I have often thought that the relationships we have with each other is perhaps the main reason we come together as a church family. When I was in college, I wrote that Jesus came to teach twelve men what friendship could really be – and with that knowledge, they changed the world.
But I have suspected that people sometimes feel guilty or embarrassed to admit that a primary reason for coming to church is to be with friends – except when they may have been looking to meet someone – then our culture smiles on that (as being a much better place to meet someone significant than in a bar or other ‘social’ situation). But what I’m talking about is the reason to come together week after week throughout a lifetime. I say it’s for the friendship we share.
Other words are used: fellowship, community, prayerful support, holy ‘hugs and kisses’ and so on. Can it be that God’s essential truth and being – love – can be made known and shared in such a simple way? I believe it is true, because love is the essence of our faith – and scripture assures us that God is love, and that our love for each other is what sets us apart as disciples. Why do we experience such love at church and not elsewhere? I think commitment is part of it – we are truly a family of friends. And we share together all the most significant parts of our lives, from birth to death and all the life that lies between.
This is, of course, still a form of human love, but is patterned on a higher example that has been set for us by God – and shown to us in human form by Jesus. In the very first accounts of creation, remember that after God has made all the things that make up the world, there was something missing. Teacher, poet, and hymn-writer James Weldon Johnson has God saying, “I am lonely… I will make me a man” (God’s Trombones - “The Creation”). This suggests that the purpose of creation was to have relationship.
Many of you know we lost a friend of almost eighteen years on March 15. He became a devoted companion and loyal friend, and though he was of another species, he also was a creature that personified relationship, and that is, in whatever form or circumstance, holy. We’ve been reluctant to put away his food and water bowl that sat on our family room floor for so many years. Even with creation’s “very least” relationship doesn’t end or die.
From the least to the greatest, love and relationship are God’s way of being and are holy.
In a pattern that God originated in the very beginnings of the Universe, relationship is holy and eternal - the sharing of love and association between souls or sentient beings. We all know examples of people who have made lifetime commitments to each other and who may be said to have laid out their lives for one another. Jesus said this was a paragon of love and devotion. It goes beyond the boundaries of sex, race, and maybe even species in our understanding and experience of love. Relationship is by God, from God, and of God. What God has enabled in relationship, let no one seek to prevent or put asunder.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Diversity Has Always Been a Very Important but Elusive Quality for Christians
My dad’s hero was Abe Lincoln. I marveled at that being an unlikely choice for my dad – growing up as he did in the 20s in rural Texas – only 50 years after the Civil War and the ‘reconstruction’ that followed. But Lincoln’s legacy lived on for my dad and many others -- even in the South.
Mr. Lincoln was always an unlikely candidate, but it became apparent that the nation needed him -- as it tried to deal with a divisiveness that showed up clearly even before the country’s founding, when the drafters of the Constitution argued over slavery amid contentious feelings between the northern and southern colonists. Some historians have claimed that only one-third supported the American revolution, one-third were loyal to Britain, and one-third were non-committal or indifferent. However, by 1865, few if any had feelings of indifference about the significant cultural differences (slavery was ‘only’ one) between the rural south and the more urbanized north -- where the much-heralded “melting pot” was already underway.
Our families were part of that exploding diversity. With names like Lougee and Unger, our great-grandfathers represented different areas of Europe and settled in New England and the South, respectively. Members of these families, as well as those of the Mitchell and Smith families, eventually migrated to Texas and the rest is our history. The Lougees had a mill in New Hampshire, and my grandpa Unger worked as a conductor for the Cotton Belt Railroad in Texas. My dad’s uncle in Uvalde, Texas, did genealogical study that showed two Mitchell boys were killed fighting for the Confederacy -- and in Exeter, Maine, Sandy and I found the headstones of two Lougee boys who died fighting on the Union side.
In the South, we were taught that slavery was only part of the reason for the war. Other more ‘important’ issues were economic survival and states’ rights. Much has been written also about the ‘plantation culture’ and southern aristocracy, but I suspect that southerners of the time were far more likely to be poor than part of any aristocracy – and very likely to consider themselves quite different from their industrialized northern neighbors. Most Protestant denominations, including Baptists, split into northern and southern groups. It took the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – in which I was ordained -- another forty years to do so, but by then the division became more clearly urban vs. rural, with all the diverse viewpoints those lifestyles typically involve.
Interestingly, both the northern and southern branches of churches have strived to limit or deny diversity in maintaining their quest for the ‘one New Testament church’ for many years after they split. Today most scholars recognize there were many different models of the church in existence during the first two centuries. The Apostle Paul’s churches in Asia Minor differed radically from each other and from the Jerusalem church. There was extreme resistance to Paul’s insistence on full equality for Gentile Christians, as recorded in Galatians, other of his letters, and in Acts. In truth, Paul died fighting for diversity, and that struggle may be seen as the central historical theme of the New Testament.
Mr. Lincoln was always an unlikely candidate, but it became apparent that the nation needed him -- as it tried to deal with a divisiveness that showed up clearly even before the country’s founding, when the drafters of the Constitution argued over slavery amid contentious feelings between the northern and southern colonists. Some historians have claimed that only one-third supported the American revolution, one-third were loyal to Britain, and one-third were non-committal or indifferent. However, by 1865, few if any had feelings of indifference about the significant cultural differences (slavery was ‘only’ one) between the rural south and the more urbanized north -- where the much-heralded “melting pot” was already underway.
Our families were part of that exploding diversity. With names like Lougee and Unger, our great-grandfathers represented different areas of Europe and settled in New England and the South, respectively. Members of these families, as well as those of the Mitchell and Smith families, eventually migrated to Texas and the rest is our history. The Lougees had a mill in New Hampshire, and my grandpa Unger worked as a conductor for the Cotton Belt Railroad in Texas. My dad’s uncle in Uvalde, Texas, did genealogical study that showed two Mitchell boys were killed fighting for the Confederacy -- and in Exeter, Maine, Sandy and I found the headstones of two Lougee boys who died fighting on the Union side.
In the South, we were taught that slavery was only part of the reason for the war. Other more ‘important’ issues were economic survival and states’ rights. Much has been written also about the ‘plantation culture’ and southern aristocracy, but I suspect that southerners of the time were far more likely to be poor than part of any aristocracy – and very likely to consider themselves quite different from their industrialized northern neighbors. Most Protestant denominations, including Baptists, split into northern and southern groups. It took the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – in which I was ordained -- another forty years to do so, but by then the division became more clearly urban vs. rural, with all the diverse viewpoints those lifestyles typically involve.
Interestingly, both the northern and southern branches of churches have strived to limit or deny diversity in maintaining their quest for the ‘one New Testament church’ for many years after they split. Today most scholars recognize there were many different models of the church in existence during the first two centuries. The Apostle Paul’s churches in Asia Minor differed radically from each other and from the Jerusalem church. There was extreme resistance to Paul’s insistence on full equality for Gentile Christians, as recorded in Galatians, other of his letters, and in Acts. In truth, Paul died fighting for diversity, and that struggle may be seen as the central historical theme of the New Testament.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Inclusivity Marks the Promise of a New Year at Shell Ridge Church
(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - February, 2009 issue)
Shell Ridge is now an officially welcoming and affirming church – as it has been for the last fifteen years, though not officially designated as such until now. We have had openly gay and lesbian members, both single and in relationships, openly and actively involved in our membership since 1994.
It may be of interest that there are now nearly 5,000 churches in the U.S. that are open to gay and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered members. They are known by a variety of names, including Welcoming & Affirming (American Baptists), Open and Affirming (UCC and Disciples), Reconciling (United Methodists), 'More Light' (Presbyterians), 'inclusive' and others. In this area alone, there are more than 300 churches, including congregations in Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, Pleasanton, Livermore, Sunol, Benicia, Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, Oakland, Piedmont, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Napa, Vacaville, Vallejo, and other Bay Area cities. The Northern California region of the United Church of Christ (UCC) is the first region to have more than 50% of its churches Open and Affirming.
I have listed all these because I have found that people generally don't know too much about other churches, except perhaps for a few where friends may attend. The fact is that the presence of "Open and Affirming" churches (the most commonly used term) in California urban areas has become ubiquitous, with more than 700 congregations.
It is now of more significance if a church is NOT open to people of sexual minorities. Such a lack of openness is generally considered an indication of a parochial or insular world view, and younger people are rejecting of such views in much the same way they're distrustful or disinterested in traditional denominational affiliations. People are increasingly looking to churches for an inclusive representation of and sensitivity to the real-world life situations and needs of people in the surrounding community.
We need not be apprehensive or apologetic for responding to a changed need for inclusivity in our outreach. It is solidly within the tradition of our church and its membership, as we have a history of openness to people in our area. We've welcomed people of different races, backgrounds, religious traditions and philosophies, There is a banner on the bottom of our website home page that proclaims, "Come Unto Me," referring to Jesus' invitation to all people.
I think one of the best arguments for inclusivity is stated by some who object to inclusion of those who must talk about what they do in the privacy of their homes. That is an excellent reason that one's sex life should NOT be at issue or a requirement for membership. And similarly one argument against same-sex marriage calls gay people "promiscuous." But I'm at a loss to know why those who seek to marry and commit their lives to each other aren't seen as acceptable to a society that values such commitment and devotion.
In 5,000 churches, Christians have determined that people are not defined by their sex or sexuality – believing with Paul that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28 NIV).
Shell Ridge is now an officially welcoming and affirming church – as it has been for the last fifteen years, though not officially designated as such until now. We have had openly gay and lesbian members, both single and in relationships, openly and actively involved in our membership since 1994.
It may be of interest that there are now nearly 5,000 churches in the U.S. that are open to gay and lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered members. They are known by a variety of names, including Welcoming & Affirming (American Baptists), Open and Affirming (UCC and Disciples), Reconciling (United Methodists), 'More Light' (Presbyterians), 'inclusive' and others. In this area alone, there are more than 300 churches, including congregations in Walnut Creek, Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Danville, Pleasanton, Livermore, Sunol, Benicia, Fremont, Hayward, San Leandro, Oakland, Piedmont, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, Napa, Vacaville, Vallejo, and other Bay Area cities. The Northern California region of the United Church of Christ (UCC) is the first region to have more than 50% of its churches Open and Affirming.
I have listed all these because I have found that people generally don't know too much about other churches, except perhaps for a few where friends may attend. The fact is that the presence of "Open and Affirming" churches (the most commonly used term) in California urban areas has become ubiquitous, with more than 700 congregations.
It is now of more significance if a church is NOT open to people of sexual minorities. Such a lack of openness is generally considered an indication of a parochial or insular world view, and younger people are rejecting of such views in much the same way they're distrustful or disinterested in traditional denominational affiliations. People are increasingly looking to churches for an inclusive representation of and sensitivity to the real-world life situations and needs of people in the surrounding community.
We need not be apprehensive or apologetic for responding to a changed need for inclusivity in our outreach. It is solidly within the tradition of our church and its membership, as we have a history of openness to people in our area. We've welcomed people of different races, backgrounds, religious traditions and philosophies, There is a banner on the bottom of our website home page that proclaims, "Come Unto Me," referring to Jesus' invitation to all people.
I think one of the best arguments for inclusivity is stated by some who object to inclusion of those who must talk about what they do in the privacy of their homes. That is an excellent reason that one's sex life should NOT be at issue or a requirement for membership. And similarly one argument against same-sex marriage calls gay people "promiscuous." But I'm at a loss to know why those who seek to marry and commit their lives to each other aren't seen as acceptable to a society that values such commitment and devotion.
In 5,000 churches, Christians have determined that people are not defined by their sex or sexuality – believing with Paul that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28 NIV).
Monday, January 5, 2009
“A Christmas Reflection” by Rev. Rick Mitchell
(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - January, 2009 issue)
In our family when I was growing up, we had a custom of reading the gospel of Luke’s account of the Christmas story before we opened gifts around the Christmas tree each year. You know, that’s the familiar Scripture that tells of the shepherds in the fields, to whom the angels appeared – “and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” Whenever this was read in my family, we would have to pause and chuckle, remembering a little child in our church who read this verse in a Christmas pageant as “they were shore afraid.”
During my college years, like many young people, I was searching for new meaning in old, familiar religious practices. I even found myself reading the Bible from time to time. One year, before Christmas, I was reading some of the other scriptures about the Christmas story, and I came upon the one that was read in part in our December 14 service, Luke 1:26-35, 46-50. This beautiful reflection of Mary includes the Magnificat, her response to the angel Gabriel who came to tell her she had been chosen to bear the Christ-child into the world.
Mary was surely tried and tested by this experience, as she was young and not married. Her response to the angel was the same one the Samaritan woman at the well gave Jesus: "I have no husband." Like her son to come, she would be compelled to say, "I was despised and rejected of men." Luke says she was with her cousin Elizabeth for about three months before the baby was due. It was during that time of isolation and reflection that Mary received her vision.
“My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation…”
The sheer beauty of this wonderful passage captured me that Christmas. It spoke of a private moment when Mary first realized that through her a gift would be given to all people. For me, it brought the Christmas experience, sharing gifts with others, a newly personal meaning. I had always believed that giving gifts was an authentic part of Christmas – because it was a way of sharing our love with others who were dear to us. But these verses told me that long before the giving of our gifts, another richer and more profound gift was given – the never-ending love of God – and that it can be shared only through the giving of ourselves to the needs of others.
We can give because we have received the love and forgiveness of a God who redeems us. God loves, forgives, and uses imperfect people. That too is the Christmas message.
In our family when I was growing up, we had a custom of reading the gospel of Luke’s account of the Christmas story before we opened gifts around the Christmas tree each year. You know, that’s the familiar Scripture that tells of the shepherds in the fields, to whom the angels appeared – “and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” Whenever this was read in my family, we would have to pause and chuckle, remembering a little child in our church who read this verse in a Christmas pageant as “they were shore afraid.”
During my college years, like many young people, I was searching for new meaning in old, familiar religious practices. I even found myself reading the Bible from time to time. One year, before Christmas, I was reading some of the other scriptures about the Christmas story, and I came upon the one that was read in part in our December 14 service, Luke 1:26-35, 46-50. This beautiful reflection of Mary includes the Magnificat, her response to the angel Gabriel who came to tell her she had been chosen to bear the Christ-child into the world.
Mary was surely tried and tested by this experience, as she was young and not married. Her response to the angel was the same one the Samaritan woman at the well gave Jesus: "I have no husband." Like her son to come, she would be compelled to say, "I was despised and rejected of men." Luke says she was with her cousin Elizabeth for about three months before the baby was due. It was during that time of isolation and reflection that Mary received her vision.
“My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation…”
The sheer beauty of this wonderful passage captured me that Christmas. It spoke of a private moment when Mary first realized that through her a gift would be given to all people. For me, it brought the Christmas experience, sharing gifts with others, a newly personal meaning. I had always believed that giving gifts was an authentic part of Christmas – because it was a way of sharing our love with others who were dear to us. But these verses told me that long before the giving of our gifts, another richer and more profound gift was given – the never-ending love of God – and that it can be shared only through the giving of ourselves to the needs of others.
We can give because we have received the love and forgiveness of a God who redeems us. God loves, forgives, and uses imperfect people. That too is the Christmas message.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
“The church is always asking for money” (Guest Column)
(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - December, 2008 - last regular print newsletter)
Sometimes you hear people say, “The church is always asking for money.” That statement is untrue.
It is the world that is always asking for money, not the church. When did you last go to the grocery store and the checker failed to ask you for money? Your mortgage company asks for money with unfailing regularity. If you are like most people, each month brings a new collection of bills. Are any of them from your church? Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn? Your uncle does that. Your God does not.
There is no free lunch, except at the church. You can attend worship every week and there is no admission charge. If you are sick, the pastor and/or other church members will visit you in the hospital. Where else can you get free counseling when you need it? Where else will your children be married?
What do you do when your loved one dies? What will it cost? The funeral home will certainly charge you for its services. The church will not. The church building will always be there when you need it – clean, heated, and with kitchen and nursery provided. You can make full use of it and never pay one dime. No one will even know whether you contribute or not.
You have to pay taxes to provide your children “free” public education, but your church operates a Sunday school which will give quality Christian education with absolutely no cost or obligation. The church requires no membership fee, no annual dues. You see, the truth is the church “asks for money” LESS than anything else you can think of.
Consider this paradox. Compared to the government and the bill collectors, the church almost NEVER asks for money. Yet of all the things your money could be used for, very few are more important than what the church provides. Your church will continue to provide ministry in Jesus’ name to everyone, whether they can afford to contribute or not. Isn’t that a great family to be a part of?
(Copied, Author Unknown)
The church, like other organizations, must rely on the generosity of the most dedicated 20 to 30% of its members for the bulk of its budgetary needs. The good news is that anyone can choose to be part of that dedicated group of givers. And it’s not necessary to match anyone else in terms of dollars given. It’s a matter of deciding to intentionally donate a percentage of one’s income to the church.
Many people try to begin with a small proportion such as 2 percent, and then gradually increase the percentage over the years, using the biblical “tithe” of 10 percent as a goal or standard of sacrificial giving.
Such intentional giving, whatever the amount, really does have its own reward – as many have found to be true. – Rev. Rick Mitchell
Sometimes you hear people say, “The church is always asking for money.” That statement is untrue.
It is the world that is always asking for money, not the church. When did you last go to the grocery store and the checker failed to ask you for money? Your mortgage company asks for money with unfailing regularity. If you are like most people, each month brings a new collection of bills. Are any of them from your church? Who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn? Your uncle does that. Your God does not.
There is no free lunch, except at the church. You can attend worship every week and there is no admission charge. If you are sick, the pastor and/or other church members will visit you in the hospital. Where else can you get free counseling when you need it? Where else will your children be married?
What do you do when your loved one dies? What will it cost? The funeral home will certainly charge you for its services. The church will not. The church building will always be there when you need it – clean, heated, and with kitchen and nursery provided. You can make full use of it and never pay one dime. No one will even know whether you contribute or not.
You have to pay taxes to provide your children “free” public education, but your church operates a Sunday school which will give quality Christian education with absolutely no cost or obligation. The church requires no membership fee, no annual dues. You see, the truth is the church “asks for money” LESS than anything else you can think of.
Consider this paradox. Compared to the government and the bill collectors, the church almost NEVER asks for money. Yet of all the things your money could be used for, very few are more important than what the church provides. Your church will continue to provide ministry in Jesus’ name to everyone, whether they can afford to contribute or not. Isn’t that a great family to be a part of?
(Copied, Author Unknown)
The church, like other organizations, must rely on the generosity of the most dedicated 20 to 30% of its members for the bulk of its budgetary needs. The good news is that anyone can choose to be part of that dedicated group of givers. And it’s not necessary to match anyone else in terms of dollars given. It’s a matter of deciding to intentionally donate a percentage of one’s income to the church.
Many people try to begin with a small proportion such as 2 percent, and then gradually increase the percentage over the years, using the biblical “tithe” of 10 percent as a goal or standard of sacrificial giving.
Such intentional giving, whatever the amount, really does have its own reward – as many have found to be true. – Rev. Rick Mitchell
Monday, November 3, 2008
Quiet Moments of Reflection Can Be Calming and Renewing for Our Spirits
(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - November, 2008)
Sandy and I are part of a Tuesday morning hiking group that usually hikes about three miles on East Bay trails. Today we walked in a new parks property east of Clayton. It offered magnificent views of Mount Diablo – plus close-up encounters with cows and their newborn calves. It was a time to enjoy nature’s quietness and reflect on the calm available to us almost anytime in the privileged and beautiful setting where we live.
This week had more than the usual occasions for recreation and reflection. Many friends and family joined us in celebrating my seventieth birthday; then Sandy and I went to Mendocino for the gorgeous coastal scenery and more quiet walks, times by the fireside, browsing in little shops, and yes, eating more wonderful food! On our return, out-of-town guests helped celebrate my birthday some more.
Such times make us realize how much we love and appreciate those who support us -- in the ordinary moments and in facing life’s bigger challenges. Family, friends, and church are great blessings that give us meaning and encouragement when we need them most.
In Linda’s Soul Words group, we were discussing autumn -- its beauties and attractions. Many of us said Fall is our favorite season because of the colors, sounds, smells, and activities (including holidays) that make this time of year special. Afterwards, someone remarked that "elections" had not been mentioned! We agreed that they might not be among our "favorite things" but that they do lend their own special "flavor" to the season (not to mention the competitive ending of baseball season and exciting start of football). So we have many distinctive distractions, decisions, delights, or dismays, but we also need the quiet moments of renewal and reflection to offset the busyness and the craziness of our days.
Shakespeare said, "The world is too much with us, late and soon. Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers..." I confess I don't remember the end of his statement -- I guess that’s up to each one of us, isn't it? But those first lines resonate with us all. Getting, spending, and laying waste describe rather well the mood and spirit of modern political campaigning, as unbelievable quantities of money, time and energy are marshaled (and squandered?) on ads, debates, sound bites, and "gotcha" scenarios of all kinds. I suppose our ability to endure it all and then vote is, indeed, a tribute to our patience and hopefully valid trust in the system.
Can the anger and mistrust that’s been expressed during this election season be set aside on November 5? I hope so, no matter who wins or loses. The need for such forgiving and forgetting are necessary for our sanity and survival.
One of our grandsons, when still small, was asked to say table grace. Being rather shy he descended beneath the table to pray. His words were muffled, except for the ending that was clear as a bell: "Never mind, Amen.” So I leave you with this suggested reflection and response to an exhausting political season – a quiet and prayerful “Never mind, Amen."
Sandy and I are part of a Tuesday morning hiking group that usually hikes about three miles on East Bay trails. Today we walked in a new parks property east of Clayton. It offered magnificent views of Mount Diablo – plus close-up encounters with cows and their newborn calves. It was a time to enjoy nature’s quietness and reflect on the calm available to us almost anytime in the privileged and beautiful setting where we live.
This week had more than the usual occasions for recreation and reflection. Many friends and family joined us in celebrating my seventieth birthday; then Sandy and I went to Mendocino for the gorgeous coastal scenery and more quiet walks, times by the fireside, browsing in little shops, and yes, eating more wonderful food! On our return, out-of-town guests helped celebrate my birthday some more.
Such times make us realize how much we love and appreciate those who support us -- in the ordinary moments and in facing life’s bigger challenges. Family, friends, and church are great blessings that give us meaning and encouragement when we need them most.
In Linda’s Soul Words group, we were discussing autumn -- its beauties and attractions. Many of us said Fall is our favorite season because of the colors, sounds, smells, and activities (including holidays) that make this time of year special. Afterwards, someone remarked that "elections" had not been mentioned! We agreed that they might not be among our "favorite things" but that they do lend their own special "flavor" to the season (not to mention the competitive ending of baseball season and exciting start of football). So we have many distinctive distractions, decisions, delights, or dismays, but we also need the quiet moments of renewal and reflection to offset the busyness and the craziness of our days.
Shakespeare said, "The world is too much with us, late and soon. Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers..." I confess I don't remember the end of his statement -- I guess that’s up to each one of us, isn't it? But those first lines resonate with us all. Getting, spending, and laying waste describe rather well the mood and spirit of modern political campaigning, as unbelievable quantities of money, time and energy are marshaled (and squandered?) on ads, debates, sound bites, and "gotcha" scenarios of all kinds. I suppose our ability to endure it all and then vote is, indeed, a tribute to our patience and hopefully valid trust in the system.
Can the anger and mistrust that’s been expressed during this election season be set aside on November 5? I hope so, no matter who wins or loses. The need for such forgiving and forgetting are necessary for our sanity and survival.
One of our grandsons, when still small, was asked to say table grace. Being rather shy he descended beneath the table to pray. His words were muffled, except for the ending that was clear as a bell: "Never mind, Amen.” So I leave you with this suggested reflection and response to an exhausting political season – a quiet and prayerful “Never mind, Amen."
Friday, October 3, 2008
Honoring the Values We Believe In
(From Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - October. 2008)
What does it mean when we say we believe in someone? Does it not mean we share their values -- and hope and work for the same kind of life for ourselves and others as they do also? I think this is the essence of believing in God, and in Jesus the Christ, manifest and revealed in our world. To believe in Jesus is to believe in his life’s work and values.
I believe we have an obligation to share our beliefs for the benefit of others, to “be as Christ to our neighbor,” and to accept our responsibility for upholding the values we believe in as Christians and as citizens. For me, it means that we need to be open and honest about our beliefs and about our church with people in the community.
We owe it to them, our children and young people, to be clear about our beliefs in the openness of God’s love and the sanctity of each individual and their God-given worth. Much damage has been done by real or perceived rigidity in religious attitudes toward those whose circumstances make them “different” and/or out-of-step with “traditional” values – especially with respect to sexuality and other social or political matters.
We fail our young people if we urge them to be true to themselves -- but don’t support them by encouraging openness and discussing their problems and alternatives with them. Suicide is known to be 30% more likely with gay teenagers. We must not run that risk with youth associated with our church. Likewise, if we encourage young people to live non-violently and to carefully consider how best to serve their country, we also need to support them in clear positions by our church within the larger community.
I believe this same principle also applies to us as representatives and determiners of our national will, purpose, and expression toward other countries, groups, and people in the world. When we vote, we need to examine the issues and positions of the candidates or political parties and decide which ones support the values we believe in as individuals and as Christians.
Though we honor the tradition of separation of church and state, generally refraining from taking sides (and never endorsing candidates), clear principles and standards are needed and are important to many who feel they’re an essential part of our involvement with public issues and our ministry to those (all of us) who are affected by them.
Above all, it is important to be sure and VOTE in the upcoming national election on Tuesday, November 4. In addition, I urge everyone to watch the four scheduled debates: Friday Sept. 26, Thursday Oct. 2, Tuesday Oct. 7, and Wednesday Oct. 15. All are 6 p.m. local time and will, of course, be televised.
I hope we can hear the candidates speak on the many vitally important issues and receive compassionate, just, and honest answers to the questions that matter to all of us. Candidates also have obligations to honor these deeply held values.
What does it mean when we say we believe in someone? Does it not mean we share their values -- and hope and work for the same kind of life for ourselves and others as they do also? I think this is the essence of believing in God, and in Jesus the Christ, manifest and revealed in our world. To believe in Jesus is to believe in his life’s work and values.
I believe we have an obligation to share our beliefs for the benefit of others, to “be as Christ to our neighbor,” and to accept our responsibility for upholding the values we believe in as Christians and as citizens. For me, it means that we need to be open and honest about our beliefs and about our church with people in the community.
We owe it to them, our children and young people, to be clear about our beliefs in the openness of God’s love and the sanctity of each individual and their God-given worth. Much damage has been done by real or perceived rigidity in religious attitudes toward those whose circumstances make them “different” and/or out-of-step with “traditional” values – especially with respect to sexuality and other social or political matters.
We fail our young people if we urge them to be true to themselves -- but don’t support them by encouraging openness and discussing their problems and alternatives with them. Suicide is known to be 30% more likely with gay teenagers. We must not run that risk with youth associated with our church. Likewise, if we encourage young people to live non-violently and to carefully consider how best to serve their country, we also need to support them in clear positions by our church within the larger community.
I believe this same principle also applies to us as representatives and determiners of our national will, purpose, and expression toward other countries, groups, and people in the world. When we vote, we need to examine the issues and positions of the candidates or political parties and decide which ones support the values we believe in as individuals and as Christians.
Though we honor the tradition of separation of church and state, generally refraining from taking sides (and never endorsing candidates), clear principles and standards are needed and are important to many who feel they’re an essential part of our involvement with public issues and our ministry to those (all of us) who are affected by them.
Above all, it is important to be sure and VOTE in the upcoming national election on Tuesday, November 4. In addition, I urge everyone to watch the four scheduled debates: Friday Sept. 26, Thursday Oct. 2, Tuesday Oct. 7, and Wednesday Oct. 15. All are 6 p.m. local time and will, of course, be televised.
I hope we can hear the candidates speak on the many vitally important issues and receive compassionate, just, and honest answers to the questions that matter to all of us. Candidates also have obligations to honor these deeply held values.
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