2/1/2008
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
1 Cor. 9: 22To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Dear Friends,
I have been reading a fascinating article by Parag Khanna in the New York Times Magazine about the shrinking power of America. One line especially intrigued me. He writes, "From Venezuela to Vietnam and Morocco to Malaysia, the new reality of global affairs is that there is not one way to win allies and influence countries but three: America's coalition (as in 'coalition of the willing'), Europe's consensus and China's consultative styles."
Now you can agree or disagree with the political implications of this statement, but I thought this might not be a bad image of the church today. No longer does one style fit all. The Body of Christ is great enough to accommodate a variety of styles. So perhaps we should not be so hung up on doing it "our way" and concentrate of sharing Christ is whatever fashion proves most effective.
2/14/2008
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
Acts 2: 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Dear Friends,
It is always interesting how the Spirit can move people. We live in a very stable area with a low population turnover. People tend to move here and stay. The same is true of the congregation. We grow, but very slowly.
Yet this week, four families were in touch about uniting with the congregation. When the Holy Spirit decides to reach people, the Spirit does not fool around. What is one recurring theme? New people felt they were warmly welcomed in the congregation. They believe (hopefully with some accuracy) that we care about them as individuals. May this be said of all Christian congregations.
2/21/2008
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
Psalm 46:
10 "Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth."
Dear Friends,
I came upon the following thought.
If we re to witness to Christ in today's marketplaces, we need silence. If we are always available, not only physically, but by empathy, sympathy, friendship, understanding and boundless "caritas" (grace), we need silence. To be able to give joyous, unflagging hospitality, not only of house and food, but of mind, heart, body and soul, we need silence.
2/29/2008
PASTORAL PONDERINGS
2 Cor. 5:
17So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 20So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Dear Friends,
This past week there were people in four different hospitals. Needless to say, I have been doing a lot of traveling. And yet, I consider hospital visitation one of the great privileges of parish ministry. It is also one in which lay people can and should share. In visiting those who are ill, we not only are fulfilling the command of Christ, but also have the honor of being ambassadors of Christ. What a blessing to serve as sources of hope and strength to those who are in a weaker place.
