Thanksgiving day has come and gone, but of course thanksgiving is more than a day, it is a way of life. How, when, to whom and for what do you say thank you?
The late Dr. Fulton Oursler told the story an old woman named Anna who took care of him when he was a child. She was a former American slave who, after emancipation, was hired by the family for many years.
Anna expressed her thanks in a unique way. Oursler recalled Anna sitting at the kitchen table, her hands folded and her eyes gazing upward as she prayed, "Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles." He asked her what vittles were and she replied that they were what we have to eat and drink. Oursler told Anna that she would get food and drink whether or not she gave thanks, but Anna replied, "Yes, we'll get our vittles, but it makes 'em taste better when we're thankful."
Anna told him that an old preacher taught her as a little girl, to always look for things to be grateful for. So, as soon as she awoke each morning, she asked herself, "What is the first thing I can be grateful for today?" Sometimes the smell of morning coffee perking in the kitchen found its way to her room. On those mornings, the aroma prompted her to say, "Much obliged, Lord, for the coffee. And, much obliged too, for the smell of it!"
Years later after Fulton Oursler had grown up and left home, he received a message that Anna was dying. He returned home and found her in bed with her hands folded over her white sheets, just as he had seen them folded in prayer over her white apron at the kitchen table so many times before. Now he wondered what Anna could possibly give thanks for as she lay on her death bed. As if reading his mind, she opened her eyes and gazed at the loving faces around her. Then, shutting her eyes again, she said quietly, "Much obliged, Lord, for such fine friends."
Oursler was deeply influenced by Anna's uncanny ability to always find some reason to be "much obliged." This wise woman taught him a secret that many people have never learned: she taught him how to be happy. Gratitude for the gift of life and life’s blessings, no matter what form they may take, always brings happiness.
How, when, to whom and for what will you say “thank you” today?
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Challenge of Meaningful Worship
One of the many challenges facing churches today is that of providing meaningful worship -- worship that is authentic and reaches persons of multi-generations in effective ways. What a challenge! Is that possible when a church offers only one style of worship service? That’s a question many churches must address in order to have a more meaningful worship ministry.
Many churches are experimenting with new worship models by offering alterative times beyond Sunday which often include locations outside the traditional sanctuary setting. The struggles I have encountered are between those who cling to worship as they have always known it (usually referred to as “traditional”) and those who want something more fresh and appealing to their media senses (usually referred to as “contemporary.”) Thus the emergence of Praise Worship, Contemporary Worship, Emergent Worship, promoted by names i.e. “Connect,” “The Side Door,” “The Point,” etc. Such services seek to address the needs of those who look for more from worship than provided in a traditional style, and are usually more engaging for a new generation.
More and more books and articles are addressing the challenge to make worship meaningful in a variety of ministry settings. If you are in charge of worship planning or desire your worship experience to become more than it is, you will find this statement by N. Graham Standish of interest. He says he continually seeks to “tweak our worship in a way that will touch people and open them to what I think is paramount in a worship service: encountering and experiencing God in a way that transforms us, even if just a little bit.”
In his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Bishop Robert Schnase suggests that “people are searching for worship that is authentic, alive, creative, and comprehensible, where they experience the life-changing presence of God in the presence of others.” He uses the phrase “passionate worship” to describe one of the practices that produces a fruitful congregation. Passionate worship, he suggests, “connects people to God and each other.”
Designing and providing meaningful worship relies upon a clear understanding of the purpose of worship and is based on a sound theology that forms and shapes what the worshiper does to relate more meaningfully to God. The goal of a transforming encounter with God lies at the heart of authentic worship. It happens when we rely upon and are open to experiencing the power and presence of the Spirit. It is relationship-focused and enhances the relationship between God and the worshipers. It involves experiencing the reality expressed in the hymn: “There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord.”
Perhaps the most important question worship planners must address is this: Do the music, prayers, liturgy, and message not only praise God, but also connect worshipers (on a deeper level) with God? When worship planners experience the awe of what worship was intended to be, do, and can become, and rely upon inspiration from the Spirit’s guidance, rather than doing what has always been done, meaningful worship is more likely to happen.
What will be required for your church to provide more meaningful worship?
Many churches are experimenting with new worship models by offering alterative times beyond Sunday which often include locations outside the traditional sanctuary setting. The struggles I have encountered are between those who cling to worship as they have always known it (usually referred to as “traditional”) and those who want something more fresh and appealing to their media senses (usually referred to as “contemporary.”) Thus the emergence of Praise Worship, Contemporary Worship, Emergent Worship, promoted by names i.e. “Connect,” “The Side Door,” “The Point,” etc. Such services seek to address the needs of those who look for more from worship than provided in a traditional style, and are usually more engaging for a new generation.
More and more books and articles are addressing the challenge to make worship meaningful in a variety of ministry settings. If you are in charge of worship planning or desire your worship experience to become more than it is, you will find this statement by N. Graham Standish of interest. He says he continually seeks to “tweak our worship in a way that will touch people and open them to what I think is paramount in a worship service: encountering and experiencing God in a way that transforms us, even if just a little bit.”
In his book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Bishop Robert Schnase suggests that “people are searching for worship that is authentic, alive, creative, and comprehensible, where they experience the life-changing presence of God in the presence of others.” He uses the phrase “passionate worship” to describe one of the practices that produces a fruitful congregation. Passionate worship, he suggests, “connects people to God and each other.”
Designing and providing meaningful worship relies upon a clear understanding of the purpose of worship and is based on a sound theology that forms and shapes what the worshiper does to relate more meaningfully to God. The goal of a transforming encounter with God lies at the heart of authentic worship. It happens when we rely upon and are open to experiencing the power and presence of the Spirit. It is relationship-focused and enhances the relationship between God and the worshipers. It involves experiencing the reality expressed in the hymn: “There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, and I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord.”
Perhaps the most important question worship planners must address is this: Do the music, prayers, liturgy, and message not only praise God, but also connect worshipers (on a deeper level) with God? When worship planners experience the awe of what worship was intended to be, do, and can become, and rely upon inspiration from the Spirit’s guidance, rather than doing what has always been done, meaningful worship is more likely to happen.
What will be required for your church to provide more meaningful worship?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Saying Goodbye
As an itinerate pastor there were times I had to say goodbye to members whom I had grown to love. It was never easy, but somehow, by God’s grace, transition occurred, and I and my former parishioners survived! The Apostle Paul, the first itinerate pastor, said goodbye many times as he moved from place to place founding new churches. His path – God’s path for him – always moved him forward to greater challenges and responsibilities. Life’s experiences do include learning to say goodbye. Nothing is permanent. Change is constant. The future always beckons us forward. We must say goodbye to some of life’s relationships to say hello to new ones.
In the Acts of the Apostles (20:17-28;36-38) we are privileged to read Paul’s farewell address and his friends’ reactions. Paul reminded them of his ministry among them and the gospel he had proclaimed. Most importantly, he reminded them of why he must say goodbye: he had to go to Jerusalem because he was “compelled by the Spirit,” even though there was great uncertainty about what would happen there. But he was driven by the Spirit to complete the task God had given him. What is God calling you to do that will require you to say goodbye to certain things?
In December, 2000, I began to struggle with where I was in ministry and what I was doing as a district superintendent. The struggle was prompted by one of my pastors, who raised a profound question, “What more do you want to accomplish before you retire?” That question resulted in a spiritual quest to seek God’s direction for my future. It led me to take early retirement in June, 2001 and take a step in faith. I was compelled to respond to the Spirit moving me to “get out of the boat” and risk doing a new thing. Responses to my decision were varied and difficult for some to understand. My personal reactions included grief and anxiety about facing the unknown future. However, I learned a great lesson through my spiritual journey of transitioning: “While we may not know what the future holds, we know Who holds the future.” In time, I came to experience joy and greater fulfillment in a new chapter of ministry, confident that I had made the right decision. God continually leads and opens doors of opportunity. I continue to cling to this claim: “If it is of God, God will provide.” How does your faith equip you for tomorrow?
As Paul departed, he gave this commission: “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” (vs.28) How can you claim this commission?
There were tears when the people thought of life without Paul. We identify with those feelings when relationships dear to us come to a close. Saying goodbye to persons we hold dear is never easy. But Paul wanted his friends to think about the future and the responsibilities it held. If we claim the blessings of the relationships and stay focused on the possibilities of what lies ahead, God truly will guide our path to a more promising future.
In the Acts of the Apostles (20:17-28;36-38) we are privileged to read Paul’s farewell address and his friends’ reactions. Paul reminded them of his ministry among them and the gospel he had proclaimed. Most importantly, he reminded them of why he must say goodbye: he had to go to Jerusalem because he was “compelled by the Spirit,” even though there was great uncertainty about what would happen there. But he was driven by the Spirit to complete the task God had given him. What is God calling you to do that will require you to say goodbye to certain things?
In December, 2000, I began to struggle with where I was in ministry and what I was doing as a district superintendent. The struggle was prompted by one of my pastors, who raised a profound question, “What more do you want to accomplish before you retire?” That question resulted in a spiritual quest to seek God’s direction for my future. It led me to take early retirement in June, 2001 and take a step in faith. I was compelled to respond to the Spirit moving me to “get out of the boat” and risk doing a new thing. Responses to my decision were varied and difficult for some to understand. My personal reactions included grief and anxiety about facing the unknown future. However, I learned a great lesson through my spiritual journey of transitioning: “While we may not know what the future holds, we know Who holds the future.” In time, I came to experience joy and greater fulfillment in a new chapter of ministry, confident that I had made the right decision. God continually leads and opens doors of opportunity. I continue to cling to this claim: “If it is of God, God will provide.” How does your faith equip you for tomorrow?
As Paul departed, he gave this commission: “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” (vs.28) How can you claim this commission?
There were tears when the people thought of life without Paul. We identify with those feelings when relationships dear to us come to a close. Saying goodbye to persons we hold dear is never easy. But Paul wanted his friends to think about the future and the responsibilities it held. If we claim the blessings of the relationships and stay focused on the possibilities of what lies ahead, God truly will guide our path to a more promising future.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Good Friday and Beyond
It may sound strange to some to call today Good Friday. It only becomes so when one understand the message from the cross and the rest of the story. Death did not have the final word on that Friday long ago when they nailed Jesus to the cross. And through faith, it still doesn't.
The Apostle Paul expressed it this way: "When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?’ ... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
That's the good news, and that's why Christians can sing the Hallelujah Chorus on Sunday! What a way for the greatest story ever told to end! Those who believe in Easter are called people of the resurrection. Easter raises this question for believers: how are we to live so that others can see the resurrection faith at work through us?
Easter blessings!
The Apostle Paul expressed it this way: "When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?’ ... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)
That's the good news, and that's why Christians can sing the Hallelujah Chorus on Sunday! What a way for the greatest story ever told to end! Those who believe in Easter are called people of the resurrection. Easter raises this question for believers: how are we to live so that others can see the resurrection faith at work through us?
Easter blessings!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Palm/Passion Sunday
Next Sunday, March 28, we will observe Palm/Passion Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and begins what we call Holy Week, the time of remembering the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. His three-year journey was nearing the end. He had been preparing to make this important move. Entering the city of Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover brought attention to his mission as the Messiah. The crowd who greeted him expected a Messiah who would free them from Roman occupation. But he came as a suffering servant, not as the expected king. As the week progressed, the cries of “Hosanna” heard on that Sunday would change to “Crucify him!”
The days of Jesus’ last week included confrontation, agonizing prayer, betrayal by one of his own, his arrest, trial, and finally the horrible crucifixion. But the traditional religious observance of Passover, Jesus’ last meal with his disciples in the “upper room” and his final words to them are what we remember as most significant. That night, Jesus transformed the traditional Seder meal into a sacrament that became more than a memorial meal; it became a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice that he was willing to make. Bread and cup became symbols of his body and blood, broken and shed, and of the depth of God’s love. Love was at the center of all that Jesus did and taught. During that last gathering with his disciples he shared insights that would continue to guide those who believe in him and seek to be his followers: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (See John 13-14.) These words still challenge those who seek to be his followers today.
As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the transforming power of God’s love, may we ponder the meaning of both Jesus’ words and actions, so that we may commit to living the kind of love he so clearly demonstrated on the cross and beyond.
Next Sunday, March 28, we will observe Palm/Passion Sunday, the day that commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and begins what we call Holy Week, the time of remembering the last days of Jesus’ earthly life. His three-year journey was nearing the end. He had been preparing to make this important move. Entering the city of Jerusalem during the Feast of the Passover brought attention to his mission as the Messiah. The crowd who greeted him expected a Messiah who would free them from Roman occupation. But he came as a suffering servant, not as the expected king. As the week progressed, the cries of “Hosanna” heard on that Sunday would change to “Crucify him!”
The days of Jesus’ last week included confrontation, agonizing prayer, betrayal by one of his own, his arrest, trial, and finally the horrible crucifixion. But the traditional religious observance of Passover, Jesus’ last meal with his disciples in the “upper room” and his final words to them are what we remember as most significant. That night, Jesus transformed the traditional Seder meal into a sacrament that became more than a memorial meal; it became a symbolic reminder of the sacrifice that he was willing to make. Bread and cup became symbols of his body and blood, broken and shed, and of the depth of God’s love. Love was at the center of all that Jesus did and taught. During that last gathering with his disciples he shared insights that would continue to guide those who believe in him and seek to be his followers: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (See John 13-14.) These words still challenge those who seek to be his followers today.
As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the transforming power of God’s love, may we ponder the meaning of both Jesus’ words and actions, so that we may commit to living the kind of love he so clearly demonstrated on the cross and beyond.
Monday, March 15, 2010
“Googling God”
One of the distinct advantages of living in this technological age is that whenever you have a question or desire more information about anything, answers are just a click away! All you have to do is “Google it” (or use a search engine of your choice.) If you were to Google “God,” for example, the response would yield an astounding 549 million results. As strange and impersonal as it may seem many people are looking for a deeper understanding of God through this means. However, while most information garnered from the internet may be reliable and informative, I have discovered that you can’t believe everything you find there. Meaningful faith in God just isn’t formed through gathering information, but through a personal relationship that results in transformation.
The greatest challenge facing the first century apostles was to proclaim the good news of what God had done through Jesus Christ. They had a story to tell that was not only history, but it was their story –- a personal story of how their lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Through every century, persons have sought a deeper understanding of God’s existence. Some have even demanded, “Show me proof.” The greatest proof is not found through sources such as the internet or any other sophisticated pursuit of theology, but through personal experience and contact with those whose lives have been transformed by God’s grace and love revealed through Jesus Christ. The proof rests in the Christ-like actions of believers who seek to continue what Jesus did and taught through daily acts of love.
One of the distinct advantages of living in this technological age is that whenever you have a question or desire more information about anything, answers are just a click away! All you have to do is “Google it” (or use a search engine of your choice.) If you were to Google “God,” for example, the response would yield an astounding 549 million results. As strange and impersonal as it may seem many people are looking for a deeper understanding of God through this means. However, while most information garnered from the internet may be reliable and informative, I have discovered that you can’t believe everything you find there. Meaningful faith in God just isn’t formed through gathering information, but through a personal relationship that results in transformation.
The greatest challenge facing the first century apostles was to proclaim the good news of what God had done through Jesus Christ. They had a story to tell that was not only history, but it was their story –- a personal story of how their lives had been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Through every century, persons have sought a deeper understanding of God’s existence. Some have even demanded, “Show me proof.” The greatest proof is not found through sources such as the internet or any other sophisticated pursuit of theology, but through personal experience and contact with those whose lives have been transformed by God’s grace and love revealed through Jesus Christ. The proof rests in the Christ-like actions of believers who seek to continue what Jesus did and taught through daily acts of love.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Lenten Journey: Practices and Destination
I grew up in a faith community where there was much talk about “giving up” something for Lent. Giving up something is supposed to remind us of the sacrifice of Christ. Sometimes this discipline can be rich with meaning. Lenten disciplines can even prompt a healthier lifestyle. Some folks even give up personal indulgences such as chocolate and/or other favorite treats.
As a part of my Lenten observance in the past I too, have “given up” things by denying myself desserts and soft drinks. This year however, rather than “giving up” something, I decided to “take up” something. As a part of this year’s Lenten journey I have chosen to practice with more intentionality the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study. I have also “taken up” the development of a Lenten course that I will be leading later this month. The preparation for this presentation, A Journey Called Lent has provided me with incentive to study and reflect on the spiritual practices of Lent, revisit Jesus’ journey, and consider the meaning of theological concepts unique to the Lenten season. Repentance, forgiveness, redemption and atonement are high on the list.
Focusing on Lenten practices engages us in pondering the meaning and mystery of faith and provides us with the opportunity to embrace the message of what lies at the heart of Christianity. John’s gospel expressed the good news this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son… (John 3:16)
The season of Lent is a journey toward Easter. So where does the journey lead us? Ultimately it leads to the cross of Calvary. Whatever else the season of Lent may include, it is a time to deal with the reality of the crucifixion and to discern its meaning for our lives. Then we can complete the journey in faith and claim the joy of Easter.
As a part of my Lenten observance in the past I too, have “given up” things by denying myself desserts and soft drinks. This year however, rather than “giving up” something, I decided to “take up” something. As a part of this year’s Lenten journey I have chosen to practice with more intentionality the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study. I have also “taken up” the development of a Lenten course that I will be leading later this month. The preparation for this presentation, A Journey Called Lent has provided me with incentive to study and reflect on the spiritual practices of Lent, revisit Jesus’ journey, and consider the meaning of theological concepts unique to the Lenten season. Repentance, forgiveness, redemption and atonement are high on the list.
Focusing on Lenten practices engages us in pondering the meaning and mystery of faith and provides us with the opportunity to embrace the message of what lies at the heart of Christianity. John’s gospel expressed the good news this way: “God so loved the world that he gave his only son… (John 3:16)
The season of Lent is a journey toward Easter. So where does the journey lead us? Ultimately it leads to the cross of Calvary. Whatever else the season of Lent may include, it is a time to deal with the reality of the crucifixion and to discern its meaning for our lives. Then we can complete the journey in faith and claim the joy of Easter.
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