faux "P.A."

R U Crazy?

2011-03-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

I was just talking recently with someone who said, 'People in the church are crazy!' I believe it was being said because there are times when the worst of our humanity is on display within the family of faith. Yes, churches like all other families, bring the fun back into dysfunctionality!

The Apostle Paul got it right! Followers of Christ are crazy. It is foolishness! It is foolish to think that if I want to get closer to Jesus I might want to put my Bible down and serve a crazy street person. It is foolish to imagine that we become more holy by allowing our humanity to be exposed to others, warts and all. It is foolish to believe that by acknowledging our sinfulness we become more saintly. It is foolish to submit to God trusting that this is the way to freedom. It is foolish to believe that by dying we will begin living. It is foolishness... and yet it is at the heart of the gospel.

Church people are crazy. Sometimes, when we least expect it, its a Good Crazy. Like a home bound person making a phone call to 'care' for those old people who cannot get out anymore. Like a kid who gives up playing on his baseball team because he made a commitment to his church youth group. Like a widow who has little and yet chose to turns over to her church the stock certificates she has been sleeping on for years that are literally worth a small fortune. If we in the church aren't willing to admit to our brand of crazy, how can we hope to be in conversation with a crazy world?

Yes church people are crazy, because we live in a crazy world. Fortunately, God doesn't hold it against us, but instead chooses to use our craziness for the sake of the world. Now that is ONE CRAZY IDEA!

Living a 'Thin' life

2011-02-19T11:31:00.001-08:00

The past couple of weeks I have been privileged to attend a couple of conferences. What hit me hardest was our contemporary willingness to live a 'thin' life.

Now I am not talking about our yearly attempt to get thin after eating too much and exercising too little over the holidays (although I would like to lose about 8 lbs before the end of March).

I am talking about our tendency to a) define ourselves oh so very narrowly in terms of who we are and what we stand for; b) our willingness to allow ourselves to be satisfied with symbols and not substance. Allow me to explain....

All across America we hear a cry for an end to the bickering and posturing, and yet the reality is that we are defining ourselves by a narrower and narrower bandwidth. If you cannot agree with me about everything we cannot agree about anything seems to be the motto for today. The follow up is that if we cannot agree then we just write one another off.

I attended a conference called, 'Big Tent Christianity' which attempted to get folks from the various tribes of Christianity talking to and hopefully listening as well to one another. It is a marvelous attempt, but what I noticed was that it was mostly represented by only one portion of the tent. While attempts were made to bridge the divide, let's be honest, religious people like to hang onto their cherished religious beliefs and as a result we are better at building walls than bridges.

The other conference was a symposium lead by Andrew Root as he helped us understand a culture that is rich in symbols and poor in substance. Through scientific evidence and anecdotal experience he showed us how these two-dimensional symbols have become the new reality, because it is easier that way. Of course, this means that we are getting 'thin' in our concept of reality which in turn impacts how we are willing to engage in discourse with other world views.

What does this all mean? Well for one, I believe that the speed in which we live life is not just detrimental to our sense of the Spirit, but it is now impacting our sense of reality. If we live a spritiually deprived and physically constricted lifesytle, can you imagine what that means for our humanity? This last week the best at Jeopardy were beaten by Watson, the IBM computer. Maybe this is a portent of what awaits us as we become 'thinner' in our humanity.

Advent or Ad Event

2010-12-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone. It sounds like people were out in droves seeking and finding bargains. As we well remember from Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, 'Its the economy stupid.'

Advertising and Christmas are almost synonymous these days. Santa sells cars. Reindeer encourage us to buy the right jewelry. Elves are busy making the perfect toy for Johnny. This time of year is really an Ad Event.

God, however, has a different sense of economy. It is not based upon what you can get, but what you can give. Its not about ownership but about stewardship. Its an invitation to prepare to welcome the one who comes in the face of the least, last, lost, and lonely. Advent is a call to watch for the God who comes to us in ways that baffle the world in which we live.

Fifteen years ago, a 'young' pastor and his wife took their first born (age 4) to see the glitz and glamour of Christmas in San Francisco. They took the BART to Union Square and toured the beautiful stores filled with 'things' far beyond their price range. They traveled by cable car to Fisherman's Wharf and witnessed shops filled with Christmas 'goodies.' At the end of the day, preparing to head home they popped into McDonald's for substance for the journey home.

While finding a table in a crowded restaurant, the first born took note of a man waiting in the long lines for a cup of coffee. He wore a stocking cap, an old heavy coat to ward off the chill evenings, pants that were well beyond their prime, and beat up old boots. He carried over his back and old duffel bag, and he had white locks poking out from under his cap and framing his chin. The pastor felt sorry for him, realizing that he was one of San Francisco's many homeless people.

The eldest son, however, saw something different. He saw a winter's visitor in disguise. He saw the one he had read of in myriad stories. He saw the one we know as Santa Claus. While father tried to ignore, for the eldest and only child, he could not contain his excitement. His excitement could not be contained, for he was the one to first notice that Santa was in our midst.

Perhaps his father could learn something from the oldest child. Perhaps the eldest child got it right, or maybe he was just a little mistaken. Perhaps it was not Santa in their midst, but he was the first to see Jesus whose birth we were making preparations to celebrate. 'When have we seen you Lord?'

The elect and elections

2010-11-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last night was supposedly about a change in course. The Republican Party, two years after its demise was predicted, struck back with a winning hand. Now we can look forward to two years of pundits questions as they anticipate what will happen in 2012.

What really happened last night? Was it a big vote for change? Was it simply an act of frustration by an electorate that has been beaten and battered over the past 2-3 years? Was it a desire to get back to basics?

Within the church, there is always this tension between change and tradition. We often profess a desire to grow, but quite honestly are afraid of the change it will bring. A recent quote I was exposed to puts it in perspective; 'We yearn for change, but cling to the familiar.' (Anthony de Mello)

Last night, I believe we saw just that, a yearning for change but we clung to the familiar with an iron grip. We are not sure we like where the future is leading us and so we tried to reset and restore. We wistfully remember the 'good old days' forgetting that they weren't necessarily all good after all.

I hope that as a nation we can figure it out. I understand the Tea Party's complaint that the little guy seems to be getting the shaft. I am concerned that we just keep upping the ante in this game of debt poker without really an endgame in sight. Yet I hope that we will not allow fear to be the driving force in our nation's debate. While we may or may not agree with all that President Obama has done or hasn't done, he is right when he says 'Hope' is the only way.

As one of the 'elect' it is my hope that we might allow the image of the peaceable kingdom, the messianic kingdom, the kingdom of God guide us as we continue in this national discourse concerning our future. I have hope for the future despite the current concerns, for I am reminded that hope is the belief in the things not yet seen. (Hebrews 11.1)

Peace,

Pal

Letter to Questioner...

2010-10-28T11:38:00.001-07:00

This is from an email I sent to a seeker. Maybe it might speak to you...

A new favorite statement of mine (partly mine and partly adaptation of another’s thoughts) is – the law wants conclusions, and grace desires conversation. It seems to me, you are in the midst of the conversation, exactly where God wants you to be.

I like how you are wrestling with questions. I believe it takes some maturity to ask the question, ‘What does God need?’ Perhaps, however, that’s not the real question you are struggling with (presumptuous on my part for me to say, I know) at this moment. Perhaps the bigger issue behind your question is a sense of ‘calling.’

‘Calling’ is the song that God sings in our hearts. Calling is the sense of harmony with my world. Calling doesn’t mean that all is easy or that we have no anxiety, but calling speaks of an alignment of my voice with the melody God’s choir is singing.

When we are living in the midst of the melody of God’s song; allowing for our own expressions of harmony, a smile forms on our face much like a musician who is caught up in a difficult piece of music. We feel as if our talent, our task, and our temperament are working toward a tangible goal. It may not be any more real than the sound of a note that is soon lost in the midst of many notes, but it is real. It may not come easy but it gives us life, abundant life (Jn 10.10).

I encourage you, if you desire what ‘God needs,’ to reflect upon what has and continues to bring you joy. Think about what comes naturally to you and what others affirm in you. Give yourself the opportunity to remember what makes your steps lighter and your burden easier. Ultimately, God’s desire (because this is the way to the fullness of life for which we were created) is that you live within your gifts, yours alone, and that you use your gifts as you respond to God’s ‘calling’ upon your life.

I don’t know if this helps any, but I encourage you to stay in the conversation and don’t allow yourself to feel as if you have to come to some conclusion…ever!

Halloween - Trick or TREAT?

2010-10-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

Right about now, I can imagine there are many in the faith community raising the hue and cry about the evils of Halloween. Some see only witches and demons, and others see a glorification of the occult. I, however, see the gospel of GRACE!

Perhaps my appreciation of Halloween goes back to my youth and the fact that my day of birth is so closely aligned with this holiday. The end of October meant good things to me. It meant presents, parties, and candy! What more could a kid want?

That's my point! On Halloween we get to dress up and become whoever we want, and not what the world demands of us. For one night we are no longer slaves to the perceptions of others, but free to be what only God could imagine. (Now I know that some abuse this opportunity, as is the case whenever we express our freedom, but that should not detract from the beauty of the gift!)

Secondly, without deserving it, simply by showing up we are showered with good things. What other night of the year can I just show up at a strangers house, be welcomed and given good things? What better image of God's GRACE. Candy is given not because we have earned it, but simply out of love for us knocking at the door.

Yes, Halloween can be used by others to proclaim the dark side of life, but that's no reason for followers of the light to run away and pretend as if it doesn't exist. Like our ancestors in the past, let us take this holiday and tell the alternative story, the story of light, love, and grace. Let us joyfully participate in this one night of the year when we as neighbors get out into our neighborhood and experience the joy of community. Let us celebrate the God is the God of all nights and days including Halloween.

(By the way... another reason I like Halloween is that on this day in 1517 a German monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed 95 thesis on the church door in Wittenburg and thus began what we now know as the Protestant Reformation. But that's another blog!)

Re-inventing Relationships?

2010-10-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Many a movie is about them. Almost every popular song has something to say about them. We pretend to have them on the Internet. Relationships, the deep and abiding ones are what we all hope to have.

What has happened, however, is that like Esau, we have sold our birthright for a bowl of soup. We are willing to be satisfied with a few lines on a social network site like Facebook or a TWEET from one of our 'friends.' We rarely have time to sit across a table and luxuriate over a home made meal because we have to get to some place where we will hang out with our 'friends' for a few hours.

Why is it that Rascal Flatts can sing songs about Mayberry and sitting on the front porch and we all go 'ahhhhhhh?' Could it be that we all wish for a time when people actually took the time to know one another and be known by one another? How do we put the Jeanie back in the bottle?

Maybe communities of faith could lead us back home...to a place where we are known and know others. Maybe, and only maybe, because it is far too easy for congregations to measure themselves based on numbers rather than friendships. Even in communities of faith we have lost the sense of what it means to be a 'sanctuary.'

I really don't know how to reclaim my birthright, because like all the rest of you I have drunk of the soup and it tasted good going down. The problem now is that I have acid stomach reflex and the pain is keeping me from doing anything about it.

BEST?

2010-10-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend TdF winner, Alberto Contador, was outed as having performance enhancement drugs in his blood system. It was a minimal amount and his excuse was some steak a friend brought him from Spain. Later it was announced that in addition he has some 'plasticizer' in his blood stream that appears to be evidence of blood doping. AC's response was to threaten retiring from the sport if his claim of innocence is not sustained by the governing authorities.

This insane quest to be the best is not just killing road cyclists (the side effects are cancerous) and a sport I enjoy, but it is threatening the entire human race. We compete for resources so that we can have the best life possible. We go to war with other nations because they have something we feel we need to make our lives better. We are willing to skewer the economy and the livelihood of many just so we can claim that our investment company is outperforming all others (and by the way we secure for ourselves this great big bonus). It's not just greed, but it is the hunger and desire to be the 'best' at what we do that is threatening our civilization.

Now I'm not saying we shouldn't strive to do our best. I'm concerned that our self-worth and the worth others shower upon us is dependent upon being better than others. Once we lose this sense that God loves us no matter how we perform on the SATs we are easily manipulated by this fear of failure. Once our value is judged by the market rather than by the creator we simply become commodities ourselves.

Alberto is a great cyclist and a gifted athlete. In order to win, however, he felt he needed to go over the edge to gain an edge on the competition. When we have to win, be the best, with no sense of our identity in Christ, we are left with cheating ourselves and others in the scramble to the top of the pile. But honestly, is it really worth it?

FAITH LESS?

2010-09-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have found myself wondering if we have too much 'religion' in this world. I know, these are not the thoughts a pastor should query, but I suppose I'm not the first.

Just yesterday it came out that Atheist know more about religion than Protestants and Catholics. In fact of all the major groups queried, Protestants and Catholics were at the bottom of the survey. Over 50% of Protestants didn't even know who Martin Luther was...hmmmm. Maybe we who claim to be religious aren't as religious as we think.

Unfortunately, I find that far too many people who have too little understanding of religious beliefs are convinced that they are the righteous ambassadors of certain fundamental truths. Whether it be Glenn Beck preaching to the Tea Party or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran, spewing forth hatred in the name of Islam, I am appalled that it can be so easy to distort not only orthodox theological traditions but reinterpret history as well.

Now don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and we are wise to listen with humility to those with whom we have judged to be wrong-headed. Nonetheless, it seems that all one needs to do is stamp something as a 'religious belief' and that in itself justifies whatever comes out of their mouth. I personally believe religious beliefs are as worthy of being questioned as are political platforms. Indeed, if we do not question our beliefs we expose ourselves to the possibility of becoming idol worshippers (and I am not speaking of American Idol).

All too often religion has become a divisive issue around the world and in the U.S.A. as well. So rather than allowing ourselves to wrap a particular biblical passage around our pet peeve, can we as followers of Christ simply submit to the commands that Jesus gave us? Interpreting the 10 commandments, Jesus said there are two: Love God & Love Neighbor (the second being the same as the first!). Then to his disciples he said, Love one another as I have first loved you.

Rather than worrying if people believe the right things, can we agree to act with love for those who are different from us because God is revealed in them? Rather than getting people to agree about what we believe, can we show compassion as God showed compassion to us in Christ?Rather than arguing over what God may consider trivial, could we start crafting bridges connecting the essentials?

Yes there will always be people who wish to maintain the purity of their 'religion,' but I'm reminded of Luther who uttered, 'He who desires a perfect church desires no church at all.'

Lutherans at 500

2010-09-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

500 years is a long time. 500 years since the beginnings of the Reformation could weaken the 'branding' of any organization, but especially a church dependent upon the 'priesthood of all believers.'

Some are saying that we Lutherans are 'dying out.' That we don't get the current culture, and that we are not adept at the language/needs of people today. Our numbers are in decline, the average age of our 'membership' is ready for retirement, and we are more concerned about our property than we are about our neighbors.

The statistics don't lie; Lutherans are in decline, and the rate of numerical depreciation is accelerating. Yet, God uses a different form of math. God used one to turn life inside out. God used 12 to turn the world upside down. God used the weak to shame the powerful, and the foolish to shame the wise.

Now I'm not saying, 'Let's simply sit on our laurels and remember the good old days.' What I am saying is that we Lutherans have something to offer to this world, no matter our current 'numbers.' We need to stop whinning and start thinking seriously about how we get this message of Good News out to a people who are hurting. We live in a pluralistic world of paradoxes.

This is comfort food to us Lutherans. We are a people who are comfortable living in the midst of difficult questions and unwilling to settle for simple answers. This stuff will preach in Peoria and NYC and Seattle and... well you name it! We just have to make sure that we stop giving our congregations milk toast when we've got pot roast simmering on the stove. We cannot let the 'babblers' control the conversation when we have real meat to offer. We need to get serious about who we are and what we have to offer; and take a few risks along the way as we toss it out into the market place of thought. This is a faith for those who want to wrestle with God, and it's 'time to rumble!'

So, come on all you Lutherans. Just because you cannot speak intelligibly about the tribulation theories of the rapture, doesn't mean you need to hide your head in the cone of shame. Those theories aren't worth the breath it takes to utter them. We've got real work to do as we bring the grace revealed in Jesus into the equation of a world suffering under the works of the law. Bring me your tired, worn, and heavy laden, and we will give you rest from the tyranny of tired religion. We will invite you into a powerful relationship with the God of the universe who promises that life will be wild (not easy) and full of wonder (but not necessarily wonderful).

Let's not forget that Luther himself was a rabble-rouser. So toss the Jello into the trash, down a pint of beer in honor of the old guy, and let's start talking about salvation history! Let's just see how that gives a new perspective to how we view CNN & FOX and the rest of the world we do not see on the nightly news.

Forget the pity party Lutherans, let's party like its 1999 (or 1517)!

The Alban Institute - 2010-09-20 Seeing Ourselves in the Other

2010-09-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Alban Institute - 2010-09-20 Seeing Ourselves in the Other

HATE & Heaven

2010-09-11T13:32:00.001-07:00

When did hate become a part of God's heavenly plan?

Over the past few weeks we have had to witness a 'pastor' promote his agenda of hate in the name of Christ. He has held the world hostage, much like any two-bit criminal seeking his moment of glory. I for one will be glad when his 15 minutes of fame have run their course.

Now, most people get it - the man is frequently identified in the press and by people in general as being on the 'fringe.' Unfortunately, it seems as if the people on the fringe, whether it be politics or religion or you name the subject, that seem to be controlling the debate these days. Why is it that drug lords in Mexico are able to silence a majority of the population? Why is it that a few neo-conservatives were able to 'cook the books' so that we jumped into a war in Iraq? Why is it that the good work of God's people, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick goes unnoticed while this 'lunatic' continues to preach hatred on international media?

If we allow our fears to remain at the center of the debate, the 'crazies' will continue to rule. If, however, we move beyond fear to faith, trusting in God and trusting more in one another, then we can get back to a rational discussion about how best to move forward. Fear causes us to either fight or fly, but hope causes us to hang in there believing in an unseen future. Which will guide your heart?

God, Stephen Hawking, & an Evolving Humanity

2010-09-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

The big news today (in my world) is Stephen Hawking's theory of spontaneous existence. He theorizes that the big bang existed outside of time and therefore didn't need someone/deity to light the match. Not being a brilliant astro-physicist I'll take his word on this. Being a theologian (not brilliant) my response to this big news is well a great big cosmic yawn.

In other news, evolutionary theorist have been asking how it is that humans around the world in different cultures came to have this common belief in gods/God? The hypothesis is that for a complex social structure to exist there needed to be someone/thing outside the system who could keep us in line respecting the good of all. In other words, the clans that believed in a god were able to advance evolutionary because they had a leg up on social order due to this moral policeman in the sky. This sounds interesting, and makes me wonder if the lack of belief in a god who makes any judgment on our choices will lead therefore to moral decline?

So what? Stephen Hawking argues for an amoral cosmos whose existence is the result of spontaneous action of matter (and since there is no constraint of time therefore there is no need to determine a prior action to define this action?). The evolutionary anthropologist on the other hand argue for a morality or order that comes from...where? It seems the physicist believes all is random, and the anthropologists believe that we in some way determine a morality of right and wrong. Hmmm... In one sense we are very small, and in the other we play a very large role.

Now I'm out of my league I know, but I've always believed that God exists outside the dimensions that define us, including time. As I read scripture the message is less about the origins of the universe, but the why of the universe, and the reality that God continues to invest in the creative work in our midst. As for how we come to believe in God, scripture suggest that there is this mystery, this Holy Spirit, that is defined by what it causes within us. Could this Holy Spirit create within us a desire for a more orderly society that acknowledges a hunger for righteousness?

Like I say, I'm not that smart, but I don't see in these reports the demise of God. Do you?

Why?

2010-08-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Why? This is a question I ask myself sometimes as I peddle away in the monotony of desert heat called Phoenix. Why peddle through the heat of summer? Why put myself through such a sweat bath?

Well, there is always the issue of good health and the good feeling that provides. Yet, there is more to it than that. Today I signed up for my fourth Tour de Cure with the American Diabetes Foundation. My sister-in-law has diabetes. I cannot do much, but I can ride a bike and in doing so I am no longer just a bystander.

Two weeks ago I signed up for the MS 150 (Multiple Schlirosis). Another sister-in-law has MS, and I am forced to watch the progression of that disease without being able to change one thing. Riding my bike makes a difference.

This fall I will ride in the Tour de Tucson (109 miles). I chose to be a sponsor of a child receiving care through the hospital that benefits from this festival on wheels. I am healthy and this is a way I can turn my strength into something good for those who are week.

Why do I ride? I ride because by riding I can make a small difference in the lives of those who struggle. What gifts has God given you? How might they be used for the sake of those not so gifted? It is a question we a lll would benefit from asking.

Deeper

2010-08-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Wow...amazing how God breaks in when you least expect.

Yesterday I was talking with a friend, and it was mentioned that she was in a read through the bible in a year group. I asked, 'why?'

She responded by saying that it seemed like a good thing for a Christian to do. Again I asked, 'why?'.

It lead to a conversation about the purpose of the bible and it's importance in our lives. She being a teacher, I asked if she was preparing a test would she test her students about everything covered in the class or focus upon the most important concepts. Her answer was obvious, which led me to ask if the same philosophy shouldn't apply to the bible? Again her answer was obvious and we began to talk about the importance of the gospels as the revelation of God's design for humanity and all creation. As Lutherans we are encouraged to read all of scripture from the vantage point of the cross of grace. In other words, we might best spend the time to go deep into the gospels before we try to figure out what else is being said in the New and Old Testaments.

Fast forward to today's men bible study and an opportunity to share the above story. The result was that most everyone wanted to do it! They wanted to follow the ancient practices of the church, and slowly digest the gospel as a way of understanding the bible as a whole. Wow! Rather than allowing ourselves to be consumers of scripture they opted to be consumed by God's GRACE!

I cannot help but share what I see as a mature hunger for deeper things. I'll keep you informed as our new study will begin after labor day.

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance

2010-08-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-23 A Well in the Distance

I like this article, because it reminds me that faith is not seen but hoped for (Hebrews 11.1). Our vitality is not to be measured by world standards but by what God is doing as roots are fed. I'm curious what you might see in this article-is there a well in the distance?

give It a Rest.

2010-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

IInteresting...

Today I was accused of being an agent of Satan. A conversation (by Internet) between many and diverse opinioned pastors ends up sliding toward Armaggeddon.

It's a good reminder of what is happening in much of our national conversation, whatever the issue. Dan Quayle's son is running for Congress from our state, and he begins a TV ad by claiming President Obama is the worst President in the history of the USA. Hmmm... Whether you like his polcies or not, I really cannot look at history and say that Warren Harding or James Buchannan were better than Mr. Obama. Does this really aid us in the national debate over the difficult issues facing our country?

Perhaps former President Clinton was right when he told the National Press Club that our civil debate has deteriorated in part due to a lack of sleep. We are not only working ourselves to death trying to save the American dream, but we are working ourselves into a frenzy that could cripple the future of our nation.

So, please get some sleep out there. No more Late Night with Dave. No more surfing the web or playing Farmville late into the night. No more Mochas to stay awake into the wee hours. Take a nap America. Get 8 hours of sleep, and I gurantee life will look a bit better. God did really honestly have it right with his 'Dayplanner.' He called it 'day' and 'night!'. Let's try being one nation under God and get some rest!

Religious Freedom

2010-08-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Religious freedom is a tricky thing. People often allow their religious beliefs to blind themselves to the legitimate religious beliefs of others.

When my dad was young, living in central Pennsylvania, there would be fights between the Catholic boys and the Protestants. Today we would think this to be crazy stuff. Yet today, there are many making political hay by ranting and raving against the building of a Muslim religious center near where the twin towers once stood. Forget that the purpose of this center is to prompt religious dialog and tolerance which seems to be lacking in the shrill voices of those who oppose it's construction. My basic question is when did we in America become so bigoted that we are going to condemn the actions of an entire group for the action of few misguided fanatics?

Should we deny the building of Lutheran Churches because of our cooperation with the Holocaust of Hitler and his gang? Should we deprive the Baptist of the right to worship because there are members of the KKK hidden in their ranks? Should Congregationalist be denied their freedoms because of the trumped up Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century? He who is without sin cast the first stone!

I commend the Republican mayor of NYC and the Democratic President of the USA for putting aside cheap political gain and standing up for what this counter considers to be among the essentials-the freedom to assemble and worship without government interference!

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community

2010-08-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is worthy of a read. We are not about creating churches, but people are looking for COMMUNITIES!

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-09 Craving Community

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times

2010-08-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

The Alban Institute - 2010-08-02 In These Times

Interesting take on real hope in the midst of difficult times. Worthy of our reflection and our action. Where will you find the hope that rewrites humanities future?

Peace,
Pal

Parenting

2010-08-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

As a parent, I find myself constantly wondering how did I ever think I could manage this experiment in human bonding. I mean, under the best of circumstance it is a nerve-racking roller coaster ride thar never ends, and when thing s get really exciting...well, needless to say there is a reason our hair turns grey.

My children are good kids, and I know this because others say this about them. Yet when it comes to parental communication, most of the time the best I get is a 'grunt.'. I suppose this is better than some of the other things that could come my way, but as I recall in my day, even as a teen we were a bit more fearful of our parents and thereby a bit more conciliatory toward them. (I know this isn't reality, but allow me my fantasy.)

As I reflect upon this, I cannot help but make the comparison to what God must experience in relationship with us. When I think of how I treat God, well my kids behavior begins to look exemplary in comparison. Yet this God does not disown me or even ignore me, but is constantly delighting in me...what's with that?

Perhaps, by remembering this I will be a better parent. Perhaps I will be a better neighbor. Perhaps I will be a more compassionate citizen. Whatever the outcome, and I would hope for something to register, nonetheless I will continue to treasure that this God still loves me!

The Arts!

2010-06-03T17:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry...this was an attempt from my IPad and didn't work. Hmmm....

Just a quick thought about the arts... they move us, they make our hearts soar, they cause us to laugh and cry. They are what distinguishes us as children of God. They are a gift.

Yet, when it comes to the funding and providing for the Arts, they are always the first to go. Please don't let the Arts become roadkill to the skills that produce a bottom line. Please remember what it was like when your mom put your finger painting of a bird up on the refrigerator door. Please don't just support the Arts but become an advocate for Artistic expression among children and adults.

The Arts can never pay for themselves, but maybe not everything in our society should be market driven. The Arts remind us of the extravagance of God's economy.

Back on Track

2010-05-25T08:54:00.001-07:00

Blogging... what's the point? Does anyone read what is written? Is there anything that hasn't been said by thousands of others already? Just because we can, should we blog?

Those are the type of questions I find myself asking, and as a result my motivation for actually writing something on this page diminishes as I imagine the cosmic yawn that will ensue. Yet here I am again, because I realize that whether anyone reads what I write or not, the point is to write. To express myself, and in a small way connect with me if with no one else.

Today I write realizing how disconnected I am from my past. I am so busy living today (not a bad thing) that I have little opportunity to remember where I have been or to imagine where I am going. I got news through Facebook that my sister-in-law had a stroke yesterday. Hooray for Facebook, but what about the personal touch? Why have I allowed myself to drift off into this lonely place where I hear of people I care for only through social media postings.

TIME magazine just published an in depth article about Facebook and social media describing how it changes how we connect. In some ways it has expanded our horizons and yet I believe it has given us a false sense of community. Teens (at least the teens I'm around) would rather text one another than talk to one another. Is this a positive step? Bloggers would rather post our rants and raves online rather than simply talk to someone about what we think. Have you noticed how people won't really talk to one another about issues face to face anymore, but are happy to put their opinions out there in cyberspace? Is this good?

So, as I make a renewed commitment to blog each week, I am also making a commitment to pick up the phone, and talk to people, arrange for a lunch together, to look people in the eye and ask them what is really going on. Blogging and social media have a place, but they shouldn't be the only place where we get in each other's face.

Peace,
Pal

Last Night

2010-03-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I get a call just before 10 pm...a beloved and active member of our parish had had a heart attack and was gone. Just like that a life that was, was no more, and a family immediately began to shift its priorities.

Now we all know that when it comes time for us to cease bodily functions, we would all like to go in such a manner. We want to be active, alert, and attentive up until the last moment. We don't want to linger and struggle. This is all well and good for us who wish we could plan our demise, but what about those left behind?

To be honest, as I sat with this family, even in the midst of their shock I saw the firm foundation of faith supporting them through this ordeal. Yes, there were tears and even regrets, but there was a firm conviction that the beloved was in a better place, and they faced their trial with a sense that God was still at work turning tragedy into triumph.

It makes me reflect, however, how easily we imagine that there will be a tomorrow. Obviously we cannot live in fear of dying, for then we would never live. Yet, whether it be physic numbing or simply ignorance, we rarely imagine that such a tragedy could happen to us. And still it does with frequent regularity. Can we ever be prepared? Probably not. Can we understand? Regretfully, not well. Can we live in the face of death? There is one who promises us the hope of life on the other side of death.

I'm not sure where I wish to go with this entry, except to say that the title, 'Last Night' is intended to have us all think. What if we knew this was our last day/night? How would we change the way we live our lives? Perhaps this is a good thought to ponder...

Peace,
Pal

Haiti Isn't Gone

2010-02-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Well, the Olympics have captivated our attention, and well they should as we witness the tremendous abilities of the athletes in the snow of Vancouver.

Then there is the continuing debate over health care in the USA. I stil don't understand why a minority of 41 is able to keep us from really trying to do something to fix a system that is not working... but I suppose that is for those far more intelligent than I.

But what about Haiti? Haven't heard too much lately right? Does that mean the problem is over? Nah! The truth is that the worst is yet to come unless we continue to attend to this country on life support.

The news cycle reminds me of what happens when someone dies. For a few days friends and neighbors stop and attend to the needs of the ones who are left behind. Then life gets the better of us, and we move on, leaving those who are hurting the most to hurt in silence when they most need support.

Haiti continues to need our support. The people are facing the rainy season without much shelter. As the media shifts its attention, you know that the governments will soon do the same without pressure from people like us. So let the people in Washington know that you still care about what is happening in Haiti. Let's not let this one just slip off the radar screen.

As for one thing you can do... the Resurrection Dance Theater from St Joseph's Home for Boys in Haiti will be in Phoenix March 9-12. They will be in the East Valley Tuesday night, at Peace Lutheran on Wednesday, and in Sun City on Thursday. Come on out and support these boys as they tell their story and their hope.

Social Networking

2010-02-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Social Networking is all the rage. Do you tweet? Are you on Facebook? Will you answer my friend request? Well, after having joined this great movement I have come to some conclusions...

First, like most any form of networking, you have to listen to a lot of drivel before there is any depth. In the upper midwest they may talk about a snow storm coming in. In Phoenix, we may talk about how hot it is today. At the family table we may hear a lot about nothing. On Facebookl, we get to hear about Farmville and Mafia Wars. Yet, like in all our other settings, some of this is just the precursor to that moment when the conversation goes deep.

Second, it is interesting when you are limited in the characters or words you are allowed to type. We are developing a 'personal ads' form of conversation. The nice thing is that when most of what you read is somewhat inane it is nice to know there is a limit. The sad side of it is when you do have that moemnt when real life is being shared.

Third, the social networking sites can be a great means to connect people from a wide geographical area for the purpose or cause that is their passion. This past week, I have tried an experiment to see if through my very small network, I could use the 100 people to pass on a message of support for my Leukemia ride. It was gratifying seeing some of my 'friends' pass on my message to their social groups. At this time, however, while some have responded, it has not been a great way to get the message out. We will see if that changes with a little bit more time.

Finally, social networking reveals just how narcissitic we can be. It is one thing to hear Uncle Joe talk at Christmas dinner about his ingrown toenail, but it is completely different to hear about the ups and downs of various 'friends.' I'm not sure I would want people to know all the inner workings of my life, but for others it is just part of the territiory. I suppose I am grateful for their honesty and vulnerability, but nonetheless I wonder if there are not more important issues for us to be engaged in in cyberspace.

Just a few random thoughts.

Peace,
pal

Has the World Gone Crazy

2010-02-19T05:53:00.000-08:00

Last week I went with my wife to the theater. We went to eat at a pizza place downtown. As we walk in, there is a sign 'No Guns.' Has the world gone crazy?

In Arizona we are so upside down on the budget that it isn't funny. What does our Republican legislature do? The Governor (Republican) recommends letting the people decide if they want a temporary sales tax. The legislaure holds it breath, stomps its feet, and says, 'NO!'

While the budget spins further out of line, the legislature takes on legislation like the removal of speed cameras on our freeways. Even though they save lives (proven), add to revenue, and all you have to do is stay within 11 miles of the speed limit (huh?), it appears that our legislatures believe this to be an infringement on our freedom. Oh yeah, this is the state that doesn't require motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. This is the state that allows you to take a gun into a bar. That's right we wouldn't want to infringe on the freedom to get drunk while carrying a weapon.

At the same time we have these Tea Party folks who are now raising a ruckus because John McCain is too liberal. Huh? John McCain is no where near the maverick he once projected himself to be. This is the man who has swung so far right that he has Jeff Sessions looking like a liberal. Yet he is far too liberal for the Tea Party folks. Yes indeed, let's not have any taxes, and let's get Sheriff Joe into an office where he can do some real good. The world has gone crazy. How did I get here?

A NEW YEAR

2010-02-11T12:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since posting. I feel as if I have earned a 'cone of shame'for being such a bad dog.

Interestingly, we are often caught in the vise of shame. We have not lived up to the expectations of others, let alone ourselves, and are left with the reminder of all the other times we failed. Some of us are so caught up in this never-ending downward cycle that we feel like giving up. What's the use?

Isn't this the engine behind the very profitable diet industry in America? People try to lose weight, but get behind only to find themselves worse off than before, and give up thinking of themselves as failures. Each time they try they discover they are worse off than they were before.

All too often, I see this in the church as well. Someone makes a goal to read the Bible from front to back, and once they get stuck in Leviticus, they give up. Others commit to give a certain amount of money and then a crisis intervenes and they feel like they're a failure. Is this the message the church wants to encourage?

I guess everything would be okay if we just thought differntly about ourselves. If only we all could practice positive self-eteem. Yes, there are as many motivators of the mind out there as those who shill for diet developers. Yes we know the results are about the same for each. I'm not much better at thinking positively about myself than I am imagining myself skinnier than I am.

So what are we to do? Well a lot of churches offer the mind motivator 'stuff' with a little bit of Jesus and call it a miracle method. Obviously, I don't go for that! I believe that thinking positive results when we experinece what Jesus came to offer us.

First of all, how about real community. A community that is like family (including dysfunctionalities) built around the promise of grace. We hunger for a family that knows that none of us measures up and we can nonetheless live with one another.

Second, how about real service. More than just an 'tip' in the plate, but offering ourselves in service of others in need. Nothing makes us feel better about ourselves than knowing we were of assistance to another in their need. We were created to give it all away.

Third, let's consider worship. As one T-Shirt said, 'The difference between God and me is that he doesn't think he's me.' Worship that isn't about getting a spiritual high, but worship that is an offering of myself and a willingness to live with imperfection. Let's get back to making worship center around God and not my needs.

Fourth, reading the written Word is not to be an exercise so that I can prove myself more knowledgable or worthy than you. Hopefully, by getting into Scripture we will experience God's grace revealed to undeserving people and realize that we are those people. Such a way of reading just may make us more compassionate and caring for those who don't agree with us.

I don't like wearing the 'cone of shame,' yet I realize that it is me not God who attaches this around my collar. Perhaps as I experience the marks of faithful living, I will be less controled by the cone of shame, and more free to see the world without blinders. As we begin 2010, wouldn't it be great if we could trust that God does truly love us without condition. Something I need to think about.

Grace

2009-11-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

Grace... it is a word that we use so freely and frequently within the community of Christ. We can define it, like with the acrostic;
God's
Righteousness
At
Christ's
Expense.
Or we can simply speak of unconditional love (whatever that truly is).
Yet we who are finite, how is it that we can begin to understand yet apply such an infinite concept?

Over the past few days I have had to struggle with this concept. Of course as a Lutheran, what runs in my mind is the tyranny of legalism, and the temptation of "cheap grace" as per the words of D. Bonhoeffer. I am shocked to think that maybe I choose the law over God's grace, and yet I am alarmed that the easy out of forgiveness without repentance would make for what Luther would call a religion that is worth nothing.

At the center of my diliberation is how to exercise my pastoral office. I realize that there is no right choice, and that in the end no matter what I choose, there will be pain, sadness, and disappointment. There is no easy grace for me in my decision.

As I wrestled with a response, I was reminded by another of the story of the prodigal son (Luke chapter 15). In that case, however, the son was repentant... the son was willing to come back under the authority of his father... the son was willing to submit. While Grace was offered by the father, and it was offered before the son even had a chance to say a word, nonetheless this was born out of the desire of both parties to be in a loving relationship with each other.

Grace becomes cheap if it offers the "prize" without reform of one's direction in life. Grace is not grace if it allows us to continue in our harmful patterns without challenging the validity of a path of individual identity apart from our subservience to God's will. Grace may be unconditional, but if it does not bring a change in the condition of those to whom it is offered, then one must wonder what was the point?

I know for myself that if measured I fail, and fail often. I am far from perfect as a pastor, husband, father, and instrument of God's grace. Somehow, however, this seems to be the first step into the midst of God's grace. For as long as I am unwilling to admit of my sin/brokeness/ rebellion, I may desire grace, but I really don't cling to grace. I simply am using grace as a means of salving my conscious as I continue in the way I would choose for myself.

In the end, I have chosen not to offer a panacea that would ease the pain of the moment, but not address the disease. I have chosen rightly or wrongly to opt for the costly grace of the cross... a grace that leads us into death so that we might experience life as God intended. I have chosen not to allow what others may want or believe they are entitled to because we are suppose to show grace, because I believe that grace calls us to hold up the mirror before ourselves, and confess how sin twists God's good intentions. I can never be sure I have chosen correctly, but in all humility I pause and trust in God's grace for me, a sinner of God's redeeming.

Anything to Say?

2009-11-03T21:06:00.000-08:00

My wife tells me frequently that I should write a book. My response is, "What?"

I'm not the type that can imagine typing away at an opus masterpiece. Yet I'm reminded that all great journeys begin with but one small step. So perhaps this little blog is my first step toward something more profound. Or maybe its just meanderings of a middle aged pastor. Do I have anything to say?

Speaking of the profound, I am always amazed at how lacking in profundity we are. We settle too easily for sound bites and simple answers rather than doing the hard work of learning through listening.

I have had a variety of people tell me what the Bible says about one thing or another. When I asked them how they came to their conclusion, all too frequently they will quote to me one bible verse, or some vague generalities that they hope will mask their lacking of understanding. When did we as followers of Christ decide that "written word" takes precedence over the incarnate word Christ? Wasn't Jesus always confronting their understanding of the written word?

It's like me sitting down to this computer and pounding out a few words and claiming some special knowledge that is beyond what others might say. This is plain crazy, and yet time and time again, I have people who have only the rudimentary biblical skills telling me what the bible truly says. Now, please don't get me wrong, I believe that one doesn't have to go to college in order to get an education. Nor do I believe one needs to attend seminary to understand or discern the meaning of scriptures, but it sure does help to some extent. If we don't have a very strong understanding, doesn't it make sense to study under one who might have greater knowledge or expertise? Yet, all too often our piety or pride gets in the way of such a sensible choice.

Like I say in the title, I really don't have much to say... especially if I want to keep up the appearances of being fairly intelligent. So I will end with a joke,,, it's better to keep your mouth shut and have people assume you to be stupid than open it and prove people right.

Peace.

People of the Fence

2009-10-16T15:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, my wife began to put together a song titled "People of the Fence." It is an allegory about the relationship between God and we the church.

The song tells how God has a path for us and alongside he put up a fence, a simple fence, to keep us from loosing our way. The problem is that we see the fence and begin to believe it is our job to fix the fence or make it better so that no harm might come our way. Instead of journeying down the path toward the One who loves us best, we spend our time building bigger walls and mending fences.

Now I must admit I've done my fair share of wall building and the like in the name of God. I have built my walls of theological superiority and intellectual curiosity to stand against the tides of secularism on one hand, and fundamentalism on the other. I have worked hard at developing my skills, and I can look back to remember how I far too frequently won the day.

Yet is that what God desires we spend our time doing? We fight for prayer in the schools but vote against giving them the tax base they need to do their job. We protest the failure to post the 10 commandments in some obscure court room and yet we lie and cheat on our taxes. We go to our Bible-believing churches on Sunday, only to exit condemning those sinners who did not gather alongside us. We have done well at building walls but wasn't Jesus about building bridges?

Over the past few weeks, I have experienced what it is like when people construct a theological wall declaring me to be the outsider. Many who argue for the truth of the whole Bible have chosen to disassociate from our fellowship. Yet did they come and have a conversation or allow us to bid them farewell? No. They are right and we are wrong, and so I suppose there is no need for further conversation.

As a Lutheran Christian I was taught that the Incarnate Word (Jesus) is the lens through which we read the written Word (Bible). If that is so, then we read the bible always through the promise of God's salvation and his desire for inclusion. As we see in the Book of Acts, this witness of Jesus caused Peter and others in the early church to rethink scripture, tradition, and identity. In Acts 11 we see Peter defending his eating with the Pagans because of the Spirit not the Scriptures. Thank goodness for this stand, because without it we all would still be pagans.

I for one believe that the Gospel is intended to liberate and free. I hope that in that spirit we will realize that we are free to leave our fences and join Jesus in his mission to build bridges as we continue on this journey with and to God. The bible is worthy of our reflection, study, and discussion, but it is not God. It is God's choice to reveal himself through the Bible thus providing us a roadmap for the journey ahead. More importantly, however, he has given us Jesus & the Holy Spirit to be more than a map, but a living presence, a guide, to direct our journey. Thank goodness.

Peace.

Seattle in Fall

2009-09-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

We have been in the Emerald City for the past 48 hours getting ready to celebrate a wedding. While Seattle is known for its rain, we have been blessed with sunshine and beautiful sunsets across the Sound. How did we get so lucky?

People like to speak about luck all the time. It was a lucky catch. He was lucky to get the job. People even discount luck by saying, "Luck had nothing to do with it." How did such a word get into our vocabulary?

I believe this word is a part of our language because we desire something that will enable us to make sense of things when they seem to make no sense. Since there are times when skill is not enough, we attribute it to good fortune. The realist among us would decry the use of fortune to explain events, but their rationality lacks credibility as well. There is something else at work in this world and we don't know how to describe it except to call it "luck."

Now we who are religious might say that this is the work of the Spirit. We who are sensitive to spiritual matters might say that there is an experience that goes beyond what are mind can wrap itself around and comprehend. If we open ourselves to this other reality it takes us beyond luck to an awareness that we are not in control of all things, and that this world is not the stable ecosystem that we attempt to make it out to be.

How do we deal with some of the bad and good luck as people of faith? Do we simply agree with some authors of the Bible who would say that such things are the result of previous actions and the reward for our faithfulness or lack thereof? Or do we agree with other writers in Scripture who would remind us that the rain falls upon the just and unjust alike? I would go with the latter, and rather than trying to make sense out of everything in this world, simply choose to work for good and not bad. I would accept that there are things that happen that I cannot explain and simply trust that God is working for good despite my lack of understanding. I will choose to trust. How about you?

Peace.

Getting Our Hands Dirty

2009-09-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

I would love a clean and orderly life. I would like to believe that everything could clean up with a little effort. I would like to think that the laws of thermodynamics don't apply to me or to the world in which I live. I would like to believe, but it just doesn't work that way.

The world is a messy place. If we try to stay above the fray, keep ourselves clean and holy we miss the point. All too often we use our belief systems to avoid the ugly garbage that crowds our world. All too often we hope that by saying the right prayer or doing the right deed we can avoid the pain that stigmatizes this world. All too often we look for God to lift us out of the mire so that we might experience a glory apart from this life. Yet the gospel of Jesus is all about a God who will not defer, but instead goes to great lengths to enter into the mire. In doing so he does not irradicate the ugliness of this world, but somehow gives us courage to see the holy in the midst.

Over the last few weeks my church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has chosen to enter into the mess with foolish courage rather than simply pretending that it is too holy for such things. I realize by going there that we have upset many and caused doubts to arise. I realize that the easier path would have been to do nothing and avert our eyes. Yet, by trusting in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit and getting our hands stained, I believe the ELCA has clearly acknowledged that it will not be a dead religion seeking to maintain itself pristine and pure. This choice to step into the mess, knowing that there are no easy answers has meant that the church is now openly acknowledging the stain of sin in its midst and the ongoing redeeming activity of Christ that restores us. Being unsure of where one begins and the other ends, we live in this mystery of grace bounded only by our love in Christ.

Luther as he was dying was quoted as having said, "we are all beggars." Yes, it is true. If we pretend we have the answers, or imagine that we can maintain our holiness we have mistaken our abilities for God's nobility. We are beggars, beggars with dirty hands as we interact with and engage in a messy world. While I do find myself wishing for an orderly life, nonetheless I for one am learning to be okay with such an image, and I hope others will as well.

Peace.

Labor

2009-09-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

With this being Labor Day weekend, it has given me a chance to do some reflecting upon the nature of our work and our labor. I believe the two are distinctively different.

In our culture we understand our work as that for which we get paid. It is our employment, our paycheck, and a means to an end. Our work allows us to take care of the necessities as well as the well intentioned extravagance. Our work is valued for its resulting reward rather than being celebrated as a God given gift.

Labor, however, like the image from the maternity ward, is about sharing in creation. Just as the birth of a child is a work in progress, a dream for the future, an act of faith; so is our labor in the world. Labor is a result of our partnership with God in the creative process. It has value in of itself regardless of the remuneration we receive or the products we can purchase as a result. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, thereby judging ourselves and others, we simply act out of our passion for life and a desire to bless as we have been blessed.

Just think about it... is there something wrong with a culture that values paychecks over passion? Is there something missing when we focus upon marketability over ability? Are we missing the point when we imagine the purpose of our school is to provide for a good job rather than for a good education? Are our houses just an investment or are we investing in our homes (family)? In a world where everything has a price-tag attached to it (including you and me), is it any wonder that the MasterCard commercial became priceless?

When our labor is aligned with God's labor in this world, it is at that point that we begin to experience what is called a "calling." It is in this sense of vocation that we find our true voice for God's purposes. As we well know there are many who work hard but never experience joy. Yet as our labor is aligned with God's plan, a creative tsunami erupts within and without us, and the tension of work becomes less important as we focus upon the journey with Christ.

it is my prayer that this labor weekend will be a chance for all us of to step back and reflect. More significantly, let us remember that it is not by our own efforts that we are saved, but by the work of the Holy Spirit within us that invites us to abide with him. May you find rest, peace, and promise in this short time away.

Homosexuality & the ELCA

2009-08-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

Last week the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA voted by 56-44% to adopt a document that allows for local congregations to choose as their pastor a gay person who is engaged in a committed monogamous relationship. Since that time, it would seem as if all "hell" has broken loose. This is unfortunate.

While I understand there are those who believe this is an issue of scriptural authority and thus argue that the ELCA has chosen to ignore scripture in its attempt to be cultural relevant. I would disagree. Having read the documents, and having studied some of the issue, what i see is a church that takes the scriptures so seriously that we are not going to allow our prejudice to blind us. Quite honestly, there are scholars who disagree about the passages in question. Quite honestly, there is a serious question of biblical hermeneutics that leads to a division of the house. Over the centuries the church has had to struggle with issues of inclusively or exclusivity, universality or uniqueness, and law or gospel. Ultimately for me, I see God's movement in history toward inclusion of those who were once considered to be outside the pale of God's grace. I believe this to be God's movement in my life.

Others believe this is a question of tradition, and that the ELCA has broken with the long-standing traditions of the Christian faith. Yes, I would agree this is a momentous event and its importance should not be diminished. Yet if we look at the tradition of the Lutheran "tribe," one can only appreciate that this is a movement of God's people that will not allow the church to be held captive by custom and tradition. This is a church that was founded by a heretic who stood before the throne of Christendom and yet was unwilling to compromise simply because he stood alone. Armed with a sense of the Holy Spirit, Luther's response to tradition and authority was to boldly expand the churches understanding of God's grace. Today we give thanks for the heretics of yesterday for they serve as our heroes today. Here too, I stand.

Another concern is that we are breaking with our ecumenical partners around the world. Yes, different ecclesiastical orders see this differently. Yet, there already is division within the Body of Christ as to who is prepared and fit for ordained ministry. Some deny that married clergy can serve. Others would say that divorced clergy or that women cannot serve. Despite these differences, we nonetheless can work together as we agree on the one essential of Christ's saving action at the cross. This may make life together messier, but then that is the nature of relationships as we seek to be graced by the different gifts of one another.

Finally we get to the pastoral issues. What will we teach and how will we live in community together when we disagree on such matters. I am not too concerned as to what we will preach, as again I believe that we have disagreed about many passages in the Bible in the past (as well as our theological reflections) and yet we are able to commune one with another. I would suggest that this is a time for us to remember our sacramental identity. In baptism we believe God calls and chooses us. We believe that the Holy Spirit is released among us. Whatever we believe about the nature of one's sexuality we are united in the promise of our baptism. The same is true in the promise of the Eucharist. This is not an action dependent upon our worth, for we know our anthropology, but this is God's work uniting his people around the great command Jesus gave his disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you." As God has loved us, it is founded in such love that the church will bind itself together.

I understand that people are hurting and disappointed. Of course there are others who are truly rejoicing. For some it feels as if that which we believed was true has been taken away from them. Others feel that the walls of legalism have finally been battered down by God's grace. Regardless of how you read this issue, I for one believe this is a time for us to cast off all idols and trust in the Holy Spirit working through the church as a Body as we share in a bond of love found in Christ. Let us focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Let us know that the journey of faith is not for the faint of heart, but trusting that God will not allow us to make this journey alone.

Peace.

Keys

2009-08-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

I am aware that I always have keys in my pockets. The only time I am confident I will not is when I am in bed. Maybe that is why we are able to dream when we sleep because we are no longer about locking things up.

We keep keys around to lock and unlock things. They give us a sense of security and safety. They provide us a sense of importance. The more keys we have, the more impressive our responsibilities.

Keys, however, get in the way. If you don't have the right key, you cannot get in. You may simply want to drop something off for a friend, but now you are stymied because you don't have a key.

We use keys all too often to lock ourselves away. Those in prison are not the only ones locked up. How often do we lock up our hearts so that we will not get hurt, or we lock up our thoughts because we don't want to be challenged by a new way of thinking.

Jesus gave us the keys to the kingdom. His image is of something new, something to explore, something we haven't experienced yet. He is unlocking the door to a future that is open to us.

Too bad, we often refuse to step into that future because we are locked behind dogma, traditions, or just our fears. Too bad we trust more in what we have stored inside our vaults rather than trusting in the generosity of this God who is not bound by time or space. Perhaps now is the time to allow the Holy Spirit to unlock our hearts and minds so that we might be in one accord with this Jesus new creation, and that we might be able to love as generously as he shows love for us.

Keys can be used to keep us trapped or allow us to experience true freedom. Jesus said that the truth shall set us free. Receive this key and step out in faith.

Peace,
Pal

Fatherhood

2009-08-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my son left to find his fame and fortune. With High School diploma in hand, and the determination to move on with his life, he returned to his roots in Northern California. As we waved goodbye watching him pull out of the driveway, neither he nor us his parents had any idea about how this will all turn out.

Before he left, the two of us, father and son, took one last road trip together down to Rocky Point, Mexico. As we drove across the desert we listened to his country western CD telling us stories of heartache, loss, and the battle for right. It felt like we should be engaged in deep and weighty conversation, but this was two guys who were feeling more than our words could capture. Every once in awhile we would interrupt the music with inane chatter or gross humor, but only rarely did we let ourselves get to the places where our feelings were raw like an oyster in the half shell.

Nevertheless, two days gives you plenty of time to talk, and so we did begin to tell the stories that had shaped our lives together. We laughed about the silly things, and smiled about the stupid things. We reminded ourselves of the petty fights that seemed so important and now just make us laugh. We celebrating those moments when as father and son we stood together to face the titans of this world. And remembering the lessons passed onto me by my father when I was leaving home, I too tried to impress upon my son some of those timeless truths that would guide him as he begins to take control of the wheel of his ship of state.

Most important of all, while the words were uttered as well, it was simply a time spent together that said, "I love you." I love you enough to spend time with you. I love you enough to let you go and grow apart from me. I love you enough that should you ever need to return the door is open. My heart will never be closed to you.

As I reflect upon my son's choice, it makes me reflect upon what is happening in my church, my denomination, the ELCA. This week it will meet and discuss the issue of ordination of openly gay people. Obviously this is a hot button topic. In our church, however, like many other denominations, people of faith honestly disagree regarding their understanding of Scripture, tradition, and scientific knowledge. What is being proposed is rather than casting out one side or another, that being bonded in the love of Christ we simply agree to disagree at this time. Much in the same way we agree to disagree and yet remain in fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ from other tribes of the Christian body. As one who constantly says I am a Lutheran today because they let me in and didn't ask me to check in my brain once I got in, I have no problem with what is being proposed.

Yet how does this connect to my son's departure? Somehow, I picture our Father in heaven letting us go to find our "fame and fortune" in the world. Not always will we act in the way he would choose for us, but nonetheless he gives us the freedom to test our wings. Somehow, I see a parallel between my son's new adventure and what we in our particular church tribe are experiencing as we enter into this discussion over this taboo issue. And as we pull out of the driveway I have this sense that while we have no idea where it will lead, we nonetheless are willing to do so simply trusting that our heavenly Father will never abandon us or close the door on us. I trust that our love for God and love for others will prove to be a stronger bond than any differences we might have.

Despite every Father's attempt to "lay down the law" it seems that in the end grace prevails. May my son find grace; may my church find grace, may the world find grace, and finally may I, most needy of all, once again find God's grace which has been there all along.

Peace,
Pal

Haiti

2009-08-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight we tell about our experience in Haiti. A country on the brink of helplessness or hopefulness. We get to make the difference by whether we choose not to act or choose to get involved. This is a place that you will want to get involved. Go to the link for hopeinhaiti.org. You will be glad you did. That's all for now. Peace.

Da BEACH

2009-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

I just spent the good portion of a week with a group of Middle School youth at the Beach. We call it Beach Camp. It's really an excuse to have time with them and to give them time to bond as a group. It's so simple and yet the results are amazing.

The funny thing is that we plan for devotional time in the morning and at night, and we do a pretty good job of making it interactive and fun, but even though God is evident in those moments, he doesn't limit himself to the times we make room for God.

It's at the beach when God comes out in all his shinning glory. Whether it be kids jumping through the waves, or volleyball players digging for a return, or just the simple act of burying your pastor in the sand. God appears when we least expect it. We don't even have to say something profound and ruin it. All we need to do is laugh and smile, slap someone on their sunburned back, and experience God's dream for human community. There is a sense of contentment or shalom that we feel even if we cannot describe with words.

All too often we want to keep God in the church, or at least in a Mission Trip sponsored by the church. All too often we in the church want to tell the world come to us and we will show you God. The truth is that God is out there and we in the church need only to get outside our walls to experience God delight. As some, more lately, have said, we in the church do not have a monopoly on God, rather it is our job to go out there and find what God is doing in the world and lend a helping hand.

Wouldn't it be nice if all the church was known for is the people who are willing to lend a helping hand? Wouldn't it be nice if we were a little more accessible to others, rather than so busy running our programs or debating our theological points of view? Wouldn't it be nice if we just went to the beach and experience creation, humanity, sin and grace all under the glorious beams of God's love.

Peace,
Pal

Tomorrow

2009-07-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Today my son completed High School. Joy, excitement, relief and pride all mixed into one. Today we celebrate, but what will tomorrow bring?

I know we should take life one day at a time. I'm aware that all too often we skip over today because we cannot wait for tomorrow. I know life is meant to be lived in the present and not lost in some future dream.

Yet, while today we celebrate his graduation, I am still left with the nagging question, "Now what?" For 18 years our goal has been to get to this day, but now it has arrived what's next on the horizon? How does one become the parent of an adult who is still but a child?

I remember back when we brought him home from the hospital; I was feeling anxious wondering how they could entrust someone so small to me. Didn't they know how little experience I had in such affairs? I was overwhelmed by my sense of inadequacy.

Now, having survived 18 years guiding (or being guided) my son, that feeling has returned. Where is the manual? How do we help our son make a successful launch out on his own? Is there some magic formula to this, or do we like all others have to stumble and struggle as we take it "one step at a time?"

At least when he was a baby infant, we were big enough to enforce our will and share our grace. Now, however, it seems as if we are lucky to share a few words with him before he is out the door. While we thought the stakes were great for him at the age of one, now when he needs us most, we are kept at arms length away. Now that he is 18 we are no longer the ones who will be able to catch him when he falls. Yet who will catch him?

Such is the path of love. Just when we want to hold on tightest, we are asked to let go. We are asked to trust that where our love cannot go, that nonetheless that there is a God to watch over him. We are asked to trust not just in today, but God's promise of tomorrow.

Reflections on New Orleans & 37,000 Youth

2009-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just returned from New Orleans, our Lutheran National Youth Gathering. 37,000 of us hiking around downtown from hotels to the Convention Center, and from the Convention Center to the Superdome. It meant a lot of walking, a lot of waiting in lines for food or just about anything, and a lot of time just chillin'. And yet...

The theme of the gathering was JESUS, JUSTICE, & JAZZ. We joked the first day that the theme should be patience, persistence, and prayer. The goals were worthy. Let's come to New Orleans and make a difference in a city that the nation forgot. Let's give a hand up and instill within our youth a sense of service. Each night we heard inspirational speakers that repeated one theme over and over again; no matter who we are, we can make a difference. Each day 1/3 of the assembly was sent out into New Orleans to bring about positive change and each night we heard about people who are changing the world. Each day we had an opportunity to educate ourselves about the needs of our world and the resources of our faith, either through workshops or interactive activities, and each night we were able to scream and shout as popular music groups got us excited about being followers of Jesus. It was a grand and great vision.

As so many were in attendance, you can imagine the implementation of this was spotty at times. With 37,000 youth in attendance, justice issues could easily lose out to the "just us" sort of things. It was easier to seek out the jazz of the French Quarter and become a typical tourist rather than turning New Orleans upside down with the "rifts" of the gospel.

Having returned, I still wonder about what I conservatively would guess is the $5-6 million price tag for this event. I wonder whether such a vast sum could better have been used to develop grass roots ministry in the synods as they work with congregations in their communities. Looking back I am disappointed by the limited opportunities for service, and the minimal impact of the educational pieces. Yet looking back, I can say when Mayor Ray Nagel thanked us the last night, and when Bishop Hanson read the letter of appreciation from President Obama, it did make me feel proud to be a part of such an audacious act of hope. When I remember the people driving by and thanking us as we walked up and down the boulevards of the city, I can say that we did make a difference. Not only was it our service, but the sense we got from the folks that they were simply glad that we had not forgotten them. Like in Haiti, perhaps our greatest ministry was one of accompaniment.

It's good to be home now, but may we remember that all the earth is the Lord's and we are merely caretakers of these home we call earth. Peace.

Getting Ready for New Orleans

2009-07-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

After 8 days in Haiti it is hard to come back to the US. In Haiti things were chaotic, and yet simple. While the infrastructure was failing, nonetheless the people we were around were real clear about how they wanted their lives structured. We witnessed people who were able to rise above the problems of the moment and see the possibilities of tomorrow.

Since coming back, it seems that all I have encountered are the problems of today while people are unable or unwilling to see the possibilities that await us. Now of course this is too black and white, but I find the craziness of the external climate of Haiti much easier to navigate than the internal climate of people who are simply used to getting everything there way (thanks Burger King!). We in the USA seem to have allowed ourselves to make problems for ourselves because we don't face the same kind of problems others in the world do on a daily basis.

Tomorrow we head to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. The theme is Jesus, Justice, and Jazz. How easy it will be for the youth (35,000 in attendance) to make this into one big celebration of youthful vitality, but we can only hope that this will be a chance for them to show just what they are made of. As I participate I am hopeful for opportunities to witness an event that is something more than a 4 day carnival, but the beginning of a campaign that will involve their heart, hands, and the Holy Spirit. Let us trust that God will do something great in our midst and at the same time that New Orleans will be changed by our presence.

Peace,
Pal

In Haiti

2009-07-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

I've been in Haiti a few days now. At first all I saw was the poverty. Poverty on a scale I had never witnessed anywhere else in the world. At first I saw a people who could not complete what they had started as everywhere we went, homes were topped with re-bar as people intended to add on. At first all I saw was the failure of a culture, as the iconic statue outside the government palace depicting a slave calling on a conch shell for the freedom of his people, was deprieved of his machete because it was made of brass and brass is worth money. At first I saw failure and I wondered how anyone of us could make a difference.
After a few days here, I now see hope. No, the poverty has not disappeared, but I see people struggling to claim a future even amidst a system that tries to beat them down. Now I see hope, as people are unwilling to stop building, but have plans for something bigger. Now I see hope, as I see the smiles of children that are just like the smiles of my children as they find joy in the moment and imagine what God could make of them. Now I see hope as I see the people who are investing themselves in a new generation that will not give in, but get going. What a difference a few days make.
As an example of this hope allow me to tell the story of Maya. Born out of wedlock. Abandoned by his father at birth. Abandoned by his mother at 4. Taken in by his grandmother who dies within 18 months. Now taken by a aunt who promises an education, but turns him into a slave in Port au Prince. Forced to sleep on a cardboard bed. Awake before dawn to get water, and the last up taking care of chores. No school, just chores, demands, and beatings. This is spare the rod...sorry there was no sparring the rod. Finally after getting the wrong rice and being beaten for it, life on the street is better than her home. For two years he survives. He survives adults who attempt to take advantage of him, other kids who try to rob him, and just the pain of homelessness in a strange place.
To move ahead, allow me to say that he finds help through a man of God. A man of God who takes kids who don't have shoes out of the detention center into his home for boys where all our family. Maya is now a father, a homeowner with a tremendous view, a provider and leader, and a man of profound faith. Maya's life is a reminder that we cannot give up hope. Maya's story is why we need to be in Haiti as we see the amazing things God is doing.

Peace

Waiting

2009-07-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I arrived at Sky Harbor to find out that our plane had a mechanical and there was no way to get to the East Coast, and no way to connect with our group going to Port Au Prince. Frustration to say the least.

How easily I am frustrated when the world doesn't work the way it is suppose to...or at least how I imagine it is suppose to. I like to think of myself as the kind of person who can get things done. I like to think that I am able to bend the universe to my will. And typically, because I am a white male, well educated, fairly affluent, and an American, this is more true than not. Except last night.

But then we are going to a country where people are subject to the whims of the world, nature, politics, and economic issues over which they have no control. We are going to a people who more often than not do not get what they want, in fact they just hope to get by. They have no illusion that they are in control.

Perhaps I have something important to learn from this trip. No it's not just about helping those less fortunate. It's not just about having my heart opened to the terrible conditions that so many in this world live with daily. It's not about even making some noise and getting others to help. Maybe I will learn something about those issues surrounding will and willingness. Maybe I will be able to appreciate the reality that the world does not revolve around me. Maybe I will have my heart opened to a healthy humility that will serve me well as I grow older and become less in control (bodily functions included).

We are trained to be the titans of our universe, but maybe the real titans are the ones who know they are unable to change the world, and yet they get up each day and offer themselves in this slog called life. And in doing so they do ignite a spark, a spirit that is the hope not yet seen.

Peace!

Tomorrow

2009-07-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

The sun will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar or so sings Little Orphan Annie. Yet the promise of tomorrow carries no guarantees does it? Despite Annie's optimism, it doesn't mean that the world is getting better every day.

Tonight my son's transmission went south on him. He is depressed to say the least. He lives for the opportunity to drive, and he is looking at a big bill, maybe bigger than he can afford. Yet, he is fortunate that he lives in a family that will offer him support and encouragement. How many are out there who have to make it on their own? How many are living with a fear of tomorrow because today has stolen their hope? How many aren't worried about whether a car will run, but whether they will run out of all hope?

I wish I had an easy answer to the failures of the world. To be honest we cannot manufacture hope or create optimism, because eventually despite our Annie sized hearts we will come face to face with the limits of our abilities.

Yet, this is not an "all hope is lost" diatribe. Ultimately, hope is born out of faith, and faith is the stuff of which we cannot see (Hebrews 11.1). As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5, our current suffering does not need to lead to despair. Rather than working forward from what is, we are asked to work backwards from what has been promised. Living from this perspective, no matter our current disappointments, we can imagine that there will be a day when the tide will turn.

I don't know what is going to happen to my son's transmission, and I don't know how our current difficulties are going to be resolved, but I do know that many of my current problems are of little consequence when I compare them against the hope that would be our guide. I hope we can look beyond what is, to see what is coming just beyond the horizon.

Peace,

Pal

2009-07-07T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hating Haiti?

In just a few days I will be heading off to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. I have seen extreme poverty before in the dumps of Tijuanna, Mexico, but I imagine the pervasiveness of poverty in Haiti will be something that will simply smack me in the face.

I think it is time for me to get smacked in the face. It is so comfortable and comforting to imagine that being the church is simply about getting people into worship and having them support a program or two. The image that Jesus, Paul, and the martyrs give us, however, is a church on the move identifying with those who are the least among us. I cannot imagine how we have allowed ourselves to build huge sanctuaries without the same commitment to being a people of sanctuary for those on the margins. I guess I like dealing with people who are like me about petty issues rather than having to roll up my sleeves and plug up my noise as we wade into the midst of the squalor of poverty.

My biggest fear is that I will go, my heart will be touched, and I will be so exposed that I will either blow people away or be so blown away myself that I just shut down. I hope and pray that I will be able to see and to tell, so that others may have their hearts revived by the troubles of God's children in places like Haiti.

Peace,

Pal

2009-07-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Post Independence Day Musings:

As we celebrate our independence, wouldn't it be nice if we found some way to celebrate our interdependence. I mean we would not be a nation today without the support of the French during our war for independence. We would not have survived those early years without certain alliances with other European nations. The poet once said that, "No man is an island." Well, no nation is an island either. In these days of famine, terrorisim, and global ecological crisis, we would do well to realize in the famous words of Ben Franklin; "We all need to hang together or we will certainly hang separately."

How do we along with the other nations of this world deal with a nation like North Korea? How do we along with places like China look seriously at climate change. This is not a time for rugged individualism, but a chance to realize that only through cooperation with those who are different from us, can we make a livable world worthy of all of us.

I for one recognize that there are dangerous people and dangerous nations out there. We need to strengthen the organizations that can begin to address the issues behind such choices as well as provide a suffecient deterrent to those who wish to act "unwisely."

It is at times like this that I am reminded of Abraham Lincoln's response to his war minister toward the end of the American Civil War when urged to destroy the south. Lincoln responded by saying, "Do we not destroy our enemies by making them our friends." In the bitter battle between brothers Lincoln was able to lead this country into reconcilliation. How might we reconcile the various world views that are in conflict today?

I don't hae the answer, obviously, but it is time to begin asking the right questions rather than just pretending we know what is right.

Peace,
Pal