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Rain, Waves, and Following Jesus

We keep hearing that rain is in the forecast but it has yet to show up here. The same can be said of the waves this week. No monster waves were breaking on the days I paddle out (though I did get knocked around a bit more than usual on Tuesday). So what's the forecast for 2006? It's tough to guess what the water and the weather will do but I think if we're committed to following Jesus we should expect something more than adding another year to the count when 2006 is behind us. On Sunday, we're looking at the conversation Jesus had with the woman at the well (see John 4:1-42). It was a transformational conversation for this woman of Samaria. So too, I believe it offers us insight into our own experience of transformation as we seek to follow Jesus. Now I know it will be New Year's Day but I hope we'll have a good group gathered on Sunday to sing, pray, listen to the Word of God and share a meal together at the Lord's Table. No doubt the rains will come and perhaps another swell will hit soon but may we also grow in confidence and conviction as to what God is doing in and through us as disciples of Jesus Christ. I'm certain spiritual transformation is in the forecast for 2006. Hope to see you on Sunday so that we might experience it together.

Soul Surfer

I'm enjoying some out-of-the-ordinary reading during this season. I just finished the story of Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board. She's the young girl who lost her arm in a shark attack in Hawaii. Her life is an inspiring story (and she's got a lot ahead of her still)! She comes from a great family and her faith in Jesus Christ is clearly evident. I'm not sure I'd bounce back with as much grace as she has shown. She writes about the physical challenge she's faced as well as the challenge of instant fame.

My favorite story is about a trip she took to New York City to appear on MTV. They sent her to all the fancy department stores on a spending spree but she didn't see anything she needed or really wanted. When they were heading back to the studio she saw a homeless woman on the street and so she gave her some food and some money. The people she was with were surprised by her actions but to her such a response was consistent with her faith. I'd be a proud father if my daughter demonstrated that kind of compassion. Way to go, Bethany!

Menorah Lighting Ceremony

Maybe you've read about Ladera Ranch in the paper recently or perhaps you've seen us on the news. I'm not sure how widely the story has been reported but, unfortunately, last Saturday the Menorah display on the Town Green was cut down and defaced. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Because this is our neighborhood and because this kind behavior is absolutely intolerable, we prayed together as a congregation for our Jewish neighbors and friends at our Christmas Eve service and again on Sunday morning. I was pleased to receive an invitation to the lighting ceremony last night even as the same invitation was extended to the whole of our congregation (something I announced during worship but haven't yet blogged about).

I attended the ceremony last night and I was glad to see many faces from our congregation. Robert Cohen, the Ladera Ranch resident who built the original Menorah and the one who is primarily responsible for gathering the Jewish community together here in Ladera Ranch, did a wonderful job of putting the situation in context. The large crowd on the Town Green last night included many who were there to stand in support of neighbor even as most were there to claim their religious heritage. It was an enjoyable evening and I was honored to be a part of it. It's amazing to me how an attempt to tear something down ultimately became an occasion for us to build one another up. I hope the dialog continues into the New Year.

In case you're wondering what was destroyed, here's a picture of the Menorah I took a few years ago. It's a total loss due to some combination of hatred, ignorance and disrespect but so also we've experienced the gain of standing together as neighbors. Please keep our community in your prayers in the coming days even as we discover how to respond to an incident like this and how to care for our neighbor.

[As a side conversation, I was pleased that an overtly religious symbol was permitted in a public park even as the "Christmas" tree in the same park means very little to me. It makes me wonder about the issues that really matter. What issues should the church be concerned about in a community like Ladera Ranch?]

Four Days of Christmas

Yesterday afternoon our family traveled up to Long Beach to celebrate Christmas with my dad and step-mother. Tonight our kids will open presents because the next few days are a bit crazy and this will allow us to enjoy leisurely time together. Tomorrow you can be sure we'll be gearing up for our four o'clock Christmas Eve service and then it's back again on Sunday morning. It's just happens to be Christmas Day and so it's all the more appropriate to celebrate with carols. Seriously, I'm looking forward to Sunday because we'll be singing a few carols that normally don't make the cut during the holiday season.

With all the activity, I don't expect to be blogging much in the week ahead and I also don't expect you to be reading much on the internet either. Turn off your computer and go spend time with the ones you love. Merry Christmas to all and blessings to you in the New Year!

Year of Adventure

On January 1st I determined this would be a year of adventure...this picture marks a wonderful conclusion to an amazing year. And it also makes me eager for more.

Highlights include:
1. progress made at Village Presbyterian Church including our first-ever Vacation Bible School. Thanks to all who made that adventure a reality. 2. a wonderful family vacation to Lake Tahoe and the California coast. 3. surfing on Wednesday mornings with Matthew. 4. being there when Joy finished her degree at Cal State Fullerton. There is no one who brings more joy to my world than my wife. 5. nearing the end of the D.Min program at Columbia with the help of Dr. Stephen Hayner. 6. being involved in a good number of baptisms and weddings. 7. taking the preview trip to Mexico for the church mission project in February. 8. deepening friendships and adding new friends. 9. learning to carry the weight of weekly preaching (though at times it feels like weakly preaching). 10. trusting God has a future and a plan for our household (Jeremiah 29:11-14). 11. watching my three kids grow. Matthew has made his best start ever this year in his school career and I'm very proud of him. Andrew has become an voracious reader and Mackenzie is as smart and as tough as she can be, thanks to two older brothers. 12. Finally, I'm grateful to Jesus Christ who is ever faithful to his promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b). There is now greater adventure in life than the adventure of faith found in him. Everything in this world pales when compared to him.

Thanks to Billy for taking the above shot at T-Street this morning and thanks to Rick for processing it for me. Yes, that's me on the wave in the shot above. Dude, this one's going on my wall, fer sure!

Decompressing on Monday

Yesterday was the fourth Sunday in Advent. Lots to celebrate in a day filled with activity from start to finish. Next Sunday is Christmas Day and I expect it'll be just as full.

What a joy it was for us to celebrate the baptism of Kassidy. Her name is from Mala's heritage and it means "Road to God."

After church Joy and I took off to enjoy lunch and a movie while friends took care of our children. Our kids had a blast and so did we! We saw "Walk the Line." I actually posted about Johnny Cash last December (you can find it here). The movie was an interesting look at an interesting life.

In the evening I slung on my guitar and we headed over to Vellandi's to go caroling through their neighborhood. Lots of families must have been at the mall but we found enough welcome to keep us going. We sang to one car and even had one family bring out hot chocolate for all. The evening ended with great food and conversation.

The Salt Team

Here's the crew who finally delivered the last of the salt to homes in Terramor. It was a simple and practical way of getting the word out about the church, even as we gave something away for free.

Jesus said it like this, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot." (Matt. 5:13) Hopefully, we at Village Presbyterian Church demonstrate a way of life that adds flavor and seasoning to the community where we live. I wonder how our faith might be daring enough to cause others to thirst for the living God. Just a thought. Thanks to all who helped get the job done last Saturday!

Caroling on Sunday

Are you ready to sing? Here's a picture from our caroling party last year. It's fun to walk the neighborhood, enjoy the lights and sing a few carols. Matt's having a good time in this picture...what a great smile.

If you can join us on Sunday at 5, check the details in the bulletin on Sunday.

Where's Your Peace?

So have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?

I've been asked that question at least a dozen times over the past two weeks. It's the default question of the season. I've also noticed whenever it's asked there is always a moment of shared anxiety...at least, I feel it. The answer for me, as of today, is NO! I'm not ready for Christmas. I'm getting there but I'm not there yet.

Getting ready for Christmas requires more than marathon shopping spree at the local mall. It makes me wonder about the time we spend getting our "spiritual house" prepared for the celebration. Is there a way to live a more integrated life in this season of stress and anxiety?

I'm still thinking about what I can offer as a better default question. I don't want it to be overly spiritual but I think we need to find ways to help people to consider what the Christmas season is all about. Just a thought.

Salt Campaign II

Tomorrow morning we're gathering at my house at 7 a.m. to head over to Terramor to deliver the remaining canisters of salt. If you're able to help for an hour or two, you'll receive much appreciation!