Op-Ed Columnist: The Frozen Gaze
First, I want to encourage you to read this article.
Secondly, I would like to reflect on the comparisons between life in Christ and Tiger's ability to focus. I find G.K. Chesterton's quote to be challenging...."Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting as it has been tried and found difficult." What would happen if we, by the power of God's grace, could bring the intensity and focus to our walk with God through Christ that Tiger brings to the game of golf? Just what might happen? As I shared with the Epiclesis service folk on Saturday night....being a disciple, an apprentice of Jesus, a follower of Jesus is extremely difficult on our own strength and power....this is a co-operative journey -- between the God who loves us in Christ and ourselves.
My question for the week is this...how does one learn to become as focused on one's spiritual journey as Tiger is on golf? What does that look like? How do we do it?
What are your thoughts?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
guns in church
Did you happen to see the article in the Wichita Eagle about the dilemma that local churches will face regarding the concealed weapon law in Kansas? According to the article, now that the law allows concealed weapons, the only way that churches are exempt is if they place the commonly seen sticker of a gun with a red slash through it on the entry doors.
What do you think? Do you think it is appropriate for churches to have visibly conspicuous stickers on the front doors?
I am reminded of an experience I had in McPherson when I was an associate pastor. I was to give the children's sermon and I decided that I would honor and recognize law enforcement personnel through my children's sermon. I invited a man who was a State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol, a member of the congregation, to join in the front for the children's sermon. I read from the Living Bible a passage from Romans..."if you do what is right...you do not have to fear the police."
The State Trooper came dressed in his uniform and had his gun on his holster. When the service was over, (this was before email), I had several persons who were very upset with me for having the State Trooper as a participant in the service. As I asked more questions about "why," I quickly discovered, that every single complaint registered, was focused on the fact that the Trooper was wearing his gun.
To this day, I have to confess to you, I would never expect a police officer to be present in uniform, anywhere, including a church, without his/her gun. Primarily, for their own safety as a peace officer and for the protection of those who are near them. I know FBI and DEA agents who speak of the need, at all times and places, to never be without protection. People do seek revenge!
So, what if Chapel Hill Charlie or Chapel Hill Casandra show up on a Sunday morning with a concealed weapon? Do we let them in or do we make it clear that guns are not welcome?
My personal opinion is....we should never post signs barring weapons....perhaps we ask, through more gentle means (bulletin, Spark, blog, etc.) to encourage persons, unless law enforcement personnel, to leave their guns at home.
From where I stand.....when we gather in the name of the Prince of Peace, all persons are welcome, and his message of love is stronger than the power of any weapon.
What do you think?
What do you think? Do you think it is appropriate for churches to have visibly conspicuous stickers on the front doors?
I am reminded of an experience I had in McPherson when I was an associate pastor. I was to give the children's sermon and I decided that I would honor and recognize law enforcement personnel through my children's sermon. I invited a man who was a State Trooper with the Kansas Highway Patrol, a member of the congregation, to join in the front for the children's sermon. I read from the Living Bible a passage from Romans..."if you do what is right...you do not have to fear the police."
The State Trooper came dressed in his uniform and had his gun on his holster. When the service was over, (this was before email), I had several persons who were very upset with me for having the State Trooper as a participant in the service. As I asked more questions about "why," I quickly discovered, that every single complaint registered, was focused on the fact that the Trooper was wearing his gun.
To this day, I have to confess to you, I would never expect a police officer to be present in uniform, anywhere, including a church, without his/her gun. Primarily, for their own safety as a peace officer and for the protection of those who are near them. I know FBI and DEA agents who speak of the need, at all times and places, to never be without protection. People do seek revenge!
So, what if Chapel Hill Charlie or Chapel Hill Casandra show up on a Sunday morning with a concealed weapon? Do we let them in or do we make it clear that guns are not welcome?
My personal opinion is....we should never post signs barring weapons....perhaps we ask, through more gentle means (bulletin, Spark, blog, etc.) to encourage persons, unless law enforcement personnel, to leave their guns at home.
From where I stand.....when we gather in the name of the Prince of Peace, all persons are welcome, and his message of love is stronger than the power of any weapon.
What do you think?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
baptism and infants
Good day to you, sisters and brothers in Christ....
My computer is now out of the shop and I am grateful! I feel as though I have had my right arm reattached. So, I am committed to blogging on a regular basis. I am creating a new habit. They say it takes 21 days to learn a new habit. Thanks for your patience!! :-)
When I preached on baptism recently, like always, I left out a lot of information....I intend to use my blog to cover what I don't get covered in my Sunday sermon....I thought I would name my blog....TBC....to be continued.....what do you think?
When I gave my sermon on baptism, I did not make very clear, something that is extremely important. The question was asked....what happens to infants that are not baptized? I quoted Bishop Willimon who talks about promiscuous baptism. That is, baptism that is done without thought of why this is really a sacred event. From my perspective, I am less concerned about promiscuous baptism because I believe God's grace is at work whether we're serious or not, whether we get it or not, whether we whatever or not. God is God and God is faithful to do God's work and to be active in the life of the person we have entrusted to Divine care. Bishop Willimon, for me, treads on making baptism formulaic and mostly under our control.
Back to the topic at hand. I love wild rabbit chases. You see some great scenery in the process! :-) I am more concerned about superstitious baptisms. What do I mean? I have had people say to me, "Jeff, I must get my baby baptized before he/she leaves the hospital because I am afraid that something might happen and my child will go to hell." Because I am a pastor, pastoral concerns at hand become my highest priority. I will go to the hospital and baptize if the parent or parents request. But, I am also quick to say....your child is in the care of God always. God is faithful to take care of the little ones. Baptized or not. Simply because they belong to God, they are in the loving care of a loving God.
Some of you may be thinking that I don't really think baptism matters all that much. I absolutely do. But not as an act of superstition. Only as an act of grace! It is a naming, a claiming of what God already believes about every infant or child. They are precious, they are persons created in the image of God, have within them, sacred worth. Baptism is our way, as Christians, to celebrate that, and to invite God's Spirit to do in and through their lives what God desires to do.
So...to the point....if a baby or infant is not baptized...and dies...what happens...they enjoy the presence of the One who said..."Let the little children come unto me...for to such as these....belongs the Kingdom of God."
You are a blessing!!
My computer is now out of the shop and I am grateful! I feel as though I have had my right arm reattached. So, I am committed to blogging on a regular basis. I am creating a new habit. They say it takes 21 days to learn a new habit. Thanks for your patience!! :-)
When I preached on baptism recently, like always, I left out a lot of information....I intend to use my blog to cover what I don't get covered in my Sunday sermon....I thought I would name my blog....TBC....to be continued.....what do you think?
When I gave my sermon on baptism, I did not make very clear, something that is extremely important. The question was asked....what happens to infants that are not baptized? I quoted Bishop Willimon who talks about promiscuous baptism. That is, baptism that is done without thought of why this is really a sacred event. From my perspective, I am less concerned about promiscuous baptism because I believe God's grace is at work whether we're serious or not, whether we get it or not, whether we whatever or not. God is God and God is faithful to do God's work and to be active in the life of the person we have entrusted to Divine care. Bishop Willimon, for me, treads on making baptism formulaic and mostly under our control.
Back to the topic at hand. I love wild rabbit chases. You see some great scenery in the process! :-) I am more concerned about superstitious baptisms. What do I mean? I have had people say to me, "Jeff, I must get my baby baptized before he/she leaves the hospital because I am afraid that something might happen and my child will go to hell." Because I am a pastor, pastoral concerns at hand become my highest priority. I will go to the hospital and baptize if the parent or parents request. But, I am also quick to say....your child is in the care of God always. God is faithful to take care of the little ones. Baptized or not. Simply because they belong to God, they are in the loving care of a loving God.
Some of you may be thinking that I don't really think baptism matters all that much. I absolutely do. But not as an act of superstition. Only as an act of grace! It is a naming, a claiming of what God already believes about every infant or child. They are precious, they are persons created in the image of God, have within them, sacred worth. Baptism is our way, as Christians, to celebrate that, and to invite God's Spirit to do in and through their lives what God desires to do.
So...to the point....if a baby or infant is not baptized...and dies...what happens...they enjoy the presence of the One who said..."Let the little children come unto me...for to such as these....belongs the Kingdom of God."
You are a blessing!!
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