Yesterday, on our morning walk, we decided to stop by the church and say "hello". Our church has a daycare on the same level as the church offices where Ryan can usually be found. On entering through the front doors, one is often greeted by a line of preschoolers waiting to "go potty". These innocent smiles are always a day brightener for me, and for them- especially if you bring a dog.
Caty walks with us in the mornings so she was with us yesterday as we entered the daycare on the way to see Ryan. One little boy was especially excited about Caty and curiously asked, "Where is the dog going?" I answered his logical question with, "She's going to see the pastor."
Are you familiar with "verbal vomit"? It's where something literally is thrown out of your mouth and you have no idea why you said your most recent sentence or phrase. This almost happened and thank goodness I caught myself. My next unprovoked sentence was almost, "She's been a very naughty dog." As if my dog was coming to confession or needing to "get right with God".
An adult reader may find a bit of humor in this idea, but I was immediately surprised by my own inappropriateness to share such a though with a preschooler. What if my dumb comment became this little boy's perception of pastors and church? What if he though pastor = bad/punishment? As I thought through this scenario, I couldn't help but have great compassion on the massive amounts of children and adults who already think that. The term "burned by the church" refers to an individual who has sworn off church because of the unthinkable experiences no one should ever have, especially in the church. Church should be sanctuary. Church should be compassion and love. Church should be open arms to those coming to see the pastor if they have "been bad", not gossip and condescending eyes.
Does the name Anne Rice ring a bell? She is a very famous author, most widely known for The Vampire Chronicles. We recently watched an interview with Anne Rice on Christianity. She loves Jesus with all her heart and she makes me want to sit with her and have tea while we discuss life. However, she refuses to be called a Christian. After hearing her experience with the church, it's no wonder why she doesn't want to be a Christian. Thank God this hurt soul has been able to separate her experience of flawed, selfish people from Jesus who she knows is nothing like the "church" she once was a part of. Most people "burned by the church" are not so lucky. Most people who disengage from church all together leave with a bitter taste in their mouth of everything related to the church including their relationship to God.
While we must realize how our words, actions, intentions, and perceived intentions effect those around us, especially those who come to church seeking fellowship, community, and healing, we must strive for balance! If we let the pendulum swing the other way, we become a Sunday morning full of "Eleanor Rigby"s who keep our faces in jars by the door. (If this last sentence does not make sense, please listen to the song from the video- one of our favorite Beatles songs with an incredible depiction of a church member and a vicar in the Anglican church.)
Balance.
If we are to partake in the community offered by church membership and outreach, we must offer in return: honesty. If we are to remain a part of that community, we must present our gift of honesty in a spirit of compassion. If our compassion is to be taken seriously, we must offer compassion sincerely as well as receive compassion from others because we have been honest with others about our needs. See the cycle? If at any point this cycle is broken, we lose the community.
Observe: If we offer insincere compassion, it is perceived as judgment. If we do not share our needs and allow others to offer compassion to us, not only do we not receive what we need, others do not have the chance to complete their cycle of compassion and we are now wearing a mask in front of the people with whom we should be most raw.
For years, diet commercials have caught our eye because we are told we can have the perfect body by completely eliminating carbs, or fat, or sugar, etc. The reason these never work is because our bodies need a balanced diet. So it is with the body of Christ. No one can be eliminated from the fullness of community. If we remove ourselves or drive others away, the body is incomplete. I love the motto for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): "A movement for wholeness in a fragmented world".
Friends, let's do this! If each of us attempted this everyday to our capacity, can you imagine? Oh what a world it would be. Let us together pray,
"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Birdsong
Notes from the Pastor…
Most scholars agree that the Psalms were compiled over decades and centuries. Much like our modern hymnals, with songs dated through all of Christian history, the Psalms were not written by one author, nor through one experience. Nonetheless, there are themes that weave through the Psalms like a single thread in a tapestry.
One theme is God’s revelation of God-self through nature. We hear it exclusively in Psalm 19:1
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the atmosphere proclaims his handiwork.
In recent days, as our neighbor forest has reopened, many of us have escaped to the hills and its 531 species of plants and animals. As it was for those who settled this area for cattle production, and for those who came before the ranchers, the Sacramento Mountains provide endless adventure and a constant reminder of the Creator.For me, entering the forest is like entering eternal Sabbath. This is an image I borrow from poet and author Wendell Berry, who in his anthology of “Sabbath Poems,” (Titled: A Timbered Choir) he offers this rhyme:
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
Most scholars agree that the Psalms were compiled over decades and centuries. Much like our modern hymnals, with songs dated through all of Christian history, the Psalms were not written by one author, nor through one experience. Nonetheless, there are themes that weave through the Psalms like a single thread in a tapestry.
One theme is God’s revelation of God-self through nature. We hear it exclusively in Psalm 19:1
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the atmosphere proclaims his handiwork.
In recent days, as our neighbor forest has reopened, many of us have escaped to the hills and its 531 species of plants and animals. As it was for those who settled this area for cattle production, and for those who came before the ranchers, the Sacramento Mountains provide endless adventure and a constant reminder of the Creator.For me, entering the forest is like entering eternal Sabbath. This is an image I borrow from poet and author Wendell Berry, who in his anthology of “Sabbath Poems,” (Titled: A Timbered Choir) he offers this rhyme:
What do the tall trees say
To the late havocs in the sky?
They sigh.
The air moves, and they sway.
When the breeze on the hill
Is still, then they stand still.
They wait.
They have no fear. Their fate
Is faith. Birdsong
Is all they’ve wanted, all along.
As we are able, may we escape to the adjacent reminder of creation’s song. May we learn from its quiet faith how to handle life’s stress. And may we echo the tall trees’ testimony, yearning for Creator and Spirit. Amen.Grace,
Pastor Ryan
Thursday, July 21, 2011
See and Taste
Notes from the Pastor…
There is great joy in seeing new things.
For the last two weeks Kristyn and I got to see and taste new things. The Royal House Oyster Bar at the corner of Royal and St. Louis Streets in New Orleans provided me with a new pallet experience, oysters on the half shell. Arriving at Panama City Beach, Kristyn and I encountered the sugar white sands of the Florida gulf; the texture of which feels like velvet, and added to the sound of the waves, we were provoked into
relaxation. Northward, passing through Birmingham, we lunched, or should I say “gluttonied”, at Dream Land Bar-B-Q… if you know not of what I speak, then you know not of the land of dreams and our grateful obligation to Peter in Acts 10. Finally, we landed in Nashville, and the Loveless Café with its fried chicken and homemade biscuits.
There is great joy in seeing new things.
On a much higher and holier level, it is traveling away from the common and toward the unknown that releases us to see new things. Theologically, this may mean investigating a Christian practice that you see as
odd or foreign. Biblically, this may mean devotionally reading Ecclesiastes and spiritually entering the depths of a refugee. Spiritually, this may mean intentional prayer time with neighbors. Practically, this may mean
living with less entertainment and giving more to the poor.
There is great joy in seeing new things, but we must journey away from the comfortable to experience such joy.
May we be so brave!
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
There is great joy in seeing new things.
For the last two weeks Kristyn and I got to see and taste new things. The Royal House Oyster Bar at the corner of Royal and St. Louis Streets in New Orleans provided me with a new pallet experience, oysters on the half shell. Arriving at Panama City Beach, Kristyn and I encountered the sugar white sands of the Florida gulf; the texture of which feels like velvet, and added to the sound of the waves, we were provoked into
relaxation. Northward, passing through Birmingham, we lunched, or should I say “gluttonied”, at Dream Land Bar-B-Q… if you know not of what I speak, then you know not of the land of dreams and our grateful obligation to Peter in Acts 10. Finally, we landed in Nashville, and the Loveless Café with its fried chicken and homemade biscuits.
There is great joy in seeing new things.
On a much higher and holier level, it is traveling away from the common and toward the unknown that releases us to see new things. Theologically, this may mean investigating a Christian practice that you see as
odd or foreign. Biblically, this may mean devotionally reading Ecclesiastes and spiritually entering the depths of a refugee. Spiritually, this may mean intentional prayer time with neighbors. Practically, this may mean
living with less entertainment and giving more to the poor.
There is great joy in seeing new things, but we must journey away from the comfortable to experience such joy.
May we be so brave!
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Headed home
By the time we pull into our drive way on Friday night, we will set foot in our home for the first time in two weeks plus one day. Being away from home makes even an extrovert like me want to be a homebody.
On this trip we have:
- descended from our mountain (approximately 7,050 ft elevation) to 13 ft above sea level
- traveled through 7 states (maybe 8 by the time we get home)
- slept and played in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee
- seen a raging variation in gas prices
- spent time with all three sets of parents, some old friends, and made some new ones
- (we haven't yet but by the end we will have) driven over 60 hours!!
The purpose of this trip is several layers deep. With careful planning and our church's blessing, Ryan and I were able to attend the General Assembly for Disciples of Christ 2011 or more simply put, a church conference. Since we had already recruited Jack's three sets of grandparents to take turns watching him during the conference, with their blessing we extended our time away by a couple days and a detour by the beach. We have not been so relaxed since our honeymoon and it was wonderful!
Rejuvenated and exfoliated, we headed North to Nashville for some church business, inspiration, and encouragement. We have had a very enjoyable time here as well! That said, we are missing home. Some of these things felt mundane before we left, but right now, I most miss:
- cooking dinner (please, no more restaurant food!)
- walking with Keely in the mornings
- our dry air (think about where we have been... HUMID!)
- our church (due to a stomach bug the weekend before we left, Jack and I have not been to church in 3 weeks now... way too long)
- making our coffee in the morning
- watering my plants and seeing new growth
- three newborn babies (I left town and everyone went into labor! I can't wait to meet Ruidoso's newest citizens)
- Baby Stella (we are used to seeing her every day; it's weird to go so long without her)
- Brushing Caty and sharing peanut butter snacks
- and the winner.... JACK!
We have taken to watching home videos on our phones and getting choked up over pictures our parents are sending us. We miss him. My goodness, we long to be reunited with him. I know his grandparents have enjoyed this time with him and I am even glad to know that he is ok without us. But, all of the things we miss about home combined with the desire we have to be together as a family have given us an urgency to return to our town and jump back into the life we have built there. I think that is exactly what a vacation should do for a weary soul. Tomorrow, we plan to focus and finish strong here and then Ruidoso, here we come!
On this trip we have:
- descended from our mountain (approximately 7,050 ft elevation) to 13 ft above sea level
- traveled through 7 states (maybe 8 by the time we get home)
- slept and played in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee
- seen a raging variation in gas prices
- spent time with all three sets of parents, some old friends, and made some new ones
- (we haven't yet but by the end we will have) driven over 60 hours!!
The purpose of this trip is several layers deep. With careful planning and our church's blessing, Ryan and I were able to attend the General Assembly for Disciples of Christ 2011 or more simply put, a church conference. Since we had already recruited Jack's three sets of grandparents to take turns watching him during the conference, with their blessing we extended our time away by a couple days and a detour by the beach. We have not been so relaxed since our honeymoon and it was wonderful!
- cooking dinner (please, no more restaurant food!)
- walking with Keely in the mornings
- our dry air (think about where we have been... HUMID!)
- our church (due to a stomach bug the weekend before we left, Jack and I have not been to church in 3 weeks now... way too long)
- making our coffee in the morning
- watering my plants and seeing new growth
- three newborn babies (I left town and everyone went into labor! I can't wait to meet Ruidoso's newest citizens)
- Baby Stella (we are used to seeing her every day; it's weird to go so long without her)
- Brushing Caty and sharing peanut butter snacks
- and the winner.... JACK!
We have taken to watching home videos on our phones and getting choked up over pictures our parents are sending us. We miss him. My goodness, we long to be reunited with him. I know his grandparents have enjoyed this time with him and I am even glad to know that he is ok without us. But, all of the things we miss about home combined with the desire we have to be together as a family have given us an urgency to return to our town and jump back into the life we have built there. I think that is exactly what a vacation should do for a weary soul. Tomorrow, we plan to focus and finish strong here and then Ruidoso, here we come!
Tell it!
Notes from the pastor...
In Deuternomy 6, the sojourning Israelites received their most holy instruction from God. In this passage we hear the Shema Yisrael, the centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer service.
“ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might.”
Continuing on, the people are informed as to how such instruction is to be passed from one generation to the next; from neighbor to neighbor. “You are to tell it to your children, and shall tell it when you sit in your home, and tell it when you walk by the way, and tell it when you lie down, and tell it when you rise.
Often we try to live out our faith through acts of compassion to the “least of these”. Continually we attempt to grow our faith through worship, study, prayer, and practice. However, we seldom tell it; tell the story of Jesus making a difference in our lives.
Doubtless, some of our apprehension comes from poor education in faith sharing, or even false models that stress psychological techniques that seem like forced conversion. But it does not have to be like this. You and I can tell our faith story just like we tell about our childhood or tell the story of meeting our mate. People are curious about the beliefs that drive our life; inquisitive as to how we come to form our political and spiritual opinions, but how will they know the important things of our lives if we avoid such subjects or refuse to tell?
Added to the curiosity of our neighbors are the needs of our neighbors. General Minister and President Sharon Watkins said this week, “It is the need of our neighbors that needs to break our hearts and drive our board meetings.” We need to tell our neighbors the story of Jesus affecting change in our lives, so maybe Jesus can affect change in their lives. Of course, our neighbors will not care about our story if they do not know our love.
On Monday evening, pastor and activist, Brian McLaren implored the Chrisitian Church (DOC) to live: Simple. Flexible. Vulnerable. I cannot think of any better adjectives that should embody the activity of telling your faith story. K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid), is the acronym communication professors command of freshman students as they prepare for their first college speech. When we tell our story, keep it simple-Where Has Jesus moved in your life? You were once ______________, but now you are __________. Flexibility in telling your story is all about conversation. If people wish to hear a sermon they will come to church on Sunday or listen to talk radio. Telling your story is an exchange; do not forget to express love through hospitality and this means asking for their story before you share yours. For some vulnerability comes naturally, for others it is as foreign as kale with seaweed. Either way, vulnerable telling is imperative; it confesses, “I don’t have all the answers..” “I messed up my life..”; When I was out of control, Jesus made a difference…”
Let us tell it. Tell it to our children and grandchildren. Tell it around the friendly table at Casa Blanca. Tell it at the Links. Tell it to our spouse when we lie down. Let us tell it: tell the story of Jesus making a difference in our lives.
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
In Deuternomy 6, the sojourning Israelites received their most holy instruction from God. In this passage we hear the Shema Yisrael, the centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer service.
“ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might.”
Continuing on, the people are informed as to how such instruction is to be passed from one generation to the next; from neighbor to neighbor. “You are to tell it to your children, and shall tell it when you sit in your home, and tell it when you walk by the way, and tell it when you lie down, and tell it when you rise.
Often we try to live out our faith through acts of compassion to the “least of these”. Continually we attempt to grow our faith through worship, study, prayer, and practice. However, we seldom tell it; tell the story of Jesus making a difference in our lives.
Doubtless, some of our apprehension comes from poor education in faith sharing, or even false models that stress psychological techniques that seem like forced conversion. But it does not have to be like this. You and I can tell our faith story just like we tell about our childhood or tell the story of meeting our mate. People are curious about the beliefs that drive our life; inquisitive as to how we come to form our political and spiritual opinions, but how will they know the important things of our lives if we avoid such subjects or refuse to tell?
Added to the curiosity of our neighbors are the needs of our neighbors. General Minister and President Sharon Watkins said this week, “It is the need of our neighbors that needs to break our hearts and drive our board meetings.” We need to tell our neighbors the story of Jesus affecting change in our lives, so maybe Jesus can affect change in their lives. Of course, our neighbors will not care about our story if they do not know our love.
On Monday evening, pastor and activist, Brian McLaren implored the Chrisitian Church (DOC) to live: Simple. Flexible. Vulnerable. I cannot think of any better adjectives that should embody the activity of telling your faith story. K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid), is the acronym communication professors command of freshman students as they prepare for their first college speech. When we tell our story, keep it simple-Where Has Jesus moved in your life? You were once ______________, but now you are __________. Flexibility in telling your story is all about conversation. If people wish to hear a sermon they will come to church on Sunday or listen to talk radio. Telling your story is an exchange; do not forget to express love through hospitality and this means asking for their story before you share yours. For some vulnerability comes naturally, for others it is as foreign as kale with seaweed. Either way, vulnerable telling is imperative; it confesses, “I don’t have all the answers..” “I messed up my life..”; When I was out of control, Jesus made a difference…”
Let us tell it. Tell it to our children and grandchildren. Tell it around the friendly table at Casa Blanca. Tell it at the Links. Tell it to our spouse when we lie down. Let us tell it: tell the story of Jesus making a difference in our lives.
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
Friday, July 8, 2011
Independence Day Prayer
Notes from the Pastor…
As you read this “Pastor’s Note,” Kristyn and I are on vacation, and Jack is getting spoiled at his grandparents’. With great affinity, I quote Paul,
“I remember you constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.”
When I think about Independence Day, I think of fireworks and hot dogs. Of course, neither of these are American innovations (fireworks are from China, and the hot dog is a descendant of the frankfurter, from Germany). Then again, my attraction to these imports may be as “American” as apple pie (first recipe cited: 1831 England).
Sociologists say American culture is a salad bowl; different nationalities and traditions placed together to form a delicious infusion of flavor.When I read the New Testament’s statements on Christian unity in John 17:21-24, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, and Galatians 3:27-29, I am convinced that the founding of America was not the first proclamation of unity within diversity. Paul is not advocating the end of genders in his letter to the church in Galatia; neither is he citing the abolition of slavery nor the denouncement of nationality. Rather, Paul preaches that all believers are equal regardless of gender, ethnic background, or class, because all believers are found to be one in Jesus the Christ.
No doubt, such teachings informed the creation of American society, and on a lower and more common level, our earthly citizenship provides us with the opportunity to celebrate unity within diversity. July 4th proclaims that all people are equal regardless of economics, country of origin, education, or pedigree. Therefore, my Independence Day prayer is that our country will always preach:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
As you read this “Pastor’s Note,” Kristyn and I are on vacation, and Jack is getting spoiled at his grandparents’. With great affinity, I quote Paul,
“I remember you constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.”
When I think about Independence Day, I think of fireworks and hot dogs. Of course, neither of these are American innovations (fireworks are from China, and the hot dog is a descendant of the frankfurter, from Germany). Then again, my attraction to these imports may be as “American” as apple pie (first recipe cited: 1831 England).
Sociologists say American culture is a salad bowl; different nationalities and traditions placed together to form a delicious infusion of flavor.When I read the New Testament’s statements on Christian unity in John 17:21-24, 1 Corinthians 1:11-13, and Galatians 3:27-29, I am convinced that the founding of America was not the first proclamation of unity within diversity. Paul is not advocating the end of genders in his letter to the church in Galatia; neither is he citing the abolition of slavery nor the denouncement of nationality. Rather, Paul preaches that all believers are equal regardless of gender, ethnic background, or class, because all believers are found to be one in Jesus the Christ.
No doubt, such teachings informed the creation of American society, and on a lower and more common level, our earthly citizenship provides us with the opportunity to celebrate unity within diversity. July 4th proclaims that all people are equal regardless of economics, country of origin, education, or pedigree. Therefore, my Independence Day prayer is that our country will always preach:
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Grace,
Pastor Ryan
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