd2vC8FgxCGae6Yb-nf2M_Ylr-OOTNNLPNBe5-UI9f5FfYR4/s1600/19747_519158226200_6271479_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnyRB98VC7jBaXGZ0HTvk4VA-T4YbZJrxuoH4X3-OFtisg_SRCEG5TqcpbhILqJGSLossT1AJbrobZSXcEmBANkV6d4x1Dd2vC8FgxCGae6Yb-nf2M_Ylr-OOTNNLPNBe5-UI9f5FfYR4/s320/19747_519158226200_6271479_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{a lawn chair}</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjet3n0M8OtMEQA4YncLesfoZKjpUY7GUka5uKILEwkasDjn6gkhOXDeNhYXWN4-dAbh0Mn8WOeWU9uk9C3zu3S_VR1WLMdQ61Okgf_QQhHIV_JXvY26bmVLf3s_HAlLRBxx3UqBMk9z6Q/s1600/19747_519158246160_6406025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjet3n0M8OtMEQA4YncLesfoZKjpUY7GUka5uKILEwkasDjn6gkhOXDeNhYXWN4-dAbh0Mn8WOeWU9uk9C3zu3S_VR1WLMdQ61Okgf_QQhHIV_JXvY26bmVLf3s_HAlLRBxx3UqBMk9z6Q/s320/19747_519158246160_6406025_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{our road}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But on Saturday morning, I spent a couple of hours watching the snow fall with my southern kitty, George Hairyson, who had never seen snow. I relished in the warmth of my home and did everything in my power not to leave. On Sunday morning, I woke up late for church and went about my normal routine. At 10:00 I went out to find that unfortunately the snow had not melted off of my car and neither had the ice. I sighed and turned the car defrosters on full blast. I crawled into the trunk to find the flimsy scraper/brush that I have (my nice one was left to my brother in Pittsburgh) and began to work on the rear windshield. After 20 seconds of hard work and not much progress made, I sheepishly looked around the parking lot. Of the 8 people out scraping their cars, I was the only one with a real scraper. All others were glaring at me with contempt or outright envy as they scraped their cars with pancake flippers, sleeves, and scrub brushes. Even with the proper equipment this was going to take a while.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finally gave up on the back, figuring the defroster could help me if I waited patiently, and walked to the side of the car, only to find I had absentmindedly left the driver-side door open, allowing all this cold air to come in and nullify the effects of my blasting defroster. Cursing myself, I shut the icy door and continued my process. All the while, I could hear my father's voice in my head telling me not to leave any snow on my lights and to be very thorough so the ice and snow didn't fly off my car while going down the road. I confess, at 10:25, I grumpily got into my car, tossing my puny scraper onto the floor and began running the windshield wipers like mad. I pulled out with only two small spots to see out of, and hid under the brim of my winter hat to avoid being associated with this absolutely terribly scraped car. Even though no one would know I'm from the north by my North Carolina license plate, it felt as though the southern sun was glaring at me, exposing my quickly fading northern winter survival skills. I arrived at church much later than I had hoped, completely out of my routine, with cold ears, cold fingers, and cold toes....not to mention a rather grumpy disposition. This week's blast of winter weather altered my routine and knocked me off-kilter. And of course, I moved to the south on purpose: this was not a welcome winter weather system in the White household.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baptism of the Lord</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCUIN_rUwLMoI-EPnBNrH_zJr92m07oZIpCNoLV4yyQozZGK-SkE8_62oeqKqcuIkeADOQmhEQMmwHDvsyKduyyOaxHDikCKtl4UBDcmOibQCpcyfYQR91vopDYVtYsBpt2xGp7L2fko/s1600/baptism-symbols.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCUIN_rUwLMoI-EPnBNrH_zJr92m07oZIpCNoLV4yyQozZGK-SkE8_62oeqKqcuIkeADOQmhEQMmwHDvsyKduyyOaxHDikCKtl4UBDcmOibQCpcyfYQR91vopDYVtYsBpt2xGp7L2fko/s1600/baptism-symbols.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It just so happens that this Sunday was Baptism of the Lord Sunday. We celebrate Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River, and we remember with joy our own baptisms. But what does that really mean?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baptism in the PCUSA</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Baptism means lots of things in different denominations, and in the Presbyterian Church USA, we believe that baptism is a sacrament in which everyone may participate. The Book of Order (our constitution) states, "<i>Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ."</i> In other words, baptism is the physical sign and secure assurance that the individual being baptized is a member of the family of God. That's why we baptize infants - because before we could think for ourselves, God claims us and seals us as belonging to the family of God. The congregation promises to contribute to the upbringing of that child in the family of God. The sense of <b>inclusiveness</b> found in baptism is essential to our Presbyterian beliefs on the matter, and it is what we emphasize as we wipe the cool water across the heads of infants and adults who come to the waters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5fjnB4VZIchohB2IKjtTG2XhMOXvNkt3ucqW7yIMbm900PIULptN5HVRxEXPNKrMjHzCY05bN_wFMZXBZQhoHosw2_OeI4NeDYeGRUTQqMJr2MPmXh084Om279vPDmKYrWhnFm71d20/s1600/baptism-7-jpg.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5fjnB4VZIchohB2IKjtTG2XhMOXvNkt3ucqW7yIMbm900PIULptN5HVRxEXPNKrMjHzCY05bN_wFMZXBZQhoHosw2_OeI4NeDYeGRUTQqMJr2MPmXh084Om279vPDmKYrWhnFm71d20/s320/baptism-7-jpg.jpeg" width="251" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://saintmarysbasilica.org/baptism-of-children/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Super graphic death and resurrection</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a less cute and fluffy side to baptism, however. The Book of Order continues, "<i>In Baptism, we participate in Jesus' death and resurrection. In Baptism, <b>we die</b> to what separates us from God and <b>are raised</b> to newness of life in Jesus Christ, who died for us and was raised for us.</i>" We participate in death. We die. Not exactly appropriate for Disney's next animated feature. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKymyxClAdbJVqAMu9LMtfBcVJhrXKrg4ZDYWCfNu1qBEDk358wU8D1opjFvcoZ5bWAZMREfK9YEpY6xxyIHwK2WLcaingIm_f9KrCb1QN8om6BSc5O_W5iD-isnfXalcJ6phhDEAr-GE/s1600/death+burial+resurrection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKymyxClAdbJVqAMu9LMtfBcVJhrXKrg4ZDYWCfNu1qBEDk358wU8D1opjFvcoZ5bWAZMREfK9YEpY6xxyIHwK2WLcaingIm_f9KrCb1QN8om6BSc5O_W5iD-isnfXalcJ6phhDEAr-GE/s1600/death+burial+resurrection.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://godsloveforasia.com/?page_id=1057"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{p.s. this picture is so creepy and weird...gah...}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In baptism, the parents and the congregation promise to reject a life of sin, a life without Christ, and to be committed anew to a resurrected life following Jesus Christ. God promises to let the life of sin be washed from us in the waters of baptism and cast to the bottom of the sea; God promises to see us as resurrected and new, as recreated in God's Kingdom. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I love the Presbyterian Church's attention to joy and celebration and commitment to practicality (and I'm grateful I don't have to wade in rivers and dunk people's heads under water), I think the Baptists capture something we don't in their "slam-dunk" approach. I was baptized as an infant, so I don't remember, but I've watched immersion baptism, and I can imagine the discomfort and challenge. The person being baptized comes, probably feeling awkward and exposed before the pastor and the congregation. He/she leans back into the arms of the pastor and trusts that as he/she goes under the water, that they will surface again, trusts that the pastor will not drop him/her in the water, that the submersion is temporary. The one being baptized emerges from the water at a pull from the pastor's hand on their neck, breathing in that first breath as though they were being born again, born anew. I can imagine the cool pressure and slight panic of the water surrounding you and then the sharp relief of that first gasp of air as you come up. There is something totally vulnerable and deeply uncomfortable about immersion baptism, about being dunked in the water, that we don't fully capture in the Presbyterian Church with our sprinkle and smear. It exposes our needs, our fragility, our dependence on God for survival. It is challenging, uncomfortable, and unpleasant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So back to the ice...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems fitting to me that on the weekend of Baptism of the Lord Sunday, we should be washed over by ice and snow. On Friday night, as we ventured out for dinner in the 35 degree weather and rain, my husband declared in a most crotchety voice, "This is absolutely my least favorite weather." I must agree: those cold drops will chill you to the bone and it seems that my toes and my nose will never be warm again. This type of weather is uncomfortable: it disrupts our routine, calls us to change our clothing and our awareness, and forces us to pay attention to the water on the road and the droplets on the trees. The only thing I look forward to when winter weather rolls through the region is the possibility of a snow day or snow delay when I get to stay home and cuddle George Hairyson and knit and make soup. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZVfh6-wlabG0UpHtXdWA45wADwuhYz0r-Y0EHkMRKcM3mUNYXdue3QuvVBU8KJ80d6Cf7kcqLgqHbh3pXlGMn3gET0L-KgYUTxJ7NCPqr5d0oQmMHY_iY6xBJcNu-GilvDrpbH7DOwk/s1600/george+snow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZVfh6-wlabG0UpHtXdWA45wADwuhYz0r-Y0EHkMRKcM3mUNYXdue3QuvVBU8KJ80d6Cf7kcqLgqHbh3pXlGMn3gET0L-KgYUTxJ7NCPqr5d0oQmMHY_iY6xBJcNu-GilvDrpbH7DOwk/s320/george+snow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
{I mean, who wouldn't want to cuddle this cutie all day?!?!}</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And weirdly this same type of disruptive discomfort found in a storm of frigid precipitation is strangely similar to what we celebrate in Baptism. We celebrate the uncomfortable, vulnerable submersion of our sin-sick selves into God's cleansing and purifying waters; we celebrate our explosion from the waters, our gasping for air, our disorienting first breath. We celebrate the challenging call found in a life of discipleship, a life that asks us not to sit comfortably with George Hairyson all day long; a life that commands us to stand in uncomfortable places as we follow Jesus.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as we celebrate cold weather and startling baptisms, let us feel the challenge and call of our baptism in our lives. We are called to a life of discipleship that takes us to the frozen windshields of life. Unlike this terrible northern example, we are called to continue the job even when it is difficult, when our hands our frozen and our patience is fried and we are cranky and embarrassed and inconvenienced. There are opportunities every day for us to step out of our comfort zone and into the cold weather of Christian discipleship. How will we respond to that challenge today? This week?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Resources</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.pcusa.org/site_media/media/uploads/theologyandworship/pdfs/prayers_for_baptism_of_the_lord.pdf">Prayers for celebrating baptism</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2016/04/1398/">Can I Tell You How Resurrection REALLY Feels? Nadia Bolz Weber</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-73622480979295588262016-12-21T08:50:00.001-08:002016-12-21T09:39:49.344-08:00Keeping CHRIST in Christmas: some ideas for family prayers and activities on Christmas Day<div style="text-align: center;">
In case for some reason you were living under a rock and haven't looked at your calendar yet, Christmas indeed falls on a Sunday this year (might sound silly, but really, folks, this time of year, it's perfectly normal to forget which day it is....I do it all the time.) In our time now, we don't normally have a Christmas Day worship service, so when Christmas falls on a Sunday, Christmas worship in the morning falls smack dab in the middle of planned events. Unity will be offering one worship service at 10:00 am on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Every house is different on Christmas, but when I was a little girl, 10:00 am was our traditional Christmas brunch time. As a teenager, sometimes we would be unwrapping presents at 10:00, although sometimes we would still be sleeping. And as an adult, 10:00 is when I start preparing food items and either packing for a trip to someone's home or preparing my home for guests. Perhaps you are traveling or perhaps Christmas is the only day you have off. Perhaps you or someone in your home is ill (strep anyone?) and would like to keep your germs at home. Perhaps you come to the 11:00 pm worship on Christmas Eve and can't manage to get back at 10:00 am the next day. As a pastor, let me say that I know worship will be meaningful and fellowship will be friendly on Christmas morning at Unity Presbyterian Church, and if you can come, do come, and be renewed by this rich worship experience. As a fellow human being, let me say that I empathize with the Christmas morning chaos, and I myself will be cleaning my house, rolling fresh gnocchi, and whipping gallons of cream in anticipation of my family coming into town, and I will not be in worship on Sunday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I often explain that my goal with the youth is not for each teenager to have perfect youth group and Sunday School attendance (although we love to have you as often as you can), but that when they leave the doors of this church, they live as followers of Jesus Christ in all their busy lives filled with rehearsal, matches, meets, tests, jobs, and friendships. Faith is not limited to what is felt within the walls of Unity Presbyterian Church; rather Unity Presbyterian Church ought to inspire faithful lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The same is true for Christmas Day: <b>even if you are unable to attend a worship service on Christmas morning, you can still faithfully follow Jesus Christ throughout your day, individually and as a family</b>. For my blog today, here is a list of ideas I have for worshiping God individually and as a family on Christmas Day:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
#10: Grateful Hearts, Grateful Hands</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp5IOkWVTJwquq-rXC98eMBCOuEt07HWOrG9o6rWd6xk80pboSdPtzApThW_xK1QDtUqo-N5OzPMB9FQLbGx3NuPXhc-6TwQ5aFa7H4Th0poxzx3upCmN0PPsXGaP5cgmstaJ4uyNF_Q/s1600/thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCp5IOkWVTJwquq-rXC98eMBCOuEt07HWOrG9o6rWd6xk80pboSdPtzApThW_xK1QDtUqo-N5OzPMB9FQLbGx3NuPXhc-6TwQ5aFa7H4Th0poxzx3upCmN0PPsXGaP5cgmstaJ4uyNF_Q/s320/thanks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.hashtags.org/business/lists/how-to-say-thank-you-to-your-social-media-fans/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was growing up, we saw a lot of Christmases: ones with a ton of gifts, ones with only a few gifts; ones when family all came together, ones when family were far apart, ill, or disgruntled; ones when the food filled you to burst, ones when the ham was dry or the turkey was overcooked. I've known Christmases when the list to Santa Claus was first and foremost in my brain and others when I was more excited to bake Jesus's birthday cake. I've seen my share of white Christmases and icy Christmases and hot Christmases and brown muddy gray Christmases. What I learned every year, however, was that Christmas was a time to be grateful for whatever it was that happened that year. The year that I had the stomach flu, I was grateful for my Wallflowers CD and new CD player that kept me company while I laid in bed. One year, the only gift I received from my parents was a professional wooden clarinet, and I was grateful for the sound it produced and the way it felt and smelled in my hands. On years when the snow drifted up to my knees, I was thankful for snow to play in and safe travels for my relatives. I was always thankful that my Dad was always off of work and home to cook on Christmas Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you go through the day, you might challenge yourself or your family to say a prayer of thanks for each thing they notice to be grateful for this year. Here's a sample prayer:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For these gifts, Lord Jesus, we are thankful.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
#9: Birthday Cake for Jesus - not just for kids...</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was a little girl, my mom and grandmother would help me bake a cake for Jesus after breakfast on Christmas Day. The cake would be our dessert, and we would say a prayer as a family before we ate it. I can remember in my pre-teen years when playing with the newest video game console held more excitement than baking in the kitchen, I wanted to just buy a box cake mix and use plain icing, no words or designs. After all, as I said, I don't think Jesus would mind or care and he's not here to eat it. My mom wouldn't hear of it, saying that we give Jesus our very best because he is the very best.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz6IuGlNohe_VVmd1mXhI3R-gqF6GS91yIYG96yMfleOswI1OU2-kupFwrN7FSchd1VGCG2mR0iet5CatL3xxRIAtkccLCT7rT8FecHFXeluIutt7sUShG3GO6aM-YgfJNcOxwf1Kuto/s1600/birthday+cake+jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz6IuGlNohe_VVmd1mXhI3R-gqF6GS91yIYG96yMfleOswI1OU2-kupFwrN7FSchd1VGCG2mR0iet5CatL3xxRIAtkccLCT7rT8FecHFXeluIutt7sUShG3GO6aM-YgfJNcOxwf1Kuto/s320/birthday+cake+jesus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/bookwormemma200/happy-birthday-jesus/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that day onward, I would spend hours, some years even weeks, finding a perfect difficult recipe for Jesus' birthday cakes: We had dark chocolate mint brownies once and a lemon pound cake another time; carrot cake and pecan cake and coconut cake...the list continues.As a teenager, it was a challenge for me to find a recipe and bake it on Christmas Day; I wanted to beat my skills from last year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So perhaps this year, when your family gathers for dessert, you can dub it Jesus' birthday cake, the very best to give for the very best who came, and say a prayer of thanks to Jesus. It may seem a little cheesy, but it forced me and my family to remember why we had gathered in the first place. Here's a prayer for Jesus' birthday celebration:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>For the gift of God with us, Emmanuel, God in the flesh, born this day through Jesus the Christ child, we give you our thanks and praise. Amen.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">#8: For Over-Achievers and Lovers of Liturgy</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I have on many occasions blogged and spoken about my love for tradition and liturgy. Good liturgy and traditional words connect us to the communion of saints, the followers of Jesus in every time and place. When I recite liturgy on Sunday morning, I connect by the power of the Holy Spirit, with my brothers and sisters, friends and colleagues in churches throughout the country and even the world. I connect with my deceased Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Schwartz and spiritual mentors of every age: Karl Barth, St. Augustine, and Joan of Arc. We become one with a great chorus of believers in every time and place who give worship and glory to our God. If you crave this connective experience, here are two Christmas Litany's that come from the Book of Common Worship and have been recited in many times and many ways</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Litany A</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Word was made flesh.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Alleluia, Alleluia!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and dwelt among us,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Alleluia, Alleluia!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Son of the living God, splendor of the Father, Light eternal:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, King of glory, Sun of righteousness, born of the Virgin Mary:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, mighty God, everlasting Lord:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Prince of Peace, Shepherd of souls, perfect in holiness:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Friend of all, protector of the poor, Treasure of the faithful:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, Good Shepherd, inexhaustible Wisdom, our Way, our Truth, and our Life:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Jesus, joy of the angels, and crown of all the saints:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Glory to you, O Lord!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div>
This Litany would be a great one to do with the whole family, having one member read the non-bolded parts and the rest of the family respond with the exclamations in bold.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For a more serious, contemplative approach, try this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Litany B</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>All the ends of the earth</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>have seen the salvation of our God. Alleluia!</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Shout to the Lord, all the earth. Alleluia!</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>O Christ, splendor of God's eternal glory,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>the mighty Word, sustaining the universe:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Renew our lives by your presence.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord have mercy.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>O Christ, born into the world in the fullness of time</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>for the liberation of all creation:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Release all into your promised freedom.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord have mercy.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>O Christ, begotten of the Father before all time,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>born in a stable at Bethlehem:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>May your church be a sign of hope and joy.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord have mercy.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>O Christ, truly God and truly human,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>born to a people in fulfillment of their expectations:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Fulfill our desires in you.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord have mercy.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>O Christ, born of the Virgin Mary,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>child of wonder and splendor,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>mighty God of all ages, Prince of Peace:</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>May the whole world live in peace and justice.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Lord have mercy.</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">#7: For Children as they open gifts</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I can remember being in middle school and right after Christmas morning, I'd get a phone call from my friends and we'd discuss what we received. I can remember kids saying things like "My parents really skipped out this year" or "I didn't really get everything I wanted." An attitude of gratitude is not "cool" or easy to come by in the holiday season, especially when our children grow accustomed to a Christmas morning that looks and feels a lot like a shark feeding frenzy only with children and gifts.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6lKWsHBA67yTNUwCziILl39WiUmHlPWz9xlvg_jLPtWo-imouTwGWH7tpQAFFc0nOkKDy1yxHQ7IQjRgvHJrH2IdMT7a0fvrWrItV8cviAqUMFqB-hZ-mNw-mHUX5cVbw_htsNT4LJ0/s1600/shark+feeding+frenzy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6lKWsHBA67yTNUwCziILl39WiUmHlPWz9xlvg_jLPtWo-imouTwGWH7tpQAFFc0nOkKDy1yxHQ7IQjRgvHJrH2IdMT7a0fvrWrItV8cviAqUMFqB-hZ-mNw-mHUX5cVbw_htsNT4LJ0/s320/shark+feeding+frenzy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Families have lots of ways of dealing with this, and I applaud each of your efforts to give your children a fun, exciting, and happy Christmas as well as a grateful one. Here are two prayers, one for children and one for parents that might help with the thankfulness factor during the feeding frenzy:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Children</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lord Jesus, wise men traveled for miles to bring you the first Christmas presents. So may we too remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the amazing love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts you give to us. Amen.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>For Moms and Dads, Grammy's and Grampy's</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Let me just for a moment, Lord, hold this time in my heart. It is about mysteries and gratitude, unknowing and wrong sizes, snippets of ribbon and screams of delight. Help me to remember the immense love you have for each of us in this room. With each gift that is opened, no matter how perfect or not, let me feel again the many ways that you gift us each day, especially with your presence in our hearts and the presence of each other in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.christmas-day.org/christmas-prayers.html"><b>For more Christmas Day prayers, see this link</b></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">#6: A full on Devotion</span></h3>
<div>
Perhaps you'd like to really feel like you've gone through a Presbyterian worship service? Here's an example order of worship you can use to worship together as a familiy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Prayer of Invocation</i></b></div>
<div>
O Almighty God, who by the birth of your holy child Jesus has given us a great light to dawn upon our darkness: Grant, we pray, that in this light, we may see light. Bestow upon us, we beseech you, that most excellent Christmas gift of charity to all, so that the likeness of your Son may be formed in us, and that we may have the ever brightening hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Old Testament Reading</i></b></div>
<div>
Psalm 97</div>
<div>
<b><i>New Testament Reading</i></b></div>
<div>
John 1.1-14</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Meditation</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
What words from these scriptures stand out to you today?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Why does the birth of Christ have continued significance today, in 2016?</div>
<div>
What is one thing I can do today to show my love for Jesus?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Hymn: O Come All Ye Faithful</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Offering</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have received many gifts today. As followers of Jesus, we commend our gifts to God for God's use. Let us reflect on how we might use some of our gifts, both physical and spiritual, to give God glory and honor this day and every day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>Hymn: Joy to the World</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Benediction:</i></b></div>
<div>
So go now, and "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn, make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord." (Psalm 98)</div>
<div>
And may the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord's face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord's countenance lift up toward you and give you peace, now and forever. Amen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
#5: A good old fashioned Hymn-Sing</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3kwArus9No-jd4GsFSNozVKN3sUKc9WFBWIkCFHIEEEDXwzYLNIwX-8hntI05xzTT9dn7K4oFeQPDNUHvZnDnqnxp9xYRyplO0CyelcI2NP-hSGNbf_0JBLUUH3mjUW22LOeH4R1-qk/s1600/family-gathered-around-piano-singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3kwArus9No-jd4GsFSNozVKN3sUKc9WFBWIkCFHIEEEDXwzYLNIwX-8hntI05xzTT9dn7K4oFeQPDNUHvZnDnqnxp9xYRyplO0CyelcI2NP-hSGNbf_0JBLUUH3mjUW22LOeH4R1-qk/s320/family-gathered-around-piano-singing.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://feistyredhair.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/why-did-christmas-have-to-change/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sure I'm not the only one who sort of secretly wishes we could gather around the family piano and look like this so-called perfect family on Christmas morning. Reality is more like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdlAMli3by6LrExYnc-CukI33wlI81GSvnVBSTLcVW4J3nMKnT7SDnjaHoYnEoqfqLmlAylyBRHOeln1RgyGllLQn0JYEZ_oY3RuinKU5bPukNjOv4L6s-y8U2ouwHrF55-mX5DHjO10/s1600/o-MILEY-CYRUS-FAMILY-FIST-FIGHT-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmdlAMli3by6LrExYnc-CukI33wlI81GSvnVBSTLcVW4J3nMKnT7SDnjaHoYnEoqfqLmlAylyBRHOeln1RgyGllLQn0JYEZ_oY3RuinKU5bPukNjOv4L6s-y8U2ouwHrF55-mX5DHjO10/s320/o-MILEY-CYRUS-FAMILY-FIST-FIGHT-facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/26/miley-cyrus-family-christmas-fist-fight_n_4503881.html">source</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I kind of am grateful for that. Maybe this year, you get out the carol books and give it a 15 minute try. Whether you sound like bleating goats or the von Trapp family, or whether you end with tears of joy or tears of laughter or even tears from argument, Psalm 98 today calls us to make a joyful noise to the Lord, and if we are trying, that's all the counts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#4: For those of us who ain't so merry</h3>
<div>
While Christmas is a time for joy, peace, love, and hope, it also represents a time of challenge, mourning, and grief for many of us. Last night marks the longest night, and with today the winter solstice, comes longer days and more sunshine, something for which we all desperately yearn. Perhaps the holidays are markers of those who are no longer with us or family rifts that seem to never be solved. Perhaps we are alone this year or we have to work or worse, we have to work in retail. Perhaps a loved one is sick or in the hospital. When the dark of night seems to overwhelm us, the bright light of Jesus on Christmas morning can feel too bright, too joyful, too cheerful, and we feel guilt and pressure for feeling as glum as we do. Christmas Eve is always bittersweet for me, as the funeral for my Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Schwartz was on Christmas Eve. I miss her every day, and though I know she has joined the Church Triumphant, I would give anything for her advice, her smile, and her warm presence. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's a prayer for some sad times:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Mighty God,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>You rise with healing in your wings,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>to scatter all enemies that assault us.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As we wait in hope for the coming of that day,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>when crying and pain shall be no more,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>help us by your Holy Spirit</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>to receive your power into our lives</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and to trust in your eternal love,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>through Jesus Christ our Savior,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>God with us, Emmanuel,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Light of the world, born this very day.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">#3: Not-so-Childish prayer for the family</span></h3>
<div>
I have confidence that teenagers will find all of these prayers incredibly <i>boring</i> and just absolutely <i>childish</i> and totally <i>unnecessary.</i> To parents, I say, this is totally normal and you shouldn't feel sad or guilty or worried. Even the most faithful of kids is learning to be themselves by disagreeing with mom and dad. From time to time, teenagers even agree with what you're saying but will argue with you just to prove that their opinions didn't come from you. Don't worry, don't give up, don't feel alone. This is all extremely normal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That said, here's a prayer that probably won't be any MORE interesting for your youth, but has words that they might secretly muse over or think about if you put this on their radar. We plant seeds and trust that God's Holy Spirit is watering them over time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lord God,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Today, may we not only unwrap presents,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But may we discover more of your love.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Today, may we not only eat of festive food,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>but may we feast on your faith.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Today, may we not only cherish happy times with family and friends,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But may we invite you into our lives.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Today, may we not only sing carols that celebrate your birth,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>But may we dwell upon the resurrected Christ, alive in this moment.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Living Lord, we long to discover your love, to feast on your truth, to invite you into our lives, and to thank you for your sacrifice. Amidst the family, food, and presents, we long to celebrate Christmas with you.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div>
<div>
<b><a href="http://www.living-prayers.com/events/christmas_prayers.html">Some other short prayers</a></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
#2: An act of Kindness</h3>
<div>
There's this commercial for Publix that was on last year and I've seen again this year, where the little boy invites his dear elderly neighbor to Christmas dinner, and the mom is just so touched (You can fill in the blank: "Oh my son, what a wonderful boy! What a surprise! I'm beaming with pride!"). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e5O24b1Dugg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e5O24b1Dugg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's be perfectly honest, I blubber like a babbling brook every time I watch this commercial. Let's be even more honest, sometimes I watch it again online so I can blubber even more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There's an element to this commercial that reminds us of the charity and gift-giving that is associated with Christmas. We know the Salvation Army buckets and Mr. Scrooge buying the prize turkey and even the kind act of leaving a cookie for a tired Mr. Santa Claus as he delivers gifts. I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves for our charity to be magnanimous, for our generosity to be enough to inspire Mrs. Lindsay to cry, for our gift giving to be inspirational, selfless and meaningful. I think we are putting too much pressure on ourselves. Jesus gives the ultimate gift of God in flesh appearing...in the most simple, humble way possible: by being born as a vulnerable, helpless child in a dirty stable in the middle of Nowheresville. All of our small acts of kindness and generosity contribute to the spirit of Christmas. Perhaps as a family, there might be a time to list the acts we've done or that have been done for us. And let's be honest, Mrs. Lindsay will cry at all of them anyway, so goal achieved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#1: Being Present, being you</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sometimes I can lose myself in Christmas. There are 100 presents to buy, 600 cookies to bake, 5 {feels like million} rooms and toilets to clean, relatives to see, miles to travel, Christmas specials to see, people to greet...the list goes on and on. It's not uncommon to find ourselves at the end of Christmas Day cleaning the dishes and tossing the last of the wrapping paper feeling a bit like we've missed it, sensing that the day spun past us in a whirlwind of chaos.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The easiest thing we can do to prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of the Christ child on Christmas Day is to commit to ourselves that we will be present, we will be ourselves, and we will treasure the gift of holidays with family and friends. Here's a prayer for you:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Almighty God, you got this.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Teach me not to worry about the small things,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>but to seek the things that matter.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Empower me not to dwell on imperfections,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>but to linger in memories of joy.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Forgive me of my wayward mind and frantic spirit,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>and give me peace and serenity this holiday season.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Focus my soul on your love, your peace,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>your hope, and your joy this Christmas and every day.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<b>A very Merry Christmas to you and your family, from this crazy Rev. </b>May you know and experience the love and peace of Christ this year and feel connected to the communion of saints who join their voices over every time and place to give glory and honor to Almighty God.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-71959814458331933722016-12-13T08:41:00.001-08:002016-12-13T08:41:38.498-08:00King Harold and other imperfect lessons<div style="text-align: center;">
In my first job in youth ministry, I was a Christian Educator, servant of over 400 children, youth, and young adults, from cradle to college graduation. Each Wednesday, I would lead the elementary aged children in lessons of singing, dance, and sign language as a part of an after-school program. I had arranged for the tiniest Kindergarten group to sing and do sign language in worship to the song Glorify Thy Name. They arrived on Sunday morning early to rehearse the song, and I was a proud, dreamy eyed young lady thinking of how adorable these little cherubs would be as they sang in front of the congregation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was then that my bubble was burst. As the children moved their hands in prayer, I heard distinctly one little boy in the front row sing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWpzWHkHnocWAXpQEJLgpevAOHfvyCplHfYal4bJtAC8MlTDGYldeI5LMIfr4RW_M9cZsIfuSmCAwft-cOoYqFF_arBGWOKdpFDjUE34Dbjd5HAdK33HYVnVK5-RXIOM36AtsAZdSeK0/s1600/children-singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWpzWHkHnocWAXpQEJLgpevAOHfvyCplHfYal4bJtAC8MlTDGYldeI5LMIfr4RW_M9cZsIfuSmCAwft-cOoYqFF_arBGWOKdpFDjUE34Dbjd5HAdK33HYVnVK5-RXIOM36AtsAZdSeK0/s320/children-singing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lampionpress.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Glorify </i><u style="font-style: italic;"><b>MY</b> </u><i>name in all the earth</i>!!!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actual footage of my face when I heard this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFWrBONkZmpGiv1ePBKBbTcq1qb1iE3pUH4BEtkNrdPU_WRP6WgFSrAI3wVVL1kZm3Z4Mqx9pAyw9zr19Ma0Hs3zvrKnpp_vbnT3-ccGm09n_MuU93Ee0TcLH-G22NYkx_eABykH7z-Q/s1600/culkin-shocked-face.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFWrBONkZmpGiv1ePBKBbTcq1qb1iE3pUH4BEtkNrdPU_WRP6WgFSrAI3wVVL1kZm3Z4Mqx9pAyw9zr19Ma0Hs3zvrKnpp_vbnT3-ccGm09n_MuU93Ee0TcLH-G22NYkx_eABykH7z-Q/s1600/culkin-shocked-face.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bedpostblog.com/2013/08/single-men-only-wash-their-sheets-how-often/culkin-shocked-face/">source</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surely, it's just one child. Surely, it was just a mistake or a jest. I immediately stopped the choir and said, "Now, let's make sure we are saying THY name."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes, ma'am. My name."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"NO! Thy, your, T-H-Y..."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes, this is a song about how we can do anything if we put our mind to it."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so it went. And yes, in front of the whole congregation, a group of 20 Kindergarten children sang about glorifying their own names in all the earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt mortified. Not only had I failed to teach kids the right words, but somehow they had even understood the meaning of the song entirely wrong. I felt as though I had failed, even if it was somewhat humorous.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
King Harold and the Wise Men</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, I was listening to a group of Middle Schoolers read from the Bible. One boy read out loud about the story of the wise men going to see King Herod...only he read "King Harold." Not just once, but every time his name appeared in the text. I had to hide my face the sleeve of my shirt to stifle a cough/laugh because all I could think of was King Harold from the Shrek movies:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRLQSsowIoKJj206wl8lgp42PoLTsSgIUdOj2gOn48CxblBUEKbBS1bFmR_1MQ6aoMXqIvLHbMUhMYvk8cB6CvoKuZRx3zqHJo9MKXSAS1cAKsyySPuy2Djf9JDKJy1wnDIUP-w6D-CQ/s1600/Frog_harold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDRLQSsowIoKJj206wl8lgp42PoLTsSgIUdOj2gOn48CxblBUEKbBS1bFmR_1MQ6aoMXqIvLHbMUhMYvk8cB6CvoKuZRx3zqHJo9MKXSAS1cAKsyySPuy2Djf9JDKJy1wnDIUP-w6D-CQ/s1600/Frog_harold.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1567014217"></span><span id="goog_1567014218"></span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/509399407824451746/">source</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so of course, I worried whether I should correct him and bring upon him embarrassment from his classmates. What was the importance of him getting King Herod's name right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
What is our job?</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think sometimes as youth leaders, as pastors, as elders and deacons, as Sunday School teachers, we feel a deep longing, or even an agitating anxiety to ensure that our children and youth "get it right." I'll admit: one of my proudest moments as a youth director was when one of my confirmation students told his high school history teacher that he preferred Karl Barth's understanding of predestination to John Calvin's and that the history book they were using was incorrect. We hope that our children memorize the precise order of the books of the Bible and the exact wording of their memory verses. Our eyes fill with tears as we watch children sing and recite songs of praise to God. I am reminded of a great verse:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3 John 1.4</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So...what exactly does that mean? Does that mean that when kids sing about glorifying my name or read about King Harold that we have in some way failed? What does this mean for our teenagers?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I think that my goal is to have each student make a perfect set of decisions throughout his/her life, I find that to be an overwhelming task. This means that as youth leader, I need to be aware of every scenario that could possibly tempt or challenge our youth, and I need to decide based on scripture what the perfect, right answer is for each student. When kids are 6 years old and the decisions are should I cheat on a test or punch my brother, the answers are simple. When kids are 13 and their decisions include how do I behave with a person I'm in love with and how do I show love to two friends who hate each other or how do I behave on social media, the answers are far less clear. Furthermore, the youth of today face challenges I couldn't have dreamed of. I am only 15 years older than our high school freshmen, but I grew up in a time when families had one computer in the house connected to dial up internet. In fact, I was a freshman when my family finally obtained one. I grew up in a time when cell phones were rare and social media was a foreign concept. While I remember with vivid detail what it felt like to be 15 years old, I never faced decisions about what is appropriate to put on Snap Chat or even texting a crush in the middle of the night (if you wanted to talk to me, you had to call my house and talk to a family member first...).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not to mention, there were some topics that I faced as I graduated from high school and went to the wide, independent world of college that my youth leaders never prepared me for. They couldn't have known. I felt unprepared to make decisions about how I spent my time on the weekends, how I developed relationships with friends and infatuations, and how I dealt with people with whom I disagreed. And some of the mistakes that I made taught me more about the person I am called to be than the things I did right. I wouldn't trade my errors, even those that caused me pain, because they've formed and shaped me into who I am today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So...what are we supposed to do?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Being a Jedi Master...but maybe more like Obi Wan than Yoda</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, if you're not a Star Wars geek like me, this might not make sense. But here goes. In Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker goes to Yoda to learn the Jedi ways. Yoda gives Luke challenging instruction, but spends a lot of time sitting on a rock eating snacks while Luke does the dirty work. Yoda has simultaneous high standards and incredible confidence in Luke: he says, you do or do not. There is no "try." Yoda refuses to do the work for Luke and makes him work very hard to become a Jedi himself. Luke has to understand the force for himself, not just as Yoda uses it, or he'll never truly be a Jedi Master.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktQVklV7HuZcDxzIJ2C9Kaao6bTL5PhjF5CK7ceUYzfOPmBTyQYth_eVnV-g4ol8xOgdPOFR7j2fOszZv6lvFp433U3IdDRRJd9p5dtlxSvFPgBTSA5dOjqowFKodPMQXsqwxqgEr3v8/s1600/yoda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktQVklV7HuZcDxzIJ2C9Kaao6bTL5PhjF5CK7ceUYzfOPmBTyQYth_eVnV-g4ol8xOgdPOFR7j2fOszZv6lvFp433U3IdDRRJd9p5dtlxSvFPgBTSA5dOjqowFKodPMQXsqwxqgEr3v8/s320/yoda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://screenprism.com/insights/article/why-is-empire-generally-considered-better-than-a-new-hope-and-the-best-of-t"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the same way, I believe as leaders of our youth and children, we are called to lead our youth to understand the truth of God, but we are not called to do the hard work of following Christ for them. Notably, 3 John does not say, "I have no greater joy than this: to <b>see</b> my children <b>doing exactly what I told them to do.</b>" Nor does it say, "I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are <b>living perfect lives</b>." Nor does it say, "I have no greater joy than this: to be the Jedi Master who <b>enforces his/her will upon all of my students." </b>No...it says, "to <u style="font-weight: bold;">hear</u> that my children <u style="font-weight: bold;">are walking</u> in the truth." To hear implies that the writer of this letter doesn't micromanage his disciples, but learns of their accomplishments. To walk implies that the children take initiative to follow Jesus on their own rather than because they are compelled or forced to do so.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yoda is cranky and cantankerous and he is often frustrated with Luke. In the same way, we sometimes hear "King Harold" and sigh with impatience at the learning of our youth. We do in fact expect great things from our youth, but we must foster a deep amount of patience with them as they figure out the path for themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On a different note, we also know that Yoda refused to lead Anakin Skywalker because he "sensed in him much fear." Yoda gave up on Anakin because he wasn't perfect, because he was full of fear and negative energy. Obi Wan Kenobi, of course, refuses the advice of Yoda and decides to teach Anakin the ways of the Force. As we know, this turns out to not be the greatest choice, as Anakin decides to follow greed and the ways of the Sith rather than the ways of the Jedi Masters. Yet, I find Obi Wan's stubborn love of Anakin so very Jesus-like. Jesus knows that Peter will deny him three times, yet he declares that on Peter he will build his church. Jesus knows that Judas will betray him for a small pay day, and yet he still serves him dinner and washes his feet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWH_vi2jFTn9-pV6sC7UU48bCnfNYfiPgFDteUfi2_DcYOlq_DZ0Gw8VLYOpRaHLtAjXFfx6guH44sqsAeSHjfwho0giEHe-8OUkfCFBFqW-YGr7DYAmmsewmSw6Zy0AMfpDzrDRymAc/s1600/obi+wan+anakin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWH_vi2jFTn9-pV6sC7UU48bCnfNYfiPgFDteUfi2_DcYOlq_DZ0Gw8VLYOpRaHLtAjXFfx6guH44sqsAeSHjfwho0giEHe-8OUkfCFBFqW-YGr7DYAmmsewmSw6Zy0AMfpDzrDRymAc/s320/obi+wan+anakin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/star-wars-attack-of-the-clones/images/36921597/title/obi-wan-anakin-photo"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the great challenge of being a leader for our young folks: we have to accept that some will adhere to the straight and narrow like Luke and some will be wayward like Anakin. We patiently plant seeds and trust that the Holy Spirit will work, even in the darkest of Darth Vader times, Sometimes, we wish that we could protect our youth entirely from the Senator Palpatines of the world, who threaten to lead our youth down destructive and unhealthy paths, but I wonder, if Anakin had followed a perfect path, would Luke and Leia have ever been born? If Anakin had not entered so greatly into the dark side, would he ever have been able to defeat the Emperor? Even as he was made of more machine than human, was it too late for Anakin to make the turn toward the good side?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe that we are called to love our kids unconditionally, to set examples for their behavior, but to allow them to make their own decisions, to give them the tools to make decisions that follow God, but not to do the work for them. This makes youth ministry much more difficult. It means that when children sing "Glorify my name," we resolve to teach them something new about the sovereignty of God in a different way, but we are grateful that children, who otherwise might not step foot in a church, are finding joy and pleasure in singing praise to God, even if it's a little confused. It means that when youth read, "King Harold" we resolve to find a way for youth to learn about King Herod and biblical history, but we are grateful for kids reading in depth about the wise men and comparing the gospels to one another. It means that we rejoice, not in perfection, but in youth who are intentionally taking their own initiative to follow Jesus in their own imperfect ways.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-32333281212970803652016-11-14T10:38:00.000-08:002016-11-14T10:38:01.083-08:00The Juxtaposition of Safety and Pins<div style="text-align: center;">
Let me begin this blogpost by giving you a snapshot of Unity Presbyterian Church and our youth group. Unity is this vibrant 1300 member church in Fort Mill, SC, a "suburb" of Charlotte, but in many ways its own small town. The population is growing at an exponential rate, and our church seems to be following that trend too. In name, we are committed to the Presbyterian Church USA and to traditional style worship. We believe that we are hospitable and welcoming to every person that walks through our doors. We are a church that loves tradition, both in worship and in our heritage, and we hope to find freshness in this tradition, a freshness that translates ancient values into modern day society.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In our youth group, this election season has been interesting. We have both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton supporters. We have students who proudly wear rainbow bracelets in support of the LGBTQ community and students who staunchly believe that homosexuality is a sin. We are mostly white, mostly middle class, mostly on-track-to-college, but we are constantly aware of those who lack any of these privileges and others. Our youth go to school with folks who are atheist, Southern Baptist, Mormon, Hindu, Muslim, and likely a whole range of other beliefs. We are on a constant quest to find balance and the ability to have discussions and love when we disagree. Throughout the election season, our youth (and the adults, especially me, their sassy pastor) were challenged to take a picture of someone in America (or a group) that represented someone they had the most difficulty loving. We had lots of kids take political candidates, misogynists, evangelicals, atheists, and more, and I know that this week, those pictures remained on their dressers, and distressed challenged hearts prayed earnestly to God. So as I prepared for yesterday's lesson, and I saw that the text was "Live in harmony with everyone," I said out loud, "Good one, God."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCcgfdmlGUzte0rdCr3ZTuRNgnecvy2TTTWKfpbywd-o8jX5SiG8prX6wZnk9lhmawtsMyJ9Jv2Hbx_SQfE6VQEDMp6qCxIZPLmqHTaIUmEpDanz-4IF1E2qumb4fU9gcG8HvN5fIn4U/s1600/god+laughs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCcgfdmlGUzte0rdCr3ZTuRNgnecvy2TTTWKfpbywd-o8jX5SiG8prX6wZnk9lhmawtsMyJ9Jv2Hbx_SQfE6VQEDMp6qCxIZPLmqHTaIUmEpDanz-4IF1E2qumb4fU9gcG8HvN5fIn4U/s320/god+laughs.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/sabica123/funny-stuff/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So the scripture...and living peacefully...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've heard people on both sides this week saying that we need to accept who won the elections, be quiet, and come together. As though one can simply erase the last 18 months of harmful, personally attacking, hate inspired rhetoric. As though the voters who came out in earnest support of Trump, many of whom have felt marginalized and unheard for many years, should just pretend the last several years of silence never happened. As though minorities, who have been the victims of attacks by Trump supporters for months, should just forget all the oppression they have faced. As though when we look our neighbor and learn which candidate they supported, we don't automatically form a new opinion of that person. Of course, it's an easy thing to say or hope for, that we can all just get along and forget the hurts of our past, but I don't think it's the best solution. For one thing, nothing is accomplished.<b> If we can't learn to talk about our differences in beliefs in a way that is constructive and respectful, we haven't made any progress at all. </b>For another thing, we cannot expect people to be silent when they are mistreated; in fact, we should expect them not to be silent when they are mistreated, and we should stand on their side as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So as we looked at the scripture about living peacefully with one another, it became very clear to me and to our youth that living peacefully doesn't mean we simply agree to disagree and never speak of it again. It doesn't mean we only associate with people who are like-minded and share our values. It doesn't mean that we have the loudest voice and others are not heard. Put simply,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>it means that we have to give up our desire, our need to <b>be right</b>.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ask my husband: I really like being right. I really think I'm right like 99% of the time, even when I know I might be wrong. And there are some issues, frankly, that I just cannot fathom how a person could think differently than I do. I'm sure we all have moments like this, especially when we've been privileged enough to have our voices be heard. But as I woke up and was getting ready for work on Wednesday morning, as the election results were pouring in and social media was in an uproar, it occurred to me that today my task is the same as yesterday. Today, I strive to follow Jesus: which means that I strive to love and worship God to the best of my ability, which means I recognize that God is Lord and not I, which means that I know that I am sinful and in need of God's grace, which means that I love people in this world earnestly and passionately, which means that I see the minorities and people who are oppressed in any way and show them love, which means that I have a calling to step out of my comfort zone and into love, especially love that is not often seen in our society. It means that I love the militant Trump supporters and the minorities they oppress; it means that I love each kid that steps into the youth room no matter where they are in their journey, who they think they are, and what they've done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Some biblical bullying...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We took a look at the argument between two of Jesus' apostles in the early days of the church: Peter and Paul. Peter, of course we know, was one of the original 12. The first half of the book of Acts is dedicated to Peter, who begins his ministry in Jewish synagogues and continuing a lot of traditions from the left half of the Bible (including the restrictions on meat and circumcision). As we know, Jesus renames Peter "The Rock" because the church will be built upon him. In other words, Peter's got some swag; he's the bee's knees, he's kind of important, and people listen to him. In the early days of Christianity, people weren't sure exactly what Jesus' resurrection might mean or who was included. Was this a new form of Judaism? Was this open to Gentiles? What does a person need to do to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul, on the other hand, was a Pharisee who actively persecuted the early church. The resurrected Jesus meets him on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, where has a conversion experience and is convinced to begin serving Jesus Christ. In Acts 11, we learn that Paul feels his distinct calling is to take the message of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, so that God's special relationship with the Jews could be known to all people. As we see in Acts 11 and in Galatians 1, Peter and Paul, among others, vehemently disagree with one another about what it means and what it looks like to be a follower of Christ. Some of their arguments get downright nasty.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp4_rwswNiwYcyNQ_yNZ9jqE2iuiyf40rNdE4YsC6FvcwMvfh7JheHNUN5crmRgiEFwEWaMPJ2aow7WTFdnNH_NDHxEN3swSXybMMookt7veER_rtGAxOZeu8G48BA6ND0jmB3sjhWc4/s1600/peter+vs+paul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWp4_rwswNiwYcyNQ_yNZ9jqE2iuiyf40rNdE4YsC6FvcwMvfh7JheHNUN5crmRgiEFwEWaMPJ2aow7WTFdnNH_NDHxEN3swSXybMMookt7veER_rtGAxOZeu8G48BA6ND0jmB3sjhWc4/s320/peter+vs+paul.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://approachingjustice.net/2015/05/26/is-the-bible-reliable/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet in scripture, we never really learn that they've figured out one way to agree. In fact, to this day, denominations all over the world disagree about what a person needs to do to be a Christian. No one was declared "right." I often imagine Paul and Peter arguing until the days of their deaths. And yet, they loved each other. They argued with love. Peter, as the founder of the Roman Catholic faith, and the apostle present in the Pentecost, is an essential part of the beginning of the church. We couldn't have done it without him. At the same time, Paul who traveled all over Europe and northern Africa spreading the news of the gospel to Gentiles was <b>just as necessary</b>. We see watermarks of their influence still on our beliefs two millennia later.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paul and Peter give us a great example of what it means to disagree with love, and to learn how to be united in the desire to follow Jesus Christ. Both voices can be heard with respect and kindness even when we aren't going to agree.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Finally, the safety pins</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All over social media, I've been seeing varying opinions about wearing safety pins. The safety pin is supposed to be a symbol on allies that that person is a safe person to talk to, that they will step in to defend the rights and dignity of minorities, and that they will not remain silent. Some people believe this is an easy way for people to voice their dissension from those who may have voted for Donald Trump out of dislike for minorities. And, I think that makes some sense. The day after the election, I had a lot of folks on my Facebook newsfeed who have darker skin than I do, who are members of the LGBTQ community, who are immigrants or refugees, who are victims of sexual assault, who immediately declared, "Do I have a place in Trump's America?" Regardless of where you stand politically, it is absolutely heartbreaking that anyone has to ask if they are safe in America; that is not what we stand for, it is not how we were founded, and it should not be something we tolerate for our future. I want those people, immediately, to know that I care, that I love them, and that I am a safe person to come to.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet at the same time, I heard another voice. I heard people say racist things out of ignorance and violent things out of frustration. I heard voters come out and declare that even though they don't agree with some of the progressive moves in our country's politics, they refuse to be left behind. America has declared that gun violence is a problem, same sex couples can marry, and black lives matter, and for better or worse, they aren't ready for that. No one has stood next to them and explained why these things are important. They are asked to put their feet in someone else's shoes, but they feel no one has considered their own experience. I am by no means saying that these people are oppressed, but have we really made progress half of our population doesn't understand why we are making it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And finally, I have been struck by silent voices. I've heard a lot of white people on TV talking about black voters, but I haven't heard enough (in my opinion) about the political feelings of the black population (I say this not as a slight toward them but toward the media). I have heard a lot of so-called important issues across the news, and yet I haven't heard a political candidate or a media personality say more than a passing word about the pipeline going through sacred lands in North Dakota and the continued mistreatment of the Native American population there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here's our interpretation of the Safety Pin:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDy75nMWrTpZCvT68204xAaHWyQYlnScL50PtIlkpqM9HtcbR-kZSERXvZ1hIcyVe6OXlkuFXn34hwavj9xi7B2D_JwaKM58jA7qC5YyU9dUJLhvxuUuIz6JoW614PVYBC333k4RRF3w/s1600/safety+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDy75nMWrTpZCvT68204xAaHWyQYlnScL50PtIlkpqM9HtcbR-kZSERXvZ1hIcyVe6OXlkuFXn34hwavj9xi7B2D_JwaKM58jA7qC5YyU9dUJLhvxuUuIz6JoW614PVYBC333k4RRF3w/s320/safety+pin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://topmeaning.com/english/safety+pin"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#1: Safety</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are using a safety pin instead of a push pin or a needle because it reminds us that God's love is always safe. In God's love, we don't need to be right. Whether we believe that homosexuality is a sin or not, we can agree that no person should consider hurting themselves because of their sexuality. Whether we understand all of the complexities of our nation's racism, we can all agree that no one should fear for their lives because of the color of their skin. Whether we want to take in all the refugees or put a strict limit on our borders, we can all agree that people who are fleeing from terror should be able to find a place where they are safe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God's love is safe, complete, and whole. We don't always have to be right, but we do have to be loving. Even if one way does prove to be more right than another, we are not going to achieve understanding between opposing parties until we can enter a conversation knowing that we ourselves are beloved children of God and the person with whom we are arguing is also a beloved child of God. Jesus gave us the example when he heals on the Sabbath, when he touches lepers, and speaks to sinful women; Jesus, in his actions, gives us the example that God's work isn't about being right but about being loving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#2: Still a pin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The safety pins remind us that we have a calling to commit ourselves to this love each day. We are not going to be successful every day. There will always be people who are hard to love, situations we can't understand, and people with whom we disagree, but the pin reminds us that we are called to follow Jesus first, not our own opinions. This means that some of us will wear our safety pins on our clothes, holding ourselves accountable to being a voice alongside minorities and those being bullied in our community. Some of us are called to be advocates. This means that some of us will wear our safety pins in our pockets or out of sight because perhaps we aren't called to protect but to learn how to understand. Perhaps we are called to think before we speak or try to put ourselves in someone else's shoes. Perhaps we are simply called to just not be mean. None of us are called to violent acts in words and in physical action against another person because of who they are. None of us are called to be bystanders while violence and conflict occur. All of us are called to follow Jesus in actions of love and empathy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
#3: Not just a symbol but a lifestyle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wearing this pin could be a really convenient way for white, straight, rich people to feel good about themselves. You could, in theory, wear this pin and mean nothing by it, just wanting the public to think you are a good person. Like when my Ultimate Frisbee team in college prayed before a game. But if you aren't going to accompany this symbol with a lifestyle change, then you're not ready to wear it on the outside of your clothes. Like when our team captain at Ultimate Frisbee proceeded to cuss out the referees and the other team approximately 10 minutes after our prayer. This pin is about taking a real look at ourselves, acknowledging our prejudices and bias, acknowledging our privilege and pride, acknowledging the difference between self and other while also acknowledging that in diversity we are beloved by God. It's about challenging ourselves to live into the call of God and affirming that we are people of love. Not all of us will wear the pins for everyone to see, but each of us are called to this self-assessment and humbling of self. This is our only path to peace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So join us:</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are not perfect. We are sinners trying to follow a perfect God. We will probably never all agree about politics or racial issues or homosexuality, or whatever the case may be. What we can agree on is the love of Jesus Christ in this world. When we participate in hate, we are denying that love. When we ignore the hurt around us, we are denying that love. When we care more about our own pride and rightness, we are denying that love. I welcome dissenting opinions about this, in hopes that we might have loving discussion in the vein of Peter and Paul, so that our tomorrow really might be more peaceful than today.</div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-14992907977994335092016-11-07T09:48:00.001-08:002016-11-07T09:48:51.532-08:00A Time to turn the other cheek and a Time to flip over the tables...and everything in between<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was in 9th grade, I was required to take a Speech class. As one of our assignments, we worked on Original Oratory, which expressed our opinions about a particular topic. We debated those topics in class. One smug gentleman gave his speech about how glorious and wonderful the pope was. He stood in front of us with a 4 inch silver cross dangling from his neck and recited sentence after sentence about why we should adore the pope.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, the North Hills in Pittsburgh had a large Catholic population, so his speech was well received by the majority of the class. He strutted across the front of the classroom as though he thought he might be able to skip the debate part because no one would disagree with the pope. The girl in front of me stood up. She was wearing a full-length black velvet cloak and had black makeup that pronounced the features on her face, the goth look was very popular then. She declared, looking as Satanic as possible, "I think the pope is full of [insert your own word for excrement]. What gives him authority? I'm not Catholic; why should I believe the pope has any authority?"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a rumbling of mumbling students all shocked at her boldness, and the speaker's mouth dropped open in a mixture of shock and horror. "Yeah well," he replied, "You're the only one here who thinks that, and you'll be going straight to hell."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv50ISRz0v_2TZEjjoNDXOqt-3VO5d4mwuWNiS-agZndu1cr-0qXNW9br9Lr_CZJWW7FoDRCJf5A2RbggCNBHwoOrnaDcFTCl5yv8fdiZ4FpWaarnkdTsIUgmY-YAcx0aQw9k0vmxhJDw/s1600/chris+rock.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv50ISRz0v_2TZEjjoNDXOqt-3VO5d4mwuWNiS-agZndu1cr-0qXNW9br9Lr_CZJWW7FoDRCJf5A2RbggCNBHwoOrnaDcFTCl5yv8fdiZ4FpWaarnkdTsIUgmY-YAcx0aQw9k0vmxhJDw/s320/chris+rock.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://giphy.com/gifs/trump-violence-tone-CiYImHHBivpAs"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Um...what???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, of course, I couldn't keep my mouth shut. "Well, I'm not Catholic either, and I don't know why I would give the pope any authority either." There was an audible gasp around the room, and the speaker and I exchanged several jabs concluding with:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Me: Yeah, well, the pope is just some crotchety old man who hates women!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speaker: {presses cross against my forehead} The power of Christ compels you! Away with thee, Satan!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
[I really wish I were exaggerating this story, but I am not. This literally happened.]</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What was the result of this inane argument? Nothing. I certainly wasn't persuaded that the pope had authority over the protestant church, and he remained convinced that I was doomed to hell for all of eternity. For all of the energy expended, the shouting, the enraged tempers, the heightened emotions, this argument changed nothing <i>except</i> to create permanent animosity between me and the speaker. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
High School Sunday School</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tell this story because yesterday in High School Sunday School we discussed the story of Jesus flipping over the tables in the temple. We talked about how the money changers were bringing injustice to the temple and the culture, about how the high prices for sacrifices kept out the poor and there was active discrimination against certain groups of people trying to worship. And we talked about Jesus' extreme reaction to this: flipping over tables, shouting, running the money changers out of the temple area, even fashioning a whip in John's gospel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've got extreme injustice, and we've got a loud cry on behalf of that injustice. As a class, we realized that the world is not so different today. Our youth often see kids who are bullied or treated differently for one reason or another.They know people who use the Bible as a weapon to tell them they are wrong. They experience obstacles in the accomplishment of their dreams (not making the team or the spot in band or the grade they had hoped for or the SAT score they desired). The know the opportunities that they have that others do not have. And they know Jesus took rather extreme measures to make a loud raucous in opposition to injustice in his day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe5ORlJ0ssO1GezYoBvSE2rlwXnvvOAv1cnGCX0130zkDBt24tuBAGaf7_5ybd81umVoNi2gG7UscQRKhZEyUHYwFgQA3HSznXdfg5gQx18jOxIVhyCxGqJ-s8Wzt2MUPtivkYtTs-0A/s1600/flip+tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe5ORlJ0ssO1GezYoBvSE2rlwXnvvOAv1cnGCX0130zkDBt24tuBAGaf7_5ybd81umVoNi2gG7UscQRKhZEyUHYwFgQA3HSznXdfg5gQx18jOxIVhyCxGqJ-s8Wzt2MUPtivkYtTs-0A/s320/flip+tables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/2knide/what_would_jesus_do/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is a natural part of the maturing process for teenagers to think that they are always right. As they begin to formulate their own opinions and understand the world in different dimensions, it is a part of coming into their own to believe that their opinions, regardless of their foundation in evidence, are always right. And frankly, we know that feeling: it is a lot more fun to call the pope crotchety than it is to agree to disagree.But another part of growing up is learning that I will be I and you will be you, and we are not the same. It takes a tremendous effort to hear the story of another person with an empathetic ear and to take a step into their shoes. I know that it can be discouraging when we hear kids say things that are insensitive, rude, and selfish. I know because I've heard it a million times. What I remind myself constantly is that the world is still so small for these youth. Experiences like Work Camp help them realize that the world is bigger than they thought, the issues are more complex than they had previously known. But even still, compared to my life experience, the world is still small to them. It's okay for youth to stubbornly proclaim how right they are; it's also okay for them to get a swift kick in the tookus, a spiritual two-by-four to the face, if you will, that opens their eyes to the reality that the earth actually rotates around the sun and not them. Friends, this is NORMAL, so so normal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
So...so having discussions that don't end in exorcisms...</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So getting back to my disagreement with the Catholic that ended in me having a silver cross pressed into my forehead... as I mentioned nothing was gained from that conversation except bitterness and pride. While it is just a fabulous story I've been itching to find a place for, if I could go back in time I would change the dialogue, I would make some new effort to recover the conversation to a constructive tone. I'm sure we all have memories like that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I look at Jesus' reaction to the temple, I wonder if the effect of that event wasn't limited to the shock and horror experienced by those who witnessed it first hand. Real change didn't happen on that day alone; rather, it's 2,000 years later, and we are STILL talking about it, having discussions about why Jesus did this and how it can be translated into today. The change didn't happen in the violence or the crazy-town reaction of Jesus; the effect didn't occur the moment those tables were flipped. The story doesn't end, "And then everyone sold items for a fair price and allowed all people into the Temple and they just loved Jesus so much."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jJrvu9TDRWc_MtY3lQ3RIuiHfUHw5pcu7O4V6mtBJkW6zzqhkWHSQ7eztCJwf5X9e1whtqJanpq8ymVAmyyt7IheQLerfaknxZ5ki06pxuP_m57zZSbXA3g2jrHffZXYp8vqlZ2bSZA/s1600/hearteyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jJrvu9TDRWc_MtY3lQ3RIuiHfUHw5pcu7O4V6mtBJkW6zzqhkWHSQ7eztCJwf5X9e1whtqJanpq8ymVAmyyt7IheQLerfaknxZ5ki06pxuP_m57zZSbXA3g2jrHffZXYp8vqlZ2bSZA/s1600/hearteyes.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s169.photobucket.com/user/babygurl08_17/media/hearteyes.jpg.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No the change, the effect occurred because Jesus' actions sparked civilized conversations about what was right and what was wrong. It challenged the people in authority and gave a voice to all people who entered the temple area that day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We talked in Sunday School about how to cultivate these kinds of constructive conversations. I realize that some of our youth will have to have heated arguments that end with exorcisms in order to learn the lesson that that doesn't work; I know because I did, and I had several more conversations ending in bitterness until I realized I needed to try a different tactic. I know that had Jesus not begun with an extreme action, the silenced voices might never be heard. But in a world where Starbucks cups about world peace and unity are considered controversial and political, I feel it is my job and our calling as the church to advocate for peaceful discourse, for civil debates, and loving dialogue. Slowly, this voice of reason will begin to cut through the contentiousness of our society, both among our youth and our adults, until it makes a difference in the way we treat each other. The best thing we can do to help our youth learn that they are not always right is to learn that we ourselves are not always right.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Resources</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/jesus-flipping-tables-isnt-excuse-your-online-rants">Jesus, Tables, and Social Media</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/health-matters/201006/the-teenagers-brain">some teenager brain psychology stuff</a></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5881610490015226208.post-2562283440722166772016-11-01T12:13:00.002-07:002016-11-01T12:13:25.050-07:00There's no crying in ministry...<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was in seminary, I was required to take classes about Pastoral Care. In those classes, there were many occasions where professors and fellow students said, "There is never a situation in ministry where it is appropriate for the pastor to be reduced to tears." This was a really challenging sentence for me because, well, I'm a big-time cryer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cry looking at pictures of my cousins growing up or of our friends' children smiling at their dads. I cry when I look at first-day-of-school pictures and see youth I've worked with all over growing up. I cry when those youth graduate from high school, and yes, I am old enough to cry when they get married. I cry when I see children bringing forth the offering and singing the doxology.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cry at every wedding; I cried watching my best friend dance with her father when she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to dance again. I cry when I'm angry, frustrated, sad, or confused. I cried at a meeting when I felt I didn't do a good enough job leading Confirmation students. I cried every time I left a church to move on in God's call for my life. I cried when I held orphans in my arms in Mexico. I cried when I saw the devastation from Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi, Mississippi. I cried when I graduated from college, and when I got engaged to my husband. I cry at every death and every funeral, including pets; I even cry at a well-made iPhone commercial.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For most of my life, I have thought that crying made me weak. That it was something to be embarrassed of, or something I should hide, especially in ministry. Over the last year, I have learned to embrace the fact that I cry at everything for three reasons:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
1. It's biblical. Jesus wept for his friend Lazarus in John 11, and he weeps with us today when we face grief, loss, and sadness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
2. I need to feel. God gave me the great capacity to feel so many emotions. For me, with my biological make-up for whatever reasons, to feel anything intensely means that I cry. I believe my tears are a way that I embrace life, faith, and relationships fully. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3. It's good for me. My dear friend, Ellen, says that tears are liquid Prozac, they make us feel better and we should cherish them. She's right: they always act as a release for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here I am, a real big cry-baby, and I am no longer ashamed of it. In fact, I embrace it as one of my spiritual gifts in ministry. Here are 10 things I cried about this weekend:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#10: Children praying</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Sunday morning, most of you probably attended the 11:00 worship service to hear the Winthrop Chorale. Of course, I was also at the 8:45 service, where we had the great treat of listening to the Junior Choir. They were, of course, wonderful, but the part of the service that struck me was the Lord's Prayer. As I completed my prayer of the people and transitioned into the Lord's Prayer, I suddenly heard a loud chorus of the Junior Choir students confidently and loudly reciting the Lord's Prayer. I looked over to see eyes scrunched tight and hands folded, kids praying the Lord's Prayer seriously, with all their hearts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I teared up. I know I wasn't the only one. It was so beautiful! I kept thinking to myself, "I have no greater joy than this: to see my children walking in the light."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tw93m00n63s2IPfOy3ZCBFnq428zZQwgBWqCWOTOWi3A4DAnTJepuoKMfBxdtRdfpDhQXBoZe4ZdXJwN0NI54dd83dJu3rjqsmFkZxJVfhh-gnHc0_MrNmKjGPPtpUFSmJSynFermCA/s1600/child+prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tw93m00n63s2IPfOy3ZCBFnq428zZQwgBWqCWOTOWi3A4DAnTJepuoKMfBxdtRdfpDhQXBoZe4ZdXJwN0NI54dd83dJu3rjqsmFkZxJVfhh-gnHc0_MrNmKjGPPtpUFSmJSynFermCA/s320/child+prayer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/108016091033096841/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#9: Hearing the buzz about Unity</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjcvB6UxhQ-IFEFMwOnGk0GgEXRNiGr5ZQ1Zg2mD_auedg1dkLjoM5_Z2yqjRxO3SpxwqvHNQhlgqVTVaoUj7hd8y-9gOH3IjT2ncBOSL-zvFhdhzr_2TivUzhklzOF3zfJm0BWdC1Uo/s1600/gossip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjcvB6UxhQ-IFEFMwOnGk0GgEXRNiGr5ZQ1Zg2mD_auedg1dkLjoM5_Z2yqjRxO3SpxwqvHNQhlgqVTVaoUj7hd8y-9gOH3IjT2ncBOSL-zvFhdhzr_2TivUzhklzOF3zfJm0BWdC1Uo/s1600/gossip.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://confessionsofanadoptiveparent.com/how-to-respond-to-gossip-over-your-child-with-special-needs/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Every week, you may not realize it, but we have upwards of 50 visitors walking through our doors. That's more than some churches have on their entire rolls. This weekend, I had the chance to talk with many of our visitors who said, "People have told us that Unity's Youth Group is special" or "We've heard that Unity has really great worship" or "There's nothing going on in our community like what's going on at Unity Presbyterian Church." I see the Holy Spirit at work so often in my work here, but when the collective community starts talking about it, it just proves that it's the Holy Spirit at work. I know at times what we do at our church seems monotonous, like we do the same things each year or at each turn. Sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back and see what is really going on around here, and I encourage you, take a good look at our church because something special is going on here.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#8: Middle School Trip to Corn Maze</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It might seem simple and maybe not even relevant that there were 35 middle school youth who attended the Corn Maze field trip on Sunday. They enjoyed face-painting, slushies, corn mazes, and hay rides. This might seem normal, and we are used to seeing these types of pictures:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaZMD0cb_i28VibWzb6h1ulcNNdIEaU35npx0dAreXMD5DGWS6fF-TJdK4wBGbcghnVc1o1jI3J35f94d2ioxaR3j9MPpM501BVvCto3xCqF4BY_gMM8VTtbEYuhtThALm_MXR1KjAQM/s1600/msyg.10.30.2016.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaZMD0cb_i28VibWzb6h1ulcNNdIEaU35npx0dAreXMD5DGWS6fF-TJdK4wBGbcghnVc1o1jI3J35f94d2ioxaR3j9MPpM501BVvCto3xCqF4BY_gMM8VTtbEYuhtThALm_MXR1KjAQM/s320/msyg.10.30.2016.1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaObdM-SWK_M-Ro3A3pJHiB-wvwAN_JBOaP8gb7nv9j4vKAbuZZMdbSEdvZ5o6sKTEbGR8GfasOU-Tm2EP5MCLJsk9PgxXKNWW58fjc1anz1PjB7A9uTc7W0904eK9uV1-fDAC0miaIno/s1600/msyg.10.30.2016.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaObdM-SWK_M-Ro3A3pJHiB-wvwAN_JBOaP8gb7nv9j4vKAbuZZMdbSEdvZ5o6sKTEbGR8GfasOU-Tm2EP5MCLJsk9PgxXKNWW58fjc1anz1PjB7A9uTc7W0904eK9uV1-fDAC0miaIno/s320/msyg.10.30.2016.2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaX1I65IufTCL2LZyJ1ZFO1YVTW8F9iuitamgXksAhPwn9ka1cpidf8-LOj1c5k0yeSeP2LGuNgScaFG3NrBx1DjSMdjwW5Tliovia0g9QUE45-LMy3xr-n12PtnJdj7jcf-iao5w0bE/s1600/msyg.10.30.2016.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaX1I65IufTCL2LZyJ1ZFO1YVTW8F9iuitamgXksAhPwn9ka1cpidf8-LOj1c5k0yeSeP2LGuNgScaFG3NrBx1DjSMdjwW5Tliovia0g9QUE45-LMy3xr-n12PtnJdj7jcf-iao5w0bE/s320/msyg.10.30.2016.3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But this isn't normal throughout the world. More often than not, the pictures of students ages 11-13 that we see in the media are kidnapped, runaways, abused, or troubled. When we see them on the news, it is because they have joined gangs or found drugs at an early age. Too often lately, we see these young teens in memoriam after an accidental death or suicide. As I looked around at our middle schoolers, unfettered by horrors, violence, and evil, I was overwhelmed (shockingly...to the point of tears) with gratitude that even with all of the challenges our teens face, they can find one afternoon of solace and unadulterated joy at a corn maze. Let's not forget what a gift that is.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#7: Bible Recommendations</h4>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I prepared my lesson for Confirmation class on Sunday morning, I began to dread actually teaching the lesson. The topic was "Why are there so many versions of the Bible?" and I had excitedly prepared a lesson that would have made my old college religion professor, Dr. Na, very very proud. I organized passages to look at in various versions and I copied pages from my Greek and Hebrew texts for them to look at. I thought to myself, dear Lord, no kid is going to be interested in this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIprHl0Fyavt7VAuhGRqA8gpnX_RQ6vyBuQwSjgLRRjs7APmfwrRDp47SuF2-xIqzU-yGtYI29gM8mYh5uyQqTblOMXjRc8lZew-9JBUL8gCC8ZjHkGt9rGNO5AYEF1reXHCfqgcwN5-o/s1600/greek+hebrew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIprHl0Fyavt7VAuhGRqA8gpnX_RQ6vyBuQwSjgLRRjs7APmfwrRDp47SuF2-xIqzU-yGtYI29gM8mYh5uyQqTblOMXjRc8lZew-9JBUL8gCC8ZjHkGt9rGNO5AYEF1reXHCfqgcwN5-o/s320/greek+hebrew.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And as I began class and looked at their sleepy eyes, I was sure that I would be right. At the end of class, I asked if anyone had any questions. One student raised her hand and asked, "What recommendations would you have for us if we are looking to purchase our own bible?" As she said this, many heads perked up and hands even grabbed writing utensils to scribble down some information. Once I scraped my chin off the floor, I responded by encouraging them to go to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.biblegateway.com</a> and to begin reading texts in different versions and decide which version you feel most comfortable with (which I recommend to everyone).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been doing youth ministry for 10 years. I've had some amazing kids who probably wondered about buying a new bible for themselves; I've had wonderful parents who did lengthy research to find a bible that worked best for their children. Never, ever, have I heard a child ask me in a class what recommendations I had for Bibles. In fact, most of my advice as a youth pastor is unsolicited, but I hope it falls on hungry ears. And again, I found myself taking a pit stop to the bathroom on the way to worship to blot my eyes as I said a prayer of thanks for this wonderful pursuit of faith.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#6: Illness, Injury, and Struggle</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say all of these previous ones with the caveat that we do not have perfect children in our church who never face adversity, challenge, or despair. In fact, there is a whole heck of a lot of hurt in our community; it is simply the way our youth are choosing to manage and handle that hurt that makes them special.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week, I learned that we have several kids who are suffering from concussions or injuries. We have lots of kids home with pneumonia, strep throat, and yes, the dreaded stomach flu. We have kids who failed auditions or struggle with grades, who have commitments from the time they wake up until the time they go to bed, who worry about getting into college before they've even gone to middle school. We have parents pulling all-nighters to pick their kids up from band or make sure homework gets done or observe through a tough fever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There are so many challenges, it is hard to keep up with them all. I do however, hold these in my prayers. Sometimes, I hold these in my prayers through tears, each tear a prayer lifted over to God. I hate that kids have to suffer, but as much as I'd love to keep it from happening if I could, I know that <i>"suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.</i>" (Romans 5.3-5)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Know always that you are <b><span style="font-size: large;">loved</span>, </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you are c<span style="font-size: large;">overed in <b>prayer</b></span>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and you are <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>empowered</b> by the living God</span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#5: Advent Devotions</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Middle School Youth had the opportunity to write Advent Devotions that will be included in this year's Advent Devotion booklet for Unity Presbyterian Church. Each daily entry has been written by a member of our church, and some of them were written by the youth. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, we set our expectations for spiritual understanding extremely low when we are talking to or about youth. Whether we think their brains have not fully developed yet or they lack life experience or they simply don't have a voice at the table because of their age, we tend to think that our youth should be protected from difficult concepts and encouraged in simple, concrete understandings of scripture. This is a fallacy that even I admit I can fall into. Our youth are deep, challenging, intelligent biblical thinkers. As I read through these devotions, I thought to myself, "This one sounds a lot like the church father Augustine" or "Gee, John Calvin would be proud." I am looking forward to each of you getting the chance to read these and the devotions written by many others during the Advent season (beginning November 27). The booklet will be available online each day on our website and the Facebook page, and some paper copies will be available in the Narthex beginning November 20.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#4: Youth Room Painting</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Years ago, I offered to lead a youth group in repainting the youth room. The kids came in 3 days to do the bulk of the painting; I came in every day for lots of hours for 2 months putting in all the tiny details and making it look nice. As I brushed my roller over the final piece of wall, I thought to myself: "I am literally never doing this again, I don't care how ugly the walls of a youth room are."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So when the high school youth in Sunday School brought up to their teachers that they wanted to repaint the youth room, I firmly said that if they wanted to do it, they needed to do it themselves. On Sunday, they trooped in and busted out a lot of painting skills in that room. Maybe it would have looked better if a professional had come in, but the fact is: that room belongs to them. Every drop of paint on the floor, every visible stroke on the wall, every color, every stain, every inch. It is a place in which they are safe and comforted, a place they take ownership of, and a place they have made safe and special for youth in generations to come. After I checked in on them on Sunday, I of course got a bit teary as my heart filled with gratitude at their initiative, leadership, and sense of inclusion in the church.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
#3: Confirmation Retreat</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This week I had the great privilege of spending 24 hours at Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center with our 8th graders as we explored the "Radical Pursuit of God" in the beginning stages of our faith journey. We made spiritual smashbooks to talk about who we are and where we are gifted; we did team challenges to learn about how as a church, we work together; we spent time in silent prayer and reflection about our individual spiritual journeys.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLjcV3aev9-J6GKix9D5ZkzMPkSCHc6RTSiLJUPRsZaV31904Z5-R41qAX4JP3jerZdBfXa5aaEOvdRR32TDUJIAvNWmXeH96R-Wm4vIAICv_fN6se16qRc90MakJml1G0KrE6q-ew-U/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLjcV3aev9-J6GKix9D5ZkzMPkSCHc6RTSiLJUPRsZaV31904Z5-R41qAX4JP3jerZdBfXa5aaEOvdRR32TDUJIAvNWmXeH96R-Wm4vIAICv_fN6se16qRc90MakJml1G0KrE6q-ew-U/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj152M5zLPdlMhhCf1Rx1CcV_QwseIRQ-3y7QO3nzwOjmEgTya0Z6DNp5hASd8GfCPhDfUHDZcE15lf8-YgZZj9b4voVph_CoW79Lgpkb6bN6H4yoG9hvPzipyAF9kaTbttm7CoypoNgM/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj152M5zLPdlMhhCf1Rx1CcV_QwseIRQ-3y7QO3nzwOjmEgTya0Z6DNp5hASd8GfCPhDfUHDZcE15lf8-YgZZj9b4voVph_CoW79Lgpkb6bN6H4yoG9hvPzipyAF9kaTbttm7CoypoNgM/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.10.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht44ZN2Hb6v8YVsj3yZZHzRc_X7ldwB4Zju7dngsFEFI_mehQnBealzYyWPnnWuBU0iKiPjhO89rQExAnQl3vs7f5DfBv5bX0vbRZxkU-L4GVoNfk90ZQVTkchNpgp0rfGJyrKbsFUbQE/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht44ZN2Hb6v8YVsj3yZZHzRc_X7ldwB4Zju7dngsFEFI_mehQnBealzYyWPnnWuBU0iKiPjhO89rQExAnQl3vs7f5DfBv5bX0vbRZxkU-L4GVoNfk90ZQVTkchNpgp0rfGJyrKbsFUbQE/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-r0rMPQziNdRWDaxhZu_D6NG2SJnnd-AjyD_UFKCywWmHdzBDFLdrLIEogtLN2oOM-c0ZCqwhZebr1voSRrGEAF_BbXy0VsVdkQH8DorrTZFN-D2sXq7KPaWIrj1IujK3GE5gOpY91Y/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-r0rMPQziNdRWDaxhZu_D6NG2SJnnd-AjyD_UFKCywWmHdzBDFLdrLIEogtLN2oOM-c0ZCqwhZebr1voSRrGEAF_BbXy0VsVdkQH8DorrTZFN-D2sXq7KPaWIrj1IujK3GE5gOpY91Y/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf2SQLcJ-P-BvR3YjgrPzqC0pSA5C2R8PiUBhVHTSmHNrOJqNmcn_ulECSP_h05lk9rrJd8PDza9BAw9sNweCZ4eqyKfiIQcsqeWb87UPBs3sCoB_inKy5w43sNiikISl9yKJ4pGGbq0/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf2SQLcJ-P-BvR3YjgrPzqC0pSA5C2R8PiUBhVHTSmHNrOJqNmcn_ulECSP_h05lk9rrJd8PDza9BAw9sNweCZ4eqyKfiIQcsqeWb87UPBs3sCoB_inKy5w43sNiikISl9yKJ4pGGbq0/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJIayKPZDsN5w9bfpVth_g2O5PY_UX2DNGzm4q5kkNrNwWzkYU3fXCkl70nbtIy8vC2smzFmydhxbZnkz2wKpzb2d0bhlS2PmuO_goh6uwBs4f-9f-B5PQVAlLxZHlI_edbbU5xCvz8s/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJIayKPZDsN5w9bfpVth_g2O5PY_UX2DNGzm4q5kkNrNwWzkYU3fXCkl70nbtIy8vC2smzFmydhxbZnkz2wKpzb2d0bhlS2PmuO_goh6uwBs4f-9f-B5PQVAlLxZHlI_edbbU5xCvz8s/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h8vN_ov6ksVlnCmsneAR4UIoWf_dKMTJlC6MUQHj27lWaC_t41YnZYIjbRE9tAcZT2UfZhc8S7Ok8py28URg8_Sk_MUfXoFWUMxtC54vnC_QbNWCU_UMdXPDkWnnetrhmxRgy1uykg4/s1600/confirmation10.29.2016.8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h8vN_ov6ksVlnCmsneAR4UIoWf_dKMTJlC6MUQHj27lWaC_t41YnZYIjbRE9tAcZT2UfZhc8S7Ok8py28URg8_Sk_MUfXoFWUMxtC54vnC_QbNWCU_UMdXPDkWnnetrhmxRgy1uykg4/s320/confirmation10.29.2016.8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every year, I say, "This is the best Confirmation class ever!" and I legitimately mean it, because I just love Confirmation so much. There is nothing that gives my heart greater joy than to watch our youth figuring out exactly what faith means to them individually. The future of the church is in the hands of these wonderful teenagers, and I have every confidence that the church will survive to do great things in their capable hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#2: Winthrop Chorale</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you were in worship on Sunday, no commentary is necessary for this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you were not in worship on Sunday, make sure you don't miss the Winthrop Chorale next time. The worship was astounding and spirit-shaking.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
And #1: My Messy Office and other signs</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you have been to my office recently, you are aware that it looks like a storage facility that had a tornado shoot through it. Every day, I have to wade through boxes and piles of books and papers and pool noodles and posterboards and dead weeds and glue sticks and balls of yarn... It makes me anxious even right now as I looke around seeing lessons from months and months ago, still waiting for me to find a new home for them. Certainly, I could cry over how much of a mess it is. But I also cry because it is so used. The complete messiness of my office is a reminder to me that we are doing real ministry, a real work in the Kingdom of God. We are meeting unique needs in our community, we are loving kids in new and special ways, and we are creating this safe space for them to thrive and experience God's love. While I'd love to have a clean office, I'd much rather be writing this blog sitting in a pig sty than have no ministry to account for. We are busy. We are full. And I for one am very proud of the special work we are doing with the teens of our community.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What makes you cry in ministry? What do you reach out to experience with all of your emotions?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Lindsay Ann Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14367804252850110852noreply@blogger.com0