Pastor Charlie's Thoughts

August 8, 2010 CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

2010-08-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

"Faith on Trial"

Rev. Vonna Thomas

Isaiah 1:1, 10-10 & Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

This week I was meeting with one of OPPC's small groups exploring our images of God and our study book's points that God is good and God is trustworthy. This gets to the heart of our faith. Do we believe in a God who is good? Do we believe God is trustworthy? Do we believe God loves us? Our two lectionary texts touch on faith. In Isaiah, God's people's faith is found lacking. In the New Testament text, we have the famous Hebrews chapter which celebrates great faith. How would you judge your faith? How much do you trust God? Blessings to you as you reflect on where your faith stands and where you'd like it to be.

Look how we are Becoming Like Jesus!

2010-04-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
How do we become more like Jesus? We look at Jesus in the gospels and see what He does. And then we do that very thing. Over the last month I observed our community growing into iIm in various ways. Let's take a look.

Jesus often left the crowds of people with his disciples. They would take time apart from everybody else to learn from Him. This is what happens when we go off on retreats. A good group of our "sisters" had a rich time on their retreat. As I talked with many in the days that followed, each had a holy glow. Joy was present. Each happily shared how they became deeper friends with other women and how God simply made them feel loved and in His presence. Alleluia! In a few days Doug, or youth intern, is taking 8 middle school disciples up the mountain with Jesus. He has put together an awesome retreat. They will be blessed through 3 days of learning, praying, and playing. They will become more like our Lord. Let each of us take time apart to listen to God.

Jesus comforted those who were crying. Are you aware that each week our 10 Stephen Ministers spend an hour consoling and loving a woman or man in need? As they undertake this kind work, they become a little more like Jesus. They become better prayers. They become better listeners. They become deeper Christians. And each of us are little Christ's to those we encounter in life who are having a bad day, a bad week, or a bad time in life. We become his warm eyes and healing hands as we each turn towards people in pain.

Jesus immersed himself in the Scriptures. Sunday morning our children are taught the Bible in Sunday School, and we all huddle around the Scripture in our 10am worship. Both youth groups engage God's word also on Sunday. Each week 4 groups are studying the Bible. One meets noon on Mondays, two convene 7am on Tuesdays, and a fourth at 7pm that day. A group of families studies the Bible Friday evenings. Once a month 3 circles of women study the Word. And I know that each day most of us read a psalm, or proverb, or chapter of the Bible on own when we wake or before we go to bed. This constant study allows the Bibles attitudes to challenge and replace the selfish and even hateful attitudes of our culture.

Lately I have found a great connection with Jesus through memorizing scripture. It is really helpful to have God's word ready to be accessed at any time in my brain. Remember that Jesus said when tempted, "Man lives not by bread, but by the word of God." When we commit God's words to our brain, then they are available to guide us and help us. And I don't know about you, but in the challenges of life that come to me, I need His guidance each day! Try memorizing a little scripture this week. I think you'll be happy with the results. It makes us have a little more of Jesus' essence.

Jesus gave all he had to God's work. Our leadership is asking each of us to strengthen the long term work of the church through the "I Love My Church" capital campaign. This is a great opportunity to become like Jesus in the process of giving away what we call ours for that which we call His. His church. Before the campaign even began, a handful of members pledged a third of our $300,000 goal. What leadership those unnamed families have shown all of us! Our money is linked to our spiritual transformation. The person who claims to be spiritual but who through fear or greed does not give of their resources to Jesus' work proves to deceive themselves. Jesus gave his physical self for our spiritual renewal. We become more like him when we do the same.

There are so many examples of how we are becoming more and more like our Lord each day. Let each of us continue to grow into Christ's image.

In his love, Pastor Charlie

Maundy Thursday Meditation

2010-04-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today is Maundy Thursday. I invite you to read with me the story of what happened on this day.

First, Judas meets with the enemies to turn Jesus over to them so they can kill him.

Luke 22 1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

That evening, they eat together the special Passover meal. Jesus celebrates the holy meal with a twist. He tells the disciples that he will give his life for them so that they can have a new relationship with God.

Luke 22:14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." 17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. 18For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." 19And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." 20In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21

After the dinner, Judas leaves. Jesus knows that he will come back to arrest him. Jesus takes his trusted intimates – Peter, John, and James – and prays for strength in the olive groves.

Luke 22:40On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." 41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.[c] 45When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."

After Christ’s resolve was set, Judas comes with soldiers. Judas kisses Jesus as he betrays him.
Mark 14:43Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard." 45Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him. 46The men seized Jesus and arrested him.

The night is not over. Jesus is dragged before the council of the leaders to be charged with crimes worthy of death.

Mark 14:53They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law came together. 55The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 61 The high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ,[f] the Son of the Blessed One?" 62"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 63The high priest tore his clothes. "Why do we need any more witnesses?" he asked. 64"You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, "Prophesy!" And the guards took him and beat him.

Of course it was painful to be betrayed by a disciple, and viciously treated by his enemies. But perhaps the most searing wound is that caused by that same close friend who supported him earlier when he prayed for help.
Luke 22:54Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, "This man was with him." 57But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. 58A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. 59About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." 60Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." 62And he went outside and wept bitterly.

It is hard to imagine how bad Peter felt when Jesus turned and looked at him. And hard to imagine how bad Jesus felt when Peter angrily disowned him.

I invite you to think about the events you just read. Contemplate Jesus great love for us. Consider the cost of his sacrifice. Praise him and love him!

I hope you will be able to participate further in the Holy Week experience by attending our 7pm Good Friday Service. In that we will listen to Christ’s words on the Cross interpreted by emotional choir music and hymns.

We serve the wounded and risen Lord.

In His peace, Pastor Charlie

Encouragement

2010-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We have been talking in Session how important our words are. They can be used to cause pain and they can be used to heal and bless. I read a theologian (whose name escapes me) that says it is no fluke that Jesus is called the “Word” of God. For God specifically works through words. Think about it. How would we know that Jesus loves us if someone did not tell us, or if we did not read it? I dare say we wouldn’t.

Words have the potential to carry so much grace with them. They enable us to express God’s care across the 3 or 4 feet of air that hangs between you and another. Words give us the power to take that experience of God’s love and give it to another across the internet or through the postal system. And that is miraculous.

It is no small thing when we decide to use our words to thank or encourage or sympathize with someone. It is an almost divine act. A month ago I wrote of the shock of being diagnosed with diabetes. In response I have been flooded by the Holy Spirit with His love through your words. You have said the most encouraging things to me on the phone, over coffee, in the back of the sanctuary, and wherever else you have found me. And that has helped me. It really has. God is healing me and you all are part of the way He is doing that. Thanks you!
Let me share with you some of the words of hope I received. “Both Walter and I have been type 2 diabetics for about 10 years. Take courage! We will pray for you. (Janet and Walter Morritz)” “My prayers and thoughts are with you. Your words are very powerful and moving. Thank you for sharing so much of your life with us. (Sunny Yim)” “We can beat this, Charlie. You can live long, long. Keep the faith! (Karen Yoneda). ” “I think about you and your diabetes and pray for you. I would be devastated if I had it. (Peter Smith)” “So sorry to hear of your diabetes diagnosis. You are a strong person and you can handle this and it will make you stronger. (Carol Grimm)” “I’ve been praying for you all week. Sometimes a diagnosis of diabetes is not as bad as it sounds. I know because of someone I loved for many years. It does not take over your life! You have tremendous prayer support from all of us, as well as our endless appreciation. Love and Prayers, Peggy Howard”

How could a person not feel that God is with them after receiving those words of love? How could a person not know that they are cared for after hearing those words? How could a person not feel good after words like these? It is such a blessing when people choose to join God with their words.

May we each be inspired to encourage each other in our times of weakness!

Sincerely, Pastor Charlie

A diagnosis

2010-03-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
I was diagnosed with diabetes about five weeks ago. It was a total shock. My first reaction was sudden acute anger. Unbidden curse words came to mind. And terrible fear. “Will I be able to hold my son’s children?” I headed home feeling like a wounded and marked man.

This illness has a particular fright for me. Years ago, I visited many diabetic patients who were in the hospital because of complications from that disease. Several times I sat with the unbounded emotional pain of patients who were recovering from amputations. I prayed with those who were undergoing complicated and unsuccessful diabetic caused vascular surgeries. They spoke of a slow process of pieces of their bodies not working properly. I have a good friend going blind from diabetes. I thought more than once, “I’m so glad that I don’t have diabetes in my family. The way I’ve seen that disease eat people up bit by bit, I am relieved that I will never have it.” And now I have it too, the disease that I most feared.

When I left my doctor, I called my Uncle. He is a diabetes specialist. He immediately spoke to my fears. He promised me that I could live a life free of adverse effects from diabetes if I applied the tools available with intelligence and commitment. Days later he even told me that I will be healthier than if I didn’t have diabetes because I will be so dedicated to staying healthy.

The next week was very difficult. I tried to learn everything that I could about the disease. Debbie and I went to four hours of diabetes training at Evergreen hospital. It was helpful and also depressing. At times I cried, or was numb, or angry. Sometimes I just felt so frightened.

What about my relationship with Jesus? Well, I was initially very angry at Him. Didn’t he know that I had enough difficult things to carry? Doesn’t he care? Ironically, the Holy Spirit spoke to me through the “dismal” books of the Bible – Job and Ecclesiastes. I saw myself in both the words of Job and the preacher of Ecclesiastes. When Job said, “God, I feel like you are an enemy because you do not stop these bad things,” resonated with that anger. “Yes God, why are you doing this… or not stopping this?” When Ecclesiastes says, “what is life worth? For bad things happen to you and you die” I said “Yes! It stinks!” It was important to hear my voice lifted up in the Bible.

I was angry with Jesus that he did not spare me this disease. I tried to be thankful that I had the diagnosis. You know, knowledge given which allows me to do something about it. But my heart was not there. But over time, through days of expressing my pain to others and Christ, I began to see His loving hand in this.

I opened my eyes to the miracle that my uncle is one of the foremost experts on this problem and that he loves me and wants to help me. I opened my eyes to the gift of the glucometer and intervention. I opened my eyes to all the loving support I have in my family, my church, and my friends. And I began to see that Jesus is healing me. Not in an instantaneous miracle, but in a process of providing good medical advice and care. A miracle all the same. I will hold my son’s children.

I am coming to grips with this. It is not easy. I have asked Jesus many times to help and heal me and he is. With His presence, I will do well through this disease. Pray for me.

Living by His grace, Pastor Charlie

50th Anniversary

2009-12-21T11:27:00.000-08:00

Let’s reflect on the 50^th anniversary of our church held December 6. The celebration began on black ice in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. None were deterred by the cold but met it with cheer. We remembered our founders who had been sent out to start a new church in the woods of east Bellevue. Cameron Devine led the group with his smooth, mile-eating gait. No one caught our speedster over the 7 miles, although Andrew Hoke got close. While he and the runners were focusing on speed, others walked. They appreciated the chance to talk with friends at more reasonable pace. Kirk Devine was our bicycling shepherd. He road back and forth watching out for everybody on his bike. He was like Jesus offering encouragement, first aid, and water to any who needed it.

After 5 miles we arrived at Phantom Lake Elementary school cheered on by a band of encouragers. Founders like Inez Allan shared what it was like to worship in those first days. After a fuel stop of protein bars, all continued 2 miles towards our campus. A victory lunch was held in our beautiful youth room. 50 people shared in this happy all-generation experience.

That evening locals and out of town guests arrived to celebrate our heritage. Banners, photos, and memorabilia were displayed around the room. The hall was beautiful and the crowd elegantly dressed. The desserts were rich and tasty. My favorite was the chocolate fountain in which to dip ripe pineapple and strawberries. Other preferred the bake delights. But the most delicious treat was the chance for members to reunite with former pastors and interns. Hugs, laughs, and smiles kept bursting forth like popcorn in the microwave.

Charter members and youth felt strengthened. Each clergy told how they experienced Jesus in our midst. The tales were entertaining and uplifting. Marge Bagley spoke fondly and humorously about our women’s organization (PW). And Janet Schumacher and Bev Millar had us in stitches as they recalled the silliness and strength of our choirs. I was moved as Ralph Beuter, in spite of severe health problems, proudly and strongly stood with Bev Bohman and Dorothy Weis as these charter members were applauded. Fourteen year old Hannah Heinonen said after the party, “That was really cool. I loved hearing from the former pastors and seeing the pictures of what it was like here.”

I can’t say enough about the great job elder Stacy Yust did. She organized both the Fun Walk/Run and what has been called the best party our church has ever had. Thanks Stacy your gift of energy, enthusiasm, organization and style!

Sunday morning worship was an awe-filled, Spirit-splashed experience. Jesus drew us into that sanctuary with a special purpose that morning. He wanted to remind us how vibrantly He has been with us, is with us, and will be with us. That message was expressed through music, candle-lighting ceremony, a montage of photos, and Communion served by former and present pastors. Former youth and current pastor Bob Sanders preached an outstanding sermon in which he reminded us how special this church is and how it is in Jesus that our strength lies. The executive of our presbytery, Scott Lumsden, expressed the congratulations of our sister churches and presbytery leadership. What a day!

Many former pastors spoke to me in private. They were so pleased and excited to see and feel the vitality in our church today. I was pleased to hear their perspectives. It affirms that the path we are on is God’s.

With them and you I praise God for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our church. May we stay close to Christ in the days and years ahead. In faithfulness lies blessings and joys abundant. Alleluia!

Sincerely, Pastor Charlie

New Celebration Service

2009-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Worship is very important to us. Our vision statement says so eloquently “As Jesus devoted disciples, We worship passionately.” This does not mean that we hold to a particular style of worship, but that we give ourselves completely to Christ during the weekly event. Do you recall how Jesus describes true worship? In response to the question about what is the most important thing he replied, “To love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, and you mind.” We seek to worship the Lord in that way. With all our heart. With all our soul. With all our mind.

That does not indicate any particular style of worship. Passionate whole hearted worship is enacted all over the world in many, many permutations. In Korea Presbyterians enthusiastically shout out their prayers. In Russia Christians stand for hours in silent meditation as the priests and choir chant and sing the liturgy. In Africa Presbyterians dance in worship. And in America Presbyterians… How do Presbyterians worship in the USA?

You may be surprised to know that there is no set answer. I’ve worshipped in probably near a hundred different Presbyterian churches. The majority have been similar to what we call our “traditional service”. But a large minority don’t fit that picture at all. We have churches that have liturgical dancers, puppeteers, jazz bands, rock bands, even a blues band! We have churches that worship in jeans and t-shirts, churches that worship with latte’s in hand, churches that worship with Pentecostal bands. We have a church in our Presbytery where the children monthly lead the adults in worship.

Worshipping Jesus is what we are called to do. Each of us has a preference for how we worship. One author divides our natural inclinations into 4 types. Worship through the intellect, through the emotions, through silence, and through action. It is helpful to assess a worship style through that sorting screen. Roughly put, the tradition of worship at our church has been predominantly on the intellect. That is not to say that our average service does not engage the heart, nor is it to say that we don’t move, nor to say that we don’t have silence. It just means that as a body we are most comfortable engaging God through our minds. Our worship reflects this preference.

Our vision statement also adds, “Filled with God’s Spirit, We invite all to experience God’s grace.” We recognize that there are many people who are most open to God not through the mind, but through the heart. It is for these that our Session is designing our second service. The upcoming “Celebration Service” will be a designed to engage through the heart. That does not mean that it will not be thoughtful – it will be – but that the format is intentionally designed to encourage people who prefer lots of emotional contemporary songs and prefer informality and spontaneity.

May 10 is the big launch day. Please come if this service sounds like you would be encouraged through it. Please pray for its success. Please tell others about it!

Sincerely, Pastor Charlie

Coming Up... New Worship Service

2009-04-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
The vision of our dream church life says, “Filled with God’s Spirit, we invite all to experience God’s grace.” The Session and staff have been challenged to consider how we can expand that invitation to people with different worship sensibilities.

As a Session we discussed how we all love our current worship service. And we have heard from new members that they too love it. Some spoke of seeking a church that had a choir and organ and hymns. They told us that it was very hard to find. So they felt at home when they tasted our traditional worship. And for this we are very grateful. We want to continue to provide excellent opportunities for traditional worship. Every week the Holy Spirit leads us in beautiful liturgical worship. Alleluia!

But (and this is an important “but”) many people in our area do not feel at home in classic hymnody. It is too slow and sounds archaic to them. The structured formal pace of our service is boring to them. That is how many of the youth characterize our service. And that is how many young adults who don’t return to our worship also feel. And it is also how some middle aged and more seasoned adults experience our worship. Our classic worship service is powerfully appealing to us who are here. But it is not appealing to many who are not here.

There are two ways to respond to this. One is to continue as we do and shrug our shoulders saying, “Too bad our worship doesn’t excite people different than us.” Another is to ponder this and ask, “Is there any way we can create a worship service that does enthuse them?” If you recall, that was our thinking 8 years ago. Our 1999 vision statement said, “We worship with contemporary and traditional services”. We pursued that dream and created a monthly contemporary worship service. This seemed like it might be the answer. While very good, we think it is has been a partial solution to the problem.

Why does the Session no longer believe a monthly contemporary service is the best we can do? It has inherent problems. For those who really groove to worship music driven by bumping bass and heavy drums, it is frustrating to only have one service a month. Visitors that enjoy it don’t return when they discover it is only monthly. And on the other side, some of us who cut our teeth on “All People That on Earth do Dwell” simply find the music unattractive or even repellant. For some of us even once a month is too frequent!

And so we are going to do a new thing. We arecreating a second alternative service which will begin Sunday May 10th at noon . I mentioned this at the annual meeting and in a few worship services. Session has discussed it for 4 months. The appropriate committees (worship, personnel, CE, evangelism) have been working on this. Questions we asked were, “Is it needed? Does it come out of our vision? How would it affect the classic service? How would this affect CE classes and Middle School program? How would it affect our staff and lay leadership? How would it affect the budget? How would we advertise this?” The discussions convinced us that this fits our mission and would be blessed by God.

So -- we begin this new venture on May 10th at noon. We had a test service on Easter and if was great. There was a lot of enthusiasm and we look forward to this being a great new adventure for our congregation.

It is exciting that we as a church are always seeking how to serve the Lord and others more effectively. Please encourage our leaders as we lead us to create this new thing.

Living in Exile

2009-03-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

Ponder this picture. Heavy wooden doors in a stone church – closed. Ancient vaulted ceiling over flagstone entrance with a man lying on the ground. He appears to be poor or sick and unable to rise. My eye wants to bypass the figure to meditate upon the graceful arch and inspiring architecture. This disturbing image is the cover of the book “The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God’s Call to Justice”.

The author of that book was brought by our presbytery to lead a conference in February. Mark Labberton is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley. He believes that Christians often walk around that man in need to get to church without a thought to the absurdity of it. He wanted us to be awakened to caring for the needs of hurting people as we worship and as we live.

He talked a lot about the difference between living in the promised land and living in exile. To refresh your memory, in the exodus account the Egyptians are the enemies who God defeats for the Israelites. He leads them to the Promised Land where they can live as his people. He believes we misread the story of the exodus. Instead of it being a story about God’s victory over oppression and sin, it becomes a story about God freeing us from hardship so we can enjoy a pleasant life. In this light, our faith becomes all about ourselves. “What can God do for me? What can the church do for me?” We might say in defense of this view, “Isn’t Jesus’ purpose to lift my burdens and smooth my brow?”

Mark said, “No that is not why Jesus came. He didn’t come to make our lives simpler, but more complicated. Not easy but hard!” He had us think about the Exile. In that story, God’s people have turned from Him and have become the enemies of his purposes. God then removes them from their land and comforts so that they will learn to depend upon Him. “The challenge for Israel in exile is not to escape. Their vocation is not to get out. It is to stay and be changed by seeking the welfare of their enemy: “Seek the peace [shalom] of the city where I have sent you into exile . . . for in it’s peace [shalom] you will find your peace [shalom]” (Jeremiah 29:7)”.

Living in exile, he said, is to focus on how to bring love to those in pain. Not because they are nice people, but because you want their lives to be made right. When one lives like this, then one looks for the pain in others and come alongside to share in it.

This is not a call to masochism, but a call to genuine Jesus life. It is a way of life in which we take seriously the injustices in others lives and take actions to repair them. This is a call to genuine peace, not one built on circumstances. It is a call to share the heart of Jesus.

I would offer that Jesus also came to take away our burdens and heal our wounds. But not perhaps in the way we first think. Sometimes through our sufferings we learn hard to explain lessons which God later uses to expand our compassion. Sometimes through a long time of waiting upon Christ we develop deeper faith out of desperation. A faith that later strengthens us and matures us to better love others. So that we become the answer to anothers prayers.

Back to the cover of the book. I think the author wants us to think about why we would walk around a man in trouble to go to worship. If I think that worship is for me, then it follows that it is more important to get through the doors than get involved with that suffering person. But if I think that worship is to help me see the world as God does, then I’m more inclined to miss worship by helping the man.

My State of the Church address

2009-02-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Our environment changes but our core values stay the same. A year ago the economy looked to be sound. We can’t say that today. The last six months have been frightening as the financial system of our nation and globe has weakened greatly. Our local economy has felt the pain. I doubt if there is one of us that has not experienced loss to their savings or earnings. Some of us have lost jobs. Some have found new jobs, but at lower pay while others are still waiting. Most of us have some level of anxiety about the future. “Will we have enough money?” is a thought that echoes. We ask that about our personal expenses as well as our congregational ones. It is a time in which fear can assert itself relatively easily.

God has prepared us to be a beacon of light to our community in this very time. He has built us upon a tradition of faithfulness. We have matured in the face of tragedies and challenges. God has brought us through so much in the past that we know He will do it again. He has given us a message of hope that our neighbors want to hear.

You see, we are not here to serve or comfort ourselves. If we were, then the economic maelstrom would be a true threat. For it has and will cause discomfort. But we are here to “become like Jesus, and to serve in love.” It is in the scary moments that we have the opportunity to grow as disciples. We do not become more like our Lord when we are resting in our possessions, but when we are stretched to truly trust God as our possessions are taken from us. We do not become like Jesus by looking to ourselves, but by caring for our neighbors when they are frightened and alone.

In the past year, we underwent a rigorous discernment process to discover God’s focus. After many gatherings, prayers, questionnaires, and prayers He gave us a clear path. We gained a purpose which is easy to memorize yet takes dependence upon the Holy Spirit to fulfill. “Becoming like Jesus, Serving in love”. The Lord gave us a word picture, or vision, of what it looks like to pursue that goal. As Jesus devoted disciples, we worship passionately, seek God’s direction, embrace transformation, and offer our lives for His work. Filled with God’s Spirit, We respectfully nurture and love all who enter our doors, invite all to experience God’s grace, and with abundance and joy serve other in Christ.

We are so blessed to have excellent leaders that help us live into our purpose. I am proud of both our lay leadership and our staff. Both are motivated and equipped to help us to expand the experience of God’s grace and might we have personally known at OPPC. Our deacons and elders time and time again give their all in all to see that our church is the most faithful church it can be. I see the devotion so many bring to our church in the unseen hours of service that are needed to make the church a place of inspiration and power week in and week out. The tasks you do – from counting and keeping track of the money to trimming the hedges to folding the bulletins to making the holiday crafts to preparing the food for the homeless and on and on – are as important to the vitality of our church as an awesome choir anthem or inspiring sermon. You all inspire me.

Our staff also amazes me. I hope you appreciate the extremely fine group of people our church has gathered over the years. Our program staff are unparalleled in the gifts they offer to God. Youth director Dan is enthusiastic and challenging to young and old. Pastor Vonna is extremely talented and wise with an uncanny ability to herd cats (which is needed in children’s ministries!) and construct healthy working systems. Our musicians (Norm, Jenni, and now Erica) have the same talent and dedication as those whom King David hired for tabernacle worship. They are passionate about praising God in music. Gene is a gem. To have a custodian who lives to serve the church is a rare gift. Donna brings her deep faith in Christ to work each morning as she cheerily greets the world (and us) as our ambassador. Virginia cares for our children as though they were her grandchildren.

The numbers from last year tell an interesting story. We were very generous in our giving. Whereas our investments followed the Market and dropped dramatically, our giving only went down slightly. This is a real tribute to the Spirit of God within our hands and hearts. If you exclude our endowment funds, we are at basically the same level in our savings as we were a year ago. That is a real surprise. Do to “cleaning up the books” we lost on paper a large number of members (46). But we actually welcomed more new members last year (20) then in any year in the last five years.

We are needed to bring the calm of the Spirit into our families and neighbors. God has a mission for us. We will start to serve the people in the Snoqualmie Valley. They were devastated by the floods of January. We can bring God’s love to them. On February 8 we begin our work in their lives. If you are able, please plan to spend the afternoon cleaning and rebuilding. This will be the first of many days and afternoons in which we will be restoring God’s hope to our wounded neighbors. Consider how you can support this work.

Our youth director has a vision. He believes that we cannot keep our youth enthused about worship unless we create a second service that is geared towards their musical preferences. He asked the Session to consider a second service that is focused on the worship needs of youth and young adults. The Session is very supportive and agrees that we cannot minister effectively to this age group within our current service. So he has been asked to come up with a plan to create such a new thing. We do not know what will happen, but we want to do what is needed to grow the younger portion of our church.

Let us lean into the Lord as we joyfully press ahead!

Your pastor, Charlie

What can we do about Gaza and Israel?

2008-12-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

The woman on the left is an Israeli Jew and little boy is a Palestinian. I took their pictures in 2006 when I was in Israel and Palestine. I think of them when I read about the carnage in Gaza. Like you, I was greatly troubled by the events last weekend and the official response to them.

What happened? In the ongoing struggle for control between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israel cut Gaza off from the world's trade. They refused to allow none but the slimmest of food supplies into Gaza. After months of fruitless talks, Hamas began last week to fire Qassam rockets into Israel to force them to allow countries to recontinue trade with the 2 million poeple living in Gaza.

These rockets are nothing like Israeli or US rockets. The Israeli Ministry of Defense views these as "more a psychological than physical threat." Called a Qassam, they are 5 to 90 lb handmade affairs powered by sugar and fertilizer with TNT in the top and no guidance system. But of course they can be lethal. 15 people have been killed by the 5000+ that have been fired since 2001.

Last week Hamas resumed firing these rockets. Before there were any injuries of Israelis, Israel began a devastating attack on the Palestinians. They bombed Gaza City from highly precise fighter jets. After two days one Israeli was killed by the Palestinian rockets and 300 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli Air Force. Those included men, women, children, and infants. Also another 600 Palestinians were burned and injured .

The disproportionate response of the Israelis outrages me. The Israelis say they are killing Palestinians to protect Israelis from the rockets. Yet in one weekend the Israelis killed 20 times more Palestinians than the Palestinians did Israelis in seven years of rocket attacks! Whatever happened to the command for retributive restraint? "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," says the Lord in Exodus. What we see in Gaza is unrestrained revenge.

But the official new agencies and the US government are not outraged. They do not see anything wrong with this type of action. Our government stated on Monday that whatever Israel does to protect itself from the rocket attacks is justified. 300 lives for one. I cannot understand that.

One thing I have learned in my travels around the world is that people are people. Each counts to God as a precious creation that is to be cherished and nurtured. Wandering around Israel and Palestine a year and a half ago, I spent time with random Jews, Muslims, and Christians whom I met. Each surprised me by how much they cared for me - a traveler lost in their land. When they experienced my love for them, they felt safe to share their stories.

A common thread in all their accounts was loss and fear and pain. Whether Palestinian or Israeli, whether Christian, Muslim, or Jew each felt deeply that they were wronged by the other. Each felt the shame of being weak and forced to bear humiliations. Each fears the other and each carries lots of valid reasons to hate the other.

But I also met people from the three groups who pushed past their self-centered histories and chose to love. Jews and Arabs who are today choosing to understand each other and be kind to each other. They want to create a real peace that is not based upon the rants of the extremists (whether they wear a Western suit or an Arabic headdress.) They want to make a peace that involves compromises from all groups and which carries a good measure of justice for all. It is good to remember that when the extremist have their moments of mayhem.

The motto of our congregation is "Becoming like Jesus, Serving in love". How do we fulfill that in this situation? When we study his life, we see that Jesus always comforted those who suffered. He spoke against evil whenever he saw it. He worked to get people to love each other instead of hate. To become like him, we imitate him in those ways.

Let us comfort the afflicted
We cry for and with the Jew and the Arab when their loved ones are torn by bombs or guns. We love them each and seek to support both in their desire for peace. But we support neither in the desire for retaliation and revenge.

Let us speak against evil.
We speak plainly against evil when we see it. It is important in our private conversations as well as public to lift up the truth that the humiliation and dehumanizing treatment of the Palestinians is a kind of evil that goes against the Biblical command to "do justice and love kindness" Micah 6:8. And at the same time we speak the truth that any violence inflicted upon Israelis is evil and goes against that same biblical command. And today we speak against the disproportionate bombing of the people in Gaza.

Let us work for peace.
It is too easy to "throw up our hands" and say "Peace is hopeless, so let the guns roar!" But Christ does not give us that option. We must support the Israelis and Palestinians who reject violence as the solution to injustice. And the good news is that there exist many, many people over there who choose reconciliation over violence --Jews and Muslims and Christians. This is something the news agencies do not tell us.

These homegrown organizations know that the root of all their violence is injustice. They bravely seek to heal the injustice so that peace will spring up and bloom. This is the kind of work that we can enthusiastically support. It is the kind that our government appears to ignore.

Check out the websites of the following peace groups. They are endoursed by our denomination. B’Tselem (www.btselem.org) is an Israeli peace group whose ability to empathize and work for justice with "the other" is remarkable. Sabeel (www.sabeel.org) is a Christian Palestinian group whose work is legendary. Peace Now (www.peacenow.org) is the largest extra-parliamentary movement in Israel and the country’s oldest peace movement. Find out how you can support them in their work to sidestep hatred and sow love.

We need to let our legislators know that we want them to fight for a just peace. We need to let our president know the same. Too often the the primary agenda of our government peacemakers is to protect US interests and the president's next election. That has lead us to acknowledge the pain and claims of the Israelis, but only half-hear the Palestinian's. It is no wonder that our country's attempts to forge peace have failed.

We must not let ourselves be convinced that one man's life is more important than another's because of his race. We cannot believe the logic that says it is o.k. take 300 lives for one. Protection with restraint is needed. But not the disproportionate slaying of innocents in the name of "protection".

Let us believe that Christ will bring peace to this trouble world. And as we await it, let us work and pray for it to occur.

It is so good...

2008-12-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

John Eldridge took this picture of our church yesterday after worship. It looks more like central Alaska than Bellevue. Believe it or not, the parking lot had been plowed clean the afternoon before. As the storm blew snow and more snow Saturday night and Sunday morning, the roads became tougher to travel.

I decided that we would be open for worship no matter what. I live only a mile away, so I could walk, ski, or drive to the church. An email was sent to all our online friends and members informing them that if they were able to make it, the doors would be open. But could they come 30 minutes early to help shovel the sidewalks!

Late Saturday night Glenn Kost shoveled the sidewalks clean. By morning light it was clear that much work still had to be redone and done! Glenn returned early in the morning with Gene McCoy (our cheerful custodian) to clear them again. They were joined at 9:30 am by enthusiastic youth with shovels- the Devines and Prussings! They (with support from their parents) not only cleaned up the sidewalks but they blasted out the heavy street snow blocking our parking lot.

Both our choir director, Norm Jonkman, and our organist, Jenni Monillas, were cut off from us by treacherous roads. Never fear - Shirley Earl volunteered to play the piano. We moved up to the front of the sanctuary so we could all be cozy close together. When all was said and done, a little more than 50 of us slipped and slided and walked to worship. We all felt so grateful to be together.

At the passing of the peace, one choir member told me, "We will do something for an anthem." I announced it and another choir members replied, "Hugh?" Let me show you the picture of them singing "Silent Night." Their impromptu singing of that beautiful song almost made me cry. It was so from the heart. Unplanned, unrehearsed - yet pure offering of love and thanks to God. All of us felt the truth that we were in the presence of God.

The power of God humbles me. He is the power behind the awesome snow and wind. And yet He humbles himself to meet us where we are.

It is so good to be in a church were everyone jumps in to do what is needed to be done. It is so good to serve the God who loves us and loves us and loves us.

Pastor Charlie

Purpose, Picture, and Plans

2008-11-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Jargon can get in the way. As you may know, from January to October our congregation sought God's voice for our future direction. We called this a "discernment process" because we tried to "discern" (discover) how and what God wants for us. We believe He spoke to us. We attempted to set forth that voice of God through a mission statement, vision statement, and set of goals and objectives. I want to chat with you about that. I hope to answer your questions of the relationship between those three and a simpler way to understand them.

I realize that the way we are using the words "mission" and "vision" may not make sense to you. When you hear "mission", chances are your first thought is to feeding the poor and evangelizing the lost. Often "mission work" is something a church does overseas. We are using it in the broader sense of "purpose".

"Vision" is also a tricky term. It can sound too mystical, as in "She has vision." Or it can appear too prosaic, as in "The optometrist checked my vision." Neither fits what we are trying to say. We mean a picture of what we are choosing to become.

Knowing that, I'd like you to read this word picture and imagine yourself and our church in it. "As devoted disciples, we worship passionately, seek God's direction, embrace transformation, and offer our lives for His work. Filled with God's Spirit, we respectfully nurture and love all who enter our doors, invite all to experience God's grace, and with abundance and joy serve others in Christ." That picture helps us know what we are doing.

The phrase "Goals and objectives" can also be confusing. All it really means is plans. Plans that we are undertaking to live out our purpose which is shown in our picture. Got it?

At our officers' retreat last Saturday, I suggested that we talk about the "3 Ps" -- purpose, picture, and plans instead of mission, vision, goals and objectives. The advantage is that you can clearly see how the three are related. Our purpose is to become like Jesus and serve in love. That is what we are all about. Now, to help us understand what that means we drew a word picture. That is what our vision is - a picture of who we are becoming. We are shown what it looks like to fulfill our purpose (which is to become like Jesus and serve in love.) Got it? The picture helps us understand the purpose.

Our goals and objectives are simply the plans to make this picture happen.

I hopes this helps you understand what we are doing. Just think the 3 P's -- Purpose, Picture, and Plans!

Let's get to it!
In love, Pastor Charlie

what I did on my study week

2008-11-03T16:54:00.000-08:00

I had a very good study week. I studied where I felt led by the Lord. That took me through three books, Hebrew grammar, and worship.

The first book was “Whose Land? Whose Promise: What Christians are not being told about Israel and the Palestinians” by Gary M. Burge. The author is a professor at Wheaton college who tries to balance out God’s demand for justice for both the Arab and the Jew from a biblical viewpoint. I found the book very stimulating. It gave me resolution on some of the ethical/theological issues of that region. I gained a Reformed viewpoint of the situation which is very different from a Christian dispensationalist (Assembly of God, most non-denominational churches) or Jewish view.

Next I studied Hebrew ("A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew", C.L. Seow). Language is a gateway to intimacy whether it is with people in conversation, or with an author in print. I discovered a need in the last months to relearn the foundations of Hebrew grammar. It was fantastic to have long periods of time to immerse myself in things like verb forms, endings, and the morphological changes of the trilateral root. By the end of the week I noticed an improvement in my reading ability. I plan to keep working on my grammar over the months. This is important because when my Greek and Hebrew skills are sharp I am able to hear God’s voice clearer when I read the Bible.

I spent a day reviewing “Built to Last: successful habits of visionary companies” by Jim Collins. This bold book was important in last Summer's leadership work. A key concept in this is “Preserve the core and stimulate progress”. This was hard to grasp last summer but now has become second nature. In my own words it means to build on our particular tradition of faithfulness while changing to as needed to apply our values to this current time.

Jim Collins has a brilliant metaphor for leadership. "Are you a time teller or a clock builder?" A “time teller” is needed to tell others time. He is needed because he alone has the ability to “tell the time”. An organization led by this kind of leader lives and dies by the ability of that one and is limited by the leader’s ability to perform. That is the type of leadership I thought was needed in my early ministry. But the leader I now try to be is a “clock builder”.

The leader works to help the organization build clocks so that everyone can tell time. This type of leadership enables an organization to expand in ways not limited by the abilities of the leader. The shift is from the “dynamic leader” to the “dynamic organization”. This is the kind of leadership that I have been striving over the last few years to embody.

A day was spent relishing "Homiletics". This is book on preaching by one of the 20^th Century’s greatest theologians, Karl Barth. He analyzes protestant understanding of preaching and proposes a new definition which became the dominant model in the Presbyterian Church. He claims preaching is a dual effort between God and the preacher.

“1.Preaching is the Word of God which he himself speaks, claiming for the purpose the exposition of a biblical text in free human words that are relevant to contemporaries by those who are called to do this in the church that is obedient to its commission. 2. Preaching is the attempt enjoined upon the church to serve God’s own Word, through one who is called thereto, by expounding a biblical text in human words and making it relevant to contemporaries in intimation of what they have to hear from God himself.”

He boils that lengthy definition down to this. “First, God is the one who works, and second, we humans must try to point to what is said in scripture. There is no third thing.” I found his work exciting. I underlined heavily and made emphatic notes. He reignited my passion for preaching.

I worshiped in a very different congregation from ours on Sunday. God spoke to me in many ways through the people and the preacher. I gained much.

All in all, it was a blessed week. It is always good for me to spend long chunks of time with God studying. It takes time for me to be able to listen to him. In this way, God equips me to be the best pastor I can be for his glory.

Our Slogan "Becoming Like Jesus, Serving in Love

2008-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about our new slogan and vision. If you want a six words to live by, you can't do much better than these -- becoming like Jesus, serving in love. They remind us that our central purpose in life is to model our life around Christ. Think about it. We read His words... pray to Him... obey Him... imitate Him... teach Him... . In all these ways we are striving to think, act, be like Jesus.

We do not become like Jesus solely or even predominately by our own effort, but by cooperation with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit works to bring us to faith. Once we choose to receive the gift of grace, then the Holy Spirit is activated within us in a new and wonderful way. Day by day He urges and encourages us to live our lives in the way of Jesus. Growing in faithfulness, we mature into the likeness of Christ. Paul says, "We are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit," (II Corinthians 3:18 NIV). The NRSV translates this "we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." It is the journey of a Christian to become like Jesus.

As we gain knowledge of Christ, we understand that our mission is to take his love out to everybody in this needy world. And God sends us out to serve the world in love. These are not sequential events. They occur at the same time in our life. As we are called to reshape our lives in Jesus image, we are also called to take this experience of grace out into the world. In other words, as Jesus loves us we are likewise to love the world. That is what we mean by "serving in love".

As a congregation, we strive to manifest this slogan. We provide many opportunities for people to bring God's love to hurting people. We do this through our adult deputations to far off disasters like the Gulf Coast hurricanes and to nearby ones in our own state like in the Lewis County flood. We do this through our Presbyterian Women's ceaseless efforts to help vulnerable women and children throughout the globe. Those are just two of the dozens of ways we serve others.

God has invited us to deepen and broaden both our service and our love of Him. This call is expressed in our Vision and in our goals and objectives. I'll write about those later.

Let our prayer be to daily become more like Jesus in character and service!

Republicans, Democrats, Uninvolved --- Proverbs, Prophets, and Paul

2008-10-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

What do Republicans, Democrats, and those who disdain politics have to do with Proverbs, the Prophets, and Paul?

In the United States Christians believe that their political views are congruent with their faith. It is not uncommon for a Democrat be puzzled as to how a Christian could be a Republican. And likewise many passionate Republicans just don't see how a true believer could vote Democrat. And then there are those who don't see how a Christian with integrity could associate themselves with either party. How can this be if we are all Christians? Shouldn't our common faith determine that we have common politics?

Republicans believe that the government's role is to provide a structure so that each individual has the ability to create a productive, happy life. It is not the role of the government to save people from their own mistakes or foolishness. Individual responsibility and accountability are cherished. Poverty is a part of life and impossible for government to remove. When Republicans see generational poverty, they believe that individual irresponsibility is being taught father to son. The answer is for the individual to take responsibility for her or his own life.

Democrats believe that society needs to take care of the weak and vulnerable. It is a high priority of the government to provide solutions to long-term poverty. When Democrats see generational poverty, they believe that injustice is keeping the people poor. The rich and powerful are oppressing the weak. The answer is for the government to step in and restore the society to one of fairness. Then the poor will be able to improve their lives.

Others who we can call "separatists" don't get involved in politics because they don't see either party bringing God's rule to this country. They believe that current society is so amoral and unjust that Christians need to separate themselves from it. In this view government is always corrupt. Christians need to depend on each other and stay away from the evil influences of our American society.

I am interested in how you think each position is backed by the Bible. Why don't you reply with how you understand your faith informs your politics? It would be fun for us to listen to each other. We'd all learn something! Let's do it in our comments to this post of mine. Then I'll write how I believe each position comes out of Biblical themes.

What is happening in the financial sector?

2008-09-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is Tuesday the day after the stock market lost 4.5% of its value following the failure of two of the five biggest investment firms in the U.S. Lehmann Brothers Inc. was declared bankrupt leaving approximately 25,000 employees out of work. Meryl Lynch was saved from that fate only because it was purchased by Bank of America at fire sale rates. The Wall Street Journal's lead article on Monday announced that the U.S. financial market is shaken to its core. No one knows what is going to happen next, but no reputable analyst thinks it will be good. Opinions in the media sources vary from very, very, bad to simply bad.

Are you bothered by this? I imagine that you are. These facts reflect real pain and instability that ordinary and extraordinary people are experiencing. And yet we remember that our rock is Christ. Though the world will totter and fall, God our rock will maintain us.

But knowing that does not always still our anxiety, not does it answer the immediate question of how to pay the mortgage if you just lost your job. How does it help us to center on God in these times?

I think it makes all the difference. The scriptures remind us over and again that He will never leave us. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. ... Do not fear, for I am with you!" Isaiah 43: 1,2,5.

Hold onto the Lord. He has seen you through unstable times and He will see you through this too.

More about me than you may want to know!

2008-08-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

I was born in southern Ohio into a loving Christian family. My Uncle Chuck baptized me "Charles Edward Swartz" as an infant. My two older sisters, younger brother and I had a great childhood full of the usual victories and disappointments. I was blessed with parents who were unusually able to express their love. I knew I was loved by mom and dad and by God. That knowledge has served me well my whole life.

In those years, Christ nurtured me through a strong Presbyterian church and Christian friends of diverse denominations. At 13, I “gave my life” to Christ and a short time afterwards was “filled with the Holy Spirit”. These were joyous exclamation marks in a happy childhood.

I went to college to become a doctor. But Christ’s plans were better. Through study in Soviet Moscow, God moved me to consider pastoral ministry. In that hostile atmosphere, God blessed me through His presence. This was found in the company of others and in isolation. I was seized by a passion to connect people with the satisfying company of Christians.

In that trajectory setting time of life, I fell in love with an amazing woman. Surprisingly, she also loved me. Debbie became my wife after college and has continued to be the best part of my life. We have a three year old son named Henry. The day he was born was the happiest day of my life.

Like many east-coast Presbyterians, I went to Princeton Theological Seminary to train to become a pastor. It was such a blast to be able to study, talk, learn all the time about God. I had never known such contentment.

In 1987 I was ordained and worked as a hospital chaplain at the Mayo Clinic hospitals in Minnesota. A small parish in a small nearby town called me to be their solo pastor. Oh my gosh – I was now “the pastor”. What a joy and responsibility! I rarely felt like I was adequate for the job, but the Holy Spirit supplied all that was needed.

After nine years, Overlake Park asked me to join them as pastor. From the first day I began work it has been a happy experience. We have grown together in love and grace. I plan to minister here for as long as the Lord wants me to, which I hope is many years.

My vision is that the church is the place where all who drop in experience God’s grace and abundance, respect and love. And that we who journey together grow as disciples.

If you want to chat with me, I invite you to visit me in the flesh or online. My office is always open, and so is my blog!

Cheerily,
Charlie

How can we use this blog to help us all talk with each other?

2008-08-13T12:40:00.001-07:00

Too often communication in a church is one way. The pastor preaches and everybody listens. Committees make reports and you read them. Info is sent to you by mail and email. That is all well and good, but I hope that we can talk with each other more about things that are important to us. Let's see if this blog can be a tool to help us do that.

Now, I want you to remember that I am new at all this blogging stuff. So if you are techno-savvy and have a geek badge, please share with all of us how to do this better. But until you tell me a better way, I suggest that you write a comment whenever you feel like it on my bloggings. And then if you read someone's comment, and have something to say, then comment on it! In this way we all can discuss and everyone can learn from the others thoughts.

Someone asked, "I tried to leave a comment and couldn't do it." I've had that frustration too the first time I tried to comment on another blog. The apparatus for comments may feel cumbersome at first.

Each article ends with this standard text "Posted by Charlie Swartz at 12:40 PM 0 comments Links to this post ." Click on the 0 comments link.
You will then see a box for comments.
Before your comments will be posted, you must choose to identify yourself in one of three ways: a) Google/Blogger, b)open ID, c) Name/URL, or d)Anonymous.
If you choose "Google/Blogger, you will need to create a google account. It is free and easy to do. It does not seem to bring you any spam or other problems.
I don't know what "open ID" is nor Name/URL!
If you choose "Anonymous", then you do not need a google identity. But the drawback is that it will not give your name. If you decide to comment via "Anonymous", please start with your name in CAPITALS so we all know who you are!
You can preview your comments before you "publish" them. Click "PREVIEW".
When you are satisfied, then click "PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT"
Congratulations! You entered the conversation!

So, let's start now. Here is the question: How can a church like ours use my blog to increase conversations between us all? Let the commenting begin!

Back in the saddle after 3 weeks vacation,
Charlie

Choosing to Trust

2008-07-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, July 10, Christ worked powerfully in our congregations’ midst. I'm talking about the "Reconciliation and Unity In Christ" gathering we had at the church. Sitting in a semi-circle, we witnessed and participated in the real stuff of Christianity - listening, understanding, forgiveness, reconciliation.

Our church we recently experienced an awkward pastoral transition. After all was said and done, there was some healing that was needed among relationships. The Session wisely hired a top notch church consultant to help us. Bev Shrumm did just that.

Our consultant noted that when we are frightened and things are out of our control, it is easy to assume that those in authority are somehow to blame. Twice in our past we endured pastoral betrayal. These made it hard for members to trust the official leaders. In that time of unhappiness, people formed ways of seeking and sharing information that wasn’t always healthy. I’ve heard it referred to as “the grapevine”.

Today when these "word of mouth" networks are turned to for "the real story", the likelihood of mis-information is very probable. A fear repeated a few times "becomes" a fact. When the Session is not reporting clearly and regularly in times of transition, the pull to rely on personal networks instead of the official informed channel is strong. The Session vows to help us resist that by creating the role of a "communications officer".

It is good for each to ask ourselves when matters are unclear in the church: “Do I choose to trust?” If the answer is “no,” trouble begins for me and those around me. But if the answer is “yes,” then my peace grows and expands to others. The Holy Spirit pours into our minds and bodies the ability to trust our brothers and sisters at those times. Presbyterian churches and presbyteries only feel like Christ when we choose to trust the governing bodies to make sound decisions for us. For a church to be well, each member chooses to trust their peers and their leaders.

We discussed what it means to accept a decision and trust that the elders and pastors above us acted with good intent, even if we disagree with their decision. It comes down to saying, “I am going to believe you were guided by God and gave it your best shot, even though I do not know how you decided..., even though I would have decided differently if I were in charge.” This is key not only for congregational, or presbytery, but denominational health.

This does not mean that we give up the right and responsibility to raise questions and express our opinions to the proper people. We do that, and then “take our hands off the wheel”, and let the governing bodies govern. And then we bless them and thank them for taking up such demanding work for our and the church’s behalf.

Bev led us in a ritual of conclusion. All those who were in leadership at the time of transition were asked to stand in a small circle. All the others gathered round to bless them. The Holy Spirit was invoked and experienced. God was so very present. The prayers were powerful. Christ reunited us in that prayer. One member prayed, “God please let our leaders know we love them and appreciate them!”

After the “Amen,” the glow of God remained on all of us. We milled around, not wanting to leave the holy space of unity. But when we did, each left committed to turn to each other in trust when times are anxious.

This is what life in the church is all about!

God blessing families through PC(USA)

2008-07-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am so proud to be part of a denomination that supports missionaries like the woman on your right. Her name is Chrissy Boyd. She spoke to our Tuesday "Drop In Circle" at Inez Allan's invitation.

Our denomination has sent and supported her and her husband to Africa for the last 16 years. Our mission strategy is unique. In 1996, our General Assembly directed our missions personnel to change strategies. Instead of only responding to symptoms of poverty, seek to develop strategies to address the root causes. And that is what Chrissy is doing in 34 villages in Mokolo (a region of Cameroon).

Cameroon has a devastating hunger cycle. The farmers grow sorghum. When it is harvested, speculators buy the grain for cash. The villagers need money as all of us do. They do not retain enougth grain for the year. Then when the hungry season begins in July and peaks in September, they no longer have grain. They are forced to buy grain from the speculators as greatly inflated prices. They sell goats to buy food and are unable to get out of debt. But now thanks to Chrissy and other Presbyterian Missionaries, this cycle has been broken.

A village now has a communal grain bank. The grain bank purchases grain from the villagers at a fair market price at harvest time. It is then closed until the hunger season. At that time villagers can either buy grain at the same price they sold it, or can make an agreement to pay in kind at the next harvest. The grain stays within the community. As a result, families now have enough food. Before this strategy began in 2000, the children in the area ate one meal a day. Now they can count on 3 meals from their own grain. A goat is no longer sold for food, but to buy school materials for the children.

We Presbyterian give witness to God's love for the vulnerable in this world. And when you and I gave money last spring to "One Great Hour of Sharing" it enabled Chrissy to break poverty in Mokolo.

blogging for Jesus

2008-07-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have a certain ambivalence about blogs. When I heard that pastors had them, I thought, "How egotistical!" As though anyone outside of the congregation would want to hear what they had to say. But four times in the last two years people I trust have urged me to create a blog.

One was a web site developer who talked about the real ability to create Christian community online. He painted a picture in which cautious visitors can learn more about the pastor before they commit a Sunday morning testing out her church. He spoke of how members can interact with their pastor from the convenience of their laptop. He spoke of how the gift of the internet is to foster real intimacy in an age of isolation and dislocation. The second person was a family member who runs an online business. She spoke of an ability to minister personally to people through questions and responses. The third is our executive presbyter, Scott Lumsden , http://presbyteryblog.wordpress.com/ and the fourth our GA Moderator, Bruce Reyes-Chow http://www.mod.reyes-chow.com/. Both of them have spoken to me quite effectively through their blogs. They have let me get an informal view of those men which I never could have had. They have shared their ideas with me personally, and yet to numerous others at the same time. They have been able to share their vision of ministry to me in a chatty way that was effective. That convinced me that this is a tool that can be used to expand my ministry deeper into your, the reader's, life. And that makes me happy.

"Dear Lord, please use this blog to connect us in your love. Amen"

Lookout world!

2008-07-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Creating a blog with my niece on the 4th of July... She is 14 and able to walk this 47year old through all the steps. I'm surprised to discover how easy it is to put one of these things together. I mean, I have been intimidated by looking at other's blogs and impressed by their technological knowhow. It turns out that it is surprisingly simple to create a sharp looking blog in 10 minutes with a confident teen. Who would have thunk it!
What has God wrought? It appears that the Holy Spirit has created a powerful new way for the church to connect. I hope through this blog that you will be able to interact with me in a personal way. I hope that God will use this tool to increase my ability to listen to members of our church and visitors to our church and potential unknown cyberfriends. I also hope to be able to share my Godsights and interact with you so we can together grow in our faith.
So, here's to Christological blogology!
Giddy with techno-play, Charlie Swartz