A few people asked for the quote by Eric Hoffer at the end of yesterday's sermon. I can't take the credit for stumbling across this in my reading but Tod Bolsinger posted the quote on his Facebook page a long time ago and it has stuck with me. It really makes sense on so many different levels.
"In times of great change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists."
A new friend of mine recently told me about the film, "Race to Nowhere" (you'll find the trailer is below). We had been talking about how to raise kids who understand who they are in Christ and who are eager to make a difference in the world. An "outwardly focused" family is an odd thing today. Parents press children to achieve but why? So that they can go to the best school, get a good job, and buy a nice home in Orange County or along the coast. Is this all there is?
What's the "ultimate end" of raising children?
What's the purpose of marriage?
It seems to me that so many families in my community are rushing from one event to the next. Maybe THERE IS another way. Maybe there is a BETTER WAY. It's something I've been thinking about in relation to life in the church. I don't want "church" to be just one more thing on a long "to do" list. Jesus invites us to much more. Take a look at this trailer and tell me if you think it might also have something to say to us at Village. I'd love to hear what you think.
Just finished watching the PBS series, "Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery." What an incredible story of adventure and courage. Check it out, if you haven't yet seen it.
In the sermon yesterday I presented the challenge of a 'Wednesday FAST.' You decide what kind sacrifice you want to make. You can give up a meal (or more), maybe media or anything else you think might be controlling your life. Decide the terms: 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours. Be advised that once you decide: YOU WILL FACE TEMPTATION to go easy on yourself. Stick to your plan and do it out of devotion to the Lord. I was so pleased to see so many people picking up the flyer to take on the challenge on Sunday. Let me encourage you to write about your experience and then drop the paper into the offering basket on Sunday. I'm eager to read about the impact of this 'church wide' fast.
Here's the video we played on Sunday. Makes you think, eh?
Check out Matthew 6 for guidelines on prayer and fasting. Remember the goal is not to show how spiritual you are but rather to be reminded that we do not live by bread alone but every word that comes from the mouth of God (see what Jesus says in the face of temptation on Matthew 4). You can be sure that I will be praying and fasting right with you on Wednesday! Blessings to you.
For more than a decade I've attended Presbytery meetings because it's just one of the things that I'm required to do. All that is changing (I hope). On Thursday, February 25, the Presbytery of Los Ranchos (the Presbytery where we belong), is pioneering a new approach to ministry. It's so exciting I can hardly stand it and I want to invite others to participate as well. Below is a video featuring Tod Bolsinger (Pastor at San Clemente and my covenant brother) inviting everyone to be a part of something new. God is stirring new things among us and it's so good that we dare not keep it to ourselves. There's room in my van next Thursday, let me know if you want to travel with me.
I had a conversation with someone this morning who responded several years ago to the call to sponsor a child from Compassion International. The girl they chose lived in Haiti and was the same age as their daughter. They have sponsored her for more than two years now. Obviously, the recent earthquake has been a cause of great concern. They have a connection with this beautiful child and they are waiting for word that everything is okay. Prayers for Haiti are more personal for this Ladera Ranch family. On Sunday, you will hear a few words about how sponsoring a child has been a blessing in their home. Come on Sunday and let your heart be touched by God's compassion so that the same compassion might flow freely in us.
I'm also pleased to report $465 were raised on Sunday in support of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Is that cool or what? Way to go, church. Together we can make a difference.
I have listened to this speech more than a dozen times. On the only American holiday honoring a preacher, I decided to watch it again today. Still feel a warm surge of emotion at the end. What a great gift MLK was to this nation.
In Everything Belongs Richard Rohr writes, "Two-thirds of Jesus' teachings are about forgiveness. A good third of Jesus' parables are about forgiveness, directly or indirectly. Forgiveness has nothing to do with logic; it is the final breakdown of it. It is a mystical recognition that human evil is something we are all trapped by, suffering from, and participating in. It calls forth weeping, humility, and healing much more than feverish attempts to root out evil. The transformation happens through tears much more than through threats or punishments." (133-134)
