ONE SMALL PLACE IN THE WORLD

Map for the 2011 CROP Walk

2011-02-22T16:16:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready for the 2011 Berkeley CROP Walk. Here is the 10k that we will be walking together on Sunday, April 3rd

View Larger Map

CROP Walk

2010-03-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

On April 25 our church will be participating in a CROP walk. Here is a map of the 2.8 mile walks that we will be doing.

View Larger Map

Standing Up for Children - Sunday, November 8

2009-11-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am doing something this coming Sunday (November 8) for the sake of all those kids I have sung with over the years and who I will sing with in the future and all those kids that just need a song... I will be joining with people all over the US on a Stroller Brigade. I will be joining others at the San Francisco City Hall to send a message that all our kids need health care from the time they are born. The new healthy care reform does not guarantee this for all our kids. Join Myrna and me as we push a stroller for health care for all our children.

How to Video - how to turn Max into Mommy... Abracadabra

2009-06-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I end up spending lots of time with Max when everyone else is busy with their stuff. I must say it is quite a treat. So we do lots of our stuff... included in this is making videos it seems. Today while at Blue Canoe Coffee and Tea we came up with a game where we change each other into other people. It is pretty tricky so don't be surprised if Max turns you into something next time you see him. Enjoy!

What we learn at Sea Ranch

2009-06-16T14:57:00.000-07:00

We are at The Sea Ranch for our 21st Family Adventure. We keep adding new members to the Family. This year we have 17 folks (but we are so sorry that John Chase can't come because he is preaching every Sunday this Summer). We learn so much each year. This year Max (3 1/2) learned the family trick of hanging a spoon on the nose. You really need to learn this to fit in. Valentina gets here on Thursday so I will try to find a spoon to fit her little nose. Maybe we can get some "how-to-video" footage for the Blog.

Folk Music Class at BAM

2009-02-22T23:47:00.001-08:00

Peter's Test - March 16, 2008

2008-03-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

So, what is it about us human beings? What's going on with people like Eliot Spitzer who have so much to loose but can not resist self defeating activities?

We look at the story about Peter and his heart breaking denial of his friend Jesus. You can look at the passage in Matthew 26:69-75. Peter was one who led the way in laying down of cloaks for Jesus in the same breath can in a curse, denied even knowing the guy. In seeing what God is doing in Peter's life maybe we can understand our own journey this Holy Week.

You can listen to the sermon on the embedded player. Thanks for listening...

"Lazarus Laughed" March 9, 2008

2008-03-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

You can find this weeks story in John 11:1-45.

I got the idea for the theme of this sermon from a play by Eugene O'Neill. In his play "Lazarus Laughed" he takes up the story of the life of Lazarus of Bethany where the bible leaves off... "unbind him and let him go...".

O'Neill has an interesting insight that Lazarus' deep sense of thanksgiving and joy brings a new kind of laughter to his life. This new gift of laughter not only changes him but is infectious to his community and everyone who comes in contact with him. In the sermon we reflect on this gift of profound, God inspired, I can believe my good fortune, laughter. We end with wondering what our lives might look like when we are "unbond and let go" as we are given new life by God.

You can listen to the sermon here.
It seems to be taking about 10 sec. for this recording to start. Thanks for listening...

3-9-08.m4a

Finding Jesus - 2/24/08

2008-02-26T08:26:00.001-08:00

A better ending...

It is one of those weeks when I can't let go of last weeks sermon until I write a better ending. This particular sermon was delivered on the occasion of the baptism of Anders Berend Koop Elson. Now it's time to put this sermon too bed.

The text is Luke 2:41-52. It is the story of Jesus at 12 when his parents lost him for 3 days in busy Jerusalem during passover.

The story is one that we think Luke received from Mary (where else would it come from?). The story is about Jesus' "human" days with his human family. My reading of the text makes me think this could have been the story of many Jewish families who where raising their children up in the Faith; an exposer to the stories of the faith at an early age, participation in the life of the synagogue and it's people, going up with the community for the yearly celebration of Passover. A devote family indeed but not unusual in their village. It was their way of life... it was their life and it is in this climate that Jesus was being reared.

Now one of my questions of this text is why, of all the stories that could be told of Jesus' growing up years, did Luke decide to put this one in his "orderly account" of the life of Jesus?

I have two responses.
For one, Jesus was found, after three days, totally lost in the Stories. This is a 12 year old boy who did not find the stories of his faith unwanted homework but a fascinating and living history of God's (his father's) redemptive work in the world. It was the time of Passover and the stories of the Exodus where being told and discussed. I think it was Jesus' fresh reading of God's powerful and faithful action to save his people against all human odds that amazed those who heard his joy and insights.

In Jesus' day, a mother taught her son for the first couple of years. As a young child the father would take over this teaching responsibility. At 12 a boy moved into adulthood. Now his teacher became the text, those old stories of God's redemptive work in his world; the work of love and justice - of compassion and grace - of freedom and faithful service. It was this text that was to lead him as he entered into the work of his Father in the world.

I also think Luke included this story of Jesus at 12 to engage the all important 12 year old audience. What 12 year old, who has been given the opportunity to "wonder" about this story, has not delighted in the contours of how it plays out; on his own for three days in the big city, impressing everyone with his wit and insights, even the freedom to respond to his parents with a little 12 year old "I know it all" sarcasm. Mary reminds us that he was a good boy (he was obedient to them) but Luke reminds us he was a 12 year old in all the glory of one coming to himself as he grows up in the wisdom and knowledge of God. What a role model to have at 12! I think Luke wanted more 12 year olds (and kids in general) getting up close and personal with this amazing Jesus.

So the new ending... You can check out the recording of the sermon to hear the new end (when I get it posted). I got so crazy about what I missed that I went back in the studio (well the sanctuary) to rerecord.

Enjoy... and as always drop me an email, or call me, and let me know what you think.

Recording coming soon...

Called Like Abraham - 2-17-08

2008-02-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we took a look at the call of Abraham to be a Blessing in this world. The questions we asked of the text ranged from "what was it about God's promise that would be compelling enough to get Abraham to leave his comfortable, manageable life?" to "what was it in Abraham, or in us, that allows someone to be a blessing even when it does not serve us well?" As you listen to the sermon I hope it will draw you into places where you might risk yourself in a quest to enter into God's work of blessings all of creation.

It seems to be taking about 20 sec. for this recording to start. Thanks for listening...

Singing about peace...

2007-11-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

I have been teaching music to the three kindergarten classes at Berkeley Art Magnet School in Berkeley for the past few months. The teachers and principle say they really value what I am doing with the kids. This is great. I love being able to serve the children of our neighborhood. I thought you might like to see my latest posting on my "Little Bird Music for Kids" blog. I am amazed at all countries represented by people accessing my kid music blog.

Reporting from my small place on the corner of Virgina and Milvia in Berkeley.

I have been playing this old negro spiritual for as long as I have been playing music with kids. It is an upbeat song with lots of great hand motions. I like the positive affirmation that we get to sing of having "peace like a river", "joy like a fountain", "and love like an ocean... in my heart".

I have changed the words from soul to heart when I sing this song with school kids. When using hand motions it makes more sense to say heart and touch your heart with both hands than to try and explain what a soul is to kids (like I know).

You can listen to me and my 7 year old granddaughter singing the song on this player. (My granddaughter has been singing "backup" in a kids country band which might account for the "twang" that she insist on adding to all my songs.)

Peace River.mp3

I've Got Peace Like A River
I just play a simple G C D progression

Verse 1:
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my heart
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river
I've got peace like a river in my heart

Verse 2:
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain
I've got joy like a fountain in my heart (x2)

Verse 3:
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean
I've got love like an ocean in my heart (x2)

After singing each verse we combined all the verses (peace like a river, joy like a fountain, love like an ocean in my heart). This requires the kids to follow directions and listen more closely. Often we end the song like this... I've got peace, joy, love, like a river, fountain, ocean... starting very slowly and finishing singing very fast. Makes for some grand silliness.

Here are the hand motions...
peace = make the 2 finger peace sign
river = dance fingers along in from of you like running river water
joy = use fingers to make a smile on your face
fountain = smash hands together and lift to the sky like splashing water
love = hug yourself
ocean = churn hands make a breaking wave motion
heart = bring both hands to your heart

A note about authorship.
Most everyone list this song as traditional negro spiritual but I have found a couple of references to the song being written by Mosie Lister. If Mr. Lister did write the song here is the copy write information.

©1970 Mosie Lister Songs (Admin. by The Copyright Company)
All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
CCLI song #3247635

sunday reflections: a widow, seven dead husbands, angels, the bush story and my friend beva

2007-11-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

I DID IT!!!
I guess I should not get so excited about being able to record my sermon on Sunday, but I am. After all those years of sermon tapes (I just tossed out a few hundred old tapes) I am now putting digitally recorded sermons on my blog. This means... first that I will never have to throw out a sermon tape again =] and that anyone, anytime, anywhere (they have an Internet connection) can listen to what I am saying to my people on Sunday mornings. I think that is very cool...

This week I shared my thoughts (and findings) about the story of some Sadducees (high minded, well healed Jewish leaders) who are trying to sidetrack Jesus from a very successful entrance into Jerusalem earlier in the week (Luke 20:27-38). Most of the sermon reflects on why I think Jesus shakes his head at the question from the sadducees thinking what "sad-duc-ees" they are. I also shared a story about my wonderful friend who is teaching me about what Jesus means when he says; "in God, they are all alive!"

Enjoy!

To download the message just click on this LINK . It is in "MP3" format.

sunday reflections: thoughts about sycamore wood pews

2007-11-06T15:55:00.000-08:00

I ended my thoughts to the congregation on Sunday with a proposal.

What if we replace our pews with sycamore trees? You know, the trees made famous in the story of Jesus and the vertically challenged Zacchaeus. (I even shared my "wishful thinking" that possibly our pews were made of the wood of this holy, unpredictable, in cahoots with Jesus, tree.)

I know this seem like a radical idea but think about it...

a sycamore orchard in our church would have many advantages.

It certainly would give our church some attention. It is one thing to tell people we are a multicultural church. When I share with folks about our church they find it interesting but their interest seldom gets them to church for a visit. Telling them we have planted a sycamore orchard in our sanctuary - now that would be an irresistible "come and see." I guess usher duties would include tree trimming and some cultivation training.

Another plus - I understand that the sycamore tree that Zuccheaus climbed produced a fig like fruit. This could be a great fund raiser for the youth. They could set up a stand at the farmers market selling "sanctified sycamore figs." It might also encourage a switch from grape to fig juice. Fresh fig juice must be good for you. One of the drawbacks is the fact that only this one kind of little wasp can fertilize the fruit of the tree but I can see another youth fund raiser coming on... insect repellent?

I could see there would be more advantages. With all that extra oxygen trees produce it would be much easier for people to say awake during sermons and we would not have to drive anywhere to have a church picnic.

Now, understanding how the church works, there will have to be committees formed to deal with new issues posed by our unique sanctuary furnishings. There would mostly likely be a "tree cushion fund" committee formed and of course a liturgical decoration committee that will have to figure out how to decorate our trees for the Advent season (ornaments? lights? fake snow?). We will also have to figure out ways to receive the offering with folks sitting in trees (long handles attached to the collection plates? a sophisticated pulley system? paper airplanes?)

Now this is all very interesting to me but let me get back to why I made my proposal.

It seemed to me that the reason Jesus called out to Zacchaeus was because he was so ready for Him. Here's Zacchaeus, robe pulled up to his knees, dropping all pretensions, up in the trees with the children of the village, hanging over the road, waiting for Jesus.

I don't think he had any idea where this would lead but it he was ready. When Jesus does call to him he about falls out of the tree and after breaking bread with Jesus in his home he enters a new place in his life.

That day Zacchaeus was welcomed at the table of the family of God (a child of Abraham) and he moved from the Kingdom of Disproportion (Walter Brueggermann's description of our unjust, commercial driven, anxiety filled world) to the Kingdom of our God and of His Christ. He transfers his dependence on the power of money for the loving embrace of God's grace.

That salvation came to Zacchaeus' house that day was not only good news for his family but good news for the whole village. What with 1/2 of the richest man in town's money being fed into the social welfare system all those poor kids would now have proper health care. That would be good news in any land.

I have an active imagination. Before I made my proposal of an orchard in the sanctuary I could already see my people perched on their sycamore branches, waiting for Jesus' call, anticipating where God would lead them next. It made my words more important. You are careful of what you say when you think people are listening.

It seems to me that this is the way we should be coming to church. The church pews should be a dangerous place where we have put ourselves within ear shot, within sight, of Jesus' words that shake the world and shake our lives. We should be sitting on the edge of our pews, like sycamore branches we have climbed, teetering on every word Jesus says, and we should be ready to climb down from the pew when called that we might enter into the good work God is doing in the world.

reporting from my small sycamore branch in the world

32nd Annual Lessons and Carols at SFTS

2007-11-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

Myrna and I have attended Lessons and Carols at SFTS many times. It is a wonderful way to start our reflections during Advent. We are planning on going on Sunday, December 2. If others would like to join us we might be able to go up early getting to see the campus and have dinner together. Let me know if you are interested.

32nd Annual Lessons and Carols at SFTS: "San Francisco Theological Seminary will once again host its Advent/Christmas service Dec. 1-2 at 7 pm. The theme for this year's candlelight service is 'Illumination' taken from Isaiah 60:19. Will feature readings from scripture and special music, with each 'lesson' concluding with congregational singing of carols. Reception outside on the Geneval Terrace will follow. Free. Arrive early for good seating."

sunday reflections: "out of memory"

2007-11-06T09:49:00.000-08:00

darn modern technology. I have been trying to record my sermons lately for a number of reasons.

One, I am taking a Dr. of Ministry Class in January and I have to present a couple of recent sermons for class examination - Ugh :( have not done that in awhile.

Two, It is good for me to listen to past sermons. I am not saying it is always fun but it is good to hear what comes out of my mouth after all that planning and work. I have a tendency to throw in more than I sometimes intended in my notes. Recording sermons (and knowing I will have to listen to them later) has had a positive effect on the quality of the sermons (in my partner's estimation as well as my own).

Three, I hope these recorded sermons are helpful for those who miss a Sunday or want to "review" and see if I really said what they thought I said.

Anyway... with all good intentions I was not able to record the sermon this past Sunday. When I went to push the record button on my little digital recorder I got the message "out of memory." This was not good news for a pastor just standing up to preach his "without notes" sermon. It was such a relief when I realize that the memory issue was the recorder's and not mime that not being able to record the sermon seemed a very small problem.

Anyway... I have taken care of the memory problem and have great hopes of recording next week's sermon.

not recording from my small place in the world

sunday reflections: good guys, bad guys, a royal flush and ¡No más!

2007-10-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

He moves closer to the gilded card table. God does not look up, he is busy with all the Godly things that keeps God so busy. He steps closer and ask God if they can play a hand of poker. God says there is no need, "just head on over to the banquet feast, we have been waiting for you." He moves in closer and with a whisper, "God, you will not believe the cards I'm holding. Can't we play just one hand?" God makes a sweeping jester towards the banquet, "no need, just join the party. It's all prepared for you." The pharisee presses his case, "But I have a hand even you won't believe. Look, the ace of spades - perfect attendance and the king of spades - fasting you know." God places his hand on the hand of the Pharisee, "Your cards are no good here. The house always wins. You know that. Don't play me..." With one last rejected plea the Pharisee turns from the gilded table intent on playing his hand.
_________________
This past Sunday I shared my reflections on the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the temple praying. It is one of the stories that the teacher Jesus shares with the folks who have been following him on his way to Jerusalem. This particular story is addressed to,"those who can be a bit self righteous at times and find some joy in pointing out a scoundrel with they see one." Speaks to me...

You can find this teaching of Jesus in Luke 18:9-14. There is a link to the text here.

If you want to listen to the message just press the play arrow below. Just before I started the sermon a couple of kids came running though the Sanctuary obviously playing hid and seek. After asking them to leave it dawned on me that they are not the only ones playing hid and seek in church today. Aren't we all playing a bit of a hid and seek with God? It's a favorite game of us humans.

To download the message just click on this LINK . It is in "MP3" format.

Please, please let me know of any problems you have listening to the message. This is an experiment and I would like to work out the bugs.

Reporting on the text from my(our) small place in the world

Singing and Dancing for Peace!

2007-10-27T21:16:00.000-07:00

Events are always better when shared with those you love!

Today I had the pleasure of marching for peace with my wife, youngest son and his girl friend.

The pleasure was being able to not only join with what is estimated to be 30,000 people committed to peace but also to spend time with three of the most incredible people I know.

I am so thankful for all the work the organizers did to pull this event off. They were able to get all those independent minded peace groups together for a common cause. For a day 30,000 people marched in unity for 2 miles through the streets of San Francisco in a peaceful demonstration of defiance.

Because we were with two young people of color we were asked to join the front of the march. This was great because this was where the action was. For the entire two hours of the march we sang, chanted, protested with a "die-in" in respect for those who have died, and we danced (you can get a feel for the dance in the video of my son and a strolling troubadour).

I would love to tell you more about my son and his girl friend but this is my blog and not their's. It is enough to say that I feel very good about putting the future of our world in the hands of young people like them. They are smart, passionate and committed to causes of justice for those who are being left behind and besides, they make everything we do more fun. (again, check out the video)

I guess the very best best part of the day though was getting to spend time with my wife doing something we both feel so strongly about. I don't know how I got so lucky to find a partner who shares my values and my heart.

I am glad I made that promise to my grandkids this summer to speak out against the insanity of these past 5 years of war. I hope they will be inspired by what we have done to join with us when it is their time to stand up and try to make a difference for good.

Reporting, with tired feet, from my small place in the world.

marching for peace!

2007-10-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

Now is the time to set your alarm for the march!
A time to stand up for Peace.

Meet at the North Berkeley Bart at 9:30am.

Put on your best walking shoes for a 1.8 mile march
from the SF Civic Center to Dolores Park.

Join with 1os of 1000s of others all over the country
calling on our leaders to find a new way to Peace!

reporting for peace from my small place in the world

join us on the march this saturday - October 27

2007-10-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday I will be joining with some of my family as we marching with 1000s of people from the San Francisco Civic Center to Dolores Park. You can get more information about this national event here.

I know this will not stop the war in Iraq but I do feel our leaders need to know that many American's want them to find a new way to bring about peace in our world. As a Christian I believe I need to stand up for what I believe. I what our leaders to know that I will vote for them if they take the risk of standing up for peace.

I also know I will not agree with everything that is being said by people who speak out at the march but I do join them in seeking a new way of peace.

If you would like to join us in the march give me a call. We will be meeting at the North Berkeley BART at 9:30am on Saturday. 510-435-4264

preparing to march in my small little place in the world

The Great "Multicultural" Jesus Feast!

2007-10-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

If you want to get a feel for what life is going to be like in God's Kingdom you'd best find a good feast. I give that advice after reading and studying the bible for many years. You can't miss it. A feast is Jesus' favorite way of inviting us to celebrate good news. From long days on the mount to the return of wayward sons the feast is Jesus' preferred metaphor to help us understands God's generous blessing.

I am guessing that humans have understood the importance of the feast, as the required element of moments of celebration, from the time we figured out how to prepare a menu. The difference from Jesus' feast and the human feast is who we find around the table.

Most if not all our feast have a carefully planned invitation list that includes family and friends with a few neighbors scattered about. Jesus seems to have an open invitation policy for all the banquet feast that he presides over with the notable presence of strangers and outcast, sojourners, widows and folks that never ever got invited to a feast before.

So let me tell you about the unusual "Jesus Feast" we are hosting at Calvary this week.

The food will be provided by all the invited guess with a great deal of help by some professional chefs. At this first banquet cooking class we will be specializing in foods from China.

The guest list will include a diverse group from Calvary as well as strangers (soon to be friends) we met at the Spice of Life Festival. Wouldn't you love to join our feast? It's an open invitation, Jesus style.

I think Jesus will be pleased at what we have learned about putting on a Jesus Feast.

If you want to be part of this banquet feast, or future feast, let me know. 510-435-4264

Reporting from my small (but tasty) place in the world.

Chinese Cooking Class - October 26, 2007

2007-10-23T15:42:00.001-07:00

Learn to Cook!

(and eat it, too!)

Join Us for a Fun and Delicious

Hands-On Cooking Class

Featuring

Traditional Chinese Fare

Pork and Vegetable Potstickers

Crispy Spring Rolls

Stir-Fried Chinese Vegetables

Shrimp Fried Rice

Sushi

Chinese-style Tapioca

Bring a Friend!

Kids are Welcome!

$10 food donation, limited space

Thursday, October 25, 6pm

Calvary Presbyterian Church Kitchen

1940 Virginia Ave, Berkeley

Call 510.435-4264 or Email office@calpresberkeley.org

reflections from sunday - a widow, a judge, rodney king, mother watson & faith

2007-10-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

Being the co-pastor of a small multicultural church is never dull. My duties range everywhere from being an emergency plumber to spending an afternoon comforting a 90 year old friend by his hospital bed. I love working with youth, playing folk music with kindergardners, teaching new member classes, discovering the complexities of being multicultural, moderating our boards and helping guide our committees.

But of all the things I do the most important one comes together on Sunday morning.

I have been set apart by my community, both local and national, to spend much of my time digging into words and stories of our text. I was supported by the church to go to seminary to learn the skills of Biblical study. All week long I have the passages for the coming Sunday on my mind and in my heart. As I wrestle with the text I look for the word that will help my community (as well as me). I look for the word that God would have us hear. On Sunday morning I step out from among the community to share my reflections on their behalf.

This past Sunday we looked at the parable of the widow and the unjust judge.

You can find this teaching of Jesus in Luke 18:1-8. There is a link to the text here.

If you want to listen to the message just press the play arrow below.

To download the message just click on this LINK . It is in "wma" format.

Please let me know of any problems you have listening to the message. This is an experiment and I would like to work out the bugs.

Reporting on the text from my(our) small place in the world

Holy Communion, George, Accessorizing, Bill O’Reilly, Free Samples, and GOD (in caps)

2007-10-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Please don't mention a word of what I am about to say to the polity folks in my presbytery. I am always telling my interns to say as they say and not as I say and do when it comes to communion. At least not until they are ordained.

This week Holy Communion made The San Francisco Chronicle. My friend called me and said, "can you believe it? Communion on the front page of the Chronicle!" and he added, "I would love to see your take on it.” So here goes...

Lots of folks from fellow Catholics to Bill O'Reilly where apparently offended even appalled by the Archbishop of SF allowing two members of the sisters of perpetual indulgence to receive Holy Communion a few Sundays ago. (I used to share beer, peanuts and theological conversation with the archbishop on many Wednesday afternoons at his Seminary in Camarillo in the mid 80s. He was Father George at the time. Good guy but he never seemed like the San Francisco type to me.) I can see how the actions of The Sisters could be offensive. I enjoy their antics at parades and their outlandish accessorizing but only from a distance. I am guessing that some of the details of their lifestyle I would find offensive to my sensibilities. But that is not the point of this blog, it is about communion and who gets it.

I am a little disappointed in Father George in that he felt like he needed to apologies for his actions at worship on October 7^th. (Someone videoed part of the worship service/scene of the crime on their mobile phone. So 2007! See for yourself.)

From what I have read and seen I don’t think I would have withheld communion to these two men/women on that day. I think Father George did the right thing in serving them. Instead of an apology I wish he would have issued a clarification of his actions. What a great teaching moment, on the front page of the SF Chronicle. Go for it church man! I would have loved it if he had changed the focus from the people involved in the act to the God of Grace and Mercy and Love.

I am not surprised that the article in the Chronicle focused mostly on the people. (I do think the article was a good one that treated the church's position fairly). What else is their in our world? Father George senses trouble in the ranks. He issues an apology. In his apology he said he didn't recognize either as wearing "mock religious garb.” Looking at the video I find that hard to believe. I guess only in San Francisco a couple of guys can dress like crazy, white faced, psychedelic nuns for church and have no one notice. (Hu... I wonder what his regular nuns look like?) Good ole Bill O’Reilly sees a choice opportunity to rail against those Godless, left wing, left coast liberal freaks. what's new? But what about God?

Holy Communion is not about us, it’s all about God. It’s about the grace of God that has the power to transform us. It’s about our holy meal that we believe gives us the nourishment we need for the journey. It’s about that audacious claim of Christians that around this table we find the grace we need to be a family, in spite of ourselves.

Now for my confession but no apology. (This is the part I don’t want cut and pasted to my Presbytery Executive)

My denomination requires that we Presbyterian ministers only give communion to people who have been baptized. In our invitation to the table we are to say, “all those who are baptized” before we invite folks to receive the elements. It says it right in The Book of Order I can not do this. My invitation has always gone something like, “All those seeking after God…” or “All those seeking to come closer to Christ…” “…are invited to this table of God’s grace.”

I remember the first time I officiated over the communion table and saying “only the baptized” words. In reflection I regretted that I had limited anyone from coming to the table and I vowed to never participate in the required act of fencing our holy table again. I guess, as a good Presbyterian and parliamentarian, I should do what it takes to change our Book of Order to allow this but I don’t want to do that either. Time is short and I guess I believe the only folks who should care about my illegal invitation are those who act on the invitation and come to receive the grace of God, even in their pre-baptized state.

I guess I could sum up my theological stance on Communion and Baptism and who we invite to the table with; “I am a big fan of free samples!” (just watch me at Trader Joes…)

If your product is good enough it will sell itself and what an incredible product I am hawking on the first Sunday of the month! (only once a month?!?! That is another grip of mine but I have not figured out how to sneak that into the service each week with no one noticing.)

I believe Communion is an effectual, evangelist sacrament. I have seen way too many people receive that little piece of Hawaiian Sweet Bread and plastic cup of Welch’s Grape Juice with tears in their eyes not to believe that God is at work in this meal, that God is not present in some mysterious, powerful way when we come to God’s table of grace.

To heck with what people think, this is about God and God’s presence in our Holy Meal. So what if some crazy, passionate, defiant, justice seeking, fully accessorized San Franciscans come to the table asking to be fed. Why in the world would you want to send them away denying them a generous portion of God's grace for the living of their lives? As my friend Piece Pettis says in a song, they might not believe in God, but God believes in them.

I am hoping that Father George’s apology was one of those “it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission things" and that when this all dies down he will do the same thing again.

I was pleased by the email that one of The Sisters (sic) wrote to the Archbishop. The Sister goes by the name of Delta Goodhand, I hope she was, "Just a quick note to recognize the wonderful mass yesterday at your Church. Your entire congregation was so welcoming and it was great to be able to participate. You are a wonderfully inclusive Church." Preach it brother… yer Sister… what ever…

Reporting from my small but fascinating place in the world…

PS you might want to check out my friend monte's take on this same event Just click here

time to stretch, check my pulse, look back, look ahead & set a course for the future

2007-10-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

Warning... if you are not my mom you might find this post a little on the boring side as in "why do I care?", but if you do get through it I would appreciate; any helpful hints in shaping this "work in process", as well as your prayers.

I just turned 55. I am in my 9th year serving in my present church and my 26th year of ordained ministry. I am at a point in my life where I am anticipating 10 more years of full time paid work in the church. This year my wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary and our youngest of 6 children went off to college. (whew... with a wipe of the brow and a sense of accomplishment) My church is in good shape. We know who we are, which I think is a huge accomplishment, but maybe a little weak is seeing where we are going.

In this context it seems like a good time for me to reflect, recharge and open myself to where God will lead in the next decade of my journey of faith as well of the journey of those with whom I travel. Sabbatical Time!!!

For the past two years I have been trying to get one of those big fat Lilly Foundation grants to fund a sabbatical. It was fun looking at all the wild possibilities of having $40,000 of sabbatical cash but I must admit I got a little tired just planning all the wild possibilities of spending that kind of loot.

Now I am on plan B and it feels more like me. More time on a bike than a plane and retreat time on the Northern California coast instead of Bali.

The new plan revolves around a D.Min. class at Fuller Seminary (preaching taught by William Willimon), the Presbyterian version of the 8 day CREDO Retreat (To provide opportunities for clergy to examine significant areas of their lives and to discern prayerfully the future direction of their vocation as they respond to God's call in a lifelong process of practice and transformation), and the possibility of attending a conference for pastor's and their significant others in doing ministry in the small church (funding by the Lily Foundation, thank God for lily).

If I attend all these events this leaves me with about 9 weeks (does that sound sweet) for reading and writing for my D.Min class, taking some unhurried weekends away with Myrna (my most significant other), attending worship in some interesting places where I am not leading, journaling, being spiritually directed, working my garden, playing my guitar and with my grandchildren, sprucing up my old dissertation for self- publication, and of course, riding my bike. Have you started to drool yet?

At this point I am looking at taking this time "away" from mid-April to through mid-July. I would also take a week off at the end of January to take the D.Min. class. As always, details have to be worked out with my Session and our trusty occasional preachers of whom are so found of.

truly a report from my one small place in the world...

the post in the dirt - a modern day fairy tale

2007-10-08T22:08:00.001-07:00

As an eleven year old boy I was totally taken by the movie "The Sword in the Stone." It's the fairy tale of a small (skinny) little boy who's true identity was hidden until he was able to remove the king's sword from the stone. A little skinny boy who is really heir to the King. What an exciting thought for an eleven year old (69 lb.) me. Every time I went to Disneyland I approached the stone (as seen in the picture to your right) but my true identity remained hidden.

This past Sunday was our "Opportunity to Serve" day at Church. A couple times a year we invite our congregation to stick around after church to help with family chores at our church home.

We changed light bulbs, did some gardening, polished pews and woodwork, did major repair on some lighting standards, washed some windows and much more but surprisingly the focus of much of our day's work was spent removing two misplaced posts in the front of the church.

Now this did not seem like much of a job. The post were just 6 foot tall wooden 4x4's which had been put in cement a couple of months ago for the mounting of a sign that was not to be. Removing them was almost an afterthought. "Hey, and by the way, lets pull those post out while we are at it."

Seemed simple enough. To make the job easier someone had the foresight to bring one of those big heavy pointed steel rods you use for breaking up cement or rocks, even big boulders. This was going to be easy.

Now I missed the first part of the job. From what I could tell the removal of the first post was pretty straight forward. The team consisted of the foreman (he had the big steel rod so that makes you the foreman), a couple of young women and a four year old boy. They had the first post out in no time. When I got on the scene things were getting interesting as they were in the process of removing the second post.

Unlike the compliant first post the second post was a stubborn little guy. All the preparation that was done on the first post was repeated for the second. A hole was dug around the post, the big steel rod was used to break off as much of the cement as they could. Now it was time to remove the post. Just pull it out. No luck. Lets try rocking it a bit more. No budge. Let try rocking it a lot. Still the post did not move an inch. By this time others had started to gather around each with their own ideas about how to remove the post.

It seemed easy enough to each new eye. Some thought we just needed a bigger hammer. No. For another, a chain and a big truck. No. We might knock a hole in the building (we had already knocked a hole in the irrigation system). But it looked so easy to each new observer, "why can't they just pull it out."

As the project gathered more attention the problem solving ideas grew more creative. What about tying a rope to it, host the rope over a shoulder and pull it out with brute force? Grunt... Grunt... Grunt. No.

This was getting to the guys by now. This was us against the post. This was becoming a matter of pride. We would prevail.

What about tying four ropes to the post getting people on each rope and wurling ourselves around the post until we twist it out of the ground ("I find wurling always works" said the 14 year old teen who concocted the plan.) The picture of four grown men "wurling" themselves around this little post like a May Day dance was enough to kill this idea.

About now the name of the ancient Greek mathematician, physicist and engineer Archimedes was invoked. "With a long enough lever I can move the world", but apparently Archimedes had never come head to head with our little post, our little immovable object.

By now the ideas were flying. I counted 19 people gathered around this mythical post that would not be moved when someone quietly suggested that we build a tall scaffolding between the post and the truck, fasten a cable to the post, put the cable over the scaffolding, attach it to the truck and host the post up and out of the ground. This would be collaborator realized what over kill this was almost before he got it out of his mouth. We both smiled.

This went on for nearly an hour. As people finished their jobs they came to observe the spectacle as well as inject their own ideas. What a wonderful day for a preacher with an eye for finding the profound in the ordinary.

As I lay in bed that night I thought of my mythical sword in the stone. I thought how badly I had wanted to be like that little boy in the fairy tale who discovered his greatness and the adventure that would ensue. Then it dawned on me that without ever removing the sword I had discovered my greatness in the knowledge and experience of being a child of God, a rightful heir of all that God had given to God's children and the adventure that I experience as a partner with God.

Then I thought about our experience with our post in the dirt. It was pretty disappointing when it was decided to just cut off the post and cover the stump with dirt. This little post had defeated us all but in the process we had discovered something about ourselves, about our true identity. We are becoming a family, partners in ministry.

As I looked back at the faces gathered around that magical post that afternoon I saw a montage of faces, young and old, east and west, like a beautiful rainbow of God's blessed children inexplicably drawn into the shape of the family of God.