(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
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
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.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Is It Time for Shell Ridge to Move Ahead as Welcoming and Affirming?
(from Shell Ridge "Ridge Runner" - September, 2008)
The Welcoming & Affirming survey was solidly in support of Shell Ridge becoming a W&A church. As of this writing 86% of participants were in favor (including 100% of participants under 50 years of age). Members were 93% in favor or neutral on the issue.
There were, however, concerns expressed both by those in favor and those opposed to W&A. These indicate a need for additional discussion regarding why this process is important, what it means for Shell Ridge, theology and Biblical study, and a review of discrimination problems.
The two questions that have been heard over and over again are "Isn't Shell Ridge already Welcoming and Affirming?" and "Why do we need to address this subject at this time?"
The answer to the first question is mostly yes, in practice, but officially no. We have affirmed our openness to all people, but there has been a climate of "don't ask, don't tell" about speaking openly and freely about gay, lesbian, or bisexual members. This is not fair to them – and it's also dishonest, even if intended to avoid offending or embarrassing anyone. We teach our children about justice and equal rights, but we have been virtually silent with them about this subject.
This leads us to the second question of "why now?" Because we've become over the past twenty-five years a society that largely believes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is wrong. In fact, it is illegal in California, though churches are largely exempt from non-discrimination laws. We think we owe it to our children and young people to be clear about where we stand -- and set an example for them in being an open and welcoming congregation. To do otherwise is not in keeping with our church's tradition of support for justice and human rights.
Another question that some people have asked is what "affirming" means to Shell Ridge. This question is one people may differ somewhat in answering. I base my answer on Jesus' lack of condemnation.
We have no record in scripture of Jesus addressing the issue of gay sexuality – perhaps because the concept of innate sexuality was unknown. However, it was expected that young Jewish men would marry, and Jesus and some of his disciples were willing to challenge that social norm in order to spend full time in following a higher calling – that of being united in Jesus' mission and love for all people. The apostle Paul followed a similar course.
In like manner, we are called to be united in love for all people and to show our commitment to Christ by our love for each other. I believe that's a chief characteristic of our church fellowship, and I have been heartened that I've heard not one word of criticism of anyone because their views on this issue differ from someone else's.
One young adult voiced the hope that this action would result in more young people coming into our church. It is, to a large extent, a generational gap not unlike those we've faced before. But we can all grow and change, especially when it benefits our fellowship and ministry. As the 41-year-old Olympic medalist Dara Torres said, "Don't put an age limit on your dreams." This is a case where we can ALL be winners, in Christian love united, regardless of differing opinions. It's always the right time for that.
The Welcoming & Affirming survey was solidly in support of Shell Ridge becoming a W&A church. As of this writing 86% of participants were in favor (including 100% of participants under 50 years of age). Members were 93% in favor or neutral on the issue.
There were, however, concerns expressed both by those in favor and those opposed to W&A. These indicate a need for additional discussion regarding why this process is important, what it means for Shell Ridge, theology and Biblical study, and a review of discrimination problems.
The two questions that have been heard over and over again are "Isn't Shell Ridge already Welcoming and Affirming?" and "Why do we need to address this subject at this time?"
The answer to the first question is mostly yes, in practice, but officially no. We have affirmed our openness to all people, but there has been a climate of "don't ask, don't tell" about speaking openly and freely about gay, lesbian, or bisexual members. This is not fair to them – and it's also dishonest, even if intended to avoid offending or embarrassing anyone. We teach our children about justice and equal rights, but we have been virtually silent with them about this subject.
This leads us to the second question of "why now?" Because we've become over the past twenty-five years a society that largely believes discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is wrong. In fact, it is illegal in California, though churches are largely exempt from non-discrimination laws. We think we owe it to our children and young people to be clear about where we stand -- and set an example for them in being an open and welcoming congregation. To do otherwise is not in keeping with our church's tradition of support for justice and human rights.
Another question that some people have asked is what "affirming" means to Shell Ridge. This question is one people may differ somewhat in answering. I base my answer on Jesus' lack of condemnation.
We have no record in scripture of Jesus addressing the issue of gay sexuality – perhaps because the concept of innate sexuality was unknown. However, it was expected that young Jewish men would marry, and Jesus and some of his disciples were willing to challenge that social norm in order to spend full time in following a higher calling – that of being united in Jesus' mission and love for all people. The apostle Paul followed a similar course.
In like manner, we are called to be united in love for all people and to show our commitment to Christ by our love for each other. I believe that's a chief characteristic of our church fellowship, and I have been heartened that I've heard not one word of criticism of anyone because their views on this issue differ from someone else's.
One young adult voiced the hope that this action would result in more young people coming into our church. It is, to a large extent, a generational gap not unlike those we've faced before. But we can all grow and change, especially when it benefits our fellowship and ministry. As the 41-year-old Olympic medalist Dara Torres said, "Don't put an age limit on your dreams." This is a case where we can ALL be winners, in Christian love united, regardless of differing opinions. It's always the right time for that.
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