Kirkogitation

Getting away from it all

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:55:56 PST

Jesus was tired. He’d been talking and healing. People were following him everywhere. I can imagine that the pace and the crowds were sucking the life out of him. Instead of being energized by the crowd and all the hoopla, Jesus needed to recharge – away from it all.

So he disappeared. He went away from it all – to a deserted place. He probably breathed deep and took in the blessed solitude as he prayed.

And the disciples didn’t get it. They hunted for him. They had a schedule to keep. They had people to please. When they found him they even scolded him. "Everyone is searching for you."

I think others in Jesus’ situation might have said, “So?! Let everyone wait! I need a break! Just leave me alone for a little while -- I’ll find you when I’m ready for everyone.” I think Jesus probably wanted to say something like that – or perhaps something a little stronger.

Instead, I imagine he took a deep breath and said – “Let’s go. Let’s go to some of the smaller places. I think those folks need to see and hear all this, too.”

I think Jesus found a little more time to rejuvenate by traveling to the smaller places where folks hadn’t yet heard as much of him.

Good for him.

Are there times, places, and life situations where your energy is being sucked dry?
Do you need to get away from it all, take a deep breath, and experience the blessed solitude as you pray?
Do you need to go somewhere else?

What is This?

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:57:06 PST

This week's Bible reflection (Unclean Spirit) provides the challenging beginning to what is now Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"What is This?" text
"What is This?" podcast

Unclean Spirit

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 07:03:45 PST

Jesus cast out an unclean spirit from a man who interrupted him.

The ‘unclean spirit’ places in the Bible make me uncomfortable. In the time of Jesus, folks with brain disorders/mental illnesses were thought to be possessed by unclean spirits. That idea has carried through in religious circles long after medicine has identified brain disorders/mental illness and has found ways, in many instances, to treat it. The “pray away the demon” theology is harmful to folks who suffer from brain disorders/mental illness. I believe that God is capable of healing any illness – and that God has given us the ability to continually find more effective treatments to disease. Merely “praying away the demon” ignores God’s presence in medicine as well as prayer.

What doesn’t make me uncomfortable about this instance of Jesus casting out an unclean spirit is that he did it without any fancy rituals – as the healers of the day would have done – and that when the man was healed the folks “got” that Jesus was something way outside what they’d ever experienced – he was the real thing while others were just pretenders.

Jesus' way is one of restoration – not disdain. Have you ever treated someone with a brain disorder/mental illness, or any disability, as an outcast who just needed to “snap out of it?”
Jesus' way of restoration is also one that has everything to do with justice for those who are outcast.

What are you doing individually – How are you involved in community to bring restoration and justice to those who are outcast?

How Wide is Your Welcome?

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:06:31 PST

Ben D. Anderson is a friend of mine. He's also the founder of Break Through, Inc. Break Through is a non-profit organization that provides leadership training to churches, community civic groups, schools, universities, businesses, and professional groups. Ben was born with cerebral palsy, grew up in the small town of Kenmare, North Dakota. He's a 1992 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stout at Menomonie, Wisconsin and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation with an emphasis in community-based rehabilitation. Ben shared a moving and inspirational message today at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL. If you'd like more information about Ben or you'd like to contact him to have him come speak at your church or other organization, please visit his website.

“How Wide is Your Welcome?” podcast

Tea Party Jesus: Sermon on the Mall

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:20:52 PST

What do you do?

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:42:01 PST

Whenever you meet someone, you usually ask, at some point, “What do you do?” as a way to find out what their job is. It seems to be “the thing” that folks have the easiest time talking about – at least in the awkward beginnings of conversations with folks you’ve never met.

What you do? What you have always wanted to do?

If you got the opportunity to do that, how would you respond?

In this week’s Bible reading from Mark 1:14-20, Jesus came along and offered Simon, Andrew, James, and John the opportunity to do the thing that they always wished they could do – be the disciples of a rabbi. (Only the brightest and best got that honor. These four had been passed over by the other rabbis.)

They responded by going for it. They jumped at the opportunity – without a net. (Please forgive the pun – but “the left without taking their fishing nets” doesn’t have the same pun appeal)

If you discovered and knew that God was calling you in a new direction, what would you do?

Only Light, Only Love

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:35:51 PST

You Get Me

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:25:19 PST

This week's Bible reflection (A Window to the Soul) begins the sermon for Martin Luther King, jr. Sunday at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"You Get Me" text
"You Get Me" podcast

A Window to the Soul

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:25:13 PST

The psalms are true. They provide a window to the soul.

I don’t mean that everything in the psalms can be read as accurate as it expresses who God is. Instead, I mean that the psalms are true because they communicate the raw emotions of folks and their life experience. They communicate folk’s relationships with God throughout life’s journey.

The psalms also provide a window to the joy, sorrow, celebration, anguish, happiness, sadness, jubilation, and anger that God’s people have experienced. And even more, they offer a glimpse into the songs and prayers that generations, Jesus included, have sung and prayed.

Praying and singing the psalms connects a person and a community now with a person and a community that came before. Praying and singing through the joy, sorrow, celebration, anguish, happiness, sadness, jubilation, and anger help give individuals and communities a closer bond with others who have come before. They bring us closer to God.

Why not pray or sing a psalm today?

Baptized

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 10:54:59 PST

This week's Bible reflection (Locusts and Wild Honey) is about John the Baptizer. And guess what? Jesus makes an appearance in the extended version -- Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Baptized" text
"Baptized" podcast

The Darkest Hour

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 07:04:40 PST

I caught the latest "Teenagers save the world" scary film a couple of weeks back with the whole family. Here's my short review:

There's not enough movie here.

Here's a little more:

Start with something nice? Great special effects.
None of the characters have a chance to really develop. That said, Emile Hirsch is decent in the film.
Did I already say "great special effects"? I can't think of any other positives.
What would have made this film better? More story. Better character development.

Sorry for such an incomplete review. It feels just like the movie.

Locusts and Wild Honey

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:08:45 PST

John the baptizer was an outdoorsy-type. I love the rugged description of him in this week’s reading from Mark 1:4-11. Camel’s hair clothing (it’s all the rage, you know) with a leather belt (not purchased from a designer).

He sounds like the Old Testament prophet he is often compared to, and even identified with, Elijah. In 2 Kings 2:8, Elijah is described like this: "A hairy man, with a leather belt around his waist."

It’s possible that John was presenting himself as the new Elijah – the one that was here to begin the restoration of all things. It’s also possible that he lived the rugged life as a curiosity to get more people to come and investigate this strange wilderness man.

He had a diet that sounds Fear Factor-ey. (I’m so glad that TV show is back. You may disagree . . .)

“Who wants to go see the guy that eats locusts and wild honey? This should be fun!”

And while the curios were there to see the side show, they heard a message they couldn’t forget.

Return to God – be baptized – be forgiven.

Without the benefit of any of the temple priests for mediation.

Oh my. Let the trouble begin.

God’s troubling the waters.

Pigeons

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 10:43:09 PST

This week's Bible reflection from Luke 2:22-40 (New baby visit etiquette) provides good beginning advice in a year-beginning sermon for New Year's Day at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Pigeons" text
"Pigeons" podcast

New baby visit etiquette

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:23:55 PST

In case you haven't had a recent lesson in New baby visit etiquette, (you know -- what to say when you see a new baby) here you go!

Say something that sounds an awful lot like,

"What a beautiful baby! You are a special little (boy or girl) and I know that you're going to bring joy to your parents. Congratulations all of you! What a wonderful little baby."

It doesn’t have to be exactly that, but it had better be something very nice and very supportive and very positive about the baby.

Nobody is ever to say,

"What a little shriveled runt! You wonder how something so ugly will ever fit in with the rest of us. Can you imagine if everyone looked like that? What a terrible world we'd live in!"

This etiquette lesson is not at all new. Folks have been making "beautiful baby" comments since before . . . almost anything. I know that sometimes people ignore the lesson, but the life rule still applies. So in this week's Bible reading from Luke 2:22-40, the reaction of the two people who saw Jesus when his parents brought him to the temple in Jerusalem isn’t all that surprising.

Simeon was just 'moseying' around town and he had a Holy Spirit nudge to go to the Temple. Anna hung out in the Temple all the time. Both of them got to see a very young Jesus. And both of them followed the beautiful baby (or was he a toddler now?) rule. Maybe they went a bit overboard.

Simeon: "My God, my God! I can die happy now because I've seen this baby! I've seen God's salvation in this one. He's going to really make a difference in the world. Bless you, Mary and Joseph! Your baby is going to make some very happy -- others not so happy. He's going to cause quite a stir -- people's true nature will come out because of him. He'll make you very sad, too."

Well, most of what he said followed the rule. That "he'll make you sad" part went a bit outside the rules, I think.

Anna: "This is the baby! Everyone, look at this baby! Can't you see it -- he's the one who is going to change everything -- he's the one we're all waiting for!"

OK -- perhaps that one goes a little far in the "wonderful baby" department. I don't think Anna or Simeon would flower things up that much for every baby they saw in the temple. They might say some really nice things, but probably not something that 'praising.'

What do you say when you visit a new baby? What do you think you’d have said if you were in Simeon or Anna's shoes?

Steadfast Love

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:02:08 PST

This week's Bible reflection from Psalm 98 (Let the Hills Sing) leads up to Sunday's Christmas morning sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL
"Steadfast Love" text
"Steadfast Love" podcast

Checklist

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 04:57:39 PST

Here's the sermon for the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service, 2011, at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Checklist" text
"Checklist" podcast

Let the Hills Sing

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 04:14:45 PST

How many times have you seen The Sound of Music? For me, it has been too many to remember. And somehow I don’t remember the entire film clearly. I usually block out the danger and fear in the film in favor of the music. And every time I think of the film I see that sweeping shot of Julie Andrews on the hill (isn’t it the one in every advertisement for the movie?) with the beautiful song ringing, “The hills are alive – with the sound of music”

This week’s Bible reading from Psalm 98 has an undercurrent of danger, fear, and enemies. This time, however, it seems overshadowed by praise to God. It seems overshadowed by celebration. It seems overshadowed by hills that seem to be alive with music.

I so love music. It has the ability to calm, to uplift, to motivate, to jog memory, to inspire, to bring about tears, and to simply bring goodness all around.

May the hills continue to sing. May music be woven through our lives.

Let the music play.

Rihanna - We Found Love Bible Study

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:50:47 PST

My friends at Interlinc and I don't ~~always~~ often agree when it comes to politics or religion. I appreciate, though, that they still publish things I write!
A couple of months back, the Interlinc Blog published a pretty scathing post about Rihanna's "We Found Love" song and video.

So I wrote this Re:Tuned study. It's in the latest edition of the YLO 86 magazine.

Artist: Rihanna
Song: We Found Love
Album: Talk Talk Talk

By: Kirk Moore
yellowdiamonds@kirkogitation.com

Teaching Point:
Everyone is precious to God, yet some relationships are toxic.

Opening Question:
What do you miss about your most recent relationship?

Discussion:
Rihanna’s single tells the story of a relationship that seems to be based on thrill and adrenaline instead of a desire to build one another up. The relationship begins with laughter, fun, and attraction. From there, however, the couple spiral into drug abuse, fighting, possessiveness, and sadness. The vivid, graphic, sensual, and sexual video for the song tells the story with powerful emotion even as it displays images that make parents write letters. In the end the two people in this toxic relationship appear broken and defeated.

Can you recall a recent relationship that was toxic to you and to your partner? What would you like to share about it?

When you look back at past relationships, do you ever wish that, as Rihanna says at the beginning of the video, “you could have all that bad stuff back, so that you could have the good.” How does that thought make you feel?

1 Thessalonians 5:11 calls on the reader to encourage one another and build each other up. Can you describe some things that happen in a relationship that encourages and builds up?

Romans 12:10 asks that people give others more honor than they want for themselves. What would it be like if everyone did that?

Hebrews 10:24 invites folk to find ways spur one another on toward love and good deeds. How do you think you could spur someone else that way? How would you like to be spurred on?

Conclusion: Relationships are rarely perfect, but the best ones are about mutual affection, respect, encouragement, and kindness. Seek relationships like that, and please seek help from a friend, a parent, or a leader you trust if you find yourself in a relationship that is abusive or toxic.

Abraham Simpson is my hero

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:45:25 PST

I watched the Simpsons 2011 Christmas episode, “Holidays of Future Passed” last night. I think it was a great episode. Without telling too much about it, let me reveal that in it, Maggie Simpson has a baby.

And Abe Simpson has a great line.

“If there’s one day a year to give unwed mothers a break, it’s Christmas.”

I love the line – and the sentiment behind the line. Just show some love.

In this week’s Bible reading from Luke 1:26-38, the angel told Mary not to be afraid.

She was afraid.

She was in trouble. And regardless of her circumstances and why she was in them, she needed a break.

I have a feeling that if the Mary scenario were to play out today, too many people who claim to follow Jesus would look at Mary with shame instead.

It would be much better to listen to Grandpa Simpson.

I wish everyone would take off their “look at how holy I am” masks and just simply show some love.

And I would love to put a Grandpa Simpson ornament on my Christmas tree.

Great Things

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:53:59 PST

This week's Bible reflection (Sheaves) was mostly the lyrics to a song, "Bluesing in the Sheaves" that is a bluesy version (with new lyrics and the old chorus) of "Bringing in the Sheaves." We're singing the song after Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL. (And you can see what it sounds like in the video at the end of the sermon post
"Great Things" text
"Great Things" podcast (includes the congregation singing "Bluesing in the Sheaves")

Sheaves

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:21:38 PST

I wrote this line in 2008:

I think that God has given us music because even in awful times we need at least some tiny shouts of joy.

The last line of this week's Bible reading from Psalm 126 is this:

Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.

This year hasn't been my favorite, but I know that throughout the year there have been, and will continue to be, tiny shouts of joy. I'd like to bundle each tiny shout into a larger sheaf - a collection of tiny shouts of joy -- because I'm anticipating, awaiting, and hoping for the celebration to come.

I might have to sing. Joyful blues.

Bluesing in the Sheaves
Words and music by Kirk Moore – Refrain by Knowles Shaw (irr)

When God restored the fortunes of every dreaming girl and boy
Our mouths were filled with laughter – and our tongues with shouts of joy
Then everyone around here said “Our God has done great things”
We went on rejoicing – and bringing in the sheaves

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We went on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We went on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves

Well we planted seeds as tears were flowing – on our face they burned
We went to the fields weeping but there was joy when we returned
Because God restored our fortunes – And in our God we do believe
We go on rejoicing – and bringing in the sheaves

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We go on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We go on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We go on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves
We go on rejoicing – bringing in the sheaves

© 2008 Kirk Moore
all rights reserved

Speak Tenderly

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:58:41 PST

I just want to scream! I can’t believe the thing that person just said! How dare they do that! What nerve!

Or . . . perhaps try this. Speak tenderly.

I’ll tell those civil rights bashing so and so’s what they can do with their clubs and tear gas. They want to dismantle our camp? I’m committed to non violence, but I am going to shout and scream until someone listens!
Maybe it is possible to speak tenderly.

All those political debates make my blood boil. The candidates are so full of their pursuit of power that they’ll say anything to get a few more votes. They’re demeaning whole populations in order to please bigots and extremists. I’d really like to give them a piece of my mind!

I wish I had the sense to speak tenderly.

I don’t think that the call to comfort and tender speech in this week’s Bible reading from Isaiah 40:1-11 is a “this is what to do for all time” kind of instruction. I do think that it is good advice to consider in all situations, however.

What would it be like if more and more and more folk decided to speak tenderly?

Together

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:15:16 PST

This week's early Bible reflection (way back on Monday -- before Thanksgiving!) - called "Sure" provides the beginning and some of the middle stuff in Sunday's 1st Sunday of Advent sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Together" text
"Together" podcast

Returning

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:31:17 PST

It's community worship time! Tonight folks from all the congregations in Somonauk gather for our annual community Thanksgiving Eve service at Somonauk Baptist Church. Service starts at 7:00 pm. This year I'm delivering the sermon -- it's called "Returning." Y'all are invited - and if you want, bring a loaf of bread to share and stay afterwards for cookies, too!
"Returning" text
"Returning podcast

Sure

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:54:00 PST

There’s a comfort in being sure. Do you remember the 80’s TV commercial? “Raise your hand – raise your hand -- if you’re sure.”

Yes. Being sure you have worn the proper anti-perspirant – so as not to risk moisture under the arms, gives you a secure, confident feeling. A feeling of being sure.

Like the anti-perspirant commercial, I think a whole generation of people believes that being sure is best.

I’m not so sure. I think wonder, imagination, dreaming, questioning, learning, and doubting are what this world needs.

The early Christians were sure that Jesus was returning – very soon. They didn’t know exactly when, but it was definitely before they would all die. They had to be ready because it was going to happen – surely – any day.

And it didn’t.

Maybe “This generation will not pass until all these things have taken place” from this week’s Bible reading from Mark 13:24-37 isn’t about a 40 year generation. Maybe it is about “this generation” of humanity – meaning that all of humankind won’t pass before these things have taken place.

I don’t think so. I think that all who were sure that Jesus was coming back right away got it wrong.

And folks have been trying to figure out a way to be sure ever since.

Oh, but there is freedom in keeping awake and alert for what may come without being sure of any of it. There is freedom in wondering, imagining, dreaming, questioning, learning, and doubting.

I’m sure of it. :)