It's good to laugh at myself

I don't think too many people in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are actually laughing much these days. I think most ELCA Lutherans are indifferent, angry, agitated, or at least fearful. Therefore I am thankful that one ELCA person actually decided to look at our current place in the world with some humor. I think this piece has a lot of humor, but this humor is somewhat muted because it's full of insider talk and jokes. I believe it's hilarious. To each their own.

When it comes to the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, it's really the only church I have ever known. I don't have a tie to the old predecessor bodies like the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) or the American Lutheran Church (ALC). Though I am an ordained pastor, trained in the Lutheran Confessions, I tend to balk at claims made by people who say they represent some sort of true Lutheranism. I see these claims as woven with culture as much as they are about theology.

My cultural awareness and understanding is not rooted in my Lutheran Christian faith. My family attended ALC congregations during a small portion of my youth, but I only started being aware of the Lutheran spectrum of traditions and fellowships after the merger in the late 1980's. I truly became a Lutheran Christian not on the day of my Affirmation of Baptism, but when I attended college and was exposed to the marketplace of ideas, religion and faith. It was then I embraced justification by grace through faith in my active thinking, not merely as something taught. ELCA people have embraced me, taught me about faith in Christ, provided community and investment my family and in my vocation, and believed in my gifts. I am abundantly thankful. But I don't believe my culture has been torn apart because of certain decisions the ELCA has made. I know others look at it differently.

The video highlighted has been timely to me because it makes me laugh at some of the language we commonly use in the ELCA and how silly it must sound to the rest of the world at times (assuming they're paying attention) and how we tie in culture to our claims about the faith with little critical reflection. I have been reminded not to take myself too seriously and be aware of the proclamations I make. Some especially poignantly satirical points for me:

1. I LOVE the "Book of Faith Prius." This is brilliant humor, even for such a narrow audience.
2. We are a "name dropping people." Guilty. I think my recent blogpost regarding stewardship contained four name drops in one sentence. There's a fine line between giving credit for ideas and name dropping. I like to dance on that line frequently, and sometimes I regret doing it.
3. The commentary juxtaposing Lutheran theology and jello represents what I have been thinking for years, but haven't articulated well. This point by the producer shows why The Simpsons has remained the best accessible political commentary into its third decade. I wouldn't be surprised if this producer was influenced by The Simpsons in some way. The Book of Faith Prius pulls this off as well.

I am not interested for the people ELCA to "just get along." In the wake of the decisions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly and this video, what I see is that I and my fellow ELCA Lutherans have failed to look at (my) ourselves critically. I'm at least hoping to see a new posture. I don't know if that is possible. At least I got a laugh while I realized how foolish I can be. Lord, have mercy.

Spare me the anxiety, share a good idea with me

I appreciate prophets (except when they prophesy against ME), legislators, activists and once in awhile a pundit says something worthwhile. When I look at my church mailbox, either someone is trying to sell me something or co-opt me into their anxiety of an existence. Today I received mail from the WordAlone Network and the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington. A few days ago I received mail from an organization of pastors and congregations called Sound The Alarm. Please, spare me your anxiety. I'm sure you mean well, and that your fears about the disintegration of society may have some valid points. I may even borrow some of your ideas, or at least research them further. But I definitely won't join you and your cohort in sharing your righteous indignation, and I will not give you any money. I may pray for you, though maybe not in a way that you like. I don't need any more anxiety in my life. I have plenty. I do not need additional anxiety.

However, if you have a great idea and are actually for creating something that offers grace, hospitality, hope or beauty for people--that through our shared efforts and actions that people see the love of God or at least find some peace in their lives, let me know. Send me an invitation. If it fits with my gifts or skill set, or stretches me in a way that fits with my own sense of mission and vocation, let me know. I could be a great asset to you. Otherwise, save your money and your time. If you're anxious and "sounding an alarm," I'm not interested.

Stewardship Campaigns, "Being Rich in a Troubled Economy," and Passing the Plate

This is the time of year that many (if not most) Mainline Protestant congregations engage in some form of yearly stewardship campaign, where those supporting the congregation are asked to consider giving intentionally to God's work in the congregation in the form of a pledge. That pledge can be a specific number, a tithe (10 percent of income), or any percentage of income. I knew one congregational member who gave 33 percent of his income to the congregation (!). I remember asking him why he did that, and he was taught that by one of his mentors in business, and Jesus. "Jesus said to give it all away," he reminded me. I have known some people who are financially challenged, so they tirelessly serve the congregation with their time and talents. I am often filled with joy and thankful for the generosity of Christian people in response to God's love and generosity.

I have been blessed to be mentored by wise Christians on the subject of stewardship, including Kennon Callahan, Jerry Hoffman, Ron Voss, and Walter Brueggemann (no surprise there). A summary of what I have learned over the years:

1. Say thank you to givers to God's work in the congregation.
2. Encourage people to grow in their giving.
3. Help worshipers make people connections with their giving--tell stories of people affected by ministries of the congregation.
4. Don't bring a spirit of fear and doom to giving.
5. People give in many different ways--don't only connect with people who pledge.
6. The Bible talks about giving more than love, prayer and about any other topic outside of God.
7. Be honest and authentic about your stewardship story and the stewardship stories in the congregation.
8. Most people don't give to budgets. They give to other people.

Though I have implemented these teachings in over 10 years of ordained ministry, there is still an element of manipulation and persuasion in stewardship. These are not inherently bad terms or concepts, but they are corrupted by fear and anxiety. No matter how much I attempt to make a connection between God's generosity and the need for God's children to give, the anxiety of money managers and leaders creeps in. People's jobs are on the line. Ministries for which people are passionate hang in the balance without necessary funding, and people who are served lose a connection point to be fed, clothed or housed. Christian education can be compromised. These are only a few of the consequences of stewardship volatility. What I have tried to convey in "How To Be Rich in a Troubled Economy" is not a message of "Prosperity Gospel" but a message that says investing in people in the life of the Church is about a solid investment as one can make: Jesus said "store up treasures in heaven." We live in an era where the ashes of failed investments are all around us (it happens sooner or later), yet I have not heard from one person who said they regretted investing in and giving to ministries that served people in the name of Christ.

This week my sermon title is "Unleashing the Saints." First, it fits in with the Christian celebration of All Saints Day. Second, "Unleashing the Saints" is a general theme of ministry at First Lutheran Community Church. Without committee red tape--people are freed to serve as God calls them to serve, allowing resources to serve people in the name of Christ rather than an antiquated committee structure. I believe that congregational investments end up helping people in a more effective, efficient and faithful manner not only because of FLCC's organizational structure, but also because of the power of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts, generosity and talents of people in the congregation. Your investment goes far toward "Unleashing the Saints" to serve people in the name of Christ. The financial strength of the congregation has been compromised (in theory) after the departure of Pastor Allen and a drop in worship attendance and possibly the economic downturn. A question in giving planning becomes: "Is the ministry of First Lutheran Community Church a good investment?" If the answer is yes, then, "can I grow in my giving?" In order to continue "Unleashing the Saints" to serve in many ways in the community and world, we need some people to grow in their giving. It would be easy if everyone in the congregation gave 10%, but I am thankful that are called to respond in thankfulness and faith. I believe that people at FLCC will respond if given the opportunity to do so.

Thank you to the people of FLCC for teaching me something new about stewardship. Thank you for taking out the practice of "passing the offering plate" during worship. I don't believe this is necessarily a bad practice. I believe that giving is an act of worship and the context of giving can be in a worship service. I'm not sure that people see giving as an act of worship--passing the plate can be construed as that one needs to pay for admission into the presence of God. By taking out that practice, you have created a more welcoming space into the presence of God. I am thankful to be taught a new way of thinking about giving and congregational life. For those of you who wonder about the practice of offering in the worship service and it's place in Christian life, here is a history of "passing the plate."
Though offering is a practice as old as first human contact with Yahweh, passing the plate is a relatively new practice in faith communities and isn't mandated by the Bible.

I know people approach the topics of giving and money with fear, trepidation and sensitivity. I only hope to be faithful in what I share and teach, and that God will work with my thoughts and experiences so that others may know the grace and generosity of God themselves.

For the Kitsap County Locals: Good Live Music Coming to Bremerton

I thought I was missing out on my favorite band of the past 5 years, Great Big Sea, on tour supporting their newest release "Fortune's Favour." Not only is it one of the bands that my entire family enjoys, but it's a rare band that has songs with staying power for me. They will be performing at Bremerton's Admiral Theatre on Saturday, November 21. My wife and I are enjoying a date night that evening. I wouldn't take away or add anything to the Admiral Theatre's description of Great Big Sea. If it sounds like your kind of night out, I would highly encourage an evening of excellent music in Bremerton. Maybe we'll see you there!

More on the sermon series "How To Be Rich In A Troubled Economy."

This sermon series is challenging to schedule and set. I wanted to generally address that ministry is an investment in people. Jesus invested his life to the point of death for the sake of people--therefore investment in people is a faithful practice. Investing in a congregational budget is only important for a few leaders in any given congregation. It is important for the body of Christ (the people of the Church) to know that their investment of resources (time, talents, money--in no particular order) make a difference in people's lives.

This sermon series has been an adventure because I am joyfully depending on the gifts of others to complete my sermons. Tom Henderson and Christopher Clephane have given their resources to help produce videos that help the people of God know about how FLCC ministries and people touch lives in the name of Christ. Numerous people from FLCC came out on a Wednesday evening to share their testimonials. My wife, Melanie, is coming out to FLCC to preach on November 8th to share a different perspective on what it means to invest in God's work in the world. Many people behind the scenes print, stuff and distribute letters and organize gifts so that you can give to the God's work in the church with faith and confidence.

"How To Be Rich In A Troubled Economy" Sermon Series

October 25: "How Are Your Investments Doing?"

November 1: "Unleashing the Saints"
Proverbs 2: 1-8
Ephesians: 1: 15-22 (preaching text)
Colossians 1: 24-29

November 8: Rev. Dr. Melanie JS Wallschlaeger, Director for Evangelical Mission, Southwestern Washington Synod (ELCA)

November 15 (Pledge Sunday): "Well Done! Enter Into God's Joy!"
Proverbs 22: 1-9
Ephesians: 2: 8-10
Matthew 25: 14-30 (preaching text)

Once I hear from my dear wife, Melanie, about her sermon topic/title, I will pass that along to you. I also encourage you to read the texts and offer thoughts about what you read--it will prepare you to hear the sermon, and I may also gain some insights from you, my sisters and brothers in Christ. The most enjoyable sermon for which I prepared involved people at FLCC during a Wednesday evening Bible study. Join the conversation!

Sermon Prayers and Thoughts: "How are your investments doing?"

I cherish my time off from preaching. I believe it was Luther who said preaching was "wrestling with the Devil." Though I am honored to share the Word of God and explore it with the congregation and enjoy the process--it's never easy and sometimes painful. The constancy of considering the Word, praying on it, and developing a message and delivering that message puts my mind and body on constant alert. I think it even affects my sleep. Part of the sermon crafting task is trust that God is present and that the Holy Spirit leads--therefore peace is also a portion of the full-body alert.

Matthew 6: 19-23 (From the Jesus' Sermon On The Mount)

19 ‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Sound Eye

22 ‘The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; ²³but if your eye is unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

A lot of public discourse breath, voice and noise is devoted to investments. Investments represent a blizzard of human activity every day. Invest in gold or precious metals, invest in a 401k or 403b, invest through a pension or whole/universal life insurance, invest in commodities, put your money in a CD, bonds, a money market account or a savings account. Invest in a start up company. Play the stock market, play the lottery--just DO SOMETHING with the money that you earn.  

Matt Skinner writes about the powerful dialectical relationship between our hearts and our money. Sometimes we think of money as the means to an end. We invest in something with a combination of numbers and letters for something that we can have in the end. We might be saving for a college education, a car, a vacation, or a retirement where we can spend special time with our loved ones and families and possibly see more of the country and the world. We might use a credit card (its own combination of numbers and letters) to pay for groceries, gas for our cars, or splurge a little bit on a new plasma television or to do something basic for a home improvement. In this way we see money as the means to an end. Often times the money itself doesn't mean that much to us along the way. Money has no value in and of itself--it's only ink and paper. So--how are these investments in your life doing? Sometimes our investments do quite well--they provide basic needs like food, clothing and shelter. Sometimes the product of our investments provide understanding, learning, enjoyment and entertainment. Sometimes these investments break down. These investments can also clog our closets and garages--they need way more maintenance and money than we ever anticipated. Regardless of our level of scope with investments--what we see as common investments are volatile.

Jesus says that "where our treasure is, there our heart will be also." Jesus says something different about money/treasure. Where we place that money also has power in directing our hearts, our passions, our thoughts, our prayers, our energy. Our treasure is not only a means to an end, but it also can direct our hearts. If we invest in something, that recipient of that investment continues to draw our energy, passions, resources, thoughts and prayers.

Investing in the work of God through First Lutheran Community Church is an investment in people and relationships. The investments in the work of God in the ministries at FLCC reach people's lives. God's love and the power of the Holy Spirit bring peace, joy and help to people all over the world. Your giving to God's work at First Lutheran Church is building up treasures in heaven, because people know God in a real way through the work of the FLCC. I believe the stories of people just like you reveal something about the relationship between our treasure and our hearts of which Jesus speaks.

I hope you've begun to think about your giving to God's work through the ministries of FLCC. As you reflect on your own stories about how God has touched your life and your investments of time, talent and treasure: how are your investments doing? Which investments carry more meaning? Which investments are "treasures in heaven?"

Confirmation is an interesting subject in Lutheran congregations. For some it represents a rite of passage. For some it represents the last time a parent forces a kid to do anything in church. I believe Luther didn't like the concept of Confirmation because he believed that Baptism did not need to be "confirmed" by anything or anyone. Baptism and the relationship between God and us cannot be confirmed--it is already set (in water, blood and promises). There was a move about 40 years ago to change the language to "Affirmation of Baptism" that never really stuck, probably because parents want their children to endure some of the same religious torture that they experienced. Confirmation in practice is really about an investment report on the promises that were made on the behalf of (usually) a child before their memories were formed. Promises of God were articulated. Promises were made by parents, sponsors and the congregation to raise a child in the faith in and of Jesus Christ. In preparation for this rite of passage, I learn more about the faith of these kids who have received the promises of God. For most of their childhood, they have been taught what to believe. Part of preparing for this rite is that young people begin to take the Bible stories of the youth and the heritage of their faith, and begin to formulate their own thoughts about how they will live out the gift of faith that has been given to them. This is another example of investment in treasures in heaven.

How are your investments doing?

Friendships are not low maintenance enterprises: learning on the open road

Writing is a lot like physical exercise--it doesn't take long for writing muscles to atrophy (figuratively). I haven't written anything longer than two sentences in over a week (at least tweets give me that), and I'm struggling to put ideas toward a future in type. Writing is not a low maintenance enterprise. If I don't do it at least three times per week, it becomes more difficult and much easier to descend on my priority list until it becomes a memory of something good. I notice the similarities in other disciplines--prayer, Bible reading and reading for leisure easily slip into the background. These activities represent my best self. Why would I dare let them slip?

My family recently returned from a trip to Sioux Falls. We made wonderful connections. Melanie and I reflected upon relationships that were 8-14 years in the making for me, for Melanie they are close to 20 years. These friendships didn't come easily--they've taken a lot of work. Sometimes the work is futile. Sometimes the only explanation we still have some friends is pure grace. We spent about half the time of our nearly 50 hours in the car talking about these relationships--stories, observations, laments and joys. I'm not sure we came to any conclusions, only that in the amount of time we talked--we affirmed their value and necessity. I saw three people who were my best friends in Sioux Falls, and I was able to see them all. I'm glad we had the time to meet--we knew about our families, our vocational paths, and some of life's simple pleasures. I haven't quite built that type of friendship here in the Puget Sound area beyond my family. I would say one has redeveloped--we already get together occasionally on a Saturday morning. It's strange coming back to the area of my younger days. I don't know what to make of friendships--they're fragile, yet they take a lot of work. They're also a source of grace and perspective. These friendships are a great companion to family.

During our return to the Puget Sound region, Melanie and I were reminded of what we left behind when we moved almost six months ago. We knew it would be different. We knew it would be difficult at times. I walked into our former home and was overcome with how I hadn't processed our departure--it was so frenzied and lacked reflection. I was a bit weepy walking into room after room, flooded with memories of bathing my girls, waking up in the middle of the night to care for our babies in their bedroom, watching Melanie work on her doctorate in our home office, places in the house where Melanie and I talked into the early morning hours, the birthdays and holidays celebrated, the neighbors we enjoyed. I used to work outside while the girls would play in the yard. We would stop to talk with the neighbors and spontaneously plan an evening together for some grilled shrimp, a beer and a fire in the backyard. We had a home.

I just realized that my time in South Dakota was the longest time I had ever lived in one place in my entire life. I lived in that house nearly 8 years. I lived in various spots in Renton, Bellevue and Olympia growing up. I then began my varied exile across the Midwest after I graduated from high school in 1988 (The Allman Brothers "Ramblin' Man" comes to mind). I have returned with my wife and two daughters to a place that is very familiar to me, yet I don't have the cadre of friendships to go with the family and vocation.

On this trip I gained new insights and empathy for what a congregation endures when it's facing a new season of congregational life. A life that does not include the same worship, pastor, small groups or friendships. It's really hard, and I can see how profoundly emotional and disorienting transition can be. One thing Melanie and I both articulated in all of our discussions is that our relationship with God and the power of God's call amazingly trumps everything that we hold dear that bears God's love. Our relationships and work over the past eight years were only possible because we followed our callings. The call came--and now we are here--in the Puget Sound region. This is a place for God to bear new blessings as we continue to discover how we can also be a blessing to the our family and the place to which God calls us anew.

Bleary-eyed and glad to be home

I broke a promise and sent out a few tweets while on vacation. I was trying to keep myself mentally engaged during some of the quieter moments as Montana lasted forever in the leaden, rainy sky. I love to pray on a drive when I'm alone--the entire family present presents another story. The chaos is palpable--someone always needs something. Even though Melanie likes to do most of the driving--I have to stay engaged. I navigate, and manage the needs of the mammal population of the Honda Element (Melanie, me, two daughters, and an anxious, co-dependent, chocolate lab) and plan stops. I have easier access to naps from the passenger seat, but I take a lot less now than when Melanie and I used to road trip. I'll reflect a little more as the day unfolds tomorrow.

I was glad to make the trip of 3500+ miles of driving, but I am very glad to be home.

Networking hiatus (aka "vacation") and Sabbath

I can't say that I've earned a vacation after only six weeks of work, but the event for which I am traveling is several years in the making. My dear wife, Melanie and I will be traveling with our brood (geriatric doggy included) to Melanie's 15th college class reunion at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. One of the best ways I can support Melanie is help provide space and honor to her cherished friendships and vocational development history at her alma mater. It doesn't hurt that I enjoy long road trips with the bonus fall colors on the horizon. So off we go.

Some have given me puzzled looks about driving 1500 miles each way with two children--it's really six of one and half-dozen of the other in terms of transport. Will it be the intense and immediate pain of flying or the drawn out water torture of driving? Driving seems to work better at this point in our lives--we can control more of the variables, which is a key point in any adventure with children. We won't have to worry about car rentals or flying or security--too many uncontrolled variables with flying.

Some days it feels like we just left Sioux Falls. Some days it feels like we've been in Washington for years. I suppose I have the benefit of familiarity. It's all pretty new for Melanie, and she's still adjusting to the sudden detachment from day-to-day congregational life now that she serves in the SW Washington Synod office. But the drive will offer that blessed time of extended reflection that flying can almost never deliver (at least in my experience).

A big question for me is whether I continue to tweet or post on this blog. I now have a phone with connectivity capabilities that would allow me uninterrupted connection (though I'm not really sure about the passage through Montana). I'm leaning toward no posting--so if you see this post as the only post for a week, the decision was made to take a networking hiatus. I have always struggled maintaining a consistent flow of writing, so I have a fear of stopping and not being able to start again. I have been blogging consistently for almost a year--and I don't want to lose that momentum. The bigger specter of my writing life is that I become shrouded in self-importance that the world can't go on without my perspective (Twitter and Blogger are thus sinfully alluring at times). The deception of self-importance (not to be confused with destructive self-flagellation) can be healed through Sabbath--a time away--a time not to (mistakenly seen) as a time to go to church, but a time that my favorite OT scholar Walter Brueggemann says is intended (commanded!) to "STOP WORKING."

So, I shall stop working, enjoy may family and friends, reflect, and come back ready for a vacation after my vacation...

Tweets will continue through today. I will be glad to write again, and will return either Tuesday the 20th or Wednesday the 21st.

May the good Sabbath be yours as well, whenever that may be.

Thanks for the hospitality

Food was served in my honor Sunday in the congregational fellowship hall. People were impressed by the spread of culinary delights, prepared and served with great care, so much so that one person said, "You should leave and come back again, so that we can eat like this one more time."

I am always encouraged by a congregation that practices hospitality. It may seem like a no-brainer to welcome a new pastor, but I am thankful that someone is thinking of me in a positive way that results in the investment of their time through food preparation. Food is connected to love on so many occasions. Another family was preparing an apple cake and shared with me that it inspired their young daughter to eat apples, which she now calls, "Pastor Joe Apples." How 'bout them apples? Thank you all for the hospitality.

A few others said, "we should eat like this every Sunday." What a wonderful thought. That spread of food raised the level of conversation. I don't think there were necessarily more people present Sunday, but the conversation and fellowship were elevated. For this I am also thankful.

A few brief thoughts--too long for a tweet, too short to stand on their own

I'm keeping these thoughts short today because I'm tired and I need to attend to my sick children.
1. Confirmation and the topic of confrimation still gets people all riled up in Lutheran congregations. I remember years ago reading something to the effect of Luther writing/saying, "If we are going to have Confirmation in this Church, you can be assured that God has no part in it." I need to look for this thought in Luther's writings and see how much I've butchered it. What it comes down to is that we are called out to help the people of God fulfill their part in the promises made in baptism. It's not about the rite of passage in and of itself or how much pain is inflicted. The question is--how are the promises going?

2. I appreciate the energy and perspective of the youth during the worship service and wonder why congregational life marginalizes that gift.

3. I think I have sermon series titles/themes: "How To Be Rich In A Troubled Economy" will run from October 25th-November 15th. November 22 we have an outside group coming to lead worship called "Liberty." Our sermon series from November 29-December 27 will be "Tell Me A Story: Bible Stories from the Birth of Jesus." I'm close to a theme for January, but I have some more thinking/praying/discerning to do.

4. It's been interesting following the Christianity 21 conference in Minneapolis this past week. I'm not exactly sure what to say about it, but many mission leaders whom I respect have taken part. I have just about completed the part of my life failing in my attempts to be cool, hip, or on the cutting edge. But I still try to be faithful, and I'm willing to try new things--hence I do things like Twitter and blogging, but I didn't break my back to attempt to get to C21. In earlier years, I would have attempted to do that. I trust that God will work through those in attendance, and that I will learn and be challenged in my own time. I am thankful I am not fighting a negative tide in this congregation.

5. I want my kids to get well and stay well. I hate to watch them suffer.

May the rest of your Sunday and week be peaceful.

A Different Saturday Night

Tonight is my first night I haven't prepared spiritually, mentally and physically to preach in five weeks. Every congregation involves different preaching preparation. With such a great staff and volunteers at FLCC, the focus on preaching becomes intense, which is multiplied by three services and significant heat under the sanctuary stage lights. I have been energized by the interaction during the sermon with the congregation--it feels almost like a roller coaster combined with a workout. I ride home thankful, still buzzing a little bit from a day of worship, yet ready to physically crash at anytime I get horizontal.

Tomorrow is a special day, but a different day. We get to hear more stories from people's lives who have been touched by God--the youth who traveled to Montana this summer will share their experiences, fellowship and spiritual growth. I also get to hear Pastor Orv preach for my first time at the 8am service.

It's a good thing I get to do something different Sunday--watching the Husky game tonight was a workout in itself!

Stories of God's activity flowing in the community

For some reason the term "Lutheran testimonial" is an oxymoron. I'm not sure whether sharing one's own story about God's experienced activity is a fearful thought because it can involve public speaking, or that an experience is somehow invalid, or that it doesn't culturally fit for one reason or another. If we don't look for or recognize God's activity, it's easy to become self-absorbed.

I believe that God's activity is recognized among at First Lutheran Community Church, but I don't see that recognition formulated into stories. These stories of God's activity in our lives and the life of the congregation are not only powerful, but they are encouraging. These stories of God working through each one of us help us see what is possible outside our own limited experience and help us see that God is calling us to new possibilities.

Beginning October 25th, you will have a better idea of only a few of the stories of God's activity in our shared lives. People like you who have experienced a call to serve and connected with God and others. If you are not in worship October 25th, November 1st and 8th, you will be able to view these stories on the web. Last night I heard stories about God's work through FLCC and its people and was encouraged in my own faith and thankful that I serve in this mission outpost in Port Orchard. Share the stories!

Wow! A Council Meeting!

This headline is not common in Lutheran circles. In my experience, either people come to a council meeting ready for battle, or if they happen to like each other, they bring something comfortable and/or caffeinated because it's going to be a long evening.

It's only two meetings in which I have observed/participated, but we don't have rancor or meandering at First Lutheran Community Church council meetings. When committee reports don't tie up the agenda--we share faith stories, talk about the big picture, stay informed, encourage one another, eat, and go home--in under 90 minutes. Pastor Orv and I didn't have to stay at the church for an hour afterward to debrief about the power dynamics in the parking lot, and my jaw is not tight from the anxiety. I don't mind the anxiety, but I'm human. Sometimes the anxiety affects me.

I'm sure that anxious days will come. Anxiety always accompanies change. I think this congregation is decently equipped to address anxiety appropriately, but it's my calling to do some more equipping. A council/staff retreat on Saturday, November 7th will address that topic of leading in the midst of anxiety.

On Church Communication: The Congregational Newsletter

There once was a day that I considered starting my own business after my own heart--publishing congregational newsletters. In several seasons of life I carried a torch for community journalism, something planted by watching my Granddad's vocation and passing along to me an interest in writing and community.

Many times in the past few years I have lamented that I have not been able to converse with my Granddad about the change in print journalism. He died in 2001. He used to write me letters on his old manual typewriter while in college and seminary, almost always encouraging me to continue writing. He said there would always be demand for good writers. Though I had very little formal training outside of my Granddad's mentoring, his old journalism books and high school classes, I have looked at congregational newsletters and known they could be better. I have met few church office staff and/or volunteers who enjoy creating congregational newsletters. Publication and distribution take a long time. It's hard for paper congregational newsletters to keep up with news displayed on more real-time oriented media--Twitter, blogs, websites, podcasts, even the electronic sign in the FLCC parking lot.  Like the newspaper, the newsletter is on life support, and it's becoming more difficult to argue in favor of the resources allocated toward an antiquated medium.

My struggle remains with those who do not use electronic media outlets. Do they not deserve to learn about congregational events, read about what is going on with particular ministries, have an opportunity to connect with God and others through the newsletter? Is there a moral obligation to be in contact with the isolated through print media? I don't know the answers to these questions yet, but I hope readers feel welcome to offer their input. I'm not interested in shutting down the First Lutheran Community Church newsletter, but I believe a reflection upon congregational communication is not only a good reflection for the interim time, but for the Church as well.

Sound Transitions in a Nutshell

We've come to the end of our sermon series "Sound Transitions," looking at the Ark of the Covenant as a means to talk about the transitions in our own lives and congregational life.

Here is a summary of learning points related to a sound transition and some Old Testament texts connected to the that theme.

1. Find a place HONOR for stuff that's really important, stuff that speaks to who you are and God's calling in your life. Even God needs a place to keep stuff (Deuteronomy 10: 1-5)
2. CELEBRATE where God has taken you. DREAM about where God will take you. REMEMBER God is with you on the road ahead (1 Kings 8, Numbers 10: 29-36).
3. CLEAR OUT what you don't need, God is doing a NEW THING in you and in the world (Jeremiah 3: 15-18).
4. The POWER of God and the Holy Spirit gathers the people of God from scattered places. Today God uses time honored stuff: Word, Sacrament, and relationships--how God does it rests with the creative mind of God and God's creative people (Jeremiah 3: 15-18).

Thank you for your feedback and interest in this sermon series! I haven't preached a sermon series in years, and I enjoyed the hard work, investigation and connection with God and you. More details about sermons to come this week.

Sermon prayers and thoughts: "What You Discover In The End"

This is my least favorite sermon title in my short time preaching at FLCC, but sometimes it's necessary to move forward. It's more important to focus on content than title, though it's not an excuse for a lame title. If I have to make a trade off, I will trade a title for good content.

Jeremiah 3: 15-18

As I am studying this text and the theologians with their comments on the text, I am drawn to the disposable nature of the Ark of the Covenant as an image for Israel's communal life. Verse 16 is specific: " And when you have multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says the Lord, they shall no longer say, "The ark of the covenant of the Lord." It shall not come to mind, or be remembered, or missed; nor shall another one be made (NRSV)."

There is not much disposable in the life of the Church. At least in my experience. Churches are some of the worst pack rats I have ever witnessed. Churches don't end up becoming visible hoarders because they build bigger buildings, or they I have seen 70 year old bank statements in some churches. I have seen 40 year old confirmation cirricula, reel to reel tape recorders, piles of broken/unused Christmas lights, old prints of Jesus stacked in dusty storage closets, cheap old knives in a church kitchen that I get away with running across my jugular for vein, and books no one will ever read piled up in rarely-updated libraries. At some point, these images and tools carried great power--but now they are collecting dust and taking up real estate. People have this weird sense that anything and everything associated with the Church needs to be PERMANENT. I think this notion is a sick brew of Great Depression-thinking hyper frugality and an implicit application of Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus is the same yesterday, today, for ever." Does the application of this verse mean that 70 year old church bank statements need to be saved because they are somehow linked to the unchanging Jesus by osmosis?

Things I have learned from this text:
1. Some images/things in our Christian lives are enduring: the Cross, the Lutheran Confessions, Baptism, Holy Communion, etc. Everything else can pass away and be changed. Church newsletters are not sacred. Sermons on cassette tapes or VHS are not sacred. Luther League is not sacred. Even congregations themselves are not sacred in and of themselves. Nor is a denomination.
2. It is God who is with you in the transition, not the symbol, tool, mission statement or mechanism. It is God who guides us. We are human, we take up time and space, we cannot always deal in the abstract. We need tangible, we need focus in order to act. The Ark of the Covenant was disposable. What needs to be thrown away?

According to Von Rad, the end of the Ark in Jeremiah 3 reveals that there is little unity to Old Testament themes other than it's focus on Yahweh. Many images and theologies come and go, such as whether a monarchy is good or bad...the throne of God changes from the Ark to Jerusalem.

Upon further study of this text--I am going to resonate with one of the students at The Buzz the other night who said in response to the statements about "forgetting the ark" in Jeremiah that something is coming that is better. The journals I read talk about a new alliance between the Northern and Southern Kingdom: Israel and Judah with Jerusalem being the new throne of Yahweh.

Important points of a Sound Transition

1. Find honor for the stuff that is really important (it's not everything)
2. Celebrate where God has been with you, dream about where God will take you, remember God is with you on the twisting and bumpy road ahead.
3. Something new is at work
4. The power of God to gather in Word, Sacrament, relationships

Looking for donations for Bibles

Interesting development at The Buzz on Wednesday night: I was looking for Bibles for my class, and I could only find about 15 in the "Old Library." It was a real potluck of Bibles (translation, condition, readability, etc.) which made for a helpful study, but there wasn't enough for everyone (glad some folks brought them). A seminary professor once told me to be prepared to print out Bible passages on to paper, because Lutherans tend not to bring their Bibles to Bible study. I was in big trouble because my printer was on the fritz, but we survived together and actually thrived.

I don't think the class I was teaching was a Bible study course per se, but a Bible history course--so the 20 or so people who came to class Wednesday night get a pass. However, no one knew where the hidden stash of Bibles was in the church or the Ministry Center. I didn't do any deep research about Bibles at FLCC and I will be doing some asking around.

The Bible is a key source to our life of faith, and my hope and action for FLCC is that the congregation continues to offer many opportunities to grow in faith with the Word of God--not merely in study, but also in action. I would like to have Bibles available for people at FLCC to use at any time, while also giving people who come to the congregation to either take one to keep at home, or give away--all for free. The Word of God needs to flow as freely as possible, and this would be a great way to lift up the values of the congregation while also showing hospitality and generosity. I am beginning a search for a low cost, accessible, solid translation Bible that can be given away to both the members of the congregation, to the community, and even to the world. If you or someone you know would be willing to make an offering to begin a Bible ministry at First Lutheran Community Church of Port Orchard, please contact me using the various places of communication I have established, or in a good, old-fashioned face-to-face conversation.