Kirkogitation

When it's hard to be kind

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:33:18 PST

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

Peninnah treated Hannah cruelly. She provoked her just to irritate her. What she did to Hannah was awful, unkind, unconscionable and simply mean. In this week’s reading from 1 Samuel 1:4-20, her cruelty is glaring.

I am one who seeks to live the phrase, “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey . . . you’re welcome here,” I also say, and try to live the words, “God loves everyone – not just the people you like or agree with – EVERYONE.”

And I have a real difficult time showing kindness and love for folks who manipulate, exploit, ridicule, and abuse others.

I have a real difficult time showing kindness and love for folks who make up lies, distort what other people say, use fear and hate as weapons, call some of God’s children evil names, and do it all while calling themselves Christian.

Hannah prayed. She poured out her soul to God. I wonder if she had trouble showing kindness and love for Peninnah?

I sure do.

Family

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:17:50 PST

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Functional) provided some initial thoughts for a sermon that begins with Ruth -- but explores a whole lot more. It is Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Family" text
"Family podcast

Functional

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:58:33 PST

Here's this week's short Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

According to this week’s Bible reading from Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17, here’s how Ruth family functioned:

Find a relative of your dead husband.
Follow your mother-in-law’s instructions for what to do to seek security for you and for her.
Attempt to seduce him so that he will marry you.
(Not in the reading –but part of the story: Know that he will be a just person who will honor you and who will follow the rules set up by the system.)
Get married.
Have a baby.
Give the baby to your mother-in-law to care for.
Let the baby be the grandfather of David.

What can you add to the story? What can you learn?

Wherever You Go

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:15:07 PST

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Beyond) provided the start -- but Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL goes well beyond the thoughts laid out in the short entry. Take a deep breath!

"Wherever You Go" text

"Wherever You Go" podcast

Superchick - Cross the Line Bible Study

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:43:24 PDT

Interlinc's most recent Music Video Loop Magazine (MVL67) features a Bible study I wrote for Superchick's "Cross the Line" video.

The Superchick people liked it. I hope you do, too.

Leader Guide

Artist: Superchick
URL: superchickonline.com
Album: Rock What You Got
Label: Inpop
Video: Cross the Line
Writer: Kirk Moore
Ministry: Union Congregational United Church of Christ
Location: Somonauk, Illinois
Email: kirk@revkirk.com

Theme:
Courage

Objective:
Students will discuss what holds them back from living their lives fully and completely for Jesus. They’ll be encouraged to cross the line out of their comfort zones to live fully in Jesus’ love.

Warm- up:
The Distance: Draw or mark a line on the ground. Have students stand on the line and jump forward as far as they can. (Do you remember the standing broad jump?) When they have jumped as far as they can, draw or mark a line where they just jumped to. Then invite them to try again – attempting to cross the line and jump past where they jumped before. Remind the students that this is a challenge for each of them to jump farther than they did on the try before – it is not a competition to see who can jump the farthest. Encourage them to try their hardest to cross the line they reached before.
{Alternate activity for folks who aren’t jumpers: Make some paper ‘footballs’ (triangle-shaped folded paper) and invite students to send them (with a flick of the finger) as far as they can. Then invite them to try again – challenging them to cross the line they’ve just reached . . .}
When all have had several chances to jump and jump again, congratulate them for their efforts and invite students back into the group area.

Transition:

Say: The first time you jumped, you may have gone as far as you thought was possible – or maybe you just went as far as you were comfortable trying. What was it like to attempt to go beyond where you were comfortable or where you thought possible? (Allow for some short discussion here if students seem eager.) After a short discussion time, introduce the video.
Superchick’s song, “Cross the Line” is a challenge to look beyond what we are comfortable with or what we think is impossible. It’s got some really cool jumps in it, too! (Leaders: This video is fun and exciting – a blend of a rocking Joan Jett song and a Matrix movie video.)

Play Cross the Line from Superchick

During the video, have students write down phrases that describe what stands out from scenes in the video that they’d really like to see again.

Transition:

Say: “Everybody dies – but not everyone lives.” Is the band’s favorite phrase in the song. Think about your reaction when you hear that. (Allow for a discussion if students are eager.)
Another part of the chorus has the singers talking about riding as if the police were chasing you and living as if you’d just gotten out of jail. What do you think of when you hear those words? (Allow for continued discussion.)

After a short time of discussion, introduce the Bible study.
Jesus lived a life of courage in the face of danger. He gave his life and offers us eternal life. God is the author of our salvation. There’s nothing we can do to earn it. And as sinners saved by God’s grace, we have a natural response. We courageously live God’s love through Jesus! Sometimes doing that isn’t easy and it is even sometimes scary. But it is what God calls us to do as Christians.

Bible Study:

Invite students to look up and read

2 Timothy 1:7-9
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 56:11
John 10:10

Discussion questions:

God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, yet we’re so often afraid to live out our faith. What are some ways to encourage one another to courageously live with a spirit of power, love and self-discipline?
God promises that we can do everything with the help of Christ who gives us strength. What strength do you need to love God’s love through Jesus?
The writer of the Psalm offers words of encouragement to all to trust in God and to be courageous. How does Psalm 56:11 encourage you?
What do you think it means to have life “to the full” or abundantly?

Wrap-up: Jesus came to give us life – not fear. And through God’s word we’ve found encouragement to live our lives sharing God’s love through Jesus. Let’s leave this place ready to cross that line of timidity and fear to be courageous witnesses of Jesus’ love.

(If students ask, play the video for them once again.)

Closing prayer: God who gives us a spirit of power, love and self-discipline, thank you for always hearing our prayers. Please help us to live courageously as we share God’s love with all we meet. Help us to live lives that you desire for us. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beyond

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:36:21 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

Elimelech and Naomi went with their sons Mahlon and Chilion beyond the land of Judah – the land of their ancestors, to Moab, the land of their cousins . . . cousins with a tenuous and sometimes violent past.

After their father died, Mahlon and Chilion married Orpah and Ruth from Moab, and when they died, Naomi, Orpah and Ruth were beyond the help of the system.

After traveling beyond where they had been living, Naomi went beyond the idea of self-preservation and told Orpah and Ruth to return to their families. She would live out her days in bitterness and poverty.

Though she convinced Orpah to leave and to seek the care of her family, Ruth was not convinced. She went beyond the safe route and cultural norms and she vowed to stay with Naomi no matter what.

Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi has significance well beyond her lifetime. She has been traced as the ancestor of David and Jesus, and her love for Naomi has been lifted up as an example for all to follow.

What else can you find beyond this week’s Bible reading from Ruth 1:1-18?

Have mercy!

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:47:56 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Leaving town) is just part of the buffet that is Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL
"Have Mercy!" text
"Have Mercy!" podcast

Leaving town

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:17:25 PDT

Here's this week's i.ucc Bible study blog entry:

Do you ever feel like you’ve just arrived somewhere and then it’s time to leave? It seems to happen mostly on the best of vacations. Sometimes it happens when you’re moving from one house to another or changing jobs. Maybe it happens every day where you work, study or do what it is that you do every day.

And isn’t it also all too common that when you’re on your way out, there’s something to do that can’t wait until another time.

This week’s Bible reading from Mark 10:46-52 shows both situations as they relate to Jesus and the disciples’ visit to Jericho.

They came to Jericho.
As they were leaving

No explanation of what happened. Sure, there was a big crowd following so we can make an assumption that something Jesus did attracted them, but the “They arrived. They were leaving” nature of this story leaves you wondering, “What was so unimportant about the visit?” or “What is so important about what is coming up that it makes what happened before unimportant?”

Just one more thing . . .

Jesus had just one more thing to do while he was in town. Bartimaeaus, who was anything but quiet about who he was calling and what he wanted, needed to be healed. And Jesus made sure that happened.

“Your faith has made you well.”

We could spend a whole lot of thought on that part. And it would be worth it. But let’s start by asking something that comes before that.

What transition are you near or in right now?
What is one more thing to do before you’re on the way?

Trouble

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:40:42 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Winning) provides the early thoughts for what is now this week's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, Illinois.
"Trouble" text
"Trouble" podcast

Fun

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:10:08 PDT

I'm a big supporter of fun. The folks at thefuntheory.com have produced a series of videos that reinforce the idea that fun can change people's behavior for the better. Have a look at the piano staircase:

Winning

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:41:37 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

James and John had the nickname "Sons of Thunder." Jesus gave them that nickname. Once a Samaritan village rejected Jesus. The Sons of Thunder wanted to bring fire down from heaven to kill everyone.

These two were wildmen.

In one of the bible reading for this week, Mark 10:35-45, there's a less extreme view of James and John. They wanted positions of authority when Jesus took power.

Jesus knew that what they were asking for meant suffering. These two weren't ready for that. He told them about being humble. He told them about greatness only comes in being a servant to others.

Yeah -- that's all good. The last shall be first. Turn the other cheek. Blessed are the meek - for they shall inherit the earth. Great spiritual directions.

What do they have to do with real life?

Life is about winning! The ones who win write the history. The ones who win get all the glory. The ones who win get all the money and power!

Bu the desire to win in all of life’s pursuits can and will turn things sour. The desire can and will lead a person into insensitivity. Insensitivity leads to rudeness. Rudeness leads to arrogance. Arrogance leads to callousness. And callousness leads to ruthlessness.

Jesus said "Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

Jesus came from very humble beginnings. He worked with his hands. He lived the life of a peasant. He healed people. When he made his final entry into Jerusalem, he rode on the foal of a donkey instead of a proud stallion. He gave food to the hungry and he visited the sick. When he made miracles happen he ran from the ones who wanted him to become a powerful ruler. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. Jesus let himself be crucified.

I don't think it's wrong to win or to have money. I don't think it's wrong to have fame. I don't think it's wrong to have nice homes and cars.

But it is not the model Jesus has for us.

Philippians 2:5-8 says this: Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, {6} who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, {7} but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, {8} he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death on a cross.

Having the same mind that was in Jesus is not about the competition. It is not about winning. It is about losing. It is about emptying ourselves of the things that we make more important than God.

Who Owns You?

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:35:06 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Be good) got the thought process going for me this week, but Sunday's sermon, based on the same passage, comes this week as a guest podcast from Prairie Association UCC Minister Rev. Kathy Lawes. Rev. Lawes preached today at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL.
"Who Owns You?" podcast

VeggieTales - Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 07:21:08 PDT

I've now watched the newest Bob and Larry Christmas story a couple of times. Here's my short review:

A gentle and entertaining explanation of the beginning of Santa filled with a message of giving and several laugh out loud moments.

Here's a little more

The VeggieFolk don't reveal anything that will makes kids cry -- but some older children will probably ask their parents a few questions after watching this video.
Octavius' (Mr Lunt) costumes are hilarious! Robin? Wonder Woman? Robin Hood! Genius!
Larry's attempts to make things more "Christmas-ey" in the story made me think of folks who want to boycott stores who don't use 'Christmas' in their advertising. Note to those folks: You've lost your compass.
The dog and donut song? Silly and fun, but . . . meh
This is a great video for teaching and showing the two rules: Love God -- Love everyone.

I'm looking forward to next year's "Pistachio" A veggie twist on the original 1883 Pinocchio story by Carlo Collodi.

Be good

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:17:52 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

One of my favorite things to say just after “good-bye” to folks is, with a slight wink in my eye, “Be good.” I usually get a smile and something like “not a chance” or a sarcastic “sure” in return.
I hope, however, that the fun of a “Be good” comment leaves at least a tiny grain of thought – one that challenges us at our very core to be good to one another.

In this week’s Bible reading from Mark 10:17-31, Jesus issues a reminder of just how difficult it is, if not impossible, to be good. He goes as far as to say that no one is good but God alone. He reminds one questioner – and any who heard then or read now – how impossible it is to earn any kind of ‘good points’ on our own steam.

But he does offer hope. Everything is possible with God. When we pursue the good that God is and the love that God is and the care and compassion that God is we start to taste what it is to focus not on our desire for ‘stuff,’ but rather God’s desire that all may be considered important, precious, and loved.

Be good.

Children

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 16:25:51 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Scriptural Abuse) really gets things rolling. It's a big part of the beginning of this week's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, Illinois.
"Children" text
"Children" podcast

Scriptural Abuse

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:18:16 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

Why do we use the Bible to cut people down?

It’s too easy to look at the first part of this week’s reading from Mark 10:2-16 and think, Wow – Jesus hates divorced people!

Context is REALLY important here, however.

In Palestine at the time Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, divorce was all about what the man wanted and what the man did to make the divorce happen. Women had no power in the situation. The Pharisees brought Jesus a question that was a trap. He couldn't answer it without angering some.

So he angered some. He asked them what the law of Moses said. Then he answered a different question -- without dealing with the legality of things. Jesus talked about the ideal for marriage. He talked about it in equal terms with men and women.

Equal terms.

Equal terms in marriage and divorce – and the equality of children with adults. Jesus took the trap and showed the Pharisees and the disciples that marriage was intended to build up both of the people in the marriage. He showed the Pharisees and the disciples that their rules caused trouble when they sought to use them to take power and persecute someone else.

I don't think Jesus ever intended us to take this passage of scripture and shun or chastise people who have suffered through abuse or who have lived through divorce after failed marriages. I do think that Jesus wanted married couples to take their vows seriously and to live their lives loving each other and living at peace with one another.

No one is unimportant. Everyone is valuable.

And we all must stop scriptural abuse.

People

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 12:01:39 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Writer's block) saw some revisions and many additions and now it is Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational UCC in Somonauk.
"People" text
"People" podcast

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 08:35:30 PDT

Last weekend, Cassie, Andrew and I went to see the loosely-based animated screen adaptation of Judi Barrett's 1978 book. Here's my short review:

Great fun, lots of laughs and a lesson to learn in a movie that truly works for all ages.

Here's a little more --

Leave it to a cartoon to make a grown man living in a treehouse in his Dad's backyard a little less creepy than it might have been.
Whenever Steve the Monkey 'shouted' out "Steve!" I simultaneously thought of the movies "Multiplicity" and "Up."
Mr. T deserves a significant award for his portrayal of Earl Deveraux -- maybe a Kid's Choice Award for favorite voice from an animated movie. He presence changes this movie from good to great.
I think I laughed the hardest when Steve was throwing chocolate ice cream balls.

I don't know why this movie was relegated to the September throwaway releases. It's a great film!

Please Protect our Insurance Execs

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:57:43 PDT

Will and friends offer these thoughts. (HT to Sue)

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Coming Out

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:16:49 PDT

Cassie sent me this excellent, thought provoking and hilarious video from the Deaf Performing Artists Network:

Writer's Block

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:08:45 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc:

I’m simply not sure what to think this week. Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Ahasuerus, conspiracy, plot twist and a day to give presents to the poor. Can we discover the good mixed in with evil? Can we discover kindness and love mixed together with anger and wrath? Shall I write something that attempts to present a "Mordecai in first person" monologue?

OK

I am Mordecai, the Jew. Some people say that I am a great leader. I don’t know. I am not a leader – I only know who I am. God gives me the strength to be who I am – even when things are difficult. I know who I am. And my God takes care of me.

I want to tell you about someone that makes me so proud. Her name is Esther. Many years ago, when my Uncle Abihail died, I looked on the baby Esther and knew there were great things in store for her. I adopted her. Now she is a queen! Esther knows who she is, but she must keep it a secret. If the secret of who she is came out, she would be in danger! A queen in danger . . . serving a king who is often in danger.

You see – a few years ago I discovered that there was a plot to assassinate the king. I told Esther and she told the king. The plot was foiled and the king was so happy with Esther. He did not, however, know it was I who uncovered the truth.

Well – there’s more. Several years later, a man found favor with the king. He was proclaimed to be the ‘noble’ Haman. Haman hated me. He told me I must bow to him. I would not. I bow to no man. Haman . . . was angry. He sought to have me killed. He tricked the king into thinking I and any who agreed with me were dangerous. He said we should all be killed. And the ‘noble’ Haman was persuasive.

The king agreed.

Things did not look good. But my Esther – she is a genius! She had us all hide and then she arranged to have the ‘noble’ Haman to the palace for a meal with the king and queen. And at dinner, Esther reminded the king of the time he was saved from assassination. She told him that someone had warned her of the plot. Then the king asked the ‘noble’ Haman what should be done for one who saves the life of the king.

“Put him in a Purple cloak and let him be honored by all in the streets!” said Haman.
The king agreed.

Then Esther told them that it was I – Mordecai -- who saved the king’s life.Haman’s jaw dropped all the way to the floor. He wanted to kill me and any who agreed with me!

But that was not to be. The king learned of Haman’s plot and . . . well . . . took care of things.

I was appointed trustee over Haman’s estate. Esther, me – all of our people were safe. We now celebrate a feast – called Purim. It is a time to remember when we gained relief from their enemies. We went from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday. During this time of feasting we celebrate and send gifts of food to one another and give presents to the poor.

Thoughts?

Welcome

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:18:46 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (Children) gets the 'expando' treatment and it now Sunday's (really short!) sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL
"Welcome" text
"Welcome" podcast

Online Ministry at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:13:20 PDT

“The Internet isn’t an important part of the ministry of our congregation.”

If you ask folks at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL about how the Internet impacts the ministry of the congregation, many would likely say exactly that. On Sunday morning you’ll find very little evident computer technology and no Internet use during the worship service.

Yet the Internet provides a myriad of opportunities for folks in the congregation to be engaged in God’s ministry with each other, with the community and throughout the world. Over the past few years, we’ve found new ways to reach out to folks online through a number of resources:

A church website that is continually updated with events, pictures, ministries, worship opportunities, sermons (text and podcasts) as well as links to United Church of Christ websites.
A church blog that offers the even more frequent updates
A church Facebook page that invites church members and friends to have online conversations about church life and to see even more frequent updates.
A church myUCC group that is new and ready for new folks arriving at the United Church of Christ’s new online social network.
A pastor’s blog that includes weekly Bible study thoughts as well as the usual “what’s on the pastor’s mind” blog entries.
The pastor’s twitterfeed
Sermon podcasts on the pastor’s blog as well as in iTunes

Each avenue of engagement provides an opportunity to reach folks in a manner many use now, and more will use in the future. Our small, rural congregation, where a little less than a hundred attend worship on a weekly basis, sees website traffic of 50-60 hits a week (per sitemeter) and has made connections with 40+ folks on Facebook. The sermon podcasts have about 40 subscribers (per Feedburner statistics) and the new myUCC group has . . . well . . . that one hasn’t grown much at all yet.

Internet ministry isn’t the only or even the primary way folks connect at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, but it is already a vital part of the life of the church and an avenue of connection that will continue to grow.

Internet ministry at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, Illinois:

New
Vital
Growing

Children

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:29:05 PDT

Here's this week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc!

When Jesus walked the earth, children held little, if any social value. They were necessary as people who would someday grow up and become productive, of course, but until then, children were insignificant – as valuable as trash.

And Jesus took a little child in his arms and said to his disciples, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me."

Today children are talked about, at least, as people of incalculable value and as people who are not only important as future participants in the world, but as participants in life NOW. (I know I am simplifying things far too much. There are too many cases of treating children as if they didn’t matter in our world. The rhetoric may have gotten better, but we’re still a ways away from living up to what we say.)

A comparison with children in Jesus’ time and in our time doesn’t seem fair. So is a view of Jesus actions as only relating to the importance of children fair?

Jesus talked about the ones society saw as insignificant and worthless as those -- as one whose welcome is as significant as welcoming God.

I love how Jesus calls us to treat others with love and acceptance -- regardless of what artificial status or greatness we give them. Jesus calls us to love everyone -- no exceptions.

Christ

prouddog@aol.com (Rev. Kirk Moore) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:26:28 PDT

This week's Bible study blog entry for i.ucc (When the right answer is wrong) is now expanded as it has become Sunday's sermon at Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Somonauk, IL
"Christ" text
"Christ" podcast