I write this on the verge of June Dairy Days, a time for West Salem to celebrate heritage, community, the coming of summer, and the produce of the land. As the clock is closing in on 10 PM, and the sun has long since set in the west, all that’s left is to finish this off while enjoying the cool breeze on our deck. All around me is lush, green life. God is good!

But there is some trouble in the air. I try very hard to keep politics out of pastoral ministry. I understand that there are differing view points, and while I have my opinions, I also want to value and honor the opinions of others – not only when I think they are right, but especially when I think they are wrong!

This time, however, what seems political isn’t. It’s not about politics – it’s about stewardship.

Long ago, in some fashion that we do not fully understand, God created a good world. God brought forth life of all kinds, and God provided for life to be sustained. God caused the sun to shine and the rain to fall, and even the winter, when the land can lie fallow. God fashioned a diversity of beings, plants and animals, insects and microbes. All brought together in a web that allows life to amaze, delight, and flourish.

And then, when all was ready, God breathed life into humankind, created, as Genesis says, “in God’s image.”

But even that wasn’t enough. God gave men and women – God gave us – a responsibility. God gave all of creation to us, not to own and use, not to posses and abuse. God gave creation as a trust, and with that, God gave us a calling – a calling to wise stewardship over the world around us.

And why not? As God created, Genesis tells us that again and again God saw that it was good.

Goodness, however, did not remain. Plants, animals, and all the rest of a magnificent world was fine. Humankind failed. In a fit of sin, Adam and Eve sought to displace God, to become god-like, and in that way, to take the place of God – to become gods themselves.

And so humanity began its journey. A journey of self-absorption – a journey of being so wrapped up in ourselves, that not only do I imagine that the fullness of life is about me and my desires, but I also imagine that I can achieve the fullness of life on my own. I can do it all by myself!

So focused on us, we become selfish, and our care is only for what we think will meet our needs and satisfy our desires. Even when it takes from others, harms them, and maybe even takes away life.

Yet, God was not quite finished with us. In the fullness of time God acted. In Jesus, God came into our world and through the cross and empty tomb God renewed live and restored hope. Imagine that – we who messed up get rescued by the very one we seek to push aside! That’s grace at work – that’s the gospel we proclaim!

So, where’s the “politics turned into stewardship” in all of this? The action this week of President Trump to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on the environment. Only two other nations are not party to the Paris Agreement – Nicaragua and Syria. Wow, great company we’re in!

OK, I know there are a lot who have questions about the agreement, and whether it’s the best. Maybe. But the vast majority of scientists (90%+) agree that human activity is changing the environment. What is scary is the prospect that we may reach a tipping point where we can’t go back. And what kind of world are we then leaving for our children and our grandchildren?

The Paris Agreement may not be perfect, but all but two countries agreed to begin to take the steps we need to take to prevent – and reverse – significant climate change. And now we are out.

So this begins as a stewardship issue. A world that is full of wonders is at risk from climate change, change which the overwhelming scientific evidence suggests is due to what we, the stewards, the trustees have done. Hey, read Genesis – we are entrusted with creation – and we are destroying it? And yet, we have the means to stop – but we don’t?

And why not? It will cost us too much! Our money, our wealth, our standard of living – are all more important than faithful stewardship, than faithfully caring for the earth. As if the planet is ours to spend, to waste, even to destroy. Let’s see…1 Timothy 6:10…the love of money is the root of all evil…

I started by saying that I try to avoid being political, but this is bigger than mere politics – this is stewardship!

There are species of animals and plants that will become extinct as habitats change. Remember God’s incredible gift of diversity? Remember it, for we may just throw it away.

There are nations that may disappear under the waters of rising oceans. But who cares about them? God cares! Contrary to our sometimes popular belief, God doesn’t just love Americans!

And then there are people who will go hungry, even starve to death, because crops will not withstand climate change. But they are insignificant, even disposable, right? The rich man in Luke 16:19-31 thought the same about Lazarus. Was he ever wrong!

So whether you are Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, we share (I hope) a care for our world. We also care about being faithful stewards as God has called us. We may differ in policies, but in the end we seek life as God calls it to be.

That leaves one last piece – the crucified and risen Jesus. Empowered by the embrace of the one who brings new life, we are freed to embrace the world around us, and to be bold. We are also free to join together, for our differences are overcome in the outstretched arms of Jesus. Write our congressional representatives. Find ways to advocate for a planet – a whole planet – dearly loved by Jesus, which God has entrusted to us.

And pray – pray a lot – and don’t stop! Pray for those affected by climate change, and those who are dismayed by our withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.

And finally, pray for our President. Not just that he may “see the light,” or the “error of his ways.” Like him or despise him, pray for him. He too is a loved child of God!

I just checked…wow, has it really been just shy of a month since my last reflection? Really, have I been that lazy?

Well, maybe…or maybe not! I mean, its not like nothing’s been going on.

Since my last reflection close to 650 worshiped with us at Easter…I traveled to Michigan for an ordination…we confirmed 23 9^th graders, including my daughter…which meant we had family and friends from out of town…Kay, our secretary for 35+ years retired…so we’ve started to interview candidates for that position…while we have had to keep the office moving without staffing…the Congregation Council assembled a proposal to remodel the building…which the congregation approved…and we also started the process to sell the parsonage.

All in a month.

So see? Lots going on.

On further reflection, I suppose my life isn’t all that unique. How about you? Anything going on in your life? And how about the world around us? Did you feel like this last week was a whirlwind, at least in Washington and across the globe? From Sally Yates’ testimony at the beginning of the week, to Trump’s firing of Comey later in the week, to the launch of yet another missile from North Korea today, the week has been moving in multiple directions, seemingly all at once. Life is always in motion, always filled with twists and turns, always full of surprises, but right now life seems to be a blur. And it takes what seems to be a monumental effort just to stay close. Getting ahead of the game isn’t even an option.

So the world seems to be spinning faster and faster, and I feel like I’m running around like the proverbial “chicken with his head cut off.”

But that’s not the scary part. The scary part is that this seems to be the “new normal.” That is to say, it doesn’t look like things are going to change any time soon. So if you are getting a bit dizzy about life and the world; if your schedule is looking like mine, all at full speed, all the time; if you are looking for a rest stop and don’t seem to be finding it – get used to it. This is life, and not even in the fast lane. This is life at normal speed. And the brakes aren’t working!

Still, in the midst of the speed of life, the lack of time, the hustle and bustle that just keeps revving ever faster, something keeps nudging at me. Take a peek at the calendar. It’s May, and it’s warming up. We are out on our deck this evening – the first long evening of the year, to enjoy the coming of the summer. And tomorrow is the last day for Sunday School…and soon school will let out, summer vacations will beckon…all sorts of things on the horizon.

Oh, wait, that’s the world speeding up again.

Is that what nudges me? More speed? More stress? More anxiety? More unknowns and uncertainties? Yippy, and (as a friend of mine would say, somewhat sarcastically), “keep my feet from dancing.”

No, that’s not it. Take another look at the calendar. Not the one on the fridge, or online, or deep inside whatever is your electronic device of choice. Look at a calendar that most of the world ignores. Look at the calendar formed by the cross and the empty tomb!

Hey, we are still in the Easter season! It is still true – Christ is risen, Alleluia!

Remember how I started this? My last reflection was on Easter Eve. Since then all sorts of things have been swirling around, sometimes draining me, other times consuming me. But Jesus – the crucified and risen Jesus has remained, steadfastly embracing me, even in the midst of the turmoil. While the world has moved at warp-like speed, threatening to completely overwhelm me, Jesus has remained my constant.

And not just in the midst of my every day, in and out life. Remember the words of Romans 8:38-39 (one of my favorite passages: “There is nothing in life or death that can keep me from God’s love Christ Jesus, our Lord.”

Not the speed of life, or the turmoil of packed and busy days. Not uncertain political times. Not even missiles from North Korea.

God’s love through Jesus, through the crucified and risen Jesus, remains steady, certain, and true. There is something to hang on to – because in the end we discover that it’s really been Jesus hanging on to us all along.

And that then is what sends me ahead. I know that some of what is swirling around will be resolved, and maybe life will even slow down a bit, but not much. New challenges will arise. Just wait and see! In my little corner of the world, and across the vast Geo-political expanse of what seems to be an ever shrinking world, life will continue to bewilder and confuse me. Guaranteed.

But the crucified and risen Jesus will continue to embrace me, restoring my life and renewing my hope. Guaranteed.

So what’s left? Sit back and enjoy the ride, knowing God is not, contrary to the bumper sticker, my co-pilot. God is the pilot. It’s God alone – through Jesus – who guides and directs me.

And in that confidence, I can look ahead and look life right in eye, and cry out, “Bring it on!”

Because Jesus has my back. Guaranteed.

 

Normally, today would be tax day – April 15. And since death and taxes are the only things you can really count on (or so they say), today would be pretty significant – a day of certainty in the midst of a life filled with uncertainty. But not this year. Not only is April 15 not certain, it is filled with waiting and wondering – about tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Easter, and we know what that means. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, defeating the powers of sin and evil, and opening the way to everlasting life. Simple, right?

Maybe…or maybe not…

At one of our recent Lenten mid-week worship services we focused on the art of the Reformation. Three works of art in particular stood out, three works that share something of Easter. And the three put together paint a picture (yes, the pun is intended!) of wondering and uncertainty that is grounded in the confidence of the resurrection.

Let’s start with Lucas Cranach the Elder, a friend of Martin Luther. Lucas Cranach painted a piece called “Law and Grace,” in 1529. You can find it by clicking here.

The painting depicts the difference in the law and grace. A series of images are presented, with the “law” on the left, and “grace” on the right. Take a look at the lower right corner. There is the resurrected Jesus emerging from the tomb. But look carefully…Jesus emerges, standing on a skeleton. The emerging, resurrected Jesus not only returns to life, but in the process stomps all over death. Death is crushed by Jesus!

No uncertainty there – and not much to wonder about. That’s Easter, all right!

The second painting, by Lucas Cranach the Younger (yes, he’s the son!) is called “Christ and the Adulteress.” You can find it by clicking here.

Depicting the story from John 8, Jesus defends a woman others are ready to stone. But take a closer look. At the bottom of canvas, Jesus is holding the woman’s hand. As if to steady her, reassure her, give her confidence, and remind her that she is not alone, Jesus reaches out to her. God’s grace evident in Jesus. Jesus welcomes, affirms, and renews life in the marginalized, the overlooked, the rejected. Easter at work!

So, no surprises here either. Pretty cut and dried.

Finally, Hans Holbein the Younger (1524) painted “Noli me tangere” (“Do not touch me”), based on Jesus’ words to Mary as she stands by the empty tomb in John 20. You can see it by clicking here.

The painting is a pretty basic. Jesus greets Mary, outside the tomb. In the background the disciples are heading back to town, with a few crosses in the upper left of the painting. Just what we would expect.

Except for a subtle shadow. Look at the sky – the dawn is about to break, and the sun’s rays peek through the clouds. Enough light to illuminate Christ’s face and hands, and even Mary’s hands. But not her face. Mary is still in darkness. She still cannot see what is happening around her. She came to the tomb to see a dead Jesus. Not this!

But isn’t Easter about certainty and a simple message?

Sure it is, but not yet. For the moment, Mary is confused, bewildered, wondering – and waiting. Waiting for God’s revelation to sort this all out.

Just like you and me. Remember? Jesus stomps all over death, and I know that. I am reasonably confident that in the end of this life, there is a spot for me in something greater. Death will not prevail. But what about now? Am I truly confident that in Jesus God acts to bring radical life to me? Do I really get it that the world no longer has power over me?

I mean, what about Monday morning, when I have to deal with a boss who is hard to understand? Or when I need to figure out what to do about that kid of mine, or the unpaid bills that pile up? Or what about the health concerns I have for myself – or family members?

Sure, I am confident that God brings life. But am I confident that God brings life in the midst of the everyday stuff that challenges me? Maybe. Or maybe, like Mary, I’m still a bit uncertain.

And then the grace thing. Hey, of course, God and grace – go together like lutefisk and lefse. But am I confident about what grace is really about? That God really does connect with folk whom I would prefer to avoid? That God deeply cares about the people I would reject?

The words sound great – God is a God of grace, who welcomes all. But even those I don’t want to welcome? Am I sure I want that to be what God is about?

And then, if I’m really willing to look deeply, am I confident that God loves even me, with all the failures and vulnerabilities that I work so hard to hide from those around me?

Easter really does challenge us, if we let it. And the challenges of Easter leave us confused and bewildered. Like Mary.

But also like Mary, Jesus calls me by name. Through Jesus, God embraces me even in the midst of my uncertainty. In the end Easter is less about that of which I am certain, and much more about God’s embrace of me despite my uncertainty.

I believe in the gift of new life, I really do, but then when it comes down to real life in the midst of my real world, with real challenges, I hesitate, a bit.

And I want grace – I want God’s love, undeserved and unearned – for me, of course, and for others, I guess, but…sometimes…I’m not so sure about that.

Yet, the promises are there. Life…grace…the resurrected Jesus.

Of course, all of that is about tomorrow. Easter. Right now, it’s still Saturday. I’m still waiting and wondering. And I’ll wait and wonder some more tomorrow. All will not instantly become clear. My fractured understanding will not be restored that quickly. My humanness will keep me from fully embracing the certainty of life and grace.

But I will not wait alone. I’ll wait and wonder in the presence of the risen Jesus. The Jesus who says, “Don’t touch me,” and yet who, at the same time embraces me, stomps all over death, and loves me despite me. For in the end, even my own uncertainty can’t keep me from the certainty of the risen Jesus.

What a great God we have!

It’s Friday and it’s late. March is about to march out, and we are on the cusp of entering April. That means, of course, that tomorrow is April 1^st – really, no fooling!

April 1^st – April Fools Day, and it comes in the midst of Lent. Not always, though. Easter can come as early as March 22^nd, and as late as April 25^th. But next year, Easter will be April 1^st. Now, there’s something to consider…

So, if Easter is April 1^st, isn’t that just perfect? Think about it for a moment. Easter is God’s act to change the world – to change it fundamentally and completely. What Easter does is destroy the greatest powers that the world has ever seen – the power of sin, evil and Satan! And in their defeat the ultimate enemy of death goes down (no pun intended) in flames.

The gift of Easter is that in God’s work through the once crucified, now risen Jesus, God shatters the one power that you and I cannot deflect, avoid, change or overcome. God shatters death! And that’s big – remember? You can only depend on death and taxes? OK, so you still have taxes, but God’s taken care of death. True, my body is still mortal, but life beyond is promised – and delivered. Death can do it’s worst, but I’m still looking ahead, because in Jesus, God’s got my back!

Why is that perfect for April Fool’s? Because sin, evil, Satan, even death, believe that they are indestructible. And they are. Until Jesus. And then the joke’s on them – death and it’s cronies (sin, evil and Satan) are crushed by God’s work in Jesus. So next year, on Easter, wake up, and rejoice, because all that seems to be is not, and what cannot be suddenly is. Death is out, and life is in.

But alas, April 1^st is not Easter – not this year. Next year, but not now. So, forget it. I’ll file this away and pull it out next year. Except, I need something now. Like a starving man for whom a meal tomorrow is too late, I need hope now. And I need life. Badly.

I suppose I could wait. Easter 2017 is a few weeks away. Can I hang on that long? Probably. The statistics are in my favor. My life expectancy right now gives me a few more decades. I’ll probably make a few more weeks.

But I might not. You never know.

Moreover, there are other deaths out there. No, not other people. My own deaths.

Day in and day out I’m dying – not my body (well, I am getting older). Dying, like hopes and dreams. Dying, in moments of confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety. Dying, in my moments of failure and (yes) even faithlessness. Again and again death – the result of evil, Satan, and my own sinfulness, drags me down.

So, I need some life, and I need it now.

The good news for me is that the life I need is here, right now, not just in a few weeks. It’s mine, even as I relax on “April Fool’s Eve.” And that is why it works, and works well, to have April Fool’s Day fall on any old day, not Easter.

Why? Because I need God’s joke to be played on the powers of death today and tomorrow. I need that joke on any old day, not just Easter. I need God to turn the tables on death whether this is a high festival of the church year, or just another day of the week.

That is what God delivers! Yes, we celebrate God’s work in a few short weeks. Two weeks from this evening we will have completed the remembrance of the crucifixion. Come join us – worship at 1:30 and 8 PM on Good Friday, April 14. Come join us as we hear the story and reflect on the awesomeness, both of God’s act in Jesus, and of God’s love for us.

And then on Easter we will rejoice that the powers of sin, evil, Satan, even death could not conquer – and that in Jesus the victory has been won for us. Easter morning – come join us again – 6:30 – 8:30 – 10:30 AM. Rejoice that the joke’s on them, that God has had the last laugh, that God has brought life out of death!

But, and here’s the deal – its not just a joke played on Easter. It’s a joke for every day – even today. God’s gifts of life are about real life, day in and day out. Life lived out on a Friday and Saturday two weeks before Easter. Life lived out in May as spring bursts forth, in August as the dog days of summer wear on, in October as the colors change and the harvest is brought in, and even in January as the land lies lifeless under snow and ice. Life, not just in the glory of Easter morn, or even the irony of an Easter that falls on April Fool’s. Life that comes on a simple, humble day, but a day when once again, I am drained, weary, and dying. Life that renews and restores me. Today.

So, here, but hours from April Fool’s, I invite you to bask in the joke that God plays on the forces that conspire to bring death. Bask in what God is about FOR YOU in the crucified and risen Jesus. Bask in what God did once upon a time on an extraordinary day, but which God continues to make real on a common, ordinary day like today.

Then make the time and the commitment to come and be with us (or with another community of faith). Hear the story…reflect on the gift of grace…and celebrate the gift of life – all in the risen Jesus! 

Two days ago I promised to draw a line connecting beer and ordination. I mentioned our “Beer and Hymns,” and reflected on how the community of faith has many gifted leaders. I noted that it was important for leaders to be given the opportunity to use their gifts, to lead God’s people, and to grow in their stewardship of all God has entrusted to them.

But what about ordination? Glad you asked!

Twice in April I will be traveling to participate in ordinations. Linda will be ordained on April 8. She is called to serve Peace United Church of Christ in Marinette. She will be ordained as an ELCA pastor, but serves Peace under our ecumenical partnership with the UCC. As I was her mentor during her seminary days, I have been asked to lead the prayers, while Pastor Jean will offer one of the “charges.” We will hustle back after the ordination in time for worship that evening.

Terry will be ordained at my old congregation, First Lutheran in Gladstone, on April 23. She will serve Zion Lutheran Church in Manistique. Since that’s a Sunday, Pastor Jean will stay behind in West Salem, while I travel. Terry, a good friend, and former parishioner, has asked me to be the celebrant at the worship service.

Of course, these are big days for Linda and Terry, and for Peace and Zion. They are also big days for the church. Two more pastors added to the roster…two more disciples engaging in stewardship as they use their gifts to lead God’s people.

Not totally unlike the musicians at Beer and Hymns, or the folk who have led our Holden worship. Living out their baptismal calling to be doing God’s work, Linda and Terry, musicians and Holden singers, are all using their gifts, engaging the community, and sharing in the leadership of the community of faith.

Of course, for Linda and Terry, it’s big, and it’s a commitment. They are on the verge of a huge change of life as they embrace full time ministry. They have responded to the call to ordained ministry. But this isn’t about ordained ministry. The musicians and Holden leaders are responding full time too. No, they aren’t making music or singing Holden 40 hours a week, and they aren’t being paid. And they aren’t looking to be ordained. That, however, isn’t what makes for full time ministry.

Full time ministry is about living out a baptismal covenant. For Linda and Terry, for Pastor Jean and for myself, that’s our profession. But our profession is secondary to our calling as faithful disciples of Jesus, and for the four of us, and many others, that is the call to ordained ministry. For many more of God’s people, however, that calling is to something else – like teaching, or nursing, or carpentry. But – and here’s the catch – it’s teaching, nursing, carpentry, or whatever else – in the context of a life of faithful service that grows out of God’s calling and giftedness in baptism. So, in that sense, we are all the same. We respond to God’s call with a different form of service, empowered by different giftedness (really, I’m not gifted like those who can handle a Kindergarten classroom – or give a shot to a patient!)

So, in a nutshell, filled with different gifts, finding ourselves in different situations, called by God to different ministries, we all seek to be faithful stewards. In different ways, to be sure, but using God’s gifts, engaging God’s people, and leading the community of faith, nonetheless!

Now, let’s go back to Linda and Terry. They have both completed seminary, both starting a bit over four years ago. They have worked hard, and they have made some sacrifices. Not something I would expect any of you to do.

But why not? Why couldn’t God call YOU to consider ordained ministry as your part in God’s work?

Too old? Devon was 62 when he graduated and began his ministry.

Too new to the church? Tim Bowman is working his way through seminary right now, and he wasn’t even Lutheran when he started.

Too rough around the edges? Ask me about Tera and her tattoos.

Too shy? Talk to Pastor Jean about that one!

Look, most of you are not called to ordained ministry. You are called to a different ministry, and whatever yours is, it is as important as mine. As Lutherans, we embrace the idea of the priesthood of all believers. We are all called to a lifetime of faithful discipleship, wherever God calls us. God uses each one of us, in differing ways, in different places, with differing gifts – but always to accomplish God’s work (1 Corinthians 12:4-5).

Except…once upon a time, Terry was an accountant. That was her career. And Linda was a secretary. That was her career. Yet, they both heard God’s call to a new direction, and responded to what seemed a first to be an impossible challenge. But…in God’s hands nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26)!

So, think about this. What is your calling? Remember, all of God’s people are called…to something…including you. So, what is it? Remember too, that a calling as teacher, nurse, carpenter, or whatever, is a good and Godly calling. You are doing what you are to do!

Yet, what if God is calling you elsewhere, maybe even to ordained ministry? And if something about that resonates, its not that impossible. Ask Linda, Terry, Devon, Tim, Tera, Pastor Jean…most of all, ask Jesus!

Remember…in God’s hands NOTHING is impossible!

Then, come and have a visit – with me or with Pastor Jean. Who knows? Maybe, even as you read this, God is at work, in you, right now!

Could be…

What do beer and ordination have to do with each other?  Stay tuned…they are connected. 

I’m going to do something different here.  I have (or had) a reflections idea, until Sunday evening, when another experience crossed my plate.  So, I’m going to put them together.  One today, and another in a couple days – one starting with beer, the other with ordination, but both ending with discipleship.  Really!

Sunday evening I joined close to 40 others over at Westview for “Beer and Hymns.”   The last one for a bit – maybe we’ll do this again this summer, maybe next winter, we’ll see.  We will bring it back, just not sure when, so watch for the return engagement.

But for the moment, back to Sunday evening.  I sat in the back of the room, as our music team of five guitars and a keyboard led our music.  We sang hymns, drank beer, wine, soft drinks, even a water or two.  We had a great time, and we even were a witness.  Two folk in the bar wondered what was up, and one joined us for a few minutes.

Most of all, however, we had Jesus.  Jesus was present!

Jesus was present, but Pastor Jean and I were in the back.  We were part of the community.  We weren’t the leaders.  Not this day.

Not on Wednesday either.  For our Lenten worship this year (other than March 29), our Holden worship is led by someone else.  Kind of a bummer as I really enjoy singing Holden; so does Pastor Jean.  But instead, this past week, it was Marty and Carla, and the week before it was Lynette.  Still to come are Jen, Naoko and Ruby.  People of God, stepping forth, to be leaders. 

That’s more important than you might imagine.  Sure, it was helpful on Wednesday – Pastor Jean and I are still fighting colds (seven weeks – I’m really getting tired of this!)  But it’s more than that.  It’s about people using their gifts – their God given gifts – to be a part of the work of God’s people. 

It’s also about those same people discovering that God has placed them in the midst of community to take a leadership role.  This time it’s in leading worship.  Maybe next time it will be in some other service, some other ministry.  

And it’s also about proclaiming to others that they too can take a role in leading God’s people.  The fact is that when we are able to use our gifts, we become more open to the gifts God has given us (especially gifts we aren’t always so sure about), and we begin to use them with greater wisdom. 

In short, this is about stewardship.  No, not the money we share, but the discovery of who and what God has created us to be, both as individuals and as a community.  As individuals, we discover the riches of who we are, and all that God has entrusted to us.  And as a community we discover that in our midst are others who are also gifted – and together we carry out a piece of God’s work in the world.

I recently came across a great quote:

“The God who created the galaxies, mountains, and oceans, looked around and decided that world needed one of me.”

But when the world needed one of me, it needed a “me” that is gifted, and that is sent forth (more on that in the next reflections.)  God has done the gifting, not only making me what I am, but also gifting me with community. 

There, in community we nurture giftedness by offering both challenge and support.  We challenge each other to embrace God’s gifts and God’s call, but we do so in a place where we know we are loved and cared for.  So, if one of our Holden leaders made a mistake leading worship, that would be OK – we aren’t here to perform, we are here to share with each other, to be a vibrant, living Body of Christ, and to be nurtured in our faithful discipleship.

All that happens when we allow others to take on leadership roles in the work of the community.

But it doesn’t happen if I as pastor cling to too much of our leadership and our ministry.  Yes, I’m “paid” to be the leader.  I am not, however, called to be the “hired hand,” to do all the work.  I am called to guide and nurture the spiritual life of God’s people – and that includes the stewardship of our gifts and abilities.  Or in other words, getting out of the way! 

The reality is that this congregation, like all congregations, is blessed with many, many gifts.  Those gifts are entrusted to you.  So ponder now, for a day or two, before my next reflection, how you might use your gifts to be a leader, to be a steward, to make things happen, to bring life to God’s people. 

What are your gifts?  What is your calling?

72 hours in and I’m still adjusting. The time change throws me for a loop. I mean, I get up the hour earlier and I go to bed the hour earlier, but my body clock is still a bit dazed and confused. And there’s still tomorrow – another day to be out of synch. I’m beginning to think that Rebecca’s got it right – this time change stuff is for the birds!

Not to worry – we will get the hour back in October. Back to normal, an extra hour of sleep, and it all balances out. Until March of 2018, and then we do it all over again. Forward an hour, then back…forward, then back. And the net result is…nothing. It all balances out.

But time doesn’t always balance out. Sometimes time seems to add up and up. Or perhaps, I should say, it seems to run out and out. We live in busy, stressful times. Many years ago I recall the prediction that by the turn of the century computers would reduce us to a 30 hour work week, and the big challenge would be…what do we do with all our free time?

Working out that way for you?

Me neither!

“There just aren’t enough hours in the day!” Heard that one – said that one – before?

Look around – life is busy, and getting busier. Our kids have more and more activities meant to enrich their lives, but which seem instead to cause more and more stress. We tell ourselves that our kids never have time to just be kids. But for all our talk, little changes.

And not just for kids. How much free time, really good, relaxing, renewing free time do you have? Activities that are supposed to allow us to “re-create” become obligations that tire us out. Work and career become priorities because we believe that the good life is about a fat paycheck. And so, we run from one thing to another, with barely time enough to catch our breath.

But of course, we do this all for our family, right? Really? How much quality family time do we have? Instead, family time is at a premium, if it we have any at all.

Yet, with all of this, which it seems to me we all know instinctively doesn’t work, we nonetheless continue to buy into our cultures expectation that a busy life is a productive life. We pack our schedule and struggle to find a healthy balance between our work, our play, and our rest.

Now, here’s where I’d like to say that the solution is easy. Just come to church instead. Or check out one of our ministries, fellowship events, or other worship opportunities. Get your kids connected with Sunday School, VBS, or youth ministry.

All good ideas, but…wait a moment…what about time? Time still remains tight, and we continue to be worn down.

Especially for younger families. New family ministries, new opportunities for connecting, new possibilities for learning and growing… Great! But when?

So maybe we need something more. Maybe new ministries will meet the needs of families (like the Frolic ministry for 0-3 year old children that we are working on for this coming fall – watch for details in coming months). But maybe there is another opportunity here. Maybe we can also find sabbath.

Sabbath – that takes us way back! All the way back to the Old Testament. Remember the Ten Commandments? Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy? God’s command was not about a legalistic requirement about showing up in church – it was about God’s insistence that people take time to really renew and restore. In practical terms, the Third Commandment was the first “labor law” – it gave everyone a day off once a week.

For us, a sabbbath isn’t just about a day off. Its about finding real rest and renewal in the embrace of a loving God. We get that in worship, in fellowship, and even, sometimes, in our service to others. We experience sabbath when we open ourselves to God’s “recharge,” when God’s Spirit refreshes us.

But to be open to sabbath we might also need to re-evaluate our priorities a bit, and especially our time. And perhaps we need to be thinking that in church circles as well. How can we provide opportunities for God’s people – for YOU – to find sabbath. To encounter engaging, spiritual experiences that also allow for rest in the midst of a busy life.

We’ll keep working on that, but for the moment, I just just might have something for you. Holy Week and Easter are fast approaching. Don’t just add another event on your schedule. What is your priority in life? If life about being busy? Is it about more activities that demand your time?

Or is life about Jesus? Is life about the embrace of the crucified Christ? The touch of the risen Lord? And is that where sabbath begins?

Make it happen. Take your time, be refreshed. Because, remember…your busyness does not make life happen. Jesus does. So let Jesus do the work.

And you? You take your sabbath!

I like to think of myself as a “Civil War buff,” though in reality I’m not as knowledgeable as I’d like to be. Still, I read up on it, and this coming July we hope to visit both Gettysburg and Antietam.

Recently, I was perusing a Civil War forum online, and came across a discussion about “favorite places” on the Gettysburg battlefield. One entry in particular intrigued me – the “Henry Fuller Marker,” because the poster said it was so remote. Not knowing anything about Henry Fuller, I wondered…

Henry Fuller was a captain, commanding Company F of the 64^th New York. He was killed on July 2, 1863 as his unit retreated through Rose’s Woods towards the Wheatfield. His marker, set by his old company a year later, is back in the woods, and is one of the least visited markers on the battlefield.

As I searched I came across another site that showed a map, even pictures on how to find the marker. Enter Rose’s Woods from the north along the old trolley bed. After you cross the bridge over Rose’s Run, go another 175 yards to a particular rock (really!)

Now, it gets interesting. The web site shows a picture of the woods, and outlines a (sort of) path. The path takes several zigs and zags through the forest, finally arriving at the marker, all by itself, well off the beaten path.

Oh, did I mention that the pictures are February, without leaves on the trees? Hard to find without leaves…what about when the leaves are in full bloom? Like July?

Yet, if one is to find the Fuller marker, to come to that spot where a soldier lost his life for his country, one has to take an uncertain path that winds through the woods, a path that may at moments seem doubtful and confusing, a path that leads to a destination that cannot be easily seen. Yet, for all those who gaze upon Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, or the Angle, only a very few make it to this spot. Only the hardiest of Civil War buffs encounter this place of history.

We’ll see if I can convince my companions (aka Pastor Jean and Rebecca) to take this trek!

But while I may or may not make it to the Fuller marker, I am on a similar journey right now, and so are you. Not a journey to a Civil War monument, or secluded spot. A journey to a different marker. A journey to the cross.

We are in Lent. We began last Wednesday with ashes. We look ahead and we see the cross of Good Friday. That’s where we are headed. But if we journey faithfully, we will discover something both disturbing and renewing. The path is not nearly as clean, straightforward, simple, or easy as it might look. Frequently, we imagine that we begin Lent, bury the alleluias, go to the church a few more times, nod in appreciation for what God has done for us, and that gets us to the marker. That might make it to a cross of sorts, but not where Jesus is.

If we really want to get to the cross of Jesus, we find the journey is much more difficult, uncertain, and even unnerving. We take a different path than most, and then discover that even that’s not enough – we end up far off the beaten path, not always sure we are in the right spot. But in the end, we discover that was has been disturbing and challenging is, in fact, life giving!

So, what do I mean by all this? You have begun the journey of Lent. Don’t take the easy path. Challenge yourself to go off the path. Challenge yourself to be challenged. Constantly ask the question, “What would Jesus have me do?” Take a look at the world around you. What are the needs you see? Where are people struggling, hurting, or in pain? Where are the vulnerable, the overlooked, the unimportant?

Most of all, in a world that seems to be more and more wrapped up in power, status, and self interest, how does Jesus call us to be different?

As you look around, know that the answer will not always be pleasant. Jesus rarely calls us to do what we want to do!

And know too that as you seek to be a faithful disciple, there will be moments when you will wonder where you are heading. Is this really the faithful response? Why does it seem like I’m all alone?

It may seem that way, but you will not be alone. The journey of Lent – the journey of faithful living is never walked alone. There are others who walk with you – the community, the people of God. But more than that, Jesus walks with you. He walks with you because the cross that lies at the end of the journey is not the end of the story. On the cross Jesus embraces you and all of humanity, restoring you to life. And then, just beyond the cross, the tomb lies empty, for even death cannot hold Jesus. And when the Jesus who embraces you is also the Jesus who overcomes even death, you have nothing left to fear.

So start the journey – walk the path that is uncertain, through the woods, with twists and turns. Walk to the cross – and there, be restored. Jesus is waiting!

First, a quick plug – join us on Sunday (February 26) for “Beer and Hymns,” at Westview in West Salem, from 6-7 PM. Something in the tradition of Martin Luther, we will sing hymns from a variety of traditions, while enjoying our refreshments – beer, wine, soft drinks, maybe even dinner – whatever you want! We had 38 last month, with six guitars and a keyboard providing the music. Bring your friends – and don’t miss it!

Now, back to last weekend. Pastor Jean, Rebecca and I, headed up north to ski the Blueberry Ridge trails in the highlands south of Marquette, Michigan. I first skied Blueberry in the late 80’s, and I’m pretty familiar with the Crossroads, Husky and Spartan loops. Each loop is about 2.5k, and goes deep into woods, with increasing difficulty. To be out there, in the silence of the forest, with the crisp snow under your skis, is something we really love.

Friday we took it easy. Since we hadn’t been out this year, we just did Crossroads, though Rebecca and I did it twice, the second time in 22 minutes. Good time, at least for me!

Saturday morning we tried the lighted trail, about ¾ mile south of the main trail. That trail is new enough that I’ve never taken it. And maybe we’d even try it later in the dark (never did make out that evening, after all!)

But for the moment…I know Crossroads and Husky well enough I could probably ski them in the dark without lights. This trail, however, was really new. Moreover, there are several junctions where the trail connects with other parts of the system. Without a map, which way am I going?

Ah, that is the beauty of a groomed trail! Just follow the tracks. They will lead you out, deep into the woods, but they will also lead you home. Unless, of course, you come to a junction where there are now two sets of tracks. To the left, or to the right? Beats me!

Kind of like life. Like trying to figure out which way to go. Which is the best way for me? And which is the way that God calls me to go? Sometimes the answer is pretty obvious. Other times tracks go left and tracks go right. Which way do I go?

But remember – this is a lighted loop. Which way do the light poles go?

To the right, so off to the right we went, following the poles, following the markers on the trail.

Again, kind of like life. We don’t always know where to go, what trail to take. We meet forks in the road, wondering what is best, and more importantly, where God is calling us to go. Yet, God doesn’t leave us without signs, without markers. Whether it is the tracks, or even the light poles, God is there, deep in the woods, to guide us on our paths.

But back to Blueberry. The trail now turned south, and we went a ways through some gently rolling, wooded terrain. Until we came to another junction, with groomed tracks going straight ahead, and another set veering off to the right. OK, now which way do we go?

Follow the lights, of course! Remember? This is a lighted trail.

Looking ahead, I could see a light pole in the distance. But just as I started forward, I caught glimpse of another light, this one off to the right. Now what?

We stood there pondering the dilemma. The tracks went both ways, and being freshly groomed, they were all clean, crisp, and inviting. And two lights, even in the morning sun, shed no light either.

Life – again. Where do I go? Which path do I take? The signs around me just aren’t enough. I’m confused, and I’m lost. Help!

And then another skier, came skating by. Pausing for a moment, he recognized our confusion. Maybe he had seen it before?

“Go this way,” he said, pointing strait, “Takes you to the end, and then you come back.”

“Or go that way,” pointing to the right, “And you hit a long uphill, and a short, steep, down, but you get back to the parking lot.”

There was our answer – and a bit of a warning. We figured we could always walk the hills if we needed to, so we set out on the trail to the right. What was unknown and confusing, now made some sense. Shortly, we came to the long hill he mentioned. Not really that bad – even Rebecca was able to ski up the hill. Pastor Jean, however, decided that walking was a good and honorable form of transportation!

Then the down – Rebecca almost made it, but took a tumble at the very bottom. Just as another, really good skate skier came along. I apologized for Rebecca’s mishap, partially blocking the trail.

“Oh, that’s fine,” she said, then she promptly skied down the hill, helped Rebecca up, and went on her way. Followed slowly by the three of us.

Finally, around the next curve, was the parking area.

We made it! Even in the deep woods, not knowing the trail. The tracks and the lights, the markers along the way sure helped. But most of all we made it because of the people we encountered.

And that too is life, isn’t it? We have markers that God gives to us, signs to help us as we navigate life. But in the end it’s really the people we encounter who show us the path, and occasionally prepare us for the long uphills and steep drops. People like parents, teachers, friends, maybe even a boss or a coworker. Or maybe a simple stranger. People through whom God acts, showing us the way.

So look around as you “ski” through life, and see the marks God provides, but especially see the people who help direct you. Give thanks for those gifts!

But then remember, you aren’t the only skier out there. Who do you get to guide? To whom can you be a gift of God, helping navigate the forks along the way. Who can you help prepare for uphills and steep downs? To whom can you be God’s presence, with your hands?

So go out and ski boldly!

And don’t forget about “Beer and Hymns!”

Without a doubt, this has been a most chaotic week. From court challenges, to cabinet secretary controversies, to ethics charges it seems like turmoil is the rule. That’s a scary thing. We live in a dangerous world, a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

And not just chaos on the national scene. I wasn’t in worship last week – bad, really bad cold. I was a bit sniffly, and a few coughs, but most of all, I was just worn down. Two naps a day for four days straight. That’s not normal! And then, when it would all end?

But at least I had one thing I could count on – my wife! Pastor Jean took care of me, insisted I get rest, and offered repeatedly to make me chicken soup (I declined, but with thanks for the offer.) At least her care I could depend on.

Until late Sunday evening. Yep, you guessed it. I am a generous and giving soul. And so now it was her turn to be nursed by me. And you want to see chaos? Check out my nursing skills!

Chaos, uncertainty, disruption – Washington, West Salem – hey, it’s all over the place! And that rattles us to the core.

So as all this unfolded, I wondered about the chaos. What to do? How to respond? Where to look for hope? Maybe the future – maybe the hope we have is in a future that is different, that is hopeful, that has a sense of order and stability.

Maybe.

But to see some sense of hope in the future, we might have to go to the past. Go all the way back. All the way to the beginning.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Remember those words? The very first words of the very first book of the Bible. Genesis begins right here. God creating the heavens and the earth.

One of my favorite theologians, Walter Brueggemann, believes that the story of creation was first written down around 550 BC, when the people of Israel were in exile in Babylon. The temple had been destroyed, and Jerusalem laid to waste. For them, life was in great chaos.

The creation story proclaims a great truth – God is the creator of life. But Brueggemann believes there is more to the story. The first verse proclaims that God created the heavens and the earth, but the second tells us that “the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep.” That the earth was a formless void means there was no rhyme or reason, no order or stability. In short, God was faced with chaos!

Yet, in the midst of the chaos, God acted. The second verse continues by telling us that “a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.” What follows is the creation of life, of life that is stable and ordered, of life that brings hope into what was once chaos, what was once a “formless void.”

Brueggemann suggests that the story of creation is more than simply the story of how things got to be the way they are. He suggests that the God of life creates life, but does so despite the chaos and instability which was – and which continues. That is to say, God still creates life – new life – even when things seem overwhelming, hopeless, and chaotic.

For the Israelites, languishing in exile, wondering how their world could ever be put back together, the story affirms that God’s gift of life is truly transforming. Chaos is replaced by order, as God bring life into being, and as God creates and re-creates literally the ground of our being.

But God isn’t done yet. This isn’t just about the building of the world. God acts to change the very foundation of our existence. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, God’s work changes chaos into hopeful order.

Remember the story in Genesis? How does God create? He speaks. God’s word brings all of creation into existence.

The earliest Christians got it. They understood the power of God’s word, and in the cross of Jesus they saw God’s word at it’s ultimate. And they connected the two. They saw Jesus as the “Word of God” in flesh. They saw in Jesus God’s power to create, to re-create, and to bring forth new life.

Isn’t that what the cross is about? Isn’t the cross about God’s work to bring us new life? Isn’t the cross God acting in the midst of our chaos to bring life, order, stability, and hope?

OK, so here’s a “spoiler alert.” This weekend (February 11/12), in worship, I’ve got another “Reformation Moment” ready. Martin Luther, speaking about Galatians 5:16, says, “We are partly sinners and partly righteous. Yet our righteousness is more abundant than our sin, because the righteousness of Christ, our Propriator, vastly surpasses the sin of the entire world.” (You will hear more about this in my sermon.)

God’s work in Jesus is bigger than the danger, evil and brokenness of life. Or to put it another way, God can bring life to any kind of chaos!

And that’s the confidence we have in these difficult days. Whether the chaos is politics in Washington of the flu bug in West Salem; whether it’s a financial challenge or a broken relationship; whether it’s a moment of anxiety or day full of the blues. Even if it’s the chaos of death and darkness. God’s work in Jesus bring life and hope, because in the crucified Jesus God embraces all of creation, including you and me. And in God’s embrace chaos is shed aside.

So in these tough times look back. All the way back to the beginning. See the life that comes as a wind from God (the Holy Spirit!) sweeps across our world. And take another look and see the Word of God – Jesus – at work on the cross. And know that you are embraced, and that no chaos can overcome God’s work of life!